tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-273507032024-02-20T23:55:08.782-07:00DCCrossingsThe mountains are calling and I must go. - John MuirDarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-63020070816448664932011-03-05T14:44:00.000-07:002011-03-05T14:44:46.608-07:00PhotosI acquired a new camera a few weeks ago to inspire me to become a better photographer. I'm a complete novice but want to learn. Since I never get around to posting on this blog, I decided I'd try to post a few pictures every week or so. We'll see how motivated I stay. So far, all my pictures have been out skiing, so that's what you're going to get for a while.<br />
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<div align="center">Sunrise shadows - Pioneer Mtns Idaho</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K93RJ4soSvCYzU3FaVi5dapEBx0PJCYs0ceegcVVocr_JQ-YTHHZHqNB8sVzncuvs6SPnrTbheIDl8L0l9u_Ybk8vZKQFiHHQt9Ueods81erwDzfHWPrRbiO4ZzWz-x66FYo/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K93RJ4soSvCYzU3FaVi5dapEBx0PJCYs0ceegcVVocr_JQ-YTHHZHqNB8sVzncuvs6SPnrTbheIDl8L0l9u_Ybk8vZKQFiHHQt9Ueods81erwDzfHWPrRbiO4ZzWz-x66FYo/s400/085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Sunrise over ski tracks - Pioneer Mtns Idaho</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQymyB4g94w2nl0F7EQov0sdnqk-gG1bmMmCtUYP0Y7UYEq9JTD9hP1XuFsRnPyRiCE57gSRHil3VTfDW23zfePmjEwFO8WPz3icSQzseR1QSVScdUOvT4IOV-96m4Vz9Qvht/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQymyB4g94w2nl0F7EQov0sdnqk-gG1bmMmCtUYP0Y7UYEq9JTD9hP1XuFsRnPyRiCE57gSRHil3VTfDW23zfePmjEwFO8WPz3icSQzseR1QSVScdUOvT4IOV-96m4Vz9Qvht/s400/089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Tim White hiking - Pioneer Mtns Idaho</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq1YEzOgCKh9eoyPYnE_oawzpAr4vKE8FlVzDV3FdHD2tlYLcYtlEDmeZtWn86NAgHI_O12kGSDF7_puJcFoc7UUBjIhq6AZUJD3w1htAGGA0kMRt55WJhsv_AzK9OFEJfdrS/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq1YEzOgCKh9eoyPYnE_oawzpAr4vKE8FlVzDV3FdHD2tlYLcYtlEDmeZtWn86NAgHI_O12kGSDF7_puJcFoc7UUBjIhq6AZUJD3w1htAGGA0kMRt55WJhsv_AzK9OFEJfdrS/s400/090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Cobb Peak - Pioneer Mtns Idaho</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLP2H3TDo2FhJKP_bF-oKv3jzWrN4-8JJzbA7rMyvVQnQnIhBYLfooVylEL8i03zF2Fy4ICF3jbazzr_KiofgJ10wBWRNG3AVnKZJUorU4l-J6zFBGFlMx4r-IndXWHvZWhD2y/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLP2H3TDo2FhJKP_bF-oKv3jzWrN4-8JJzbA7rMyvVQnQnIhBYLfooVylEL8i03zF2Fy4ICF3jbazzr_KiofgJ10wBWRNG3AVnKZJUorU4l-J6zFBGFlMx4r-IndXWHvZWhD2y/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Tanner Cottle - Tanner's Gulch LCC</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Mm6aCNlECOifTfB2rVAgaFLylluV_kPxk6Qj5GgyRFnza20s7cgtCe88kAlPJAGH2tMJJ7dp1OZcjgOWx3vXW8ieFYqviuLuShAu8h4yECo6Q2FIRALkVLV4IkdbKU2qnTEh/s1600/IMG_0115_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Mm6aCNlECOifTfB2rVAgaFLylluV_kPxk6Qj5GgyRFnza20s7cgtCe88kAlPJAGH2tMJJ7dp1OZcjgOWx3vXW8ieFYqviuLuShAu8h4yECo6Q2FIRALkVLV4IkdbKU2qnTEh/s400/IMG_0115_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-3293376134210686962011-01-02T21:00:00.000-07:002011-01-02T21:00:58.565-07:00Happy New YearI got my period urge to write a blog post. A successful cross season is in the books and it's time for some skiing. I've made it out a couple of times on skate skis to remind me I still suck, but I still like it. However, any thoughts of being good enough to have fun racing are still in the distant future.<br />
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I have been out on a number of good backcountry tours and got the year off to a good start with Tim and Mike on New Year's Day. They guided me around all day on this route.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeaU8Cjtk7XCMg77I9urlYNpcV_w6I834UPLc4POQ5De1Zsa_LXSzWhD4wzXecUCdYXGFH-WvsgHn4WtaGIrd7Or3w5uOPSzqn-ASS-OgTSmfDTKznQwRtBFQphQYPd-VMN5t/s1600/1.31.10+tour+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeaU8Cjtk7XCMg77I9urlYNpcV_w6I834UPLc4POQ5De1Zsa_LXSzWhD4wzXecUCdYXGFH-WvsgHn4WtaGIrd7Or3w5uOPSzqn-ASS-OgTSmfDTKznQwRtBFQphQYPd-VMN5t/s400/1.31.10+tour+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The highlight was conditions allowed us to ski the Hallway Couloir. This was my first difficult to find, true chute and it was great fun. A real confidence builder. If you look close, you can see our tracks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa3Ao60NyKZRhio99o5TeyhzNviJ1NGtcGY-05o8EOdbU1J0V3ISknB8y5U7W28WTvkWXwtZIjA4R7pKBED0REK-cqhXERaozdIpSnjNRIdqgZtUbr5947ZnIiXylCiaKGt7G/s1600/DSCN3860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa3Ao60NyKZRhio99o5TeyhzNviJ1NGtcGY-05o8EOdbU1J0V3ISknB8y5U7W28WTvkWXwtZIjA4R7pKBED0REK-cqhXERaozdIpSnjNRIdqgZtUbr5947ZnIiXylCiaKGt7G/s400/DSCN3860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's Mike then Tim in the chute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaAv4A4n3ugIhtbTzlbh82lvWMEtN30wNlh4yciA2n6u502Iu7LHlbJb1SaHOUiiXlk3eTey-nCzV3NId0ijv7axjn6GK0amgWL-qLv64GRpTQ0Bs-46-ccw5Ni8028zjR5rU/s1600/DSCN3849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaAv4A4n3ugIhtbTzlbh82lvWMEtN30wNlh4yciA2n6u502Iu7LHlbJb1SaHOUiiXlk3eTey-nCzV3NId0ijv7axjn6GK0amgWL-qLv64GRpTQ0Bs-46-ccw5Ni8028zjR5rU/s400/DSCN3849.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaI9DgTJ4FSbygbwwDiVI7XbWHm_WUixS8ikRmJa8nVIJZbC3eJnJ5OJeQ3Vjf31e11LUnBeBnCMyIz_-riW4cvXEiT5HzI1YX8K1EZ6r1nRNg1x8BH7cT3zDJZ-TsobiCHeL/s1600/DSCN3851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaI9DgTJ4FSbygbwwDiVI7XbWHm_WUixS8ikRmJa8nVIJZbC3eJnJ5OJeQ3Vjf31e11LUnBeBnCMyIz_-riW4cvXEiT5HzI1YX8K1EZ6r1nRNg1x8BH7cT3zDJZ-TsobiCHeL/s400/DSCN3851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Surprisingly, the best snow of the day was the exit out from Cardiff peak. All in all a fantastic way to begin the new year. Looking forward to more to come. Tanner's work and school schedule will now allow some touring with his dad, so it will just get better.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-79678185446144041502010-12-01T21:30:00.000-07:002010-12-01T21:30:11.295-07:00Compatibility IssuesLast week,<a href="http://www.skibikejunkie.com/2010/11/who-knew.html">Mark</a> and I were hiking on Flagstaff around sunset when the wind chill was -35. I have issues keeping my fingers warm and was complaining a bit. Mark said something like: "Have you noticed two of your favorite activities, skiing and cyclocross, take place in the cold. You might want to rethink your what you like to do." Good point. A week after our outing, I've lost a layer of skin off the end of my nose and the ends of my fingers are still numb. However, I still raced Saturday, twice as a matter of fact, in very cold conditions.<br />
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The smart thing would be to avoid putting myself in positions that exploit my weakness to cold. But here's the rub, I really love cyclocross, backcountry and skate skiing. Therefore, I'll put up with occasional numb extremities, shaking uncontrollably before and after cold, wet races and sending stupid money on clothing to keep me warm. All this in an attempt to overcome my basic incompatibility with the cold. And you know what, I'll keep doing it because the payoff is more than worth the discomfort. If you're reading this, you probably understand.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrzBs17ux0rDUHZImT8J7z4BNW2jmo40tjczTt4EC8pD0bFIaTJg8UnZH3MvEOZoOgF23X7xYQzcfEgDeknxbTUp8Wbxr2UOIR7MsEkH3RcY31BUklUQ7ze1F0Gl7IlacDn7N/s1600/160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrzBs17ux0rDUHZImT8J7z4BNW2jmo40tjczTt4EC8pD0bFIaTJg8UnZH3MvEOZoOgF23X7xYQzcfEgDeknxbTUp8Wbxr2UOIR7MsEkH3RcY31BUklUQ7ze1F0Gl7IlacDn7N/s320/160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-24499476895869725922010-11-09T22:26:00.000-07:002010-11-09T22:26:43.651-07:00Tanner's a Vampire and Cross News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZL0t7qm4-R2_ucmUgn9NKEptnRYVuLem576v5OMD8H-Nvd1CahezujyCmINipg4E9N6E4A4YAR5-wnNzMxuSe2pe5cvam5fcqwF2R3CqLM6EOe2Ogoi7vz9WBgD0BQIPd6TF/s1600/73115_1691368447389_1333108248_1792374_4433058_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZL0t7qm4-R2_ucmUgn9NKEptnRYVuLem576v5OMD8H-Nvd1CahezujyCmINipg4E9N6E4A4YAR5-wnNzMxuSe2pe5cvam5fcqwF2R3CqLM6EOe2Ogoi7vz9WBgD0BQIPd6TF/s320/73115_1691368447389_1333108248_1792374_4433058_n.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're had our suspicions for years, but <a href="http://epicriding.com/">Adam's</a> picture confirms the truth. Look closely, under race stress, Tanner's vampire fangs are showing. This explains a lot. No wonder a few years ago he suddenly started dropping me like a rock on all climbs. Superhuman strength has to come from somewhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other news, it's time for cross racers to turn their thoughts to Bend Oregon and Cross Nationals. <a href="http://www.skibikejunkie.com/">Mark</a>, Doug and I will be making the trek this year with a trailer filled with the goods. (Sadly the Vampire has finals at the same week.) We'll have room to haul some additional bikes and equipment. The haul fees will be a lot cheaper than the airlines, so let me know if you're interested.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWE0Ws0QESMuYLmFrl7pz4OOVXI5NPU3YMnciLA_ptr_DCxbxl5VzFeuuxP2RU5ui2OiEVB2-xziVYdA1gblZ4jSylBlaoafwy6TQz5AARbK-IswMbzCZKR6FCZ34_eQePROW/s1600/DSCN3349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWE0Ws0QESMuYLmFrl7pz4OOVXI5NPU3YMnciLA_ptr_DCxbxl5VzFeuuxP2RU5ui2OiEVB2-xziVYdA1gblZ4jSylBlaoafwy6TQz5AARbK-IswMbzCZKR6FCZ34_eQePROW/s320/DSCN3349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The compound will be bigger, better and heated this year. Hopefully, we'll be able to set up next to the Church of the Big Ring crew again. Any Utah racers are welcome to use the facilities for warm up and hanging out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0nPFOL6mt387w0fCvY-P9nodXJD9YzVxRW4v7XhUzV37B-O1Ff4nd2uMHUukqTiotyqtevFaPaQxb4J3iJPy9bKIITJ2MSfdM0vXiefelgZQ0o8kJIFLGQaKUOEasI2Yo8MY/s1600/DSCN3451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0nPFOL6mt387w0fCvY-P9nodXJD9YzVxRW4v7XhUzV37B-O1Ff4nd2uMHUukqTiotyqtevFaPaQxb4J3iJPy9bKIITJ2MSfdM0vXiefelgZQ0o8kJIFLGQaKUOEasI2Yo8MY/s320/DSCN3451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The stairs will be back again this year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfVW2B0ghtObMP7biqp_wDABd2AYbMXd_Bw-zMmRNNJQkmr84kmADOquSCX66Lo3rWkVNRxaoDUWmGHXJPlVTRoJ_k2l66w-rDa92SvXPoM6SGAxUIEZwD7t7qkTaiMeQd9YK/s1600/DSCN3345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfVW2B0ghtObMP7biqp_wDABd2AYbMXd_Bw-zMmRNNJQkmr84kmADOquSCX66Lo3rWkVNRxaoDUWmGHXJPlVTRoJ_k2l66w-rDa92SvXPoM6SGAxUIEZwD7t7qkTaiMeQd9YK/s320/DSCN3345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Never enough bikes around. Can't wait. But before the big dance, the State Championships should be good this week at a new venue with solid potential. Might even be winter like conditions. One can always hope.