Frank Mapel - Bicycle Racing, Durango, Colorado

Tuesday May 16th, 2006
You would think that I haven't had anything to report about but untrue, untrue. However, now I have some HUGE news. IT'S A GIRL and I'm not talking about me. Tiff gave birth to a bouncing baby girl on May 11th at about 8pm. Talk about loving punishment I have never slept so little and been happy about it. Who knew? For all those in the cycling crowd I have been out of shape forever and don't see any great combacks in time for an Iron Horse with no Mt. bike race. Maybe the crit just to ride around town with some old friends. Silverton is looking very far away right now. I hope everyone is well. I need to sign off so that I can get a 1/2hr. of sleep. Ha!!!! Thanks for stopping in.

Moday October 10, 2005
First I would like to send out a huge THANKS to all of you that have purchased a card from my new card collection. Just a way to share the photo’s of my travels during my racing. Also, if you are visiting this site due to the info on the back welcome and sorry that it’s not a full gallery of my photos. Maybe someday…….
What has happened……oh so much. I guess first was Cat and Matt Paco’s wedding. It was a blast with the sweet live tunes of Hazel who was amazing. Thanks for having us it was treat to get back with the hooligans of Boulder for a fun weekend. I have to travel 6 hours to run into Melissa and Wherry who live about 3 blocks from my house. Go figure.
Sorry to sum it up but it’s been awhile. So in short I’ll just say, “ Shep you suck!!!”
On to brighter events. The cross season is here and I have had a knee that won’t let me run past the first block and just the past week battled the flu to no end. I wasted 3 gorgeous days going from my bed to the couch determined not to watch daytime TV. Ugh!!! It hurt so bad I wasn’t sleeping but just couldn’t open my eyes because my head hurt so bad. The best side of it was once you start feeling better it is like heaven. You just don’t know how nice it is to just go outside and not hurt all over if you haven’t been able to for the last few days. The equivalent would be to run a marathon on your hands then go out all night drinking the next day would come close to the feeling. Ugh!
I have to express my deepest apologies to the Rocky Mt. Chocolate Factory for not getting the logo up but for some reason it is beyond the web crew. Again sorry. The cross crew is up and running on new rigs. They are very sweet with the best fork on the market. I opted for the 8 year old rig that I have because I just couldn’t convince my lovely wife that I needed to shell out more cash for another bike to store somewhere in our house. Oh woe…. The problem there is if you do just as well if not better on old equipment……
I think the following weekend was the Palisade Wine Festival. Met Wienk and Jamie at their new digs in Ridgeway and it is what all houses should aspire to be. It is completely off the grid mostly under passive and active solar design with a propane tank the size of Kansas for a gloomy year. They have never filled the tank so you could say caution is thrown to the wind and the sun always shines on the Dallas Divide in Ridgeway. The wine fest was amazing. We sampled a ton of great Colorado wines and Jamie with her restaurant experience new all the different kinds of wines and what to look for which made it all the more interesting. Needless to say we got our swerve on and topped it off with a night out with the infamous Clint Kinney. He is the self-proclaimed reason that I turned pro about 5 years later than he thinks that I should have. Ha! Not true but he continues to hurt me in ways I can’t imagine on nights out. I guess I ended up with the last laugh as he fell off a ladder at 3am trying to spray a wasp’s nest. Covered in toxic chemicals we all stumbled into bed…..Maybe that’s why I felt so ill?? Thanks to Clint and his gracious family for the hospitality.
Then Tiff ran off to Powell for the Shad rally, don’t ask. I decided to take a weekend off and just hang out at the house and around town. It was great. Still managed to work constantly on the porch that I ripped off the house a while back. I did get quite a bit done and that in itself was very relaxing. Ironic don’t you think. T and Whit were up scouting the Tour de Durango territory. We hung out then topped the weekend off with an outstanding ride. I guess it’s just run of the mill but I haven’t been on the Mt. bike in so long I about cried I was having so much fun. Ok, I admit it I absolutely love the crazy sport.
Oh crap I forgot to include the Mt. bike trip to Idaho. It was everything life should be. Ride all day on amazing trails then camp, hang out with great company, and get just looped enough at night by the campfire that you are OK to go out and do it all again. Oh man it was fun with several hot springs and everything. Sorry I didn’t get to hook up with Daryl Price and Chopper but it was more casual riding than I think they would have been into.
Then that evening went up to Electra and caught a sweet 19” Cut bow trout that we just had for dinner tonight. Mmmmm it was good and a blast to catch.
Finally this weekend went to JHK’s wedding. It was again a blast. A quick trip but Heather’s antics made it all worthwhile. I received endless grief for not dancing to every song but I had a ton of catching up to do with peeps I don’t get to see that often. Just remember Heather it’s your wedding and you can do whatever you want. Ha!!
Not that it exists but if the Tour de Dewey was to happen as a red headed step cousin in Durango it would be the weekend of Nov. the 4th 5th and 6th. Schedule would be something like ride a bit on Fri evening the end up at Shrivers annual bash to only go out huge. Wake up and ride all day Saturday then maybe barbecue that evening completely exhausted and turn in around 8pm. Next ride as much as possible on Sunday before everyone has to leave then maybe ride just a bit more for the gipper. I’m not a scheduling kind of guy so just show up and I’ll bet we have a great time.
For those in town the D-town Derby reincarnation is this wed. at the test tracks. The theme is your fav. Animal and time is 3pm or whenever you can show up. Dress to lose and you too could be a winner.
Thanks for stopping in. For those of you that have just made it to the end of this expecting a photo page I’m sorry but please keep buying the cards and maybe it will get there.

