Famous

http://utahcyclingtabloid.blogspot.com/2009/05/theres-something-salty-in-my-mouth-its.html

Antelope Island was a learning experience. 4's went off a 8:20, my clock said 8:19 and it seems I had missed them by 2 minutes. I chased solo for 1.5 hours but remained 2 minutes down. Lesson 1: show up to the line early. Lap 1 was pretty fun. I came upon quite a scene at the "Sarlacc Pit." I wish I had more time, it would have made a good picture. The water had settled, but there were about 7 different water bottles scattered around it. I didn't know what was in there, but I could deduce from the evidence that it wasn't safe to find out.

It was pretty out there and I really enjoyed the rain. It felt so clean and it was just warm enough to not die of hypothermia. It also cleaned my white bar tape, so now I don't really have to replace it for another couple months.

It really was beautiful, especially on the road out the ranch. I was enjoying myself ('cause that's all I had) quite nicely... Then I blew up and my rear tire decided to join me. Of course I had some wheels in the support car, but it wasn't anywhere near me so I started walking back. Lesson 2: bring a tube and cartridge even if you have wheels in the car.

After walking for a few minutes, I was offered a ride in the back of the 5's truck (see picture above). Sorry for not having my number visible when I crossed the line. The truck seemed like a good idea at first, but as I look back on it, I probably should have cut my Tan Tan open with my lightsaber first (take that Star Wars reference L'autobus).

It wasn't very warm back there, and it definitely was windy. Conveniently enough, I was soaked. Dave Cole and Bryce Young were kind enough to join me just after the finish, and provided lovely company and stimulating conversation while we crossed the causeway. Cheers to them for going the extra mile. Quite the remarkable fellows.

This weekend?: Sherwood Hills MTB race. Hopefully I can watch some good crit racing before I head up there.

A new level of motivation

Today I have a reached a new and never before visited level of motivation: I'm planning my own season. In years past I have either flown ("ka-kaaa") by the seat of my pants, or asked a friend to give me a schedule (thanks Rico). Both have brought me levels of success, but both were somewhat lazy as I wasn't an extremely active participant in either.

Today is different. I'm going to do it, and I feel good about it. "Juice by Kevin! Juice by Kevin!! Kevin's got Juice!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuzNohk5cYw&feature=fvst warning: this clip will not motivate you, but it has good music and you'll get the juice qoute).

True to its name

This picture was taken post bottle bath. The race was a mess, but it was a good time for sure. I hope everyone is ok that went down on the dirt road 2/3 laps in.

This wasn't my best race, especially in comparison to last years performance, but it wasn't all that bad either. Halfway down the last stretch of dirt I started having shifting issues and couldn't quite keep pace with the group so I ended up coming in 11th. Good to see Krafty and the rest of ya's out there.

I'm thinking about doing the Depot, but I'm not sure. The cross bike isn't exactly the best TT bike, so I might have to make up for the lack of aerodynamics with my sweet TT helmet and a long sleeve skin suit.

It's been a while...

Since I last raced... Or posted anything on this blog (sorry). But one of my favorite races is coming up this weekend: The Hell of the North!!!! I really can't wait. Looks to be good weather (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/84104?from=dayDetails_topnav_undeclared)

Nothing like 08.

(I don't know who this Zazoosh character is, but he/ she sure makes me look pretty)

Last year we all got our butts handed to us nicely a guy name Reed Wycoff. Hopefully he's in a different category, you know he'll be there.

I have missed a lot of workouts this spring, but I still feel somewhat fit, so it will be interesting.

Here's something funny Fogarty sent me once:

Cyclists are the biggest sandbaggers and secret trainers around. They'll say anything to soften you up for the kill. Don't let this happen to you. Study this handy rider's phrasebook to find out what they really mean when they say:

"I'm out of shape"

Translation: I ride 400 miles a week and haven't missed a day since the Ford administration. I replace my 11-tooth cog more often than you wash your shorts. My body fat percentage is lower than your mortgage rate.

"I'm not into competition. I'm just riding to stay in shape"

Translation: I will attack until you collapse in the gutter, babbling and whimpering. I will win the line sprint if I have to force you into oncoming traffic. I will crest this hill first if I have to grab your seat post and spray energy drink in your eyes.

"I'm on my beater bike"

Translation: I had this baby custom-made in Tuscany using composites blessed by the Pope. I took it to a wind tunnel and it disappeared. It weighs less than a fart and costs more than a divorce.

