Icup #7 - Sundance

What a great day for a race. The weather was not too warm and not too cold. We arrived shortly after 7 am for registration and to get Mandy ready for her race. Mandy's race started at 8:15 am. Her race was held away from the main racing area, so while the kids were waiting to race a few of them wandered up to the main racing area. This caused the race to be delayed while we waited for the kids to get down to the starting line. Ed in order to keep the kids pre-occupied ran the course and had the kids follow on their bikes. As parents we found this very entertaining.





Once all the kids were there the race began. It was a short course, so they did 5 laps, which is not bad until you realize some of them forget what lap they are on and so they try to follow the leader in to the finish even though he may have lapped them 2 times. Luckily everyone got them back out racing without much time lost. Mandy had a great race. She took 6th overall and 2nd out of the girls. She rode down stairs which was awesome. When we first started riding she would not attempt anything, and now she is riding hills and going down stairs!!!

My race went great! Before I tell about the race I need to say I race against and ride with some of the greatest women ever. Dot (Mad Dog) gave me some great racing advice after our race was over. She didn't need to, but she did and it made me have a better understanding of some race strategy. How cool is that. And Jolene (UMB) instead of pushing by me on the bottom half of the downhill stayed with me and talked me out of my tense frustration I was having trying to get the downhill. If it wasn't for her I would have been more sketched riding down the hill. What 2 great women, and everyone in my category is that way. Which shows another reason why racing and the mtb community is so great.




My race started out just fine. I was out near the front with Dot, but not in a hurry I figured as long as she was close and I could see her all would be good. This was good, but I got a little worried as soon as we hit the single track. There was a beginning 13-15 UMB team member that was ahead of me. He was doing great, but was not going fast enough for me. I believe this was his first time racing in this division, so he didn't understand he needed to let me pass, and that it was okay. I was behind him, when all of the sudden he did an endo right off the trail and down the hill, by another rider in his division. I asked if he was okay, took my bike and picked it up over his and went on my way. (he was okay) Within just a moment I caught Dot, and we went neck and neck for quite a ways. I kept right behind her as we passed other riders. Amazing enough each rider let us both go by, I am glad for that, because it would have been harder to stay with her if a rider got between us. Eventually I found a spot to pass her and took my moment and passed. After that I didn't know where she was behind me, but I knew I needed to keep riding, when all of the sudden we came out to uphill double track and my heart sank. I completely forgot about this. Somewhere along this double track Dot passed me back and once again I had to hang on her tail. I did pretty good, but at one point we ended up having a rider in between us and I couldn't stay right with her, but I did see her and she was not far away. And then we hit the downhill and she was off and I tried to keep up. However downhill is not my strongest skill at this moment. I worked hard to stay with Dot when I came to this one section that has two little trees you have to go through. I kept thinking don't look at the trees, and as I went through my handle bar grabbed the tree and all of the sudden I was sailing through the air and my bike was flipping over. I hit the ground softly, jumped up, flipped my bike back up and took back off to catch Dot. (my first endo in a race and I was okay) After that I had aonther slight wipe out, and started to get frustrated, and then another wipe out that added to my frustration. My second wipe out Jolene caught up to me. She was awesome and talked to me amd calmed me down on the rest of the ride downhill. I get very frustrated that my downhill is not so great. She was great and the nice part later was she reminded me I haven't been mountain biking very long. I forget this and put a lot of expectation to be able to keep up with everyone else. At the bottom of the downhill you come out onto uphill pavement. Ouch....I got on the pavement and tore off riding to keep strong, and then I looked back and Jolene was not pushing the sprint, so I was able to back off some. Thank goodness, because it sure would have hurt if I had to keep going strong. Which also would have been fun. I ended up taking 2nd today. Good day for a race. Can't wait for the next one.

MVHS Graduation

My oldest daughter graduated today from Mountain View High School with her diploma!!! Not only did she get her HS diploma, she also got her Associates Degree from UVSC. Way to go Shandy. She is sooo smart.

The graduate.

Two sisters celebrating.

