South County Ciclista

Rigid Ride

2012-01-20T19:10:00.001-07:00

If money were no object would you set your bike up rigid to save weight?

Or

Run a suspension fork.

I will pick suspension every time.

Something about feeling my teeth chatter while descending is not fun.

1600 ft of climbing and 15 miles of dry single track is a good way to start the weekend.

Winter RAPR

2012-01-15T08:50:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a good day to ride a bike. Of course as you know, we are having the most unseasonably warm/dry Winter. Another storm is on the way so the temps were up and the trails were dry so we headed out for a big group mountain bike ride.

Anything South facing was bone dry and the North facing slopes had the stickiest most tacky snow I have ever ridden. I actually think you may have been able to put in a faster time on dome of the snowy sections of trail that are very rocky since the snow filled in the gaps to smooth out the trail.

We rode the RAPR (Ride Around Provo River) and my favorite parts were descending Johnson's and Indian off Squaw Peak. Oh and the snow climb up Bridal Veil was crazy how much traction was there.

No video from today as I didn't have enough time to get it set up, but here are a couple pics.

3247 ft ascended during 16.8 miles

Thanks Dan and Jesse for getting me out on the trails.

January, really?

2012-01-09T20:34:00.001-07:00

Snow fell over the weekend and covered the bone dry mountain bike trails. I don't think I have ever ridden my mountain bike in January on local trails as much as I did last week. It really felt strange. Trails were so dry I think the snow will do them good.

I only logged 3 rides with a little over 4000 ft of climbing. Nothing compared to Dan Z's 17,000+ft of climbing. But nonetheless I was pleased to ride in short sleeves.

While I wait for the snow to melt, I think it is time to get on the trainer. Unless Jesse says there is enough snow to snowshoe.

(trying out the new blogger app for iPhone instead of emailing posts)

Dad I want to ride some Dirt!

2012-01-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

Monday was a beautiful, warm, Winter day. Wait did I say Winter? It sure felt more like a Springtime day.

I spent the day playing around with my kids at the park and around the house with their new toys.

In the later afternoon my oldest boy wanted to go on a ride. He said, "Dad, can we go on a ride on the trail-a-bike?" I said sure, where would you like to go ride? "Dad, I want to ride some dirt!"

So we headed out from the house and into the surrounding foothills we rode. He definitely has grown a little bit since the last time we rode mtb with the trail-a-bike. My rough estimate of my boy's weight is 50-60 lbs. Trail-a-bike is around 30 lbs. So that is around 90 lbs extra to haul around on my Single Speed 32x20.

We had a great ride and my legs sure got a good workout pedaling the SS up the hills. My boy really liked getting up a little higher and looking down into the valley below. He really likes finding trails in the trees and telling me which way to turn as we pedal around. We rode for 9.6 miles and climbed 438 ft.

If I keep this up I will be back into riding shape in no time. I wonder how many watts I generate while pedaling the SS uphill with the trail-a-bike?

Hometown End of the Year Dirt

2012-01-02T20:43:00.001-07:00

During a normal winter, I would be gearing up for some good snowboarding or snowshoeing in the mountains. But since there is no snow, the bicycle wheels are still turning.

This December had to be the best local mountain biking weather in history. No or very little snow on the trails and bright sunny days made for some excellent winter trail conditions.

Although I didn't make it out on the trails nearly as much as i would have liked, I did get out.

This is the first time I have ever been able to ride from my front door and hit my hometown dirt trails on DECEMBER 31st!

I was able to put in a quick hour of 10 miles and 617 feet of climbing. A fitting end to 2011 with a ride on the dirt. I still can't believe I am not buried in snow.

I need to total my 2011 miles. Stay tuned.

Sent from my iPhone

Burrrrrritos

2011-12-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

The high temperature for the day was in the 20s F. That is a little too cold for a ride this early in the winter.

Maybe later on during winter I will change my mind after a couple months of cabin fever. But for right now lunch (an actual eating lunch with the lunch ride crew eating burritos) hit the spot today.

When I got home from work and pulled into the driveway I couldn't make it in the garage. My boys bikes were out which probably means they rode them today.

I can't believe they were out there riding. Although, I bet they wish is was a little warmer like it was a couple weeks ago.

Sent from my iPhone

The 3 P's of Riding

2011-12-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

The end of last week was good. I finally made it out with the fellas for a little Dry Canyon trail riding.

"The Pipe" was smoked and "The Pine" was ridden. ( well halfway ridden for my first time. I need to make sure my entry onto "The Pine" is clean next time so I am not trying to lean/balance too much and ride the rocks) Hopefully old man winter will stay away and I can get a few more runs in this year.

But most importantly "Prayers" were offered. Hang in their Maddox. You will beat this thing. (http://rickyshub.blogspot.com)

Sent from my iPhone

The Frozen Turkey Ride 2011 Report

2011-11-28T10:25:00.001-07:00

The Frozen Turkey Ride wasn't too frozen this year. In fact the weather was perfect to ride with arm/knee warmers and a vest. I was very surprised and of course packed all my cold weather gear just in case.

Once again we increase our numbers and had a total of 5 riders, which is a far cry from the hundreds of riders come of the California Turkey Trot MTB Rides can bring out Thanksgiving morning.

We rode Betty and turned on Crank. Here two of the group were not feeling good and we parted directions. Crank to Ireland. Dropped into the Race Course and climbed out. And we finished with a Betty to Roller Coaster.

The dirt was nice and it was good to ride with a long time friend of mine Darryl from High School.

I forgot to bring my helmet so I was not able wear the helmet camera. I had to ride the trail "Chucky Style," with just a cycling cap. At least is wasn't my shoes this time.

I was able to catch a bit of the ride with my iPhone.

The Frozen Turkey Ride

2011-11-21T10:52:00.001-07:00

Folks it's time to start thinking about the 3rd Annual Frozen Turkey Ride.

By the looks of this weeks weather forecast you might not need every piece of clothing you own to keep warm like last year. 2010 Frozen Turkey. 35F for a low is so much warmer than 7F.

Wasatch Front Extended Forecast

(http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=88)

Rumor has it that even with the weekend's rain, the Orem/Timp Foothill trails will be primed and ready for some pre-Thanksgiving trail riding.

2009 Frozen Turkey

We have increase our numbers every year from 2 in 2009 to 4 in 2010. Will you be number 5, 6, or even 7 this year.

So who is in for this year?

Meet at the Gun Range parking lot in Orem above the Orem Cemetery at 7:45am. This way you can still ride and get home to help the wife and family for the afternoon Thanksgiving Festivities.

Will it be cold? Yes dress appropriately.

Will it be muddy/snowy? Possibly, but most likely good fast frozen dirt.

Will it be worth it? Of course. Isn't riding your bike always worth it. And you burn calories.

Believe me, your Thanksgiving Holiday will be more enjoyable by starting it with a ride.

Fitness, where did you go?

2011-11-18T21:25:00.001-07:00

I have tried all week to get out during the daylight hours on my bike. Today was the day I finally made it out.
I know it is a short route. Ok very short, but with little time the Crank-Ireland route works perfectly.
I had the SS today and not sure if it was the trails or the SS but I wasn't feeling the speed.
Who came into my house this week while I was sleeping and stole my fitness?
Sent from my iPhone

Over It or Around It?

2011-11-17T15:46:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine was in Moab this morning for work and decided to take an early morning ride.

Despite the 29F temperature, apparently the ice was not thick enough and his bike stopped dead in its tracks here.

Good thing he didn't endo. That would have been a very "Cold Shower."

But other that a few puddles the Moab "Brand Area" trails are in good shape.

Diamond Fork - The Final Descent

2011-11-15T09:15:00.001-07:00

The final part of the Strawberry Ridge Descent in Diamond Fork is complete.

I sure wish I could still get out on this trail for a couple more rides.

Diamond Fork - The Climb
Diamond Fork - The Descent Part 1
Diamond Fork - The Descent Part 2

So yes if you have done your math correctly the Strawberry Ridge descent (I have cut out some parts of the downhill) is around 40-45 minutes long. Where else can you descend that long, this close to the valley?

Until Spring when I can get back out on this trail, these videos will have to do.

Diamond Fork - The Descent Part 2

2011-11-13T21:26:00.001-07:00

The high country in South County is muddy and snow covered. So go ahead and get your higher country riding fix here with part 2.

In case you missed Diamond Fork - The Climb or Diamond Fork - The Descent click accordingly.

Are you wishing you would have ridden this trail this year yet?

Diamond Fork - The Descent

2011-11-10T12:12:00.001-07:00

Fall my favorite time of year to ride mountain bikes. Streams are dry, leaves are falling, and trails are waiting to be ridden.

Remember the Diamond Fork - The Climb video from a couple days ago?

Check out the map below.

See the green starting marker? The climb is the red line going South/East from the green marker. Once we started heading North we were on the Strawberry Ridge.

See the nice, long, very long, very very long, red line/trail after the ridge going back Southwest? Yes that is ALL downhill. All 45ish minutes of it. Pure heaven.

Walla!

Diamond Fork - The Climb

2011-11-01T08:59:00.001-06:00

Diamond Fork is one of my most favorite places to ride in the fall. The trails are covered with a carpet of leaves, that beg you to ride the trail harder and faster.

My first complete Strawberry Ridge loop this fall (see below)

was early September 3rd. Since that time I have enjoyed many a morning sunrise along the Strawberry Ridge.

I don't know of too many trails around that allow you to continuously climb for around 1:30 like the climb up Second Water/Cottonwood Creek.

Rarely do I get to see the climb up to the ridge in daylight since I usually ride it in the dark with my lights. But circumstances worked out a couple weeks ago and Dan Z. and I hit the trail at record pace on Single Speeds.

If you have ever wondered about the trail and what it is like, wonder no more.

Strawberry Ridge - Diamond Fork, Utah from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

Dawn at Diamond Fork

2011-10-31T09:55:00.000-06:00

The past couple weeks I have spent my Saturday Mornings up on the Strawberry Ridge in Diamond Fork. There is something about getting to the Strawberry Ridge just when the sun is coming up that makes the ride more enjoyable to me. Oh, and knowing I have a 45 minute downhill ahead of doesn't hurt either.

Strawberry Reservoir

East Side of the La Sal Mountains

2011-10-26T15:55:00.002-06:00

My wife's family is really big into hunting. They are so into hunting, that we had to reschedule our wedding a couple times to work around which hunt was happening where.

Anyway they come up from California every year to the East Side of the La Sal Mountains, Utah and Paradox, Colorado to hunt. On Sunday they all get together, (from the various locations of where they are camped out to hunt) for a barbecue. Since neither my wife nor I hunt we just go down for the barbecue to hang out with family get out in the fall weather and amazing landscape.

Mt. Peale and Mt. Mellenthin, La Sal Mtn. Range, UT

Back when my wife and I were still going to Brigham Young University, we made it down to the La Sals more frequently for the barbecue. It has been a couple years since we have been to La Sal in the fall. But this year we through together a quick little trip after we finished attending to BYU football game watching them beat Idaho St. Down, spend the night, enjoy the day, and drive back. I love it that Moab is so close.

La Sal Cabin, shooting guns, riding 4 wheelers, and bikes.

