Wild 24 hrs of racing

What a crazy time at the 24-9 race this weekend ! Heat and thunderstorms were a factor for everybody and the race was called early.

Friday Cindy and I set up camp and soon Midz showed up around noon and we did a pre-ride of the course.With some new singletrack and much of the same trails as last year the corse was going to be fun but take a little longer.

Friday night a storm came thru around midnight and blew some tents over and stired everyone up then the rain came in and soaked the place for a couple good hours.

Morning of the race was cloudy and a little rain but it soon cleared up and we were off at 10:00.I Talked to Scott and Doug at the start and wished them good luck and to be sure and say hi if they saw me on the course.

1st-lap Was slow,too many riders in the singletrack and it bottled up in a couple places but I had long way to go.

2nd-lap Was much better and I was learning the course and riding with some people,if I could keep up this pace I knew I could do damage.

3rd-7th-lap I was alittle behind on where I wanted to be, I wanted to come in before 6:00pm on my 6th lap but the new singletrack was slowing me down and I was really hating that part of the course,It didn't flow at all and mentally taking me out of my game! the course after that was fun and I looked forward to it plus I knew I was only 25 min.away from the finish line.

8th-12th-lap Time to put the light on and I was looking forward to some fun riding and maybe making up some time on the other racers....But that wasn't in the cards for me this year,my first lap was fine with only my head lamp on low and handlebar on for maybe 15 min.I went out for my next lap and the head lamp went out right before the fun sinltrk so I had to slow my pace down.I had midz put on another battery and was off when it didn't last 15 min into the lap.( SHIT!) came in from that lap and changed it again.

13th - 14th lap When I came in to the pits from my 12 lap I had midz change both sets and I would be good and it would be daylight soon!I was 45 min into my 13th lap and both light went black and I was in the dark at 4:30am with 45 min till the end of this lap.I had just come out of the rocky switchbacks and hitting the open road by Twinkie trail and still had the crappy sinltrk. to go.....I road down the fire road staying in the middle as much as I could when I hit some loose gravel and almost went down...thats when I slowed down (normal speed 29-30mph)....I had to walk thru the crappy sinltrk.(cussing of course)..and was almost thru it when a rider with no light was following a rider with lights and a rider behind him with lights and they told me to get inbetween them ! Yea! you talk about being wide eyed, guessing and hoping you hit right line WoW !

I can't say enough about these guy's that helped me and the other guy get out of the woods It started to rain and it came down hard and made it more epic than I could think of. ( IF you believe in Karma I helped a guy on the course right before sundown with a broken seat post and I stoped so he could use my allen wrench )

When I came into my pit it was pouring down rain and I wanted this lap to count so I went to the start finish and they said it was suspended and holding all riders.

I was wet,tired and needed to get to my pit but I had to stay there until they start the race again.....I was there about 30 min when they turned on some flood lights and me another couple riders stood in front of it to warm up.They anounced the race would start back up in 10 min. when Cindy showed up with a blanket That's why I love here ! she's always thinking of me !!

At this point I was ready to stop and I couldn't gain anything with the 3rd place guy a hour ahead....But since I went thru the finish line I had to do another lap and wait outside the finsh till the end of the race....I went back to my pit and changed clothes had a cup of coffe and p/j sandwich.The rain started up again but I didn't care, this was my last lap and it felt good knowing it !

I had about 1/2 hr left when they told us the race was cancelled and to get back to our pits......the end !

I looked forward to this race all year and thought I would enjoy it more than I did.The weather didn't bother me, heat or rain but mentally I dreaded parts of the course and it really got in my head....Physically my hands took a beating and I wanted to just stop holding the handlebar...My right Trap felt like I was being stabed at times but I guess this is all part of the game.

I need to give a shout out to Karl Etzel! who helped me get my first 12 hr podium spot and get me prepared for this race and finsh a spot better than last year !

Thanks Middz your the best !

My biggest fan is always there for me Cindy ! Thanks for putting up with me all year ,thru all the training and talking about 24-9.

Hot training rides !

Sister-in-law lives 2 miles up the road and has a pool and I pass it on my way home from my rides........90+ degress I strip to the spandex and cool off for 15 min. then ride home !!! enough said !



see ya !

I need to ride !

Thursday... was day off on bike...
Friday...13hr workday rode spinner for 35min. and put heat on back of knee and massage.
Saturday...work around the house and trails at home..planned on getting ride in and it didn't happen !!!!

Sunday...I'm heading over to Jubilee to work on the trails and taking my bike to ride first thing this morning.

The next few week looks good for nothing but training for 24-9.

Yeah ! Yeah !

I don't have time for this crap ! I have training to do ! 9-mile is weeks away! I have a sore leg ! I'll be back !

