Tandem Tour

Well, this time, My wife and I rode the Icefields Parkway and Glacier-Waterton Peace Park in the Rockies in July. Below is the link to the blog on "Crazyguyonabike.com". Crazy Guy is Neil, who set up a cool site for touring cyclist to share their ride with others. You are welcome to go to the site, refer others to the blog if you would like. The blog is filled with pictures and some text recounting our experiences.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/TandemMountainTour2009

Later,
Alvin J.

Southern Magnolia 100: Oct 3rd- Gulf Coast of MS

Help us get the word out and come check out our event on October 3rd. Last year's event was great. Discounted rooms at the Palace Casino and it's the first weekend of Crusin the Coast.

Thanks,

Jeff DeLuke
Gulf Coast Bicycle Club
228 697-5598

Southern Magnolia 100

When: Saturday, October 03, 2009

Where: Latimer Community Center 110908 Daisy Vestry Rd, Ocean Springs. 3.5 Miles north of Exit 50 up Tucker Rd

Cost: $25 until Sep 27th, $30 from Sep 28th to day of ride

Register on line at: http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1721270&assetId=A122DA89-AC7C-4B1D-982B-74A3AFD3723F

Time: Registration at 7:00 and Roll at 8:00 AM

Distance: 25, 50, 62, 100 Miles

Vibe: A ride to raise funds for Bike Walk Mississippi, our state advocacy agency

The Southern Magnolia 100 covers mostly flat, fast roads with a few rollers. Fully supported rest stops, door prizes, SAG vehicles, goodie bags, t-shirts, free massages, and post ride food all for only a $25 registration fee ($30 after September 28, 2009). Distance options are 25, 50, 62.5 and 100 miles. RIDE OCCURS RAIN OR SHINE.. NO REFUNDS

Stan Prutz takes on Lance at Leadville 100

The Leadville Mountain Bike 100 is one of those must do races for the
serious racer. In it's 16th year, this race runs from 9,500 to 12,500 feet
elevation with about 12,000' of climbing, including a 7 mile 3000' climb to
12,500'.

This race brings out the best in mountain biking - this year Lance
Armstrong set a course record (with a flat tire the last three miles).
There were riders from 48 states and 18 countries.

You line up at 5:00AM; racing starts at 6:30AM. The first two hours this
year where rainy and cold - you could feel the sleet on your face. Toward
the top of the main climb, about half way thru the race there was more rain
- a cold and windy peak. Some sections you will definitely be pushing your
bike thru the rocks and steep grades.

Of the 1250 or so entrants that showed at the start, less than 900 finished
within the cutoff time of 12 hours. If you finished between 9 and 12
hours, you earned a silver belt buckle. If you finish in under 9 hours,
you'll earn a larger gold and silver buckle. Less than 10% of the starters
finished within 9 hours. They even give awards for consistency - huge 1000
mile belt buckles and jackets for 1100 milers and beyond, There are
several people who have raced Leadville every year for the last 16 years.

The race is professionally run - a big rally / check-in Friday morning;
pasta dinner that evening, a Saturday of racing and an awards ceremony
Sunday morning that everyone attends. They used ankle timing chips this
year. Each finisher got a large souvenir medallion placed around their
next at the finish line. The next day there were hooded sweatshirts
personalized with the riders name and finishing time. Most appreciated is
the support - there are people along the whole course encouraging everyone
they see - this race about doubles the population of Leadville - the town's
people are truly supportive of each rider.

Definitely ranks with the best available race events in this country.
Riders were limited to 1400 this year, about all the course can handle. A
lottery in January determines who gets entrance. Checkout
www.leadvilletrail100.com

I finished 10:36, about the 40th percentile. Matt Davis finished in an
incredible 8:02 with mechanical issues at that - 22nd overall.

Pic was sent seperately.

Stan Prutz, P. E.
QDS Systems, Inc.
11833 Industriplex Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
225.755.2255 x120 or 1.888.273.7483
direct: 225.706.0290
fax: 225.755.2266
email: sprutz@qdssystems.com
web: http://www.qdssystems.com
Process Control and Variable Speed Drive Systems
Licensed Engineering and Contracting Firm
CSIA Certified Control and Information System Integrator
CSIA website: http://www.controlsys.org/about/regmem_program.htm

Tarpon Tri in Houma

This is a new triathlon in the Houma. Please come out and support the Tarpon Swim Team.

Thanks

Craig Stevens

3rd Annual Independence ride on Friday July 3rd

Join us on our 3rd Annual Independence ride on Friday July 3rd. The ride is approximately 92 miles starting from Rivertown and ending at Albertson. The pace will be in the 16 – 20 mph range with no one being left behind. We will stop at stores along the way to refuel

Carpool leaves the Albertsons at Bluebonnet and Burbank at 4:45am to arrive at Rivertown for a 6:00am clip in. Any questions, you may call me @ (225) 678-3620.

Rivertown is located just 1/2 mile from the New Orleans International Airport.
Take I-10 to the Williams Blvd. South exit and head towards the river.
Once you cross the railroad tracks (about 2 miles), you'll be in Kenner's River town! Free parking

http://www.rivertow nkenner.com/

Andy Picou

Photos: Tour de Louisiana

Here are a bunch of photo's from all 3 stages this weekend. They are from my camera, so of course they are heavy on the 123 field but there are a bunch of pictures from all categories in the Road Race. Also, my camera is the one I had in Katrina, so it's finally starting to act up, especially in the hands of Candy the photographer.

Go here: http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa56/kenbellau/Tour%20de%20LA%202009/?albumview=slideshow

And a quick video from the crit is here: http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa56/kenbellau/Tour%20de%20LA%202009/?action=view¤t=TourdeLA713.flv

Feel free to take what you want or ask me for the original.

Kenny

Results of the 2009 38th Annual Tour de Louisiana

Results of the 2009 38th Annual Tour de Louisiana are now available on the NOBC website:
http://www.neworleansbicycleclub.org/2009/tdl09_res.htm

Thanks to all of the riders, club members and volunteers who helped make this year's event so much fun.

- Randy.
___________________________________________
Randall Legeai
New Orleans Bicycle Club
New Orleans, LA, USA. 504-228-5891
http://www.neworleansbicycleclub.org
http://nola_racing.blogspot.com

TOUR DE LOUISIANE STAGE RACE, JUNE 13-14

TOUR DE LOUISIANE STAGE RACE, JUNE 13-14
=====================================
Reminder: Online registration closes at midnight on Thursday (tomorrow) and there is no additional fee to register online. (Race-day entries are $10 additional.) If you will be in the Mandeville area on Friday night, you can pick up your race numbers and/or register at Spokesman Professional Bicycle Works,1848 N. Causeway Boulevard in the shopping center from 7 pm - 10 pm. Pre-registering saves us a lot of time on race day.

The 2009 Tour de La Race Bible is available on the NOBC website. The maps will look a lot better in color, so if you can print a color copy for yourself it will be easier to read than the black and white version you will receive at registration.

