Bear Lake Monster Cross

    

Today was the inaugural running of the Bear Lake Monster Cross, hopefully with many more to follow.  It was originally scheduled for June, but had to be postponed after its organizer Jared Eborn was critically injured in an automobile accident.  Jared is a great guy and thankfully has made a good recovery.  The distance of the original Monster Cross route was 100 miles, but was reduced to 80 miles today due to the small field and cold weather conditions.  In my opinion, it was the perfect route and ideal distance. 

     Monster Cross is a long gravel grinder or dirt fondo.  As has become the norm for many cycling events, it is not a race, but exists as a near race.  For a lot of people, as soon as they pin on a number and get on a bike, they are racing.  For another group, racing ruins the fun of the ride.  The race-if-you-want-to format seems to be a pretty good compromise for both groups.  The Monster Cross route is remarkable for several reasons.  The scenery is spectacular and the course almost entirely on gravel.  As a result of the recent rains it was absolutely dust-free today.

     As many of you know, I have written quite a bit about my love/hate relationship with the Crusher, Ultimate Challenge, and Lotoja.  Monster Cross is by no means easy, but I can recommend it without reservation.  It is a full value dirt fondo with plenty of moderate climbs and technical descents on very primitive roads.   However, it lacks the soul crushing climbs of the Crusher or the Ultimate Challenge.  What I am feeling for Monster Cross right now is only love.

     The first rider in today was Jeff Sumsion from Park City, who as luck would have it, was riding one of Brian’s RAD bikes.  Due to the numerous complications and rescheduling, the field today consisted of only about 20 riders.  This is going to sound like gloating, but we got the most insane pile of schwag I have ever seen at a race.  I know I going to forget something, but here goes:  jersey, t-shirt, backpack, trucker hat, shot glasses, finisher’s medal, stickers, food, and paid admission to next year’s event.  I will absolutely be there.

     The cycling season ends with a flurry of events.  Last weekend, Bruce rode the Heber Century and Tony competed in the Xterra National Championships.  Today was the ADA Ride and there are more cross races going on than I can keep track of including our own Cube one week from today.

     Lana is working on a blog post including video from the Xterra.  I would like to remind everyone else that I am always looking for content for the blog.  Nothing would make me happier than to have someone write up something to post on some on these other events.

 

Check Out Lana Grover's Gorgeous New Website for The Cube

 

http://sarahsis88.wix.com/cube#!

 

AMA Challenge is Tomorrow

     Sorry I dropped the ball on this.  I just got a text from Brian reminding me that the AMA Challenge is tomorrow in Ashton. Everyone who has done the AMA in the past has liked it a lot.  There are a range of distance options up to a full century with reasonable entry fees.  All proceeds from the event go directly to the American Diabetes Association. You can get additional information or register here:

http://www.amachallenge.org/

Kross Kickoff

     Today was the start of the cyclocross season in Southeastern Idaho.  The numbers at the Victor Velo Kross Kickoff were small, but the fun was huge.  The surface of the course was very rough today and the course more difficult than usual due to quite a bit of time on the grass and a big new hill added for the 2013 season.  It was a pretty good day for the local guys.  Tate, Brian, and I all found our way onto one of the various podiums.  Tate was a pretty good bet to win the men’s 1-2-3 race when he rolled a tubular and had to make a bike change finishing in second place.

     The Kickoff marked a milestone for Kelton in his first adult race and Weston in his first ever cross race.  Both rode very solidly.  

Brian and Kelton

Tate showing some great form.

Brian taking second in the Men's Master's race

Dave's first place in the Mens 4/5

Tate second in the 1/2.

Massage

     I think just about everyone can benefit from an occasional massage to work out a few aches and pains.  That goes double for people spending a lot of hours on a bicycle.  If you are looking for professional massage therapy in Rexburg, consider Kate Little at Advantage Therapeutic Massage.  Kate is a marathon runner and very in tune with the issues afflicting runners and cyclists.  Her practice is located in the Madison Ridge Chiropractic Building.  She is currently working in Rexburg every other week. I have been going to Kate for ten years or so and can give her a wholehearted recommendation.

