Mt.St.Anne, Quebec

Well this Mt.St.Anne venue has been on the world cup since 1991? And for good reason, it captures the speed and technique that world cup DH courses demand. I think it is probably the hardest XC course too, with steep technical rock gardens, rooty woods, pinch climbs, etc. DH today, first day of practice was loose, fast and really dry. They have rerouted the top to be a cannonball run down the ski slope into a tricky right hander, then into the woods again. Lots of rocks, then high speed, then dust, some turns, and more rocks. The rock garen is pretty fun, just less and less dirt each year.

I did a near full run in timed training. Just one stop in the middle. The ol heart rate was charging 120 out of the start straight into 177-187 nearly the whole 5 minutes. I haven't even seen my heart rate do that, just cruising without pedalling too hard too. Why not max it out:) my heart is working well, but hey DH is intense, breathing is your friend in the threshold:).

Tried to pace it out today, unlike the other first days where I just get really excited. The course is always in the best shape on day 1, so fun!!! got 3 days left, quali tomorrow. I saw nothing, nothing to report. Just riding. Norco had an awesome pit set up for us, so that was cool.

BMX Olympic Trials and Hall of Fame

CHULA VISTA, CA- USA Well a lot of running around this week, but some things are really important and can not be missed. Olympic trials and a Hall of Fame award don't just happen every day. I was really happy to be there to support my friends with their dreams, witness history being made, and be recognized for our effort in Beijing. So thank you to USA BMX and the US Olympic training center:)

Olympic trials day felt like an emotional rollarcoaster , wow. 8 of the best guys in the country trying to make one final spot on the 2012 team. First off, the new replica track setting is beautiful with the lake in the background, and purple trees and grass lining the building down to the dining hall, running track down below. Much better location for viewing. Individual rider tents with their names, etc. Things have evolved quite a bit. The track was crazy, looked steeper and more technical than any other track I have seen, 3rd straight caused some grief, but was a good separator.

They ran a different format this time. The Time trials was a best of 2 format, with points being given. Then the first two rounds, more points, 2 people got dropped, then two more rounds, and two more people being eliminated. Final was 4 guys, head to head. Winner take all.

With Connor already having the coaches pick if he didn't win, there was not much on the line for him, but the other guys had to win to get a spot. Corbin Sharrah was looking fantastic, as was mikey, the other too. But from the first lap, connor had a second lead on Corbin, 2 seconds on mikey, adn a bunch on the other guys. That is impressive in 37 seconds to pull that time. Anyway, connor won the first rond, Corbin won the next couple?? Mikey was 3rd in every one I think. The Don was riding well, but just a few mistakes, Meyers and Joey "the Bird" Bradford went out in round 1, Nick and the don in the next round. Kinda devastating for those guys.

For the final, it was Connor , Corbin, Mikey, adn Barry Nobles. Think Corbin hit the gate, Connor got out front early. Mike was right in the mix, bar to bar, but eventually was 2nd in the end to Connor, Corbin 3rd, Barry 4th.

Connor got the olympic trials spot, which meant the 3rd spot on the roster went to a different coaches pick, which is a really hard decision. Based on the day for trials, it could have been either Mikey or Corbin based on Awesome performances, but they went off the points from a year of racing. Nick Long was next on that list. Consistency. So congrats to them, and David Herman who got the Automatic spot on points.

Each person trained for so long, and put so much energy into this one day, to be done before the big show. USA has one of the strongest teams for depth. It's gonna be good.

I made these shirts for '08, but Leigh, mikey's girlfriend bedazzled it to a new level !! Yeah!!

Me 'n M Day Crazy part was at the Hall of Fame dinner that night. The 2008 team was getting an award, we were all up on stage. Then they announced the coaches pick while Donny, Mikey, Kyle, adn I were standing there, as Nick Long (who is a phenomenal rider), but I could feel the energy from the Boys next to me shift to empty and cold. Guess we were holding onto hope for Mikey, but then realized the finality which set in. Ultimatly the people who were meant to go, are going. Arielle and I experienced this last time really severe, where I ran the gauntlet, adn she missed it by 1 point.

