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Bryn had surgery the other day to get the pins out of his elbow. He is now at full range of motion, much happier, and almost totally healed with everything. That Femur break was a hard injury, and will take some more time to get full strength back, but he was out shredding xc like nothing had happened the other day. Skills never leave:). On track for next year:)
In the world of Motocross, they are having a race tomorrow where the winner takes home 1 million dollars. Crazy. Guess it's one class whatever bike they want to ride. Course designed by RC and mcGrath. Villopoto, Windham, Alessi, Metcalfe, Weimer, Musquin, Brayton, etc . in the mix. Watch Tomorrow- Saturday
Beautiful day yesterday at the bike park at Stevens Pass. Best scenery with the sun shining and all the fall colors. Not a super developed location as far as a village, but the main lodge is really nice. This weekend had a lot less of a crowd than opening weekend's 1000 people. Didn't have to wait in line at all , just pounded out runs. Got in like 11 or 12 just chilling. Having a chairlift makes it so easy to get in the volume. There were only two trails open so far, which is a good start. Lots of potential still to go.
Of the two trails open, the Wookie trail was really quite good, especially in the mud- Kinda kept the trail clear. Washington dirt is so much fun in the wet, I love ruts!! probably my favorite thing, so I had a blast cruising through the forrest. The run is probably about 2.5 min. Bryn even rode it on his covert, but kinda needed to chill out and bring a bigger bike. First few days back on dirt.
The other trail, a blue trail, was not for me, it probably rides pretty good in the dry, but it was so boggy this day and flat and mellow. Like though that it catered to a new crowd. Saw all kinds of people , on a variety of bikes out there riding having a good time, which is what it's all about!! Little something for everyone. Made some new friends:)
Back in the day, I had a seasons pass at this mountain to snowboard, so Stevens is my zone. Remember my little red VW Golf, Dilated Peoples blasting on the stereo, and many a wooded missions through the trees with my pals. Wish Harrison were here now.
Anyway, fantastic start to the Bike park!! Honestly, nothing better than fall conditions!!!! Only bummer is daily bike washing, but small price to pay. Can't wait to get a billion runs in:) Hopefully they want to use some local Pros to promote the place!! I'm down, being as local as they come and the National champ:).
Laguna, CA
Troy Lee Designs has launched a couple of retail stores, Laguna and Costa Mesa? We went to the store in Laguna, right down the street from the beach, and none other than Leigh Donavan is the Manager:) It's looking really good. Vintage motorcycles, riding gear, art, clothes, and much more. The clothing line is coming along nicely. So congrats to Troy and co. and Leigh!!!
CHULA VISTA, CA
Bryn and I decided to roadtrip the west coast- Seattle to so.cal to do some riding, see some friends, visit sponsors, and watch an epic supercross Bmx race at the Olympic training center. I lived at the OTC for two years, rode that same track daily, so it was good revisit and see everyone.
Arielle Martin is one of my good friends. She was my roomate and Training buddy from 2007-2008. We had a monumental battle to make it to Beijing. It turned out well for me that year, But now it is her time to shine! World cup final on home turf:)
She has ridden that exact track for almost 5 years, so it is fair to say that team usa had a bit of a leg up.
Mike day was also there, racing again after a back surgery a year ago, donny robinson, Kyle Bennett, Anne Caro was there as a coach, I was there as a friend and supporter, nick long, herminator, Connor fields, Josh Meyers, Brooke Crain, Amanda Carr, amanda gieving, even little kim hyashi was racing this event. No shanaze? Dunno why.
Pretty much all of our friends and industry people who love Bmx were at this event!! Old school, new school, etc.
The wind was pretty strong all weekend. Santa Ana can do some cross winds in the middle of the day. Took out so many people. Last few times this was a night race, so no winds, but not this time.
Marc Willers of NZ was in title contention for the world cup overall, but he went down in practice over the first jump- didn't race. French guy- Daudet won the title just showing up with willers out. Prokop, 4x world champ folded a wheel on the first jump and hurt his hip and ribs- didn't race. Ol DR donny robinson got hit from behind and went down on the same jump- tko. Sarah walker caught a wind gust in practice, still raced. So yeah, big jumps and wind is not all that good unless you know what you are doing.
Impressive to see the progression o the sport. Especially with the girls. Lot more young girls hitting huge jumps and attacking. Arielle was the only lady to boost the massive triple into rhe first turn. Guys too. Beijing seemed like a veteran advantage, London might be a different story. Will see. London is the most amazing track I have ever seen. Kinda wished I could ride it. Without a perfect start though, forget it.
