There was a WoSquatch sighting at the shop today! He apparently does ride a bike still....we have 4 witnesses present to corroborate our sighting! So if you just can't believe it please verify w/ Ray, Logan, Sammy, or the OG Squatch
It is a great day on Brookside!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
eureka in febuary
We recently spent some time at a cabin at lake leather wood it was great to have the trails just outside our cabin door the north facing slopes still were under 5 inches of snow but overlook and miners rock were almost clear the bride over Leathewood creek was washed out so the snowy stuff was hard to get to any way. It was a little muddy off the ridges but very rideable.Pete and Clay ventured to Hobbs on the way home and reported it dry and mud free and its only 20 minutes from Eureka so if you need a trail riding fix this is a good choice we also watched the Madi Gras Parade drank a bunch of Fat Tire and had a blast.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Pic of the Year?
I know it's early in the season, but I can safely say this is my favorite pic of 2010. Thanks Flat Rock Ranch and Jimmy Dreiss for the photo.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Miles of Discomfort
After our pre-ride on Friday night we were looking forward to getting a race/training ride on our Fat Tire Bikes. We had a great pre-race dinner at a pizzeria in Bourne, TX and had some great conversation with some locals. Headed to the hotel for some sleep and be ready to line up on Saturday. Of course Renshaw's daughter had to know at 1am what time her daddy was racing, it scared the hell out of me. I thought that I was at the fire station and had adrenaline pumping, took a bit to fall back to sleep; thanks Heather!
So, We opted for a warm-up in the van with the heater and jumped on the bikes. At 8:30 we lined up, some 7 time Tour De France winner lined up next to Renshaw. Shortly after the start a small group was formed at the front; Armstrong, Scott Henry, Brian Fawley, Wiley (TX Specialized Rep), Dave something or the other, myself, and some dude named Chris Eatough. About 50min into the race Dave Notactics decides to attack a world class road racer on the beginning of a jeep road? Yeah, think a better option would have been to wait until the single track, Lance looked over at him and grabbed a few gears and was gone!
The chase started, guys were trying close gaps all over the place. I settled into a spot in 5th for a spell, I was trying to close the gap to Eatough and Dave Notactics. After chasing for a bit I backed off the gas and settled in and tried to just regroup myself. I started feeling pretty good going into the second lap, and then all hell broke loose, or all hell thawed out! The frozen ground was no longer, the trail turned to muck! My Voodoo Canzo (which I truly like) gummed up like crazy, with a 2.1 tire I can't stick my pinkie between the frame and tire.
This obviously created a headache, after stopping multiple times to unclog the mud, and pushing my bike with the rear wheel locked up; well I "Ray Halled it" at least that is what my friends are saying. Funny how short people's memories are on your determination to finish previous races. I've raced on my rear rim in 1998, raced on my front rim in 2008, changed multiple flats, repaired broken chains, and now I've gone to DNF Ray?
Rough start to the season, but I'm actually really motivated and excited for some racing this year. This is the first season since being hired on the Fire Department that I have stuck to a training plan, and I am breaking 10 hours a week. So, I hope to get rid of my new nickname.
Happy roller riding...
Friday, January 29, 2010
Miles of Discomfort
Ray Hall and Chris Renshaw decided to escaped the winter weather of Tulsa and headed west of San Antonio for the 50 Miles of Discomfort. The Two will line up tomorrow against a competitive field consisting of the usually suspects in Texas, but with the addition of race veterans Lance Armstrong and Chris Eatough. The two are using this race a warm-up to prepare for the Ouachita Challenge, but obviously hope to mix it up with two cycling legends. Stay tuned for a race report tomorrow.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
2011 SRAM XO 10 Speed
Hey Tulsa...you heard/saw it here first:
Looks pretty kick ass….....lower priced alternative to XX (whodathunk XO would be the lower priced alternative) Hope they make a 24t inner ring up front…..looks like it goes to 10speed, but still no twistys....
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
918 xc bob sled team
We are just waiting for Niner to release thier newest carbon fiber sled then we are going Olympic Jamaica watch out!
First tracks at Turkey
The glorious although sometimes cold trail conditions of the last month are over for now. We gathered up the dogs put on our winter gear and headed up to turkey early Xmas morning for some hiking. It was pretty hard going deep drifts and hidden icy rocks made for some difficult hiking and i busted twice. But when we reached our bluff over look Tulsa was silent, The sky a deep blue and the new snow glistened. Heres a few pics,
Friday, December 18, 2009
2x9 the good stuff
What were we thinking dragging around that third chain ring all these years. Yesterday i rode with a traditional triple crank and today with a 2x9 24 36 chain ring combo. It was night and day. crisper shift up front and 9 usable cogs in both rings on the back. did i miss my 22 tooth on the triple not really i sought out the steepest stuff i could find at Turkey and rode it all. The big ring didnt snag logs i was amazed. On the way back to my house riding down 71 st. hill i though this is where i will miss that big ring but i didnt spin out just got it down into the small cogs on the back and all was good. Ray gave the low down on installing the 2x9 crank and installation was easy at least on my bike. 2x9 is the good stuff.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Picture of the Year!!!!?????
Houston/Jacksonville Game on Sunday
This is a picture of an event during Sunday's game during a timeout at the Texans/Jaguars game this past Sunday.
I think it is self explanatory.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Happy Holidays!
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the
918XC Race Team Christmas Party tomorrow night.
