Herman Washout

By 8:30 PM most evenings I’ve assumed my position on the couch preparing for the nights slumber, but this Sat was different. I opted to sign up for my 3rd cross race (ever) and figured Hermann under the lights would be a worthy challenge. I did this race two years ago, in the CAT III’s and got second, so I was stoked to get a shot at the CX experts.

I’ve been training for longer events (Burning and BTEpic) so the all out style and 60 minutes of pain that Cross dishes out was going to put me in the hurt locker for sure. Because of this, my plan was to start conservative and build towards the finish. That plan royally backfired when two laps into a torrential downpour of a race, the event was called due to lightning. I only got the word that the race was ending just a few turns from the finish when a spectator yelled that’d we’d be finishing on that lap. Doh!!!

Shout out to DoubleShot who made the best of the situation and crossed the two lap event in first. The two of us wadded our way home in one of the hardest rain showers I’ve ever witnessed. 20 mph felt too fast!

This aint no Holiday Inn

Got second in the SAC River 6 Hour solo race on Saturday the 11th. I got beat by Doubleshot, which didnt hurt my pride one bit. This guy is flying right now, and if you remember got 3rd in the NATION in Breckenridge this year for the NORBA MTB Endurance Class.

So after the race a super cool local, and friend of Dr. Beans invited us to spend the night instead of pitching our tents in the field. The lure of a hot shower and dry floor made the decision easy. We were slated for a short night, as we arived close to midnight, and planed on leaving by 6:00 AM to have breakfast before Sundays ride with the owner of Cycles Unlimited.

The hospitatlity was great, but lets just say that the decor was a far cry from Potery Barn. Interesting to the max!

R.I.M. 2010

Professor Green Beans and I traveled North for the Rapture in Missouri 6 Hour duo race. This race had been on my shortlist for years, but had never materialized. GB was proclaiming the brilliance of the Crowder Park trail system, so I decided to make this happen.

We arrived Saturday morning, post rain to find slick but not muddy trails, and a gorgeous setup for an endurance race. Shade everywhere, cooler temps and the buzz of racers going through the dance of pre-race routines got me in high gear for some race action.

Beans sent me off on the Le-Mans start with only one set of instructions: “Do not come in first on lap one!” Of course you know that means, its balls out and game on now.

The first lap wouldn’t have been slicker if we had decided to lay down a course long slip-in-slide and cover it with vegetable oil and KY jelly. Two wheel drifts, and pinballing through rock gardens were the only options. I managed to keep Elwell and another 6 Hour solo rider at bay and set the fastest lap of the day, sending Beans out for his lap in first place.

From then on we didn’t look back. Both of us turned in some sub 50 minute laps, putting enough time into our competition put it on cruise control for the final two laps. The heat and climbs were taking their toll on the riders, as at times it looked like a concentration camp being marched through the woods with guys and gals off pushing in pain and cramps.

Still fun was had by all. We walked away with a cool shirt, free beer, a RIM pint glass and free entry into next year’s event. Doug Long put on a great event, and I’ll be back for more!

Fat Tire Trippin'

Pictures HERE!

LumberJack 100

I have nothing but positive superlatives when recounting this event. Drama free check-in, well marked fast and flowy schweet ass course, instant results, delish grub and beer following.

Props to DoubleD for putting the smack down and representing MO with a 23rd place just over the 8:00 hour mark, and my brother in law Todd (who shall now be known as Mr. Clean for various reasons) for completing his first 100 miler in under 9 hours! I made it in 31st just 8 min. back of DoubleD.

Will probably put this one on the books for next year. About 70% of the 33 mile loop is dope, fast as you can turn, swoopy goodness. Add in the fact that the sand base only gets better with rain, which I seem to attract, the cooler temps, low humidity, and the charm of upper Michigan port town, and I will for sure be back.

Picks here.

Way Behind

I'm way behind here, so lets do some shotgun catchup:

Almost have my first frame ready for paint. I've built the front and rear triangle, reamed the seat and head tube, and I'm ready for the small parts. This project has taken a back seat for the past few weeks : (

I lost an uncle in a tragic car accident. Trying to find positive in a most negative situation, I did get to see an outpouring of compassion and assistance, from family and friends, in an effort to help a family their greatest time of need. Something that I believe can only be seen in small town America. R.I.P Danny.

Spent two weekends in Tightwad visiting my family and Sis who flew in from London. A picture perfect day on Truman Lake, and time with immediate family is always good for moral.

After almost 11 years of faithful service I sold my beloved Jeep Wrangler TJ. It brought a tear to my eye to let her go. Strange how attached we become to our material possessions.

I bought this as a suitable replacement:

Spent some time relaxing a bit and teaching Leo to swim:

Added a new addition to the family. Oliver arrived June 10th by plane from Texas. How much more hair could a second Spitz make anyway?

Found just enough time to train and nab me one of these: 2010 Missouri State Endurance Mountain Bike Champion.

This weekend its off to Michigan for the Lunberjack 100. Wish me luck. (I'm really going to need it this time)

The Green Beans Swagger Wagon

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