Fontucky Aint So Sucky

Wow, I am really tired. I am still coughing up a lot of dust. I finally had a good Southern California race. The course here is really cool, pretty difficult though. They changed the it a lot from the previous years. Last year's course was predominantly flat with some steep little pitches here and there, but this years course had some hill to it. In the first kilometer of the track, there was a climb that was really freaking steep and loose. It was an awesome change, It was nice to have some split in the race, but it also sucked a lot. You really had to save some gas for that climb every lap. I have never ridden something so steep and so challenging so many times, while going as fast as I can.

Like normal, I got a terrible start position, I really don't understand how I keep getting these terrible start places. I even had UCI points from the previous year, and a top 30 overall ranking in the now defunct NMBS series from last year. Oh well, It worked out okay, although I am curious how I would have done had I gotten a place a little closer to the front. Any ways, I started right behind Trevor around 80th, we took the outside lines and they worked out pretty well. It was a crazy mad dash with over 120 guys starting in the Pro race, and it held together pretty well until that steep as hell climb called "the elevator". There is where things got really crazy. I had to jump off and start running the climb, then someone swung there leg off and hit me right on the upper lip really hard with there shoe. I honestly thought I broke or chipped a tooth for over the first half of the race. With there being so many people behind me, I really didn't have the option to stop or slow down. Then, finally after going through the technical downhill sections we met back up with the paved road and I could make up some places. As the race went then I got tangled with some other dude who kicked my front derailleur over and it was rubbing my chain the whole rest of the race. Quick note, there are a lot of Semi Pro's who are racing pro and really shouldn't be. I don't necessarily mean fitness wise, but etiquette and also just how to race with the pro's. Just my two cents. Any ways, I was really worried I was going to break a chain or something, but it held together really well. I made it through all 5 laps, feeling better and better as the race went on and got 53rd, passing over 30-40 guys from that climb.

It was a great feeling to come across the line knowing I had a great race. I am really hoping to build off this and have a good season. Another quick note, The new US Cup/ Pro XC tour is awesome. There were a bunch of people out there this weekend watching and cheering us on. The vibe was awesome, the scheduling was really well thought out and ran smoothly. They had awesome goody bags with free T shirts and In N Out Burger tickets. I was really impressed, I can honestly say that the future of mountain bike racing in the US is looking good.Plus the entry fee for Pro men, UCI race even, was only $45. My hat goes off to Scott Tedro and everyone at Sho-Air. Well my Ice cream is melting and Trevor's parents have Formula One racing on so I need to go, but before I do, A huge thanks to Trevor Downing and his family, Sam Jurekovic, Bikeparts.com/Peak Cycles and everyone else who helped me get here. Thanks Again!
Colin

Moving Westward

I am back in California, and this time it’s much nicer! Last year all I really got to see was Ontario, the airport, and the hotel I stayed at in the pseudo-ghetto in Fontana. This time I drove out with my roommate Trevor and our friend Will. It was a bit of a long drive, around 11hrs, but it was really cool for me since I have never seen that part of the country before. As we were leaving Durango this morning, it was beginning to snow outside just a bit. It sounds quite odd to think of since today it was in the upper seventies here. Along with also getting to see a lot of the country, I got to experience In-N-Out Burger. That was also very amazing, I don’t know the last time I ate a burger as awesome as the one I had today. I made sure to follow it up with a nice chocolate shake and some French fries.



After reaching San Bernardino National Forest, Trevor took us on awesome ride near his home in Crestline. The views here are amazing; it was also pretty nice to ride in just Shorts and a Jersey. I just spun up to the top and met up with the two of them. After snapping some photos we rallied down the mountain and headed up to his house. It’s really cool getting to see where people grew up. I can honestly say I have never been anywhere in the world like this. Well, it’s getting late and tomorrow we are driving down to ride the course. The one from last year wasn’t bad, but I am really excited to see the new changes. I heard it is a bit more climber friendly. I hope the weather in Durango isn’t too bad. Although when I get back I think I am going to hit a day or two at Silverton. I think the unguided days are about to open back up again. That’s just too good to pass up. Well that’s it for tonight.

colin

Falling Into Place

Just when I thought I was in shape, this kid comes back to town. For a while there, I thought I was getting faster, then I realized it was just because he was hauling me around for past few weeks. Anyways, things in Durango are starting to warm up. The past few days have been creeping into the sixties and there are even a few trails that are ride able. I can't wait to get out on some single track. Road riding is still fun, and riding with friends is awesome, but nothing beats a good mountain bike ride in the woods.

Aside from the weather getting better here, my training has been picking up and becoming more fun. I also got a new bike fit from the guys at Mountain Bike Specialists the other day. It was awesome! They fixed the knee issues I have been having for the past 5-6 months also got me feeling really comfy on both bikes. Its funny how something like a few centimeters here and there can really change things. I have been dealing with IT band syndrome at least once or twice every season since 2005, It will be really interesting to see how this season goes now with out having to worry about that.



Hopefully without fit issues I can actually get my act together and pull a decent season off. But speaking of a good season, a huge congrats goes out to Sam Jurekovic who got 2nd at last weeks first US West Coast Cup in Bonelli Park, California. That's him on the left to first place winner Sid Taberlay. Sam has been like my older brother for the past few years and I am sure that this is just a sign of bigger things to come for Sam. I wish him a fast, fun season! Well my coffee is getting cold, and I need some food. Until next time.