Good race !

The Metro 12 was a fun,hard and a good showing for me ! The course was great with alot of singletrack and the climbs didn't dissapoint with the long grinding hill to the finish line.

My first goal since I knew Jeff was going to be there was to hold him off as long as I could before he lapped me ( we all knew he would )and I did for a good five hours.When he did he didn't hang around for long, we said a few words and he was gone ! Next goal don't let him catch me again, my legs felt real good and strong and I was able to keep my pace up,if him or the 2nd place guy (who never caught me)was going to catch me,I was going to make them work for it.

Next goal after Cindy told me how I was doing in the standings,I want third place bad ! and my first podium finish.As I was going out for a lap in the 6th hour the third place guy was right in front of me so I stuck to his wheel for the whole lap,he tried to drop me on the climbs and kept looking back at me and there I was, right on his wheel.When we came out of the last singletrack he pulled over and let me pass and said it was my turn to lead for awhile,when we came up on the climb to the start/finish I told him I couldn't hold this pace and have a good race

Next goal, keep 3 rd place in sight and don't let him get away ! two laps later His legs must have exploded and I took the lead at the start/finish line and I never saw him again.Each lap I gained 10 to 12 min. on 4 th place and ended up almost lapping him by the end of the race.

I'm feeling strong at the end of the two 12 hr races Iv'e done and hope this last at the 24-9 mile race.

The other thing that has me wondering what's going on ! I did this race in the big ring on the whole course except for the two main climbs ! I could tell my pace was so much faster than spinning like I normaly do !

I'll get some pic's up soon !

It was nice hanging out after the race talking to Jeff and his mom and dad ! Real nice people !

Getting ready for Metro 12 hr

I had a good race Sunday,not many there to race against,but I usually end up last anyway.I took home 3rd place ! my first time I hit the medals and money in two years as a Expert.My legs felt good and strong the whole race, the LT would flush out quick and I would recover feeling strong.

The weekend was a long one with the Downhill and Mtnxcross going on,I helped Cindy with the food and went out with Tony and finished up the marking of the XC course Saturday late afternoon.I think we rolled out of Farmdale at 6:00pm and was back to race Sunday at Noon.

The rest of the week will be recovering for the race this weekend up in Franklin,WI. The weather might be a little wet,but I'll just have to suck it up and ride.

If anybody has some sugestions on what to bring for a 12hr mud race I'm all ears !
I can get thru a XC race in the rain,but what do you bring extra for 12 hrs of suffering ? I do have the extra bike ! What about clothes ? Socks ?

Almost 5:00pm bed time !
See Ya !

Race ready !

Big weekend is almost here with alot of work going into it ! I'll help out tomorrow then get a ride in on the race course, I hope the legs feel good and they should if I stay off them.

I'm realy looking more at next week up in Franklin at the Metro 12, I did the six hr last year and came in 7th place not bad for my second six hr race.I told myself that 12hrs would be a killer and I'm going to find out ! The hill are long and the one at the top of the ski hill gets pretty steep.I need to push hard in the race and watch my nutrition good I hope it gets Hot ! I don't know why ,but I seem to have good races in the humid weather.My Idea weather at the 24-9 would be high 80's or 90's and just sucking the life out everbody !!!!

Lets get thru this weekend first !


Just a cool pic !

Pre- ride

Ran over to Farmdale around 11:30 after work and did a couple laps of the course for this weekend,and it's going to be fast if the weather holds out for us.I'll race no matter what it does I need to suffer for a couple of hours.

I'll help-out with the downhill and with Cindy cooking,I hope to get a small ride in Saturday then get the hell off my legs.

Thursday get a quick spin in after work.
Friday -off day

Good luck Matt in Iowa ! and Midz at Steamboat days 4 mile run.

See Ya !

Rain ride

I took off this morning knowing I was going to get wet,but I needed this ride ! I had some winter gear on with temps in the low 50's, 2 bottle's of Heed and Substained Energy and a bottle of Red Bull and water,two flasked of gel(I didn't eat anything before ride).

I didn't see any rain for my first 20 min. then the rain came slowly has I headed north out of Trivoli,after about 30 min. I ran out of it and the road was dry for the next 30 min.I was wanting to get a long ride in,but the rain came down pretty hard and after two hrs of it,and I was getting close to the cut off to home or staying out for another hour I chose home.

Atleast I was able to get 2-1/2 hrs in and not wear myself down and risk getting sick! I don't get sick and don't need to push it being so close to 24-9 race.

XC race this Sunday PAMBA #3 It will be a good training ride to get some singletrack riding in before I head up to my next 12 hr race in Franklin,Wi. Metro 12.

See Ya !