Monday August 1, 2005
Floater. I have had a phobia of all things electronic, fuel powered, cell oriented, and social for the last week. We slowly dragged our bodies off the Grand Canyon after a 12 day float trip to the hustle and bustle of “civilization.” After sleeping under the stars with every rodent and bug possible, sharing the comforts of a paco pad, living completely and comfortably out of a 2’x 2’ bag, our closet began to look a tad over stuffed at home. Of course the burlap bags that carried the spirits were wedged to capacity but all in the name of running rivers. A small entity floating down fairly self sufficient.
The trip was an absolute blast and if you ever have the opportunity to go down the “Big Ditch” drop everything and take it. You will never regret it, unless of course you don’t come out alive but heck, even then you died trying. The rapids are by far the largest white water I have ever seen, the scenery beyond breathtaking, and the hikes span distances and heat that require a humble approach. Group dynamics are paramount and with luck and flexibility our group clicked like a never ending comedy routine.
Back in D-town massaging the liver back to health and falling asleep as soon as the sun goes down I have had a very smooth transition. The crew is between jobs right now so it is pick up jobs and catch up on everything else. So much so that I had Friday off. I guess I could have driven myself crazy with the amount of time away from work and then a day off scrambling for anything to keep myself busy and even more important some income flowing. However, Wells called and I just couldn’t resist a beautiful ride up Kennebec Pass hooking into the Colorado Trail. Sager is still complaining about altitude even though he has lived in Durango longer than most self proclaimed locals. Snyder and I weren’t trying to kid anyone and shuttled to the dirt. I was still apprehensive about floating and sipping beers for two weeks straight to a solid climbing ride of 4 hours all over 9,000ft. Wells and Sammy Hagar…..I mean Jason Sager had softened up enough riding up the highway that the ride was a total blast. I haven’t been on the Mt. bike much this year (about 7 times) so the skills were a bit sketchy. Thanks to the crew they waited patiently as I picked my way down the slide rock trail. I figured they would rather wait a few minutes than scrape my carcass out of the ravine for hours. It was a great ride, thanks guys. Maybe next time Hagar….I mean Sager will bring more than 2 bottles for a 5 hour ride. I guess little Texans melt just as fast in the heat as sweet chocolate. I think he has been hanging out with Wells too much because somehow it was my fault for his dried banana peel look. He made it through without having to dive into any giardia infested waters, which is more than I can say for some.
The Goddards are back from their travels and are squatting in the Daniels’s house. They had a crew out for dinner and the tequila and PBR flowed almost as fast as the stories. Nothing like a slumber party with a bunch of 30 somethings. Speaking of, I managed to grow a year older in one day last week. We had a small barbecue and everyone was still grappling with the shock of the “real” world after the river trip. Needless to say I never made it out for a big shin dig just a bunch of small early nights. I guess I am ready to be a Masters racer. Ha!!
To top things off, on Sunday rode Little Molas to Cascade. This trail never fails to amaze me. The flowers are almost gaudy they are so lush right now. It’s like a carpet of color covering the high alpine right now. Went with Pop, Bob Rule, Cathy Craig, and Otto. The crew was a blast and as the scrawny racers of Wells, Adam S., Adam C., Sammy Hagar….I mean Jason Sager, passed they let out some high pitched racer humor that I just don’t understand anymore. In any case everyone was having a great time in unbeatable weather and fantastic terrain.
Thanks for stopping in and get out and enjoy the summer while it’s still here.

Monday July 11, 2005
Weekend Warriors. Just as I’m getting back in the swing of things I’m not going to be able to report for a couple of weeks but I guess that’s how it goes sometimes. First things first I have to say congratulations to all the Americans at the World Cup in Angel Fire. It was so refreshing to see a stacked list of Americans on the results page. Maybe all World Cups should be at altitudes no less than 6,000 vt. ft. Excellent job to Shonny with the top spot for the women in 4th!!!! Then an outstanding performance by Heather Irmirger for a 11th and Jenny Smith with 13th. Of course I’m always partial to Wretchen Gretchen and Emmit Placing 16 and 17 respectively. Excellent job gals!!! Then for the X chromosome crowd JHK worked it for a podium in 5th place. Michael Broderick is going faster and faster after chasing Mary around these days and was 13th. Then the rumble in the Jungle Jay Henry crushed it for 15th. He must have flatted 5 times with a broken chain because at that altitude with that much climbing I’m sure he would have won otherwise. The fossil Ned was 18th beat by the pup Sam for 17th then the top American in the World Cup Adam Craig landed a 16th which is not bad for the mud riding sea level cat. To everyone congratulations!!!
On with the story I guess. Met Tiff and crew at lake Powell (this is weeks ago) after getting in the car right after the crit in Reno driving straight to Ely Nevada. Pulled into a truck stop to catch some shut eye 3 hours later wearing everything that I had brought pulled on because of the drastic Temp drop in the desert and off again to make it to Powell. The drive was about 3 hours longer than I had planned because of the small roads I ended up on for the short cut through the desert. Yikes!!! Made it with some grouchy faces greeting me because the trip had been postponed by 3 hours, which were very irrelevant when it all came down to it. Not much action past this point. Fishing, some barley pop sampling, and a hike with Dave for Powell magazine. Other than that it was a ton of sitting around. Relaxing but maybe a bit too much. It was fun as always seeing Tiff in her element then back to the nail pounding, drywall, ripping, fun of remodeling for other at home. Ahhhh.
About 100 barley pops and a week of sunshine for training with one Hermosa Creek ride and a ridge thrown in for good measure and sure I was ready for the group Team Time Trial Ride. Ha!!! As Sager put it so eloquently on his blog I melted like fine chocolate in the summer sun on hot tarmac. I still had a great work out and got to see testosterone flooding out the ears of everyone. So opener aside I was supposedly ready for this weekends race in Los Alamos.
The trip down with everyone was beautiful. That part of New Mexico is stunning. It is a blast racing with a road team. We talked about all of the scenarios and after the team TT we were very aware of everyone’s fitness and how they could contribute. After marking every attack the team was riding stellar. Finally Mitch was off with a good group and it was up to us to make sure this was the break that stayed. We set tempo or lack there of for most of the day and tried to keep Grant out of the wind in case it all came back. Worked like a charm except that I cramped to high heaven on the last lap and had to pull the plug. Funny thing about road racing was I had also done about all I could to help out so for me it was over. Mitch battled in for second in a sprint finish and Grant pulled in with a shattered pack for about 13th. It was a great race and a blast to work the strategy side of things. Good job guys.
I have to say it has been a treat making it to these races where I have run across some close friends. Alex Candy is riding faster than ever, Teaton is crushing it for the Vit. Cottage, Chucky Cole is riding better than ever, Bag of Doughnuts is turning out to be a stage favorite this year, it’s just good to see everyone out loving racing their bikes.
Wienk should work for a motorcycle company because after he had ridden every trail from Rico to Durango and every pass possible I’m itching to get one. More just to scope out the great Mt. bike rides. Thanks for the great 4th of July. As always if you are in Durango you have to stop by Serious Texas BBQ, Bread, Joe’s Coffee, Steamworks, RGP’s (of course), Zia taqueria, and buy a big 10-gallon hat and some Carharts at Hogan’s. As for me I’m heading to the bottom of a big ditch for a couple of weeks. A trip of a lifetime to float the Grand Canyon. I’ll miss the tour coverage and checking up on all my favorite yahoos but what can you do. Thanks Joey GO GO for sticking in there and waiting for the page to revive itself.
Thanks for stopping in…..

