Bike Riding

I did manage some great bike riding this past weekend.  Saturday, I pulled out the Road bike for a great climbing day.  Hooked up with Nate Brown (who worked with me well at the Bailey Hundo) and a friend of his to put ins some miles and climbing in preparation for the Inaugural Steamboat Stinger this coming weekend.  Plan was to get in some good climbing work and some miles.  Managed to do just that.  Started off with a long climb up Lefthand into Ward and then rolled over to Nederland and up the Shelf Road climb to Eldora.  Never had done that one before and was more awed by the views than chasing Jim up the climb.  We rolled down the Canyon back into Boulder and I was seeking out some more miles, so I hit it up Flagstaff and then rolled down to head to Jamestown.  Thunder boomers were moving in so I decided to go up and over Lee hill.  Problem was 5 hours into the ride and 90+ degree temps I absolutely cracked on Lee Hill.  Came damn near to a standstill and was almost walking it.  Like Phil & Paul say to the climbers who go off the front, “One Mountain too far!”

Here’s some pics of the day

Rolling through Nederland

Heading up the Shelf Climb

After the hike, wanted to really test out my new Stans ZTR 29er Race Gold Wheelset.  Even though my legs were super crushed from the previous days ride and the hike, decided to head over to Hall Ranch and sneak in a quick hour or so on the dirt.  Rolled up antelope trail at a good clip, but really drilled it all the way up the Nelson loop.  Man, I could really feel how much quicker the bike felt underneath me.  Nice and snappy and accelerates super fast on the climbs.  Got up to the Nelson loop and took 2 cracks at it, I think I even bested Von’s time on the loop though there’s 2 different KOM’s on the Strava page.  Weirdly felt really good to go out and just smash it hard.  I ended up trying another crack at Antelope but was already smashed, but still gave it a good go.

Peak to Peak Highway

South St. Vrain… Raced the river on the way down

Strava Route

Afterwards grabbed the whole family and rolled out to the Eagle Trail in Boulder.  Even got Bridget out there on her Giant 29er.  Still learning the ropes and would be a good chance to run the dogs.  It’s one of the few trails that dogs & bikes can both be on in Boulder.  We just rolled down to the reservoir, let the dogs get in and rolled back.  Too warm to go fast for the dogs and a little too much uphill on the way back for Lake.  Poor Lulu was so cooked by the end she was running zig-zags and I don’t think she knew where she was.  Lizzy was barely panting and asking for more!

Lizzy and Lake heading out on the Eagle Trail

Wrapped up the day with some steaks on the grill and beers in the backyard,

West Magnolia

Sunday, headed out to the West Magnolia trails with Frank and Von.  Had heard about these, but never had ridden them.  Drove up to get some extra time on the dirt.  Rolled into the lot, hooked up with Scott Upton & Randall.  They were both sporting some singlespeeds and wanted to romp around a bit on the dirt and check out the SSUSA course that had occurred on the trails the prior day.

Frank was on the gas from the go

Frank took off like a rocket and we chased him around for a bit on the super dry and super fun trails and decided to make our way up to the “Toilet Bowl’, no idea what it was, but I was just following

Wonder if Chris is home?

Went up the trail known as ‘schoolbus’ and soon found out why.  So we decided to explore a bit and check things out.

Boarding the bus

Well, if it got dark we’d have shelter

Seem like we’re on the right bus

We kept chugging upwards and onwards and found some even cooler stuff.  An old abandoned mine & equipment.  I could’ve spent hours checking this stuff out and.  Was super cool to see

Frank the Tank

Built to Last, well over 100 years old I’m thinking..

No thanks, good with plain old dirt

As we went up higher, started running into snow

We kept creeping upwards and were continually running into snow drifts that were a few feet deep.  This was a first for me.  75+ degrees and deep snow on the trail.  We made a bunch of crossings and then reached a point around 9500′ ft where the snow just made the trail unpassable.  We jumped up to the road and tried to make our way up via alternate routes, but the road was just wet and muddy.  Got up a ways to where we needed to access the trails and I believe the quote was ‘There’s a waterfall on the trail there!’ so that turned us around and we just ripped around the trails down lower.  We lost Scott and Randy to a whole bunch of flat tires and rolled on for some more over to the DOT trails.

Gorgeous view of the high country were abound

Strava Route

Ended up with just shy of 3 hours of bike time.  Trails were awesome and by far some of my favorite trails I’ve ridden around locally.  I’ll definitely have to head back.  It’s a pretty intricate network and gonna have to learn those for sure!  All together was a great way to finish of a nice solid block of training and prepare for the Bailey Hundo!