     You can call (208)656-3205 to make an appointment or visit here website. www.rexburgmassage.com

 

Tate Finishes Strong at Crossvegas

Held annually in conjunction with Interbike, Crossvegas draws 10,000 spectators and advertizes itself as the largest cyclocross event in the United States.  Participation in Crossvegas is by invitation only.  I think Brian had something to do with getting Tate into the USA Cycling race at Crossvegas and he did not disappoint.  Tate started in the second to last row in 101^st position.  In the first lap, another cyclist hit a barrier.  Tate got smacked by the bike which lacerated his leg, but he did not go down.  Tate rode the entire race at red line finishing 17^th overall, a fine result in a very prestigious event.

Registration Link for The Cube

http://rexburgrecreation.sportsites.com/player/homeplayer.aspx

Register Now. Get This Shirt.

          We are committed to keeping the registration to the Cube as inexpensive as possible ($10 for kids, $20 for adults) but still putting on a top quality race.  Here is one thing to sweeten the deal.  Tate’s wife Allison designed this very cool shirt.  We will attempt to provide a shirt to everyone who participates, but we can only guarantee them to the people who preregister by Saturday, September 21^st.

 

Tonight's Ride Cancelled

Due to weather conditions

 

 

Bear Lake Monster Cross News and Update

We are less than two weeks away from the inaugural Bear Lake Monster Cross event and we know many of you have several questions - because we've received those questions in emails and Facebook messages.

So here's the scoop.

As you should know, Bear Lake Monster Cross was postponed from its original June 29 date because of a serious car accident that sent me, your event director, to the ICU for a few days. We know the date change was not ideal and has caused many of our pre-registered riders to rethink their participation in the ride. We totally understand that.

Some of you have asked for refunds and we will be processing those shortly after our September 28 event has concluded. Our registration company will process those refunds, but has told us they can not do that until after the event has occurred. Everyone who has preregistered will receive a complimentary entry to our 2014 Bear Lake Monster Cross as a sorry-thank you gift. Those who have requested refunds for the 2013 ride will get that, too.

For those of you who are coming, we're going to make it well worth your entry fee.

Our numbers will not be huge - the date change is primarily responsible for that. But we had already ordered a ton of gear and SWAG. What this means is everyone who does show up to ride is going home with a boatload of stuff. We've got jerseys, hats, t-shirts, stickers, pint glasses, shot glasses, etc.

Long story short: Those who request a refund will get one. Those who show up for the ride will go home with a lot of stuff to help promote the race for next year. EVERYONE gets a 2014 entry.

Also, we've been asked what kind of bike is best for Bear Lake Monster Cross. We recommend a cyclocross bike because the vast majority of the ride will be on gravel/dirt roads. We'll have about 15 miles of paved road and about 5 miles of semi-rough double-track jeep trail. A mountain bike will handle everything perfectly well, but a CX bike will get you through the course faster and with very little difficulty. Just load up the Stans and bring an extra tube or two with you.

The 2013 Bear Lake Monster Cross event will be fairly low key. We'll still provide full-supported aid stations and SAG, but some of the other bells and whistles at the start/finish line will be kept to a minimum. One thing is for sure, the route is beautiful and those who do ride with us will experience a century ride like none other.

Hope this answers your questions.

bearlakemonsterride.com

 

Time Change Pending for the TNR

Tomorrow night will be the final 6 p.m. departure of the season.  The following week, (September 24^th) we will be moving the start time up to 5:30 p.m.  If you have lights, it would probably be good to start bringing them since the days will only continue to get shorter.

Chris Horner Seals the Deal on the Angliru

In the end, Vincenzo Nibali did not give up without a fight.  He attacked and gapped Horner four times on the Angliru, the final climb of the 2013 Vuelta.  The fifth attack came from Horner and it was the one that stuck. 

copyright Bettini/Cyclingnews.com

 

http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-20/photos/279586

http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/09/news/chris-horners-patience-pays-off-on-the-ascent-of-the-angliru_302858

 

The Start of the Cyclocross Season is Only a Week Away.