Cooking steaks with his Grandpa

View from Cabin in La Sals

Cabin lot in La Sals

San Juan Mtns, CO view from the Cabin in the La Sals

Fall Leaves, La Sals

Fall Leaves in the La Sal Mtns

You know what?

We just missed some great weather by two weeks for the Columbus Day Special. We sure could have gotten a lot higher on the Mountain.

2011 Columbus Day Special Report

2011-10-15T20:35:00.000-06:00

2011 marks the 4th Annual Columbus Day Special. Of course in October you can have the best of weather and the worst of weather. Each year the trail conditions have been different.

Year 1 - Snow up higher on the La Sal Mountains. Started at Hazard County and was very, very cold. Jackets and leg warmers all day long.
Year 2 - Blue Bird Day but cold again. Start from Burro Pass and the streams are frozen.
Year 3 - Perfect weather/Blue Bird Day. Start from Burro Pass.
Year 4 - Great weather/Blue Bird Day. Due to snow falling in the earlier days before Columbus Day we could only start at UPS, but we had "Hero Dirt!"

Last year was so amazing. I was really looking forward to riding down from Burro Pass again. But of course Mother Nature decided to drop a couple days of rain, snow, and cold weather over Utah the week before Columbus Day. But if you had a second choice of where to start the ride UPS is it. I love the sweeping turns mixed into the juniper mountainside, make and incredible trail.

I can't think of a better way to spend Columbus Day that taking a day trip to Moab, riding mountain bikes on some fantastic trails, and finishing the day at Rays surrounded by good friends.

See you next year.

Dug's Columbus Day Special Video

2011-10-13T10:10:00.000-06:00

The Columbus Day Special was held again this year and even with a little snow, the day didn't disappoint. It was perfect!

I have a lot of video footage to go through for a video and last night I got caught up updated my iPhone to iOS 5, and playing around with the new features. Cool, very cool. So I hope to wrap up the video tonight.

This year between Dug's Contour and my Contour we have the most documented Columbus Day Special yet.

Here is Dug's video. My favorite part is when Miles takes out an unsuspecting tree.

2011 Cow Pie Crank Report

2011-10-07T10:55:00.001-06:00

Even with the start time change...

a few of us still made it out for the 2011 Cow Pie Crank. We didn't ride the whole 38 miles, but opted for the first third of the Crank riding up Sheepherders to Santaquin Canyon Meadow, up Santaquin Canyon road and down Stumpjumper. There was another group of ladies who headed out for the same route right after we finished.

The trail conditions were great and the air was much warmer than we expected. It seemed as though the Sheepherder Trail was caught in a large warm pocket of air. Jesse and I liken the Sheepherder Trail to the Mid-Mountain in Park City. We didn't see daylight until almost to the top of the Santaquin Canyon Road.

I didn't bring the helmet cam since we started during the dark and were riding with lights. Since most of my fall rides are done in the early morning hours before daylight I had no idea about all the fall leaves that had changed colors.

The real fun began on the Stumpjumper Downhill Trail.

Then I ran into the bear.

And we didn't even see any cows until the end of the ride.

Have you ever wondered how we came up with the name of the "Cow Pie Crank?"

Wonder no more, as you can see I managed ride right through a nice big cow pie right at the end of the ride.

12.8 miles at a relaxed pace with close to 2000 feet of climbing. Great Fall Ride.

Bear Chasing

2011-10-03T22:00:00.000-06:00

I believe I may have a problem. OK enough with your smart remarks. Don't think I can't hear you. I think that bears are attracted to me. For example, last Saturday I ran into yet another bear. That makes 4 bears this Late Summer/Fall. FOUR BEARS!! Four I tell you!

Which one of you guys put the honey under my seat?

August 17, 2011 bear crosses the road in Payson Canyon
August 17, 2011 bear on the side hill, Jones Ranch trail behind Payson Lakes
September 24, 2011 Cottonwood Canyon/2nd Water I startle a bear 15 feet away
October 1, 2011 I chase a bear down the Stumpjumper trail in Payson Canyon

Photo credit here

That is what the bear looked like as I came blasting down the Stumpjumper Trail in Payson Canyon. I quickly came around a corner to see a very large brown colored Black Bear running at full throttle away from me down the single track trail. After chasing the bear for a little while, and not realizing what was happening, I came to a skidding (in this case I don't care if skidding is bad form) stop as to not run right onto the bear in the trail. The bear was so large that it took up the entire width of space allowed for the trail making it impossible to see around the bear as it ran away. I watched in astonishment at the bear run away. Another bear. I couldn't believe it.

Shortly thereafter Jesse, Dave G., and some other local downhillers showed up at the scene. There on the trail was either slobber marks, or urination marks complete with bear tracks going down the trail. I couldn't help to be grateful for two scenarios.

My mind was stuck pondering the fact that an hour before, I was riding up this same trail in the pitch blackness of the early morning semi-alone as I was leading ride up this trail. I was glad to not have came upon the bear then.
It was 7:30am. If we would have started the Cow Pie Crank at 7am somebody in the group would have been climbing the trail towards the bear as the local downhillers would be descending said trail. The bear would have taken any rider out like a bowling ball to pins.

I just remembered I 2 years ago I did come across a black bear in the La Sal mountains a couple feet away from me as it was sitting on the side of a dirt road on which I was riding. It quickly ran away. So on a historical level that would bring my lifetime bear sighting while riding total to Five.

You can call me "Bear Bait" or just "Bait" for short if you like.

Want to go on a ride?

Tomorrow the 2011 Cow Pie Crank report

Crank update

2011-09-30T19:19:00.001-06:00

Too many things have come up for a 7am start. We are are Starting at 5:30am instead. You have the map so have fun if you can't make the 5:30am start.

Sent from my iPhone

The Arnold Rim Trail

2011-09-28T09:30:00.000-06:00

Every year we take a little vacation in to Northern California into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I seem to find a new trail to ride every vacation. Some trails are worth a revisit in subsequent years, and some trails are one and done.

Two years ago we found a little gem of a trail nestled in the little town of Arnold, California. Of course we discovered the trail on the eve of our departure. The trail was a perfect set of new smooth and wooded single track. Because of daylight we were not able to finish the trail. Excited from the ride, but disappointed to not finish, I knew the trail required more exploring.

Well this year was the year to ride the whole trail. It took me two tries to get it right. In the middle of the trail there is a spider web section of trails in all sorts of directions labeled with numbered posts. In the video below we actually turned off of the main trail. Don't get me wrong the offshoot off the main trail was a nice little downhill that we enjoyed very much. One my second attempt I stayed on the main trail and finished the ride. Now that I know where the trail ends up, next year I will have to ride all the spiderweb sections of trails.

The Arnold Rim Trail is a point to point trail going from Arnold, CA to Avery, CA. I believe the trail was around 11-12 miles in length.

Enjoy! The rider is my friend John from California. He will be here in a week to sample some of our trails.

Arnold Rim Trail from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

AF Canyon Fall Photos

2011-09-27T10:59:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend we ended up in American Fork Canyon for a campfire. The air was crisp and some of the fall colors were out. I shot some photos with a new camera app for my iPhone called "Camera+."

Which one is your favorite?

Straw-beary

2011-09-26T16:46:00.000-06:00

The Strawberry Ridge was alive and beautiful on Saturday. Dan Z. and I had a great ride. I am currently working on the video of the ride.

Oh, ran into another black bear on the ride. He ran away from me up and over the hill. The bear was only 15-20 feet between us when I saw him. That makes 3 bears in 1 month.

Sent from my iPhone

The Cow Pie Crank 2011

2011-09-22T10:24:00.000-06:00

It was a good thing we didn't hold the Cow Pie Crank on September 17th as Payson Canyon received way too much rain the night before. The trails would have been super muddy.

Anyway we have rescheduled for Saturday October 1st. Come ride all of the Crank, or as much as time allows you to ride. All the other weekends wouldn't work, and you never know when the rain and snow will start falling. October is usually the last month Payson Canyon is open for mountain biking.

The 2011 Cow Pie Crank will be held Saturday October 1, 2011 at 7am.

This is your chance to hit all of Payson Canyon's finest trails in one ride.

This is a self-supported ride.

You may ride the Cow Pie Crank as fast or as slow as you like. Ride it ITT or with friends.

We will start at parking area along the large hairpin curve on the Nebo Loop Road where both the bottom of the Bennie Creek trail exits and the Grotto trail starts.

You can get water at the Blackhawk Campground but it is around 2/3 into the ride. Rock Springs is also another option (Jesse claims it is safe to drink from the Spring).

Dan Z. and I (I was on my SS) rode the course last Saturday and our moving time was 4 hours and 11 minutes. Total time was 4:59 for adjusting lights, cameras, eating, and changing a flat.

Plan on 42.8 miles and 8,695 feet of climbing!

And the amazing downhills of Stumpjumper, Jones Ranch, and BENNIE CREEK!

The ride will consist of the following trails:

Ride up the Nebo Loop road for 2 miles and take a right onto Pete Winward dirt road
Pete Winward to Shram Creek
Shram Creek to Sheepherders (99)
Sheepherders to Santaquin Canyon Meadow
Santaquin Canyon dirt road up to Lizard Lake Trail
Lizard Lake Trail to the Stumpjumper Downhill
Up Shram Creek (I affectionately call this the 3 Amigos, Dusty Bottoms, Ned Nederlander, and Lucky Day because of the 3 steep climbs) to Lizard Lake Trail
Lizard Lake to Frank Young to Nebo Loop Road
Nebo Loop Road to Upper Jones Ranch
Upper Jones Ranch to Jones Ranch to Nebo Loop Road
Nebo Loop Road to Loafer Mountain/Blackhawk ****(Here you could end the ride and go down Bennie Creek if you ran out of time and can't ride Blackhawk if you desire)
Blackhawk to Frank Young
Frank Young to Rock Springs
Rock Springs to Jones Ranch
Jones Ranch to Nebo Loop Road to Bennie Creek
Bennie Creek Downhill to finish

Here the map my gps made during the ride. (http://gps.motionx.com/maps/996f57693ca4eeab5c32efa14d3f8d28)

View Larger Map

Here is the data from Dan Z.'s Garmin. Looks like it didn't track the start correctly. (maybe that is our mileage difference in the 2 gps systems)

If you need the gpx file drop me an southcountyciclista at gmail dot com or looks like there is a link off of Dan Z.'s Garmin to get the data.

Now who is ready for the challenge?

Tell your friends and come ride!

Night Race Worlds Recap v.4

2011-09-19T10:54:00.000-06:00

In the end Drew was just too fast. Maybe it was the 26" wheels?

I knew my chances were not good for the win for the Night Race World Championship last Thursday night. First of all I was riding my Single Speed since the Yeti is out of commission. And second, there were some fast guys there that night.

My plan from the beginning was to just settle into a nice rhythm and not blow up especially since I would be pedaling my single speed up the first two climbs where my body is used to riding gears. I took a page out of Dan Z.'s book and I sat down and pedals as much as I could. In fact I think I only stood up maybe once or twice for a second or two during the first climb on Ann's Trail. I continued this style of riding even up Jacob's and Canyon Hollow, only standing when I absolutely necessary. And my legs never were blown and I felt good, surprisingly. Maybe this is how Dan Z. rides so fast on long distances.

