Auburn Ride #2 & 3

Ride #2, Salmon Falls
For my second Auburn, CA ride, I met my old friends/former riding partners Paul S. and Cameron B. for the 'newer' Salmon Falls trail (for the record, they are in their 30's).  This trail starts with a series of steep switchbacks that take you up, up, up to a long up and down section of double track that again turns into sweet single-track. We followed this fairly fast, flowy trail (with Paul setting a blistering pace) through the fields and through the woods, out past an old cabin (not grandma's house) and eventually hit a gut-busting climb to the top of the ridge where you have unobstructed views on both sided of the trail (pics coming end of July).  Then we eventually bombed downhill and connected back to the original trail and rode it back to the start where Paul took off and Cameron and I jumped into the lake for some much cool water refreshment.
We rode just shy of 20 miles and were beat.  The trails really are fantastic, and there is no escaping tough climbs out here.  Good Times!

Cameron attacking a climb.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cameron and I at the top of the switchbacks.  You can see the bridge (where we are parked) in the distance.

Paul, Cameron and I at some old barn off the trail.

Paul and our bikes on the ridge.

Cameron and Paul heading down the switchbacks to the trail-head.

Ride #3 Stagecoach- Clementine- Connector- Forest Hill Divide- Connector- Fuel Break- Forest Hill Bridge...back to start.
The next day I decided to ride again, but this time I wanted to do everything from Ride #1, but add the  Forest Hill Divide Loop connector and Trail (an extra ~18 miles).  I was fortunate to meet some guys about 7 miles in who showed me the trails and kept me from getting lost.  A good thing to as I just about ran out of water on the return so they told me of of a shortcut back that I never would have known existed (across the Forest Hill Bridge).  On the final climb before descending down to the bridge, I had two vultures circling me the entire climb.  It is as if they knew I was out of water and thus they just might end up with an all-you-can-eat meal.  Luckily I did not end up as trail-kill and made it back home.  The ride ended up being just over 30 miles and my legs were beat from the climbing.  Taking a day off tomorrow to sit in front of the T.V. and watch the Tour De France. :)

This gives an idea of the ride...though mine started with a ~3.5 mile descent to where the chart starts and ended a bit differently with a smaller descent and then an uphill after the bridge into Auburn...still, good elevation out here and definitely good times!

California Dreaming...and Riding. Ride #1

The View of the Forest Hill Bridge from the deck where I am staying.

The trail-head, a 1.5 mile ride from the house.

~ Half way down; the view of where I am headed (the American River Confluence) at the bottom of Stagecoach trail.

The Clementine Trail takes you back under the bridge.  You can see the Stagecoach trail to the left.

The view of the Clementine Dam.  A steep climb that keeps going.

From here, after a bit more climbing it is all down hill...until the 3.5 mile climb back to the house. :p

Good to be home in Sunny (yet not humid) California.  Thanks to Dave K. letting me borrow his case, I was able to bring my Hooligan on this trip, which will likely be the last several rides for this cracked frame that has served me so well.
Arrived Sunday Night (4th of July), put the bike together before going to bed, then woke up and went for a ride ~9am.
I am staying about 1.5 miles from the trail-head, which is the top of Stagecoach.  This is a great double track trail as it is rough, hard, rocky in spots, twisty and has a nice drop-off on the edge of the road to keep you from flying too fast down hill.  I also like that it is two miles all up or all down, with no breaks.  I ended up riding down, then meeting a guy at the bottom (Tom) who was starting his ride.  Turns out he was riding back up, and was cool about me joining him, so I turned around and back up I went, then down, then we hit what he called the Clementine Loop that seemed to be a few trails joined together.  It was a beautiful ride along a river that climbed high up over a dam and just kept going up with some paved road connecting the trail.  Some of the single track was very tight and rocky with a steep ledge leaving you little room for error, but that adds to the fun.  The reward for all the climbing came in the form of a bombing, sometimes twisty rocky downhill that had several jumps thrown in, some high berms and a lot of smiles.  My ride ended with an almost  noon time ride back up Stagecoach in full sun, and it was hot.  Still, I had plenty of water and new the ride was almost over, so I gave it all I had and arrived at the in-laws just in time to jump into their neighbors pool.
So after getting to the trail head the ride was:

Stole this map from Steve's Mountain bike Page.  Thanks Steve!