918XC Race Team Christmas Party tomorrow night.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Turkey at Turkey ride
Perhaps the Wild Turkey should be reintroduced to Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area? Oh never mind they are already there.Great turn out for an underground Tulsa tradition. The B.O.M.B Chics got it goin on cant remember when i have had so much fun riding!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
state championship cross race
some pics from the state cross race at the skate park. turned out to be a nice day and we had a great time.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A box of dirt
Pete and Clay accompanied by Liz and Pierson attended the Slaughter Pen Jam last weekend in Bentonville Ark, Big Daddy who was doing some remodeling decided to sit it out. Pete was in contention for a victory in the 4 race dynasty of dirt series short track and Clay had a shot at a cross country podium spot Liz and Pierson were moral support.Pete placed second in the short track which was good enough for the over all short track title. Clays race didnt go as well as we all hoped for but he still had a solid finish look for big things from my son in law in the future. Petes prize for the series was a box of dirt! as well as some swag.
The Trail system got rave reviews and we plan a trip to ride there in the near future cudos to Progessive Trail Designs for construction and Bentonville in general for supporting this facility.
There were come concerns voiced about the race in general. One was only two porta pottys for several hundred people and two days of racing. Yuck for sure.
The Trail system got rave reviews and we plan a trip to ride there in the near future cudos to Progessive Trail Designs for construction and Bentonville in general for supporting this facility.
There were come concerns voiced about the race in general. One was only two porta pottys for several hundred people and two days of racing. Yuck for sure.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Chandler CX Part II
As this fall turns back into summer cross carries on. Temps for this Saturday afternoon race were in the 80's! Raton set up a fast course that you could really rail. It included a short, but super sweet downhill turning into an off camber set of barricades. It's still really strange blazing downhill on super skinny tires and sporting road bars off-road. But, I'm really enjoying the racing and mixing it up with some different guys. And, as a bonus, training sessions are shorter, albeit more intense.
I was the lone 918XC representative today as Ray is in moving hell, Merit took the weekend off and Pete was representin in Arkansas. I got a much better start this week, but didn't have the legs of last week. Still, it was a great battle. Logan, my teammate on the mountain bike, gave me hell for the entire hour and would have gotten me if not for some chain issues. We chased the leaders, but the luck I had at Mohawk ran out as I ran out of real estate. Wound up finishing 5th, again, in the 1,2,3 race.
Raton had a rough one, catching a wheel and hitting the deck at the start. He came flying past me on the 2nd lap only to roll a tire soon afterward. This on top of promoting the race had to make for a long day. Thanks, Raton, for another fine one.
I was the lone 918XC representative today as Ray is in moving hell, Merit took the weekend off and Pete was representin in Arkansas. I got a much better start this week, but didn't have the legs of last week. Still, it was a great battle. Logan, my teammate on the mountain bike, gave me hell for the entire hour and would have gotten me if not for some chain issues. We chased the leaders, but the luck I had at Mohawk ran out as I ran out of real estate. Wound up finishing 5th, again, in the 1,2,3 race.
Raton had a rough one, catching a wheel and hitting the deck at the start. He came flying past me on the 2nd lap only to roll a tire soon afterward. This on top of promoting the race had to make for a long day. Thanks, Raton, for another fine one.
Due to my affection for suffering, I headed to Stillwater for the XC race on Sunday. I knew during warmup that it was going to be a long race as the legs just weren't coming around. I gave it a go and had 2 decent laps working my way to 2nd behind teammate Chris before I completely came unravelled and started to go backwards the next 2 laps. It was a great time, though. The course was in great shape and I got to spend time with good friends. We had an awesome 918 presence. Hopefully someone will recap this OK season ending race.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Mohawk CX
Masochism-gratification gained from pain, deprivation, degradation, etc., inflicted or imposed on oneself, either as a result of one's own actions or the actions of others, esp. the tendency to seek this form of gratification.
After a process of elimination I have self diagnosed myself as a masochist. That's the only explanation for my addiction to racing. Pain; obviously, legs, lungs, etc.. Deprivation; Ginger missing handups, or pulling them back at the last minute. Degradation; the jeers and taunts by the beer swilling crowd as I run through mud and hurdle barriers while trying to ride fast through a taped maze. But, cyclocross takes the pain, deprivation, and degradation to a new level. At least the support group meets every Sunday at the park all fall and into the winter.
Mike, Chris and Co. laid out a brutal course made very difficult by 2 stretches of deep mud. They also found the only rise at Mohawk and made us cross it like 100 times...from basically a dead stop coming off a 180. Good work guys!
One of the 180s
Merit and Pete joined me at the start line on this absolutely perfect Sunday afternoon. The race started fast with a 1 mile prologue on the road before hitting the dirt. I missed my pedal at the start (twice) and found myself nearly last rolling the double track. Nice. I burned a half pack of matches to get near the front before entering the course. Once there, groups quickly formed as the fastest guys got to motoring. I spent the race chasing and did a decent job, chasing myself into the money. Had the unusual circumstance of actually having enough real estate to catch a rider (Raton) before the finish. Raton is one tough mother.