"It's not that hilly"

Translation: This climb lasts longer than a presidential campaign. Be careful on the steep sections or you'll fall over -- backward. You have a 39x23 low gear? Here's the name of my knee surgeon.

"This is a no-drop ride"

Translation: I'll need an article of your clothing for the search-and- rescue dogs.

"It's not that far"

DH's Translation: Bring your passport

We're off to see the wizard.

Rico, Tanner, Daren and I are going to Dorothy country today. We'll take some pictures and keep good log (Rico's got his laptop).

Got a cooler full of sodie-pop, some great movies (thanks to our sponsor Ali), and a Super Nintendo. Oh yeah, and we're going to race bikes!!!!!!

Should be some good times.

"See you in the funny papers."

WoooooWhoooooo!!!!!!

What a fun couple of weeks! Racing has been awesome these last month.

I'll start with Boulder. Saturday: My heart rate was sky high during warm-up, but I couldn't feel anything in my legs. Once I got into the thick of it, my legs felt like crap and I ended up finishing 43rd. No snap. It was disappointing to say the least.

Sunday: My legs felt great and my heart looked healthy. I started 6 rows back (thanks to local racers getting the call up) but quickly moved up to 17th in a few laps. I came around one of the 180's and hit a hump in the apex. I managed to unweight my front wheel just enough to go down. I rode to the pits to find my 2nd bike and couldn't find it! I ran two laps around the pits in a panic. Finally I found it and got back into it in the mid-30's. After a lap of feeling like a steaming heap of dung, I found my rhythm and gave it all I could. In the end I finished 23rd, just four spots down from last years effort (without a crash).

Saturday at Heber was a blast. I really like the grassy courses and this one has just enough. During the warm-up I couldn't stop smiling (on a trainer, I know weird huh?). I knew I was going to have a good day. I caught Rico in just a few laps and with him and Jared, we caught Mr. O'leary. We all had some good pulls, but Rico blew us up with 3 to go when Jared picked up a little hitch-hiker in his derailer. Conor was the only one strong enough to hang on.

In the end, Jared kicked my butt and Conor got Rico. Not a bad day.

On Sunday, the wife, Brandon Cross and I made the short drive to Pocatello to try and dethrone Sam and become the King of Cross. Last year I got my butt kicked by this course, but I decided I had better give it a chance. Sam made some changes (like this killer run-up) and it was awesome!!! I had ton of fun.

This (above) was one of the fellas from Victor, ID. Super cool guys who run the Moose Cross. Poor guy had a colision with his teammate, Dave, in the first lap. I crashed just before them on a slippery tree root.

Sam had us going through this giant Tony the Tiger mouth. A nice touch. He put together one of the better courses I've ridden. The only thing missing was Bob Walker handing out 5's on the run up. Last year it paid for my gas. Oh well, I didn't go for the money.

'

SLC representation was kind of weak, but I did my best to show them how it's done in the 801, and finished fourth. If you didn't go, you missed out. Sorry, it's the truth. Cheer up though, there's always next year.

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On to more recent events, last Saturday at Wheeler was a barrel-of-monkeys-fun! I usually have my worst finishes at Wheeler, but I ended up feeling great. It was the best course I have seen there. Lots of good flow and still some good and slippery sections (I almost lost my shoe on the off-camber section). Brian G. and I put had a pretty good run. He edged me out for the finish by a foot or so. Best wishes to a speedy recovery Mr. Harward.

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Who's taking pictures these days? I need to gloat in my own awesomeness. It's hard to remember how good I look (and how fast I am) in the middle of the week when I don't have any pictures to look at. Hook a brother up.

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Cutthroat Cross on Sunday was the best race I have ever been to! Both the course (my favorite lunch-ride) and the competition were top shelf. Art, Matt and Rico all gave me a run for my money. Keeping it interesting (and painful) throughout the whole race. I'd like to see a picture of the grimaces we all were wearing, and again to see how good I looked. Rico has some good pain faces on his blog.

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Big thanks to the girls of the Pink Palace for watching my puppy during the race,and to the fellows at Cutthroat for putting it on (Thanks Steve, Daniel and Rico). Matt, you should book this as an early season Sunday course for next season, or we should just do it again next year with the Cutthroat team. By the way, for a race Sponsored by a Brew Pub, shouldn't there have been more beer? Just a thought.

Leave of absence

Due to new restrictions on internet use at work and a downed computer at home, I will likely not be updating for a week or so.

Big thanks to A-train and Krafty for the good times and transportation. Boulder was a blast! I had a good day on Sunday getting 23rd after crashing.

See you at the races.