Registration: http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=8700
Website: http://www.neworleansbicycleclub.org/TDL/tourdela.htm
Race Bible: http://www.neworleansbicycleclub.org/TDL/TDLPRO09_booklet.pdf
Friday Night Registration: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Mandeville&state=LA&address=1848+N.+Causeway+Boulevard

Thanks!

- Randy.
____________________
Randall Legeai
New Orleans Bicycle Club
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
http://www.neworleansbicycleclub.org/
http://nola_racing.blogspot.com/
"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
Mario Andretti

Guru on Discovery / Science Channel TV

http://science.discovery.com/videos/how-its-made-carbon-fiber-bike-frames.html

Hello,

You will find above a video excerpt from a recent episode of the show How It’s Made. Guru was fortunate enough to be featured in their segment on the fabrication of carbon fiber frames. The link below cites
the schedule for the show’s re-airing on the Science Channel (How It’s Made 6, Episode 2). The Canadian broadcast on Discovery Canada won’t be until September ’09 – it always takes longer for good things to find their way up here…

http://science.discovery.com/tv-schedules/series.html?paid=48.14293.126455.16541.1&start=20

There will be other reruns of the episode, but we do not have those dates and times available yet (check the attached website for details moving forward). If you have a chance to see the show, you’ll get a good glimpse into the work that goes into making GURU carbon frames for each of your clients. If nothing else, you’ll get to place some of the faces that make up GURU.

Regards,

Rob Rossi

1st Annual West Feliciana Memorial Day Classic

For more information about these weekend events, visit
www.westfelclassic.org, www.batonrougebikeclub.com, or www.bikebr.org



1st Annual West Feliciana Classic
West Feliciana Classic Stage Race is Saturday & Sunday, May 23-24th, 2009.
Jerseys will be awarded for stages and KOM.

Over $6,500 Cash Purse.
Course Information:
Time Trial (Sat morning 8 AM): 8k one way on slightly rolling, good to excellent roads beginning
from Hemingbough Plantation.
Criterium (Sat afternoon 2 PM): 0.9 mile downtown loop with 6 turns, 1 long climb, and 2 fast downhills.
Road Race (Sun morning 8 AM: 7 miles out and back to a 21 mile loop through the hills of West Feliciana. Excellent roads through rolling hills including a KOM climb up Red Bug Hill on Hwy 421. Road closures at intersections, feed zone at Hwy 421 and Peterson Road. Start and finish at Bains Elementary School.
Register for the West Feliciana Classic at www.active.com (West Feliciana Classic) or go to www.westfelclassic.org

First TT rider off at 8 AM Saturday morning
NOTE: If you are registering for the West Feliciana Classic Time Trial,
Criterium, and Road Race, then you can ride the BRBC Spring Century and BRASS Velo Feliciana free.
Registration includes lunch and dinner Saturday and passes to the catered awards ceremony Sunday.

Website will be updated soon with course maps and race bible.


Baton Rouge Bike Club Spring Century
As part of the 1st Annual West Feliciana Classic, the Baton Rouge Bicycle Club will hold its Spring Century on Monday, Memorial Day, May 25th, at the West Feliciana Sports Park, north of St. Francisville, La. Join us for a day of riding in the beautiful Feliciana Parishes' tree covered, rolling terrain.

Ride lengths are 9, 21, 50, 61, and 100 miles.

Post ride meal included, full SAG support, and rest stops manned by local bike shop volunteers from Pedal Play, Capitol Cyclery, The Bicycle Shop, Mid-City Bikes, and Dave's Bike Repair.

Free t-shirt (guaranteed if you are pre-registered by May 15th, and while they last the day of the ride) and free one-year membership in the Baton Rouge Bike Club with participation.

Fee: $25 before May 25th, $30 day of ride.
Register online at www.active.com (no active.com fees will apply) or view and print a mail-in form at www.batonrougebikeclub.com

Proceeds from the BRBC Spring Century will go toward Bicycle Safety and Education.

Velo Feliciana
After the road race Sunday, have the whole family join the Baton Rouge Advocates for Safe Streets (BRASS) for the Velo Feliciana ride, Sunday, May 24, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

The ride starts and ends at the West Feliciana Sports Park. BRASS guides will lead riders on a tour of historical sites in and around the St. Francisville area.
Longest route is a little over 12 miles but no one segment of the ride will exceed 2 miles, which should be easily accomplished by almost anyone.

The ride requires a $20.00 donation per rider.

Registration and prep for the ride starts at 1:30 pm. For more information visit www.brsafestrees.org


For lodging, we reccomend:
Quality Inn St. Francis on the Lake (LA212)
7059 US Hwy 61 North , St. Francisville, LA, US, 70775 | Phone: (225) 635-3821 Fax: (225) 635-4708
--There are rooms blocked off for the race

or any of the picturesque B&Bs you'll find on a google search

if you have any additional questions feel free to contact me:

Chris Clark
percist@gmail.com

Road Bike Action Magazine Article

Road Bike Action Magazine Article

NICE article in the Baton Rouge Advocate this morning about Wheels to Succeed

http://www.2theadvocate.com/features/people/43256547.html

Well done Ashley, Jairo, Darren, and all..
Maybe we need to all put Jan 16, 2010 on the calendar?

Cheers,
Laura

Colin Goodier Protection Act Bill

Attached is the bill in its pre-filed form. It's even more than we asked for--a HUGE accomplishment in itself! However, our work is far from done. After a lenghty conversation with Karen Mogridge, ED of Bike Walk MS, I realized we've got to keep the ball rolling. They have tried and failed three times to get a bicycle protection act passed. Let's keep focusing for just a few weeks longer Louisiana. Also, if we pass, it helps Mississippi's chances next year.

The next step is the House Transportation Sub-Committee. The date has not been named yet, but it will be important that voting members from these Representatives' areas be present when they discuss the bill as it's possible our presence will be announced.

Please look at the attached spreadsheet to see if you have a connection to any of the members, especially the Chair, Nita Rusich Hutter from St. Bernard Parish. She will lead the discussion and will have the power to direct the conversation in a positive direction. We NEED her on our side!

If you want to see more info about these members, go here: http://house.louisiana.gov/H_Cmtes/H_Cmte_TR.asp

If you and your family members have not written to your local house and senate seats, there is still plenty of time. Please take 5 minutes to write three e-mails. www.louisiana3feet.com

Thanks, Taylor

Bike Polo in Baton Rouge!!!

For anyone looking for something new, exciting, and different:

Bike Polo in Baton Rouge!!!

It's not just for hipsters anymore, come out and knock around a ball while on the bike. Fixies (track bikes) encouraged but not necessary, all skill levels welcome and encouraged. Great practice for better handling skills!!!

Sure you can sprint up to 40+ but can you stay on the pedals at 2mph while smacking a ball with a mallet???

Polo mallets provided, all you need is your body and bike.

Helmets are reccomended and expect to use it at least a little.

Sunday afternoons at Expressway Park (South St. and East Blvd, under the I10-/110 interchange)--its safe and fun, really!