Rain screwed me again !

I put some semi slicks on the NRS#2 last night so I can start getting some long road miles in and had it all ready for a planned 5 hr ride,but thunderstorms put an end to that idea.I was going to head out to the RIT this morning and I need this ride ! The weekend is my only time I can get my endurancs miles in ! through the week I can manage a couple 1-1/2 or maybe a 2hr ride and they are usually Intervals and a TT ride.

The big group ride at Farmdale tomorrow will be cancelled ! so there goes another day I can't get in the woods !

I guess I'll go downstaires and do some lifting and run on the tredmill and maybe spin this afternoon !


I have a few pic's from 12hrs of Gears



Getting the pit ready



coming and going for another



First 12hr is done ! Can I stop now ?

Still here !

I recovered good from the 12 hrs of Gears and training is on target ! I'm getting ready for the Metro 12 and just made reservations just south of town for Friday night.I don't look forward to the road trip after I already have driven 400+ miles for work on Friday,but I need to be up there early.

Did trail work Saturday for 4 hrs at Farmdale getting it ready for the race on the 18th.Seems to always be the same guys showing up for work days ! nobody new!,but when we were leaving,the parking lot it was full of riders getting ready to go out get their ride in ! I should have said something smartass to them ! everybody else knows I'm crochety ! I was to wiped out to get my training ride in so I went home to get some work done.

I got in a nice RIT ride Sunday 4hrs on the road bike, I need to stay on the NRS Like Kerkove says and get those legs burning in the big ring ! Intervals tomorrow,quick ride Thursday,Maybe trails Friday or Lift day,Saturday long RIT ride 5hrs and Trails Sunday.

Heal up fast Midz !

See ya !

First 12 hr done !

I headed up to 12 hrs of Gears for my first 12hr race of the year and things turned out pretty good,but I was hoping for a atleast a 3rd place spot.The course was fast and only 4-1/2 miles long so you could do a few laps before you needed anything from your pit.I would compare the course with the main loop of Jubilee,wide open trails with plenty of room to pass the only singletrack was short and up hill before it it dumped you out to some pine trees.

I started out the first lap getting to know the course and seeing what lines to take and getting warmed up.I knew right off this was going to be fast with alot of laps when I seen the killer downhills getting up to 27 mph ( three of them) and the climbs weren't hard at all,( wide open and nothing bigger than Jubilee).Ther was nothing technical at all ! I was in my big ring for over half of the course and some of you know I'm not a big ring guy.

I didn't stop for my first pit until I had 40 miles in, but was taking handoffs from Cindy and I was feeling good and strong,after that first pit I would pit every 2 laps.Most of my pit time was 15 seconds the most was a couple of 30 second stops.

Most laps were in the 22 to 28 min. range,after I was in the 12 to 20 laps I need to stay in my comfort zone and pace myself more,the legs were getting heavy and the mental part was kicking in ( Why was I doing this ? It hurts ! I don't feel good !)
Once you get pass that crap you start looking for for some faster laps.

My inner thigh did cramp into the the 5th hr going up one of the hills ,but I worked it out and it only lasted for around a min.and that was the only time I had a problem I took it as sign to slow it down alittle on the climbs.

Going into the 10 the hr. I started to feel strong again and picked up my pace knowing others might be getting tired,my last three laps I push real hard and had some good times hoping to catch or not get passed by anyone.I was pushing to get two more laps in at 7:11pm and came in at 7:37pm but left everthing I had in me on that lap and didn't go back out for a 27th lap.I see now it wouldn't had moved me up in the standing so I'm ok with it.

Cindy was great and always ready for the handoffs and keep track of all my food and drinks ! Thanks Honey !

I lived on Hammer Heed and Substained Energy, Apple Gel,Cold apple sauce,and for my last 4 laps Red Bull.My new NRS was great I have a few adjustments I need to make but I loved it,My new Sun Rims were great and Intense Tires were perfect and Six Six One gloves and helmet did their job.

Yes my but is sore ! Recovery ride tomorrw !

NRS has a new home

Jeff's NRS has made it's way to Trivoli for a new home and a owner who won't be has skilled on the trails and not ridden as hard I'm sure, but I can't wait to get it in the woods.

I'll get it put together Friday night and ride Jubilee Saturday before I go to Danville Sunday for PAMBA# 2.

I feel ok,but I don't know if my training is on target or not.For the last few years all my traing was just get out and ride the trails as hard as you can or get as many laps as the race your about to do.That's how I gauged my fitness and I don't have any idea what my fitness is like right now,am I ready ? we'll see this weekend! hopefully on my new NRS.

See ya !