</div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-17499306785733436572010-10-30T20:37:00.003-06:002010-10-30T20:42:01.012-06:00Winning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA82uOSPheER99s6iK8ihycE2NowyElBoM1RQpoOOoHDicz8YhuzEHIK7Y8j1rmRb7qPfYn2CnSOjnRZPogSVGQEZa81j7XyRbhr0sI_v6Tx61ezq-FO_3hlQczyOsueRRxLKv/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA82uOSPheER99s6iK8ihycE2NowyElBoM1RQpoOOoHDicz8YhuzEHIK7Y8j1rmRb7qPfYn2CnSOjnRZPogSVGQEZa81j7XyRbhr0sI_v6Tx61ezq-FO_3hlQczyOsueRRxLKv/s320/052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not surprisingly, I've been thinking some about winning the last few weeks. Winning with frequency is a new concept to me. Prior to this cross season, here's the list of my cycling wins. Don't worry, it won't take long to read.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 ICUP beginner class win (my first bike race).</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 ICUP 40+ Expert wins in 2006 (small field with no fast guys in both cases).</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 ICUP 40+ Expert win in 2007 with a legitimate field.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 UTCX 35+ A win in 2007 in my best race ever.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 UTCX 45+ win in 2008 (raced 35+ the rest of the season).</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 Expert 35+ downhill win in the early 2000's (raced two other DH's and crashed out of both).</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've had a couple veteran class heat wins on a cruiser BMX bike when the kids were dabbling with BMX, but no main event wins. I raced one NORBA National veteran dual salon event and won a couple heats but crashed out of the semis (was the end of my brief gravity racing career). That was my complete list of wins after many years and hundreds of races. I've never come particularly close to a win on a road bike and probably never will.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Each of these prior wins was a pretty big deal to me because I knew winning was a rarity. With this history, I'm not sure what to make of my streak of cross wins this year. I'm the first to point out that there's a couple 45+ guys racing 35+ that are consistently faster than me. However, being off the front of a good group of 45+ cross racers is still really cool and strange at the same time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've always considered myself a "slow, fast guy". In other words, I've been fast enough to race in the fast guy categories but never fast enough to consistently be at the front. So why do I, and for that matter most racers, race? It's certainly not for the winning. For me, racing has always been a battle with myself. A race was measured by my internal effort gage. If I gave it my best effort, the race was a success regardless of placing. In addition, I've always been a doer not a watcher. Participating in challenging things has always appealed to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Internal battles and personal challenges still motivate me, but over the years it's the MTB and Cross racing community that keeps bringing me back. I've been fortunate to become friends with a diverse and interesting group of people I would never have encountered in my "normal" life. I'm a better and more well rounded person because of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, finally racing my age group and focusing my limited training exclusively on cross season has led to some wins this year. I'm very much enjoying it and will do my best to win some more. However, if I never win another bike race, I'll still show up for events because it's become part of who I am. When people ask if I ride bikes or if I'm a cyclist, I always respond with "I'm a bike racer".</div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-3917380768951286762010-10-25T22:43:00.001-06:002010-10-26T17:51:54.805-06:00A blog postIt snowed today so a blog post is in order. The summer was filled with riding, racing, hiking, family, work and all around good times. The fall has been off to a good start with training, racing, hiking family, work and all around good times. There appears to be a pattern here. I'm sure the winter will bring skiing, hiking, family, work, XC ski racing (maybe) and all around good times. I can't wait.<br />
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I must say cross racing has been particularly good so far. Finally making the jump to my age group has proved fruitful with a few trips to the top step of the podium. Can't complain about that. Winning the same day as my big brother was cool as well. However, the best part of cross season so far has been watching friends try cross for the first time and getting completely hooked. It can't be explained, just experienced.<br />
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On a final note, this summer I discovered yet another way to to hurt myself while looking like a dork. It's called roller skiing. Road rash is remarkably similar whether inflicted by a fall from a road bike, mountain bike, cross bike or roller skis. Who knew?Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-7003223091869526212010-04-10T15:55:00.001-06:002010-04-10T20:52:45.754-06:00Tour of the Corn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Rather and racing my road bike at the Tour of the Depot today, I convinced <a href="http://epicriding.com/">Adam</a>, Kendall and <a href="http://www.feedthehabit.com/">Jason</a> to join me for the Tour of the Corn. Our objective was the huge natural half pipe on Lone Peak's south side. We've all looked at it for years and today we skiied it. We made good time to the ridge and enjoyed the long ski down. The snow was a little firm on top, but really nice corn on the rest. Here's a few pictures from the outing.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We spend some quality time on dirt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVJqkHsXMYqvCnhWUplJF19jEPbNys2SMqTMn9w176fmcvS_oaXzu7XTDQ0OWO8I8w97sZGjhHEeCBCHJJpKmo9v_K2Cd09dV1hCGUMDpD1mNH_9b1YOhDnDdCydtTtMzbmfi/s1600/DSCN3289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVJqkHsXMYqvCnhWUplJF19jEPbNys2SMqTMn9w176fmcvS_oaXzu7XTDQ0OWO8I8w97sZGjhHEeCBCHJJpKmo9v_K2Cd09dV1hCGUMDpD1mNH_9b1YOhDnDdCydtTtMzbmfi/s400/DSCN3289.JPG" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The firm snow allowed skinning straight up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgJ9LzffLd5_bEJO9ETHubX5OtHB_BeA0wn96_wZaSNvpgm2wzOuQG-r-3lEeRGCzv1nac-_l9fI79bMN6HQVstKmcJt1P2w7nKG51aNyn2PsB3jLYt8nCtoTRyXduYq0LCUy/s1600/DSCN3294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgJ9LzffLd5_bEJO9ETHubX5OtHB_BeA0wn96_wZaSNvpgm2wzOuQG-r-3lEeRGCzv1nac-_l9fI79bMN6HQVstKmcJt1P2w7nKG51aNyn2PsB3jLYt8nCtoTRyXduYq0LCUy/s400/DSCN3294.JPG" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Box Elder looming in the background.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtlflPvPZurue7n7TWmASZD7peDgEiaJDFMoq79ZuxBsjiALtranSmqnu0GIeyu-nLiZGha9iYgL6lOqBwXTzeJrF2yN7ZKcFvaIeFeR534Glw4QcEfWOgwOIF8QMqnaNRJ7W/s1600/DSCN3299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtlflPvPZurue7n7TWmASZD7peDgEiaJDFMoq79ZuxBsjiALtranSmqnu0GIeyu-nLiZGha9iYgL6lOqBwXTzeJrF2yN7ZKcFvaIeFeR534Glw4QcEfWOgwOIF8QMqnaNRJ7W/s400/DSCN3299.JPG" width="300" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It a big, open bowl with great views.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLwlRkaN-_N5sWs0utJAHzZUTz9LqPnstp_gJmtjQHrMPGnD7vTpcyc3PgcBWP-Zt2Lqr5D4WoJBnL9G2qt-zE6TjwvRGPXKQSA4RdJrMM-xAF7kfvYZxjJS4O0pZZDqG6G9V/s1600/DSCN3297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLwlRkaN-_N5sWs0utJAHzZUTz9LqPnstp_gJmtjQHrMPGnD7vTpcyc3PgcBWP-Zt2Lqr5D4WoJBnL9G2qt-zE6TjwvRGPXKQSA4RdJrMM-xAF7kfvYZxjJS4O0pZZDqG6G9V/s400/DSCN3297.JPG" width="372" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fnal push to the ridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQlTfN9quElQqDjLx1dbp4PpAB7duncIe-uAM0abUBN6QsmM2tFkCxJr6gtKVRveTkQJ4sOoTCCiL5hupa4aGd1bjGXrMpwF1pQ_lWlDtTqr2FjbRwfz-3o8slLrP5NmDRzwM/s1600/DSCN3306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQlTfN9quElQqDjLx1dbp4PpAB7duncIe-uAM0abUBN6QsmM2tFkCxJr6gtKVRveTkQJ4sOoTCCiL5hupa4aGd1bjGXrMpwF1pQ_lWlDtTqr2FjbRwfz-3o8slLrP5NmDRzwM/s400/DSCN3306.JPG" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jason enjoying lunch, twitter and the views.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_aoU5h45eSyn69E5m_SR1qRRL7YwBBTYwJoTrt8ZoFClgDb1h9Lzz1FCCP481bsC0FBRhRvKkZHWZFHAfYP12fZiR-IP2WJZTzvyIgpb5orbuLp4Vcsbh9Ddc8PEvBJlsJgm/s1600/DSCN3313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_aoU5h45eSyn69E5m_SR1qRRL7YwBBTYwJoTrt8ZoFClgDb1h9Lzz1FCCP481bsC0FBRhRvKkZHWZFHAfYP12fZiR-IP2WJZTzvyIgpb5orbuLp4Vcsbh9Ddc8PEvBJlsJgm/s400/DSCN3313.JPG" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lots and lots of turns to be had on the way down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWBwA24GpBxWTsY9E_qXVlgPm1TkvI6AwnimrePyUlySMPiazxwCbso_yTo13R4p5QKYgU9LU0xv5YdiCcUH6VDAV436m0ecljvboqWcpiQIKH-UIkyY232FIQDj00xFUPDkj/s1600/DSCN3309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWBwA24GpBxWTsY9E_qXVlgPm1TkvI6AwnimrePyUlySMPiazxwCbso_yTo13R4p5QKYgU9LU0xv5YdiCcUH6VDAV436m0ecljvboqWcpiQIKH-UIkyY232FIQDj00xFUPDkj/s400/DSCN3309.JPG" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adam</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud2uD8UaZU8iofVySQwzm5f8wt2uptnT_AkCTFUvX7wmAy4ipdpXNmzNJQw47YlRHWAaFAcPcMP_tnBdE1SPgA6ffSxJOoBpGgSKOQ9Ccb8w8YR3rtRBqobp6rydwEzz50Gnc/s1600/DSCN3310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud2uD8UaZU8iofVySQwzm5f8wt2uptnT_AkCTFUvX7wmAy4ipdpXNmzNJQw47YlRHWAaFAcPcMP_tnBdE1SPgA6ffSxJOoBpGgSKOQ9Ccb8w8YR3rtRBqobp6rydwEzz50Gnc/s400/DSCN3310.JPG" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.</div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-85155711356820738452010-04-04T10:33:00.000-06:002010-04-04T10:33:36.536-06:00Good couple of DaysFriday was a day off work for me due to Good Friday (it was a VERY good friday). It started early with a dawn patrol in what turned out to be nearly perfect conditions. <a href="http://suncrestdug.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/its-a-lot-of-inches/">Doug</a> and <a href="http://suncrestdug.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/its-a-lot-of-inches/">Mark</a> have documented the epic sking, but here's a few more pictures just for confirmation.<br />
