Calling All School Kids! A Veterans Day 'Cross Event!!!
Middle Cross Bike Fest!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 – Veterans Day 10am to 1pm
Come out to Learn, Watch, Cheer, and Race
Beginner to Expert Cyclists Welcome
• Food & Prizes!
• Cyclocross Clinic!
• Trials Riding Demo!
• Cyclocross Bike Races!
Where? At Casey Middle School
2410 13th Street
(near Broadway/North Street in Boulder)
Transportation provided from S. Hills, Manhattan, Platt, and Centennial
This event exclusively for middle school students
Must have permission from your parents
Come with your school’s bike club coordinator or parent
NO UNATTENDED STUDENTS ALLOWED
Questions: see the bike club coordinator at your school
or Catherine.Powers@bvsd.org and Landon.Hilliard@bvsd.org
Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 3:43PMWednesday Worlds - 1/2 way through the season!
It was clearly a tough weekend for those that raced the Cup this weekend. The large group that showed up to get the hup on at bike practice today was visibly slower....many choosing to stay in the pack and soft pedal or take laps. Smart. Extra 
recovery needed this week. We hit up Rocket Park and East Boulder Park...the latter drudging up bad memories for many from this weekend due to East Boulder's goat head problems. They're everywhere!
My legs felt OK, but I intentionally held it back. Poorman on/off's yesterday was injected to keep the building from the weekend going....then today....then a break. Mmmm. Racing this weekend but from what I hear, two 'classic' CO courses: dirt and goat heads. Joy. To race on Harlow Platts again...
M & C Donations Recognized!
For all that bought M & C apparel, your brick will be made ("Friends of Mud and Cowbells") and is now on the Donor's Page of the Valmont Bike Park web site! Thank you all again!
Boulder Cup Course Photos - Harlow Platts
Pete's beautiful wife Sally sent these great shots of the course construction and some random race shots. Enjoy! Thanks Sally!
Side view of the steps. UCI Rules enforced that they needed to be 'step like' to be allowed and thuse required rocks then sand to be in-laid to ensure a stable platform.
Close up of the steps.
The DBC crew building the steps.
Me trying to ensure that chase group doesn't gobble me.
Pete on his way to the W
PRO style.
Whit brings an old school schooling right to the podium
Pete 1st, Jon 2nd, Whit 3rd. Boulder Cup Results - Elite Women 11/2/2008
Communique No. 2
Boulder Cup 08 - UCI C1 Event - Women
RESULT: Boulder Cup
Date: November 2, 2008
Organiser: Chris Grealish
Number of km: 19.71
Average Speed of the Winner: 24.13 Km/H
Pl No. UCI Code SURNAME Name Team Name Time/Gap
1 2 USA19800105 GOULD, Georgia Luna Chix Racing Team 49:01
2 5 USA19750506 LLOYD, Rachel California Giant Berry Farms/S @ 1:04
3 33 USA19770407 EMMETT, Kelli Giant Bicycles @ 2:58
4 11 USA19721231 BARNHOLT, Kerry tokyo joes / van dessel @ 3:10
5 20 USA19790531 IRMIGER, Heather Subaru/Gary Fisher "
6 7 USA19740204 MAZZA, Rhonda Team S&M @ 3:31
7 10 USA19731226 MILLER, Meredith California Giant Strawberries/ "
8 28 USA19740508 STRONG, Lisa Tough Girl @ 4:31
9 17 USA19740103 FREEMAN, Judy Tough Girl / Contessa @ 5:21
10 4 USA19740930 KERLIN, Sarah HRS/ Rock Lobster @ 5:28
11 30 USA19610329 WALKER, Kris KRIEGCYCLING.COM @ 5:38
12 1 USA19870909 DOMBROSKI, Amy Velo Bella - Kona @ 5:52
13 6 USA19910218 YOUNG, Anna Planet Bike @ 7:02
14 23 USA19780927 MAILE, Sarah Ventana Mountain Bikes @ 7:05
15 34 USA19761024 BLAY, Becca Mafia Racing @ 7:45
16 24 USA19840613 MOCZYGEMBA, Brenda Tough Girl / Contessa @ 1 Lap
17 18 USA19660810 GIBSON, Shannon VeloBella @ 1 Lap
18 37 USA19861213 MILLER, Amanda Mesa cycles RT @ 1 Lap
19 13 USA19840224 BISHOP, Lindsey Mafia Racing @ 1 Lap
20 27 USA19850506 SCHEIDER, Kate Mafia Racing @ 1 Lap
21 35 USA19780103 TILLEY, Jennifer VeloBella @ 2 Laps
22 26 USA19620320 PRIETO, Susan Blue Sky Velo @ 2 Laps
23 8 USA19810530 STEWART, Maria Velo Bella @ 2 Laps
24 15 USA19790917 BUSH, Lynn Tough Girl / Contessa @ 2 Laps
25 22 USA19820731 KENZER, Alie RGM WATCHES - RICHARD SACHS - @ 2 Laps
26 36 USA19860705 MANDERFIELD, Kacey Verducci/Breakaway @ 3 Laps
DNS 12 USA19750507 BENJAMIN, Kelly 360 Racing
DNS 16 USA19700101 COSTANTINI, Lauren Sycip Racing
DNS 19 USA19701221 HECKMAN, Lora Peloton Cycles - Specialized
DNS 21 USA19770220 JOHNSON, Catherine Organic Athlete
DNS 25 USA19801031 MONROE, Megan DALE'S PALE ALE!