Shandy and her Uncle Ryan, by the way he's single and I think he needs a cute, fun girlfriend.

The youngest is hamming it up.

After 3 tries this is the best we could get.

Draper Race

The Draper Icup Race was last night, it was fun and challenging. Racing at night is different than racing in the morning. You have worked all day, your eating schedule is a little off, and the sun and heat definitely play different on your body. With that said I noticed some of this, but it did not seem to affect my racing. As usual the Women 35+ started at the back of the pack. The beginning women were nice and let us go in front of them. That was nice of them. I started out strong, actually too strong. I immediately jumped to the front of the pack and led the way. I was going at a good clip when I got to the stream. Apparently there was a grate to cross on, but I did not see it and ended up washing out and off by bike. I said an expletive and unfortunately there were a lot of people sitting there watching. Ooops, sorry to those that were around. Luckily it did not affect my place, and I kept going. I did great up to the double track before the trail split to left or right (half or full loop), and realized at that point I had gone out too strong. I had to back off, and watched as Dot (mad dog), Tasha (racers), Rhonda (revolution) and Jolene (UMB), passed me. I let Jolene know I was going to be back, but would see her later (yea, the finish line). On the way to the long climb I felt the affects of pushing it too soon, and was not at my best. I was able to continue strong, but had to go around people which was fine expect for one guy who would not let me by. Eventually I ended up clipping his tire and losing my balance causing me to get off my bike. Another expletive was made. He stopped and let me by, but there were 2 people right on my tail, and they got past. None in my group, but still I could have stayed ahead of them. Instead I followed them up to the long climb and then passed. The climb was good I had to take it a little slow at the first for recovery, but after about a mile I was good to go. I could still see Jolene and that was the motivation I needed to keep going. I knew they were close by and hopefully I could keep it close. On the long climb I passed a beginning 13-15 UMB rider. He was putting in a lot of effort and standing up to climb. I let him know he still had 1.5 miles to go and he might want to reserve some of that energy. Not sure if he listened, but I saw him later when he finished and he seemed fine. Things went pretty well going down Clarks trail. I felt pretty good and the ride was going smooth until the last part when it started to get very rutted. At that point I had a difficult time riding fast and smooth (I am still not secure on fast DH). I ended up at the bridge going slower than I ever have, but continued on. The next part went well. I hit the gravel section and remembered what Dale Hutchings had said and kept spinning my pedals which got me through without any problems. Whew, what a relief because that is probably one of the most difficult parts for me. On the bottom portion of the Spring Hollow portion there are a lot of switchbacks. I hit the first tight switchback started to take it wide, when out of nowhere two riders cut on the inside of the switchback and clipped my front tire. Luckily one foot was unclipped, so I was able to retain my balance. I yelled an expletive at them and told them to let me know they needed to pass. They were the only goobers who didn't let me know they needed to pass. The rest of the switchbacks went without incident and all racers that needed to pass were able to do so without affecting my ride or theirs. I was able to use some skills I learned at our UMB skills clinic and MTB camp. During the race I let a racer pass, and we came to some planks we had to ride across. He did not make it, and had one tire on and one off, and kept trying to walk it and get on. I was able to track stand and wait while he loaded up and got on his bike. That was a cool feeling not losing my balance and being able to keep going. The rest of the race went without incident. I was able to go okay, on the downhill, but this is something I need to work on. Too much space gets between me and other riders on downhill.

I ended up taking 5th place which is good. Jolene (UMB) took 4th and Sally (UMB) took 5th. Tasha 1st, Dot 2nd and Rhonda 3rd. Next race is at Sundance at Saturday. Hoping to pre-ride today, but boy am I tired. Not from the race, but from staying up until 2 am....That's the downside to evening races, too wound up to go to sleep when you get home.

Mandy's race went well. She placed 19th overall and 2nd out of the girls (around 30 in her division). She is getting much better at riding her bike and it is way cool. I watched her ride up hills that at the first of the racing season she would have walked. It's fun to see her go, having fun and making new friends.