Ann's

I followed Bagley up Ann's. We had a good pace going where we still had contact with the leaders as far as being able to see their lights up the trail. I felt like I could go faster but was happy to keep some contact with the lead group and not waste my legs on Ann's. Bagley hit some soft dirt and put his front wheel off the trail and I went by, and never saw him again. I thought he would be right on my wheel, but all I saw was the blackness of the gap we had created on the rest of the field. Ann's was a nice grade to climb in comparison to Clark's especially on my single speed. It was a little bumpy towards the top and I am not used to bouncing while climbing on a hard tail.

Jacob's

I was on the heals of another rider going into the flat meadow section of Jacob's. At first I thought it was Rick since he was front of Bagley and I. I was surprised to see it was Chris Cole who lead up Ann's from the start. He looked like he used all his matches on Ann's. In my opinion the night race is won on Jacob's both up and down. I could see Rick in front of my and for some reason I followed him up the middle section of the 3 choices to climb. I had to walk the last part and then sat down in the saddle and started grinding away. I started reeling him in and it reminded me of the first night race where I caught both Brad Keyes and Greg Gibson right before the crest of Jacob's. I passed Rick right where I passed Brad Keyes. At this time I didn't realize that Drew Free had just started to descend Jacob's and I really wasn't that far behind.

Jacob's Descent

I quickly found out that I really can't descend as fast on my single speed 29er as I can on a 5" full suspension 26er. Maybe it was because the mechanical brakes were not working that good on the SS, but I blew most of the corners on Jacob's for not stopping soon enough. On one of the corners I completely turned around and was looking at Rick in the face before I scampered off on the trail again. Needless to say I never could put that much time into Rick because I kept losing time when I was stopped off the trail on the corners. His light was always off in the distance behind me, but still there.

Ghost Falls/Canyon Hollow

I felt a little faster on Ghost and managed to hold Rick off. I thought I was climbing Canyon Hollow fast enough but that Rick, he just won't give up. I didn't have but a couple bike lengths advantage to him going into Rush.

Rush

Rush is a super fun downhill. My problem is I have only ridden it 3 times and I really do not know where I am going at this point. I was trying to really rally the course and I could feel Rick creeping in closer and closer. I held him off on Rush only to find out on the bottom of some trail (I am really not sure where we were) I took some switch backs and he took a right straight trail/short cut and my gap on him was gone as we almost crashed into each other. At this point I really didn't know how we were ending the race so I conceded and followed him down the mountain.

Creekside?

At the end he told me to go ahead since I was ahead before. I was going quickly down the trail and then there was an option to go right up a little hill or down to the left. I had a 50/50 chance and I chose left going down. As soon as I went a little way down the trail it hit me that I missed the turn. I hopped off my bike and started running it back up the trail only to see Rick take the right turn and speed off. I knew I blew it at that point.

The Finish

I was surprised to find out that I ended up on the podium in third. I thought for sure there were more riders out there in front of us and that I really was not riding that fast. I guess sometimes you surprise yourself.

1 - Drew
2 - Rick
3 - Me
4 - Bagley

Big Thanks to Rick for such a fun night. It really was a lot of fun to battle it out with you during the race.

Oh and of course the Pancake Combo at Village Inn hit the spot. Great to catch up with friends.

Next time I will have the Yeti and that descent will be mine!

Cow Pie Crank Update!!!

2011-09-16T10:00:00.003-06:00

There will be no Cow Pie Crank this weekend.

We are going to move it to another weekend.

Too many things going on this weekend like:

BYU and Utah
12 hrs of Sundance
Lots of tired legs from PCP2P, Lotoja, and Night Race World Championship
Both Jesse's and my bikes are in the shop

With that said, what weekend do we want to do the Cow Pie Crank?

The Cow Pie Crank

2011-09-11T17:55:00.000-06:00

The 2011 Cow Pie Crank will be held this Saturday September 17, 2011 at 7am.

This is your chance to hit all of Payson Canyon's finest trails in one ride.

This is a self-supported ride.

You may ride the Cow Pie Crank as fast or as slow as you like. Ride it ITT or with friends.

We will start at parking area along the large hairpin curve on the Nebo Loop Road where both the bottom of the Bennie Creek trail exits and the Grotto trail starts.

You can get water at the Blackhawk Campground but it is around 2/3 into the ride. Rock Springs is also another option (Jesse claims it is safe to drink from the Spring).

Dan Z. and I (I was on my SS) rode the course last Saturday and our moving time was 4 hours and 11 minutes. Total time was 4:59 for adjusting lights, cameras, eating, and changing a flat.

Plan on 42.8 miles and 8,695 feet of climbing!

And the amazing downhills of Stumpjumper, Jones Ranch, and BENNIE CREEK!

The ride will consist of the following trails:

Ride up the Nebo Loop road for 2 miles and take a right onto Pete Winward dirt road
Pete Winward to Shram Creek
Shram Creek to Sheepherders (99)
Sheepherders to Santaquin Canyon Meadow
Santaquin Canyon dirt road up to Lizard Lake Trail
Lizard Lake Trail to the Stumpjumper Downhill
Up Shram Creek (I affectionately call this the 3 Amigos, Dusty Bottoms, Ned Nederlander, and Lucky Day because of the 3 steep climbs) to Lizard Lake Trail
Lizard Lake to Frank Young to Nebo Loop Road
Nebo Loop Road to Upper Jones Ranch
Upper Jones Ranch to Jones Ranch to Nebo Loop Road
Nebo Loop Road to Loafer Mountain/Blackhawk ****(Here you could end the ride and go down Bennie Creek if you ran out of time and can't ride Blackhawk if you desire)
Blackhawk to Frank Young
Frank Young to Rock Springs
Rock Springs to Jones Ranch
Jones Ranch to Nebo Loop Road to Bennie Creek
Bennie Creek Downhill to finish

Here the map my gps made during the ride. (http://gps.motionx.com/maps/996f57693ca4eeab5c32efa14d3f8d28)

View Larger Map

Here is the data from Dan Z.'s Garmin. Looks like it didn't track the start correctly. (maybe that is our mileage difference in the 2 gps systems)

Check Check

2011-09-08T10:28:00.004-06:00

I like to look around at the Earth's scenery. I can gaze at the hillsides, maps, photos, etc. for hours. Driving to places never gets old for me because I always am scanning the surrounding terrain looking at the trees, trails, mountains etc. I always seem to find something I never have seen before in these observations.

A couple years ago I noticed this radio tower on the center peak below.

Here is a closer look at the radio tower.

A few weeks ago on a Friday night I was trying to figure out where I was going to ride the next morning. My friends all had to ride later in the day or were out of town. Then it hit me. Why not finally make it up to the radio tower? I pulled up the map I had studied many times looking at the dirt road switch backs climbing up the steep contours of the land. This would indeed be a solo adventure.

Usually adventures like this need to be done solo or you risk ending friendships if the adventure turns sour.

I set out first thing in the morning just as is was light enough to ride so I wouldn't have to carry the extra weight of lights. I was armed with two water bottles and a handful of food like Honey Stinger Waffles and Cliff Shot Bloks.

Just beyond the old mine the road turns into a very steep set of switch backs that are carved into the mountain like a scar. Around the mine I quickly took a few pictures of the old shafts and equipment and kept on riding.

The door to the mine building was open and without entering the building you could see the old mine carts still suspended on the rails.

I find old mine sites and equipment very fascinating. I only ever look and do not touch or enter any of the buildings or equipment. Of course since everything is very old and unstable it would be unwise to enter such buildings and have them collapse or get damaged.

After a couple minutes it was time to get to the switch backs that can be seen from miles away in the valley below. I was able to ride all the switch backs even though there was substantial water damage to the dirt road from the wet Spring and Summer weather we have experience.

At the top of the switch backs the dirt road mellows out a little straightens out going back into the canyon before starting another set of switch backs climbing you higher and higher. I had made it once a couple years ago to this closed mine shaft.

It was then I realized that it would take a lot more time to reach the radio tower than I had before imagined. Shortly after this closed mine shaft the dirt road becomes more rocks than dirt. Loose rocks, small rocks, big rocks, annoying rocks, etc.; you name it all sorts of rocks.

The ride became, The Adventure. Here you start to wonder should I really be continuing forward. There was no more riding my bike. I was pushing the bike up a very steep and loose rocky road. Of course there were sections I would ride for a couple yards and then have to get off again and push. Up, up, and up.

There were many times I was wondering, why am I doing this. But I was determined to get to the top. I needed to check this off my list of things I wanted to accomplish and I had already come so far. I didn't want to climb this again.

I continued on the the rocky sections disappeared and I crested the top of the climb putting me out on a ridge line. The mountain was covered with thick bushes, pines, and aspen trees everywhere. I was amazed at how abruptly the hillside sloped downward in every direction. I could see the radio tower off in the distance and could also see and remember in my mind there was another set of switch backs to climb up the backside of the mountain where the radio tower stands. But hey I was riding my bike instead of walking it now so everything was better.

Just a little farther...

The last set of switch backs up to the summit were hidden in a grove up aspen trees. The trees were so tall and densely packed into the mountainside that you couldn't see a the road from the distance. I started to second guess the image recorded in my mind on how the road was supposed to climb to the summit. I wondered if I was going to have to ride a long way farther than I had planned.

The road followed the mountain just as the map displayed while the trees shaded me from the dawning sun. The hidden switch backs delivered me out onto a small saddle where there was a brilliant view.

A small ride along the ridge line and a couple more switch backs up to the tower.

And huzzah! I made it!

I never noticed before from looking from the valley up that there was this helicopter pad next to the tower. A rightfully so as I would not want to drive a truck up that road. The helicopter would be much faster.

View from the Top looking West

View looking southwest

View to the North

View to the Northwest

A view South from the radio tower

View to the South

View to the Southeast

Goal accomplished! The views were nice to behold.

I am sure I ruined a set of brake pads on the descent. No place to get enough speed to enjoy the downhill. You had to be on the brakes the whole time and gingerly navigating the loose shale rocks so they wouldn't pop up into your frame.

3:07 total time elapsed

19.8 miles

9100 max elevation

4380 feet ascended

20.2% max gradient

So now that I have been to the top would I take a bike there again you ask?

No.

One time was enough.

"It is only an adventure the first time."

- Dan Z.

Where did that thing go?

2011-08-31T10:38:00.000-06:00

Great ride in Payson Canyon this morning. We rode the Sheepherders (Trail 99) backwards from Santaquin Canyon Meadow back towards Pete Winward. Although I have ridden it countless times the other way, the trail felt like a brand new trail. Very nice and flowing.

But over the last couple rides I have donated some things to the trails. I have lost half of my Topeak Alien multi tool and my mini pump. (The pump I had for almost 20 years. I won a Zefal mini pump at a raffle from the Fish Lake Fat Tire Festival back in the 90s)

So I need to get some replacements.

Here is where you can help.

What multi tool would you suggest?

and

What mini pump would you suggest?

Yeti Couches

2011-08-27T21:45:00.002-06:00

Remember last Christmas when my wife surprised me with the Yeti mountain bike?

http://southcountyciclista.blogspot.com/2011/02/opening-box.html

Well the Misses is having a Birthday soon.

We are apparently beyond pillows http://ride29er.blogspot.com/2009/11/those-are-my-24-hours-of-moab-shoes.html and shoes.