Down Stagecoach
Up Stagecoach
Down Stagecoach
Lake Clementine Trail
Fuel Break Trail
Culvert Trail
Clementine Trail
Up Stagecoach and back home (another 1.5 miles up)
Total ~20 miles
Part of the ride can be seen on the map below.  Missing is the two trips up and two trips down Stagecoach...I plan on riding the entire colored route for one of my upcoming rides.

2011 Briar Chapel XC Race --Back to Earth.

So, after my better than expected 24hr Burn, the next event on the calendar is the XC race at Briar Chapel.  Yes, a race that requires speed is just what I needed to shrink my expanded head and bring me back down to earth.  This is an interesting course in that it is mostly fast and flowy, but there are a handful of spots spread out on the ~6 mile course that present a challenge.  A couple of short rock gardens, a short yet narrow rock/rooty/technical slow speed accent, and a nice sized log-over (16"-18") were areas that caused a few problems for even intermediate racers.  During the pre-ride a week before, I was able to clear all obstacles (had to, there was a girl riding right behind me), so I felt pretty confident about that aspect of the race.
 The area I was not sure about was division.  Now while I will only ride a Single Speed, that does not mean I will only race in the single speed class.  This class consisted of three sandbagers guys that I already knew would smoke me, then a bunch of other guys that I did not know, so I signed up for 40+ (need to act my age); but then I though how this might be my 26" Soul Cycles Hooligan's last race (cracked frame), so at the last minute I decided to switch to single speed class to send my beloved bike out the right way.
The race started well.  We were sent up and back on a gravel road to help spread us out, it worked.  I went out a little harder than usual to try and avoid any backlog on the single track, and I rode the entire race nearly unobstructed.  Everyone I encountered was cool about passing, and little to no time was lost in this area of the race.
As far as single speed or 40+, turns out I did not make the most advantageous decision, but I knew that going in.  I go smoked in the single speed division, not even sniffing the podium; however, in the 40+ I would have likely been 2nd or 3rd.  (the scoring corrections were not exactly correct, but that's cool).  Still, I rode what felt like my best XC race ever, ~18 miles at ~11.2mph (32:18 gearing).  I have ridden that pace before in XC,  but over less distance.  Then again, my odometer is not dialed in so who knows, but hey, it felt fast, I definitely left it all on the course, and I did not get hurt, so all is good.  My only mishaps: I had one low speed endo' during lap 1, but was able to stay on me feet, pick up the bike and get going.  Then in lap two I dropped my chain in the uphill rocky/rooty area.  I  had to get it put back on (lost maybe 30-40 sec.) but what a fun race and a learning experience.  What did I learn? you ask.  I learned that XC is not my strength (actually I knew this already).  The longer the race, the better I am likely to do, I mean how many people are stupid enough to want to ride for 12-24 hrs???  :)
Thanks go out to Steve Rogers and Volunteers for orchestrating such a fun event.  Good Times (but next time I go 40+). ;)

26er or 29er? The Time Has Come.

Gotta have the white one!

