Sea Otter '02

A decade ago(sounds cool) I was on the best form of my life!  It was 2002, Andrea and I had just moved into our first house together in Tucson, I was working a super easy job answering 411 info calls for Verizon at a call center from 2pm - 6pm Mon-Sat, and training was going really good.

ready for a good weekend!

I had raced at the Sea Otter classic as a pro the last 3 years in a row and the results were consistently getting better and better.  I knew the Sea Otter was a big race with lots of tough competition, but with the start on the Laguna Seca I knew everyone had an equal chance at getting a good jump.

Andrea and I made the drive from Tucson and stayed in Cambria, CA.  The next morning we woke up and had an awesome drive up the coast and arrived in Monterrey...ready for stage 1.  The Fatboy Crit.  10 years later I don't remember the race at all, but according to the training diary I was in the second group???

The next day was the Time Trial...I was 32nd  then the Short Track on Saturday...24th not bad...

10th or so wheel around the first corner in a purple/yellow Hayes jersey

The XC was what I was really gunning for though....and I finally had that good start I was hoping for...in the top 10 at the top of the raceway and into the dirt.  Ready to suffer for 2 big laps.  The only part of the race I really remember was early on passing JHK and Wells on a climb, and then on the final climb I was going up with a group of 5 including Travis Brown.  He kept telling me to slow down...so I did.....experienced veteran mentally out does the young gun.....I also remember passing Andrea who was doing the one lap race as she was on her final climb also.  Travis dropped me on the downhill and onto the track and then finished 15th.  I was 17th.  2nd American.  I was pumped and to this day still feel it was one of the best rides of my career.  Check out the names that use to show up to the Sea Otter...now its just Canada vs USA.

I can't find the results from 2002....but below is the top 88 in the GC in 1999 - check it out...some pretty big names in there even on the 2nd page.  There were 110 GC finishers and en entire 4th page of DNF's with more big names like Larsen, Gould, Fumic, Tcherkasson, Kalberer etc

Results sheet from 1999

Wish I had the results from 2002

One month later I went on to win the Cat 2 Tour of the Gila...I better start studying this old training diary!

Eagles and Horses

Its the time of the season where I just have to saddle up and get the job done.  Last weekend we went to Eagle River for a little variety and some awesome roads to train on.  It was a quick trip, but always worth it to have a relaxing weekend in the Northwoods!

Back on it yesterday for a 50+ miler with Tristan and today for a solo 60+ miler.  It was windy today.  I tried to use the old reverse psychology tactic on the fatigue level today.  Go with the wind and get as far away from home as possible.  I made it to Manitowoc and then proceeded to ride into a cold stiff headwind for almost 2 hours - bad idea.  Good thing the new Momentum Endurance clothing from LG is comfy and warm!  It was a little brutal, but mission accomplished.  Half way through Base One.

Found this ugly guy in the lake up in Eagle River anybody know what it is?

This is also the time of year where I spend a lot of time dialing in the deals with sponsors and supporters.  I'd  like to thank Bontrager for stepping up and helping out a ton this year.  The new RXXXL road shoes are awesome, anytime you can throw on a pair of shoes and just start cranking out the miles with no discomfort, you know they nailed it....gotta check them out.  I'm thankful for the continued and added support from the Trek family.  Also pumped to be in talks w/ Shimano again for the upcoming cross season and continued support w/ mtb parts.  It's sweet to be working with the best.

80 degrees in the cabin - Andrea loves it...

Last but not least, Hyundai.  Just had a meeting with the boss over at Hyundai and I'm happy to announce they are on board again for another season of racing.  They are definitely one of my biggest supporters.  Now to decide...the trusty Touring or a new Accent at 40mpg???  If you are in the market for a great car w/ a great warranty and great gas mileage let me know...I gotta guy!

Fresh Start

Just finished up w/ an awesome weekend hanging with the family and enjoying the last weekend of not "officially" training.  Things started off pretty good w/ a sweet Easter care package from the guys at Bontrager....shoe covers, gloves, a really sweet old school Bontrager cycling cap and some of the most comfortable bib shorts that I have ever ridden.  With the new array of accessories I had to go out and pedal the bike a bit this weekend! 

At the end of the ride on Saturday I swung by the new RACC / GearGrinder team managers house and picked up all my new team clothing.  Motivation to go out for a ride Sunday after an awesome Easter brunch.

Don't worry though...plenty of time over the weekend watching the Brewers, The Masters, and River Monsters!

Now its Monday...start of a new week and time to "officially" start training for the season.  First ride in the books today!  AVG HR 95, AVG Speed 11.6 & AVG Power 108.  Mission Accomplished!

The first MTB race is 4 weeks away...if you want a sweet training plan you can check this out.

I'm really excited to start this season w/ the support of my family and all my sponsors.  Check them out on the left side of the screen!

my thumbs hurt

The off-season is almost over.  The forced rest was pretty painful in many ways(not really just being dramatic for a gripping blog read)! 

First off it was just painful to not be riding a bike.  The forced rest was an evil necessity though...gotta let the body rest up and be ready to go for the season.  I did cheat a little and ride a few times this weekend.



With a little extra time on my hands I have been having fun w/ Strava.  Sometimes you need an excuse for a destination on a ride.  All Strava segments for Sheboygan county should be dialed in by the end of base period.  So far Mt. Hingham Climb, Silver Spring Climb, and my faovrity LT testing grounds the Lakeshore TT!

Also a little pain with the temps - I got soft in Tucson.  Riding bikes at 38 degrees and overcast is not quite as cool as 70 and sunny.  For that matter same goes for doing yard work...

Last but not least I spent a day ripping tubulars off of my cross wheels from last season.  No way I was going to roll one of those things off the rim.  My thumbs hurt after that one....now they are all off and most of the wheels are HEDing back to MN for some testing and then getting recycled to a Jr. program.

6 days to go and my season officially starts....yours can too if you want a top secret training plan for WORS #1 @ Iola

I also like to start the season with a clean garage!  Check out the FOR SALE page and buy something!