***Note: This may sound like I was trying to compare myself in the above paragraph. This is not my intention. The above paragraph was just one of the first things that came to my mind when I was in the situation. Like hum, this reminds me of another experience someone else had.***

Does this mean I can start thinking of the next bike related purchase? The score is even now right?

Sent from my iPhone

Saturday's Payson Canyon Ride

2011-08-23T11:16:00.000-06:00

We had a few takers on Jesse's invitation to come ride mountain bikes in Payson Canyon Saturday morning. Atomic Miles and Kanyon Kris came down to ride. Jesse and I decided to ride a few more miles and rode up the canyon to the Bennie Creek Trail head where we all met. No bear sightings this morning. Just nice South County Singletrack.

We all had different time agendas for the day and ended up riding together and alone. Jesse was the winner of the day logging 55+ miles! I ended up with 33.7 miles and 4180 feet of climbing with a max speed of 54.5 mph coming down the canyon.

I didn't carry the ContourHD, but I managed (and Miles) to get a little video with the iPhone.

Payson Canyon MTB Ride August 2011 from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

Two Bears

2011-08-17T09:33:00.000-06:00

I have ridden quite a few time in Payson Canyon over the years. In fact 26 times just last summer could have been a season record. Although I have heard Payson Canyon is full of black bears, I have never seen one there.

Right at the mouth of the canyon where Peteetneet Creek crosses the road a Big Black Bear loafed across the road as we were driving up the canyon to ride. He kicked it up a gear when we came upon him and scrambled up the hill. The bear was only 10-15 feet from us. Jesse turned to me and said he had never heard or seen a bear down so low before. We watched him climb up the hill and then drove up the canyon for our usually morning mountain bike ride.

Until this morning my Utah bear sightings were at one. Once in the La Sal Mountains a couple years ago and now this one in Payson Canyon. Crazy I know with how much I am outside riding and doing different things.

We coming down Jones Ranch just after the lower gate we spotted another large Black Bear off to my right. He climbed up the hill and dove into the deep foliage out of sight.

Hmm. Two Black Bears in one morning on the same ride? It was awesome but also makes me start to wonder.

Is it better to ride faster so the bear can get your slower friends?

Is it better to be out in front and come around a corner and have your light shine face to face with a bear before your friends get there?

The Corner

2011-08-15T09:12:00.000-06:00

Coming down into Carter Park during the 2011 Breckenridge 100 my brother took a nice sequence of photos of me riding around a corner.

Good Week

2011-08-12T13:05:00.000-06:00

I have spent three mornings this week riding mountain bikes in the shadow of Mount Timpanogos.

If you didn't make the rides, you missed out.

American Fork Canyon Early Morning Meeting

2011-08-11T08:57:00.000-06:00

The last two mornings I have been up early riding the trails in American Fork (AF) Canyon. And by early I mean, 5:30 start on Tuesday morning and a 6am start Wednesday morning. I think I will sleep in Thursday.

I know it is sad to say but this was the first time I have set foot or tire in American Fork Canyon in 2011. I really should ride there more, but it is hard when the Payson Canyon goodness is so close.

The one thing that I enjoy about mountain biking in AF Canyon is getting together with friends and having a good group ride. Oh and also the trails are pretty good also. Well I won't lie, I have been left with a desire to ride more AF Canyon.

Here is a video from Wednesday morning's ride. If you want to see a really good video of the same ride go look at Dug's. He has cooler camera angles, better scenes, etc. After all he does ride with a camera crew following him.

American Fork Canyon Early Morning "Meeting" from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

2011-08-04T12:10:00.000-06:00

Last night I just wasn't feeling it during the weekly race at Sundance. I even took a wrong turn on lap 2 and ended up at the bottom of the resort. So I basically had a 2 1/2 lap race instead of a 2 lap race. Even with my wrong turn, I always enjoy riding/racing at Sundance.

Last night I just didn't get my fill of riding. I think the fun serpentine turns and abundant alpine vegetation of Sundance left my mouth watering for more. A quick text to Jesse and an early am ride in Payson Canyon was set.

The dirt on most trails in Payson Canyon (with all the recent rain) was almost perfect. Bennie Creek however is excellent. Sadly enough this was only my second Bennie Creek (my all time favorite trail) run this year.

My Yeti ASR 5C might be the perfect bike for Bennie Creek/Payson Canyon. The dirt was amazing and you could rip into any corner and stick it this morning. Talk about super traction. I wonder if I have ever descended Bennie with so much speed and control than this morning. Yeti sure can build a great machine.

The picture from this morning is from one of my favorite corners on Bennie Creek. The corner is slightly bermed and almost turns a full 180. At times farther into the turn it feels like my elbows could scrape the ground since I am leaning into the turn so much.

Fast! Very, very Fast!

So what are you doing tomorrow morning?

Sent from my iPhone

Breckenridge 100 2011 - Loop Three

2011-08-01T21:05:00.005-06:00

Loop Three

Even with the bonus downhill before Carter Park, I was starting to lose energy. I just didn't feel like I had that explosive power I had during the beginning of the race. My stomach felt fine, and I was eating gels but in hindsight maybe I should have eaten some solid food. I had packed the Honey Stinger Waffles with the intent of eating them between Loops. I guess I just forgot about them as I grabbed the different gels and left the feed zone.

You leave Carter Park starting Loop Three of the Breckenridge 100 mountain bike race climbing up on the paved Boreas Pass Road until you reach the entrance to Blue River Trail. This single track trail was laced with mountain flowers in full bloom.

The single track ended and we continued to climb up a paved road with large summer homes. I was amazed at all the flowers on the side of the road. There were blues, yellows, pinks, etc.

I could hear the thunder rolling off in the distance, knowing the impending moisture was only minutes away. Sure enough, the blackened skies opened up and then rain began to fall.

I took my helmet camera off and slid it into my jersey pocket so I didn't get any video/photos of the Indiana Creek climb.

The falling rain was a welcome feeling washing away some of the days accumulation of salt off my body. I am not sure if it was from the rain or not but I began to crave a nice glass of ice cold water. Sure I had just received another 2 bottles of CarboRocket 333 and it tasted good, but water was what I desired. In fact during the rain soaked climb up Indiana Creek there were various creeks we had to cross. I was tempted to get off my bike and dump out the CarboRocket 333 and fill my bottle with the clear crisp rushing water coming down the creeks. I was almost read to refill, then I realized I was in an area with tons of old mines. Then I thought sure enough, maybe the water would have some kind of hazardous element invisible to the eye that would cause me harm during the race. So I figured I could wait until the top of the climb for the aid station.

Indiana Creek was a hard climb for me. The dirt was wet and muddy in places where you needed traction to continue with the climb. Luckily I had enough balance to stay upright after the initial slip of the rear tire, before it would find harder/dryer ground to hook up upon. Like I said before I just didn't feel like I had power to put in to the pedals. But I kept going on and once again the scenery was beautiful. The dirt was red and hidden from the sky beneath the canopy of pine boughs. In fact the rain sure cleaned up the surrounding vegetation and the natural colors began to shine. But I won't lie, Indiana Creek sure sucked out a lot of the remaining energy I possessed.

The crest of Indiana Creek put us back out almost to the summit of Boreas Pass Road.

Gone were the dark shadows and hidden dirt roads beneath the trees. Now the vistas were long and the surrounding peaks snow speckled and distant. I could see the summit of Boreas Pass Road off in the distance marked by the Section House.

The Continental Divide was coming up quickly and was that drink of water my lips so desired. Josh Tostado was already on his descent back to Carter Park. Wow, hear I am still riding on Loop Three and the fast guys are getting ready to finish. He was descending so fast down the Boreas Pass Road that he would have produced a smoke screen had the roads been dry.

I stopped off at the aid station and had my fill of the cold water.

I had quite a few cups of the blessed liquid before I grabbed another gel and crossed over the Continental Divide. What goes up must come down and after a short 1/4 mile of dirt road it was time to open up the fun factor on the Gold Dust Trail.

The downhill was extremely fast. One thing about downhills for me, the are almost like pumping my body full of more energy. I was feeling good and the twisting trail flowing over the different tentacles of tree roots and rocks upped the excitement.

I tried to remember in my mind how Loop Three all fit together as I began to gather myself mentally for the rest of the 30+ mile loop. For some reason everything I was riding on now was a cloudy mess inside my mind until the return to Continental Divide.

Gold Dust Trail is an amazing trail. Of course it helps to start the trail with an amazing downhill. The middle of the trail is a giant anaconda of turns. Strangely enough the trail sits almost inside what feels like the tube of a water slide.

I am not sure if the gully is natural as it snakes across the landscape or if it is man made. As you can imagine a trail like this naturally provides itself with plenty of wall hits, jumps, etc. to keep yourself entertained. Yes, I know what you are thinking and yes even when I am tired I still look for the "fun" parts of the trail. I am not sure how long the Gold Dust Trail is but it felt like it went on for miles.

Mentally I could not see where I was geographically because I couldn't see any surrounding mountain peaks. The twisting trail didn't help me either as I felt completely lost and backwards.

The ending parts of Gold Dust were what could be described as the "rock garden" of the race. (I must have turned the camera off during those parts)

There was a mile or so of some slow, technical, boulder maneuvering that was required to navigate.

Right as I exited Gold Dust onto the dirt road descending down into Como a friendly push from behind came from Chad Ambrose. He said "isn't this the hardest race ever?" I agreed and said, "it sure is one of the most fun though."

More water at the aid station, which wasn't cold, luke warm actually. Here it felt like I was on the some of the middle sections of the Leadville Trail 100 riding along the dirt road with the surrounding large mountain valleys meadows. I asked one of the aid station workers how the rest of the course worked so I could know what was ahead of me. This loop was the only loop I really was riding blind. I had riding previously sections of loop one and loop two last year.

What I could have really used at this aid station was a nice cold Coke. From here on I lost a lot of time and didn't have any power to keep up my speed on the relatively calm dirt roads. Phast Dan came by on his Single Speed (only rode the B-68) as did many other riders. Since we all had a black marker imprint on our left calf with our age and distance it was nice to see that I was getting passed by the B-68 riders instead of riders from my age and distance category.

I really wished I could have pushed a bigger gear climbing up the 7+ mile dirt road climb back up to the Section House/Continental Divide. But I needed a second wind.

I know this may sound funny, but I sure felt good on the single track sections going down or even on the flat to undulating parts. But the long dirt road climbs were leeching all the energy out of my body. Sonya Looney passed me like I was moving backwards.

She was flying up the hill much faster than the other B-68 riders who were passing me.

There is one good thing about climbing slowly up the Boreas Pass Road to the Continental Divide, you get a lot of time to study and absorb the surround terrain/scenery.

Colorado really is an amazing place. The ice cold water at the aid station sure hit the spot for the 2nd time. Now I knew mentally I was almost there. A quick descent down the dirt road and the race would be over. In the back of my mind I knew it wouldn't be as simple as a long dirt road descent back to Carter Park. I knew there would be some sort of a climb right before the end.

No time to waste time at the aid station, back onto the pedals I went. Boreas Pass Road is a long, very long descent.

I really felt bad for the riders still climbing up the road beginning their Loop Three as I my watch showed I was approaching 11 hours out on the bike. Sure enough just as I thought, one last climb, Baker's Tank.