DNS 32 USA19750313 PEZZULO, Tiffany PCIM
DNF 9 USA19800921 STUDLEY, Kari Velo Bella
DNF 14 USA19831107 BURNUM, Andi tough girl
DSQ 3 USA19730527 SHERWIN, Kathy Velo Bella - Kona
Number of Starters: 29
Riders Abandoning the Race: 2 Rider #3, SHERWIN, Kathy, USA19730527, is disqualified for
taking service outside the pit.
11/02/2008 15:38:09 Timing and Results by AGR Technology
Boulder Cup Results - Elite Men 11/2/2008
Communique No. 4
Boulder Cup 08 - UCI C1 Event - Men
RESULT: Boulder Cup
Date: November 2, 2008
Organiser: Chris Grealish
Number of km: 28.16
Average Speed of the Winner: 27.54 Km/H
Pl No. UCI Code SURNAME Name Team Name Time/Gap
1 3 USA19770805 JOHNSON, Tim Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com 1:01:22
2 8 USA19751225 WELLS, Todd Team GT @ 28
3 1 USA19810305 TREBON, Ryan Kona @ 56
4 2 USA19830629 POWERS, Jeremy Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com @ 1:45
5 9 USA19850612 ANTHONY, Jesse Jamis Bicycles @ 2:06
6 70 CAN19730419 SHEPPARD, Chris Santa Cruz/Giro/Easton/Chris K @ 3:02
7 5 USA19840619 WELLS, Troy TEAM CLIF BAR @ 3:08
8 12 USA19740828 TONKIN, Erik Kona @ 3:10
9 11 NED19760114 HEEMSKERK, Tim United Cycle Racing @ 3:31
10 22 USA19820704 BRADFORD-PARISH, Kevin Redlinebikes.com "
11 6 USA11151981 WICKS, Barry Kona @ 3:58
12 74 USA19851019 THOMPSON, Joey Rocky Mtn Chocolate Factory Cy @ 4:07
13 42 USA19880101 HOWES, Alex CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cro @ 4:14
14 13 USA19760201 STEVENSON, Russell Benaroya Research Institute Cy @ 4:22
15 10 USA19800526 SHRIVER, Matt Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling Team @ 4:32
16 27 USA19870803 CARES, Colin CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cro @ 5:24
17 63 USA19680901 PRENZLOW, Brent CELO PACIFIC / ALAN @ 5:35
18 25 USA19690708 BROWN, Travis Trek @ 5:44
19 24 USA19781105 BROOKS, Paul Newton Running/Sierra Nevada B @ 6:03
20 71 USA19900401 SQUIRE, Robert Devo @ 6:35
21 46 USA19770531 KRAUSE, Greg Primal Wear @ 6:48
22 57 USA19790124 PACOCHA, Matt VeloNews @ 7:10
23 55 USA19881027 NOBLE, Chance California Giant Berry Farms/S @ 7:44
24 40 USA19880314 HOKE, Mitch CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cro @ 1 Lap
25 85 USA19851006 ALDERS, Bryan Monaviecannondale.com @ 1 Lap
26 48 USA19790502 LEWIS, Greg Directory Plus/ Trek @ 1 Lap
27 67 USA19711008 ROSS, Nat Subaru-Gary Fisher @ 1 Lap
28 15 USA19750622 ROBINSON, Justin California Giant Berry Farms/S @ 1 Lap
29 21 USA19730221 BOUPLON, Aaron Rocky Mounts / Izze @ 1 Lap
30 49 USA19900726 LLEWELLYN, Andrew Calistoga Racing Team @ 1 Lap