American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure - Saturday, May 30

Hey! I just wanted to see if anyone wanted to ride in the Tour de Cure on Saturday, May 30 in St. Francisville. Riders choose from a 25, 50 or 100 mile route. Sign up at www.diabetes.org/tour

cforbes@diabetes.org

Baton Rouge Bike Club Spring Century

Baton Rouge Bike Club Spring Century
As part of the 1st AnnualWest Feliciana Classic, the Baton Rouge Bicycle Club will hold its Spring Century onMonday, Memorial Day, May 25th, at the West Feliciana Sports Park, north of St. Francisville, La. Join us for a day of riding in the beautiful Feliciana Parishes' tree covered, rolling terrain. Ride lengths are 9, 21, 50, 61, and 100 miles. Post ride meal included, full SAG support, and rest stops manned by local bike shop volunteers from Pedal Play, Capitol Cyclery, The Bicycle Shop, Mid-City Bikes, and Dave's Bike Repair. Free t-shirt (guaranteed if you are pre-registered by May 15th, and while they last the day of the ride) and free one-year membership in the Baton Rouge Bike Club with participation. Fee: $25 before May 25th, $30 day of ride.
Register online or by mail at the club website: www.batonrougebikeclub.com Routes are posted on the website, also, for viewing.
Proceeds from the BRBC Spring Century will go toward Bicycle Safety and Education.

1st Annual West Feliciana Classic
West Feliciana Classic Stage Race is Saturday & Sunday, May 23-24th, 2009. Jerseys will be awarded for stages and KOM. Over $6,500 Cash Purse.
Course Information:
Time Trials: 8k one way on slightly rolling, good to excellent roads beginning from Hemingbough Plantation.
Criterium: 0.9 mile downtown loop with 6 turns, 1 long climb, and 2 fast downhills.
Road Race: 7 miles out and back to a 21 mile loop through the hills of West Feliciana. Excellent roads through rolling hills including a KOM climb up Red Bug Hill on Hwy 421. Road closures at intersections, feed zone at Hwy 421 and Peterson Road. Start and finish at Bains Elementary School.
Register for the West Feliciana Classic online at the BRBC website www.batonrougebikeclub.com or go towww.westfelclassic.org
NOTE: If you are registering for the West Feliciana Classic Time Trial, Criterium, and Road Race, then you can ride the BRBC Spring Century for free

Inspired Bicycles - Danny MacAskill April 2009

Check This out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z19zFlPah-o

Alligator Bayou Tours talk about the draining of Alligator Bayou issue

Meet at Alligator Bayou for clip in at 4 p.m. The ride is not a race. Instead it is geared for folks who ride at a leisurely pace. The ride will head down Manchac Bayou Road towards Bayou Paul Rd. One can either continue straight & follow the road as it turns into Bayou Paul Lane or turn left onto Bayou Paul Road & head towards Nicholson (but first turning onto Bayou Paul Lane right before Nicholson).

The distance can be as short as 14 miles or longer if you want to cross Nicholson & head towards RR as long as you're back in time to hear the operators of Alligator Bayou Tours talk about the draining of Alligator Bayou issue. This is not a BRBC ride. I'm leading it as a Sierra Club event.

ncgrush@yahoo.com


Alligator Bayou is a jewel of our area. I am very interested in hearing
what the operators of Alligator Bayou have to say. I have been trying
to keep up with the issue in the media.

Thanks for organizing this event.

buddy

Baton Rouge Battle MTB Race at Comite Trails

Memorial Day Classic Stage Race

Power Man Alabama

PedalPlay Kick off, Tour De Cure

Q&A with Mirinda Carfrae: The World Champ Is Setting Her Sights on Kona

Written by Liz Hichens
Photos by Brad Kaminski




The 70.3 and Ironman World Champion Gear Up For a Battle in Kona 2009




Q&A with Mirinda Carfrae: The World Champ Is Setting Her Sights on Kona

Written by Liz Hichens


Carfrae will be competing in Kona in October. Photo by Brad Kaminski.
With Chrissie Wellington dominating the last two years at the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona, many have raised the question as to who will challenge Wellington in the 2009 race. After sticking strictly to half-Ironman distance races, former Ironman 70.3 world champion Mirinda Carfrae is adding her name to the list of contenders who will challenge for the top spot in Kona.

We sat down with Carfrae to talk about her decision to take on Kona, as well as how she will approach her season leading up to the big event.

Triathlete: How do you feel coming off of 2008?

Carfrae: I was pretty disappointed with the Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater and how that ended up, but last year was a mixed bag and I did have some good results early last season. In the first ten races, I was on the podium nine times and that was great. Having said that, I would trade all of that for a world title. Looking forward, I'm pretty excited about this whole season with the Ironman World Championship in Kona being the big goal. It is a different focus for me than it has been over the last few years and I'm very excited for what's to come.

Triathlete: What will your race schedule be leading up to Kona?

Carfrae: I will be doing a lot of 70.3s again. I'm racing Ironman 70.3 California at Oceanside, St. Anthony's Triathlon, and St. Croix Ironman 70.3. Then I will have a heavy race schedule in June with Revolution Three, Eagleman Ironman 70.3, and Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake. After that, I'm going to be getting ready to do Kona.

Triathlete: Do you enjoy having a heavy racing schedule?

Carfrae: I love racing. I think that was one of my problems last year. I definitely needed to sit down with my coach and say, when are we going to get quality training and rest, and when is the best time to race? I try to get in as many races as possible without hurting my training program and my improvement.

Triathlete: Why did you choose this year to go after Kona?

Carfrae: I always had in the back of my mind that 2009 would be the year that I would do Kona. I'm 28 this year, so I figure it's a good year to give it a shot. Most women peak in their low- to mid-30s, and I definitely think you can stay strong into your late 30s and 40s. I didn't want to do Kona too early in my career, and I enjoyed racing the 70.3 series. I'm ready to take the big leap.



Along with Wellington and Sandra Wallenhorst, Carfrae is part of Cannondale's trio of female triathletes competing in Kona this year.
Triathlete: Will you focus on one area over another leading up to Kona?

Carfrae: I think the bike will be the focus for me. I feel like women's racing in Kona has really taken a step up over the past couple of years. We've got Chrissie, who has really raised the bar, and there are a bunch of women who can run sub-three-hour marathons and are still riding very strong. I think if I can have a strong swim and a really good bike, I just need to be there on the run.

Triathlete: Leading up to Kona you are still focusing on the half-Ironman distance races, will your training throughout the season be any different?

Carfrae: I will be upping my long ride and my long run. With 70.3s you can really get away with training with the mindset that you're training for an Olympic-distance race. The half is so much closer in distance to an Olympic than it is to an Ironman. The last few years I have been putting in longer runs and rides just to see how my body would handle it. I always knew I would do an Ironman.



Carfrae is still considering competing at Clearwater after Kona. Photo by Brad Kaminski.
Triathlete: Will you still be doing Clearwater?