Everyone was here; foreigners were all hungry for a win, but it was never gonna happen. Usa took 4 out of 6 medals, and dominated.
Arielle had been mixing up her lane choice all day. Starting in the middle for earlier rounds, but picked lane 8 to avoid the carnage for the main. From there, clear shot, no interference and pull all the way to the first turn. In the middle lanes, people were bumping , crashing, casing the first two jumps. Us girls were getting that little bit extra pump on the backsides and gaining. Sarah walker, who is tough to beat, was struggling a bit, and couldn't hold em off. Straight domination here for Arielle!! Must have been the awesome sign I made her, or her husband, family, etc.
Brooke Crain also rode awesome for 2nd, with Mariana Pajon the world champ rounding it out for 3rd.
Men's semis and finals had a ton of carnage. Poor Mikey was in 4th in the semi after the berm jump, but someone came inside and he swerved and lost his front end over the edge of the paved turn. Hamburgered his skin. Final, Nick Long n Connor fields got the early lead. First turn was dead even, but with Connor on the inside he came out first. Nick was not so lucky as someone dove low and clipped his front wheel out of the turn. Only Connor made it outta the turn clean. Nick took a major slam, and got run over by 6 people. Some Dutch kid made it out, and herminator got outta the pile and took third. Barry nobles 4th. Damn.
Connor won every lap I think, maybe lost by an inch at the line on one round. Can't remember. Nick too. Nick's bike was interesting. He's like 6'4" and had the longest rear end I have seen on a Bmx. Drag racer:) probably helps keep the front end low.
Anyway. That's the news. Lots of other stuff happened, but I'm typing on my phone. Stoked to see Greg Romero working with some new talent, arielle take he first itnl win. Mikey healing up. Steve Spencer wearing the shirts I made for Mikey for trials, usa doing so well, catching up with chris Powell n Tiffany, Leigh and Stik, kinger, dave from the OTC, pete d, j.rich, n more. Good times.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2428920451754.2137160.1513875482&type=3
Made a little video from Nationals. Interviews after the race...
NORTH CAROLINA
Got it done this weekend in the mud! Wasn't pretty, but National Championships for both Downhill and Slalom was a nice way to end the year. Thanks to my sponsors and friends who made this possible.
Logan Binggeli for the Pro men's win. Gwin 2nd with a crash, Mitch 3rd, Riffle 4th, Philip Kmentz 5th.
I made an interview video from after the race. Check it tomorrow.
NORTH CAROLINA, USA
Mitch Ropelato and I took the Slalom national championships tonight. Always satisfying to add a few more 'stars n bars' to the 'ol collection. Now have National Championships in 4 different disciplines- BMX, 4x, DH, and Slalom.
Good event, lots of fans were out making noise, few brews help with that, kind fitting there was a beer festival or something going on. There were patriots in the mix as well sporting their finest USA do-rags. Larry Longo on the microphone was classic too.
Had my head down trying to put in solid riding, so I only caught the tail end of the races behind me. Between being on the track and hiking up there hill, there was maybe 5 minutes to rest between rounds. Lucky to have bike pushers, for an easier turnaround. Thanks to Slayed Steve, Mr. Gwin, and the Idaho guy .
Aboard my red Transition Double, I had a flawless year in slalom, never lost a round at any event:) Proud of that.
Seems like a lot more people, amateurs and pros alike enjoy this slalom format. Scott Hart if he were here would have been out of his skull, he's the biggest slalom proponent I have ever met:) You get more ride time, no interference, skills are rewarded.
Think it also depends on the track. This one was really good , as is sea otter usually; but I have seen some real half assed ones in my day. When well crafted effort is put into a course, people are happy. It's all about turns and flow. This was a pro set up here at Beech mountain. Chris Herndon put some hours in., riders thank you.
The final with Mitch vs. Neko was really exciting, hard to tell who won the first run, but then mitch turned it up in the second round to take the victory. His set up is pretty unique to his riding style -micro-knobby tires front and rear with a single speed, normally has only a rear brake, but UsA Cycling made him put a front one on. Think he was ready for a skatepark session afterwards:) His little protege Cody Kelly, killed it for 3rd. Those two must spend hours at the pump tracks and skate parks together:) Good stuff though. Logan for 4th.