Race Cancelled

Race was cancelled due to excessive rain. Here are some pictures a teammate took.

Parking lot 7:25 am.

Tunnel

Hill west side of tunnel

Stream

Jitters

I don't know why, but I have pre-race jitters today. I keep thinking about the race and getting nervous. Normally the night before race day I am fine, and I am concentrating on getting ready for the next day. But today that is not the case. Maybe it is because instead of having other distractions throughout today (work, school, errands) this day I don't have any. Today is more of hang out and relax day. So much for the relax part. Oh well, soon I will go to sleep and then it will be morning, and the nerves will hopefully be replaced with anticipation.

Stan Memorial Draper Race Pre-Ride #3

I went this afternoon to ride the Draper Race Course. I met Dale and Rachel Hutchings, and we rode the lower loop of the race course. Actually we rode all but the steep climb for 2.25 miles and the trail to the steep climb. The trail is beautiful with purple flowers and trees full of green leaves. Rachel noticed the flowers looked like fireworks....what a great observation. Heading down we followed Rachel. She is 14 and a new rider. I was so impressed with her riding. She was not afraid to take on any part of the course. I am much older than her and there are many parts of the course that I am very hesitant on. On the course there are some very tight switchbacks that are very difficult to maneuver. Rachel took one of these too tight and ended up getting launched into the trees. As I came around the switchback there she was laying on top of the trees, along with her bike. The very impressive thing was she got up, brushed herself off, and was ready to ride. I don't know if I could have done that when I was 14. The rest of the course went smoothly. There is one part of the course that we could not ride. What once was a small stream is no longer small.

Check out the water level.

Put a Smile on My Face

Rain and wind yesterday, enough wind that I didn't want to ride my bike as going down hill would probably feel like going up hill. But today it was only rain and I can handle the rain, so I geared up and went for a ride on the road. I road Provo trail and different parts of the city. I decided not to ride my road bike, as I prefer fat tires on rain slick road versus skinny tires. The ride was awesome, and I am glad I got out. It's funny, but I notice I am always smiling when I ride, doesn't matter what I am doing I am always smiling. I guess it shows how much I love it.

I rode to work today.

Today I rode to work. Now this may not be a big deal, but it has been one I have been trying to figure out. See my job is not very far away (only 2.3 miles), but the problem I have is how do I carry my lap top and files, and do I go in cycling clothes or work clothes. I finally figured out the laptop issue. I found a back pack with padding in it. It holds my files and lap top and wouldn't you know it a change of shoes. So I gave it a shot and rode. Today I rode in my work clothes. It was not hard, because I had dress pants on, but I think even a short ways needs to be in cycling clothes. It was just hot enough to cause a slight perspiration. If I would go slow then I wouldn't have to worry about perspiration, but I have to see how fast I can go....it's just something I always have to do.

My new bike accessory.

Soldier Hollow Race

My fifth Icup race was today. It was a 9 mile cardio killer. Even Mandy's race had her pushing up a couple of steep hills. Mandy did not do very good this race. At first I thought it was because of the steep hill and she struggled. Later I found out Mandy was trying to get 5th place and so she didn't try very hard. She was trying to win the prize they gave out to the 5th place winner. She said she tried to take fifth and then when she realized she wasn't she went faster on the second lap. We talked later and she is going to do her best from now on. I have to laugh I never would have thought of sabotaging until she brought it up.



Mandy racing around on the first lap.