The unthinkable has happened.  I have a crack in my beautiful Soul Cycles Hooligan.  It is not a big crack, and it is not in a catastrophic area (where the upper rear triangle meets the seat tube), but it has increased slightly.  So now the question.  Do I stick with a 26er or go with a 29er?  If I was ever going to get a 29er, now would be the time.  Well, lucky for me, Chad B., owner of Soul Cycles is going to warranty the frame and send me a new 16" Dillinger in white (26" is no longer being made).  I bought the 26" frame because I heard great things about their support and customer service.  All I can say is Wow!  I would urge anyone considering a 29er to check out the Dillinger (can be run SS or geared)...commercial over.   So now I just need a fork, wheelset and tires; all other parts will be swapped over from my Hooligan (unless I decide I need a new stem, grips etc.).  ;)

To help make the "29er transition", Matt R. hooked me up with his buddy Alex who runs www.29eronline.com.  Alex is going to allow me to demo a few bikes in return for honest reviews, and I get the experience of riding a 29er on real trails.  The first bike I tried was a Specialized Camber Elite.  This is a 30+lb. Full suspension 29er in a size large.  When I first sat on it and rode around the parking lot at San Lee I thought, "Don't like it...too big, too bulky etc."  Interestingly, about 1/3 through the ride, I was sold.  I was clearing all the rocky areas and even clearing tight switchbacks (up and down hill); clearing areas I sometimes dab on my 26er.  Naturally, this bike had no problem sticking to a line so downhills were bombin' fun!  Next up, Specialized Epic Carbon!

Also a big thanks to Kelly and Vanessa for letting me borrow one of their 29ers.  Kelly and I spent some time making Vanessa's geared Salsa El Mariachi into a Single Speed that I could use for a few weeks.  the 15.5 inch frame is a bit tight (and the bike is a tank), but I will just put on a setback post and a longer stem (from 70mm to 100mm) and it will be nice.  Also, before I knew I was getting a warrantied frame, several riders (Dave and Nate to name a few) have offered to let me Demo there bikes to give me a solid 29er feel, very cool, thanks guys; beer is on me.

Mmmm, looks delicious!

I was given a lot of crap from my friends for riding a 26er.  And I gave a lot back by defending the smaller wheels.  I still feel like I don't need a 29er, I have done well on my 26er, but I must admit that I have experienced the advantages of the bigger wheels (better rolling/traction...); and the so-called disadvantages (handling/turning...) turned out to be irrelevant.  Guess I will need to change my blog and email to get rid of the "26".  I will get to that right after I finish eating some crow.

Riding Again After the Burn, And Other Thoughts.

My first ride after the Burn24 was four days later at Harris Lake.  Sure was nice to ride trails that were not going to kick my butt.  Still, like a totaly newb I show up without gloves...legs were still tired, but after 4 or 5 miles it was my hands that had had enough.  I rode one lap of the Burn without gloves and it sucked.  I was quickly reminded of the soft spots still on my hands, so after one loop (9 miles), I had enough and wrapped my sore mitts around a cold beer (thanks Andy).
The next ride came a few days later at Creedmore.  Jeff (who took first at the Burn and 3rd at Warrior Creek (to name a couple of his many accomplishments)) was there to push the pace along with Jim, Jay L (my PMBAR partner) and Bobby.  Jeff and Bobby led this ride and set a pretty tough pace of ~9mph for the first several miles.  We ended up with 24 miles, but the first 7 or 8, while not quite XC pace, were certainly faster than 6hr pace.  Now all these riders are interesting characters, but Bobby deserves special mention for three reasons: One, he is a bit like me, and two he brought Power Aid and Klondike bars to share with everyone...in honor of our Burn24 success he said.  

The Klondike Bars were soft but delicious.  Thanks Bobby!

So, how is Bobby like me?  Not by looks...there he is the opposite of me (short, bald and handsome), but I remember he started getting serious about riding shortly after I did.  I had some initial success winning* the TORC XC Series (*35+ division), then taking 2nd in the Endurance Series (Single Speed Class).  While I was content to bask in my weekend warrior success, Bobby continued to ride more and more, getting better and better.  Then wouldn't you know it, he kicked my butt in the 6BC six-hour race at Briar Chapel late last year.  Shortly after, he suffered a nasty injury but has come back strong...it just serves as a positive reminder that I ride with guys all the time that don't always race, but that kick (my) butt if/when they do.  Really, the only props I deserve is that I show up, and hopefully I ride hard when I do.  I know as well as anyone that I only make a podium if certain people don't show up.  And you know what?  (short pause for you to say, "What?")  I am o.k. with that.