Thanks Lee's Bicycles, Mike Mullane, Chris Fonderen, Jeff, Jack, and everyone else. Thanks, Heidi, for the pics. And last, but no way least, HUGE thanks to Ray for letting me break in his brand new Stevens Team fully decked out in SRAM Red! Ray had a family emergency in Houston and couldn't make the race. He let me use his bike before he even had a chance to ride it! The bike was rock solid and worked absoultely perfect in the less than perfect conditions. Thanks Ray and 918XC. The best team/teammates around!
The Coach
After a process of elimination I have self diagnosed myself as a masochist. That's the only explanation for my addiction to racing. Pain; obviously, legs, lungs, etc.. Deprivation; Ginger missing handups, or pulling them back at the last minute. Degradation; the jeers and taunts by the beer swilling crowd as I run through mud and hurdle barriers while trying to ride fast through a taped maze. But, cyclocross takes the pain, deprivation, and degradation to a new level. At least the support group meets every Sunday at the park all fall and into the winter.
Mike, Chris and Co. laid out a brutal course made very difficult by 2 stretches of deep mud. They also found the only rise at Mohawk and made us cross it like 100 times...from basically a dead stop coming off a 180. Good work guys!
One of the 180s
The bog
Merit and Pete joined me at the start line on this absolutely perfect Sunday afternoon. The race started fast with a 1 mile prologue on the road before hitting the dirt. I missed my pedal at the start (twice) and found myself nearly last rolling the double track. Nice. I burned a half pack of matches to get near the front before entering the course. Once there, groups quickly formed as the fastest guys got to motoring. I spent the race chasing and did a decent job, chasing myself into the money. Had the unusual circumstance of actually having enough real estate to catch a rider (Raton) before the finish. Raton is one tough mother.
Thanks Lee's Bicycles, Mike Mullane, Chris Fonderen, Jeff, Jack, and everyone else. Thanks, Heidi, for the pics. And last, but no way least, HUGE thanks to Ray for letting me break in his brand new Stevens Team fully decked out in SRAM Red! Ray had a family emergency in Houston and couldn't make the race. He let me use his bike before he even had a chance to ride it! The bike was rock solid and worked absoultely perfect in the less than perfect conditions. Thanks Ray and 918XC. The best team/teammates around!
The Coach
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Bad News
I just discovered that there will be No Mas or Minos for 2010 visit Desert Sports Web site for the sad details. Truely one of the best events i have ever attended and in a unique atmosphere. I just hope the problems can be solved for next year.
Monday, October 19, 2009
1st Tulsa CX Race of the season
Since I returned from Canada my focus has been on CX, started doing my drills at the rodeo arena, running, and I even started doing intervals! The day before the Chandler race I decided that 918XC would have a full team setup, we brought the grill, dogs n buns, and a cooler with the beer!
Renshaw decided that he would giver a go, borrowed a bike and lined up in his old man age group! Of course he dominated the old guy class and won! Robertson truly impressed me with his 200lbs body, he was dismounting and jumping the barricades like a gazelle!
In the 1,2,3 field it was myself (Ray), Pete Ridilla, Merit Day, and Logan Luker (wore sound pony kit and I think that is cool, were sponsored by Soundpony also). I missed the first cross race and avoided the practice races, I wanted to wait and see how I was improving. From the gun I punched it and gave a true effort, Ankne didn't take long to pull around me, damn that cat is fast! The back hill run/barricades were kicking my arse! I fumbled on the first two laps, and burped my tire and dropped my chain on the third lap. Surprisingly my gap on third was already secure, but any chance of catching Ankne were long gone! 20 minutes into the race I was feeling strong and kept putting in hard efforts throughout the course. My main goal each season is to challenge Mat, and I am not giving up on that goal! I ended up in 2nd with a solid gap on 3rd, the entire race I was looking for Paul Bonds. Afterwards I learned he had flatted and spent the race on the chase!
After the race I encouraged Ankne to eat as many hotdogs as he could... I need to slow him down!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
CARPe Diem aka Camp Roberson Race
The Arkansas guys are having a race at Camp Roberson near Little Rock Oct 18. Live music, Belly dancers and rumor has it maybe Fat Tire Bruskis oh yah mountain bike racing too. Check it out at www.carpediemmtbfest.com
SpringHill and Mountain Magazine
Pete and myself spent a few days in Arkansas last week camping and seeing some stuff we had long over looked we also hit the Spring hill race. Pete rode the mostly uphill 10 miles to the top of Mount Magazine from our camp site at Cove Lake he made it look easy. oh to be 26 again and not have a broken foot! From there it was a short drive to Fort Smith and Spring hill Park which was not a bad place to spend a day or two. The course was described as flat and fast and so it would prove to be. Cloudy windy rainy conditions were the norm for race day and the trail deteriorated as the day went on the races were fast, lap times impressive, packs for 3 and 4 riders were smoking by the finish line making for some exciting sprint finishes.Chris easily won his race as did Sammy I think, K.C was second and in the cat1. seniors Jeusus the hammer put the hammer down second was at least 4 minutes behind. Logan,Pete and an Araksas rider all finished with in a minute of so of each other Logan was third the Arkansas rider fourth and Pete on his wheel for fifth. As is usual with races in the Natural State the grill was fired up and lunch was proved very hospitable folks are our Arkansas mountain bike friends.As a support person i learned something when your supporting two riders working together hand ups can get rather exciting!
