Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Tour of CA

Yesterday we headed down to the final stage of the Tour of CA. Hoping to see some action we went to the top of Cole Grade – the last climb of the day – a super tough 3 mile 9-10 percent grade. I don’t know why this climb wasn’t on the Versus pm coverage because it is a beast. The number of spectators lining the entire climb was amazing and once the Livestrong van went by handing out sidewalk chalk everyone went crazy marking up the road. Schleck and Nabili powered by first on the climb at a pace that seemed awfully fast for the steep grade. I was able to verify they were in the little ring though. Then the chase group came by with Lance and Levi on the front, and about 10 follow cars for the teams represented in the front group. You literally have to watch your toes when the riders, motos and cars go by. The huge number of recreational cyclists and even non-cyclists that were out watching was awesome. We figured driving out would be a little slow since the roads are about 30min from the nearest major freeway. But it took 2 hrs to go 25 miles! Basically in the middle of nowhere on a 2 lane road we sat in bumper to bumper traffic with all the Palomar and Cole Grade spectators. Vive California! Obviously the whole race has been an awesome boost for racing here in the US and we should all look forward to next year.

Rock Racing on Cole Grade


Lead group with Lance and Levi on front

Spectating doesn't last long

Getting close to follow cars

Monday, February 23, 2009

Vision Quest Preview

Saturday was a 6 1/2 hour day on the mountain bike checking out a majority of the Vision Quest course.

http://www.warriorssociety.org/events/vision_quest_general_info.html

It was a beautiful day of mountain biking (and a little snow hiking at the top). Overall the route is in great shape except for the snow at the top.


Noah climbs Blackstar

Main Divide and Santiago Peak ahead

The road to the top

A quick break near the peak

2009 Season Preview

Working and riding doesn't leave much time for posting, but here we go!

The first significant race of the 2009 season is about to take place next weekend at round one of the US Cup Series at Bonelli Park outside of LA. For me this will be a good chance to finish my endurance training with a big effort and start getting ready for the big races to come in April.

A top 10 series result for the Pro Tour series (http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=3963 ) is my main goal of the season. A good day at Nationals in Colorado, and possible trip to Canada are on the list as well.
I’ll be riding privateer style without a true team, but thanks to Trek and Cytosport for their support so far this year. Also look for more promotion of World Bicycle Relief.

Look for updates at least weekly throughout the rest of the season!

Tentative Schedule

Mar 1 US Cup West – Bonelli Park
Mar 7 Vision Quest
Mar 20-22 San Dimas Stage Race
Mar 28-29 Pro Tour / US Cup West – Fontana

Apr 5 US Cup West – Sagebrush Safari
Apr 17-19 Pro Tour / US Cup West - Sea Otter Classic
Apr 26 US Cup West - Santa Ynez

May 3 Idyllwild Spring Challenge
May 16-17 Ventura Stage Race
May 31 PRO Tour - Bump & Grind

June 7 California State Series - Santa Barbara
June 13 PRO / US Cup West – Sand Creek CO
June 28 California State Series - Rim Nordic

July 11 California State Series Final - Big Bear
July 16-19 National Mountain Bike Championships, Granby CO
July 25-26 World Cup - Mont-Saint Anne Canada

Aug 1-2 World Cup - Bromont Canada
Aug 8-9 Pro Tour - Mount Snow VT
Aug 15-16 Pro Tour - Windham NY

Sept 26 Pro Tour / US Cup Finals - Cactus Cup Vegas

Oct 3 California State Championships – Big Bear