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<div align="center">Mike and Mark heading up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQivLgme8xISFhPAj8H-Ge_Ea8c3O-OMi8QTwmHv2B1UDUssAYj8VvPys4-85fgNG_auZOQbSzj4GsgVvluib7xuICNVz1gwpK1W0AASMOF2fq7qcaV-8u4sPUmLoIbiFLBHo/s1600/DSCN3262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQivLgme8xISFhPAj8H-Ge_Ea8c3O-OMi8QTwmHv2B1UDUssAYj8VvPys4-85fgNG_auZOQbSzj4GsgVvluib7xuICNVz1gwpK1W0AASMOF2fq7qcaV-8u4sPUmLoIbiFLBHo/s400/DSCN3262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Face shots were the order of the day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPZKC2mgLzGDeufZwVwetazDt9ivkUqB685tkUzM8s2309pFHjy1ZDPUGlDbk4XVnNWgfSi93QtG7FH1ts8ECgbsaR3rYiEAqA8Ww2gHAOovvw4qGQE71qvFdCl2RFeTSgwWh/s1600/DSCN3246_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPZKC2mgLzGDeufZwVwetazDt9ivkUqB685tkUzM8s2309pFHjy1ZDPUGlDbk4XVnNWgfSi93QtG7FH1ts8ECgbsaR3rYiEAqA8Ww2gHAOovvw4qGQE71qvFdCl2RFeTSgwWh/s400/DSCN3246_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I'm getting the goods</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFus-4uqVnUBE-fswml0YB7yBLR7WfBueyqccuVPd04Nifc91IrI90p6oSBbjuMvVD_1pJ3GH5zRVg3nLKiCJ5bm6uo5xYrJ9EFX2oklnznyqhKgsg4EySlkhkrmCR_IZsFdn/s1600/DSCN3264_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFus-4uqVnUBE-fswml0YB7yBLR7WfBueyqccuVPd04Nifc91IrI90p6oSBbjuMvVD_1pJ3GH5zRVg3nLKiCJ5bm6uo5xYrJ9EFX2oklnznyqhKgsg4EySlkhkrmCR_IZsFdn/s400/DSCN3264_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Mike</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5-QPSKK89Pg6PgtDvzGYCYFrbMM8ZsToV3Ydw891jqrGkBMx-mXvTAB-BD5f-A3j150tUtpm4AOOVNIf9phU3-O4wTEpmCmy8xiRDey6wzj8mlCGcF_8TrPkmssHo9m8crpr/s1600/DSCN3285_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5-QPSKK89Pg6PgtDvzGYCYFrbMM8ZsToV3Ydw891jqrGkBMx-mXvTAB-BD5f-A3j150tUtpm4AOOVNIf9phU3-O4wTEpmCmy8xiRDey6wzj8mlCGcF_8TrPkmssHo9m8crpr/s400/DSCN3285_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Is it vain to keep looking at your tracks?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dZcFiZKdeLZFqVfclx-daCO4WUcbvWBASjJXM8da_-aeVtonMUVBDGm0wOIILRZpAAC-hNj-ENxzh-b2OkLTzB0AE-n7nHFHVtQZfIEA7mB5UJSzbMU8FuJy4PQhJJeBDNzq/s1600/DSCN3260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dZcFiZKdeLZFqVfclx-daCO4WUcbvWBASjJXM8da_-aeVtonMUVBDGm0wOIILRZpAAC-hNj-ENxzh-b2OkLTzB0AE-n7nHFHVtQZfIEA7mB5UJSzbMU8FuJy4PQhJJeBDNzq/s400/DSCN3260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left">After the skiing, I headed south to meet up with Tanner for a quick lap on the ICUP Hurricane course. I didn't race Hurricane last year and the course was changed from 2008. The changes make the course into one of my new favorites. Good, technical desert riding. I was reminded yet again that there's no where else I'd rather live. Epic powder in the morning, classic desert riding in the afternoon.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I had no idea what the race would hold for me. 3.5 hours of hking and sking beginning at 6 am the day prior to a race probably isn't on any coach's training plan. However, it turned out to be a good plan for me. I ended up with my best MTB result in a couple years. Go figure.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Today, I'm home for Easter with my all my children. I'll take more weekends like this. </div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-75964695681203916072010-03-20T22:28:00.003-06:002010-03-22T10:10:10.982-06:00Skiing TimpanogosSkiing my first really big line today inspired a blog post. When I started backcountry skiing this season, I wasn't really looking to do anything big. However, my confidence has grown to the point that <a href="http://www.kendallcard.com/">Kendall</a> was able to convince me to join him and his buddy Ben on a trip to the Timpanogos ridgeline without too much trouble.<br />
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We started early from Aspen Grove with the intention of heading up Primrose Cirque, up the year-round snowfield then on to the South Summit of Timp. We would check out conditions and determine if we could safely ski the west side from either the South Summit or the saddle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNCqZ4cMbHesAJb1wI3FQFATpDqSk1bkNyWWMpftKgTC8C-gpvKogAcPBbSfZDHQLFOBikZQJwAUkaNULaTKbtOMS0s76F5MTjv375tsFp_i_vABjpxPDLLoNPeKmdynUSSaL/s400/DSCN3164.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ben looking up the Primrose Cirque before dawn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZY-8LnNYaIIDx8hW_oJYly1Di6Zwhyphenhyphen0WEenREbU7Zud8RmDaxlKjSIBX4zmYzLOnNYdqp_5XpF13JUjkdzERJ1DzRJdTqSDUQqe5geZ9Hria1IAvT8PfOKqie-oL3ZhFVEwY/s1600-h/DSCN3170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZY-8LnNYaIIDx8hW_oJYly1Di6Zwhyphenhyphen0WEenREbU7Zud8RmDaxlKjSIBX4zmYzLOnNYdqp_5XpF13JUjkdzERJ1DzRJdTqSDUQqe5geZ9Hria1IAvT8PfOKqie-oL3ZhFVEwY/s400/DSCN3170.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunrise over the Unitas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Yu9wNZhUxscC7wfc9EQDXYyBOQ8V92ErcPjOA5HYDoe0j1GHhW9YaC_0_kRzHaJMdjSwtU23yo4SPYWEQboZVdFSIdzz2CyXXSMikdRAzuhWZc1wW3TAlVdKeevk9Br3fj3F/s1600-h/DSCN3166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Yu9wNZhUxscC7wfc9EQDXYyBOQ8V92ErcPjOA5HYDoe0j1GHhW9YaC_0_kRzHaJMdjSwtU23yo4SPYWEQboZVdFSIdzz2CyXXSMikdRAzuhWZc1wW3TAlVdKeevk9Br3fj3F/s400/DSCN3166.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Cirque at first light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were able to skin most of Primrose but had to boot the last few hundred feet of vert.</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9W7NwAdMqrbm4EYbNUrPoS9Aj-_R6Ck_yXwHdVvwwiBEum0OOjVFNG8y_hYA1Kzzu-EZH7NE9y3-56I6K3LT6wCAgvdpN0ZrFv1ABOESB7otAUf95Bvg2eYUpY8nCMLwe4sN/s1600-h/DSCN3173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9W7NwAdMqrbm4EYbNUrPoS9Aj-_R6Ck_yXwHdVvwwiBEum0OOjVFNG8y_hYA1Kzzu-EZH7NE9y3-56I6K3LT6wCAgvdpN0ZrFv1ABOESB7otAUf95Bvg2eYUpY8nCMLwe4sN/s400/DSCN3173.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kendall and Ben on the Skins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxURIrdH5GwsYcHJLZEp4dzaSIiYs2kNu5WX1fN3mwrH1F1rmVxVnnSKa7QN5Jih3CxQlYaA7BdqaE6jW87Q7F3UEhSEl3iX587N_W4jtF6gOkx42UBE_fRA1xliF4VCgRNhtU/s1600-h/DSCN3177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxURIrdH5GwsYcHJLZEp4dzaSIiYs2kNu5WX1fN3mwrH1F1rmVxVnnSKa7QN5Jih3CxQlYaA7BdqaE6jW87Q7F3UEhSEl3iX587N_W4jtF6gOkx42UBE_fRA1xliF4VCgRNhtU/s400/DSCN3177.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kendall booting the last bit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day was spectacular and the views breathtaking throughout.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGQ4yASFz_Aj5ukw-KpF3O-ucf3WC3cODXz0-_jKyi-TP_8LQvzdg5SsA1e1hoTU51VuGuOB9-2xJt6dDW5C6mkGBddm6FUvYn4veKYw7bVmI75jmUu-ncKC_0hpY5tCSHvjv/s1600-h/DSCN3184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGQ4yASFz_Aj5ukw-KpF3O-ucf3WC3cODXz0-_jKyi-TP_8LQvzdg5SsA1e1hoTU51VuGuOB9-2xJt6dDW5C6mkGBddm6FUvYn4veKYw7bVmI75jmUu-ncKC_0hpY5tCSHvjv/s400/DSCN3184.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LCC peaks in the distance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKz9ZhmeMzgCUQQxWpFXGItl7g0Uim5cOT6vP4Xb1cy0kp3_lUJFT6lk2p9ksS5bGuZafMt_aPo4Ps_TnBRUQUQ7NzdKNGFHsEvShgEf_rEu6SNZVAbfiAahHAlKWxZ3Yq_Gq0/s1600-h/DSCN3181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKz9ZhmeMzgCUQQxWpFXGItl7g0Uim5cOT6vP4Xb1cy0kp3_lUJFT6lk2p9ksS5bGuZafMt_aPo4Ps_TnBRUQUQ7NzdKNGFHsEvShgEf_rEu6SNZVAbfiAahHAlKWxZ3Yq_Gq0/s400/DSCN3181.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The South Summit was the objective for the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once on the Timp ridge line we headed up toward the Sought Summit. I was starting to get a little vertigo and cold while checking out the rock hard snow up top and the visually intimidating line we'd have to ski. Kendall was coming up to me from behind and saw from the look on my face I was starting to freak out a little. Fortunately, he quickly suggested that skiing from the top was too sketchy and we headed back to the saddle from a few hundred feet short of the summit. Kendall and Ben made it easy to streer away from anything I was not ready to tackle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BM7OLkeecyl27WwBHaBmcQyQOiHXEDg5PJkiCFw_ByqLtjgoUK7FwWIKYmfpGoL8tO2lwrV-qlvaA6q-lTmXI5RPEarkzWhT-_bMGwly-ZgBF_kMeH6jqL9l5YuelkLJ1AiM/s1600-h/DSCN3191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BM7OLkeecyl27WwBHaBmcQyQOiHXEDg5PJkiCFw_ByqLtjgoUK7FwWIKYmfpGoL8tO2lwrV-qlvaA6q-lTmXI5RPEarkzWhT-_bMGwly-ZgBF_kMeH6jqL9l5YuelkLJ1AiM/s400/DSCN3191.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's Kendall checking out the line we skied.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once we were back to the saddle and I had my skis on, I became much more relaxed and got excited about heading down. We did a controlled ski off the face on firm but pretty grippy snow. I was able to relax enough to enjoy the trip down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWeX4NeWfC9RclzO1-mOSEpJrR9me4jy0ZCzOc4nuMoFZQly10SGFgBKEkO-GcuiFB4NLavYJS6kQqzi5oWNqt9xLaoMWoRuyPayh90Q0iEL0kgAOliNO05HvnorUB5aPc4pj/s1600-h/DSCN3200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWeX4NeWfC9RclzO1-mOSEpJrR9me4jy0ZCzOc4nuMoFZQly10SGFgBKEkO-GcuiFB4NLavYJS6kQqzi5oWNqt9xLaoMWoRuyPayh90Q0iEL0kgAOliNO05HvnorUB5aPc4pj/s400/DSCN3200.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out the 10 to 20 foot high marking from a recent avalanche flow down the gully.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once off the main run, we exited out the gully to the Dry Canyon trailhead. Sometime in the last week, a large slide ripped down the gully leaving marks way up each side. Eventually, we came to the large and deep depris field. It would have been impressive to watch and fatal to ride. We made it down the gully a long way and only had to hike 15 minutes on the snowless trail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hM1w60fuGKx_VEABzfbS_2_xzhQHGvCPac_d89uGhaAkYBiJiueaVAkjpxj5ZJgHi7t7x9VjVptu5nAMIwL4xt3-v1_XFx62KdaGvDuqdkcZf8WV88hLu90In1glt_0m9XpH/s1600-h/DSCN3210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hM1w60fuGKx_VEABzfbS_2_xzhQHGvCPac_d89uGhaAkYBiJiueaVAkjpxj5ZJgHi7t7x9VjVptu5nAMIwL4xt3-v1_XFx62KdaGvDuqdkcZf8WV88hLu90In1glt_0m9XpH/s400/DSCN3210.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little bit of dirt skiing was required at times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRq54Q_iUi_Xw0OvdKca9PElCjgdyyfPhz2LAsCGFcUvJixAWuGI75oX_u3D_ircGIY5gX7gF_mQrp_cKZPGz5epZGC9W7-mX3V9Sfs4qAuspIP1fD03s1CIps_-zARduTUwoD/s1600-h/DSCN3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRq54Q_iUi_Xw0OvdKca9PElCjgdyyfPhz2LAsCGFcUvJixAWuGI75oX_u3D_ircGIY5gX7gF_mQrp_cKZPGz5epZGC9W7-mX3V9Sfs4qAuspIP1fD03s1CIps_-zARduTUwoD/s400/DSCN3217.