Happy Trails
Big Daddy
Happy Trails
Big Daddy
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Northwest Arkansas Mtb Championships
With low expectations regarding trail conditions, Ginger and I headed to Devils Den State Park for the 21st running of the NW AR Mtb Championship race. Crazy to think that they have been holding this race since 1988! They have some pics from racing back then. Jean shorts and mullets were the kits of the day! This is always one of my faves of the year. With trials, XC, and downhill events, it brings a bunch of bike geeks together that otherwise wouldn't. Great people along with it being a Saturday race and a great awards ceremony with FREE food (homemade ice cream!) makes for an awesome weekend. Have I mentioned how much I like Saturday races?!? Anyway, the Ridillas showed up. Unfortunately Big Daddy Dave broke his foot and could not compete. He was truly bummed this being one his favorite courses. I really enjoyed hanging with them after the race. If you haven't spent much time with Big Daddy he is indeed a neat guy. He's been racing bikes a LONG time and has seen a lot of crap. We could all learn a bit by sharing a couple beers with Dave.
Oh yeah, the race. The course was in decent shape and got faster with each lap. My Air9 was perfect for the fast 24mi race and 918XC hooked me up with a set of Continental Mountain Kings that really carved the track up. I had a pretty good day. Actually felt like I had a some punch. I also managed to stay up and not puncture which made for a great result. Felt good to take the top step against a quality field. Pete has still been trying to recover from his race at the Osage Du so his training has been suffering. He still put in a great effort finishing 4th, just missing the podium. He made it Sunday though. He competed in the short track. After pulling the group around for half the race he ended in third position. Way to go Pete!
Dig the random dog pic...thanks Dave.
Oh yeah, the race. The course was in decent shape and got faster with each lap. My Air9 was perfect for the fast 24mi race and 918XC hooked me up with a set of Continental Mountain Kings that really carved the track up. I had a pretty good day. Actually felt like I had a some punch. I also managed to stay up and not puncture which made for a great result. Felt good to take the top step against a quality field. Pete has still been trying to recover from his race at the Osage Du so his training has been suffering. He still put in a great effort finishing 4th, just missing the podium. He made it Sunday though. He competed in the short track. After pulling the group around for half the race he ended in third position. Way to go Pete!
Dig the random dog pic...thanks Dave.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tour de Lizard
Mother nature spared Ark City, KS for Sunday's Tourd de Lizard. The dirt was perfect. Bobby Smith always puts on a great race and even with the shortened course, this year was no different. Great swag, good payout, and THE best trophies anywhere!
New teammate, Chris Drummond, stuck it to the Cat1 class getting off the front pretty quick. All I could think of as I was chasing was that I was glad he was on my team!
Racing in Oklahoma, err Kansas, is cool. It's more like a group hammer ride with everyone knowing one another and encouraging you along the track. Yeah, I want to kick your ass, but nice work cleaning that tough, punchy, technical climb. Or, damn dude, nice line. Or how about Troy Cowin (Schlegel Bikes) "you want back around Chris?" Pretty cool. Then afterward sharing a beer and telling your version of the ride...you know that section where....
Chris D...
The green train...
The Bod...
Nice turnout for 918XC...
New teammate, Chris Drummond, stuck it to the Cat1 class getting off the front pretty quick. All I could think of as I was chasing was that I was glad he was on my team!
Racing in Oklahoma, err Kansas, is cool. It's more like a group hammer ride with everyone knowing one another and encouraging you along the track. Yeah, I want to kick your ass, but nice work cleaning that tough, punchy, technical climb. Or, damn dude, nice line. Or how about Troy Cowin (Schlegel Bikes) "you want back around Chris?" Pretty cool. Then afterward sharing a beer and telling your version of the ride...you know that section where....
Chris D...
The green train...
The Bod...
Nice turnout for 918XC...
Thanks Heidi for the feeds. I think she fed just about the whole team! And, thanks Bobby for another great Lizard!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Doubleshot Coffee Duathlon at Osage Hills
This makes my third year to compete in the local Duathlons put on by Brian Franklin at Doubleshot Coffee, each year I can't walk painfree for a week. Why shouldn't this year be any different, October was the last time I did any running and I was dreading the pain.
After a short spin around the 5K mountain loop, I was ready to dust off the trail running shoes and line up! I jogged over to the start area and my legs felt ready to roll. I decided to try and test my friends and teammates, Renshaw and Ridilla. I took the lead and set the pace, each time I punched it the climbs I was putting realestate between myself and the others. Around 4K into the first run I saw another runner bearing down on me, dude was flat out sprinting. I was thinking dude is insane, we still have the bike leg and another 5K. As he passed me with about 100 meters to go I realized he was just doing the 5K trail run... whew! After a good transition, even with Franklin taunting me on the loud speaker I set out for my three laps on the bike. I threw it down for three hard laps and was dreading the second run. I was pretty surprised that my legs were feeling so good, not sure of my lap time; but I felt descent.
I am excited for the show down at Turkey on October 10th and I hope that my nemisis shows up!
Brian Franklin thank you for putting all these races on, I know it aint easy! I would also like to thank all those from the 918xc Racing team that came out to support one of the teams largest sponsors... thanks Pete and Chris!