Wednesday July 6, 2005
Huge Glitch! Ahh yes you know it’s a sad day when your e-mail hasn’t been working for the last two weeks and you don’t realize it. I just thought it was a slow spell. Turns out the site and everything shut down for a bit. Hopefully it’s all back up and running better than ever.
I guess I have some serious catching up to do. The quick and dirty is that Meredith and I went to Cali for my first tour. Not Tour as in race but tour in the sense of actually touring around some new roads for over 100 miles. I figured I would do no base all year then do the tour and see how it felt. Actually it was a blast. I now think it should be mandatory for all Pro-teams to participate in some kind of tour. The riders are the biggest fans with everything from the new nutrition programs to the top end gear. You actually get to ride and eat all day. Does cycling get any better than that??? Thanks to Bill O’Brien and his gracious family for the place to stay after the ride. He and his buddy crushed the miles and then waited on the top in the freezing cold for Mer. and I to arrive. I’ll have to admit it was a ton of climbing. However, because it was an out and back also meant that it was a huge descent and into the fog no less. It was a complete blast!!!! 1 million miles to drive to ride 100 miles the trip was complete and I was officially off the couch. Next Iron horse.
The Iron Horse was a blast. For the first time ever in my racing career whenever it started to really hurt I just let off. What a concept. I didn’t exactly turn any heads as far as placing but still had a great time and loved riding with the new Rocky Mt. Chocolate Factory / Zukes team. The guys did great and had their first taste of racing as a group rather than individuals. Mitch and guest rider Overend were awesome and raced well together. Then the next day Schriver made the break and pulled out a third. Podiums to back up the great coverage that local paper had given. I even managed a prime even though Hagaman says that he got it. I was hoping to lead out a teammate but looked back to see Brian Smith right on my wheel so I just tried to go as hard as I could and hold everyone off. Hagaman came up the inside and I was having flashbacks of Decker beating me for my chance at a top podium in a National. Determined not to relive the nightmare I lunged my bike then legs locked. I was pretty sure the bike toss gave me the win and I had cashed every chip I had to get it so I just rolled around till I was lapped. Turned out the bike throw was enough. What an effort for just a prime. At least I was able to contribute a little to the team Kitty. Next day I was relegated to feed boy for all my hooligan buddies racing the Mt. bike. T won the event looking stronger than ever. Excellent job T!!
Just not so recently the RMCF team took a trip out West to Reno. It was a blast to go to a race again. Everyone was excited and Nunez drove us all crazy earning the nickname Tweaker. The team in a very short time really started to gel. I am very optimistic that this team will go far with all of the talent that it has and access too as a local Durango team. The TT was probably the only place I would have any kind of shot at anything. Turns out I just don’t have the recovery needed for a long prologue short TT. Everyone raced well and Grant even managed a good place with his brakes on the whole time. Ha! That afternoon we raced a crit and I was almost out in the first 3 min. It had been awhile since I had raced a crit and the tight corners were killing me as far as positioning. Finally I pulled my head out and started to move up comfortably. I couldn’t believe these guys though. We’d be racing hard and they would just give up and drop out. Ugh!!! That meant a gap had to be bridged every time. It was my fault for being that far back in the first place but to just give up was crazy. Finally near the end I looked up and a gap opened and everyone in front of me just sat up. I tried like a dog to get back on but it was 5 laps to go so the group was gone. Oh well it was still fun. The next day was the road race, which was keeping me up at nights from the time I decided to do this race. I flat out wasn’t prepared for the miles and intensity. It turned out to be a group race luckily so I could just move within the pack and the rest of the team road very smart all but Tweaker who just happened to be our highest in the GC. Ugh! He managed to throttle himself and still make the main group till the last climb and I couldn’t have been more proud of the crew to see them all finish. I shelled myself trying to get Mike up to the Front group after he and small group fell off the pace on the second to last climb. They made it and I was done. Finally the Crit in downtown Reno and the position blunder of the prior crit got the best of me. The race started I went straight to the back. Tried to bridge gaps as guys were quitting on the 2nd lap of the race????? Finally as Dave announced over the PA system……”The elastic has broken, right there folks you just witnessed the crushing reality that the pack is gone.” Bound and determined to prove him wrong I struggled to get back on for a couple of laps and just as it seemed that they were all settling in for the race a prime was thrown out and I went from 10 seconds down to 30 in 1 lap. It was Over. The race was a blast and the crew did very well for their first NRC race. Congratulations guys!!!
Then off to Powell to see Tiff. To be cont………
Thanks for stopping in.