PRO WOMEN SLALOM 1. Jill 2. Darian Harvey 3. Jackie Harmony 4. Johanne Tuttle
PRO MEN'S SLALOM 1. Mitch R 2. Neko Mulally 3. Cody Kelly 4. Logan
NORTH CAROLINAJust finished up a Downhill qualifying run. They had the men go first, so I was the last one down the mtn today. Full spikes, might cut em down for tomorrow though as the sun is out for the rest of the weekend, but they were hooking up out in the grass.
Gwin took the men's win by like 11 seconds over Riffle, Keene, Logan, Memmellar, Mitch R, KT. Cody had a crash, but that's all the news I got. Like I said, I was sitting at the top.
You would expect to see Gwin pull a lot of time on a track like this that is either ruts or off camber, he picks the right speed and just commits to angles. His whole family is here. Was chatting to his dad, who is really quite outgoing and friendly, His mom too. Neko has family support as well; Mom bro, grandparents. nice to see. His grandparents always cook a ton of food for their team and bring it to the races. I want to sponsor a grandma to come cook food for us:)
My run was pretty good, just messed up one bit and had to pass someone, but happy to get a full run locked in. The sprint to the end is brutal, lot of pedaling. Being sick doesn't help that, but I'm feeling good on my bike, having fun. Jackie 2nd, Darian 3rd. I think. Didn't actually hear. 12 second lead.
Really liking the new Crankbrothers Mallet pedals, and their next generation Opium wheels! The freehub feels so nice. Stronger, lighter, faster:) One of the best companies to be involved with , quality gear.
NORTH CAROLINA
Pretty good day, little dh practice in the am, slalom quali in the afternoon. It's been raining a bit today, actually a lot last night and this morning, but the traction up at the slalom tonight was perfect. Just a little boggy on the take offs of the lower jumps. Few guys got squirrely. Poor ol Mitch hit one jump earlier at practice and got sucked in which flipped him over the bars and into his shoulder. All good though. That kid can take a hit like nobody's business. He still qualified fastest in the Pro mens' class. I did as well.
More spectators than I thought. Fans love slalom.
Course is really so fun. turn to turn to turn, pump , flow. All the things we love about riding bikes.
SLALOM QUALI Pro Women 1. Jill 2. Jackie Harmony 3. Darien Harvey
Pro Men 1. Mitch Ropoloto 2. Neko 3. Cody Kelly 4. Lear Miller 5. Logan Bitchin' Bingelli
DH For downhill this morning, I think today was even better in the mud. Full spikes for dh, deep ruts, wet grass turns, loved it. Kept my runs to a minimum today, course is ever changing with this weather. I've been trying to fight off a cold too. Hard to do two events and keep my energy up for sunday.
Cat 2 and 3 raced already. Bumming schedule for them to come all the way out here for one day of practice and a race run the next day. Hopefully they change that so those guys get more riding in next year.
Anyway, more tomorrow. DH quali and slalom finals.
BEECH MTN, NORTH CAROLINAWe are deep out here in the mountains of NC. Haven't seen a Beech tree yet, but apparently that's what this mountain is named after. Really nice place, lots of space, all up in your face. Had to make it rhyme, but yeah, black dirt, green grass, changing leaves, mist in the hills, deer frolicking in the forest, it's a hidden gem:)
US racing has a welcoming feeling. So many friendly faces, who are here for a good time. Know quite a few amateurs these days, the soul of the sport. Like Lil' Phil, Slayed Steve, fast freddie, etc:)
Bunch of industry too. Cane Creek is from North Carolina, so they have a lot ot do with this event, Specialized is here, Shimano, Sram, Fox, Gt, Giant, Dunno. Few of us took a plane and do not have rigs.
This mountain has done a great job. You hardly even notice the size (600feet -think form chairlift). Not steep, but not too flat either. THe only part that is crazy is the 70+ yard uphill sprint to the finish. Which sounds horrible, but the last feature is a box jump into the ice skating rink, with grand stands, so it may be awesome at the end to pass out in style. Everywhere else kind of meanders along, pretty wide in the ski fields. Has a vermont feel actually.
There is still a bit of moisture in the soil. Slippery in the woods, rutted out switchbacks with roots popping up, grass off-camber turns, couple rock gardens, typical east coast. I think everyone I spoke to today had good stuff to say about the track. Most used the phrase "super fun". I only did two runs today, let it bed in a bit and watched. I concur though.