Oh, that 3rd reason Bobby deserves special mention...he said he reads the blog, so this is to find out if he is telling the truth or not. :)

2011 Burn 24: Un-F’n-believeable!

Put on Schwalbes just for the Burn. :)

As some of you know, I came into this Burn without a lot of confidence thanks to an injury DNF at PMBAR a few weeks before (sorry partner (Jay)), followed by pink-eye and a throat virus.  My only real goal was to ride, ride, ride for 24hrs, resting only when necessary.  I thought I was logistically prepared as I arrived early and secured a good pit-spot near the start/finish for myself, Mike and Andie (riding as a coed duo) and Brandon.  I had 6 hrs of Perpetuem ready in bottles, as well as 4 hrs of Hi-Fi 4:1 mix, two gel flasks, an assortment of bars, as well as Enduralites, water and Nuun tablets.  I also brought precooked bacon, cookies and some other food, but the ants enjoyed them before I could--damn those buggers!  Also, my Soul Cycles Hooligan single-speed had a crack at the weld where the rear stays meet the seat tube.  I was told it was not in a catastrophic area and I was unlikely to end up with aluminum shards in my spine, so I brought a back-up bike just in case, and off I went. 

The first few laps were pretty uneventful.  The trail was slick due to all the rain, but because I took my time with the LeMans start, I never felt stuck behind anyone.  There were spots on the trail where I was forced to get off my bike and walk because others had stopped in front of me, but I found out in the ensuing laps that I would likely be walking a few of those spots often.

I pitted after three laps (more Perpetuem and water) and then again after my fifth lap.  I was averaging my goal of about a lap an hour and felt pretty good all things considered.  I decided to start pitting every other lap in order to ensure I was giving myself time to eat and drink properly and to not overdo it.  When the night laps started I was pretty excited to try out my new BikeRay III light on my handlebars.   I went with an XML torch on my helmet (throws 300 lumen which was plenty of light) and used the BikeRay on low (300 floody lumen) for the climbs and on high (amazing 1000 floody lumens) for the descents.  Unfortunately, the BikeRay rotated often on the bars due to the rooty, bouncy trail and I found myself readjusting it constantly.  I think constantly readjusting my light while bouncing down the trail on my 26" hardtail helped keep my alert (how did I not totally bite it?).  Anyway, I had plenty of light and there were no other light related issues.

My 10^th and 11^th laps were hell.  I had no strength and little energy.  I began walking areas that I would normally ride.  I was having a tough time eating (nauseous) and was throwing down Hammer Gel to try and survive.  I was not going very fast at all, and felt that my level of heart rate and massive perspiration far exceeded my output.  I came into the pit at ~12:30, finished, done.  My plan was to ride for 24 hrs.  And as I said before, to quote the great Mike Tyson, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."  I was just punched in the mouth, hard.  