Thursday April 28, 2005
SnoooooooP! So much has happened and so little time writing about it. First off found out I am not a carnie operator. Went up to Vail to have a good weekend with some buddies and I would have been better off with a ball peen hammer to the teeth. To start things out I was on “call” with Sut to go work the weekend up in Vail for the Snoop Dogg concert as well as the pond skimming. The day before we are supposed to be there we get the call to show up but nothing is certain. Ha! I had given up on the weekend so had arranged to work the cycling races here in town but with the call from Vail canceled all events and headed out with Colin. Sleeping on the floor of some hotel room we rose for the morning to see if they could use some help. I have no idea what these Yahoos were thinking but Colin and I worked our asses off the entire day so I’m not sure what they had planned had we not driven up. A sign I should have heeded. In any case the day ends and it’s over to the concert venue to help with set up and tear down for part 2 of the day/night combo. Day ends around 12:00am, which is a bit earlier than expected so all is well. Out for a few drinks with the crew to notice no one brings their wallet to the bars????? Still avoiding all signs we get some shut eye for about 4 hours then get up to do it all again. The pond skimming was a blast and from what I could tell went off without a hitch. Crazy people everywhere and having a great time in one of the most beautiful days possible the rocky Mtns can dish out in spring. Ahhhhhh… Lunch rolls around and the big spenders that we are working for hand out slices of Velveeta with mustard and Oreo cookies. Ha! Taking lunch in stride we managed to pilfer a sandwich from the VIP tent to get us by. Ok, so I’m starting to feel a bit slimy but this was just round one and Vail’s largest concert ever was round two so I needed some fuel. Snap! The Pond Skimming ends and it’s straight over to the mayhem of the concert. I guess somewhere along the lines I forgot that I don’t even like big concerts. Throngs of people everywhere and half without tickets. The show was so close to the freeway that you could watch from I-70 and think you had backstage passes. The snow fencing that we had laughingly put up the night before was all that stood between about 4,000 unpaid fans and 10,000 paid. After walking up and down the fencing keeping Snoop fans out, Sut and I switched to delivering ice to the beer tents. Everything was a joke. We scamper through the crowd with trash bags of ice or dollies full moving through a jam-packed crowd. It was fun let me tell ya. Then it happened….1 then 2 then the entire unpaid section rushed the venue. The burley snow fencing collapsed and there I was standing with an events jacket and a dollie. All of a sudden the tight security of metal detectors, and pat downs was now a free bring what ya brought concert. Not giving up we were sent to guard the beer tents, as the Security team brought in from Denver I guess didn’t have the manpower??? At around 11:00pm Sut looked at me and asked if I had dinner. No wonder I was cracking. My metabolism going through the roof and the tank was on E. Another lovely short cut from the promoters. Looking for Wienk who had been trampled by the free admission decision I see the promoter walking around the car park and on the radio barking orders saying they are everywhere, however the car park is about ½ mile from the venue??? Also, that everyone they hired from Denver had split. So either everyone was jumping ship, or from all indications so far they hadn’t hired anyone in the first place. Sut handed me a Coors for dinner and we watched the rest of the concert waiting for tear down. Show over mass exodus of people and help, we start tearing down banners. Well lubed by this time, we analyze the situation. Next thing I know, Wienk hands me a trash bag while I’m talking to, of all people the infamous Brian Pickett who is at the Otter. Chatting away Wienk and I head out to pick up trash. Pile after pile and one wallet next thing I know we are a mile from the venue. It was too tempting…. I have never walked off a job before but this was a joke. We started at 8 am no food all day barring the cheese slices and it was 12:45am. We dumped our trash out in a dumpster and hit the bars. All 1 hour of it. Returned the wallet, which was about the only redeeming event all night. Oh and meeting Snack’s, Snoops road manager. He was a crack up. Too late too little the promoters had McDonalds the next morning to help inspire clean up. Sut and I were not even planned for 2 days much less 3 so Sun we were set on going home anyway and after the night capped by sleeping in Dale’s truck bed we cut our losses and headed out. It was good because I now have a true admiration of how well Frost runs his events and even though it’s hard work, he treats his crew well. As for Vail they were very lucky and should count their money and run because they just aren’t up to events like this or any that require help. In any case went up to have a good weekend with the crew and ended up being used to the inth degree everyone going home pissed off. Nice!
It’s been awhile because I thought maybe I would just brush it off but I guess it was just wrong. Wrong going up, wrong walking off, wrong staying as long as I did, wrong not working harder, wrong giving it the effort I did, wrong missing the collegiate races, wrong, wrong, wrong. At least the dirt is starting to shine and time to get out on the Mt. bike. Thanks Wienk for having the guts to drag me off!!!!!
Thanks for stopping in-- ahh the adventures just keep on coming…..