2012 Olympic team - Alise Post, Arielle Martin, David Herman, Connor Fields, Nick Long. So Yeah, proud of the girls, Alise and Arielle, adn all the boys. Quite a life changing event about to unfold. Go get the gold!!!!! Cool to have my face on the wall of BMX legends, and to know I made a difference, and pioneered for the next generation. My actual olympic bike is also in the Hall of fame museum, right next to the idols. I watched the movie rad so much when I was a little kid, Crew Jones #33 is the reason I run #33. I Had a paper route, timed it, the whole deal. And hell track actually came to real life as supercross:) good stuff.

Also special that Eric Carter was being inducted to the Hall of fame too, my old teammate. His speech was pretty good. Few emotional moments, but it's gonna happen. Matt Hoffman was there as well for freestyle. The whole community loved it. Me too. Way to go USA!!!

Saint Media camp

So from Scotland, we headed to Whistler, to do a media camp for the new Saint stuff. Tight schedule, but whistler is usually a good refreshing spot to ride for fun, see some friends, make new friends, adn overall positive place. Shimano has a really good thing going with the new design of the saint, and they are using their athletes more and more, which is great to be involved with. Bunch of other pro riders here too, mostly the free ride canadian guys like Vanderham, Claw, Mike Hopkins, Schley, Matt Hunter, etc, and my pal and fellow Norco rider Darcy. Good times.

Thanks to Hammer, Joe, etc for hosting us. Media guys for making this happen. And TKW and crew at Shimano form making awesome products. Quiet, precise, powerful.

Ft.William World Cup Recap.

We just got home from a big couple of weeks over in Europe and the UK. Been quite an internet void over there, sorry for the lack of updates.

I had an awesome time riding it Ft.Bill, rad overall scene, good people, crowd, costumes, etc. Weather was even nice till race day.You should see the pit set up there, all these bigger teams are running semi trailers, busses, motorhomes, it's booming. Our pit was even all dressed up, Full walls, carpeted floor, some fancy chairs. Big time:)

As far as racing goes I just didn't seem to put anything together in my Quali or final. My qualifying run was awesome actually, minus a crash right after the top split, front end just slid out in a gravely turn, visor was down in my face, so had to push it back up, remount , and get going again, still was 8th in that, but without that, would have been something decent:) I was happy with it.

By sunday, it had poured all night and day.  The top gravelly turns and rocks were still pretty grippy. In my race warm up , i couldn't really get my Heart rate up, was just so tired, dunno what happened. I didn't really overdo it in practice, I don't think, but that track is so long and rough, especailly compounding it with val di sole last week. No excuses. Had a little excursion off the track in the top, then on the wall ride at the bottom, I went for it, slipped off the wood, and landed with my head in a tree. layed there dizzy for a bit, then whatever. Thought I did the woods pretty good, so that was one positive thing I suppose. 10th?? I think. Ragot won, which was a good effort.

Bryn was the hero of the team this week, busting out a solid amount of time on the hot seat, and getting back into the top 20.

Gwin took the eventual win. Minnaar missed the podium which is strange, guess a mechanical with his chain guide kept him from pedaling? Peaty rode down with a torn hamstring, which is mad, but he has so much heart to do it- didn't want to let anyone down. Danny hart with 2nd, and almost the win .8 off?

Downhill has so many ups and downs. Emotioanlly, physically.

From now on I ride for fun, nothing else. Think I got a bit ahead of myself, and lost the spirit from practice. Racing is my favorite game, time to ride like it:)

The best thing about World cups though, is that all the best competitors are there. I enjoy that so much more. All those days at home pretending they were there, is no match for the real thing.

Thanks to Alain out mechanic this trip too, good little swissy , making sure thing swere all in check.

I have more to write, but not now. We had a long day of travel from Edinburgh to Seattle. Was 24hrs of being awake pretty much door to door.

Heading to whistler tomorrow. Body is a bit sore and ready to rest, so gonna be mellow this week.