After a short spin around the 5K mountain loop, I was ready to dust off the trail running shoes and line up! I jogged over to the start area and my legs felt ready to roll. I decided to try and test my friends and teammates, Renshaw and Ridilla. I took the lead and set the pace, each time I punched it the climbs I was putting realestate between myself and the others. Around 4K into the first run I saw another runner bearing down on me, dude was flat out sprinting. I was thinking dude is insane, we still have the bike leg and another 5K. As he passed me with about 100 meters to go I realized he was just doing the 5K trail run... whew! After a good transition, even with Franklin taunting me on the loud speaker I set out for my three laps on the bike. I threw it down for three hard laps and was dreading the second run. I was pretty surprised that my legs were feeling so good, not sure of my lap time; but I felt descent.
I am excited for the show down at Turkey on October 10th and I hope that my nemisis shows up!
Brian Franklin thank you for putting all these races on, I know it aint easy! I would also like to thank all those from the 918xc Racing team that came out to support one of the teams largest sponsors... thanks Pete and Chris!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Selma...Finally
Finally! Some pics of Selma. She got me through 6 straight race weekends. 3 XC's, 2 Du's, and 1 6 hour XC. All with no complaints. Now that I have a geared bike again I'll probably put her up till winter, naw...don't think I can wait that long to giver!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
After 6 years I got a new CX Bike
At this point in the season i'm pretty much through racing my Mtn bike and thinking about CX. Two weeks ago I returned from BC, Canada with a Gold medal in the games. I didn't quite have the mtn season I'd hoped for, but I'm really excited for some CX... of course this helps a bit!
IMG_0478.JPG
I've been racing the same Trek XO for six years and finally got a real CX bike... Most refer to a Redline as a budget bike and it is a great bike at a great price. I built it up last night and went out this am on my practice course! After several laps of dismounting and hill runs, I'm amped for the season!
IMG_0477.JPG
Ray
IMG_0478.JPG
I've been racing the same Trek XO for six years and finally got a real CX bike... Most refer to a Redline as a budget bike and it is a great bike at a great price. I built it up last night and went out this am on my practice course! After several laps of dismounting and hill runs, I'm amped for the season!
IMG_0477.JPG
Ray
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Doubleshot Keystone Duathlon
Brian of Doulbleshot Coffee fame hosted the 1st duathlon at infamous Keystone trails this past weekend. It was a Saturday race of which I'm a huge fan. I know I've said this before, but racing on Saturdays makes for a great weekend. Everyone feels free to party and relax afterward with no worries of work the next day and no need to hurry home. The Sunday afterward can then be spent with the fam or just relaxing or perhaps catching up on some needed home maintenance....did I just say that? I've often thought of boycotting Sunday races altogether. Maybe if we all stick together.....
This was the first of three races in the Doulbeshot Du series. Each race at a different venue. Brian has lined up some great sponsorhsip with awesome payouts and great swag. He and his posse are busting their butts and it showed. I am looking forward to the next du at Osage Hills in Bartlesville. Brian put on a first class event. The trails were in great shape. The weather was warm, but not too much of a factor and the staging area had a nice breeze keeping us cool. We need to plant a few trees there, though. The shade is at a premium.
I managed to take the top step with Josh Combs in 2nd. Ray's boss, Dan Call, missed the podium pic.
Women's podium. These girls are bad!
This was the first of three races in the Doulbeshot Du series. Each race at a different venue. Brian has lined up some great sponsorhsip with awesome payouts and great swag. He and his posse are busting their butts and it showed. I am looking forward to the next du at Osage Hills in Bartlesville. Brian put on a first class event. The trails were in great shape. The weather was warm, but not too much of a factor and the staging area had a nice breeze keeping us cool. We need to plant a few trees there, though. The shade is at a premium.
I managed to take the top step with Josh Combs in 2nd. Ray's boss, Dan Call, missed the podium pic.
Women's podium. These girls are bad!
One of the fastest guys in Tulsa showed up. He and his son doing the relay.
Thanks Brian and all the volunteers. See ya in Bartlesville.
Thanks Brian and all the volunteers. See ya in Bartlesville.
Friday, August 7, 2009
GOLD
The Mtb XC Race at Whistler was awesome! I warmed up on the rollers with the Ridley and during my openers the power meter was looking good. I was surprised my legs weren't a little wornout from the Crit and TT on the days before, but I was easily riding at 360-380 watts on the warmup. When I saw those numbers and at such comfort; I decided that I was going to start off really aggressive. From the gun I took control of the race. A fireman from the Whistler area was my chaser, I talked with him before the race and figured he was the guy to watch. He and I did the crit together on Tuesday, he was strong, and I knew that a local rider had been riding this course over and over I was certain. Later I found out he had also worked with the event coordinator and designed the course!
So, the course was a little over 4K, short fast laps. The first 2K of the race was up and up some steep double track and then into a section of steeper single track. On the first lap as we were hitting the single track climb I heard my chaser loose traction. Knowing he was strong and knew the trail I punched it, and the remaining part of that lap he was right there at less than 10 seconds. Lap two, he continued to keep me at about 15 seconds, lap three I finally managed to get a 30 second gap, lap four I had this course dialed in and opened up about 50 seconds on him, and the last lap was just survive the climbs and then enjoy some great Whistler sningletrack!
After struggling to win a medal on my first two days of racing, this was a very special victory! There were some strong riders from throughout the world; Spain, Italy, Germany, Austrailia, Canada, Korea, Japan... the list goes on and on. So, trust me when I tell you that the competition at these games is top notch; none of these people came here to just line up... they came to compete! It was an honor to be here and represent my small fire department of Sand Springs, OK! The best part of all was answering all the questions of where Sand Springs, Ok is, and how in the heck do I train to race in the mountains! Even after explaining our local terrain, I think they were still confused on how a guy from the Tulsa area rocked the competition.