Sunday April 3, 2005
“What a day!” Quoting Jerry Weiss. However this time it wasn’t for fresh powder or finely groomed runs it was about sunshine and fun on the bike. Tiff had an article to write for “Powell Magazine” so we packed up the family truckster and headed southwest. It was a great camping trip with magazine owner Dave and Powell fanatic and part of the friends of Lake Powell Paul. We toured Cathedral Canyon, and Anasazi canyon. Had some amazing hikes to look at arches and take advantage of viewing new parts allowed by the low water level. To add charm to it all the night was crystal clear with stars abound and not a sole on the lake but us. Other than the 6am wake up call of bass boats screaming down lake in search of the lost lunker the main channel was dead calm and pure bliss to boat around on. Dave has a spectacular new Sea Ray boat that was just perfect for the day. Thanks Dave. Back in town it was up to Electra to spend the night with the folks and pick up the pooch under yet another breathless starry night. Ahhhhh……..
Sunday came all too quickly but it was far from over. I haven’t been this excited to race in a long time. Today was the second race of a series of four criteriums that the Wheel Club is putting on at the Tech Center. It was a blast and good to have a fun fast crit right in our own back yard for once. Leaving a stench trail of whiskey, burgers, and general winter debauchery in my wake I managed to finish which was more than I had expected. Bowman had a great ride crushing the general group but doing it in typical low-key Bowman fashion only to look for more miles after the race. I was done as I had already quadrupled my training for the entire winter in just one measly hour. It was a beautiful day and a great one to get out on the bike.
Then I had the pleasure to bond with the Rocky Mountain Chocolate team watching the tour of Flanders. Great race!!!! Jazzed about the cycling day I checked the Internet only to find that Wherry was having a great Redlands and I hope he takes the victory. I guess Durango has suited the Boulder boy rather well judging from his fast form. Also, on the list was Guptizzeee, Anthony, and looks like the Mt. bike crew is holding it’s own in one of the largest road venues in the states. Liam is right in there with Trent Lowe showing all kinds of style and grace backed by sick climbing legs for the hunt in the overall. Looks like a great race and I can’t wait to see who comes out on top.
Mer. had a classic day riding the passes. She flats and of course didn’t have all the tools to fix it. So up near Mill Creek on Coal Bank pass she is trying to figure out what to do. Along comes the legend Jimmy Deaton to help out. Turns out he was out riding the passes with the other legend Kenny Win (a.k.a. Joels guru) and rising star Chauntel. They at least got her back to Needles where she could catch a ride. Thanks guys!!
I was supposed to finish the taxes today but with such nice weather it was so hard to stay in-doors. With Cinder begging to get out in the sunshine Tiff and I walked her to the park where Chad Cheney and the crew were all playing bike Polo. It looked like a blast and I guess they show up every Sunday and Wednesday in the afternoon. Ian was even out there after crushing the B’s Crit race earlier in the day. Tough Kid!!
Then to add the topping on the cake Pop took the fam out to dinner at Ariano’s. It was sooooooo good I can’t even begin to put it in words. Fat, happy, and with my wine reserves tapped it’s back to the casa after a beautiful day. I hope you all had a great day as well. Thanks for stopping in.

Wednesday March 30, 2005
That's right folks you send me an e-mail it's fair game. Maybe that's why I never get e-mails??? Ha! The classic Rowney Report as follows:

although the joys of those post race glory reports are over, here's a condensed update of recent doings..
go back to mt snow.. last year sometime.. win,retire.. drink,eat and get fat.
my new years day resolution, was to get reasonably healthy again. weighing in at 85kg (187pds) the aim was to get fit, not so fast and have some fun. being the all or nothing person i have become, it wasn't long before things were turning over.. the legs were coming back, i had managed a stage win at the wildside mtb race and i was running strong after only 4 weeks or so.. then the aim became the australian national champs.. 3 times is nice, #4 at my age would be well pucker...
things in this life are never easy, never given and i was to find out that the final week leading into nationals, (which was a the weekend before easter).. i somehow picked up the flu, which rolled into a middle ear infection.. something i had never experienced before and hope to never again.. a week of antibiotics and lack of appetite i went into nationals with a "whatever goes attitude..the benefit of my 10 week comeback, was the new shape.. i had wittled down to 75kg (165pds) so i could be the new face of jenny craig if i was a little prettier...
come race day, i was nervous, something i don't miss about racing, chris jongerward or j-blood as we call him was the hot favorite, and it showed as he blasted away at the start, i follwed in hot pursuit, the plan being to keep him in check and challenge maybe towards the end.. i could tell he went out hard and i was hoping this would pay of a little later. start of the second lap of my well concieved comeback went amiss.. tick,tick bomm.. i broke my chain.
ahh f*%$.. calmy fixed it and was well back into the field.. got going and was pinning it as you do and rolled my tyre in a v-ditch.. had to stop and put air into with my gas canister.. a little too much and the tyre was way too hard so i end up flatting on the next rocky decent..
ahh F*%$.. with only so much air and patience left i rode around until i could ride no more.
the morale of the story folks.. comebacks are well overated.
j-blood ended up keeping his favorite tag, my yeti team mate / wingman and 3rd best friend
perren delacour was a bee's dick away from the bronze medal and crashed it in a 3 way fight to the line on the last corner.. somewhat typical of our day as a team.
anyway.. a big night was had by all, i even purchased a special tracksuit for the occasion, a couple of days later i officially became an old barstard by winning the australian masters road title and i swear i was only there for the beer..
as for this year... i have taken on the roll of the yeti factory team manager, it is a 10 week period starting in june.. so look out. as for cameo apparences at norba races, i'll keep you guessing on that one..
cheers rowney.....

p.s team yeti australia would like to thank.. YETI USA, FOX RACING SHOX, HAYES DISC BRAKES, GU ENERGY, PEARL IZUMI APPAREL, HUTCHINSON TYRES, TRUVATIV CRANKS, SRAM SHIFTING/DRIVE CHAIN, AMOEBA COMPONENTS, WELDTITE LUBRICATION, NITERIDER LIGHTING SYSTEMS, SMITH EYEWEAR, GIRO HELMETS, CAMELBACK HYDRATION.