Just as I expected my legs to go back into the dark place they were in during the painful Boreas Pass Climb, they didn't. My legs turned back on.

I think they knew the end of the race was near. Although many people may complain about the technical tree root filled descent towards Carter Park, I reveled in it. Here I was in my element for one last moment during the race. One last descent in arguably the 100 miles of the most amazing trails I have ever laid tires on. The lines in the trail were clear.

The tree roots and rocks were not an issue as the Yeti ASR 5C soaked up and held true to every my every command.

Baker's Tank Trail put us out close to Carter Park where only a few switch backs separated me from the finish line.

A quick turn into the finishing gates, and a sprint to the end.

Finished 11:11.

12th out of 58 (31 finishers) in my age group.
51st out of the approximate 300 riders.

My Wife and Kids greeted me and my son had a plate of pasta waiting for me pushing it right into my face.

My Dad took my bike and I sat down and polished off a cold Cherry Coke recounting my adventure to my family.

What a race.

A big thanks to:

My WIFE
Dad
Kids
Brother
and Family

and The Rocky Mountain Endurance Series/Warriors Cycling Events for putting on one of the best Mountain Bike Races ever.

(Loop One report can be found here)
(Loop Two report can be found here)

Breckenridge 100 2011 - Loop Two

2011-07-26T22:30:00.001-06:00

Breckenridge 100 2011 Mountain Bike Race

My report of Loop One can be found here.

Loop Two

Right from Carter Park you start Loop Two climbing the Moonstone Trail switchbacks. It was encouraging to hear my Dad yell "Go Brando!" and hear my kids cheering me on as I was climbing the many Moonstone switchbacks while within their eyesight. The switchbacks were nice and mangeable and didn't require much technical effort to get around each turn, but the hill was steep. Even though the hill was painful the brilliant high altitude pine forest scenery helped take your mind off the climb.

The switchbacks started to mellow out as the trail turned into Barney Ford trail and ended up popping out onto Sally Barber Road.

Here was a nice recovery off the single track climb where you could eat while climbing up to the Sally Barber Mine. The Sally Barber Mine climb was on a dirt road with small rocks. I still was feeling good and remembered some advice that Kyle had told me. He said to smile to help yourself happy and going well. His advice worked all day.

The dirt road descended quickly into a valley where we turned up the Little French Creek Road.

From here off in the distance you could see a huge 12,000+ ft peak.

Having never been on this section of trail I could only wonder if we were going to have to climb over that peak or not. Only time would tell.

Little French Creek Road immediately turned up and it was time for for a visit to Granny's. I can't remember how long the climb up Little French Creek Road took, but it was Granny Gear time the whole way.

The road was a very primitive road mostly of embedded baby head rocks. The kind that are somewhat loose that really test your balance and bike handling skills. To make the climb more interesting there were three different creek crossings.

Of course once again the scenery was still fantastic. There were some riders around me who were walking, resting, and trying to ride. I rode the whole thing without taking a dab. Strangly enough there were a few cabins up the canyon. Not sure if there were ski in during the winter cabins or if they had summer use. The only way to get to the cabins would be on foot, horseback, or bike as the road didn't allow motor vehicle use (which was fairly evident because of the condition of the road).

Still in the Granny Gear that looming 12,000+ ft peak was getting closing and I could see a small trail cutting across its face.

I thought, no way are we riding alone the face of another peak again! Especially not now that my legs have more miles in them. Right when I could see the Little French Creek Road continue on up towards the Peak, we turned left onto Little French Flume for a much deserved break.

Not that there was time to rest, but I wasn't needing to climb in the Granny Gear anymore.

Little French Flume is a narrow trail cut into the mountainside that has the remains of an old flume running along side and/or on the trail. It is slightly downhill and with some pedalling offers a fast descent.

You really had to pay attention to the different trees, flume, and old stumps that could knock you off your game. It is on these trails that I really like to see how fast I can go. The trees became a blur to me as I focused on the trail before me knowing my tires would hook up on the damp dirt and hold their line.

The fun of Little French Flume didn't last all day, but the speed and fun increased as we started on American Gulch Road.

The American Gulch Road looks like the entire road was made of old mine tailings and it is wicked fast and wide open. There are plenty of those water retention hills/bars along the road perfect for catching air. I should have counted all the jumps but it seems like every couple seconds I was airbourne. What a good way to follow a hard climb by launching off jumps. There were even some burms around the corners and different wall hits you could take.

I never have had so much fun on various sections of a race. I love the Breck 100!

At the bottom of American Gulch Road I stopped at the aid station to once again fill up on ice cold water and gels. From here the trail went up a road parralel to a nice brook filled meadow. Soon enough we would riding along another section of the Colorado Trail.

Last year the day after I rode the Peaks Trail I rode this section of the Colorado Trail. It was this section of trail that convinced me I needed to ride the Breckenridge 100. I have fallen in love with the Colorado Trail. I knew this trail well. I have replayed it in my mind many times. I also have watched the video I made reliving the pine covered Colorado Trail. The climb was nice and shaded switchbacking climb up to about 11,000+ ft before the real fun would start on the most amazing downhill. I was alone on the climb, but I caught some riders towards the summit.

I was wearing my ipod during the race in one ear and put the buds in both ears for the downhill since I knew no one would catch me and need to pass. This section of Colorado Trail is the fastest, most wide open trail around. I would compare this section of trail to a local trail, "Joy" in American Fork Canyon. It surpasses "Joy" in fun factor and trail length. I know that is a bold statement.

I was having so much fun I was yelling WWWWHHHHOOOOHHHHOOOO!!!!

At the Dredge Boat aid station it was water and gels again. My stomach was doing well and I didn't want to change anything from what was working. We turned onto Gold Run Road after climbing the switchbacks of Discovery Ridge Trail.

I am not sure if there was a fire or the trees were cleared for constructions or beetles but the Discvoery Ridge trail was bare with fallen trees everywhere.

I was not sure how we were going to make it back to Carter Park after the descent down the Colorado Trail. My mind had last year embeded in its memory and I figured the Loop was over after the Colorado Trail. I was wrong and my body felt it. Gold Run Road was a long dirt road climb exposed into the sunlight.

I was not mentally prepared for another climb before Carter Park and the climb started to take its toll on me. I felt my speed going slower, and my energy depleating even though I just ate at the aid station. I am not sure if my lack of long rides this spring were catching with me or what but I was faltering.

The road didn't end soon enough and a big thanks out to the race organizers for putting in more down hill single track before Carter Park. I needed the downhill to get my spirits back up. The downhill of Side Door Trail and X10U8 was some of the darkest section of trail during the whole race. Not sure if it just seemed darker after leaving the exposed dirt road or not but it was hard to see.

The downhill quickly got my attention as it was full of exposed tree roots and various rocks. But this type of techinical single track trail was just what I needed to get my mind and body back into the race. The Yeti performed remarkably navigating me quickly and safely to Carter Park.

I came down a few switchbacks and could hear the announcer and my family cheering for me.

My wife helped me change the battery of the ContourHD helmet cam. My Dad held the bike and changed my water bottles full of CarboRocket 333.

My boys tried to find little things/tools to help with my bike and even tried to take out the new water bottle for a different one they wanted to put in. I drank about half a Cherry Coke to help me during the last part of the race. I thanked my crew and started off. I forgot to give my wife a kiss and came back a couple feet to kiss her before loop 3.

Breckenridge 100 2011 - Loop 1

2011-07-25T19:00:00.004-06:00

The Breckenridge 100 Mountain Bike Race is a race I looked at over the last couple years, wanting to race. Of course between family vacations, other races, etc. I didn't make it until this year. I really missed out during the previous years because the Breckenridge 100 is one of the best races around.
Of course with the record snowfall this year/Spring I was a little concerned about the 3 different snowfields required to cross during Loop1.

This may sound strange to some of you, but my main goal for the Breckenridge 100 was to not get sick (stomach problems) and to enjoy the race. I didn't have a time or specific placing I was aiming for, only to feel good and have fun. And of course, I wanted to keep pedaling and not stop and rest.

And you know what? I accomplished my goal and had an amazing time at the race.

Did I say I had a good time at the race? The Breckenridge 100 course is Top Notch! It had everything I had envisioned in a high altitude Colorado race.
Loop One

There were quite a few people at the mass start in Carter Park of this year's Breckenridge 100. Carter Park is the start/finish and feed zone area of the clover leaf style layout of the race.

I figured right from the start that I would ride my own pace up the first 12,400 ft climb since I had all day to go 100 miles. Normally I would have the urge to try and ride fast and stay towards the front. I didn't want to burn all my matches in the first 3rd of the race. We casually followed the Police escort through Breckenridge to the Peak 9 dirt road and started up the dirt ski run service road.

I felt good and settled into a nice rhythm imagining I had a good hour or so to climb up to top of Wheeler Pass, 12,400 ft. Before I knew it we were way above town and hitting the first snow field.

I wondered if I was going to need the extra pair of socks I packed at the feed zone. I quickly realized that in the 2-3 minutes it took to cross the snowfield, my feet didn't feel wet at all. Maybe it was the wool socks.

Above the tree line there was plenty of snow melt happening and sections of the dirt road became wet and muddy.

Luckily most of the road was still hard packed dirt and rocks mimicking a cobblestone road, so the mud was minimal.

The course took a hard right off of the ski run service road and started on the Wheeler Trail that made the Bow Hunter Trail in the PCP2P look like a freeway. I don't think I have every been on such a narrow trail.

One wrong leaning motion to the right would send you rolling thousands of feet down towards the town of Breckenridge. It was intense because of the sloppy mud and rocks but fun at the same time.

Before me I could see a snaking line of riders traversing across the mountainside. Off in the distance it looked liked ants along the next snowfield.

When I arrived at this next snowfield, I could see it was a little more intense than the other two we had previously crossed. The slope of the mountain was very steep.

Volunteers were armed with ice axes to rescue you in case you fell and slid beyond the staked slide rope. Once across the snowfield, from here I really couldn't believe my eyes.

I looked straight up and could see riders shouldering their bikes above me, scrambling up the hillside.

For a moment it seemed as though we all were involved in some sort of adventure race. Think of trying to shoulder your bike up the local climbing wall at REI. Yes it was that steep. Of course if the snow field was not there, covering up the switch backs of the trail we wouldn't be clawing our was up the mountain. After a couple minutes of climbing straight up the trail was visible again. During the climb I didn't stop moving and was able to move up a couple places. Once on the trail there were only 3-4 switch backs and then the crest of Wheeler Trail 12,400 was upon us.

I took a quick look back to see the distance and elevation I had covered and pointed the bike down for the descent. At first I really couldn't believe how good I felt at over 12,000 feet, or quickly came the top of Wheeler Pass.

Of course the only 12,000+ ft peak I can compare Wheeler Pass to is Columbine Mine in the Leadville 100 which comes halfway into the 100 miles, not right at the beginning. It definitely helps to get the 12,000+ ft climb out of the way first during the race.

The descent off Wheeler Pass was clouded with a smell of burning brake pads. The stench was so strong it was hard to breathe. I literally had to look around to see if a Semi-truck was next to us heading for the runaway truck lane the smell was so potent. The deeply rutted trail from years of use combined with Spring runoff was encumbered with tundra like vegetation.

I passed a couple slower riders only to go into one of the first turns that was hidden by some overgrown bushes and lost my front wheel off the trail.