I was sweating, but shivering with teeth chattering.  Luckily for me Brandon was there as was Andie and Mike.  Andie told me to put on some dry clothes and wrapped me in a blanket and towel while I sat in a camping chair (leave it to a woman to be nurturing).  I felt too nauseous to eat so Brandon gave me a cold coke to help settle my stomach.  I started falling asleep in the chair and woke up to find I had dropped the coke.  Andy figured I was starving and gave me one of Brandon’s store bought roast beef sandwiches.  She was right, I was starving.  I ate most of the sandwich (ah, real food), had another coke, and started to feel a little better.  I was told I was in 4^th or 5^th at that time.  I did not care.  I just kept running scenarios through my head; like if I slept for 4 or 5 hours, I could still get up and finish four more laps to get the 15 that I had already told everyone I thought I could do.  I also knew there was the possibility that If I went to sleep, my race was over at 11 laps.  At 1:53 a.m. I decided to take of my skirt and put back on my man pants. O.k., I really put on new bibs, shirt and socks and headed out.  I was amazed at how much better I felt, kinda like I did during laps 4 and 5 (cramping and tired, but o.k.).  I went for two laps before pitting again.  Swapped batteries for my bar light, ate some energy bar (don’t remember which), grabbed some gummy gel things and off I went to get my last two laps in.  I struggled hard through laps 14 and 15.  Again, I started walking several sections and began feeling like I should not be out there.  I started to question my sanity.  I thought of the Albert Einstein quote, "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".  But I was getting different results (more laps) so I was sane, yes! When I finally came in, I went straight to the standings and saw I was in….2^nd!  Are you serious?  I was ~20 minutes ahead of 3^rd and about 3 laps ahead of 4^th (who obviously slept for the night).  I did not even go to my tent.  I just turned around and punched out lap 16.  I was hating life.  My legs kept cramping, forcing me off the bike.  My left forearm would lock up, forcing me off the bike.  Still, I was going to finish 16 laps, and maybe, just maybe, I might hold on for a podium spot; that is what drove me.

When I came in from lap 16 I was spent.  It was 7:23 a.m.  I told my fellow pitters I was done and going to sleep.  Mike asked if he should wake me at a certain time.  I said not to worry about it.  I would set my alarm for a few hours and see if I had another lap in me before it was over.  I went into the tent, laid down on the comfortable mattress, and realized I left my phone/alarm in my car.  I did not care, I fell asleep.  When I woke up, it was bright, hot, and loud.  I had no idea how long I had slept, so I forced myself up and out of the smoldering tent.  I looked at my bike computer, it was 9:30 a.m., I slept for almost two hours.  I swallowed down some power aid and walked over to view the scores.  With my 16 laps, I was now in 3rd, and the guy in 2^nd (Lamar) was out riding.  I said out loud, “Well, looks like I might get 3^rd”.  A guy standing there said that he was pitting with the 4^th place guy and that he planned on doing 18.  If he did 17 he was going to knock me off the podium.  Crap!  I went back to the tent and conjured up the remains of that magical elixer (coke, and the remaining roast beef sandwich) and changed my clothes.  I had to do one more lap.

As I took off, I felt achy and stiff, but I felt some strength in my legs and a burning desire to make the podium in my first ever 24 solo.  I walked in some of the usual places and surprised myself by clearing many spots I was walking earlier.  I figured this was my last lap, so go all out.  When I came in, I felt comfortable that I had secured 3^rd as the guy in 4^th I found was not punching out the same fast laps he had in the first 12 hours.  I also saw that I was only 25 minutes behind Lamar in 2^nd before I started that lap, but my last lap was about 15 minutes faster than his last lap.  I actually had a chance to catch him if I did one more lap.  Without hesitation I was off, pedaling as hard as I could.  I had to catch Lamar!  I went through the first set of climbs and no Lamar.  I hit the first downhill section (with the tight switchbacks) as fast as I could, still no Lamar.  I started the 2^nd series of climbs after the river and began muscling up sections, desperate to chase down 2^nd place.  Then there he was.  I caught up to him at the 2nd to last switch-back before the aid station.  He was walking.  I called out to him, “Come on buddy, this is the last one…let’s ride it together and see what we have left.”  He made a motion and said something, but he was not getting back on his bike.  I started pushing harder than I thought possible.  A combination of competitiveness, fear and vanity drove me.   I was working hard, steadily repeating, "Go, go, go, go, go..." with every pedal stroke.  I only looked back once I hit the grass, no Lamar (thank god!).  I cruised in for what turned out to be my fastest lap time of the race.  My fingers had cramped onto my bar, my left forearm was cramped, my legs spent, my ass sore, but I did it.  The longest (by ~50 miles), most difficult event I have ever done; yes, I threw up, and it was awesome!

Never expected this outcome. Suhweet!