Tuesday March 22, 2005
Sitting out another. I have to say it’s a bit strange to look up every weekend in March no less for results to the Norba’s. I’m bummed to be missing the crew but also have noticed that the same guys are crushing it yet again.
Looks like the new and improved Specialized crew is doing great so far. Every time you look at the top 5 results one or both of Liam and Sid are in there giving everybody fits. Excellent job guys and good luck with the rest of the year!! As for the leader board it is the same scenario, Kabush racing the likes of JHK, Wells, Trent, Liam, Sid, Adam and if he starts to keep things together Trebron as well. The rest are where I always was just behind, close but not in the chips. Look for some breakout performances but most of all check the top 20’s to 6th place. These guys and gals have all committed everything to the sport and this is where you will see the action. Every once and awhile one may crack the top 5 spot but for the most part you can see progression and digression within this range just off the news radar. These are the folks that are traveling to the races in the vans, with buddies, or on teams but just off the payroll. It’s a great group of people the likes you can’t find anywhere else. Sometimes, like Bishop one will claw, grapple, cut, bite and finally make it on a factory team. To those that make it congratulations but for the rest, you really give the sport it’s color and character and make the events more than just a bike race. Thanks!
As for me St. Patrick, with the help of Rachel, Deb, and Jeff, left his mark on my forehead with a big green boot to the head. The only cure…….Backcountry sking. We all played hooky from work and hit the hills for the fast melting pow. The day was amazing with surprisingly great skiing. Even ran into an old College buddy Jesse Morehouse up on the ski up. Ha! What a small world. He seems great and it was good to catch up a bit.
Did you catch the article in Velo-News with Brandon and his Dopers Suck brand? Have you ever seen a nice scrawny guy trying to look tough??? Now I have too. Ha!!! Congrate’s on getting it in the mag B and have I mentioned that the coffee RULES!!! Speaking of, at the local brew shop here you can now buy Full Throttle at Joe’s Coffee house. So, if the standard Americano doesn’t quite get you going tap into one of those and look out. Word is that it goes well with Jager but I will never know as I can’t stand that sin juice.
Meg’s ice show was a huge success. The stands were full and her skating crew put on quite a performance. Meg herself even skated and is amazing!!! Her big performance and she didn’t even get sick. Maybe she should give Wells some tips. Ha!! Excellent job Meg.
Thanks for stopping in.

Wednesday March 9, 2005
Sad day. Just heard that singer songwriter Chris Ledoux died today from liver problems. He was amazing live in concert and was the real deal. He used to travel the rodeo circuit as a bronc rider and to help pay the bills, much like the shoe string budget offered to cyclists, he started singing whenever possible. I’m glad I had the opportunity to attend a live concert and will continue to listen to his songs in his memory. Thanks Chris….

Tuesday March 8, 2005
Finally! I held out long enough for Tiff and I to get invited to the infamous burger night. That’s why it’s been so long since the last update. Ha! Yea right. Am about to finish the second tin of Dopers Suck coffee. That stuff is soooo good. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Team is looking sweet no pun intended. If you get the chance ever again to vote for Senator Isgar please do as he has responded with interest to the growing problem of motorists and cyclists. I dearly missed the NORBA this weekend however to get the race bug out of the system I was spanked at the town downhill then again at the GS up at Purg. And also for the Dave Spencer Classic. Great benefit for the Adaptive sports program. The riding has been sweet and I haven’t done near enough of it lately as I’m still sold on the skiing right now. However, with the warming weather it’s time to get some miles under the belt. Wells was sick as usual for the opening race of the year. So sick in fact that he “only” finished 9th or something like that. Congratulations to Adam Craig for the outstanding win!!! Also, looks like Kabush and the same common criminals are killing it at the NORBA scene. Good job! Love to see Trent going so well. That Aussie barstard is one good egg and I hope he has a great year. Speaking of anyone here from that surly sucker Rowney?? I think other than downhill ski racing where you eat and drink more and thus descend faster I have found my new sport. Street riding and jump bikes!!! They are so sweet. I guess I have been converted by the Mag formerly known as 26. They discontinued 26 and replaced my subscription with the downhill rag Decline. At first I was bummed but now I’m back to that kid state where I read the articles then want to go out and jump things all over the neighborhood. Just talked to the Bear and the incestuous 1145 crew is having growing pains. Ha!! Meggy D is putting on an ice show soon and I’ll be the photographer for it. Should be a riot all the way around. Haven’t been back country lately but it seems as every run we skied this year ended up burying someone just weeks after so maybe it was time to quit while we were ahead. Big news!! Full throttle is out now a new energy product from Coca-Cola and it is GOOD! Also, you can now buy the PowerAde blue powder mix at Wal-Mart. Good luck to all the racers next weekend in Waco. I miss ya like a bad rash!! Ha! Thanks for stopping in.

Thursday February 3, 2005
Just received the new Velo News. I think that I may go out and buy a GT bike now. Probably one of the best most sincere adds congratulating Todd Wells on a tough, long, Great season. Excellent!!! Congratulations Todd!