Carfrae: I would like to think so, but everything is geared towards Kona at the moment and I will reassess after the race. I feel like I probably will race Clearwater, but anything can happen in Kona.

Triathlete: How do you feel about Cannondale's recent announcement that Chrissie Wellington will be riding Cannondale for the next three years?

Carfrae: I love Cannondale. I've ridden on their bikes my whole career. Any athlete of her caliber who wants to ride a Cannondale shows the high quality of the product. Any way that we can get Cannondale in the spotlight is a good thing and I'm all for it. I also get along very well with Chrissie. I think she's great.

Wellington saught the advice of Carfrae when making her decision to go with Cannondale. Photo by Brad Kaminski.

Bicycling Magazine reports on the Six Carbon 6....

Mike Cushionbury from Bicycling Magazine reports on the Six Carbon 6...and it's obvious he LOVES the bike!





Buy It If
You want a budget carbon bike that rises above the mediocrity

The new Six Carbon line mates that race-bike DNA to affordability

The Six Carbon 6 boast a full-on race-ready frame that's
made entirelyof carbon, including the dropouts

it has the same seat- and head-tube angles as well as
chainstay lengths so you're not getting a watered-down
bike with boring handling

The Six can knife through an angry pack of riders or zag
down a fast descent comfortably without the aggressive
zag of a lean and low race bike

Our testers felt that the Six accelerated and steered well
but the frame isn't a bone crusher on choppy roads

The mostly Shimano 105 drivetrain works flawlessly
within the context of it's price

Chrissie and her Cannondale

Written by: Dan Empfield
Date: Thu Mar 05 2009
from website: www.slowtwitch.com
You can read complete article on http://www.slowtwitch.com/Interview/Chrissie_and_her_Cannondale_712.html







Cannondale is not without superlative athletes aboard its bikes. Kona World Champ Faris Al Sultan, 70.3 World Champ Mirinda Carfrae, and Ivan Basso and the Liquigas cycling team, all ride the Cannondale Slice.

But there's a connection between Lance and his Treks; Zabriskie aboard his (then) Cervelo and perhaps his (now) Felt; Normann aboard his (then) Kuota and perhaps his (now) Scott; that not all companies and their athletes enjoy.

Has that rare connection been there for anyone aboard a Cannondale Slice? I don't think so. Will Ms. Wellington do for Cannondale and its Slice what Merckx did for Colnago? Who knows? Maybe her answers below will tell us whether there's chemistry a-brewing.

SLOWTWITCH
In keeping with today's theme, that is, the advent of a new bike sponsor, I have five or six questions, and most revolve around you and Cannondale. I have had occasion to fit some of the Team TBB gals aboard their tri bikes, but they're usually a bit shy about that fact getting out. Brett, they've told me, is in general uncomfortable with other folks fitting his gals aboard their bikes. Who fitted you aboard your Cervelo previously? Brett? Or one of the guys at Bike Boutique? And who is responsible for your fit aboard your Cannondale Slice?
CHRISSIE
First I'd like to talk about Cervelo. I really enjoyed my time on the Soloist and the P2, they were great bikes, and it is a great company. My move to Cannondale had to do in part with the bike, which I love, and I test rode a lot of bikes over the past two months. I entertained several offers. Cannondale represents both a bike and a relationship. I can ride a bike aboard which I'm comfortable, and powerful, and that handles really well. I also sense that I'm able to run fast off this bike. And, I can be with a company that is responsive, and requests and respects my input. That's why I made this decision.

About fit: The Soloist I set up myself. I got the P2 five weeks before Hawaii. I was set up on it by Ben Distel [a F.I.S.T.-trained fitter from The Bike Boutique] but I'd never been on a tri bike before, so I was tweaking that bike right up to Kona. Afterward, but prior to this year, I was doing my own set up, but with Brett as an advisor. It was a partnership, a shared responsibility.

SLOWTWITCH
Okay, now, let's talk about your position aboard your Slice.

CHRISSIE
I got the Slice, it's a 54cm, same as the Cervelo, Simon [Lessing, Chrissie's new coach] and I set it up, almost the same measurements as the P2, at Colorado Multisport in Boulder. So it wasn't a totally new bike fit, mostly moving the P2 coordinates over. Having said that, I'm slightly lower in the front on the Slice, but I'm still comfortable and powerful. It's super comfortable. The position was worked out with Simon, and [Colorado Multisports F.I.S.T.-trained fitter] Ryan Ignatz.

SLOWTWITCH
I note that you are riding Profile Design aerobars in the photos we're attaching to this interview. Is this what you expect to ride? Have you made up your mind on another aerobar maker? Or are you still deciding on your choice of aerobar going forward?

CHRISSIE
For Ironman Australia I'll ride the bars you see in the picture [Profile T2+Cobra]. I signed a wheel deal with Hed, I'm incredibly happy about that. They've been super supportive. So I'll talk to them about the handlebars as well. What's important to me is optimal bike handling. Australia, Roth, these courses have lots of turns, I'm not the best bike handler. In Hawaii I anticipate riding the bars I've ridden the past two years, and that's a Hed bar [Hed one-piece]. Last year I had road bars in Frankfurt, Alp d'Huez, Timberman.

SLOWTWITCH
If you found a tri bar with a pursuit position that gave you the confidence and handling characteristics you were happy with, would you use that in every race?

CHRISSIE
I don't know that there's going to be one bar for every race for me. But I really like the flat Hed bar for Kona. On a technical course, I don't know. But on the non-technical, flatter courses, that Hed bar is very nice.

SLOWTWITCH
We have a place on slowtwitch where our members type in their fit coordinates. It's part of the profile they establish for themselves, and it's a way for triathletes to archive their coordinates for future reference, and also for other readers to learn. Quite a few pros have availed themselves of this. Would you be willing to publish your coordinates, so that our readers can see how it is you ride your new Cannondale Slice?
CHRISSIE
I'd be more than happy to do that. It might not be right away, as in, perhaps not within the week, but certainly within the month.

SLOWTWITCH
What bikes will you get from Cannondale, that is, will you get a Slice, and a road race bike? What bikes in total?

CHRISSIE
A couple of Slices, a road bike, and a mountain bike, perhaps a run-around bike, which might be the mountain bike or a commuter bike. I don't need too many bikes, I don't need six new bikes a year, and I am more than happy with what Cannondale are providing.

SLOWTWITCH
You live in Boulder, now, correct? How are you adjusting to your new surroundings?

CHRISSIE
Obviously the past five months have been a huge change for me. There have been a lot of changes in my life. I'm extremely happy to be settled in one place, that's important for me. I really like working with Simon. It took a long time for me to place my trust in Brett [Sutton, her old coach, of Team TBB], and I'm still building my relationship with Simon. But we get along great, I really enjoy the training, it has changed from what I've been doing under Brett, but not significantly. A lot of my training is with Simon, which I'm really enjoying, and I'm training with [British triathlete] Julie Dibens, and a couple of others.