Chris Herndon built the slalom track too. Nice when someone who knows what they are doing builds a track. It's has all tight corners, good flow, rythem, some jumps- I really enjoyed it. Was kinda missing Lopes out there, bummer he doesn't attend these events. Mitch will be out there tomorrow though, next generation of gated racing.
Speaking of Foos who aren't here. Melissa Buhl, Luke Strobel, Lars, Richie Rude, Eliot Jackson, jd, Kyle strait, Timmer, Chris Heath, Mikey Sylvestri, ET, Furbees, Vories, Cierra Smith, crusher, dave z, blake carney, Neven- the defending 4x Ntl champ, etc. The fans are missing you guys.
On the plus side, we do have some talent here; Gwin, Riffle, Mitch, Cody Warren, Bubba Warren, Neko, Brad Benedict, Keene the American Dream, Logan Bitchin' Bingelli, Kevin Aeillo, Memmellar, Kyle Thomas, Just to name a few. Think 36 starters on the Pro Men's list so far. 12 for pro women. They wouldn't let Neko race pro cause he's under 19. Usa cycling's rules.
Anyway. I'll keep you posted. Matt Delorme is here taking pics, so I'm sure you'll see something. I took one from the ski lift, but my camera is in the car. later.
East coast has some serious pull for USA racing, 3rd trip this year!!. North Carolina bound tomorrow for USA National Champs. Kinda weird since all the big mountain stuff is in the Rockies or out here on the West coast. 600ft mtns are bike park havens though, cause the skiing ain't so great. Slightly mellow terrain, but perhaps some good features. Know that NC dirt has potential to be clay, could be slippery. USA Cycling is whacky these days with their venues, but I love it there in NC, beautiful place!!! Still extra excited for slalom. Haven't seen any pics lately of either track. Think it has been wet as can be out that way, but supposed to be sweet for race day on sat and sun.
Wish me luck. Bryn is coming too for support :) yay.
VASHON ISLAND, WA
Our teammate Lars Sternberg got married yesterday to the lovely Asta. Pretty well put together event with the flowers, colors, good crew, fun stories, band, outdoor setting, lights, food, tents, etc. Nice to see our homies surrounded by so many friends. Lars was so nervous, we were cracking up, but he did well. Congrats guys.
Of course a large chunk of the NW bike community was there. Casey Northern as best man, which was awesome. Reverend Nate on the mic, who killed it out there- funny hat, good stories, singing love songs. Transition crew; owners Kyle and Kevin, Sam, Skuk, Cam burns- who brought 26lb of smoked meat:) Actually Most of Bellingham was there; Trail builders EB and TOdd, as well as many many trail shredders, etc. so a Good mix.
Really classy though:) Cheers to the Sternbergs and Sestraps!!!
Casey
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Innotech, Innotrode, Interbike?. Not quite like Office Space, which is one of the best movies of all time, but still a place of business. Bike business. Our business...
Trade shows, slot machines, new products on display, sponsor stuff, movie premieres, and so much more. Pretty fun once you get over being on your feet all day. I really enjoy getting to see everyone and say thanks to all the people that work in the industry behind the scenes to make the wheels go round.
SANDY, OREGON
Since I wasn't in Switzerland for Worlds, decided to try something a little different and cruise down to Oregon for a Super D event. Lars was going, so At the very least, thought it would be some sweet trail riding with a shuttle to the top, plus a chain-less dh race, which I couldn't pass up....
Super D (Downhill) is like an xc trail ride race 20+ min. Few brutal ups, and pinch climbs, but mostly downward gradient, with lots of pedaling. It's pretty much an xc race with mild flowy Dh sections. Designed for anyone and everyone who rides bikes.
Oregon Super D has been going strong for awhile. Seems weird that it is such a niche thing in this particular state, but they might be onto something. Part of a 4 race series, this final race was in Sandy, OR- a town real close to Mt. Hood and ski Bowl. Trails here were fun, super flowy. THe climbs were not too steep but long enough to be at threshold for a few minutes each, then barely enough time to recover on the slight dh pumpy bits before you gotta climb again. The last 7 minutes was mostly cruisy dh pump style, with gravely berms, but still turning the pedals over at every chance.
Didn't expect to see Lopes and Eric Carter in attendance, but it made it so much fun having a good crew of people to hang with. Ol teammates:). Bryn came with me too and was doing rehab riding up the shuttle road, then into mellow sit down riding on the pump trail. His first bit of dirt riding in 3 months!!! he was loving it, not supposed to be doing that yet. Lars is all healed up and racing again. Estes on the microphone.