Yes the back side of the mountain although not as steep as the front side still carried a fairy good pitch. The next thing I knew I was going over the bars rolling over like a turtle.

I quickly arose to get my bike off the trail before other riders would come crashing into it. Thank goodness my bars can spin all the way around without hitting the top tube or I would have experienced a carbon nightmare including my brake lever punched into the top tube. My water bottle I had in my jersey pocket was out on the trail. Remember the slower riders I passed? Yep now they were passing me. One even said as I was picking up my water bottle off the ground, "better get that bottle you are going to need it today." I put my water bottle back into my jersey pocket. I knew my bike would be alright as I basically just rolled over, and didn't check it out for any broken parts as I was racing and needed to get back to riding. I quick inventory of my other pockets and I was on the go. I started to wonder if my iPhone had fallen out and had to slow down to reach back and feel. Luckily it was still there.

Of course I am sure you are wondering now why and I carrying my iPhone. No I was not expecting a call, I had the GPS MotionX app running that would broadcast my position to my crew on their iPhone/smart phone so they would know when I was getting close to the feed zone. It would update them every 10 minutes.

I didn't notice I cut up my right knee until half way down the descent. Oh well a little blood doesn't hurt anything right? The blood was not running down my leg and was gathered around the point of impact so I figured it couldn't be too bad. Ride on!

The Colorado Trail descended out passed the treeless tundra into the shaded pines.

The trail became a little wider and started to open up a little. It was time to rip some downhill. One problem, I was behind the slower riders again. There were a couple of us in a line (all who were faster on the downhill) who finally convinced the two slower riders to let us by and we opened it up.

There is one thing Colorado does right, super fast single track downhills, on tacky, loamy dirt inside the Pine forests.

I had a grin from ear to ear all the way down to Copper Mountain were we exited the trail onto the paved bike path. I found myself wanting to ride up the 12,400 ft Wheeler Pass again just to ride the downhill again.

The bike path back to Frisco was a nice recovery where you could eat/drink and spin quickly. It was a downhill slope were you could carry some good speed while letting your eyes roam at the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Once inside Frisco the race turned off the paved bike path an onto the Peaks Trail. There was and aid station here where I drank a lot of ice cold water and ate a gel or two. Last year when I didn't make it into Leadville we took a family vacation to Breckenridge and I rode the Peaks Trail from Peak 9 to Frisco as an out and back. I knew what this trail had in store for me and knew the climb to over 10,000+ ft wouldn't be too bad.

The Peaks Trails is one of the better trails around. It is full of log bridges over streams and bogs, rock gardens to navigate, and of course soft, tacky Colorado dirt with plenty of ups and downs.

I was feeling good riding along in the shade of the pine trees. I saw a little wall hit/kicker on the side of the trail and even though I was racing I couldn't pass getting a little air. I could ride miles and miles of Colorado trails. The Peaks Trail and every trail I had been on during the race had ZERO dust.

The Peaks trail ended spitting us out onto the pavement for a screaming fast ride down Ski Hill Road back into town toward Carter Park. I was wearing and filming the race with my Contour HD on my helmet and of course it turned off right at the end of the Peaks Trail.

I came into Carter Park were my race crew all were ready to help me. My Dad cleaned my sunglasses from the mud splatters they received during loop 1 and held my bike up. My Wife helped me change the battery in my ContourHD helmet cam and helped me get the gels I needed. My Brother cleaned and lubed my chain. My Dad put the water bottles back into my bike and jersey pocket. This time there were not any missed pockets. I shed my arm warmers and vest. My kids were all there to give me "five" and "knuckles." A quick kiss to my wife and off for loop 2.

That is a lot of hills

2011-07-15T07:30:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow's Breck 100 race has a little elevation to cover.

Wish me luck!

http://www.warriorscycling.com/courseMaps/B100-loop1-2010.pdf

http://www.warriorscycling.com/courseMaps/B100-loop2-2010.pdf

http://www.warriorscycling.com/courseMaps/B100-loop3-2010.pdf

Ride it? or Boot it?

2011-07-14T09:35:00.000-06:00

From the looks of the recon on Loop 1, maybe this is Dug's perfect ride? Ride the bike up and ski down.

Loop 2 Video 7/12
Natalie and Sean were busy on Loop 2 today. Check out the video! Course is looking great!

Loop 1 Photos 7/11Check out Natalie and Sean's photos from Loop 1 yesterday!

The butterflies are starting already as I am getting excited to race the Breck 100 this weekend.

Breckenridge 100 Course Update

2011-07-11T12:21:00.000-06:00

This race is going to be one epic ride. I can't wait. 5 days and counting.

Breckenridge 100

Race Update: 7/8Loops 2 and 3 are clear and ready to go! Plan on getting your feet wet walking across a snowfield or two on loop 1. It's melting fast but there will certainly still be some.

*I was in NORCAL all last week with the family. I have been unplugged (no cell/email/tv) for a week. I will have some reports on my rides coming soon.

Sea Otter Classic Short Track Video

2011-07-08T06:00:00.001-06:00

Sea Otter Classic Pro Women Short Track 2011 And Pump Track from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

Sea Otter Classic Women's Short Track

2011-07-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

My little boy and I attended this year's Sea Otter Classic. He had fun (as did I) looking at all of the bikes and new products. He also enjoyed playing around on the bounce houses. Then off in the distance he could see bikes racing on the hillside. He immediately wanted to go check it out.

The Pro Women's Short Track was going on and here are some photos. He didn't want to leave.

These ladies are fast.

Emily Batty

Zephanie Blasi

Lea Davison

Heather Irmiger

Draper

2011-07-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

What I think is a cool picture of the Draper Temple that I took when I was up in the area a little while ago.

My New Favorite Trail

2011-07-05T06:00:00.002-06:00

Everybody has their favorite local trails right?

But what about those vacation trails?

You only get to ride them once or twice before returning home, but oh they feel so nice. Sometimes so nice you make another vacation trip just to ride those trails again.

Such is the trail I rode in California earlier this Spring.

Not very often do I get to watch myself on video. I don't think I did half bad for my first run on this trail. It was nice, flowing, and fast. I need to go back again and ride it a few more times so I can know what turns and obstacles are coming up.

When my friend and I switched helmets since he offered to film me going down the hill, I forgot to see where the camera was pointed. Of course it would be nice to have it pointed a little higher, but you still see enough of the trail.

Pipeline Trail Monterey, CA from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

Crashes from Lake Powell Spring 2011

2011-07-01T14:27:00.000-06:00

A couple weeks ago my wife and I spent a weekend in Lake Powell with some friends. Everyone wanted to see a "crash" video so here it is.

Crashes From Lake Powell Spring 2011 from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

You decide

2011-06-30T21:53:00.001-06:00

Are they going on a trip or moving?

Squaw Peak/Timp Foothills Double Loop write up and video

2011-06-29T09:19:00.001-06:00

A couple Saturday's ago Dan Z. and I went out for an epic ride. Dan Z. convinced me to come try his backyard trails, and that he had created a link of trails where we would only have to double back on a trail for a short while.

The route?

Up Rock Canyon to Squaw Peak
Down Squaw Peak to the Bonneviile Shoreline
Shoreline over to Bridal Veil
Race Course loop to Dry Canyon Loop
Down Bramber? over to the Indian Hills trail head
up to Bonneville Shoreline and over to Rock Canyon
Shoreline to the "Y trail head" and down the old Seven Peaks golf course area

I figured I was game since I had not ridden Rock Canyon since back in the day when I was attending BYU.

Squaw Peak/Timp Foothills Double Loop from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

It was an epic ride where we only had 17 minutes of stopped time during our 4:04 ride. Most of that was to take off our knee warmers when it got too warm. Oh and because of the 5am start time I was home, showered, and cooking breakfast for my family at 10am.

39.5 miles
7920 feet of climbing

Dan Z. has put together a great loop of the closer lower elevation trails. I would have never you could ride so many miles on dirt in one day this close to town.

Get on your bikes and ride

2011-06-28T09:20:00.000-06:00

We made our first attempt at the Payson Canyon trails this morning.

The trails are dry and good. Any creek or dry creek of the past has a lot of water going through it. A couple boggy sections as always for this time of year. But nothing that would stop or deter me from going back again this week.

Oh watch out for man eating Mosquitos!

As for the Yeti ASR 5C, climbs and descends better than any bike I have ever ridden.

Sent from my iPhone

Nebo Summit

2011-06-27T09:14:00.000-06:00

I have wondered how my riding this season compares to the last two years of training.

For some reason I thought I was way behind (because of the wet Spring) last year and even farther behind two years ago. After checking my log, I am actually a little ahead of two years ago. I use two years ago as my benchmark mostly because that is when I finished 95th in the Leadville Trail 100. This was good news to receive. In three weeks I will start the Breckenridge 100. I think I am almost ready.

Last week was a good week on the bike. I rode 148 miles and climbed 13,014 feet.

Saturday I climbed one of my favorite road climbs in Utah, Payson Canyon to the Nebo Summit.

66 Miles and 5659 feet of climbing

Chris A. was brave enough to ride my type of hours and met me for the 5am start. We were done exactly 4 hours later at 9am. We only had one 10 foot snow bank to walk across right before the Nebo Summit. There is a little snow off the Nebo Summit towards the Nephi side. Nothing you couldn't walk the 25 yards over to continue riding the loop if you like. I prefer descending the 25 miles I just climbed up to the Summit.

Photos from the ride.

One of the Payson Lakes

Snow on the penultimate ascent to the Nebo Summit

Mount Nebo

Chris's first Nebo Summit ascent

2nd Elk herd seen on the ride

Proof of riding to the Nebo Summit 2011

Morning Ride

2011-06-23T12:34:00.000-06:00

Longest Day Ride

2011-06-22T13:19:00.001-06:00

On the longest day off the year, June 21st, I always have big aspirations of riding my bike from sunup to sundown.

This year I made a good attempt.

5:30am- 7am - 23 mile road ride 1000ft of climbing

Work

6:30pm - 9pm - 23 mile MTB ride on the Draper Corner Canyon Trails.

I think this may be the first time I have seen some of the Draper trails in he daylight. Most of my riding there is during night rides. I kind of had an idea where I wanted to go, but of course things look much different in the daytime.

My 23 mile 4000ft of climbing MTB route went as follows:

Canyon Hollow
Jacob's Ladder
Ghost Falls
Canyon Hollow
Brocks
Rush (1st time in daylight. It was a blast on the Yeti jumping the tables)
Canyon Hollow down
Clarks
Jacob's Ladder
Ghost Falls
Canyon Hollow
Brocks
Rush
Canyon Hollow down
Shoreline

The Yeti ASR5C was the perfect bike going up and down. I need to get back to the Draper trails soon. Preferably not during rush hour bike riding. I don't think I have ever seen so many riders out a trail at the same time.

Sent from my iPhone

It's as good a place as any right?

2011-06-21T16:16:00.002-06:00

Normally I would expect to find a photo like this posted on Dug's blog.

In church Sunday I had to step out of the meeting into the foyer because my baby was being noisy.

There before me I see this.

Whole spread of makeup supplies on her lap. This wasn't just a minor touch up session. It was a full blown put your face on operation. Mind you it was 11:40am, forty minutes in the meeting.