My race was great. Prior to the race I had some minor issues, the first was my camelback leaked. Since I wasn't sure if it was a spilt leak or a problem, I quickly got a new camelback and loaded up. Then put it in the car. Unfortunately when I changed I missed putting my inhaler and quik link in. This was a concern. Luckily I had an inhaler in my softball bag, but there was not much in it, and it was not at potent. I took 2 puffs, and then right before the race took another, and crossed my fingers it would work. I started out hard on the up and down of the first portion of the course. The goal was to get past as many racers as possible, so I wouldn't get jammed up on the little gully. I was able to hang with Dot (Mad Dog Race Team) and see her for the first of the race right up to where I was trying not to get jammed up, and of course I did. There were people blocking the way up, so it was a quick jump off the bike and tear off. Up ahead was Dot and Tasha. I thought good, as long as I can see them and they are close it will be fine. Then wouldn't you know it one spot I did not expect to get jammed and I did. I was on a double track that went to an uphill single track. There were two boys in front of me, but they were too far for me to catch. I yelled at them to speed up and get in their granny gear. One boy did and one did not, and I ended up off my bike, because he stopped and did not move his bike.....ugh so frustrating. Because I had to get off, Jolene (Utahmountainbiking.com) passed me right there. I got back on and then followed on Jolene and Tasha's heels. I was right behind them for a short time before Tasha had mechanical problems, and then Jolene broke her chain. I saw Jolene's chain broke, and I felt bad I didn't stop, but I let her know I didn't have a quick link. I then pumped it up and worked on catching Dot. Close to right before I hit the uphill switchback section I had an asthma attack, I could not get any air in. I kept trying to get air in, and nothing, my lungs would not open up. I was worried I was going to have to get off and stop in order to get air into my lungs. Luckily on the fourth or fifth try I was successful and finally got a breath in. At that point I had to ease off pushing it and spin for a little bit. This was a pretty good place to ease off, I was able to see in front and behind me. Luckily even though I had eased off I was able to continue to pass some racers. Right before I hit the downhill switchbacks I passed 2 beginning men. This was a mistake. I ended up not going fast enough for them, and they had to pass me back, along with a pro rider. I felt bad, but I stayed fairly close to them. We hit the downhill double track, and I let it go. I rode brakeless, which in the pre-rides I had never done. I knew someone was behind me, and I had to let loose in order to maintain my lead. I had lost Dot at some point on the uphill switchbacks, and that was the last I saw of her. I kept going strong for the rest of the downhill with a little uphill portion, but boy did my legs start shaking at the very end, and it was not because of the trail. At the very end I was passed by a female rider, luckily she let me know she was not in my class, or I would have had to kick it in much more. I was exhausted at the end, but I felt good, because I knew I did well. Now its time to start training for the next race.








Working to get in the lead at the first. The other rider is Jen from Mad Dog.

The Night Before

The night before a race can be so consuming sometimes. On Fridays the family usually goes to a movie or something else. When we get home it is between 6 and 7, and then it is time to get ready for tomorrow's race. I put the bikes up on the bike rack and give them a through run through. Make sure the chain is lubed, tire pressure correct an everything is functioning like it should. Then I put the bikes on the back of the car. I get race clothes ready, because at 6:30 in the morning I do not want to have to look around for the right things to wear. I also make sure we have everything in the car we need, helmets, change of clothes, gloves, extra clothing for after the race and extra clothing for weather changes. After that I get food ready for tomorrow, and all liquids ready so everything is very cold when I am racing. Finally I make dinner, eat put the youngest to bed rest and then go to bed, which is what I am going to do right now. Whew.....sometimes this can be exhausting.

Soldier Hollow Pre-ride

I went to ride the trail I will be racing Saturday yesterday. My plan was to ride it twice, once by myself and then once with a group. I did it once, and was not sure I could do it again....whew, it tuckered me out. I got back to my car and I was not sure I would be able to go again. Luckily I was able to rest for about 45 minutes, so I was ready to go when the rest of the group showed up. It sure was a lot of fun to go with a group. I like riding with a group, because it makes it fun and adds to the joy of riding. Yet I also like riding by myself, because I can do the trail how I want and not feel like I am holding anyone back. The trail is not too challenging technically, but cardio wise it is a kick. You go up a hill and then down a hill, and then back up and up and up. I am definitely going to have to figure out how to pace myself for the race. I am going again tomorrow and hopefully it will give me a better idea of how to ride the trail.

A funny thing did happen to me yesterday. I changed out my tires to tubless and sure enough while I was on the trail I accidently rode over a cactus! I probably with a tubed tire would have gotten a flat, but as luck would have it I did not and was able to continue on! Now is the big question. Do I dare not take a tube during the race....I guess I will have to think on that.