     The first race in the Victor cyclocross series, The Kross Kickoff, is scheduled for next Saturday September 21^st.  The Victor guys have never put on a bad race.  If you can go, you will have a great time.  If not, please help spread the word by forwarding this message to everyone you know.  For scheduling details and registration, please use this link:

http://victorvelo.blogspot.com/

     As most of you know, in Rexburg, we are working on the return of The Cube.  We have placed the responsibility for designing the course in the very capable hands of Tate Litchfield.  At six p.m. on Monday night, we will be meeting at the Nature Park to do a ride through of some of the course options.  Anyone who is interested is welcome to come and brainstorm with us.

     The undisputed king of local races is Moose Cross which is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday October 12^th and 13th.  I am happy to give you your first look at their 2013 poster.  There is also a sweet pink version of this poster which I will be posting later.

http://www.moosecross.com/

 

 

Ride the Sidewinder Trail

     After many years mostly on the road, I guess I am pretty out-of-touch with the local mountain bike scene.  A few days ago, I posted a comment mostly bemoaning the state of the Stinking Springs Trail.  Tony called tonight to tell me about the Sidewinder Trail.  It is closed to motorized vehicles and more or less parallels Stinking Springs which is a multi-use trail.  The two trails meet about three quarters of the way to the top. Tony says Sidewinder is a sweet trail.  Access to the Sidewinder Trail is through the swinging gate directly north of the Stinking Springs parking area (just left of the SS trail).

     You can find more information on Sidewinder and other local trails at the web site of the Snake River Mountain Bike Club.   

http://www.snakerivermountainbikeclub.com/

 

Chris Horner On Regaining Vuelta Lead for the Third Time

"I didn't lose any sleep last night about being three seconds behind, so I'm not gonna lose any sleep tonight about being three seconds ahead, At my age, I'm used to winning and used to losing. To be in the lead of the Vuelta with two days to go, it's not the first surprise of my life, but it's a very good one."

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/horner-back-on-top-and-eying-overall-vuelta-a-espana-victory

Horner Moves Within Three Seconds of Regaining Vuelta Lead

     If you have not been following the Vuelta, let me give you a little recap.  After briefly leading the race, Chris Horner struggled in the Stage11 time trial.  Following the TT, Horner dropped to fourth overall, 46 seconds behind race leader Vincenzo Nibali.  Nibali, the current Giro d'Italia champion, continues to hold the race lead, but just barely.

     On the strength of outstanding climbing, calm demeanor, and unfailing optimism, Horner has managed to claw back time a few seconds here, a few seconds there in a style that is in sharp contrast to the high-octane exploits of the Armstrong Era.  With two very difficult climbing days looming tomorrow and Saturday, Horner is looking like the favorite for the GC win when the Vuelta concludes Sunday in Madrid.

     You can read the details of today's stage here:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-18/results

Photo copyright Bettini/Cyclingnews.com

Some Photos and Video of Tate's New Bike

 

Another Lotoja Shout Out

Tonight on the Tuesday Ride, Guy Robertson told me that he had completed another Lotoja on Saturday along with his friend Gary Wight.  I think it is a big deal when anyone finishes Lotoja, but at age 66, Mr. Wight deserves special recognition. Congratulations to both of you.

2013 Season Announcement from UTCX

 

I see fall in the trees and the smell of waffles in the air... CROSS COMETH!!

2013 UTCX will be kick off in 18 days!!

The almost official schedule looks like this...Sept 28...Draper
Oct 5... The Fort Buenaventura
Oct 12... SLC Fair Park or Soldier Hollow
Oct 19... Weber County Fair Grounds
Oct 26/27... Big Cottonwood Sports Complex for Spooky Cross (Double)
Nov 2... Rocky Mountain Raceway
Nov 9... Weber CFG & Cross Out Cancer
Nov 16... Wheeler
Nov 23... Weber CFG Utah State Championship!!!
Nov 30... The Fort
Dec 7... Wheeler
(More Details... go to www.utahbikeracing.com)

New this year....
Pro purse at each event...
New timing system...
New courses and new barriers!?!?