I'm confident, I'm strong, and in terms of the lifestyle, I really like Boulder. It's not home yet, but I'm settling in. And I've made some new friends, and a little social life keeps me fresh.
SLOWTWITCH
Simon Lessing as your coach, is that mostly his coaching philosophy, or how much is it the chemistry that comes with British culture and sensibilities you might have in common?

CHRISSIE
A coach-athlete relationship for me is not just about the coaching program. It's a lot deeper and wider than that, I enjoy spending time socially with him and his family, his British sense of humor appeals to me.

My running is under Darren De Reuck [husband of former world class footrunner Colleen De Reuck). Along with running with Simon, I run with Darren's runners, the run training is quite varied, different from what I've done before.

Good story about the Rouge Roubaix in NYTimes today!

Good story about the Rouge Roubaix in NYTimes today:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/sports/othersports/10cycling.html?_r=1

Training Race Starts This Tuesday (3/10/09)!

Title: Training Race

Date: Thursday March 19, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeats: This event repeats every Tuesday and Thursday until Friday October 23, 2009
Location: River Road Entrance to FARR Park 2 Miles South of LSU Vet. School
Notes: This is a tradition ride. Meet @ entrance to Farr Park. "A" group departs 5:30; "B" at 5:33. Pace depends on attendees: "A"s avg. 24-27mph; "B"s 22-25 Distance 34 mi. including warm-up. Route flat. Begin south on River Rd. (Rt 327 South), right veer onto Rt 991 after 11 miles (the "split"). Continue past the Plaquemine Ferry landing @ 6 miles as 991 meets Rt 75. Left (extra caution) on Gummers Ln. approx. 3 miles past the Landing, back onto 327 north. 12 miles to the finish line just south of Farr Park.
Riders wear helmet. Keep right of centerline.
Slow riders should gather behind the B's and consider time of sundown to determine if ride should be shortened.

OR

Guys and Gals,

Please put this on your forums and yahoo groups.

For safety, I would like to start having the start of the training races begin at the split (where the time trials start).

We would do 3 laps (clockwise). We would still start at 5:30.

Please spread the word.

Great thing is if anyone gets dropped they can ride backwards to catch back on. They can also still make it if they come late and they can leave early if they have to- this makes it a great way for new riders to get involved.

Thank you,

Norman

Rouge Robauix Video!

Check it out! It's a great video!

http://www.tunicatrails.org/VIDEO/rougeroubaix2009.html

Training Race starts this Tuesday!!!

Title: Training Race

Date: Thursday March 12, 2009

Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Repeats: This event repeats every Tuesday and Thursday until Friday October 23, 2009.

Location: River Road Entrance to FARR Park 2 Miles South of LSU Vet. School

Notes: This is a tradition ride. Meet @ entrance to Farr Park. "A" group departs 5:30; "B" at 5:33. Pace depends on attendees: "A"s avg. 24-27mph; "B"s 22-25 Distance 34 mi. including warm-up. Route flat. Begin south on River Rd. (Rt 327 South), right veer onto Rt 991 after 11 miles (the "split"). Continue past the Plaquemine Ferry landing @ 6 miles as 991 meets Rt 75. Left (extra caution) on Gummers Ln. approx. 3 miles past the Landing, back onto 327 north. 12 miles to the finish line just south of Farr Park.

Riders wear helmet. Keep right of centerline.

Slow riders should gather behind the B's and consider time of sundown to determine if ride should be shortened.

March 8, 2009 St. Francisville Louisiana
St. Francis Inn on the Lake, Hwy 61 @ Hwy 10
Visit us at www.rougeroubaix.com for latest info. and maps
A* Race 8:00am Cat 1/2,3 & masters 35+, 45+
*B* Race 8:15am Cat 4, masters 55+, women & juniors
*C* Race 8:30am Cat 5 and 1 day license (limited to 75 max per USAC rules)
*A* race LCCS points will be scored separately for Cat 1/2 , 3, masters 35+ & masters 45+
*B* race LCCS points will be scored separately for Cat 4, masters 55+, women and juniors
*C* race LCCS points will be scored for Cat 5
Granfondo - A supported non-competitive tour of the Felicianas
The course is a well marked 100 mile journey for all registrants
Total Purse $3990 *A* Race $1990 20 deep *B* Race $1000 10 deep
Women $1000 10 deep (Women eligible for women payout only)
(Cat 5 is not eligible for any cash payout per USAC rules)
Royal Purple Primes @ top of BlockHouse Hill
*A* Race $100 *B* Race $100 Women’s Race $100
Simply put, a big money will be holding the green at the top of the hill, snatch it out of his
hand first, and it’s yours...what you do with it after that is up to you
Entry Fee $50 before March 5, 2008. On site entry fee $60
Registration will be from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday March 7th and from 6am to 7am on
Sunday March 8th www.bikereg.com Online registration closes Wed March 4th 10pm
All races will be held rain or shine...we will yield only to common sense..the cyclists' version
of common sense
Held under USAC event permit (pending) LAMBRA/LCCS Event
Let the suffering begin

Louis Garneau Announces Sponsorship of Rock Racing

Louis Garneau will be the official helmet, shoe, and optic sponsor of the Rock Racing Professional Men's Team. Rock Racing's rosters includes riders who have won stages at all three of cycling's "Grand Tours" - the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España - as well as multiple national championships. Through this partnership, Louis Garneau will be able to leverage its most recent innovations including the Diamond and Superleggera helmets as well as the CFS-150 (Custom Fit System) shoes, but also allows Garneau to solicit feedback from some of the world's top riders in order to future develop the Louis Garneau line.

"With two sponsored teams participating in the Tour of California, including Rock Racing and Team Type, we have increased involvement the largest cycling event in America through supporting athletes. This philosophy is intrinsic to Louis Garneau. We work with pro-athletes to develop products knowing that if our gear survives the demands of hardcore competitors then it is suitable for a plethora of athletes of all levels." says Pierre Perron, International Marketing Director.

The pro team will be geared in up in some of the most technological and innovative shoes, optics, and helmets available including:

CFS-150 Shoes- Experienced athletes require precision and perfection in every piece of cycling gear, and all athletes understand the value of convenience and the importance of adapting to insoles, socks, and physiological changes. That is why, Louis Garneau is proud to introduce its unique Custom Fit System (CFS-150) that will allow the individual to heat mold the thermo membrane integrated upper panel, resulting in an optimal custom fit, greater power transfer, and amazing comfort (patent pending). What’s more, the shoe can be repetitively molded using merely a conventional oven.

Diamond Helmet- The Diamond represents our greatest achievement in helmets. At 285 grams and 40 vents, we have designed a helmet to outperform the competition. The patented Super MSB technology consists of a monocoque base in the shape of a ring and two internal bridges. This technology replaces the commonly used internal cages and provides less shattering on impact, more vents, smaller walls on the side, and less touching of the head. In other words, this helmet is the pinnacle of helmet safety and conformability.