31 73 USA19770426 TARKINGTON, Jon Vitamin Cottage p/b XP Compani @ 2 Laps
32 43 USA19760313 JOHNSON, Joshua Big Shark Racing @ 2 Laps
33 62 USA19831116 POWLISON, Spencer Mafia Racing @ 2 Laps
34 75 USA19780628 WELLS, Jake MafiaRacing.com @ 2 Laps
35 47 USA19840219 KRUGHOFF, Allen Team Rio Grande @ 2 Laps
36 65 USA19811104 REFSNIDER, Kurt FORT Factory Team @ 2 Laps
37 82 USA19760506 MELIS, Chad Dales Pale Ale @ 2 Laps
38 54 USA19880408 MULLERVY, Kevin CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cro @ 2 Laps
39 58 USA19860129 PARRISH, Chris Hagens Berman LLP @ 2 Laps
40 59 USA19770215 PHILLIPS, John Colorado Multisport @ 2 Laps
41 64 USA19800630 RABY, Ben KCCX-VERGE @ 2 Laps
42 72 GBR19760508 STEVENS, Nicholas Waltworks/Fuentesdesign @ 3 Laps
43 41 USA19870606 HOSEY, Michael soulcraft @ 3 Laps
44 76 USA19760731 MORGAN, Brett Mafia Racing @ 3 Laps
45 78 USA19880406 RATCLIFF, Alister Fior Frutta @ 3 Laps
46 37 USA19861210 HARLAN, Blake @ 3 Laps
47 51 USA19741127 MICKIEWICZ, Bryan @ 3 Laps
48 61 USA19810428 PISCOPO, Corey Moots @ 3 Laps
49 19 USA19901201 BERRY, Joshua team BODE @ 4 Laps
50 38 USA19710118 HARSHMAN, Shawn Harshman Wealth / Primus Mootr @ 4 Laps
51 33 USA19780327 GAREY, Logan Team Rio Grande @ 4 Laps
52 80 USA19890316 PETERSON, Chris Monaviecannondale.com @ 4 Laps
53 84 USA19721006 KILGORE, Troy Boulder Cycle Sport @ 4 Laps
54 32 USA19801013 FOUNDS, Darian @ 4 Laps
55 20 USA19730821 BIGGERSTAFF, Darryn unattached @ 4 Laps
56 50 USA19811117 MATHENY, Daniel Mafia Racing @ 4 Laps
57 68 USA19900704 SALLEE, Connor CRCA JrDev/Orbea @ 4 Laps
58 79 USA19860627 WANSTRATH, Dustin Tamarack @ 5 Laps
59 23 USA19770108 BRENNER, Joseph Eschelon Elite @ 6 Laps
60 28 USA19790113 CHEENEY, Chad Durango Devo @ 6 Laps
DNS 4 USA19861111 DRISCOLL, Jamey Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com
DNS 17 USA19752770 BARTHEL, Ryan Rocky Mountain Chocolate Facto
DNS 26 USA19840428 CAMPBELL, Will Vitamin Cottage Cycling Team
DNS 31 USA19880705 FORBES, Austin BODE
DNS 35 USA19750111 GOULET, Ali Ridley Factory Team
DNS 36 USA19791209 HALL, Mike Spike Shooter
DNS 45 USA19710120 KELLER, Gregory Boulder Cycle Sport
DNS 53 USA19880408 MULLERVY, Conor CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cro
DNS 56 USA19550820 OVEREND, Ned Specialized
DNS 69 USA19890801 SCHMIDT, Robert CCNS-Pedal Power
DNS 81 USA19870305 PETERSON, Mitchell Monaviecannondale.com
DNF 7 USA19740316 BAKER, Jonathan Vitamin Cottage p/b XP Compani
DNF 14 USA19741209 PIETRZAK, Christopher Porcupine/Specialized
DNF 16 USA19860612 ALLEN, Tim Waste Management
DNF 18 USA19760609 BERRY, Grant Rocky Mtn Choc Factory