I guess it is as good a place as any right?

Bald Mountain v.6

2011-06-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

The Bald Mountain Road Ride in June is a ride I look forward to every year. Maybe it is because in May photos from the Giro d'Italia show riders cresting summits with walls of snow, and the Mirror Lake Highway is one of the only places in Utah I know you can get the same effect.

2009 Bald Mountain Pics

2008 Bald Mountain Pics

Unfortunately last year I didn't attempt the ride. Since it is an annual tradition that Adam Catmull and I ride it together and he was in Europe all summer with his family it just didn't have the same appeal. You see Bald Mountain not only is a ride, but also a race. The winner to the to of the climb, honorably gets to buy Creamies for the losers. Adam and I duel it out each year for the honor.

Two years ago we rode up to the Bald Mountain Pass summit at 10,790ft a week earlier in June.

I have heard there is still a lot of snow in the mountains, but I didn't know how much. Last Wednesday we tried to make the pass.

We didn't make it.

Not even close. We only made it to Slate Gorge just beyond the Duschesne Tunnel. The road had not even started turning up yet. Usually you can see remnants of snow around The Provo River Falls, but the snow was way lower.

The end of the road. Still 3-4ft of snow there on the road.

We were a little disappointed. Still, it was a beautiful ride on a gorgeous day with some amazing scenery. We didn't have anyone buy creamies since we were not even close to the top.

A little snow in the background

More snow way too early on the climb

There she is! Bald Mountain in the distance.

Ahead, the end of the road.

Who knows maybe in a couple weeks, we will try again.

Fifth Water Exploring Video

2011-06-18T07:00:00.001-06:00

Fifth Water Exploring Video from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

Fifth Water Exploring

2011-06-17T10:16:00.000-06:00

Saturday was my first mountain bike ride in Diamond Fork for the year.

While eating breakfast at 4:30am I figured I would ride up second water to the Strawberry Ridge. Ride the ridge and come down fifth water. I was excited to get out ride some long distance and try out the Yeti on a downhill with which I am very familiar.

Waterfall a little above the hot springs on Fifth Water

I started riding at 5:30am and crossed the river on the log bridge over to the start of the second water trail. I was amazed at how much water was coming down the river. I settled into a nice rhythm for the 45-50 min. climb ahead of me, only to be stopped by a river on the trail.

You see the trail follows next to a creek and you end up crossing through the creek a couple times during the ascent. I didn't even make it to the first crossing point because the creek, now a full on raging river, had engulfed the trail and everything else in its path. I stood there analyzing how I could get across without getting wet. There was no option but to trudge through the fast flowing river up to my waist. I decided against that option, and turned around.

Plan B

I was not defeated and figured I would now ride up sixth water to fifth water, passed the hot springs, and try and take a section of Center Trail I saw on www.utahmountainbiking.com to the north and connect with the Strawberry ridge road. I was surprised, especially after just seeing the river that ate my trail for breakfast, how dry the sixth/lower fifth water trails are. They are dry all the way up to the Center Trail junction. Lower Fifth Water is hard packed and smooth. Upper Fifth Water is fairly bumpy as the dirt has dried up the cow, horse, and deer tracks from last year. The trail needs some more traffic to break down the cobblestone like trail.

Washed Beaver dam/pond by the Spring runoff

I turned onto a new section of trail to me and headed north on the Center Trail hoping to find my way to the Strawberry Ridge. The Center trail was a good trail, but it was not without some damp sections. It is amazing to me how wet and saturated some sections of trail/mountain are this year. I don't like to get muddy and I don't like to ruin trails by riding through muddy parts so there were quite a few sections I got off and walked my bike around. Combine this with the downed trees from the winter and I felt like I was in a cyclocross race.

Strawberry Ridge looking West to Provo Peak

I came to another junction where a trail 14 went off to my right and the Center Trail went straight and down a canyon. A couple minutes descending and this trail quickly turned into a nice gathering of spring runoff water. I turned around and walked, since the trail was too steep to ride up, back to the junction.

Trail 14 was some of the most fun riding a ridge line over to the Strawberry Ridge. The trail was fast, dry and curvy.

I hit snow on the Strawberry Ridge in the north facing sections as I made my way over to the Upper Fifth Water descent. From the Strawberry Ridge all the way down Fifth Water to the parking lot it is over 40+ minutes of continuous single track downhill.

Strawberry Reservoir from the Strawberry Ridge

The descent is what I had been wanting to ride all day and see how the Yeti would handle. Well let's just say I was moving faster, coming into corners with more speed, and taking newer/better lines than I ever had before. The Yeti is pure speed. I am so pleased with all the bike is capable of overcoming.

Strawberry Ridge looking West

So now I am faced with a dilemma for my Saturday ride.

Mountain Bike ride on Fifth Water for more exploring?

or

Road ride up Payson Canyon and see how far I can climb before I hit snow?

What do you think?

Video coming tomorrow.

Hobble Creek to Diamond Fork Video

2011-06-15T16:44:00.000-06:00

Just in case you missed the video from the Hobble Creek ride.

Hobble Creek to Diamond Fork from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

Hobble Creek to Diamond Fork

2011-06-13T11:50:00.000-06:00

As many of you know and have experienced, this Spring has not been the greatest for riding because of the snow/rain storms. There is a positive from all the recent rain. Hard packed high elevation dirt roads. Many of these dirt roads still are closed to cars so there isn't any dust.

Dan Z. convinced me I didn't need my mountain bike for a ride up and over the Right Fork of Hobble Creek Canyon to Diamond Fork Canyon. Half way up the Right Fork of Hobble Creek Canyon the pavement turns to a really hard packed dirt road. This dirt road goes up and over the summit and drops down in to Diamond Fork Canyon. The dirt road continues for a couple miles of flat terrain and then changes to pavement for the descent towards and down Spanish Fork Canyon.

My plan was to put on some 1.95 mtb tires on my Yeti with minimal tread and ride the loop. Dan Z. reminded me of Kyle's post about the ride last year and that my road bike would be just fine. Of course Dan has a cross bike so he really was not worried about tire issues. I figured I would try my road bike and bring 4 CO2 cartridges and 2 tubes.

The weather was unseasonably cold going up the Right Fork of Hobble Creek Canyon. 32F I really wished I would have brought my heavier gloves as my fingers and toes were numb. Of course we figured as soon as we left the road by the river and started climbing the wind chill and humidity would decrease.

The transition from pavement to dirt was seamless and I was extremely surprised how smooth the dirt road was. I expected dust, washboards, and lots of rocks. The dirt road was hard packed with small gravel like pebbles every once and awhile. The climb to the summit was incredible in both scenery and riding terrain. For the descent I was a little nervous on a 15.5 lbs road bike but the road was still smooth. Our speed picked up to what I thought was manageable but not out of control. Towards the bottom of the descent we blew through a little rougher section of dirt road that had some loose rocks.

PPPPPSSSSHHHHEWWW!!!! Flat front tire.

I could barely move my hands they were so numb and cold. I tried the best I could to change the flat quickly but I had no feeling in my hands. Finally I put the tube in and used a patch and a pop tart wrapper to cover the small torn sidewall of my tire. I grabbed my new C02 inflater and it didn't work. All the C02 went blowing around the stem but not into the tube. (Come to find out after calling the manufacturer it was a faulty product so they are sending me a new one) So there went a C02. I still had 3 left. We grabbed a new one and Dan used his inflater this time. Air immediately went into the tube no problem. Then the tire went flat again, but was hard as a rock around the area of the stem.

Great! 2 C02's down and one tube. We took the tube out and it was frozen. The incoming cold air from the C02 had frozen the tube and shattered the tube inside the tire. Well good thing I brought another tube. (I hardly ever have flats so good thing I decided at the last minute to bring another tube) The tube was fixed and off we started riding.

Remember how I said it was 32F? Well the whole time we were in the shade fixing the flats. Not really shade since it was only 6 something in the morning because we started riding at 5am. The sun had not crested the mountains to warm us. The next part of the descent was so cold. I thought Dan Z. was going to crash since his front wheel was wobbling so bad from uncontrollably shivering. At last at the bottom of the decent we made it to the flat dirt road section and some sunshine. We thawed out a little in the sun before starting to ride again.

Right before we started on the pavement section of Diamond Fork Canyon, it was Dan Z's turn to have and change a flat.

The descent down Diamond Fork Canyon on a road bike it a working descent (meaning you have to pedal not coast) but one of the most fun around. You don't have to worry about cars, just the occasional cattle drive (see video) that you have to try and get through. Luckily neither of us were kicked or knocked over by the cows while we were trying to create some space between them to ride though.

And of course right before we exited Spanish Fork Canyon into Utah Valley guess what? That is right I had another flat. This time my rear wheel hit a rock on the rock and somehow that was enough to flat it. I was just going to walk home since I was out of tubes, but Dan Z. came to the rescue again. He had a patch kit and we patched the tube.

Luckily for the rest of the ride neither of us had anymore issues.

Aside from the flat tires and it being freezing cold, the Right Fork of Hobble Creek Canyon to Diamond Fork Canyon is one of my favorite road/dirt rides around. I really thing it will become one of my Spring riding traditions.

Here is the video from our ride. Enjoy the scenery.

Hobble Creek to Diamond Fork from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

Hiking with My Kids

2011-06-07T22:06:00.000-06:00

Photo Drop - hiking with my kids.

Lake Powell Spring 2011

2011-06-06T13:14:00.000-06:00

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Lake Powell with some friends. My wife and I look forward to this trip every year.

There is arguably not a better place to spend a weekend/week with your wife without any kids. Once again Grandma came over to watch the kids for us while we spent some time on the Lake. There is something about getting out on Lake Powell surrounded by miles and miles of sandstone cliffs and sandy beaches. Of course it is nice to not have cell phones, email, etc. to clutter your day.

There is absolutely no hurry or rush to do anything. No trying to coordinate all the schedules of the other couples, because we all are at the same place with only a couple options. You can ride the 65+ mph supercharged jet skis, wake board, air chair, ski, wake skate, hike, explore, cliff jump, swim, etc. The downtime is filed with games, napping, etc.

Like I said, a great trip alone with your wife and no kids.

Do you know how much lake you can cover at 65+ mph? Quite a bit. I was holding on as tight as I could while my wife was driving. We had a really good time exploring different canyons and narrow/shallow places that boats couldn't get into.

I made a little video clip of our adventures.

Mr Mom

2011-06-02T16:08:00.000-06:00

My wife likes to take a Birthday vacation with some friends every year.

This year she is lucky enough to go to Hawaii. So for the next week, I am watching my four kids. Things are going well, currently.

We just completed a 7 mile bike ride to the park. Pulling a trail-a-bike plus a bike trailer behind my (wife's cruiser) sure is a workout riding back up the hill.

Earlier in the day I hooked the trailer up to my road bike and rode for an hour pushing myself hard. With 2 kids in the trailer I am going to double my miles for double the effort.

Lake Powell

2011-05-27T11:06:00.000-06:00

Heading out for a few days with some friends at Lake Powell on a houseboat. I am looking forward to a great weekend with my wife.