UK

Just spending a couple days in Edinburgh till we get up to Ft.Bill.

Val Di Sole, Italy- Finals

VAL DI SOLE,  ITALY There are a lot of good things that came out of today... Cool to see Gwin lay down such an amazing performance... It didn't rain.. I had flashes of glory... got more experience riding steep terrain...we are in Italy. Etc.

Result wise though, not the best. I had a lame crash in the final, really wasn't happy to see my bike front flip and fling down the track 30 feet into catch netting, and then have to pick myself up and walk down to get it. But hey, maybe I should have been off the brakes a bit more. Got nasty bruises across my legs, could have been worse though I guess.

Bryn too, he had a crash in his run, right up top, so not even a split time to gauge himself.

Maybe we forget about this weekend, adn just gear up for Scotland next week. That place is much kinder. I liked riding here, it sets new scale in difficulty, Kind of makes any other track seem a little easier.

Congrats to Rachel too for a fantastic run. Cool to see, kinda:) . 1.Rachel 2.Pom pom 3.Ragot ...13. Jill

Men's 1.Gwin 2.Minnaar 3.Gee

Val Di Sole, Italy- World Cup

VAL DI SOLE, ITALYWe just finished the 2nd day of riding adn qualification here at Val Di Sole- (Valley of the Sun) in Italy. I've got some special requests put in that it says sunny for race day, hard enough, don't need anymore factors:).  I've been loving the track, not too often we get to ride here, so making the most of it is key. It is hands down one of the most relentless courses of all times. I have blisters on my thumbs from holding the grips, just lots of big hits and holes, constant bumps. Takes a bit of patience this track, so been sort of easing into it, even the shadows keep ya guessing. The dirt has no compactness to it, real strange, like pete moss maybe? Just falls apart, making banking off the soil a bit of a task. The crazy part is though that you can't see so many of the sniper that lay beneath the loam. I don't really care though, good track to test skills and hold on. Strength and fitness is a big deal to survive the week.

Qualifying, for women. Ragot, Rachel, Pom pom. ... I was going decent, but had a crash at the end that took forever to get going again. One of those teetering- your up, then down, then caught in the bike on a steep hill up, down again, arrg like that 14th, but whatever. My last practice run today was sort of a reward in itself. Felt awesome, I was charging. Looking forward to race day tomorrow.

Bryn had a big crash yesterday and sort of tore the skin inside his lower lip, face-plant, and had a sore knee. His goal today was to just lay down a full run and build for tomorrow. All good, everyone is qualified, which is the point of qualifying.

Gwin took the win, minnaar, beaumont, gee, Remi Theiron.

Stevie smith didn't finish, hope he is ok,dislocated finger or something from practice. (Twitter news)

I haven't taken any pictures. No time. Too busy riding, resting, eating pasta, or soaking in the freezing river:) Life in Italy is pretty sweet. Everything is a little better in Italy.

Later...

Arielle Made the Olympic BMX Team!!!!

For those of you who remember Beijing olympics, and my epic story to get there.... Arielle, my roomate at the time and good buddy missed going to China by one point. 4 years later, as of this week, she has secured her spot for the Oympics in London!!! I knew all along she was going to make it, but another sprint to the finish to get there. Just wanted to say Congrats!!!! And hope everyone who reads my website will follow her to Olympic glory as well- @AMV15 . https://twitter.com/#!/AMV15

The rest of the team is still to be determined. David Herman is going, pretty sure Conner Fields, Alise, adn whoever wins the olypmic trials June 16 in the mens. Come on Mikey!!!. I will be at trials and keep you filled in. GO USA !!!! so stoked for everyone!! It's a sigh of relief once you make it. After that, it's easy.. Kinda:) YAYYYYY ARIELLE!!!!! So proud.

Leogang IXS CUP

LEOGANG, AUSTRIA Well the race is over, and I came out with another podium. 3rd this time amongst the worlds best. Bryn had a crash in the first turn and still places 24th in an impressive field. Will be awesome when it clicks for him, the speed is obviously there.