I had wrapped up the Pueblo XC and the big man, Brendan Housler was making his way to Boulder (his report here) to test his 3rd place at Battenkill Pro/1 legs at altitude.  Can his jet engine fire at 5500ft?

He did some mega miles and fared pretty well and was happy to have him come out here and ride for a bit. Even if the dogs ate his bread, I think he still had a great time.  And I certainly hope he comes back, he’s gonna be off to good things these next few seasons.

Climbing up Sunshine Canyon

Jet engines firing up 4 mile canyon

Voodoo Fire RME 70 miler

Headed back down to Pueblo for my first endurance race of the season.  Keep testing the legs and having fun.  A quick change of the course had us doing 3 x 23 mile laps instead of 2 x 35 miles.  No worries, means easier access to the on course feed zones.  Having ridden the trails the weekend before, I knew exactly what I was up against (and this time I would have the corners down).  I hit the start with the front group and just slowly went backwards over the course of the first 2 laps.  It was cold and chilly and my legs weren’t that bad, I just couldn’t ride fast.  Scratching my head, I was on the right lines, just couldn’t keep it up.  I faded a bit on the second lap and almost considered quitting the race.

Decided to just stick out the 3rd lap and have some fun and get in some good training.  Few minutes into the start of the 3rd lap, my rear tire was a little low.  Stopped to put some co2 in it.  As I was spinning the wheel to get to the valve stem, realized the wheel barely turned.  Try again, nope few inches.  Well, that’s what was slowing me down!!  Frigging disc brake was rubbing solid.  Quick fix of that and the wheel spun freely.  I ripped it apart on that final 18 miles.  Was rolling past tons of zombies on the trail who were a bit tired from the days efforts.  Felt like I was flying, guess that I was as I took 10 minutes off of my lap times….

Nothing I could do except laugh and keep on riding.  It was good to just be out there and race.  I managed 16th in my age, 33? Overall.  Not overly disappointed, but I know I can do quite a bit better.  On to the next one I guess

Up next will be the first few days riding with the GBO gang before Fruita MTB Camp (i think they changed their name from GBC at least that’s what the logo looks like

Saturday, hooked up with Von for a little rip at Hall Ranch

As you can see there are some achievements listed on the ride

Ended up not being a very good ride by any means. As soon as we started climbing antelope trail, something that has never happened, my head, eyes, ears, nose started just killing me. Some kind of crazy allergy flare up that pretty much shut me down. Couldn’t even give it any efforts, decided to just spin an extra lap on nelson and head home…. All she wrote not much I could do

Mead Roubaix Recon

Sunday was the FasCat WBL, went out and reconned the upcoming Mead Roubaix race course.

Race course is brutal!

We pretty much just rolled together as a nice group until we hit the race course and then just unload on each other.  Only problem was Frank was the only one who new the course! Thankfully this let us regroup together a few times.

The first dirt section wasn’t that bad, fairly flat some fast corners though but a good fun section of riding.  The next couple of sections got progressively harder.  Super washboarded, rocky and some deep dry sandy sections.

The final section comes after a decent climb that’ll for sure break the group up, but then it is a high speed dump onto some seriously deep and loose dirt.  Rider crashed in front of me and I had to unclip and pretty much walk the uphill section and wasn’t the only one.   It keeps rolling for a bit including having to navigate this sand on the descents.

Getting off and walking makes for a good chase on the sand…

We rolled together back to FasCat as a small group and I my front wheel detonated on a rock on the road.  Luckily Mahtin had the follow car, jumped in the car, booted up the tire and got back in with the group.  Had some more fun racing down past the Res and back to FasCat.  All in all a great day on the bike and tons of fun!

Oh… and still on the fence about racing the Mead-Roubaix as the first Mountain States Cup is the day prior down in Colorado Springs, all depends on how that goes and cash-flow……

Started off Saturday with a gorgeous morning ride with Lake at Eagle Trail.  We spun the dirt road to the trail head and then did a nice lil out and back.  Nice and easy hour ride with him and we covered 5 solid miles of terrain.  Having fun jumping off the rocks and learning to ride the bike

Using his new bar-ends to climb the road

Rolling across the Mesa

After the ride with Lake, I head over to Heil Ranch to pull off the Heil/Hall Double.  While rolling in the lot, hooked up with Matt-o, Batey & Weber and we ripped the trails.  Good to hook up with a group & rail some trails.  With the exception of Weber who was on an Epic 29er, we were all on Superfly 100′s and there’s a good reason for that, they are damn fast bikes! Trail were in primo condition and we rolled up and over to Hall, up Antelope, where Weber turned the screws to us before he departed.  Around the loop and back down the frontside.  Back up and over Picture Rock and ripped it coming down to the lot.  All in all a great day of riding.