DNF 29 USA19700930 COURTER, Jeff Horizon Organic Cycling Team
DNF 30 USA19860806 DEKREY, Jesse unattached
DNF 34 USA19810909 GIORDANO, Jesse Nob Hill Velo
DNF 39 USA19790622 HILIMIRE, Jason Gary Fisher 29er Crew
DNF 44 USA19870529 KAPPIUS, Brady CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cro
DNF 52 USA19870403 MOORE, Eric ARADD
DNF 60 USA19900627 PHINNEY, Taylor Garmin/Chipotle
11/02/2008 16:38:24 Timing and Results by AGR Technology
Average Speed of the Winner: 27.54 Km/H
Pl No. UCI Code SURNAME Name Team Name Time/Gap
DNF 83 USA19830516 WEIZTEL, Scott CyclingCt/JBCA
Number of Starters: 72
Riders Abandoning the Race: 12
11/02/2008 16:38:24 Timing and Results by AGR Technology
Boulder Cup Results - Elite Women 11/1/2008
Communique No. 2
Boulder Cup 08 - UCI C2 Event - Women
Result of Stage Boulder Cup
Date: November 1, 2008
Organiser: Chris Grealish
Number of km: 24.49
Average Speed of the Winner: 32.70 Km/H
Pl No. UCI Code SURNAME Name Team Code Time/Gap
1 2 USA19800105 GOULD, Georgia Luna Chix Racing Team
2 5 USA19750506 LLOYD, Rachel California Giant Berry Farms/S @
3 11 USA19721231 BARNHOLT, Kerry tokyo joes / van dessel @
4 31 USA19770407 EMMETT, Kelli Giant Bicycles
5 20 USA19790531 IRMIGER, Heather Subaru/Gary Fisher @
6 1 USA19870909 DOMBROSKI, Amy Velo Bella - Kona @
7 28 USA19740508 STRONG, Lisa Tough Girl @
8 3 USA19730527 SHERWIN, Kathy Velo Bella - Kona @
9 10 USA19731226 MILLER, Meredith California Giant Strawberries/ @
10 4 USA19740930 KERLIN, Sarah HRS/ Rock Lobster @
11 7 USA19740204 MAZZA, Rhonda Team S&M @
12 29 USA19700114 THOMAS, Melissa Tokyo Joes
13 9 USA19800921 STUDLEY, Kari Velo Bella @
14 30 USA19610329 WALKER, Kris KRIEGCYCLING.COM @
15 24 USA19840613 MOCZYGEMBA, Brenda Tough Girl / Contessa @
16 17 USA19740103 FREEMAN, Judy Tough Girl / Contessa @
17 18 USA19660810 GIBSON, Shannon VeloBella @
18 16 USA19700101 COSTANTINI, Lauren Sycip Racing @
19 13 USA19840224 BISHOP, Lindsey Mafia Racing @
20 8 USA19810530 STEWART, Maria Velo Bella @ 1
21 23 USA19780927 MAILE, Sarah Ventana Mountain Bikes @ 1
22 34 USA19761024 BLAY, Becca Mafia Racing @ 1
23 33 USA19860705 MANDERFIELD, Kacey Verducci/Breakaway @ 1
24 15 USA19790917 BUSH, Lynn Tough Girl / Contessa @ 1
25 27 USA19850506 SCHEIDER, Kate Mafia Racing @ 1
26 32 USA19750313 PEZZULO, Tiffany PCIM @ 1
27 21 USA19770220 JOHNSON, Catherine Organic Athlete @ 1
28 26 USA19620320 PRIETO, Susan Blue Sky Velo @ 1
DNS 12 USA19750507 BENJAMIN, Kelly 360 Racing
DNS 19 USA19701221 HECKMAN, Lora Peloton Cycles - Specialized
DNS 25 USA19801031 MONROE, Megan DALE'S PALE ALE!