Season Passes and 8 race passes are now available online
http://utahbikeracing.com/utcx-season-pass

We have seen many of you at cross practice and racing at some early season events.  We have seen new CX bikes under new and old faces on the web...  answered tons question about the Who, What, When, Where, and How....

Finally it is (almost) here!!

Stinking Springs

     Back in the mountain bike days, Stinking Springs was probably our number one go-to ride.  We rode it frontwards, backwards, and sideways.  Tony and I even rode it a couple of times on Christmas Eve in low snow years.  I had not been back to Stinking Springs for a couple of years, so I decided to ride it today.  The lower portion of the trail is wide enough and smooth enough to drive a car.  It has obviously had a lot of motorized vehicle traffic.  Four motorcycles passed me in the first mile or so.

     Here is the paradox.  The smooth portions of the trail are smoother than ever.  The rocky portions are more eroded than ever with more loose exposed rock.  The area just below the overlook about three quarters of the way up was reengineered a few years ago to replace the old death drop with some switchbacks.  That is the only portion of the trail that is actually better than in the old days. 

     The rocky portions of the trail may have some appeal to the body armor guys on long-travel bikes if ridden strictly as a downhill.  But, on a cross-country rig, there was not much joy there for me.  Riding Stinking Springs always brings back lots of memories.  Sadly, for now, I would place it prominently on a list of trails to avoid.

Lotoja Recap 2013

     Another edition of the region’s biggest bike race is in the history books.  Clint Mortley is the winner.  The first time Clint won, he was a relatively unknown kid flying a little under the radar.  That has not been the case in the two years since.  He may be the most closely marked rider in the race.  Clint finished first yesterday in a sprint finish with his teammates finishing second and third.  I asked him afterward if there was any kind of deal with the teammates.  He told me there was no deal.  He had to race his teammates just like everyone else.  Even more remarkable is the fact that he flatted twice in the final kilometers and had to chase back almost within sight of the finish line.

Clint at the finish

     Finishing Lotoja is the hardest thing that most people will do in their lives.  Winning it is off the charts hard and improbable.  To add to the sweetness of the moment, Clint won on one of Brian’s handmade Ti-Carbon bikes.  IHC offered him a new Specialized team bike this year, but Clint turned it down in favor of the Kelson.

The Proud Builder with the Race Winning Bike

     The other locals and members of the Kelson family at Lotoja this year also included Tate, John, Tracy Mobley, and Tiffany Powell.  A big congratulations to Tiffany on her first Lotoja finish, strong and confident throughout.  I understand that Matt Allred and his wife were registered in the two-person relay.  No details available yet.  We also competed in the 3-5 man relay with me, Jeff, Brian and Ryan.  If you know anything about Lotoja, it is that a lot can go wrong over 200 + miles and usually does.  It was not the best of days for Tate and John who were both forced to abandon.

     Tate debuted the second generation of the Ti-Carbon Kelson road bike.  He took delivery of the bike at noon the day before.  Tate did a lot of work for Clinton early on and helped him get into the break which ultimately helped him win the race.  Unfortunately for Tate, he did not really have enough time to adjust to the new bike prior to the race.

Tate at the start with his new bike

     Randy had planned to ride the relay with us, but was unable to.  Here is how we sorted it out.  Logan to Preston: me, Preston to Montpelier over Strawberry: Jeff, Montpelier to Afton over Geneva and Salt River: Brian, Afton to Alpine: me again, Alpine to Teton Village up the Hoback: Ryan.

     For the relay, it was a perfect day.  Everyone had a job to do and everyone nailed it.  We finished in 9:32, fourth place in the race relay.  Our time was about 20 minutes faster than last year with one fewer rider.  The first leg, Logan to Preston was pure insanity.

     I knew that we would start in the dark (six a.m.) so I put on two powerful lights, mine and Jeff’s.   At full power, it looked like car headlights.  I was anticipating a fairly unremarkable little ride from Logan to Preston.  Intermountain Health Care had several teams in the relay and they started attacking the second we left the neutral rollout and attacked over and over again all the way into the transition in Preston.  I am waiting for the official results to verify this, but based on our arrival time, our average should have been just over 26 mph. 