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So here's our line. It's dead center of this photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCHZpjBYvy5BSEv3Ou1jdJqwusSYUOn34-3QdwtCgzM5SCrfKIPP47nJ4IiJ0xE5m3sDgCKAUjo0D1jm2GbUpasNgKvSFFVb6TKAQpDNXNQTn557bg1plCPaeqfYn5ddK7c1P/s1600-h/timp+up+3.20.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCHZpjBYvy5BSEv3Ou1jdJqwusSYUOn34-3QdwtCgzM5SCrfKIPP47nJ4IiJ0xE5m3sDgCKAUjo0D1jm2GbUpasNgKvSFFVb6TKAQpDNXNQTn557bg1plCPaeqfYn5ddK7c1P/s400/timp+up+3.20.10.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the GPS file from the up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnZshFq766aTGnFaqODCg31bj12sV1fbWSP0uixSzrfkL8BN9jG_2fEB74dYGXOoMQTwKYZCzIxTEJyj3aAJwJJqhxdg8DTQn02F9GpDW0l_hxlVIDtIufQksYg62KRlYbKtY/s1600-h/timp+down+3.20.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnZshFq766aTGnFaqODCg31bj12sV1fbWSP0uixSzrfkL8BN9jG_2fEB74dYGXOoMQTwKYZCzIxTEJyj3aAJwJJqhxdg8DTQn02F9GpDW0l_hxlVIDtIufQksYg62KRlYbKtY/s400/timp+down+3.20.10.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJONk1KJzDOjyFT0zHV8Ioukm4mJ0Ij95OV7oqnARCjZ9Qok8oF4cpzq-qRXxBNLCqZScGmCG2ozj4WWRGzAfWZa0TE90lSPoX4zsQ0y6tOgbWzGKdkCPCL_3czLQ_y4tX3il3/s1600-h/DSCN3211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJONk1KJzDOjyFT0zHV8Ioukm4mJ0Ij95OV7oqnARCjZ9Qok8oF4cpzq-qRXxBNLCqZScGmCG2ozj4WWRGzAfWZa0TE90lSPoX4zsQ0y6tOgbWzGKdkCPCL_3czLQ_y4tX3il3/s400/DSCN3211.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The happy camper near the end of the journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm really happy I made the trip and that conditions allowed skiing the west face. I had to deal with some fears, but made it out willing to attempt more adventures in the future. A good friend like Kendall makes the experience that much better.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">PS, Kendall will have more pictures on his site soon (see link above).</div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-23789459535701077552010-01-24T19:09:00.000-07:002010-01-24T19:09:54.834-07:00Defeat ConcededI have no shortage of things I would like to do or become. From a young age, I have often daydreamed about being something I'm not. Often, these daydreams are about some athletic achievement, but sometimes they they expand into other areas of interest. I have always secretly (well, if you know me, not so secretly) wanted to be a musician. I was blessed, or cursed depending on your perspective, with just enough musical talent to know I really like music, but not enough to be proficient without a great deal of hard work. I just never was quite motivated enough to put in the time to get really good. However, to this day I wish I could play like <a href="http://www.daveweckl.com/">Dave Weckl</a>, <a href="http://www.davematthewsband.com/#/band">Carter Beauford</a> or <a href="http://www.neilpeart.net/index2.html">Neil Peart</a> for at least a few hours.<br />
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After a failed attempt at piano lessons in elementary school (my parents gave into my constant whining about practicing) I moved to the drums in junior high. I joined the junior high band and took some lessons at school. In an act of pure parental love, my parents used some of their scarce cash to buy me a used drum kit. Then in an even bigger act of parental love, they let me play them in the house. (In case you're wondering, I am in fact the youngest child and I was spoiled. I have no problem with this fact.) Over time, the sad little kit became a sad big kit as I brought home some drums the junior high was going to toss. I dreamed of a big-hair, 70's rock band kit with more drums and cymbals than you could use.<br />
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Once I moved from home, the drum kit was passed onto one of my nephews never to be seen again by me. My desire to be a drummer lay dormant, just under the surface, for many years. It was awakened about 8 years ago when a new family moved into our neighborhood. This neighbor turned out to be a legitimate professional drummer. He had played in Vegas for years and toured with several big names. He converted his 3 car garage into the drummer's Disneyland. It contained at least 10 drum kits and every piece of percussion you can image. I quickly worked my way into his good graces and was taking lessons not long after.<br />
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In addition to teaching drum lessons, my neighbor was also a Tama drum dealer. Since I'm a hopeless gear guy and I'm incapable of passing up a deal, I acquired an electronic drum set. The plan was to play the electronic set with headphones to keep the noise down in the house. This lasted about a year. At the time, we were finishing our basement so I convinced the family that an insulated, sound dampened room in the basement would make a full acoustic drum kit tolerable. Somehow they bought the idea and the electronic kit was sold and replaced by the real thing.<br />
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Of course the kit couldn't remain small, so it grew to this over time:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclbQ9XNscO6LRO8ByyiEBhzmirMlqGOxRjvc-LJtYy8F8s2xeDp1Y-o7MRE5Shr5cPqyDVK5QPqjLTAaiCtVVOy6Ae8kMnY1_Qv1M09KVrH5Lh4GTd7f22WRNtdtNbi4SYmAf/s1600-h/drum2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclbQ9XNscO6LRO8ByyiEBhzmirMlqGOxRjvc-LJtYy8F8s2xeDp1Y-o7MRE5Shr5cPqyDVK5QPqjLTAaiCtVVOy6Ae8kMnY1_Qv1M09KVrH5Lh4GTd7f22WRNtdtNbi4SYmAf/s400/drum2.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Predictably, my zeal for practice began the wane and in a few years I was hardly playing the drums at all. As our bike collection grew, I decided most of the bikes would be better kept in the house than in the garage. So, the drum room became the bike storage room and the "Pit of Despair" as <a href="http://thenextlocalhero.blogspot.com/">The Resource User</a> likes to call the indoor trainer set up. I needed more space in the room, but since I still harbored illusions of becoming a drummer the drum kit was downsized rather than eliminated. The result was this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU4Eex0OPzTTvbDwowNX3a2B821FMAL022ajV7wS3vrQcOqoM7Da2Q0ENuty1Sr4TCyqdOBmQX9ThOfxH1YYLZhlNTQ8zobiKoWu8JkUkNWTsKnxj4nFhatIK3AKxAjouo-ci/s1600-h/DSCN3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU4Eex0OPzTTvbDwowNX3a2B821FMAL022ajV7wS3vrQcOqoM7Da2Q0ENuty1Sr4TCyqdOBmQX9ThOfxH1YYLZhlNTQ8zobiKoWu8JkUkNWTsKnxj4nFhatIK3AKxAjouo-ci/s400/DSCN3066.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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With the addition of backcountry and XC ski gear the last two years, the drum room was completely transformed into the bike/ski room and the drums were just in the way. Given that I had played the drums a total of about an hour during the last year, I listed them for sale on KSL last week. In my final concession that I would not become a drummer, I sold the kit Friday and it's gone. So after 30+ years, the dream is officially dead. A rational decision, but a sad one none the less.Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-48755309423472721392010-01-18T20:04:00.001-07:002010-01-18T20:04:45.634-07:00Office JokestersI've never been much of an office pratical joker. I think it's because of my general aversion to getting into trouble. However, I work with some real Pros. Our head Sales and Marketing guy at the Mothership has been out of town so much the last month that the Pros decided he no longer needed office space. They took it upon themselves get rid of the space for him.<br />
<br />
The before picture:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In process:<br />
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The finished product:<br />
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I missed the discovery when Sales Guy made it back to the office today. However, there was hidden camera footage I'm sure I'll get to see sometime.Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-83654367601491238102010-01-17T18:05:00.001-07:002010-01-17T18:05:54.270-07:00Now That's Customer ServiceIn October, I sent a note to USA Cycling's event coordinator regarding team parking at Cross Nationals in Bend. I didn't hear anything until I received this Friday:<br />
<br />
From: Tom Vinson [mailto:tvinson@usacycling.org] <br />
<br />
<br />
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2010 9:09 PM<br />
<br />
To: Daren G. Cottle<br />
<br />
Subject: Re: Cross Nationals Team Parking<br />
<br />
USA Cycling will be closed on Monday 18 Jan in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr Day. Will be back in the office on Tuesday. Will be checking email thru the weekend.<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend!<br />
<br />
Tom<br />
<br />
On Oct 25, 2009, at 2:08 PM, Daren G. Cottle wrote:<br />
<br />
Hi,<br />
<br />
I can’t seem to find any information on reserving a team parking spot for cross nationals in Bend. I’ve looked through the websites and Sportsbase on line and don’t see anything. Can you point me in the right direction?<br />
<br />
Thanks,<br />
<br />
Daren Cottle<br />
<br />
Porcupine / Specialized Racing<br />
<br />
Glad see my e-mail is still in the hopper and that Tom will be checking e-mail though the weekend. Maybe I'll get a reply by 2010 Nationals. <br />
<br />
The sad part is I've never been a USA Cycling basher. However, it the last week they've become an easy target. Is improvement coming anytime soon? I hope so but think not.Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-90676664822593346982010-01-16T09:02:00.007-07:002010-01-16T14:54:15.351-07:00Doing What I ShouldI picked up a good old fashioned head cold a few days ago. (I'm sure the fine air quality has had nothing to do with that.) Head colds always present a dilemma for me. I feel tired and have a ton of congestion, but I'm not completely wiped out. Accordingly, I have a constant battle with myself over how much or how little I should be doing.<br />
<br />
I know the smart thing to do is to just rest and get fully recovered before attempting anything physical. However, 47 years of living with myself has taught me I'm completely incapable of doing nothing. It's a fundamental part of my makeup and usually serves me well. As <a href="http://thenextlocalhero.blogspot.com/">The Resource</a> User likes to say, "You're always ridiculously productive, knock it off". However, when it get sick, this personality trait is a huge problem.<br />