DNF 6 USA19910218 YOUNG, Anna Planet Bike
DNF 14 USA19831107 BURNUM, Andi tough girl
DNF 22 USA19820731 KENZER, Alie RGM WATCHES - RICHARD SACHS -
Number of Starters: 31
Riders Abandoning the Race: 3
11/01/2008 16:37:25 Timing and Results by AGR Technology
Boulder Cup Results - Elite Men 11/1/2008
Communique No. 4
Boulder Cup 08 - UCI C2 Event - Men
Result of Stage Boulder Cup
Date: November 1, 2008
Organiser: Chris Grealish
Number of km: 38.50
Average Speed of the Winner: 36.60 Km/H
Pl No. UCI Code SURNAME Name Team Code Time/Gap
1 8 USA19751225 WELLS, Todd Team GT 1:03:06
2 1 USA19810305 TREBON, Ryan Kona @ 11
3 3 USA19770805 JOHNSON, Timothy Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com @ 25
4 2 USA19830629 POWERS, Jeremy Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com @ 2:09
5 6 USA11151981 WICKS, Barry kona @ 2:21
6 7 USA19740316 BAKER, Jonathan Vitamin Cottage p/b XP Compani @ 2:40
7 64 CAN19730419 SHEPPARD, Chris Santa Cruz/Giro/Easton/Chris K @ 3:06
8 42 USA19870529 KAPPIUS, Brady Clif Bar @ 3:42
9 5 USA19840619 WELLS, Troy TEAM CLIF BAR @ 3:46
10 77 USA19851019 THOMPSON, Joey Chocolate Factory @ 3:49
11 12 USA19740828 TONKIN, Erik Kona @ 3:51
12 54 USA19790124 PACOCHA, Matt VeloNews @ 4:50
13 13 USA19760201 STEVENSON, Russell Benaroya Research Institute Cy @ 5:01
14 11 USA19760114 HEEMSKERK, Tim United Cycle Racing @ 5:08
15 23 USA19690708 BROWN, Travis Trek @ 5:12
16 59 USA19680901 PRENZLOW, Brent CELO PACIFIC / ALAN @ 5:19
17 21 USA19820704 BRADFORD-PARISH, Kevin Redlinebikes.com @ 6:07
18 39 USA19880101 HOWES, Alex CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cro @ 6:11
19 66 USA19770426 TARKINGTON, Jon Vitamin Cottage p/b XP Compani @ 6:12
20 68 USA19780628 WELLS, Jake MafiaRacing.com @ 6:34
21 22 USA19781105 BROOKS, Paul Newton Running/Sierra Nevada B @ 7:01
22 46 USA19790502 LEWIS, Greg Directory Plus/ Trek @ 1 Lap
23 35 USA19710118 HARSHMAN, Shawn Harshman Wealth / Primus Mootr @ 2 Laps
24 45 USA19840219 KRUGHOFF, Allen Team Rio Grande @ 2 Laps
25 15 USA19750622 ROBINSON, Justin California Giant Berry Farms/S @ 2 Laps
26 61 USA19811104 REFSNIDER, Kurt FORT Factory Team @ 3 Laps
27 58 USA19831116 POWLISON, Spencer Mafia Racing @ 3 Laps
28 53 USA19881027 NOBLE, Chance California Giant Berry Farms/S @ 3 Laps
29 62 USA19711008 ROSS, Nat Subaru-Gary Fisher @ 3 Laps
30 47 USA19900726 LLEWELLYN, Andrew Calistoga Racing Team @ 3 Lap
31 38 USA19870606 HOSEY, Michael soulcraft @ 3 Laps
32 20 USA19730221 BOUPLON, Aaron Rocky Mounts / Izze @ 4 Laps
33 65 USA19900401 SQUIRE, Robert Devo @ 4 Laps
34 57 USA19810428 PISCOPO, Corey Moots @ 4 Laps
35 44 USA19770531 KRAUSE, Greg Primal Wear @ 4 Laps
36 71 USA1986 SHAFER, Brendan @ 4 Laps
37 27 USA19820215 CODY, Michael BikeReg.com / Spooky @ 5 Laps
38 37 USA19880314 HOKE, Mitch CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cro @ 5 Laps
39 32 USA19780327 GAREY, Logan Team Rio Grande @ 5 Lap
40 70 USA19760731 MORGAN, Brett Mafia Racing @ 5 Laps
41 56 USA19770215 PHILLIPS, John Colorado Multisport @ 5 Laps
42 33 USA19810909 GIORDANO, Jesse Nob Hill Velo @ 5 Laps
43 19 USA19730821 BIGGERSTAFF, Darryn unattached @ 5 Laps
44 73 USA19860627 WANSTRATH, Dustin Tamarack @ 5 Laps
45 34 USA19861210 HARLAN, Blake @ 6 Laps
46 26 USA19790113 CHEENEY, Chad Durango Devo @ 6 Laps
47 52 USA19880408 MULLERVY, Kevin CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cro @ 6 Laps
48 50 USA19870403 MOORE, Eric ARADD @ 6 Laps