Sunday

Sunday decided to go big & go up. Took a route I’ve not been up before. Headed out past Carter Lake, then up Big Thompson Canyon.  I was super hosed from Saturday’s ride.  But Sunday was mostly to just log some time in the saddle.  Rolled it as easy as I could as the next 30 miles was pretty much all climbing up to Estes and beyond (6200ft total on the ride).

Entering Big Thompson Canyon- The Cliff Walls were insane

The Switchbacks going up Devils Gulch

Dropping into Estes Park

Looking back at Estes Park as I Climb out

Climbing out on South St. Vrain

Rolling Past Long’s Peak

All together it was a great route.  I was completely blown and just used it as an experience to take in the sights.  All the pics are up on facebook here.  It was predominately a gorgeous day of riding, but damn it was freezing rolling up on the Peak to Peak.  I didn’t pack any gloves and my hands went numb more than once.  Thankfully was able to get off the road without going hypothermic.  Though descending for 22 miles didn’t do me any favors.  Thankfully it got warmer as I got down lower.  Rolled it to Lyons and limped it home.  Nicely wiped out and ready to reset and rest up for another great week of riding….

Just digging this photo, Plains/Mountains/Big Sky/Horses

Look back on Left Hand Canyon as I climb to Olde Stage

Heil Ranch

Today, needed some good dirt fixin’!  Busted out the Superfly 100 and rolled from the base of Lefthand to the trails for a little warmup.  I put the original Bontrager rims back on the Superfly and needed to break em in a bit.  Couldn’t ask for a better day & place to do it.

Rolling to the trailhead

Climbing up Wapiti, they don’t call it the Rocky Mountains for nothing!

Finally had some legs climbing up Wapiti, though I kept it tame and really wanted to have fun on the downhills.  Shredded it around Wild Turkey and just had fun ripping it up on the trails and enjoying the day.

Overlook from Wild Turkey Trail

Rolled back down the Wapiti, then back up again and looped it on the Ponderosa trail.  I absolutely lvoe the Superfly 100.  The bike just seems to be a natural extension of myself.  Flying down the Ponderosa, was completely on the wrong line heading into a nice chunky sections of rocks.  Just aired it out over the rocks, landed right in the midst and let the bike take it all in.  Chewed it up and spit it out without issue.  On the hardtail would have had to scrub tons of speed as the bike would have easily bucked around off the rocks.

The rocky Ponderosa Trail

After Ponderosa trail, rolled it back down the Wapiti trail.  Super fun descent to finish the ride on.  Just rolling it down the trail and having some fun, even hit a few of the jumps on the way down to keep it fun.

No Complaints when a ride ends with a view like this!

Weather look crazy next few days, hoping that the snow keeps away as some of the trails are a still a few days from being fully open & could use some more time drying out.

With the moderate temps and winds, decided to stay down low and head around Carter Lake.  It was once my go to route last time I was out here and this was only the 1st time I’ve ridden it!

Looking back South from the end of the Lake

Managed to run into Mr. Kerkove near the marina.  He flipped it and rolled around the backside of Carter lake with me.  It was sopping wet from all the melting snow, but still enjoyable to have some company for a short bit before I fought the winds heading back to Boulder

FasCat Winter Bike League

Sunday was another FasCat Winter Bike League ride.  Our way of showing thanks to the community as we invite FasCat clients and friends for a good ride.  Had a huge headcount of around 60/70 or so when we rolled out.  Unfortunately the pace was a bit high heading north and we lost a few for sure, but it heated up even more on the climbs.

We climbed up South St. Vrain for a ways.  Held onto the front group for as long as I could until it just shattered as everyone wanted to race Zirbel to the top

Slowly picked off a few after getting dropped from the initial surges

The front group makes it way up the climb as I slobbered on my stem

Didn’t feel too bad getting dropped, such is life…

After St. Vrain we rolled up Rabbit mt, where again I was one of the first chasers off the front group

Front group is a little closer this time!

And again after we all regrouped we decided to keep on climbing and headed up LeftHand Canyon to the Ward/Jamestown split.  Not too many people left on the ride at this point and I hung on for dear life for the first mile and half or two and then picked off a few stragglers but always seemed out of reach of the front group on Sunday.  Not too bad as it was really my first true hard efforts of the season within a group setting and nothing like trying to hang onto some fit dudes who can climb in order to jumpstart your fitness!  All in all pretty happy and set some new power numbers for this season at the end of a pretty solid block.