<br />
So here's the options I have before me this morning:<br />
<ul><li>Two offers for ski touring.</li>
<li>Two different Canyon team group rides.</li>
<li>The Bash winter Tri at Soldier Hollow.</li>
<li>A nice XC skate session at Mt. Dell out of the bad air.</li>
<li>Knocking off some of the projects around the house The Lifegiver has for me. (As an aside, my daughter made T-shirts a year ago with the following names on them: mine - "Fun Enabler", JoAnn's - "Life Giver", and Tanner's - "Resource User".)</li>
<li>Go to Snowbasin with my brother and watch the Dew Tour.</li>
<li>Begin working on the 8 bikes in my basement the Resource User and I ride that are crying for some love.</li>
<li>Prepare tomorrow's Sunday School lesson I was asked to teach late last night when the regular teacher had an emergency come up.</li>
<li>Organize my workbench/bike shop in the garage.</li>
<li>And finally, lie around all day reading, watching TV, wringing my hands over not doing anything productive and resting.</li>
</ul>At this point, I've convinced myself the last option is my choice for the day. We'll see how long it lasts. At least the crappy valley weather makes the choice a bit easier. If the weather were nice in the valley, I'm sure failure to rest would be certain.Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-51650540373305875012010-01-13T18:27:00.003-07:002010-01-13T18:35:28.847-07:00Validated by Steve JohnsonIn case you think I made up the whole Cyclocross Nationals trip, check out what I received in the mail a couple of days ago.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQR3_lWMOhoyQBU5bVRZHaT53tYcKvGRFnCAzIbPhJXDiCBDlGpDBW-_gJ98lUxERb-yFHe-Ba91IZUngszJPGa-_zOJ_KcoEGklKVOsyDTt48k3eQzAKrL2PST97WYF6BvJM/s1600-h/DSCN3054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426401365320974834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQR3_lWMOhoyQBU5bVRZHaT53tYcKvGRFnCAzIbPhJXDiCBDlGpDBW-_gJ98lUxERb-yFHe-Ba91IZUngszJPGa-_zOJ_KcoEGklKVOsyDTt48k3eQzAKrL2PST97WYF6BvJM/s320/DSCN3054.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div>That's right, a genuine certificate of participation signed by Steve Johnson, CEO of USA Cycling and local race hero.</div><div> </div><div>It's gratifying to know that USA Cycling sent this suitable for framing certification to all 2,000 participants. It was mailed in a full sized envelope with a cardboard backing to ensure it received no damage. What a great use of entry and licence fee revenue.</div><div> </div><div>I'm sure Trebon's disappointment of a 2nd place finish was tempered by his certificate of participation. Page will likely display his next to his World Championship silver medal.</div><div> </div><div>What a great day to be a member of USA Cycling and a cyclocross racer!</div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-82126199598388949722010-01-10T17:08:00.006-07:002010-01-16T14:55:28.698-07:00Ski TouringFor both of you that read this blog, I decided to post something. I may even post more than a couple times a month, but I'll make no promises.<br />
<br />
For many months, backcountry ski touring has been on my mind. I now have 5 tours under my belt including a dawn patrol up Day's Fork and a long tour from Big Cottonwood to Millcreek. Here's some observations from a newbie: <br />
<ul><li>I had pretty high expectations for BC Skiing and those expectations have been more than met. Combining a solid workout with skiing, touring and solitude is hard to beat.</li>
<li>I heard many describe BC Skiing as mountain biking on skis. That's a pretty good description. If you're only into going downhill, you can go to a resort and ride lifts with skis and an MTB. If you like going up and traveling in the mountains, XC MTB and BC Skiing are the ticket.</li>
<li>You better like hiking because it's about 90% hiking and 10% skiing.</li>
<li>I have learned what "survival skiing" is on a couple of the exits out to the road.</li>
<li>You can still have lots of fun skiing slopes of 30 degrees or less.</li>
<li>I'm taking a level 1 avy course in March. Since I'm a bit of a control freak, completely relying on others to judge the safety of a slope is way out of my comfort zone.</li>
<li>With experience and knowledge, you can accurately judge the danger on steeper slopes. Bart and Alex lead Tanner and me down a couple 35 - 40 degree slopes yesterday that were very solid and fun.</li>
<li>Without an incline-o-meter and some experience, we tend to over-estimate the steepness of slopes. Many resort slopes that people described as 40+, are more like mid to lower 30's.</li>
<li>Like MTB and Cross, the best thing about BC Skiing is the people. I've been out with old friends and already made many new friends. I've enjoyed them all.</li>
<li>Like bike racers, BC skiers like to blog. I've been lucky enough to ski with <a href="http://bartmangbikestowork.blogspot.com/">Bart</a>, <a href="http://alexanderthegrant.blogspot.com/">Alex</a>, <a href="http://www.skibikejunkie.com/">Mark</a>, <a href="http://suncrestdug.wordpress.com/">Dug</a> and <a href="http://ride29er.blogspot.com/">Rick</a> already.</li>
<li>As you would expect, climbing ability on a bike carries over to skis. Bart, Alex, Rick and Tanner are way faster going up than me.</li>
<li>The Wasatch is amazing. In a crappy snow year, I've skied in good snow each time I've been out. In addition, yesterday we didn't see another person from the time we hit the trail in Big Cottonwood to when we reached the cabins in Porter Fork in Millcreek almost 7 hours later. On a Saturday. Amazing.</li>
<li>My desire to ski in a resort is fading more with each outing. I can only see myself standing in line on epic powder days with high avalanche danger.</li>
</ul><br />
Tanner and I made it out with Bart and Alex yesterday for a long day of fun and challenge. Even though I was worked last night and I'm a little sore today, it was worth it. We started at the Spruces in Big Cottonwood, went up Mill D and over to Reynolds for a couple laps. Then down Watson and back up to Gobblers Knob. From there, 3,000 vertical down to Millcreek road. <br />
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Some pictures:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRQFBhqMDjfYcue-cNrl7O-3WgVqOj6sFXbQjPesrXI958OO1_7mJ_AQTSrpOEfnflRNeE-BGslaeDHUciqb3n8fO8N-AzTRsozONTv-Ndr_Cs6g2FuHvvMz586um2s8TPeRL/s1600-h/DSCN3043.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425269407530889346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRQFBhqMDjfYcue-cNrl7O-3WgVqOj6sFXbQjPesrXI958OO1_7mJ_AQTSrpOEfnflRNeE-BGslaeDHUciqb3n8fO8N-AzTRsozONTv-Ndr_Cs6g2FuHvvMz586um2s8TPeRL/s320/DSCN3043.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Alex and Bart make it look easy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEYR4KL87K9lUYmkNct-Upihs-IGavgdF2tcgP6moRgX-aCCWiYMEgK15mTfu5sd1gdOygKjilM18m8jW0fLU_NlfiFjq0WzlDdkeL6PwdCJfley5ntY3ykeb1ZeU9ReQ_DKd/s1600-h/DSCN3045.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425269401873911746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEYR4KL87K9lUYmkNct-Upihs-IGavgdF2tcgP6moRgX-aCCWiYMEgK15mTfu5sd1gdOygKjilM18m8jW0fLU_NlfiFjq0WzlDdkeL6PwdCJfley5ntY3ykeb1ZeU9ReQ_DKd/s320/DSCN3045.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Over-look into Alexander Basin.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmlKPj7vHoBGfTQeby_O_Kn4dzXOc09eD6w3QvzjE7T9iiAzjcrLAzevhEaVJqP867zJLSsujNdJzgLMxst4D-rtcUVF_HKAYoTSpH1G15zF4aRTQUpE9M-5z7lbjrKqlOJmQ/s1600-h/DSCN3048.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425269397796632002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmlKPj7vHoBGfTQeby_O_Kn4dzXOc09eD6w3QvzjE7T9iiAzjcrLAzevhEaVJqP867zJLSsujNdJzgLMxst4D-rtcUVF_HKAYoTSpH1G15zF4aRTQUpE9M-5z7lbjrKqlOJmQ/s320/DSCN3048.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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A little scrambling was required.<br />
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<div><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEaU_t6RKkDYlwheyyxDivuUoDjiBlZAyOgPSYwtyBV1CIMi2W2dHhQg9kemIMkDmcXVOAMC4xv6KisNS5j5lXMFaS9BeaAGPxC8IT44k5IG7YBqnizh5VhEKTpaHhCbwRdKc/s1600-h/DSCN3041_edited-1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425269061499027394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEaU_t6RKkDYlwheyyxDivuUoDjiBlZAyOgPSYwtyBV1CIMi2W2dHhQg9kemIMkDmcXVOAMC4xv6KisNS5j5lXMFaS9BeaAGPxC8IT44k5IG7YBqnizh5VhEKTpaHhCbwRdKc/s320/DSCN3041_edited-1.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Got to lay some nice tracks.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPAnNbiaI0XbK598-Vk9MKsVR_mozAsGQM5hwW9SbIDE6tGcAqDjmPvf2NprqG0GY32vQRJb4_l-Uk-P34dFboCNwjeRSKNOm8jUe7hm0tIt14AakU3MBze_1RIcwGmUlChGj/s1600-h/DSCN3035.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425269054833539746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPAnNbiaI0XbK598-Vk9MKsVR_mozAsGQM5hwW9SbIDE6tGcAqDjmPvf2NprqG0GY32vQRJb4_l-Uk-P34dFboCNwjeRSKNOm8jUe7hm0tIt14AakU3MBze_1RIcwGmUlChGj/s320/DSCN3035.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Bart took pictures.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt553YWXN1-WrzGiOiahb6tnYdTlKaeqMG8LWoAH7bsIz8fwBG_G_xF0lp4T_rpvmHffqshKABAyu88unW1yK-OMulC8mV-DDEEN1mi3SFDDumWlNGwRXP6Kk9y26lHLFPvXAX/s1600-h/DSCN3034.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425269052117778370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt553YWXN1-WrzGiOiahb6tnYdTlKaeqMG8LWoAH7bsIz8fwBG_G_xF0lp4T_rpvmHffqshKABAyu88unW1yK-OMulC8mV-DDEEN1mi3SFDDumWlNGwRXP6Kk9y26lHLFPvXAX/s320/DSCN3034.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<br />
Alex took pictures.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTALX7zjW4tHO_haijBUqqEt6evHX95JUUl4IaqWnyyiXuHUIe5QF-hnXEvPJbZcYq2ZhytXdHgL14zLDh2a23zF01hkvkx6A_X2hfO24lFSai4xjQ_6dEOsU2aFV-uSO_08I/s1600-h/DSCN3033.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425269042183548034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTALX7zjW4tHO_haijBUqqEt6evHX95JUUl4IaqWnyyiXuHUIe5QF-hnXEvPJbZcYq2ZhytXdHgL14zLDh2a23zF01hkvkx6A_X2hfO24lFSai4xjQ_6dEOsU2aFV-uSO_08I/s320/DSCN3033.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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It was cloudy all day, but we did get a break to enjoy the view off Reynolds.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddE-xFaPvyhnZi-VFY-PM4ZxNnK7scxqk0NpooBj_C6zSx_vb4DCQoaOPcbHPTxnceCbzaLGpEh_S2HoQ-UsQfRDzGkyuGwAqAx8EGpCjTAShLTnqY3zwUKwQx_MRn9pT3DEA/s1600-h/DSCN3031.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425269035599614002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddE-xFaPvyhnZi-VFY-PM4ZxNnK7scxqk0NpooBj_C6zSx_vb4DCQoaOPcbHPTxnceCbzaLGpEh_S2HoQ-UsQfRDzGkyuGwAqAx8EGpCjTAShLTnqY3zwUKwQx_MRn9pT3DEA/s320/DSCN3031.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Yes, skinning up is hard work.<br />