I want to thank each and every person that helped me get to Vancouver and race my bicycle; in each event I entered I was the top American Cyclist and I feel I represented Oklahoma and the USA in the best fashion!
Thank you,
Ray Hall
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Police and Fire World Games TT
Damn... missed the podium by two spots today! Again I was the top American Fireman or Policeman, but I was not able to land a podium spot. I placed 5th in todays race, and I promise I didn't leave anything out on the course, with two climbs on this out and back course I averaged 26.9mph, and it was a 20K TT. My time would have put me in Gold had I raced my age group instead of the "Open" category. I kept my power meter around 400 watts on all climbs and tried to keep it above 350 on flats/descents; it truly was a difficult 20K. I was the last "open racer" scheduled to start. My start time was to be at 0918, and I started warming up at around 0845. I was primed and ready to race by 0900 and they announced a 15 minute delay. Not a big deal; I just kept spinning on my rollers... 15 minutes turned into an hour delay! They finally let the first racer start and I do a few openers again and my legs felt strong! With two more racers in line to start; I jumped off my rollers and was ready to race. I rolled off the starting house and started clicking off the gears and got my Ridley up to speed! About 1K into the race you hit the first climb, descend and then the second climb... which is a long gradual climb. After I crested the top of the second climb I truly felt great; I kept the pace as high as I could through the twisting gradual descent, with a few small rollers all the way to the U-turn. After the turn it is a long gradual climb and by the time I reached the top I was cooked! I think I went to hard on the first couple of Kilometers of the climb and paid the price all the way back to the finish line. Wishing that I had prerode the course at least once, and definitely a few times.
Tomorrow morning we load up in the van and head North to Whistler, BC for the Mtb XC! I am excited for this race and I'm hoping for Gold!
Thanks for reading, Ray
Castlewood Challenge
I was in St. Louis visiting some family this past weekend and decided to give myself a punishing workout in beautiful Castlewood State Park. Castlewood sits in sprawling west St. Louis county on the Meramec river. The course starts in the park and climbs the limestone bluffs into some super sweet, buff, fast, flowy singletrack. It was an amazing trail that had you forgetting you were in the middle of suburbia.
The race had a huge turnout with this picture perfect August day being in the low 80's. It was part of the Midwest Fat Tire Championship Series. This is the 2nd race of the series I have done this year and am impressed with the organization of the races.
Still on Selma, I entered the singlespeed class. They race the same amount as the experts and I figured a fast field would show. This was another course where the Salsa shined. She is selling me on the hardtail. Light, nimble, and flickable all while soaking up the trail chatter to give a 'tuned' ride. I was turning 26-27 minute laps on the 6 mile course. Put in 4 laps that proved good enough for the win.
The competition at the Missouri races I have been to is awesome with a great vibe surrounding the events. I'm going to try and make some room on my schedule to check out some more of their events. Thanks DRJ Racing for putting on a great race! And, thanks to my son ,Nathan, for the support. Sorry, no pics, Ginger stood me up.
The race had a huge turnout with this picture perfect August day being in the low 80's. It was part of the Midwest Fat Tire Championship Series. This is the 2nd race of the series I have done this year and am impressed with the organization of the races.
Still on Selma, I entered the singlespeed class. They race the same amount as the experts and I figured a fast field would show. This was another course where the Salsa shined. She is selling me on the hardtail. Light, nimble, and flickable all while soaking up the trail chatter to give a 'tuned' ride. I was turning 26-27 minute laps on the 6 mile course. Put in 4 laps that proved good enough for the win.
The competition at the Missouri races I have been to is awesome with a great vibe surrounding the events. I'm going to try and make some room on my schedule to check out some more of their events. Thanks DRJ Racing for putting on a great race! And, thanks to my son ,Nathan, for the support. Sorry, no pics, Ginger stood me up.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
2009 Police and Fire World Games
Well I finally made it to Vancouver Canada and we have had a wonderful trip; our only hickup has been Jaxon getting car sick on the descent down from 12,000 feet on a mountain in Estes Park, CO!
We left Tulsa on a Tuesday night, drove all night to Estes Park, I got in a three hour road ride and enjoyed every minute of the beauty of Colorado! We stayed the night at a friends house in Denver, enjoyed a nice fajita dinner. Thursday morning we made our way west again, stopping in Moab, UT for a quick 2 1/2 hour Mtn bike ride! Yeah... Moab, my opinion Slickrock is an OVER RATED TRAIL! After my ride we drove through the night and arrived Friday morning at Yosemite National Park! If you've never been... GO! I squeezed in a road ride in the mountains there and almost smoked three deer on a descent going around 45mph! The worst part was the car that was about 30-40 meters behind had to jam his brakes to keep from running over me; SCARY! We did some power sightseeing in Yosemite, San Francisco, and Seattle before finally making it to Vancouver. On Monday, I made my way to Whistler for a quick preride of my MTN course... this is not an overrated trail! Whistler ROCKS! I can't wait for the MTN race on Thursday!
So, here we are Tuesday (today was my first race) a road Crit. I was nervous all morning about my competition, and my suspicions were correct. Some fast dudes made their way here to Vancouver. I swear some of these riders from Spain looked like Alberto Contador! The dude form Belgium looked mean and fast! Like three guys from Australia were equally intimidating! So, in total there were like only 25 of us in the Open Division, (guys that are a step away from Pro/semi-pro level). So, you have 25 guys that are from different Fire/Police Departments from around the world! Every person in this group wants to win!