Superleggera Helmet- Our designers call the Superleggera, the pinnacle of TT helmet evolution. The Superlegegra once again pushes the limits of performance through the study of laminar airflow, weight reduction, and redistribution of weight to allow for a longer aero position. Through recent windtunnel testing at the Colorado Premier Training Center in Fort Collin, Colorado, it was confirmed that when couple with the new ventilated windscreen, the Superleggera helmet is the fastest Time Trial helmet available.

Filter Optics- The Filter Optics are designed for high performance. With 8-curve photosensitive BIOCHROMIK lenses, these optics have photosensitive lenses that automiatically change according to the natural light intensity. Ventilated lenses and sides minimize fogging and keep your eyes dry. The TR-90 nylon frames are impact resistant, lightweight, and flexible in a wide variety of temperatures. Polycarbonate lenses is known to be more resistant to high speed impact and shatterproof. The lenses are also 53% lighter than glass and coated for scratch resistance.

Atma Optics- The Atma Optics have an open frame for enhanced vertical and peripheral visibility and excellent lateral protection. With 8-curve photosensitive BIOCHROMIK lenses, these optics have photosensitive lenses that automatically change according to the natural light intensity. The TR-90 nylon frames are impact resistant, lightweight, and flexible in a wide variety of temperatures. An adjustable bridge with a rubber padding allows for better positioning, comfort, and reduces slipping even during the most intense rides.

Pipeline Optics- The fashionable optics for the fashionable team. Still high resistance to impact and scratches, enhanced eye coverage and protection, and 100% UV 400 protection.


About Louis Garneau
For over 25 years, Louis Garneau has been producing and patenting the leading apparel, helmets, shoes, accessories, and frames for cycling and triathlon. Garneau's technical products push the limits of excellence and performance. With distribution in over 36 countries, Louis Garneau is a leader in its industry. Louis Garneau continues to support the cycling community. For more information, please visit www.louisgarneau.com

Aussie Tim Berkel Wins Ironman Western Australia

Aussie Tim Berkel Wins Ironman Western Australia

Buy & Fly with Cannondale and Multisports.com

Buy & Fly with Cannondale and Multisports.com



Have you ever dreamed of riding like a champion? Perhaps you've done a sprint or met the challenge of an Olympic-distance race. Perhaps you've been to Kona and wondered just how good you could really be if you had been riding the same bike that world champions ride. Or you're curious just how great you could become with some coaching from the best in the business.

Now's your chance to realize your dream!
With the purchase of a new Cannondale Slice, Cannondale Bicycles will cover your camp fee to attend any Spring/Summer Multisports.com training camp in 2009. The retail value of these camps is $795.00, (travel excluded).

Offer begins December 1st 2008 and ends January 31 2009 so hurry to your local USA or Canadian Cannondale Dealer, pick up your Slice and learn to train like a champion!

In essence, Cannondale covers the camp fee for Slice purchases made on or before January 31, 2009. Travel and food costs are not included; the retail cost of the camps is $795.00.

The Logistics

The process is straightforward: Consumers purchase the bike at your store. You then send your Cannondale Dealer Service representative proof of purchase, including the customer's name, mailing address, email address, phone number, date of purchase, method of payment, and the bike's serial number.

Cannondale staff will take care of the rest, including contacting the customer and arranging the rest of the camp and travel logistics for the program! Please direct any questions about the program to Dealer Service at 1-800-BIKE-USA or speak to your Sales Rep.

Bicycling Magazine Jan/Feb issue picks the Six 5 as the best buy between $1500.00 - $2000.00

Like A Rock

The Six 5 is incredibly solid throughout the chassis even under the hardest sprints and climbs , yet it's surprisingly smooth and quiet considering how efficient it is.
The rider positions splits the difference between performance and comfort, with a moderately tall head tube and a roomy top tube length.

Holiday Store Hours!

Monday Dec. 29th 10am-6pm
Tuesday Dec. 30th 10am-6pm
Wednesday Dec. 31st-10am-2pm
Thursday (New Years Day) Jan. 1st CLOSED
Friday & Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday CLOSED

Dear friend:

My 71 miles ride is coming soon. January the 17. I deside this year to do it racing some money for Weels To Succeed because they do incredible work with handycup children. The Center have received already.several thousand dollars from sponsors Please join me. I will treat you very good - moderate speed. 18 fwd 21 bwd. - Let leave that extra "load" on River Road. You do not have to do the entire ride.
Yo can even be a virtual rider.

Please: register today and forward this to all your ciclist friends. It is going to be a great family event. The children from McMain Development Center will join us.

See you on the road,

Jairo






Jairo Alvarez

Author of his biography books:
English edition:
NO SUCH THING AS IMPOSSIBLE- From Adversity to Triumph-
www.NoSuchThingAsImpossible.com

Support for Bike Ped Facilities in Upcoming Transportation bill

If you have not done so already, please consider signing the "Rails to Trails" petition to include funding for walking and biking facilities in the upcoming economic recovery legislation.

Please forward the link below to friends. The more people who call for fair transportation funding, the more likely we are to convince our decision-makers to fund such vital projects.

Just copy this link and paste it in an e-mail to your friends:

Follow the link, or cut and paste

Bruce

http://support.railstotrails.org/recovery

Savings Through out the Store!

3rd. Annual Comite Classic MTB Race

The Fall 2008 Velo! Velo! series - Velo Dendro Deux

The third and final ride of the Fall 2008 Velo! Velo! series - Velo Dendro Deux - rolls out Sunday, November 16.

Starting at Hilltop Arboretum riders will be accompanied by a noted dendrologist and others knowledgeable in the ways of the woods as we wind our way to Bluebonnet Swamp, Mt. Hope Plantation, and – if we're lucky – the BREC-LSU-BRAS Highland Road Park Observatory Bottomland Hardwood Forest Walking Trail. For most of these locations we will have exclusive access to the facilities while our touring dendrologists and horticulturalists tell us of the world we'll see.

We'll finish up at Hilltop Arboretum with food, music, and beverages. It looks like it will be a cool day so wear your woolies!

The online registration form may be accessed by clicking on this link.

Click here for the Fall 2008 Velo! Velo! rides mail-in form. Clicking on the link will open a PDF. Once you've opened it, print it out, fill it in, put the form with your check, money order, or cash in an envelope, and mail it to the address given. We'll take care of the rest.

Remember: the postal service is not always as speedy as we might like so, if you use this method to register, please allow plenty of time.

PedalPlay Bicycles has sales on full suspension bikes from Kona Bicycle Company:

Kikapu regular $1,000, SALE price $800.00,

Kikapu DeLuxe regular $1,399.99, SALE $1,100.00

Piney Hills Classic MTB Race as my final exam

The race season is finally over. I am physically and mentally ready for some rest. Before I shut down, I thought I would first share my thoughts on the end of the season and its two final INCREDIBLE races. Because of my tendency to ramble and digress, I will send it to you in two parts. First, the Piney Hills Classic, and then, the 24 Hours of Clear Springs.