Sent from my iPhone

Spring Road Ride up Payson Canyon v.1

2011-05-24T20:20:00.004-06:00

I love Spring Road Bike Rides. There is something about the budding trees, and early plant growth of the Springtime that makes me want to ride a road bike. I enjoy the dampness of the crisp air that gets captured within the canyon walls of the mountains. Most of the time the gates to the canyon roads are still locked so you have all the road to yourself. Of course there is still a lot of debris on the road from the melting snow, but a small price to pay to not have any vehicles on the roads.

As most of you know, we have had an extremely wet Spring. I tried to get out on the road bike a couple times during the week only to be rained out. Last Saturday was another story. I saw the sun in I don't know how many weeks. So a road ride up the canyon was in order.

5:30am Start
Home by 8:45am makes a happy family!
49.8 miles
40.2 max speed
3466 feet ascended

And you know what? I have been thinking about going back ever since. Soon, very soon we will see how far the snow has melted again.

Payson Canyon Spring Road Ride from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

Puddles

2011-05-23T10:59:00.000-06:00

A couple weeks ago I rode my bike in the Moapa Valley desert. The ground was nice, hard packed, and tacky/dry.

Do you hear that sky? Do you?

Dry ground. Dry ground is what we want now.

If this keeps up we might have to resort to building those wooden bridges to ride on like they do in the North West.

Sent from my iPhone

Ride it or Admire it?

2011-05-20T07:42:00.001-06:00

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Nails and Sabrosa Jon joined forces and created a business?

I think it would look something like this, but it probably would be a dirt version.

I took these photos while at The Sea Otter Classic this year.

Dirt Brushes Off

2011-05-18T14:45:00.000-06:00

I have a good friend who recently crashed badly during a local crit race. Damage as follows: "Broke scapula (shoulder blade) in 2 places. Broke 3 ribs. Punctured and partially collapsed lung. Will probaby need surgery."

Luckily he is recovering. Oh and the bike? See the attached picture.

He always thinks I am crazy for riding a mountain bike because of the narrow trail, rocks, trees, etc. I always say that the penalty for crashing on the pavement is far greater than crashing on the dirt. He disagrees.

Most of the time after crashing in the dirt you stand up brush off, check for broken bike parts and ride away. The crashes on pavement, not so much.

Maybe he will finally get out on the dirt with me now when he heals.

Sent from my iPhone

The Rain made it a Road Morning

2011-05-17T10:17:00.000-06:00

I really wanted to ride my mountain bike this morning. I am lucky enough to be able to ride from my front door and be on a trail in 5 minutes.

Of course the weather forecast listed a 40% chance of rain but sometimes the best rides happen right before the storm. The worst is when you trust the forecast for rain, and don't get up in the morning only to realize you missed out on a beautiful morning ride. I hoped the storm would hold off until later on in the day and keep the dirt dry. Of course when I woke up the ground was wet, but not raining anymore. Road Ride it is!

Usually this is a small creek

One of my favorite things to do in the Springtime is ride my road bike early in the morning preceding or after a rain storm. I enjoy the misty, cool air and smell of the newly growing foliage. The colors of the surrounding terrain are always amplified, having been washed by the recent rain. No one is usually out and about so you have the roads all to yourself to silently ride.

Lots of Spring runoff in the River

If I have enough time to get in a climb up a canyon with the conditions I mentioned above, that is the best. Some of my most memorable Spring morning solo road rides have been riding up Hobble Creek, Payson, or Santaquin Canyons while it was misting or raining lightly.

There is one thing for sure. Looks like this week should provide many damp, crisp road riding mornings.

Time to park the mountain bikes for awhile.

The Commute

2011-05-16T14:06:00.000-06:00

I have procrastinated long enough on the bike commute onto work. Of course the rain and 30F morning temperatures of the past months had something to do with my lack of enthusiasm. But now the morning temps feel nice and crisp.

Bike commuting sure is a good way to get 40 miles of road riding in for the day. 20 in and 20 out. I keep telling myself that I am going to relax to and from work on the bike. But there is something about seeing a ticking clock that makes me ride faster trying to beat my previous time.

Weekly Race Series #1 2011 Video Highlights

2011-05-11T09:58:00.000-06:00

Last week was the first race of the Weekly Race Series at Soldier Hollow. My recap of the race can be found here. Here is the video of the race I took while racing.

Weekly Race Series #1 2011 - Soldier Hollow, Utah from South County Ciclista on Vimeo.

Young Men Moab MTB Trip v.3

2011-05-10T12:00:00.022-06:00

View from Porcupine Rim looking back towards the Lasal Mountains

Last year in May, the Young Men group of 16-18 year old kids I am the advisor for wanted to ride mountain bikes in Moab. The boys enjoyed the day trip to Moab so much that they wanted to incorporate the same mountain bike ride into their summer trip in June of last year. I didn't make the whole 3 day trip with them in June since my wife had just given birth to our 4th child only a week earlier. I did go down for a day trip to help them on the ride.

I just realized that trip in June never made a blog post. Let me sum it up as follows: Boys had a blast again, but not as much as the first time since it was 97F. One boy who didn't ride with us the first time really, really struggled to finish. He had cramps, loss of energy, doubted himself, etc. But he did finish, it was just a really, really slow day. Scratch that, I just remembered I crashed and did write up a small post.

Anyway I figured with the heat of the last ride our Young Men had seen enough of the ride and didn't want to go back. Little did I know in one of their activity planning sessions that I couldn't attend they planned another trip.

Saturday morning we all arose early and met at my house at 5am in order to leave in time to get the rental bikes at Poison Spider Bikes and make the 8:30am Porcupine Shuttle.

Here is what some of the boys had to say about it on their Facebook pages.

Woke up at 4:30 heading to moab for the best 30 mile bike ride ever!! Can't wait lets get it..

Countdown to the annual MOAB bike ride....7 days left.

Here are some of the stats from the ride.

4817 Feet Descended
2457 Calories burned (I wasn't working very hard)
434 Feet Ascended

Gps data from today's ride

Name: Kokopelli, UPS, LPS, Porcupine Rim Trails in Moab, UT
Date: May 7, 2011 9:31 am
Map:
(valid until Nov 3, 2011) View on Map
Distance: 23.8 miles
Elapsed Time: 5:03:37
Avg Speed: 4.7 mph
Max Speed: 25.4 mph
Avg Pace: 12' 46" per mile
Min Altitude: 3,942 ft
Max Altitude: 8,359 ft
Start Time: 2011-05-07T15:31:10Z
Start Location:
Latitude: 38.543371º N
Longitude: 109.310402º W
End Location:
Latitude: 38.580724º N
Longitude: 109.551734º W

Each time I have recorded the ride on my ContourHD camera and made a DVD for the boys so they can show their parents what they accomplished. I still am working on this trip's DVD.

We could only shuttle up to the Kokopelli Trail of the Whole Enchilada this trip because of higher elevation snow. The Porcupine Shuttle is the only way to go. Otherwise you spend so much time trying to drive back up and get the vehicle you left at both ends of the trail. The boys were excited to ride again and test out their bikes.

The weather was nice and sunny with a strong breeze throughout the day. The breeze made it nice so you didn't notice the heat. Of course each boy (and even myself included) had their fair share of slow crashes. But we all made it back safely. After a quick Subway dinner we were home in a couple hours. You have to love the Moab Day trips.

Waiting for the others at the end of the trail

It is so much fun to see kids really get excited about a trip and have such a good time. Of course their ability is improving each time they ride the trail. Some things they could only walk before they now can ride or bomb down. Not bad for kids that don't own and only ride mountain bikes once or twice a year. Although I am not sure if this trip will continue. There is a serious ability difference with the older boys and the younger ones who are coming into the group. Do the younger kids not play outside anymore?

Video clips coming.

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2011-05-06T14:26:00.000-06:00

It has been a good week. Beautiful nice Spring riding weather and fast mountain trails.

Monday - Timp Foothills (Sunday Best Ride)
Tuesday - Timp Foothills (by chance met up with Miles, Elden, and Dug)
Wednesday - Weekly Race Series
Thursday - 20 mile each way bike commute to work. I treat it more like a TT both ways.
Friday - Timp Foothills (Solo ride - I had to try out the new tire)

My legs are tired but I still have the desire to keep on riding.

Tomorrow it is the annual trip to Moab for the Young Men in my neighborhood for them to ride mountain bikes.

So I guess that will make it 6 for 6 this week. Nice!

Name:		Kokopelli, UPS, LPS, Porcupine Rim Trails in Moab, UT
Date:		May 7, 2011 9:31 am
Map: (valid until Nov 3, 2011)		View on Map
Distance:		23.8 miles
Elapsed Time:		5:03:37
Avg Speed:		4.7 mph
Max Speed:		25.4 mph
Avg Pace:		12' 46" per mile
Min Altitude:		3,942 ft
Max Altitude:		8,359 ft
Start Time:		2011-05-07T15:31:10Z
Start Location:
	Latitude:	38.543371º N
	Longitude:	109.310402º W
End Location:
	Latitude:	38.580724º N
	Longitude:	109.551734º W

South County Ciclista

Rigid Ride

Winter RAPR

January, really?

Dad I want to ride some Dirt!

Hometown End of the Year Dirt

Burrrrrritos

The 3 P's of Riding

The Frozen Turkey Ride 2011 Report

The Frozen Turkey Ride

Fitness, where did you go?

Over It or Around It?

Diamond Fork - The Final Descent

Diamond Fork - The Descent Part 2

Diamond Fork - The Descent

Diamond Fork - The Climb

Dawn at Diamond Fork

East Side of the La Sal Mountains

2011 Columbus Day Special Report

Dug's Columbus Day Special Video

2011 Cow Pie Crank Report

Bear Chasing

Crank update

The Arnold Rim Trail

AF Canyon Fall Photos

Straw-beary

The Cow Pie Crank 2011

Night Race Worlds Recap v.4

Cow Pie Crank Update!!!

The Cow Pie Crank

Check Check

Where did that thing go?

Yeti Couches

Saturday's Payson Canyon Ride

Two Bears

The Corner

Good Week

American Fork Canyon Early Morning Meeting

Breckenridge 100 2011 - Loop Three

Breckenridge 100 2011 - Loop Two

Breckenridge 100 2011 - Loop 1

That is a lot of hills

Ride it? or Boot it?

Breckenridge 100 Course Update

Sea Otter Classic Short Track Video

Sea Otter Classic Women's Short Track

Draper

My New Favorite Trail

Crashes from Lake Powell Spring 2011

You decide

Squaw Peak/Timp Foothills Double Loop write up and video

Get on your bikes and ride

Nebo Summit

Morning Ride

Longest Day Ride

It's as good a place as any right?

Bald Mountain v.6

Fifth Water Exploring Video

Fifth Water Exploring

Hobble Creek to Diamond Fork Video

Hobble Creek to Diamond Fork

Hiking with My Kids

Lake Powell Spring 2011

Mr Mom

Lake Powell

Spring Road Ride up Payson Canyon v.1

Puddles

Ride it or Admire it?

Dirt Brushes Off

The Rain made it a Road Morning

The Commute

Weekly Race Series #1 2011 Video Highlights

Young Men Moab MTB Trip v.3

Woke up at 4:30 heading to moab for the best 30 mile bike ride ever!! Can't wait lets get it..

My bike!!

AWESOME WEEKEND! way fun date and night for last chance, then super awesome day mountain biking in moab!! Ahhhh :)

Countdown to the annual MOAB bike ride....7 days left.

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