</div><br />
<div></div><br />
<div>Thanks to all who have held me and Tanner enter this enticing new world. <br />
</div></div></div></div></div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-68337457652528003202009-12-27T14:58:00.004-07:002010-01-16T14:55:59.410-07:00Ski Tour #1Well, after months of anticipation and buying lots of gear, Tanner and I made it out for our first back country tour. It was all I'd hoped for and I'm hooked. We sent some quality time in Bear Trap in BCC. We found some nice, creamy snow on some fun, low angle slopes. Can't wait to get back at it.<br />
<br />
Big thanks to Kendall for being our tour guide and answering all our stupid questions. We learned to get skins off without taking skis off from the start. Now there's only about a hundred more tricks to learn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY5ccJPcpzheesmrlH1BSaO-MrqBJXot0m5r2oh3qjj5Hsm_0aakBAlV-GylGnc3Q1wc-ltDuv_igeShnXrU0DAleo5lkWNuotFsmgAzRuti9dZeln7FzKsrw5UObtMpaUkZo/s1600-h/DSCN3590.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420039282874039330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY5ccJPcpzheesmrlH1BSaO-MrqBJXot0m5r2oh3qjj5Hsm_0aakBAlV-GylGnc3Q1wc-ltDuv_igeShnXrU0DAleo5lkWNuotFsmgAzRuti9dZeln7FzKsrw5UObtMpaUkZo/s320/DSCN3590.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Kendall and Tanner heading up for lap #2.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF81S0kdqqXQbyhHwUG9vzUGFWm2S00IjwxMDiAohWv9JcEsTChaveUTrn2wp1S-neFr1eHsz3w0IT7bjVSfUU_CS78c8OEPqYpmECT3GwTgL52HGf8ZTbm18RXXRoT3_VsGy/s1600-h/DSCN3591.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420039276718870674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF81S0kdqqXQbyhHwUG9vzUGFWm2S00IjwxMDiAohWv9JcEsTChaveUTrn2wp1S-neFr1eHsz3w0IT7bjVSfUU_CS78c8OEPqYpmECT3GwTgL52HGf8ZTbm18RXXRoT3_VsGy/s320/DSCN3591.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
I'll take the view.<br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNj3urZpCm_kYuvK3eiV14b6L0tbg9Rp4jXHUkdrcyJusSdhSMWCmWZ65nnxV4psifDTqEjqOmEvOyfPposiPVjPfGgCpc9_oW9uKkDOMEZuQ-MlWtJnoaotzuCSuGxtWGXvr/s1600-h/DSCN3595.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420039270135937330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNj3urZpCm_kYuvK3eiV14b6L0tbg9Rp4jXHUkdrcyJusSdhSMWCmWZ65nnxV4psifDTqEjqOmEvOyfPposiPVjPfGgCpc9_oW9uKkDOMEZuQ-MlWtJnoaotzuCSuGxtWGXvr/s320/DSCN3595.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Kendall and Tanner with Raymond and Gobbler's Knob in the background.<br />
</div><div></div><div>Christmas has been great with the family all together. Too bad it ends too soon.<br />
</div><div></div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-89210719850432526392009-12-16T21:23:00.007-07:002010-01-16T14:56:19.541-07:00Bend PicturesHere's some pictures from Cross Nationals. Unlike my wife, you don't have to look at all we took.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbTBWn1JRk96OkdfwD-dU37NJAsfQ8oy6qbPrc5Bwdi2k_FMvNQy6UgcWfvxOT2ouV81BFBknBMJSmPGgG94BOarRjNQsQ0YzGvE2BXLDCZz8yOBwLAuHaeCLHewzTq8eN_F0/s1600-h/DSCN2952.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416060752308041666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbTBWn1JRk96OkdfwD-dU37NJAsfQ8oy6qbPrc5Bwdi2k_FMvNQy6UgcWfvxOT2ouV81BFBknBMJSmPGgG94BOarRjNQsQ0YzGvE2BXLDCZz8yOBwLAuHaeCLHewzTq8eN_F0/s320/DSCN2952.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div>More people than I've ever seen at a bike race.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNz7IveennbhQKa9Y10Tjr8jVWRoG-euiSPYPtJ_WaqvSolLXYE9pcG6QKo9a1Gm5x1RetwNcPEUnyGz6U2ugUynuO6W-mRyN_a0SeLFP35kofGyxO0TU8NpyVtknbAAAYYpWB/s1600-h/DSCN3558.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416058895208354306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNz7IveennbhQKa9Y10Tjr8jVWRoG-euiSPYPtJ_WaqvSolLXYE9pcG6QKo9a1Gm5x1RetwNcPEUnyGz6U2ugUynuO6W-mRyN_a0SeLFP35kofGyxO0TU8NpyVtknbAAAYYpWB/s320/DSCN3558.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Eric ripping it in the Elite race about ready to pass the She/Man.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjmVOPD8obHB33mzor1lQC1eQP5vs2MLqi8XwooqtnARR70CRzEDatLEVWY2YODnn9RABqhyD5xvc40kmv3owTdU_qEM2iChJJzwg3uFuTy8PARnZP99wBLL6oEXlDlRW6X13/s1600-h/DSCN3519.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416058888057453138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjmVOPD8obHB33mzor1lQC1eQP5vs2MLqi8XwooqtnARR70CRzEDatLEVWY2YODnn9RABqhyD5xvc40kmv3owTdU_qEM2iChJJzwg3uFuTy8PARnZP99wBLL6oEXlDlRW6X13/s320/DSCN3519.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Even the top dogs suffer in cross.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB3O8Ojag-orM96rg5ZhJWoXTlHTpivXgIXLU1zLpz1GI_Uwe5osRtpDhdd9VkmF89pQNJHDgTO_rlRsGr9FiWvp6twVGDpVA6pQSY3-JHVhC-PvYOpzzOitOYqHutAIEY2Dp/s1600-h/DSCN3471.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416058878673882882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB3O8Ojag-orM96rg5ZhJWoXTlHTpivXgIXLU1zLpz1GI_Uwe5osRtpDhdd9VkmF89pQNJHDgTO_rlRsGr9FiWvp6twVGDpVA6pQSY3-JHVhC-PvYOpzzOitOYqHutAIEY2Dp/s320/DSCN3471.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Tanner getting dirty.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvcuB5mRks3rGnIvH7hcIt9MUiyHG5y0DrCPFxYYwGG6tyNYkYO-dYFSxJmk6hy2Cr-DmBXmmEhjeY85NR2zvjhygpFfvzjhgv2yl9Ll_VU8E3bjguZVry78Ddg9_H76GQNeU/s1600-h/DSCN3468.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416058872037389682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvcuB5mRks3rGnIvH7hcIt9MUiyHG5y0DrCPFxYYwGG6tyNYkYO-dYFSxJmk6hy2Cr-DmBXmmEhjeY85NR2zvjhygpFfvzjhgv2yl9Ll_VU8E3bjguZVry78Ddg9_H76GQNeU/s320/DSCN3468.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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John Burton and Tanner on the icy stairs.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATcFfbkFJU6itIOHECx02dcDBoZPLacmoij8XYE_F91y-602KhTrzp-KaS2vsGDLAN7LJKFWFjpzjVzGp6zwkybt9FFQTQl7d5OQPbUvvZS4cD79QHOMuoutxS3Ktpr1G08_w/s1600-h/DSCN3457.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416058869021546466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATcFfbkFJU6itIOHECx02dcDBoZPLacmoij8XYE_F91y-602KhTrzp-KaS2vsGDLAN7LJKFWFjpzjVzGp6zwkybt9FFQTQl7d5OQPbUvvZS4cD79QHOMuoutxS3Ktpr1G08_w/s320/DSCN3457.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Must be a cross race if the Fox is in uniform.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLjPK04I4SC-p4d-rxnXJCsa0dQBSqrpkTqXFHVn75hjvcAHXCxehNOGL-9GGW8degiajnlnPazr1Zgfh1GGPnIwv0c-llrCmLtSx-y58shaf-eJLgO4dBlbVh21eWdHubInT/s1600-h/DSCN3455.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057990153934418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLjPK04I4SC-p4d-rxnXJCsa0dQBSqrpkTqXFHVn75hjvcAHXCxehNOGL-9GGW8degiajnlnPazr1Zgfh1GGPnIwv0c-llrCmLtSx-y58shaf-eJLgO4dBlbVh21eWdHubInT/s320/DSCN3455.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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The Doctor made the ice look easy.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB7NZpYimA8_2E_5mc_M-1126OZqPq3kGUNvnX6nEgFODy5r8RI5W8hQzy5nYrx4OG_f_NPhz9gDN04vPU9KHlTuEwkdAB_WOEG8p-vt7FjkT_7jjTARxXKoFRoOOBjCACFEt/s1600-h/DSCN3451.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057980807185218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB7NZpYimA8_2E_5mc_M-1126OZqPq3kGUNvnX6nEgFODy5r8RI5W8hQzy5nYrx4OG_f_NPhz9gDN04vPU9KHlTuEwkdAB_WOEG8p-vt7FjkT_7jjTARxXKoFRoOOBjCACFEt/s320/DSCN3451.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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I actually managed to pass someone on the 23 steps of pain.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqHqmUEHt3Wp58XbCjwbrqHFtA2hYDZOs1rLjuqHwQzz9xHL2ceQB4Q2ZdhmcwFOMaOi3S3_2NJzmlK25jrTXKm_nr0ggjn0X8zyDcQzmRhRiHqHGHPW82WVP9JJ_yUao-I5g/s1600-h/DSCN3390.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057974805171602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqHqmUEHt3Wp58XbCjwbrqHFtA2hYDZOs1rLjuqHwQzz9xHL2ceQB4Q2ZdhmcwFOMaOi3S3_2NJzmlK25jrTXKm_nr0ggjn0X8zyDcQzmRhRiHqHGHPW82WVP9JJ_yUao-I5g/s320/DSCN3390.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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I managed to not fall in a tricky section for a change.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2jI8B7UMcELi503GEq7pxVvCSAMvX7oM4lk6eItUCf_2fE-JKtqOHeu9HIhkpfPzDpDrjKmOPF5vUsrURdEOTEq9x3vBkCImx7O9Zkq7xixcY-bmyHj5of5wTbIXyGBStcw6/s1600-h/DSCN3379.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057967441858322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2jI8B7UMcELi503GEq7pxVvCSAMvX7oM4lk6eItUCf_2fE-JKtqOHeu9HIhkpfPzDpDrjKmOPF5vUsrURdEOTEq9x3vBkCImx7O9Zkq7xixcY-bmyHj5of5wTbIXyGBStcw6/s320/DSCN3379.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Depending on the temp, this hill was easily ridable or icy with no chance in traffic.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyymOiDSn1tYq9Feh2ajLe6r0M8x6uvfw7UmJpp3SLzSf4JdAi3O6RnRjBFYgJjkkzXYRqCiXwg2tGROpnRrQ2L6mwZuYsTHbFFI_hWY8iHheB2o_i96jEkEmx4tMD_axT7TPY/s1600-h/DSCN3349.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057962896860466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyymOiDSn1tYq9Feh2ajLe6r0M8x6uvfw7UmJpp3SLzSf4JdAi3O6RnRjBFYgJjkkzXYRqCiXwg2tGROpnRrQ2L6mwZuYsTHbFFI_hWY8iHheB2o_i96jEkEmx4tMD_axT7TPY/s320/DSCN3349.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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The Utah Compound.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3avafxWPr1CG9uF4fqrt8n_V-sv3OqoPbxUYNzj6daNl090NnLZxCv-ypbPOBsbtWEZcgYwmNsUnaoXoforJ3naaQXuFBZku7_S3uTYjx_0bv2-eoh0gtM92rIw29HYdOR9PJ/s1600-h/DSCN3373.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057165462198498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3avafxWPr1CG9uF4fqrt8n_V-sv3OqoPbxUYNzj6daNl090NnLZxCv-ypbPOBsbtWEZcgYwmNsUnaoXoforJ3naaQXuFBZku7_S3uTYjx_0bv2-eoh0gtM92rIw29HYdOR9PJ/s320/DSCN3373.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Big Brother on the podium.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUDvVFWT_04aM_orPwqzvWqJbUP3ED-2b3Z-0JFG3kqF0ytXWSzJEFnyFsYrpwUcY78vmRvW7qIptsEi6th6ZS0ld1a0Xqz5PNm4K8RvR-ZyocXlL5aXWrKt-itNznvMYA-NE/s1600-h/DSCN3354.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057158963891170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUDvVFWT_04aM_orPwqzvWqJbUP3ED-2b3Z-0JFG3kqF0ytXWSzJEFnyFsYrpwUcY78vmRvW7qIptsEi6th6ZS0ld1a0Xqz5PNm4K8RvR-ZyocXlL5aXWrKt-itNznvMYA-NE/s320/DSCN3354.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Tanner on the stairs yet again.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeN9PGzy3HJgi6ZvUoqhPtTJHlbrNppAcRPUjHxslb7kVYMEtjhIBKzYxfoIWgNnNe_VBlPEQXA08M8v5N9UOIUw29WC_nuJzp0J7i6pTGBYcw91jcR6wxiZMn25wCwYf_WNd/s1600-h/DSCN3321.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057149065151634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeN9PGzy3HJgi6ZvUoqhPtTJHlbrNppAcRPUjHxslb7kVYMEtjhIBKzYxfoIWgNnNe_VBlPEQXA08M8v5N9UOIUw29WC_nuJzp0J7i6pTGBYcw91jcR6wxiZMn25wCwYf_WNd/s320/DSCN3321.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Days Inn in Burns OR. minus 12 outside, 45 inside.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAUbh8SET5pYoh6AH8D_WqGAO-LTemIRljFlFxNGOdbf10v6UUWh2EXE39I3mtloa6fpNWkUVX97_ccEJHse0N6FEsak_iLOf7mRjuypNY-QqRNEJe9wvqnbP-GmkNNQpluY3/s1600-h/DSCN2944.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057140267562386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAUbh8SET5pYoh6AH8D_WqGAO-LTemIRljFlFxNGOdbf10v6UUWh2EXE39I3mtloa6fpNWkUVX97_ccEJHse0N6FEsak_iLOf7mRjuypNY-QqRNEJe9wvqnbP-GmkNNQpluY3/s320/DSCN2944.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Art, Trisha, Doug and Kelly taking it all in as Eric warms up to race the with the big boys.<br />