I was really glad we came out to this event. IXS cups have been running for several years in Europe. They have European cup, German cup, Swiss cup, etc. http://www.ixsdownhillcup.com/. We have heard of the numbers they get, but I guess last week in Germany they had over 600 entries, here there were 450 people registered. It's crazy how many people were riding. I was also impressed at the quality of bikes, seemed like everyone had blinging bikes with good parts. The bike economy is thriving Europe..

With World Champs being here in August, and the World Cup in Italy next week, the timing of this event brought a World Cup caliber rider list. So many random people as well though, It wasn't until qualifying that you could put in full runs, without someone getting in the way. The holes and ruts were insane here. It was sunshine for all of practice and racing, but the days before practice saw nothing but rain the whole week.

Either way, this course is sweet, and the mountains are so huge and powerful across the valley. Really beautiful with the stream running through and the green fields in front of the mountains. If it wasn't for all the ham and bread you have to eat, I could easily spend a lot more time here:) Swine, argg.

Race wise for me, The womens' field had 30 entries. The euro girls are lucky to have so much competition close to home. The only two girls in the top 10 missing were Frenchy and pom pom. Not sure if Sabrina is healthy again , but you get the idea. Rachel is back to full force, Ragot is on her game, Pugin is healed up, Tracey hannah is ripping, as are several others. I'm enjoying racing everyone and learning, gaining speed weekly. Hopefully they get better prize money for the women's field in the future, cause I would do more of these events. Every race like this should be bare minimum $1000 for first, I think.

Big thanks to our Swiss mechanic Alain Hall, who has been a key part of our success. Ol Swissy:) I wrote an article about how to "break in a world cup mechanic" in the latest issue of Revolution magazine (aussie mag)

Anywho, it takes a bit to be a solid dh racer, and adapt to new countries, terrain, speeds, etc... Breaking seems to one of the most important things at the highest level. Fine line. For qualifying, there were no points or anything, reward was getting the full run in, so for me I exposed some key braking points, and the sequence of piecing sections together. So for the final I was able to take off near 10 seconds. Pretty happy with that to go sub 4 min. Such a rough track, but I am in much better condition to contend this season, and the medium Aurum was a good move for me  for all this rough high speed action, so I was loving it. Rachel 1st, Ragot 2nd, me, Pugin, Tracey. Think Tracey had a crash near the end, but that's racing.

For the men, Gee had a crash in seeding and was in the hot seat forever. He was showing off all his kinesthesiology tape on his battered ankles? he went pretty fast for his first race back after a broken leg, plus that crash in seeding. He wasn't able to go Minnaar fast though. Greg with the win, Then Stevie smith, Brooke MacDizzle , Spagnolo, and Gee. Poor Nick Beer set the fastest time in seeding, but made a big mistake. Consistency is key, but good work to him, ol Bic Neer:). Troy Brosnan took a hard crash in practice, and had to go to hospital for some internal stomach stuff. Sucks, cause he was in prime form..

Bunch of people are riding today, doing fox testing. Justin, our tech isn't here, so we are taking the day off to regroup and prepare for next week in Val Di Sole. Gonna need as much strength as possible for that race. It's ping pong over roots the whole way. Heard there were gonna be some changes, so we will see. Last year the soil disappeared by sunday, adn we were just left with roots and rocks pretty much...

Thanks my sponsors-  Red Bull, Norco, Crankbrothers, Fox, Shimano, Renthal, Maxxis, e.13, 5.10, Dakine, Oakley, Fizik, Cane Creek, Park Tool, Troy Lee helmets, Alpine Stars protection, Motorex, Stan's notubes, Jetblack trainers, and eSoles.

C ya. Jill

Red Bull Media coverage...

Look who is on the banner ad. Sweet. Red bull will have amazing coverage of the next few rounds of racing. GUess the men's top 30 or whatever will be live, but the women's is pre recorded  to make a tighter TV package.

Looks like the IXS cup in Leogang will be first.. We will be there, so check it out.

http://www.redbull.com/en/bike

Euro Bound...