The first race was the Piney Hills Classic in Ruston, La. This is usually a huge race and one that every serious mountain bike racer in Baton Rouge wants to do well at. It is part of the Texas Fall Series, the last race of USA Cycling's National cross country calendar, and the last race of the American Mountain Bike Challenge (AMBC) calendar. That's a lot of weight for one race. . . and a lot of pressure for one racer.

I look back on this season and see all of my races as a series of tests, with Bump and Grind at Oak Mountain being my mid-term, and the Piney Hills Classic as my final exam. This was the test I felt I had to pass to truly feel ready to graduate from the Sport (Cat 2) class to the Expert (Cat 1) class.

The PHC is a stage race consisting of three races, a time trial, a short track race, and a cross country race. Sport racers have to only do the time trial and the cross country.

The time trial was basically 12 minutes of trying my absolute hardest to see if I could make my heart explode. It felt as though I surely had a shot. The race went very well with the exception of my one crash. I entered a wide, easy turn with a little too much speed for the loose over hard-pack trail conditions, completely lost traction, and hit the ground. I bet I have never gotten up faster from a wreck. My chain dropped into granny gear and my derailleur was a little sluggish to resolve that problem afterwards, but I lost very little time. Unfortunately, very little time is all it takes to drop spots quickly in a 3 mile race. I got the word later that night from a friend that I finished that race in 3rd place. Unbelievable! I realized that I might actually have a chance with the cross country race the next day. Nice thoughts to fall asleep to.

On the morning of the cross country race, I wondered if I would even know anyone on the starting line. I knew that most of the guys I've made friends with in the South Central Regional Series were going to absent, and I have never raced in Texas before, so I didn't think I would. Hello, Eric Spina. Apparently, he wants to beat me real bad. He did tell me "the end of the season." I assumed he meant the SCRCS season, but there he was, ready to race. So. . . Let's race.

The Texas series lines up the racers with the top ten guys on the front row, everyone else falling in behind them. This makes it hard to get a fair shot at good starting position. I lined up behind someone I hoped would be as fast as they looked, hoping to help my chances of getting get a somewhat decent start. We were off, and in very short distance, I was in third place. Perfect. After the short sprint from the line, I stayed as close as possible to the second place guy's wheel until we reached the singletrack, and hoped a group of riders wouldn't blow by us beforehand. We made it to the tighter trail in the same position. There was another guy behind me who stayed close for a while, but dropped off early. And then, there were three.

The pace we were going was a very hard pace, but it felt like any other race, and I figured that we would all settle down soon enough. I noticed the two guys in front of me look back at me and figured they were probably wondering who I was. I answered their quizzical faces with a reply of "Y'all are doing great. Keep it up." The three of us stayed together until a section of trail called Tomac separated the first place guy (Clint Fontenot) from his bike. Tomac can be described as sort of a mini ski jump. You can get all the air you would ever need on a cross country race bike at the bottom of the steep, straight hill with the LAUNCH at the bottom. The problem is that you have to land in time to make about a ninety degree turn back into the tight woods. The loose over hard-pack worked in my favor this time and Clint slid out trying to turn. He was back on his feet before we even passed him completely, but I hoped we could at least put a small gap on him before he recovered from his spill. And then, there were two.

It was not long at all after Clint fell, that I realized his replacement was not doing the same job as Clint was doing. He was slowing way down. He told me that he was trying to keep up the pace, but I was worried that Clint would catch back on quickly and wanted to be gone before that happened. I went around with an "on your left, thank you," quickly adding, " I might regret it later." With that, I was off in a hurry wondering how I managed to pull this off so soon. And then, there was one.

Off the front and alone is as hard on you as being behind in a race. You have to try to maintain a speed that will allow you to stay in the lead, without going so hard that you blow up and get passed by everyone. I had help maintaining a pace by the quick glimpses of Clint I kept getting behind me when I could look back, or on switchbacks. He was close, and we both knew it. What he didn't know was that my legs were starting to hurt. The race wasn't even halfway through, and I felt that crampy feeling creeping into my legs again. Please, no. I've been to this point so many times this year that I know that I can ride for a long time feeling like I felt. The problem is I also know that I can only do so by riding a very fine line with my power. If I start pushing too hard, I'll be standing next to my bike trying to get my legs to bend again.

I stayed ahead of Clint for probably what would amount to a full lap, or ten miles, even with my aching legs. I always tell myself that it is likely that the other racers are hurting just as bad as I am. It helps until they blow by you leaving you in the dust. When Clint passed, I yelled to him, "Great Racing." He yelled back, "Dude, you're a beast." I wasn't sure if he was talking about my riding or my scary looking chicken legs, but I replied assuming he meant the former with "You're passing me!" I tried to keep him close, but just couldn't do it. I told myself that I couldn't ride his pace for the rest of the race without facing the very real threat of significant cramping. That was at least my way of rationalizing my being DROPPED. And then, there were . . . okay I'm now bored with this, and besides I don't even know how to say it. Maybe, and then there were two, separated by a gap filled with settling dust? I don't know.

I ended up riding the rest of the race hoping that I could keep the rest of the field behind me and praying that I might see Clint again. My hopes came true but you don't always get what you pray for, right?

In the end, I did manage to hold off the pack and passed my final exam with a very hard 2nd place finish. I guess that means that I am ready to move into the Expert ranks, right? Only time will tell the answer to that, but I can say with certainty that this season was a GREAT learning experience. I can also say with certainty that my Sport "teachers" are ready for me to get the hell out of their class. Some things never change.

Jason Betz

The 24 Hours of Clear Springs

The 24 Hours of Clear Springs. Wow, what an unbelievable race. That was, by far, the best time I have ever had racing my bicycle. I am serious. If you've never experienced it, you are greatly missing out. Brian Coleman, for all that you have done with this race, both this year and in years leading up to it, I sincerely thank you.

Relax, I am going to try a Cliff's Notes version of my typical race report. I mean, 24 hours of racing? You don't want that.

This was my first time to ever race a 24 hour race. I am not nearly enough of a sadomasochist to ever attempt doing one of these solo, and was lucky enough to be asked early by Joseph Dabbs to join his team for this year's race. I committed to doing it and probably should have been committed for doing it. With the joy of this race comes the absolute pain, physical and mental hurt. Luckily, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

The week leading up to the race was HECTIC. Juggling work/family obligations while trying to prepare for the race had me wondering if I should also try to join the Cirque Du Soleil. I figured I might have a decent shot. Thank goodness I was racing with a group of veterans, and they had a LIST. A nice set of rails for my mind. Friday night, I checked off the last few items, and got to sleep at a nice early midnight.

Up at six, and out by seven, I was on my way to mountain bike Heaven. (I know, CORNY, but it just came right on out. I use a Weegie Board to write these, you know.) We'll fast forward through registration and the camp set-up. That's how it felt to me anyway. It felt like I was watching time lapse video watching Jeremy, Joseph, and Tanner set up camp. Those guys are impressive. Not only did they know what to bring, but where to put way too much stuff.