Sunday January 30, 2005
The Fountain of Youth is who you know. Classic, tonight while a feeble attempt to become a computer geek trying desperately to clean up my files enough so that my machine will run I get a phone call. Long distance and we are talking long distance. Across the pond distance with a bunch of yahoos on the other end. The Bear, Trebron, and I can only guess the other members of the American squad whooping it up after what is now no longer a long season but just one big lifestyle of racing and racing only. That’s right baby I was drunk dialed, even if it was from a bunch of hoodlums, it still makes you feel loved. I can’t believe that those guys have been hitting the trenches of cycling warfare up until just yesterday. Ugh!!!! If you could just bottle that kind of desire and love you would make a million. After strolling down main Ave. for the Snowdown parade with half naked folks in temperatures that keep the skin tight the last thing I could imagine doing was racing with half naked Euro’s slathered in picante sauce in temperatures that make the skin turn black. As far as I’m concerned all of them deserve a huge congratulations!!!!! Knackered and bleary eyed they will all return home to the same story of, “So what do you really do?” Ha!
As for me I have been reveling in all of the opportunities that I once could not do when putting in the base miles. I have skied more in the past month than I did the last five years. I have already made one trip to T-ride with more surely to come. I had one of the best days of my life backcountry skiing with the guru’s of Durango up and over Red Mountain. A Mtn. I have always admired from afar but never plunged in and down for some fresh powder turns. Yes, the same Mtn. that with debris the size of condos has the notorious claim to fame of most avalanches in one stretch of highway in the US. I can’t thank Leo, Chris, and Pat enough for the amazing opportunity. It was also very comforting going with pro’s of the outdoor area here to help settle the butterflies. We dodged a day of work but it was so worthwhile I would have sold my left nut to do it again.
Then to keep the fun factor in the red with a night of celebration during the cruiser ride in the parade, followed by Spag dinner benefiting the ski team, and waking up early the next day to help with and race in the town downhill. Oh man how good is life!!!! At some upper 50 odd miles an hour everyone had a blast and I got whooped by all. Thanks to Seibert I have some long boards for next weekend and may have to strip naked to shed some seconds. I need all the help I can get at this point. However, I was plenty happy with the opportunity to go down Upper Hades as fast as possible, several times no less. $10 well worth every penny.
This morning was a slow starter, as much as Cinder would let us, then off to the Search and Rescue benefit breakfast. If you haven’t done so go out and spend the $12 for the hiking pass for 5 years. That way if you are stuck out in the boonies and they have to come get you it’s all gratis. Otherwise it’s a mother of a bill that will take lifetimes to pay off. I think anyone that goes outdoors should have one, especially Mtn. bikers. Or if you are an avid sportsman a hunting and fishing license will cover you each year you renew.
Every morning I have been enjoying my fresh Jittery Joe’s special blend “Dopers Suck” coffee. It is soooo good. Thanks guys for the java and where the hell is my T-shirt?? I hope everyone is loving the snowy winter like I am. Also, working on a “Sweet” deal for next year so maybe I’ll have to put the potato chips down for a bit. Keep the wheels turning and thanks for stopping in.

Monday January 24, 2005
Here is an update form the one and only Adam McGrath. Good luck with Worlds kid!!!

Howdy All,

What can I say, this place is wicked. There is nothing
like racing cross on this side of the pond. It has
been three weeks since I last damn near killed my
self, or should I say raced my bike. Yesterday we
trucked just 20k to Zonabeka. It was just another
small Belgian town, with a big bike race. The course
was an interesting one. Super turny, slick, and very
short.

After damn near trekking to England I arrived on the
start line. Over here you live and die by the random
start positions imposed on the juniors. Lucky enough I
snagged a front row spot. Got a killer start on what
was the longest start ever, 1.2 k. I felt like a rock
star, not only did I make the front group, but also I got
the whole shot to the first corner. I made the front
group for most of the first lap, but when they decide
to eliminator the week, they leave them for dead. I
fought hard and bridged up to third as we approached
the sand pit. It was less of a pit and more of a sand
box enclosed by two lips. I choose to ride it while
most took a few steps. Unfortunately for me the kid
behind me tripped on the first lip and sent me face
first into the dirt. The announcer, who has turned out
to be one of my biggest fans, made a sarcastic comment
about how I was "eating the Sand". Tangled in a big
mess of bikes, blood, dropped chains, and one pissed
off Belgian I fell back to tenth. The legs were too
good to just let pass by and I was giviner. I bridged
all the way to the group battling it out for fourth,
it came down to a sprint. I, far to worked to sprint
well, rolled across the line for 6th. Happy but
disappointed I must add. I could have been fighting for
podium time, but what can you do. Mitchelle was still
adjusting to the pace, and suffered some mechanical
misfortune. He held it together and finished 12th

The rest of the days racing went well. The girls were
a little disappointed. They got mixed in with us
juniors, plus it was only the three of them. The guys
had better luck to say the least. The field was small
due to races else were, and the world cup today.
Powers was the best of our group killing it in 12th.
Tonkin was with him, but fell victim to a rolled tire,
he finished up in 17th. Matt, Troy and Ben had good
races, rollin in 20th,21st, and 24th. John flatted out
the first lap. But the ride of the day went to Page
who rocked the top ten with a 7th.

The rest of the day was normal, came home and relaxed
trying to take care of my self. As always I went out
to chill with the mechanics. I must say that it is
great to have Stu and Elms here. Plus Luigi, the sheik
of Izegem, is great. They worked late and got all the
bikes dialed, loaded, and looking like new.