The Belgium rider attacks on lap one... I look around no one chases and I'm no idiot a dude from Belgium came here to win! I freakin throw it down and close the gap to him, and to my surprise he sits up! Damn... I/we get caught.
Couple laps later, one of the Spaniards attack, I wait and wait for my chance to attack and I go for it. I bridge up to him and not to my surprise the group responded and caught us. It is getting obvious that this race is going to be a sprint finish! A few more attacks here and there and I just sit in and wait! I was actually proud of how calm I was... I didn't waist any energy and stayed out of the wind. Five laps to go, everyone is looking at each other... Oh there are only like 15 of us left in the main field and I'm the only American, WTF... I'm a Mtb rider! So, with one lap to go, I put myself in what I thought would be a good position, but I got pushed to the outside on a crucial turn that lead to an uphill, well this leaves about a hundred yards and the race is over! I finished in seventh place. Not even close to being satisfied, Angie tells me good job. Of course I ask for what... after a thirty minute spin. I come to realize that she is right... guys/gals that was a stacked 25 man field. Every single one of us wanted that "W" and no one was going to let anyone get away and no one was going to set someone up for the sprint.
We headed to a park and watched the little one play, now were back at the hotel and I'm trying to mentally prepare for the TT tomorrow. My only fear is that I may blow everything I have for the Crit and TT, and not have enough for my true reason for being here... the Mtb XC!
I let ya know how the TT goes tomorrow!
Thanks for reading!
We left Tulsa on a Tuesday night, drove all night to Estes Park, I got in a three hour road ride and enjoyed every minute of the beauty of Colorado! We stayed the night at a friends house in Denver, enjoyed a nice fajita dinner. Thursday morning we made our way west again, stopping in Moab, UT for a quick 2 1/2 hour Mtn bike ride! Yeah... Moab, my opinion Slickrock is an OVER RATED TRAIL! After my ride we drove through the night and arrived Friday morning at Yosemite National Park! If you've never been... GO! I squeezed in a road ride in the mountains there and almost smoked three deer on a descent going around 45mph! The worst part was the car that was about 30-40 meters behind had to jam his brakes to keep from running over me; SCARY! We did some power sightseeing in Yosemite, San Francisco, and Seattle before finally making it to Vancouver. On Monday, I made my way to Whistler for a quick preride of my MTN course... this is not an overrated trail! Whistler ROCKS! I can't wait for the MTN race on Thursday!
So, here we are Tuesday (today was my first race) a road Crit. I was nervous all morning about my competition, and my suspicions were correct. Some fast dudes made their way here to Vancouver. I swear some of these riders from Spain looked like Alberto Contador! The dude form Belgium looked mean and fast! Like three guys from Australia were equally intimidating! So, in total there were like only 25 of us in the Open Division, (guys that are a step away from Pro/semi-pro level). So, you have 25 guys that are from different Fire/Police Departments from around the world! Every person in this group wants to win!
The Belgium rider attacks on lap one... I look around no one chases and I'm no idiot a dude from Belgium came here to win! I freakin throw it down and close the gap to him, and to my surprise he sits up! Damn... I/we get caught.
Couple laps later, one of the Spaniards attack, I wait and wait for my chance to attack and I go for it. I bridge up to him and not to my surprise the group responded and caught us. It is getting obvious that this race is going to be a sprint finish! A few more attacks here and there and I just sit in and wait! I was actually proud of how calm I was... I didn't waist any energy and stayed out of the wind. Five laps to go, everyone is looking at each other... Oh there are only like 15 of us left in the main field and I'm the only American, WTF... I'm a Mtb rider! So, with one lap to go, I put myself in what I thought would be a good position, but I got pushed to the outside on a crucial turn that lead to an uphill, well this leaves about a hundred yards and the race is over! I finished in seventh place. Not even close to being satisfied, Angie tells me good job. Of course I ask for what... after a thirty minute spin. I come to realize that she is right... guys/gals that was a stacked 25 man field. Every single one of us wanted that "W" and no one was going to let anyone get away and no one was going to set someone up for the sprint.
We headed to a park and watched the little one play, now were back at the hotel and I'm trying to mentally prepare for the TT tomorrow. My only fear is that I may blow everything I have for the Crit and TT, and not have enough for my true reason for being here... the Mtb XC!
I let ya know how the TT goes tomorrow!
Thanks for reading!
Womble/Eureka
This was not a point to point race... but two separate races. As most of you are aware, I have a huge delay in the time I finish a race and post a report!
Womble: this was my first Womble Race ever, loved the trail 100%! I didn't get a chance to pre-ride, and that was my own fault. However, due to poorly markings of the course my race started off terrible. I set a pretty good tempo for the first three miles or so on the gravel roads that lead up to the single track, and took the hole shot into the woods. As soon as the single track starts, you're slammed with some major climbing and some great switchbacks! Contrary to belief my 29er slung around the tight uphill swithbacks with ease, while my chaser "Jesus" on his XS 26er had to dismount and run every switchback on the climb. This allowed me to open a 15-20 second gap immediately. Well now comes the forementioned poor trail marking, I popped out onto a gravel road... quick look left nothing, a quick look right noting! Crap which Fn way do I go? I unclick, look left/right again, and I make a quick examine of the trail and you can sort of see that a majority of the tracks go right, so I go right. My gap had pretty much been lost!