Not the best picture, but for some reason my camera was acting up. Oh well, hopefully at

the race I will have better.

Sherwood Mud Fest

This was my 4th Icup race. We arrived at 8 am to a soggy, but not sloshy ground. While we were getting ready there was a rumor the race would be delayed an hour, but as rumors go it was only a rumor and we started on time. This race was a 4.9 mile loop, so they started all of the divisions separately. Our race started at 9 am. As usual they started the men first and the women went last. Since there was only a few women in beginner and a few in 35+ we optioned to start all together. Being at the back of the pack we ended up going through a chewed up and very muddy trail. Some of it was impossible to get through, because it was so slippery. I didn't get a chance to ride the trail before, so in addition to a muddy trail I rode blind. I had a blast. It was the hardest 4.9 miles I have ridden. Mud bogged down my bike, but I kept going, I was determined not to stop. At the first of the race 3 of us broke out front. It was Dot, Tasha and me. There may have been a beginner woman with us, but I am not sure. The very first had a single track that turned through a snow packed trail and went up a hill. I took this with good momentum and was able to get right up the hill, where I saw others have to get off and climb. We were on single track for a short time and then on to double track. I saw Dot and Tasha on the double track, and was able to catch Tasha as we headed in to the trees and more single track. Dot was in the trees quickly and that was the last time I saw her. Tasha and I went back and forth for a little bit, but then we hit a long section of downhill singletrack and I let her pass me. I saw her in front of me the whole time, but never did catch her. I tried on a few the straight aways, but she was too far ahead, and I couldn't get her. I came in 3rd at this race with a time of 1:02. That's a long time for 4.9 miles, unless you consider all of the mud and the bogged down track. Even though it was hard it was fun, and if I was given a choice I would do it all over again.

Mandy's race went great. She took first out of all the 9 and under girls and she took 3rd overall in the 9 and under division. She got very muddy, and had mud bogged down on her bike. It looked like she had a lot of fun.

Step Up and Help

Normally I would write about my game and how things went, but this is much more important than a game. It has given me a great appreciation for my family and what a wonderful life I have, and how lucky I really am. Recently I have been reading the blog Fat Cyclist I have read this blog off and on since I started mountain biking and cycling in October. He and his family have face several challenges. The most recent is heartbraking, and sad, and yet I feel it needs to be shared. After reading below the comment from one of his readers, please go through and read the fat cyclist blog. Get acquainted with his life and start a new appreciation for your own.

Dear Readers of Fatcyclist.com,

This last week has been truly tragic learning of the down turn of Suzan’s illness. As I read these comments left by all you good people, the over all theme is the same. “What can we do for Elden, Susan and their kids?” I decided it was time to stop wondering and time to start doing. I set up a bank account in Elden’s name at a local bank here in Utah. It is linked to pay pal. The pay pal account is winsusannelson@gmail.com . If you don’t have a pay pal account you can also donate by going to my business’s website http://www.kennysphoto.com/ and clicking on the link in the middle of the page, where you can donate with the credit card of your choice. Please know that all funds collected will go directly to this bank account and after a two month period will be given to Elden, Susan and Family. Elden is unaware of this account, until now, of course. I’m not sure how he will react to this comment, but if he removes it, I’m going to continue to put it back on his blog and I invite you as fatcyclist readers to also put this on your own respective blogs. I truly believe that we bless our own lives, when we help others, so I hope that Elden will allow us to help him through this very trying time in his life. He truly has touched each one of us, through his writing and his friendship.
Respectfully yours,
Kenny

I know I haven't shared my blog, but in this case I am sharing and hoping you will pass this on and share with others.

We Won!