Final push before we head overseas to Europe. Next up IXS cup in Leogang, Val Di Sole in Italy, Then Ft.Willy....

Slalom bike video

Here is a link to a video Norco made about my custom slalom bike being created. Shows the process of the design, to welding, painting, then onto the victory. The super behind the scenes footage should have been of me building it up on my sunny rest day in our driveway with pandora rocking some tunes:)  Thanks to Yess, and Norco for getting the lil ripper made. Crankbrothers Iodine gold wheels and the Fox Kashima really set it off, new saint shifting too. Such a slalom weapon. Crankworx is it's next race. http://youtu.be/vmmhzr_Y3c0

Port Angeles- Pro GRT

PORT ANGELES, WAAlmost everyone who was at Sea Otter last week made the journey north to the US National Round this weekend in Port Angeles for the Pro Grt/US GP/NW cup - http://nwcup.com . World Cup riders close to home on a sweet course, all good things. Rowdy fans, campfire, downhill racing, etc. I took another victory, adn Bryn was 8th after seeding 3rd the day before. Sunday was a weird schedule, one practice run in the morning, followed by 6 hrs of nothing, then the race. Stevie Smith took the win in men's pro field, followed by Gwin and Mic Hannah.

Full results HERE

Back in PA

Port Angeles, WAThe tracks here in Port Angeles are so good right now. Wet, dry, etc, its got some variety, roughness, ruts, roots, rocks, high speed, etc. It's like another Sea Otter turnout, but on a really good n proper DH track. Lots of smiling faces. Good stuff. Just finished up Qualifying. Good results for Team Norco Intl. with Bryn Seeding in 3rd, and Me in 1st for the womens.

Think it was Stevie Smith 1st, bryceland, bryn, Strobel, Mick, Mitchy-poo R., and then some.

Women's me, Holly, Jacquie Harmony, Miranda who had to pass someone, and then some.

Race day tomorrow. C ya.

Margus Riga

How's this for an awesome photo. Pinkbike.com and Margus. Thank you.

Sea otter 2012

MONTEREY, CA Really good weekend at the Sea otter classic for me!! won both the Slalom (3-pete) and the DH (1st time) = Clean sweep. Norco was pumped! Love where we landed with them, really nice people and beautiful bikes that can win:)

Bryn set the fastest time in slalom qualifying on the blue side, and qualified 3rd overall!! He is amazing slalom . First round rolled his tire off the rim from cornering so hard, and that was it. Racing is funny sometimes. Good for him to be up to speed against the best guys in the world though. Dh too, he looked incredible. Once he gets all the ducks in a row in a race run, those guys are in trouble, think he is faster and more controlled than ever before. Just slid out in the final.

Got some fancy new components from Shimano, Fox, Crankbros, Oakley , etc, which is an honor. Norco Made me a custom slalom bike too. Lots of media coverage , so this is the place to show new stuff off and do well for sponsors, cause they are all here doing a bit of an expo as well. There is so much going on, draws a big crowd from all types of cycling. Not too much intermingling amongst riders. The schedule had us up at 630 am ever morning for practice and done by 11.

I raced the new Saint gear in the slalom for the ease of shifting, quietness, and overall feel. 2 quick power loaded gear changes out of the start needed precision. The attention to detail is really noticeable in the feel and textures of the levers.  Had a good run through my rounds and practice, but ultimately Buhly and I met in the final for annual slalom battle. Manon Carpenter for 3rd.

On the xc/DH bike (my Norco Sight) for this weekend, Gwin and I were the first ones on the new 34 fork for 26". The tuning on it makes things a whole lot easier for the average consumer, and the traction and performance is impressive, like riding on air:) Crankbros have a few new DH mallets being tested. as well, platform changes mostly, some new ideas.

The weather this year was like 80-90 degrees, dry and hot. Sunburn central for some. Racing two events and pushing up the hill for slalom leads to a lot of exposure. The Euros were struggling so hard, bright red faces, nearly heat stroke for poor Josh Bryceland.