49 51 USA19880408 MULLERVY, Conor CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cro @ 6 Lap
50 30 USA19880705 FORBES, Austin BODE @ 6 Laps
51 31 USA19801013 FOUNDS, Darian @ 6 Laps
52 75 USA19890316 PETERSON, Chris Monaviecannondale.com @ 6 Laps
53 72 USA19880406 ALISTER, Ratcliff Fior Frutta @ 7 Laps
54 63 USA19890801 SCHMIDT, Robert CCNS-Pedal Power @ 7 Laps
DNS 4 USA19861111 DRISCOLL, Jamey cyclocrossworld.com
DNS 16 USA19752770 BARTHEL, Ryan Rocky Mountain Chocolate Facto
DNS 24 USA19840428 CAMPBELL, Will Vitamin Cottage Cycling Team
DNS 36 USA19790622 HILIMIRE, Jason Gary Fisher 29er Crew
DNS 48 USA19811117 MATHENY, Daniel Mafia Racing
DNS 69 USA19740627 WEST, Mike maverick
DNF 9 USA19850612 ANTHONY, Jesse Jamis Bicycles
DNF 10 USA19800526 SHRIVER, Matt Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling Team
DNF 14 USA19741209 PIETRZAK, Christopher Porcupine/Specialized
DNF 17 USA19800630 RABY, Ben KCCX-VERGE
DNF 18 USA19901201 BERRY, Joshua team BODE
DNF 25 USA19870803 CARES, Colin CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cro
DNF 28 USA19700930 COURTER, Jeff Horizon Organic Cycling Team
DNF 29 USA19860806 DEKREY, Jesse unattached
DNF 41 USA19760313 JOHNSON, Joshua Big Shark Racing
DNF 49 USA19741127
DNF 55 USA19860129 PARRISH, Chris Hagens Berman LLP
DNF 74 USA19851006 ALDERS, Bryan Monaviecannondale.com
DNF 76 USA19870305 PETERSON, Mitchell Monaviecannondale.com
Number of Starters: 67
Riders Abandoning the Race: 13
Cross Racing Week 8: Everything
Saturday night was tough. I tossed and turned and rolled and sweat. It was a miserable sleep and the body was doing very strange things after the sincerely violent effort at the Reservoir. However, I was mainly kept awake with a mind that was (still) racing. Still playing out the debacle of the race but I’ll confess that most of what was keeping me up was embarrassment. Embarrassment not from my spectacle on the course, but “after” my race on Saturday. Being an absolute baby when I got back to the tent. Helmet thrown into my bag in anger. For roughly 5 minutes I became that surly guy. The guy I make fun of for being a prick. I am thankful for the buds I have who make fun of me and keep me on the straight and narrow.
The pressure I put on myself is unbearable sometimes. I don’t know why. I just do. I always want to be the best. Do my best. Act my best. It’s just a part of my ball of wax and I am the same way now as I was at the hockey rink, soccer field or BMX track as a kid. I’m an old-ish man now and I am smart enough to know what I need and don’t have yet required to be at the extreme pointy end of the field. So, no excuses. The mind needs to settle itself with confidence in what I can do still. What I can still try to achieve.
Last night was a similar night of restlessness. The mind was infinitely happier given the day at Harlow Platts Park I had, yet the body still was reeling from the effort. Sometime around 3AM, I go for what is like my 5th pee of the night. I happen to see the familiar red blinking light of my CrackBerry summoning me like one of Pavlov’s dogs. I see a note from a dear friend. A racing compatriot. You know who you are! His note was gospel. A father to a father. A racer to a racer. It makes EVERYTHING we do in the grass, on the dirt, over the barriers, with our friends….with our families….a true gift. So, I sat in the quiet and dark and read the note. This excerpt of the note helped me deeply...