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-40218436034881502352009-12-12T21:31:00.004-07:002009-12-12T22:07:32.429-07:00Bend #4Day 4 of Cross Nationals had the best racing so far. The Utah crew came away with 3 more podiums with Ali, Eric and John Burton and some other solid results.<br /><br />Tanner raced hard but had some bad luck. Three riders got off the front and Tanner was in the next group of 5 or 6 for the first few laps. He was feeling good but crashed pretty hard in a slick section. He crashed yet again and lost a bunch of positions but hung on to finish 14th. After the race, we discovered one of his rear brake pads was fully engaged on the rim after the 2nd crash. So he basically rode the 2nd half of the race with his brakes on. It was muddy enough that he just thought it was some mud making noise so he didn't get a bike change. Another learning experience for us. John Burton,, who won a number of UTCX single speed races this year, had a great ride to finish 5th. It's a bummer Tanner didn't have some better luck or we could have had two Utah Juniors high up. I was proud of Tanner's effort and was a nervous wreck during the race. It's much worse watching your kid than doing your own race. I'm not sure I could take it all the time. Even with bad luck he had two top 15 finishes in National Championship races this year.<br /><br />Ali put on a great show in the best race of the day. He was off the front for a few laps then with a group of 3 and then 4. The group included 2 former National Champs and a top Elite racer. In the end, Jonathan Baker and Justin Robinson got by Ali who held off Brandon Dwight for 3rd. A great race and a great effort. Bo Pitkin was equally impressive turning his 108 call up spot into a 17th place finish.<br /><br />Eric had a super race as well. He was solidly in the top 5 for the first half of the race then flatted coming down a steep off-camber hill. He rode the falt for about a minute to the pits and lost a number of places. After a bike change, he chased back to 5th and held off former National Champ Ryan Leech to make the podium.<br /><br />Dr. Cross, got things rolling with a 22nd in the 50 - 54 this morning followed by Art and Jon G breaking the top 20 in the 40 - 45 with Art having bad luck as well. Matt Ohran finished in the top half as did Mike Kracht after starting near the back of 150+ guys. Kelly Glen was just ahead of Mike when he flatted and had to run about half a lap.<br /><br />The crowds were larger and louder today and the weather warmer. The slick ice softened up to a thin layer of mud making the course much faster. Another good day to be at the races.<br /><br />We're on the road tomorrow as soon as the Elite men's race is over. I'm looking forward to getting home but not looking forward to the ride.Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-74510814224775352452009-12-11T21:37:00.002-07:002009-12-11T22:08:31.476-07:00Bend #3Today didn't go as well as yesterday for the Cottle crew. The only race on tap was my 45 - 49 National Championship race. After killing time all day waiting for my 3:30 start time, I was called up 37th and started on the 5th row. Exactly the same spot as yesterday. There was "only" about 115 starters today. As expected, the big hitters were all present and accounted for today and the pace was wicked fast. I was hoping for a top 25 finish but it would be a challenge since everyone ahead of me was a Cat 1 fast guy.<br /><br />The first few laps went fairly well and I was in the mid to high 20's. Just like yesterday, the course was fast in some sections and super icy in others. With some cloud cover, it was basically dark most of my race and the temperature dropped the whole race making it icier each lap.<br /><br />I actually liked the slippery conditions and kept it upright through all the difficult sections. Ironically, I managed to hit the deck on the pavement. Coming into the finish with 3 laps to go, there was gaps between all of us so you could relax a little on the pavement. As I crossed the finish line I was on the right side of the road up against the fencing. For some reason, the only guy near me tried to pass in between me and fence when he had the whole road open on the other side. There wasn't room for the pass and we both ended up in the fence and on the ground in the fastest section of the course. I wasn't hurt too bad and got going again but had to change bikes. By then I dropped back to the mid 40's and didn't get really going again until the last lap. I did finish strong to get back some places.<br /><br />All in all, I'm happy with the effort and how I rode. Without the crash, I could have challenged for a top 25 and I felt good both days. I probably had the best form of the season, so I can't complain about that. Even though the Nationals races are harder than anything I do all year, I love the atmosphere and the large fields full of the best competition. Just a little slip and you lose 2 or 3 positions. If you make a solid move through a difficult section, you pass 2 or 3 guys. Having large crowds yelling for you and giving a big cheer if you ride a difficult section is a blast.<br /><br />On a more positive note, Kris Walker repeated as the 45 - 49 women's National Champion in a photo finish. Very cool and another podium for the Utah related crew. Tomorrow, Tanner races the 17-18 Juniors in the morning and Eric has the 30 - 34 in the late afternoon darkness. Just about all the other Utah crew including Ali, Art, Dr. X, Kelly, Krafty and Bo race as well. I'm looking forward to sending 8 hours just watching. The forecast is calling for snow and/or freezing rain so it should be interesting.<br /><br />I've got a bunch of pictures I'll post at some point when I'm not as tired.Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-33112587639208864162009-12-10T21:48:00.002-07:002009-12-10T22:10:05.989-07:00Bend #2Pretty good day for the Cottle's at Cross Nationals today. Doug had the National Championship race in the 60 - 64 and made the podium with a hard fought 5th! He was a stud and it was cool to watch. He made a pass late in the final lap to make the podium. He made his little brother proud with a huge effort. He rode well in tricky conditions and gave Utah it's first but hopefully not last podium.<br /><br />Tanner was 6th in the under 30 "B" race. He didn't really push it hard because he was just practicing for Saturday's Junior race. He got a good feel for the course, road all the slick, icy stuff well and had a good time.<br /><br />I raced the 40+ "B" race and it was crazy. They did a random number call up based on the last digit of your bib number. With 141 starters, the luck of the draw played into the results. I was the 3rd group called up and was on the 5 row of 8 riders. Kelly Glen was not so lucky and was the next to last group called up so he started back about 12 rows. However, he rode very well and passed about a 100 guys to finish 37th.<br /><br />The race went well for me and I managed to move up to finish 10th. I had a good battle with the guy who lined up next to me the entire race. It was really fun and a pretty hard effort. The conditions were very difficult for my group. We started at 3:30 and the sun went below the horizon with about 15 minutes to go. The temps dropped and the course turned into an ice rink in many sections. At the same time it turned more icy, we started working through lappers. It was more than a little scary in some sections. I heard there were 4 ambulances called in to cart off those unfortunate to hit the deck hard. I managed to keep it upright but had many close calls.<br /><br />Most of the locals are now here and our base camps are close to each other. Bob Walker was doing well in the 55 - 59 until a guy put him hard enough into the fence to break the post. He toughed it out a finish, but it was really unfortunate.<br /><br />More fun on tap for tomorrow. I'm the only one of our crew with a race with my 45 - 49 group starting at 3:30 again. Should be another ice rink at the end only with a lot faster guys. If I go as good as I did today, I have a chance to move up a little from my 5th row start position.Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-52145297939368173152009-12-09T22:13:00.002-07:002009-12-09T22:31:35.588-07:00Bend #1We made it to Bend for Cross Nationals without any trouble. It was almost like cheating after our drive to Kansas the last two years. No stress and or near death experiences.<br /><br />We've got a pretty sweet set up here in Bend. We're sharing a condo with some of the Utah crew that's about a mile from the race venue. We were also able to stake out a prime spot for our warmup compound. We only had 9 bikes this year in the trailer. Again, much less stress.<br /><br />The course is interesting and not what I expected from watching the video posted on line. It's in a pretty small area and the lap is relatively short, probably in the 7 minute range for em in today's conditions. There's lots of turns and twists and tricky sections. There's a staircase with about 20 steps build out of wood that is pretty sketchy with the snow and ice. There's about 2 - 3 inches of snow on most of the course and with temperatures below freezing, it's not going anywhere for a few days. They did clear the snow from the grass section so it's pretty open.