Ride a Bike, Change Your Life
Do you remember your first mountain bike race? Mine was during the spring of 2001, at Sundance Resort. I rode a Gary Fisher Sugar 3 (my sister still has the bike), and I wore a black long-sleeve t-shirt, and black tights. I looked like a cat burglar. But it was the closest thing I had to “racing clothes”. […]
Recalibration
What now? I had looked forward to July 14 and July 21 for months. And now those days—those bike races—are done. I have just one other race planned this season, the finale of the Race USCS series, the Draper Fall Classic in September. But other than that? Nothing. There are events I could do. And […]
We Shall Overcome
Bike racing gives each of us an opportunity to overcome unforeseen (if self-inflicted) obstacles, problems, and challenges. The race course itself is a problem, a riddle. As are the other racers. And then there are our physical and mental limitations. But every race is an opportunity. Every race is a triumph. Just showing up is a victory. […]
No Rest For The Wicked
The 2012 Crusher is history. It would be easy to sit back and enjoy that fact. Take some time off. Alas, I’ll be racing again this Saturday at the Wasatch Back 50. 50 miles of dirt, 7,500 vertical, with the Crusher still aching the legs. What could possibly go wrong? I suppose I’ll find out. […]
Hindsight: Crusher Bike
I’ve now raced the Crusher twice. Once on a mountain bike, and once on a cyclocross bike. Which was the better choice? The ‘cross bike. Or more specifically, a ‘cross bike with mountain bike gearing. Which I didn’t have. My low gear of 34-28 was not low enough. Not for the Col d’ Crush. Not […]
Crushed. Again.
“Don’t stop pedaling. Don’t stop. Don’t…” What a day. The 2012 Crusher had it all: rain, slop, washboards, and the Col d’ Crush. Another stellar race. I only wish I could have been faster. But I always feel that way. Nevertheless, I had fun. A lot of fun. And I can’t explain why that is. […]
The Crusher’s Credo
This I believe. A Crusher is not born. He is not bred. He is not the product of his environment, nor the happy chance of fate. A Crusher is made. Self-made. He is a hard man, determined, focused, dedicated. He is a creature of passion. He has cast off the tyranny of reason in his […]
Ready or Not!
I can’t remember feeling more uncertain going into a race. I haven’t been riding badly. But I haven’t been riding very well either. I’m hoping for surprisingly good legs on Saturday at the Crusher in the Tushars. But I don’t think fitness works like that. Either it’s there, or it isn’t. Nevertheless, I am excited. How […]
The 4th of July
Late on the afternoon of July 3rd I fled the valley, and the smoke (and hysteria) from the nearby wildfire, and sought refuge at the Secret Lair®. It is becoming my very favorite place to be. It’s quiet, empty, and beautiful. And the roads and trails are tailor made for Crusher training. I spent the holiday […]