Training on Target

This week has been pretty good!I feel better when I get my rides in and the lifting goes as planned.I hit the trails Sunday for some hill intervals,and this week it was back on the road bike for some flat intvals and a good long spin day yesterday 3-1/4 hrs. after work.

Next Sunday will be my first XC race down in Danville,Il PAMBA #2,a long 30 miles course.

I'll start loading up on Hammer Products Monday and thru-out the week.

Hopefully Wife will talk to me by then ! Huh Midz !


See Ya !

Yeah I'm here !

I'm still riding but everything has hit me at once ! Grass mowing is getting to be a pain in the ass already ! 13hr work days still suck ! Training is kicking up with more intervals and longer endurance rides,I wanted to race this weekend but it's not going to happen. There was a race in Iowa and Indiana but I'll wait till the Kickapoo race, then the next week I'll get my first 12 hr race.

I always get online and check a few things but I don't take the time to post on here! Reading about others is more interesting....To bad about the Trans-Iowa race ! I would have been better if it was cold ! I hope next year I'll get Matt to join me to suffer across Iowa !

Midz ! love ya like a brother dude !


See ya !

Bad Week For Riding

I can't let this kind of week happen any more ! I didn't get on my bike until today since Sundays ride.Work and mowing yards took all my time and then I get depressed about not training ! I had a chance yesterday to get a hour ride or run after work,but I went to bed early and got a whole 6 hrs of sleep.I jumped on the NRS this afternoon and rode my trails for an hour with 30 mins of hill intervals and I'll get a good 4 to 5 hr road ride with Midz tomorrow.

My schedule has changed again and it looks like I'll be doing more of the PAMBA races instead of so many 12 hr races.I'll get two 12 hr races and I might get the Proctor road race in this year July 1st ! Hey Matt are you going to make this race ?

I still don't feel real strong on the trails and I know my traning at this pace I'm not going until later in the season,I need to remember I'm training for 24 - 9 race.

It looks like a new bike for this year isn't going to happen, to many things have gone south for me all at once.$2500 for a new lawn tractor and now a new engine for my comercial mower another $800.If I new this was going to happen I wouldn't have sold my Razorback, but what can I do ? I'll just keep my head up! I have my health !

See ya !

No Show for Slvan Island

I had to pass on PAMBA's first race of the year and will miss a few more I'm sure.The expert class was starting way to late for me and I didn't want to do sport since I've been Expert a couple years.I called my couch and he said I was better off getting a long training ride in at home so I hit R.I.Trail for 4-1/4 hrs.

Looks like Matt is going to fit right in the Expert level, I use to be able to beat him on his bad days, I know with all the road riding he does it has made him a faster racer.Now if we can get Tony off the trail a couple days a week and on the road he would do the same.

My training is the same this month Lift wieghts,ride on the road in heart rate zones,plus two day's a week of intervals.

I hit Indy today for the 1st time this year,legs felt like stones since I'm coming off of a lift day and intervals from yesterday.


Bed time !! See ya !

Quick ride

On the RockIsland Trail after work thia afternoon,2-1/2 hrs in my spin zone workout. I forgot my food and had only one bottle of drink so I kinda petered out at the end and came in a little weak, not a good thing to do right before a race.I could have and should have stoped at Caseys and grabed something, but I didn' want to stop.

I'll take Friday off for sure and get a small ride in Saturday to keep the legs fresh,I don't know about tomorrow.

See Ya !

Friday night and not in bed !

So this is how the better half lives ! I'm not in bed at 5:oopm ! Nice !

I did get on my spinner for 1-1/2 hrs and will hit the hills for some intervals in the morning.

My routine has been a push day then spin day followed by a lifting day and on two day's a week i've been spinning and lifting.The weights and reps are greek to me ! I'm use to bodybuilding not this 20 to 30 reps and light weights.

It would be nice to get in the woods before the first race of the season, but that might not happen.Oh well ! It'll be a fun race not to serious ! My first real race will be in May at Sugar Creek in Ferryville WI. 12 hr

See ya !

Worked my last Saturday

At least for awhile ! Next week when I get off work on Friday,there will be no more rushing home,eating,showering and going to bed at 5:00 pm to get up at 10:00pm for work Saturday.It'll be nice to wake up early to get a ride in and not be tired from work.

I received my new training schedule for April and like I said before, the intervals are getting kicked up and I'm going to try and get some 4 or 5 hr rides in.

Midz did his first run this morning down on the riverfront 26.32 Good job Prez.

I just got off the spinner,I spent 2-1/4 hrs on it and did 4 -5 min. standing intervals.I brought it upstaires so I could look out the slider into the woods and wish I was out there!!

Union meeting tomorrow at 10:00am and I hope to get a ride in after the meeting at Rock Island Trail or the roads in the area.

See ya !