Naturally this week is a rest week and the weather is 60′s all week!  But should be good as I’ll be doing an MLSS test on Thursday, excited to see where I stand! Hopefully not on the bottom!

In other news, got Bridget a new car!!  Having 1 vehicle was getting to be a pain in the arse and she needed something for her commute to her new job in Broomfield

Headed out with the big cat Frank himself for a short bit, up and over 4 mile, then up Poormans and down Sunshine. I dropped Frank off and headed up to Jamestown for some more climbing.

Pic above is only 1 I managed, but it’s downtown Jamestown. As you can see it’s a busy place! Rolled it back down and headed north to Lyons to loop it & head back to Boulder.

Finally feeling really solid on the bike & making the gains where needed Not quite race ready, but no longer feeling like death after every little climb. I still feel like my mouth is stuffed with a t-shirt when the going gets tough, but for now z2 & tempo feel pretty comfortable. Which is pretty much where I need to be this time of the year.

I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow as I want to ride my mountain bike on trails, it’s been way to long!

On Wednesday as I was heading out the door, my training partner Sonya Looney peeked her head in the door at FasCat as she was heading out.  She was on her mountain bike and I was on my road bike, so decided to follow along with her for a bit until we departed ways.

Rolling up Sunshine Canyon in Short Sleeves and Shorts

We rolled up Sunshine Canyon, then down Poormans road and climbed up 4 mile.   While on 4 mile Sonya decided to do a lil interview on the bike, pretty funny, check it out here…  We split on 4 mile as she headed up high to trudge through 8 foot snow drifts and defeat mountain lions with nothing but an ipod shuffle.  I rolled 4 mile till I hit the dirt and then flipped it back around to the base of Poormans.

Going up….

Climbed up Poormans on the dirt and then when I hit Sunshine, kept heading up till Sunshine turned to dirt and flipped it back down.

Gorgeous day up high can even see the High Peaks

All in all, really Can’t beat it.  2 gorgeous days in a row.  Weather is all over the place right now for the weekend, so not so certain what I’ll be doing for this weekend.  Hoping that the trails dry out, but no idea if it’ll happen or not.  Guess will wait and see

Girl Talk- All Day

We ventured up Sunshine Canyon, down Poorman rd and 4 mile making our way up Magnolia road.  It was a climb that I’d never done before, but kinda always wanted to do.  Definitely wasn’t disappointed.

Great view of the Valley Below

It definitely didn’t disappoint.  It was uber steep in the beginning, loaded with switchbacks (enough so that some silly texan ended up in the guardrail.  Sorry buddy but 3 chicks and a skinny dude aren’t gonna push you out!).  At that point Lindsay and Caitlyn turned around and headed back while Sonya and I trudged on to Peak to Peak.

It was about here that I lost all feeling in my digits, but the views of the High Peaks were worth it!

We hit the dirt section where it was nice and rolling over the top.  Temps started to drop a bit and the winds were apocalyptic.  I was a little under prepared and had some thing gloves on, thus when we stopped to flip it at Peak to Peak, I suffered from the dreaded ‘fire-hands’.  I was kinda actually thankful though, as I knew as soon as got them my hands would be warm.  But it was a bit painful and gut wrenching, I survived though and had warm hands for the descent back to town.

All Smiles with the Tailwinds!

We hit town and I dropped Looney off and rolled it for another hour home to Longmont.  In the sunshine with the gloves off!!

Magnolia 7% for over an hour…. like to hit it in the summer with the road bike, at least for a kick ass descent

Sunday

Sunday was gorgeously warm day.  But the winds were insane.  I couldn’t get out till later and they were at 20+ mph sustained and 45 mph gusts.  Made me feel the prior days fatigue twice as much.  Grinding away into the headwind.  I had planned to go up again.  Headed up Lefthand Canyon, but when I was doing 1.5mph as hard as I could go uphill due to the insane gusts, I flipped it.  Headed up over Olde Stage and Lee Hill.  I promptly broke my chain climbing up Lee Hill on the switchback.  I managed not to crash as I was up and out of the saddle pushing it pretty hard.  I think it’s all the mtb chains I’ve snapped, but this was my first road chain.  Something has been ingrained in my head to que on that sound and let off the gas so I don’t crush my knee or nuts on the stem.  I spent some time on the side of the road fixing the chain and let’s just say it definitely wasn’t PG-13.  Finally got it rolling, made it up over Lee Hill and rolled it back to Longmont.  Short a lil bit of time, but glad to have escaped the wind and not have ended up in a ditch!

Gonna be a killer week of warm riding, hoping the trails are rideable by the end of the week!