<br /><br />With no super fast, power sections the course is all I could hope for. However, with the snow, ice and tight turns, passing will be difficult. With my start positions 4 or 5 rows back, it will be next to impossible to to make a big move up. Things will come to a complete stop in many spots on the first lap. With the Cat 4's at the back of a 150+ Masters fields and a fairly short lap, guys will be getting lapped quickly. That sucks. The organizers should be required to make a long lap so racers at the back that made the effort to get here can actually make it most of the race.<br /><br />Tanner, Kelly and I have the "B" race tomorrow and Doug has the 60 - 64 National Championship race. Lots to report on then.Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-60737918777544108222009-12-03T21:48:00.002-07:002009-12-03T22:12:47.415-07:00Coming to an EndThe cross season's just about over. A week from now, I'll be done. The season hasn't turned out like I wanted, but it's still been good to hang out with the best group of people in cycling. About this time of the season, I'm reminded that cross races are just plain hard. With my injuries and sickness this year, an hour at full gas has been a challenge. Even though I haven't been going as fast as I should, the suffering is on track.<br /><br />The highlight of the season has been the growth of the Utah cross scene. It's great to see significant increases in the number of racers and the level of competition. It's not just one or two categories, the increases have been across the board. The Cottle family (other than me) has had a good year with Doug and Tanner making big improvements. Ali, Eric and Alex have stepped up their game so that Bart has to have a good day to win. It's good for everyone.<br /><br />Bend should be a good time. Looks like we'll be racing in mud or snow. The Utah contingent should be strong with Ali, Eric, Art, Tanner, Doug and others having solid shots at the podium or the Jersey. I love the atmosphere of the Cross Nationals and like watching the racing as much as actually racing. I can't wait.<br /><br />Hopefully, there will be snow when we get back. I've got lots of new backcountry ski gear screaming to be used.Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-41692720894192813842009-11-22T17:08:00.002-07:002009-11-22T17:59:33.724-07:00Doug's a ChampI'd pretty much sworn off blog posts. It's not that I don't like blogs or posting. I just don't seem to make the time. With all that goes on in normal life, writing a blog post seems to fall to the bottom of the list. Maybe I'll get inspired to write more often, maybe I won't. I compose many posts in my mind, but the execution is lacking.<br /><br />The Utah Cyclocross State Championships were yesterday. We had plans of Cottle domination. Doug got it rolling and help off Dirk for the 55+ win. Not bad for his first season in the pain cave. He's gotten faster each week and could make some noise at Nationals.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL4JgthkoMpqXF_H2yD-Xzo9ZODGcL_oHbSmWjwb1MRMNFn44PlsTEf9SXlKxeKJIyfkoSVvDADchV_0YyjR_xz2M83muucVSqgvjrIsnZFdZmCC8RYlxsSsW4UPa5mcaUP6x/s1600/DSCN2929.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407085453798446450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL4JgthkoMpqXF_H2yD-Xzo9ZODGcL_oHbSmWjwb1MRMNFn44PlsTEf9SXlKxeKJIyfkoSVvDADchV_0YyjR_xz2M83muucVSqgvjrIsnZFdZmCC8RYlxsSsW4UPa5mcaUP6x/s320/DSCN2929.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The smiling Champion post race.<br /><br /><br />I got off to a good start in the 45+ and held a good gap for a couple laps. Steve Briley bridged to me and we worked together for a lap of so. Then I followed my '09 pattern of race mistakes and hit the ground in a low speed corner. I got tangled in the bike and Steve was gone. The funny part is I actually thought I had won for a minute. Steve's brother was racing the 35+ B in the same kit, on the same bike and is about the same size (kind of like me and Doug). When I got going after the fall, I could see who I thought was Steve ahead of me. I caught and passed him in a couple of laps and thought it was all good. Too bad it was Steve's brother. However, no excuses. Steve was going really well and I'm not sure I could have beaten him. I gave it my best effort and I'm happy with that.<br /><br />It would have been nice to win though. Doug's son Brady did his first cross race of the year in Eugene and won the 30+ Masters. 3 Cottle wins would have been cool.<br /><br />The State Cross swan song for Porcupine / Specialized turned out OK. A win from Doug, 2nd from Eric and me, top ten for Zane and just out of top ten for Tanner isn't a bad last championships. We need to send the team out in style at Nationals. Podiums for Eric, Doug and Tanner are not out of the question.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds02CIZ9S7FptD3d7CqWmJKQLT7aWFmRHhm16aDu6aqkhF1BPHpklD6NB5Cmxvh2MoAdp-Lh_EZlT8vIJKthF4CaJUEgupeiDFF_Xhl4vRTObTbZ1wyWEqfrN1CN2Uc_mAIa1/s1600/DSCN2927.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407085445005829314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds02CIZ9S7FptD3d7CqWmJKQLT7aWFmRHhm16aDu6aqkhF1BPHpklD6NB5Cmxvh2MoAdp-Lh_EZlT8vIJKthF4CaJUEgupeiDFF_Xhl4vRTObTbZ1wyWEqfrN1CN2Uc_mAIa1/s320/DSCN2927.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's my good start, not so good finish.<br /><br /><br />Tanner's plan was to work on a strong start to practice for Nationals. He got off the line well and hung in with the first chase group for a while. A flat, non-technical, fast, power course is not well suited to the boy but he managed a solid 12th.<br /><br />I decided to give the 35+ race a go as well. I soon learned that my body doesn't respond well to a 2nd race, particularly with 3 hours in between. I was off the back early and eating lots of humble pie. Darrell and I had an epic battle of guys who raced the 45+ race earlier in the day and were hoping to not get lapped by Art. I did get lapped by 5 A's. Disappointing, I wanted to make it the entire season without getting lapped. However, I took the view that the race was a nice 60 minute threshold interval and gave it all I had.<br /><br />Overall, the quality and quantity of racers has gone way up this year. Last year, in the 45's I just rolled off the front and rode alone for 45 minutes. This year, 5 guys were all pretty close and a guy I've never met, Briley, won. I talked with him after and he's a fireman with my neighbor and a good guy. He's doing OK for his first year of cross.<br /><br />I'm also a big fan of the race venues Matt and Jon have been able to line up the last two years. They each their strengths and weaknesses, but I'd have to say Heber is my least favorite. Bumpy grass isn't that much fun and I'm not a fan of 180's right into closely spaced barriers. I think barriers should have some speed to them so that some skill pays a dividend. When everyone basically has to stop before the barriers, everyone pretty much goes the same slow speed through them.<br /><br />Finally, it's official, I'm going to join the Revolution MTB crew next season (I know my decision on a team for next year has been keeping you up at night). I'm pretty excited actually. I'm buddies with many of the riders and the shop is a 5 minute ride from my house. Thanks Bob.<br /><br />Tanner and Eric will be racing with Kuhl next year and Doug's weighing a couple invites from teams. Other than the 1/2's that went to Canyon, the other guys are undecided on next year. However it turns out, it will be strange to have all of us in different colors. Porculized has been a good gig.<br /><br />One more thing. JoAnn has found a new hobby. Her friend has some horses in Dimple Dell that need to be ridden frequently. She's ridden the one below a few times now and loves it. Her friend says she's a natural. Must be all the country music she listens to.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZMbONAlMkg8AIsPKRyGkMVUA9eXsLxIkcS8qmfh2uvpP2OyZO1aS9ULRixEn58CT9ekkxori7TAZFhQgXTwVbO7Hkvl_BFAb5RAokpgBeFSE8AWfcH152QgIZM9yDUrOJvNr/s1600/DSCN2920.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407085442788144658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZMbONAlMkg8AIsPKRyGkMVUA9eXsLxIkcS8qmfh2uvpP2OyZO1aS9ULRixEn58CT9ekkxori7TAZFhQgXTwVbO7Hkvl_BFAb5RAokpgBeFSE8AWfcH152QgIZM9yDUrOJvNr/s320/DSCN2920.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-81038919049407266162009-11-04T20:59:00.003-07:002009-11-04T21:33:35.990-07:00Just Call me CrashIt's been quite a year for me. I was pretty much sick all summer and now I can't keep from crashing in cross. Saturday, I was in good position in the first chase group when I decided to see how far I could slide across the gravel. Turns out I made it about 30 feet. The good news is my injured wrist made it out OK. The bad news is my knee was bruised and sprained. I've been hobbling around all week and not doing much riding. Just when I was able to stop icing my wrist, I'm now icing my knee. After six weeks, I'm getting immune to cold.<br /><br />I do think I'll be able to race Saturday. If my knee improves, I might even race the 45+ as well as the 35+. I've been planning to do a race with my big bro all year, but it just hasn't worked out.<br /><br />I finally got my skins cut for my backcountry skis. I'm getting very excited to give it a go. I've been reading about avalanches all summer and realize I don't know jack. Thinking about the risk is a bit overwhelming, but I'm eager to learn. Fortunately, a number of knowledgeable backcountry skier have offered to teach me the ropes.<br /><br />I finally signed up for Facebook this week. I generally avoid texting and social networking but so many of the cycling community are on Facebook, I decided to join in. Now if I just need to figure out how to use it. Looks like it could be a colossal time waster if you let it.<br /><br />A highlight of this last weekend was an explosion in our pantry. A friend of JoAnn's gave her a jar with homemade apple pie filling in it. The idea is you just add the filling to a pie crust and you have a pie. A few days ago, Tanner and I heard this strange sound coming from the pantry but didn't investigate. Saturday night JoAnn heard a bang in the pantry and opened the door to discover the apple filling had been fermenting and the pressure blew the lid off the jar and the filling all over the pantry. A nice trick or treat surprise.Darenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27350703.post-25332285496415169432009-10-28T13:25:00.002-06:002009-10-28T13:27:49.945-06:00Bike Transport to NationalsThe Porucpine / Specialized crew (Eric, Doug, Tanner and I) will have some room to transport bikes to Cross Nationals again this year. First come, first serve at $50 per bike. I'll be arriving Wed afternoon or evening and leaving after the Elite race on Sunday. Let me or Eric know.<br /><br />DarenDarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834731851525362875noreply@blogger.com0