The Triangle Riders Represent!  

• My buddy Jeff D. who also races for TFKT (Trips For Kids-Triangle) finished 19 laps by 10 a.m. and decided to relax as he had 1^st sewn up (must be nice). 

• Andie and Mike (besides working a miracle by bringing me back from the dead) were going back and forth between 3^rd and 4^th all race before pulling out 3^rd with a strong finish. 

• Debbie H took 2^nd in the female class with 12 strong laps. Like me, her last lap was her fastest. :)

• Kip P. and Alex H. took 2^nd in the male duo.  30 Laps, wow!  That would have won it last year.

•  Camye’s team took 1^st in the 3-5 female division, way to go gals.

• I also saw Terry Kolb was on a 1^st place team (shocking).

Way to represent everyone!

Final Note: 

Mountain Bikers are awesome, and I love events like this that bring them together.

Every lap friends and strangers alike were cheering me and all the other riders along, very motivating.

Friday night I hung out with Chris Danz and the Performance crew, those guys are a hoot and rang a cow bell every time I rode by.  Chris also came up behind me for my 16 lap and actually pushed me through the wet mucky mud on to the finish...he is one hell of a guy.

During the race Camye brings me over to her pit (REI tent) to get me some real food to keep me going (Chocolate milk and fancy trail mix...) and plenty of encouragement, thank you Camye.

Andy, Mike and Brandon could not have been more supportive...they saved my arse at midnight when I was a zombie.  I could not have made 15, let alone 18 without them.

Then having guys like Kelly Klett calling wishing me luck before the race (while he is in the midst of his own Trans-Sylvania stage race).  Meeting guys like Mark Sackett and Eric Hagerty, Joel Watson...and them coming up and offering congratulations along with other studs like Jeff Dennison, Kip Porterfield, Alex Hawking and so many others riders I know and respect of all levels and abilities.  That is what makes this sport so amazing.  Full of great guys and gals of all ages (some studs, some weekend warriors like myself) that are happy to see others out taking part in events like the Burn24 that put money back into the trails so we all can continue to enjoy the sport we love.  End of PSA.

Good Times.

Pink Eye, Just Great!

So, my youngest daughter gets pink eye, my older daughter then gets it, and well you know how it works, Sh%# rolls up hill and I end up sick as dog (though I rarely see a sick dog...but I am moping around with a wet nose and drooling a bit, kinda like an aging Basset Hound).  If you have never had pink eye, it is a wierd sensation waking up and not being able to open your eyes because they are glued shut with eye boogers that must be wiped and/or crumbled apart in order to see.  Good Stuff.  Well, hopefully the ribs I have consumed will make up for my lack of training.



Me, a week before my first solo 24.

 I will be riding my first ever solo 24 hr race this weekend (5/26-27) at the Burn 24.  Honestly, I felt over prepared for this event, and that just would not be fair to my fellow competitors.  For this reason, I decided to get injured during PMBAR to justify taking a week off the bike (to help level the playing field).  After one ride I still felt too strong, so I decided to contract pink-eye and a nasty throat virus to keep me off the bike for another week. will try a ride tonight, but because I don't want to embarrass anyone out there, I will follow it up with a rack of ribs and some beer.
Over the three weeks leading up to this ride, I will have had more racks of ribs than rides.  Now that is how you train for the Burn. 

 

NOTE:
Oh yeah, The blog name has changed from Old, Short, Fat Bald Single-Speeder, as it has been pointed out that I am no longer considered "fat".  Thought about going with "Phat", but I am not hip enough to pull it off.  Now this does allow me to go with a cool Acronym (I just love C.A's...cool Acronyms), but I could not decide between B.O.S.S. (Bald, Old, Short, Single-speeder) or S.O.B. (Short, Old, Bald).  Fortunately, after a short poll of my inner circle, it was made clear that I am more of an S.O.B than a BOSS, so there ya go. More changes to come to keep things fresh...or is it now "phresh"???