     My plan had been to save something in my legs for Afton to Alpine, but I felt like my first priority was not to let a break go away in the first leg.  Miraculously enough, by the time I got to Alpine, my legs felt pretty fresh and ready to go again.  Jeff, Brian, and Ryan all put in outstanding rides.  We feel very happy and fortunate with the results of the day.

Ryan at the finish

     For everyone whose day did not end as well, I will quote Scarlet O’Hara in Gone With the Wind:  “Tomorrow is Another Day”.  There is no real consolation in that right now, but bicycle racing is all about second chances. 

Clint Mortley Wins Another Lotoja!

I will be posting more about Lotoja in the next few days, but this is the big story.  We are all very proud and very happy.  Here is a photo of Clint at the finish with Jeff and Brian.

 

 

Brian Williams Wins The Crusher in the Tushar Year's Most Crusher Bike Award

               Crusher in the Tushar shared DNACycling's photo.

8 hours ago Ok, after much consideration, deliberation and even consternation, the board of CRUSHERS has come to a conclusion on this year's "Most Crusher Bike" award.
I got the opportunity to see this rig in-person last weekend in Idaho and hear the back-story on it's construction. It was built from the ground-up by Brian Williams of Kelson Bikes in Ashton, Idaho specifically for theCrusher from a mix of carbon and titanium and built THE WEEK BEFORE THE CRUSHER!.. Any remaining doubt was wiped from my mind. This *IS* your 2013 "Most Crusher Bike"! Brian will be the recipient of a CamelBakstuffed with goodies from First Endurance, SPY, Dz-Nuts High Viscosity Chamois Cream, Incrediwear, LED Lenser USA USA and crankbrothers. Congrats Brian!

https://www.facebook.com/TusharCrusher

 

 

More on Horner's Big Day Including Video

Horner retakes lead, electrifies Vuelta

http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/09/news/horner-retakes-lead-electrifies-vuelta_301241

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VqVtBcdK3M

 

Horner Solos to Stage Win! Reclaims Vuelta Leader's Jersey

     If you follow this blog at all, you will have realized a couple of things.  Although, our primary objective is to provide a forum for local cycling news, that does not stop me from commenting on professional racing and cycling news from well outside our area.  And I am a big fan of Chris Horner.  Realistically, he is still a long shot to win the Vuelta, but that does not stop him from slugging it out with the top guys every single day.  One comment that I have seen repeatedly among the punditry of cycling is that the number of guys who can still win the Vuelta is dropping daily but Horner is still among them.  The Radio Shack team is 100% behind him and after a very emphatic solo victory today going into the rest day tomorrow the team has to be pretty happy.

Photo Copyright Graham Watson/VeloNews

Horner wins stage 10 of 2013 Vuelta a Espana

http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/09/news/tktk-wins-stage-10-of-2013-vuelta-a-espana_301226

RadioShack’s plugged in for Chris Horner at the Vuelta

http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/09/news/radioshacks-plugged-in-for-chris-horner-at-the-vuelta_301197
Horner flies to second Vuelta a Espana stage victory atop Alto Hazallanas

 http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-10/results
 

    

 

From Brian: Podium Picture from Rebecca's Private Idaho

     Today was the inaugural running of Rebecca’s Private Idaho,  a 100 mile gravel fondo in Sun Valley organized by endurance cycling legend Rebecca Rusch.  The event drew such luninaries as Levi Leipheimer (5^th overall).  Burke Swindlehurst finished first with the other two podium places filled by Yuri Hauswald and Dan Hughes, first and second at the Dirty Kanza.  The women’s event was won by Merideth Miller, former U.S. National Cyclocross Champion.

     The local guys there were Brian Williams, Ryan Shirley,Tim Meikle, Bart Miller, and Cobe Miller.  They all describe it as an outstanding event.  Brian and Ryan were among the top finishers.  Tim’s day was derailed by a catastrophic tire failure.