This downhill race is half about set up and half about fitness. 7 turns in total I think, but kinda fun to ride. I basically took my trail bike, and changed the gearing and the fork. That was it 140mm, with a shortened rc4 on the back, which is so sick. Over the years, we have tried every type of bike, 5", 6" 7" 8", and guess what, my 5.5" was the best. It's exactly like riding an xc trail, but with some jumps and a couple fast dh bits. Buhly is so strong here every year, so it was a big accomplishment to get the Win here finally. My run was pretty good, so that is nioce to be racing full runs well. 2 minutes of sprinting seems easy after the 4.5 minutes of sprinting in south Africa:)

I'm pretty tired from the drive home.Gonna finish this later. C ya.

Sea Otter Slalom

Monterey, CA We just finished up slalom saturday with a nice little W!! 3rd year in a row for me. Kyle Strait with an impressive men's victory as well with a stacked international field. American Slalom domination today!

Our day was a 9am- 6pm. Not riding that whole time, but at the venue in the heat all that time. So glad to have the sprinter; its a nice little haven of air conditioning, sleeping, and snacks when needed. Close the door and get some rest:) Had to have been like 85-90 degrees today.

The Norco crew looked after us, bike pushing, fixing, water, etc, such nice people, thanks to Jonathan, Pete, PJ, Mike, Dustan, etc. Also thanks to our sports psychologist- Dr. J.rich for being here and helping out.

Bryn was riding awesome, qualified 3rd early on. Mic Hannah was 1st, Jared 2nd, Bryn 3rd, Minnaar, Kyle Strait. etc. The racing went down pretty different than that. Bryn and Jared both had bad luck in the first round, bryn rolled his tire off, jared crashed and got his head stuck in a gate. Rounds went on, and people kept getting eliminated. Kyle strait prevailed in the end!! Which was awesome to see!!! Troy Brosnan 2nd overall, cedric 3rd, danny hart 4th. So fun t watch.

I took out a three- pete! Felt good all day, love slalom. Buhly and I had our epic sea otter slalom final battle. She took out 2nd, Manon Carpenter 3rd, Steffi Marth 4th.

Building bikes

Slowly but surely our fleet of bikes for the year are coming to life. Organizing parts has been an ongoing process, but we did really well with product ordering and have built some incredible machines. Feel lucky to have the support that we do this year.

Our Aurums have been going for awhile, but they just got upgraded with some super fresh Shimano bits, you'll see at Sea otter. On monday I also built up my slalom bike from scratch, and am in love with it!! Bit of sun in Seattle, so I was outside with the dog, pumping beats, getting it done. The bike has a Short rear end and maneuvers obstacles better than any other 4x/slalom bike I have had, stiff laterally in the rear, and really light, get ready for it!!.

Sight xc bike too is such a balanced bike, that rips turns.. Everything is coming together. Leaving for Sea otter in a couple days. Standard route. Seattle, Bend, Santa Cruz/Monterey.

Bryn is back too!!! Added bonus. I had all his gear ready to go:) Team management.

Here are some pics of slalom birthday.

Nw cup results

PORT ANGELES, WAOne of the best weekends of riding ever!! When the sun comes out in Washington there is nothing better. Dark brown dirt, big trees, etc. I'm loving riding, and making awesome progress with the DH racing. The Aurum is such a pleasure to ride. Fun to see all the locals as well, mingle, ride, hang out. We have a solid community at these events.

They have made a new trail for the GRT National race in a few weeks. I haven't ever seen it, but heard it's pretty steep.

Remi and I took the Wins in Pro. Leonaruzzi got his first win in cat 1 men- noice work. About 50 canadians in attendance, amped up to start the season. Congrats to fellow Norco Rider- Nick Geddes for his first race back after recovering from Leukemia!  I had some fast canadian ladies to race against, glad they came down/ Good times in PA. C ya.

Pro men 1. Remi gavin 2. Adam mantle 3. Luke Strobel 4. Tyler Alison 5. Dean Tennant

Pro Women 1. Jill 2. Holly Feniak 3. Miranda Miller

Full results HERE