We actually met all kinds of people. May be the Subaru/dog owner capital of the world. Few pros that specialize just in these enduro events, Nathan Riddle (who shreds) , Matthew Slaven, Anthony Diaz, Timmy Evans, etc. Jamie goldman took a break from jumping and was there racing (freestyle/xc ripper) but had a mechanical in his race. Bunch of other guys got all dressed up iin crazy suits, just having fun with it as grass roots events usually do.
Kind of a different crowd with a mix of xc bandit-isms, dh-ers, freestylers, and former 4x riders. But all in all pretty chill. Defiantly a better scene than an xc race. It's a good cross over sport.
Lopes and I won the Chain-less events, but he also won the super D in Pro category with a rediculous time sub 20 min. Love how dialled he always is. Lots to learn from the master. Light 5" travel carbon bike. Double ply tubless semi slick tires, wearable hydration pack under his jersey, brought his mechanic, all trained up, skinny and light, just knows really well how to prepare. Jamo from go pro pictured with lopes here.
Lizzy English won the super d by a minute- think 23.3. I had a 24.3, which was surprisingly good enough for 2nd! Laura Winberry 3rd.
I am not really that fast at climbing, nor have I ever raced for extended period of time- longest race of my life. Good thing there were plenty of turns and rollers. The ol trail bike covert with a 36 fork, saint brakes, etc loved it. Besides a little crash near the bottom onto a raw elbow in the gravel, I survived!! Just really tiring effort. Lizzy has been dominating this series and took the overall series title as well! so congrats. Nice to meet some new chick shredders.
THink the pro prize purses have room for improvement though. Hard to really pull pros in with only a couple hundred bucks for a win- men $350, women $150. Gotta be like 1k at least to get more people involved so it's worthwhile to go. Good start though, lots of product sponsors- Amateurs make the killing. Each overall class winner got a carbon santa cruz nomad! other prizes were gravity droppers, Teva shoes, Go pro cameras, Tires, yakima racks, etc.
After I finished the race, I thought of all kinds of strategies and ways to improve- once the burning went out of my lungs and legs. Experience pays in these things. Having a light bike is really important as well as pacing the energy you expend.
These races are won in the climbs I think, cause you go all out for those, and faster xc bandits can pull so much time. Plus then you are tired for the good sections to really give it everything. Gravely turns when tired need proper attention. damn that was tough, just so much pedaling in places you wish to be coasting, but not really technical enough to make huge amounts of time in the DH, this course had balance between the two.
EC was charging on a 29er. Claimed it just pulls on the rolling, which might be the case, but tire choice, flex factors, and pizza cutting ability make it kinda,, what's the word..?? . I have never ridden one though, so I may be wrong, but man they look silly.
After it was all said and done- band, food, beverages, and awards. Only3 hr drive back home, so pretty easy to do. Thx to Lars for inspiring me to go, EC for convincing me to actually race, Transition, Red Bull, and all our sponsors. GUess I got a new discipline to add to the resume...
http://obra.org/events/18391/results
Check out oregonsuperd.com
SWITZERLANDWell it's over, World Champs crowned for the season. Danny Hart made some history with a loose run down the steepest track in torrential rain, in Sam Hillish fashion. Ragot backing up her win on this track last year 2nd world title, Troy Brosnan Top junior 2nd year in a row, and Manon Carpenter. Prokop and Anneke for 4x.
Looked messy. I made the right decision for me not to be there. Just wasn't quite ready for all that. But it was exciting for those who made it out in one piece. :(
Dirt.mpora.com , vitalmtb.com, pinkbike.com for the latest.
TEAM USABuhly set the fastest time today in qualifying for 4x World Champs! Stoked for her- Inside lane will be sweet on that course. Few more days till the big show for the 4x and DH.
Feels weird not to be there, but I made the right choice for me. Good luck everyone:)
check the news on Dirt- http://dirt.mpora.com/
SEATTLE, WASo happy to be home with the family doing all the things I love in the NW. Still have a couple events on the calendar, but really really needed this break to get my life back together and formulate a plan. Lot of changes in life and racing, but change is growth.
As for now, epic riding, BBQ, floating rives, swimming in the lake, gym, yoga, hanging with bryn, and getting regrouped.
Vegas for the trade show is probably next, followed by national champs at the end of September in North Carolina. honestly, I kinda got suckered in by the slalom, can't really get enough:) the dh there is on a 700 foot hill, not many people going, but I'll be there. :)