Many times your posts speak to my core and help provide that confirmation of life priorities that are so hard to balance. We are passionate about the bike, and especially cross, and it has been an ego check this season as my form fades and the time to train to recapture it fades as well. When the morale is bad it gets pretty easy to come up with excuses to not drive 3 hours each way for a 45 minute race where I will be an “also-ran.” But, my daughter is healthy and happy, my wife is the most amazing person in my world and the glue that keeps it all together, and I have employment in a crappy economy – does where I finish matter? And if it did, would the experience of the race, the course, the people make it not worth it? These demons have taken and will continue to take time to exorcise, but in the end, with all that it takes to keep a job and family rolling, I have re-learned that just “toe-ing” the line and leaving it out there is all you can ask of yourself.
Thank YOU my friend. It’s the realization that I get to toe the line with crazy fast people with crazy fast lives. Crazy deep priorities. Crazily precarious balancing acts. Crazy passion.
Everything. We give all, everything. It can not be any other way. For whatever the individual’s reason, those that I line up with every week have a glow about them and they want to unleash. We only get one chance to do this right. No do-overs. No time to rehearse. Give Everything.
On to the race weekend.
Boulder Cup Day 1: Boulder Reservoir 
Week in and week out, Brandon and Jeremiah are there for the BCS team…the largest team each week given the number of racers we have out there in various categories…and they’re out there with the tent set up, tools out…ALL preparations made to ensure all of us are our fastest. In the tent, the 35 Open team was gathering…Pete Webber, Whit Johnson, Brian Hludzinski, Durango native and old Boulder-bro Frank Mapel and myself. We line it up at the venue which was absolutely stunning, Joe DeP, Chris G and the entire crew at DBC Events made a thrilling and unbelievably hard course. It is a HOT day baking in the Indian Summer. Temps in the mid 70’s. Call ups got me in the 2nd row in a big field and I chose Brian Maslach to lead me out. “Get your sprint on, Bri” I plead with him to ensure a tunnel through the field at the start. TWEEET!! We’re off and I am exactly where I want to be. In fact, I keep it together for 2-3 laps flowing in and about the top 10. And then it unraveled….
Did I mention the course was super hard? The DBC crew ensured the best rider would win…and those of lesser capabilities would suffer the consequences. I was the latter. The sand was my nemesis. Each time through was a little worse. A bobble here on the first time through the 175 meters of sand, a washout the next time around, followed by an over the bars the 3rd time….and so on. A degrading spiral that got to my head and became a psychological war which was tearing me down, POW-style, lap after lap. Somewhere mid race, I completely unravel again in the sand and face plant into it. Ass over tea kettle and submerse my SRAM Red lever completely in the beach. I get up and my back wheel is not spinning and I note that the TRP Brake Arm is underneath the rim so I have to hammer it out which it does and works fine. I get back out on the pavement and need to make up ground….so I click click click click…to get to the lower part of the cassette. Nothing. I am stuck in my ‘lowest’ gear, a 25. I am spinning circles like a circus clown so fast and dudes are just dropping me. Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh. I look up and I see Dubba just smiling…waving his hand as he knows I am screwed. I FINALLY come flying into the pits and he’s there with Challenge Tire’s Donn Kellogg and I throw to him and Dubba hands me my freshie. I jam on it and get into the hunt. Ka PLING! Chain is off! This nonsense happened to me at Wednesday Worlds. Later I’d diagnose that the chain is too long and bouncing up and over my carbon guides. I yell out some F bombs and VeloNews’ Neal Rogers is there warming up…smiling at my unraveling. Ha! To make a long story short, I swing by the pits again and Dubba knows the race is long gone and he yells “Just finish ‘er up and have fun!”. My black rain cloud
is forming over my S Works helmet and I eventually finish up, mid pack. Surly like a baby who’s Nuk Nuk fell in dog crap.
I get back to the tent and as mentioned, continue to act like a baby when Whit, Dubba and the gang tell me that Pete won…which began to make me smile, and then both and Mapel lay it out for me…telling me EXACTLY what I need to hear. It’s bike racing. You KNOW you’ll bring it tomorrow. Rob hands me a Brat with some ketchup and a beer after that and I am in heaven. Tomorrow is another day.
Group Shot by Rocky Mountain Surfer
Ass shot and dismount photo above by David Kutcipal.