Just before the race, I think I was in shock or something. I was getting information overload, and all I heard was "words, words, words, words." My team was trying to alleviate my pre-race jitters, but they didn't know it was not going to happen. The only way to calm my nerves before a race, is to start racing. I chose to defer my pain relief while Dabbs rode our first lap. Once I had gone a lap and familiarized myself with the transition and what to do during my down time, I calmed dramatically. I just settled down for a very long race.

I won't go into great detail about each and every lap, but I will discuss a few things that I experienced during my time on the bike.

I broke a chain for the second time ever on my second lap. The last time I broke a chain was in Oxford's race last year. I just learned how to repair a chain (Thank you, Scott Mackey.), and after fumbling with my multi-tool a few minutes before realizing that all I needed was a quick link, I proceeded to quickly reconnect my chain. Of course, I didn't run it through my derailleur correctly, and got a little more practice the second time I fixed it. This time, chain repair happened much more quickly. I looked at my chain, thought I only needed a quick link, dug it out of my jersey and fumbled it securely into place. Thank both of you who stopped and offered help, especially you Fred. You know, somehow, just seeing Fred on the trail at that time helped me mentally. I can't explain it, but I just thought it was awesome to see him out riding during the race. If I hadn't broken that chain, my second lap would have easily been my fastest lap. While realizing that, I also realize that my chain could have been damaged beyond repair and made that lap not just my slowest, but also my team's slowest. That chain lasted me the remaining six laps.

I rode at night for the first time ever with only a bar light. If you are considering purchasing a light, and you are only going to get one, GET A HELMET LIGHT! For this race, I had a MiNewt on my bars and an older HID Niterider on my helmet. At the beginning of my first night lap, I had both lights on, but decided that my HID was plenty of light and opted to save my MiNewt's battery in case I needed it later. Well, just after leaving the transition area at the beginning of my third night lap I noticed my helmet light starting to fade fast. I clicked on my trusty MiNewt backup just in time to see my HID die. Well, at least it died fast. Oh crap, I'm riding faster than the speed of light! That night lap is unquestionably the very hardest riding I have ever done on my bike. Not being able to see where you are going next, is just about like riding in the complete dark. I've never had to use my brakes more during that lap. Brief stretches of straight trail and the uphill sections were the only places I could relax. Imagine looking forward to all the hills. That lap, I must stress, was demoralizing. I knew my light was my limiter on that lap. Fortunately, I got to ride another lap right after this one. I went back to our camp, borrowed Tanner's battery, which we had no idea how long would last, and headed back out. I had only one goal. Ride faster than the Hell lap. I think I did that.

80 miles of racing and not a significant wreck to speak of. Yes, I fell off the side of a bridge once, well, more like jumped. I got to the bottom of a downhill section at the beginning of Mills where there is a bridge perpendicular to the trail. It is a nice, tight turn onto this bridge and you hit it with speed unless you've scrubbed some off with your brakes first. Well, it was night and I didn't. I straightened out the curve a little while on the bridge, and just kind of jumped off while falling. Even managed to land on my feet. I was impressed. Picked up my bike and started the climb up.

I am fairly confident that my wheels will eventually hook up during a drift in a curve. Sometimes, that hook up occurs on the outside of the curve however, and I get a little help stopping, or redirecting my trajectory, by a nice Pine tree. Yep, that happened at least twice. Other than that, and bridge jumping, a safe and wreck free ride.

80 miles of racing. I still have a hard time even believing that. Before the race, the longest I had ever even ridden my bike was at last year's Ouachita Challenge and it was less than sixty. I'm not talking about just my mountain bike, either. I've never even ridden my road bike that far. The first thing that helped me reach that milestone was the fact that I had NO CLUE that would happen. We all figured that, at most, we would have to ride six laps. Things happen. When I rode my seventh lap, I thought it was my last lap of the race. I found out that there might be a chance that I would need to ride an eighth very soon after completing that "last lap." Why not? What got me through the eighth lap? Claire Sanders. She was riding her tenth lap at the time. I told her she was my hero, and she asked why. 22 hours into the race, and she was still riding. SOLO. Awesome job.

Team Buckwheat. The best competition I could have imagined. Part of what made this race so great for me was how close the race was at times. At one point, in the middle of the night, I was on the starting line with Rusty Bernard. Our team members came into the transition area together, so we sprinted off the line like we were starting a short track race, not like we had already been racing over 12 hours. Tied even in the middle of the night. I'd say that was perfect. 24 hours of racing and a three minute win had to feel great. I know Malt and Buckwheat have been battling the last few years. While I would have certainly enjoyed a narrow win, a narrow loss to these guys left me overjoyed. I was truly happy for them.

This race was my first time to ever really be a part of a team. I do not come from a sports background like many of the other racers, so didn't experience it in my past. Just being able to race with Joseph, Jeremy, and Tanner was a great experience for me. While I am very proud of my role on the team, Jason Betz did not do anything. The La-a Blazzers raced to a very hard fought second place.

Tanner, I didn't really know at all, but his value as a team member became quickly apparent. Two 24 hour races under his belt and a wealth of learned information to go with it, Tanner was early on walking me through what was to come. It didn't hurt that he had some bike mechanic knowledge as well. His worth became most apparent when Dabbs and I heard Tanner splashing his dinner all over his shoes in the middle of the night. A team of three is not as strong as a team of four. We already discussed this when early in the race a team or two were riding short a member. We were going to miss him for sure.

I knew going into this race that Dabbs was going to be a SOLID team member. I have watched him race all year and gotten to know him a little as a person and a racer. He definitely did not let me down. After slight nudging just before daybreak, Joseph drug his weary body out of his sleeping bag to go ride another hard lap. He didn't want to at all, but that lap was our team's turning point. It was the daybreak lap, and with the sun, we all agreed, came new hope.

To me, Jeremy Wesson was our strongest team member. I mean that wholeheartedly. His positive mental attitude, and hilarious sense of humor helped me over and over again. I know it also helped Dabbs. Our team's true darkest hour was just before dawn. After my back to back laps, Jeremy suited up and rode his lap just like he said he would. If he wouldn't have, we would have been done. He rode the last lap of darkness for us, and we were able to regain some momentum in the new day's light. He also served as my alarm clock for the only 20 minutes of sleep I got. We both were ready to ride our team's 23rd lap, and staying warm by the fire, when I shut down. He woke me up and we both went to the transition area. If Joseph made it back by 9:00, I was to go, if not, Jeremy would do so. I hoped it would be him. It wasn't. When I returned in time, for one last lap, Dabbs took off. So did Jeremy . . . just because he wanted to. He wanted to ride more.

Three minutes. A fitting end to a hard fought battle. In my opinion, this was the absolute perfect race. Yes, there were issues, but they were dealt with. I would not change one thing about our race. I am more satisfied at the moment as a mountain bike racer than I have ever been before.

Thank each and every one of you who helped in the slightest to make this race happen. Thank you for the happiness and thank you for the memories. I look forward to doing this again next year.

Jason Betz,

La-a Blazzas (That is, La Dash Ah, Fool. Still not sure about "Blazzas," however.)