I'm gonna give cliff notes from here to the finish.... rear tire flats and I am forced to use my cycling cap as a boot, yes cycling cap! I continue on with the race and manage to get back into third place... BAMN handlebar catches a tree and I fly into the ground. My brandnew Race Day 29er front wheel is taco ticoed! Every rotation it rubs the fork. Next thing I know I'm picking myself up off the ground again from a bridge... well I managed to bend my front rotor! So, now its tire rub... rotor rub... tire rub.... rotor rub all the way to the finish line for the last 8 miles!
Finish in 3rd place and get my $45 bucks and head for Ttown!
Eureka Springs:
I get a great start in a pretty competitive field from the region, and no sooner than we hit the first non-paved road I slice and dice my rear TIRE ARGGHH! A quick repair and I start my chase. I am blowing past riders 5-6 at a time... thankfully most of them realized it was me on a mission and yielded the trail, most even yelled at their own competition to pull over! Thank You, Mike Mullain! I quickly get myself into the top ten, as we roll through the soccer fields/finishing line area, I get my report that the leaders are only 60seconds up! Holy Crap... I am shocked! I still have three laps of minors rock at this point and am excited! By the time I crested minors rock the gap was down to 15seconds. In no time I catchem' and weed my way through 3,4, and 5th place and now 1st and 2nd are only about 10seconds up! I catch and pass Noah Singer and am getting ready to strike and over take 1st place! Yes! Hell Yeah! I'm on fire! PsssPsssPsssPsss goes my rear tire! People in all my years of racing I have never thrown my bike, I threw all 29Inches of my bike into the woods!
I'm done, no desire to continue. I am going to just walk it in... as I'm walking across the damn. I decide that I'm jumping off the damn. I had always wanted to and now is the time. I climb up on the rail and do a cannon ball into that refreshing lake! (of course only in my bibs) I swim back to the shore, retrieve my clothes and bike and continue to hike it out. Matt Dow comes by and asked me what's up. I explain my situation and he talks me into finishing the race. So, I do a quick repair and continue to race... Finishing in like 7th place if memory serves correct. Next season... I will use solid rubber tires for Eureka(:
Thanks for reading!
Womble: this was my first Womble Race ever, loved the trail 100%! I didn't get a chance to pre-ride, and that was my own fault. However, due to poorly markings of the course my race started off terrible. I set a pretty good tempo for the first three miles or so on the gravel roads that lead up to the single track, and took the hole shot into the woods. As soon as the single track starts, you're slammed with some major climbing and some great switchbacks! Contrary to belief my 29er slung around the tight uphill swithbacks with ease, while my chaser "Jesus" on his XS 26er had to dismount and run every switchback on the climb. This allowed me to open a 15-20 second gap immediately. Well now comes the forementioned poor trail marking, I popped out onto a gravel road... quick look left nothing, a quick look right noting! Crap which Fn way do I go? I unclick, look left/right again, and I make a quick examine of the trail and you can sort of see that a majority of the tracks go right, so I go right. My gap had pretty much been lost!
I'm gonna give cliff notes from here to the finish.... rear tire flats and I am forced to use my cycling cap as a boot, yes cycling cap! I continue on with the race and manage to get back into third place... BAMN handlebar catches a tree and I fly into the ground. My brandnew Race Day 29er front wheel is taco ticoed! Every rotation it rubs the fork. Next thing I know I'm picking myself up off the ground again from a bridge... well I managed to bend my front rotor! So, now its tire rub... rotor rub... tire rub.... rotor rub all the way to the finish line for the last 8 miles!
Finish in 3rd place and get my $45 bucks and head for Ttown!
Eureka Springs:
I get a great start in a pretty competitive field from the region, and no sooner than we hit the first non-paved road I slice and dice my rear TIRE ARGGHH! A quick repair and I start my chase. I am blowing past riders 5-6 at a time... thankfully most of them realized it was me on a mission and yielded the trail, most even yelled at their own competition to pull over! Thank You, Mike Mullain! I quickly get myself into the top ten, as we roll through the soccer fields/finishing line area, I get my report that the leaders are only 60seconds up! Holy Crap... I am shocked! I still have three laps of minors rock at this point and am excited! By the time I crested minors rock the gap was down to 15seconds. In no time I catchem' and weed my way through 3,4, and 5th place and now 1st and 2nd are only about 10seconds up! I catch and pass Noah Singer and am getting ready to strike and over take 1st place! Yes! Hell Yeah! I'm on fire! PsssPsssPsssPsss goes my rear tire! People in all my years of racing I have never thrown my bike, I threw all 29Inches of my bike into the woods!
I'm done, no desire to continue. I am going to just walk it in... as I'm walking across the damn. I decide that I'm jumping off the damn. I had always wanted to and now is the time. I climb up on the rail and do a cannon ball into that refreshing lake! (of course only in my bibs) I swim back to the shore, retrieve my clothes and bike and continue to hike it out. Matt Dow comes by and asked me what's up. I explain my situation and he talks me into finishing the race. So, I do a quick repair and continue to race... Finishing in like 7th place if memory serves correct. Next season... I will use solid rubber tires for Eureka(:
Thanks for reading!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