Check out their extensive pics from the day!
Boulder Cup Day 2: Harlow Platts Park
So with the crappy sleep in me, I still have a sense of calm and this feeling that my legs, while tired, may have something. You always get that doubt in you on back to back days of racing of how your legs will respond to the challenge. I had some sense that things would be all right, even though Harlow Platts forever had my name and would traditionally chew me up and spit me out. Between races I’d pre-ride and the course was SPECTACULAR. All grass save for a tricky yet not as bad at yesterday’s sand section. Tons of twists and turns to power up, and out of sections. Good recovery but you had to be strong, nevertheless. Can I just say HOW SWEET my Grifo XS File Treads were on this course?? If you have't raced them on grass, you are doing yourself an injustice by not having file treads and the Grifos are getting widely distributed here in the US with Donn's pushing.
Again the BCS armada is ready to roll. Same squad as yesterday for the 35 Opens. I somehow get another call
up (amazing as I keep sliding backwards!) and settle in behind Webber this time in the 2nd row. TWEEET! We jam out on the long paved climb through the start finish where Dave Towle is out again blaring his beautiful voice to all the racers…every category…all day! Amazing. I find myself in 8th or so which is where I want to be. Matty Opp is on a MISSION and is drilling it. We flow through the first turns, up and over the crowded barrier sections and dive through yet more turns before making our way to the back side and sand. We motor through this 
tight section and WHAM! In front of me goes down Ward Baker and like 2 other guys and I somehow thread the needle with Jeff Wardell and Pete Webber through the carnage and we are gone. Lap after lap I am holding my position. Dropping some, then getting dropped. It’s tight racing. Good racing. Each lap I made the conscious decision to run the sand and it was 50/50. It was as fast as those riding. Each time I would come by my old family, the Rocky Mounts tent as they were the ‘Sand Pit Party’ for the day for DBC…raking and grooming the pits between each race to re-set the conditions for each category. My wife and boys were out…cowbells and all, yelling their heads off. It was utterly inspiring. Each lap I would maintain my gap on the huge field trying to reel me in and yet the group in front of me was just that wee bit too far away to grab and sit in on. The pressure in my brain was surreal as I wanted a respectable result, and I considered a top 10 in this field to be that. Bell lap and I know I am not going to be able to bridge to Mitch and Glen and think I am in 9th, 10th or 11th based upon the cr
owd’s feedback as they SCREAMED their heads off at me (such a rush!). As I am nearing the end of my last lap I hear Dave say that Pete had won! A back to back weekend for that boy. I smile but I still need to bury myself as the field of what seems like 10-15 are barreling down on me. I pop out from the grass onto the pavement of the start finish, I turn around, exhausted yet a huge gap to the next group behind me. Safe. Done. I took 11th, near my goal but I’ll take it!
All Day 2 photos above courtesy of Longman. Nice ass, Longman.
Everything. It took everything to get that result. 11th. I left everything out there. I took everything in as I did so. I remembered everything the boys said to me in the tent after the Res Saturday. I wanted to respond and be everything I know I m capable of.
And now, let’s do it again. Next week. Same time. Same channel.
Some photos from my good friend Joe Strandell of Peloton Photo:
Boulder Cup Day 2 - Rob O'Dea's most excellent elite photos
Stunning. I raced these courses here in Boulder (my report coming soon!) and when I see Rob's photos he so kindly shared with me to share with you, I am BLOWN away by our scenery here in the Bubble. It was an amazing two days of racing, the VeloNews party on Saturday night and seeing/catching up with old friends...
Enjoy Rob's pics for now. And as if I have to say this, the pictures were submitted to me in good faith from Rob so all copyrights are my home boy's!
Ball game, Georgia.
Mini Phinney 'crossing. Honestly, home boy should look out for 14 year old Yannik Eckmann who started in the junior elites....2 minutes behind the Cat 3's wave and ended up passing EVERYONE and beating all the 3's by what I heard was more than a minute. Jeebus.
TJ taking it...even after my man sliced his finger open on a beer last night at the party. A hard man from Belgium, er ah Mass, for sure.
Barrier work.
Todd Wells. Got to meet this white sex shoe wearing Durango-ite after all these years of enjoying his game.
Braaap.
Jesse railing it.