Last night was a big coed softball game for me. Both teams were undefeated, and both of us had beaten the teams that historically have been the most challenging. We new it would be close, but it ended up going right down to the last inning. We were the home team with last ups the score was 7 - 8, so we needed to score 2 points to win. I was the fourth batter up and I thought I might need to change something up when I got up. My past 2 times I had hit right one strong near the line and the other mid. I was sure the team knew I would do the same thing, so I thought about changing to the left or center. However as one team mate said why change something that works, so I agreed and decided to stay right. I got up and the perfect pitch came and I swung. Much to my surprise it did not sail out to right field. Instead it dribbled down the first base line. At that moment fear and shock goes through you and you know you need to run like you have never run before. I did and made it to first. How lucky was I.....whew! Oh, and the kicker, I have pulled muscle on the inside of my quad and running fast hurts like nobodies business. Oh well, I made it and had a runner take my place. After I got on we only had 2 more up to bat, and we ended up winning the game by 1 point. The team was a fun, good team to play, and I can't wait to play them in tournament....I'm sure it will be a close game then too.

Two Knee Caps

Went on a light ride today. Thought I would do the Provo Race Course. It is fairly easy with rolling hills and some down hill. It is a loop you can do a few times and not get tired out. At the entrance to the trail you drop down hill camber to the left and then go up the hill. The hill down has one section that is all rock and is unsteady. As you come along on the camber/turn it is gravely and loose. Today I made a huge mistake and decide to break and go slow. When I braked I skidded out lost my balance and ended up off my bike. On the way down my knee hit a nice size rock and created a huge bump on my knee, which now looks like a second knee cap. Needless to say it hurt enough that I sat on the trail for a minute. I then got up and had to walk up the hill. Eventually as I rode I forgot about the knee and had fun. I noticed I am going slower on my down hills. I think this is due to my crash at the race. Hopefully soon I will start to feel more comfortable going faster.

5 Mile Pass Race

Today was the 3rd Icup race. It was an 11 mile race that took place about 29 miles west of Lehi, Ut. The race course was mostly double track, with a lot of hills with rocks and churned up sand. It had a fun wash, and of course you had lots of opportunity to pass.

Mandy started her race with the 9 and under at 9 am. She did awesome! The funniest part of the race is when she reached the end at the spaghetti bowl. The hill was somewhat steep going up and down. Instead of riding down, she decided to walk her bike down. However, it was steep and slippery, so she let go of her bike and let it go down without her. I guess if you need to get down that is one way to go. Then she went to the finish line. She would have had 1st place, but a 10 year old girl was allowed to race in the 9 and under. She is doing great and having a lot of fun. I hope she keeps having fun.

Mandy racing towards the finish line.

My race went well. I raced in the 35+ division. I was nervous, more so than the previous race. I warmed up until about 5 minutes before my race started. This was good because my legs stayed warm, and it was not so good because I was at the back of the pack. But it ended up not mattering much, because I got a good start, and pulled up to the front at the very first. The first part goes up a gradual hill, and then does a quick downhill drop with a turn and then back up hill. By the time we got to the downhill it was me and one other racer (Dot from Mad Dog). When we it the downhill I used this to pull ahead, and it worked. Then for a little bit I was in the front. This lasted for a little bit, until I was passed by 2 other riders. I know one was Tasha, but I don't know who the other rider was. We stayed together for a while, until about the 2nd hill climb. I struggled and had to walk this got Dot to pass me, and the others to pull a little bit more away. On the next hill Jolene from utahmountainbiking.com passed we. We were close together until the yellow page hill (hike a bike hill)--that was the last time I saw her. Right after the hike a bike is a single track. Every time I have pre-ridden the single track I had to walk parts of it. Today, I conquered the whole thing. The next part was down hill for a short moment, then a gradual uphill. After a minute I increased my cadence and started to pass people. Then I hit the fun part he downhill and the wash. I love the wash it is fast with some great berms. This time I went a little to fast and ended up crashing in the wash. I was okay, but I slowed probably a little slower than I should have. I was passed by 2 more women in my division. Eventually I made it to the end and in good time. My time was 1:36, not sure of the exact race time yet, but when it comes out I wil update. The cool part was I took 7th (which I am happy about), and I got a prize, because 7 was the lucky number for winning a prize.










At the starting line.














Taking off from the finish line.

I really enjoyed this race, and can't wait for the next one next week.