Today was a different day. It was off to another small
town, to an even bigger race. It was the Hoogerheide
World Cup. It was only a world cup for the elite men,
but it didn’t stop the best juniors from coming out,
being the last race before worlds. All the Belgies,
Dutch, French, and Chez were out in full force
bringing their entire Worlds teams and then some. It
was good to add another team member to the mix, Bjorn
was back. Like I said before juniors live and die by
the random call up, and today I was bleeding in shark
infested waters. I was in the last row of a huge
field, a little over 60. I must add that all of the
favorites were on the front row, strange how that
works. My race was already lost, by the time I hit the
dirt, I was 5th from Last and the leaders had already
put 30-40 seconds into me. By the end of the first lap
I was 1:30 down. For once the course wasn't muddy. It
was frozen under ground and a group race. It didn’t set
up well for me or for my start position. Through out the
race I bounced up through groups to finish 32, passing
30 on my way. I felt like a rock star, but I got my
ass handed to me on a fine silver platter. But what
can you do. Bjorn got on the second row but was only
able to crack the top 30. Mitchelle is still adjusting
to the blistering pace and how they race over here. He
finished up 42.

Finished the race up and it was strait to the showers.
After I was all cleaned up I proceed to stuff some
treats into my belly. I started off with a croissant,
then some honey tea. We had to wait for John to finish
and shower before heading home. So Mitchel and I
proceeded to take some pictures and check out the euro
cross scene. We capped off our adventure with some
Belgian waffles from the waffle stand. It was worth
the 4 euro and all the shit we got for eating them.

We arrived home just in time to see the race on TV.
All the boys had a little TV time. As usual Nijs took
his 20th victory. I finish up today just as another
crappy euro tune comes on.

Later Days,
newt

Tuesday January 11, 2005
Four wire winter! It’s actually way past that mark now and still dumping. I was going to gradually catch up to the present from cross nationals but we are just having an amazing winter right now. I guess it’s a good time not to be training SUCKAHS!!!. Wherry just moved to town and has been snowed in since he parked his veggie grease burner. Actually, strange as it sounds we are getting rained on in town. Once you hit Tamarron which is now the Glacial Club or something like that the rain turns to snow and it’s a winter paradise. I have been a shoveling fool trying to keep the cabin up at Electra from getting engulfed in a white tomb. I’m starting to feel like a hobbit because everywhere there is a path with 4’ walls on each side and that’s not shoveling to the ground. SICK!!!! Speaking of sick the skiing up at the area is the best it has been in a long time. This weekend I helped with the race crew for the USSA GS race and we were busy slipping powder to the edges all day. After each slip we just had to get to the bottom so we suffered through untouched powder on Lower Hades, Pando, and Styx. All some of the classic runs that Durango Mt. Resort has to offer. With the new six pack schlepping folks to the top in no time flat 2 pm rolled around and I had a full day and then some. I think my legs were more tired from snow-plow slipping the course each time than from skiing the effortless powder. In any case it was sheer bliss. Much to the tenacity of the race crew they were able to put on a good race for the young athletes not one but two days each with tons of snow to deal with in the morning. Saturday had the pleasure of skiing non-stop runs with Eric and Merda. They both race bikes so we all had the dirt bond going followed up with runs of fresh pow…..can life get any better? On Sunday it was rewind and repeat, slip and ski fat powder, this time with my lovely wife….Yes it can. We had a blast and watching the kids rip the GS course was just icing on the cake. The slipping took its toll on Tiff and she bowed out of skiing the rest of the day. I was fortuitous enough to run into the Wells crew, O-dog, and even the Boulder refugee Wherry. I traversed over to the back with them but then left to meet up with my sis and the Comptons. We dirtied up the back side then with legs of jell-o topped it off with a sweet run down Pando. Thank God we missed the last chair just by about 5 chairs. My legs were worked from a full non-stop ski day from 8:45 am (pre-first chair yea baby!!!!) to 4:08 not even stopping for lunch. How sweet is it living here??? Exhausted so much that the mouth was stuck in a grin (less muscles required). If you can believe it my weekend was topped by pop and sis in that they went on Bob Rule’s Cat skiing trip on Sat. I guess the terrain is amazing and the powder was 5-star at the area so I can’t even imagine what it was like pouncing on fresh tracks each run out of a cat.
Maybe tomorrow after shoveling all morning I’ll go up and make some more turns. Life is about choices and in weather like this you can slog through and work in it or play in it……life is short choose wisely.
On the cycling front big things are amiss this week and next. The big Trails 2000 auction is next Tuesday the 18th, a great time and a great cause. Tickets are available now but not for long at MBS. Also, go to http://www.doperssuck.com/ or http://www.jitteryjoes.com/ and buy some coffee to help send the juniors to Cross Worlds as well as speak out about how we are no longer going to accept synthetic athletes in all professional sports, especially cycling. Also, to help send the young crew Adam McGrath and Brady Kappius to the den of sin (Belgium) to race clean and fast go Monday the 17th (if you’re in Boulder) to the Trilogy wine bar at 7pm for a showing of the cross documentary “Pure, Sweet, Hell.” Also, Sheesh….drop by RGP’s and buy and chicken wrap with the proceeds going to Rude’s Cross Worlds fund. Drop a check in the mail for Indonesia and you will be one happy giving individual with a full belly, a cupboard full of good coffee and entertained by some good flicks. I can’t believe it but I’ve already gone a page. If you want to read about how a Texan cyclist is dealing with the snow here go to http://www.jasonsager.com/blog/ funny stuff. Thanks for stopping in and see you in the fat POW!!!!

Monday January 4, 2005
Communication! Alas, as I haven’t updated the site in oh…….forever. I have enjoyed the treat of actually getting e-mail from friends and family. I thought that everyone could leave for 10 days, drop off the face of the planet, and still come home to 4 messages in the in-box 2 from net-flix, one from active.com, and one from orbitz. All deleted with ease and on to the next event. Lo and behold if folks don’t know what’s going on they sometimes write. It’s kind of nice however they have been slighted with hints to update the page.
I have to give credit Rude was the first to say the entries were a bit long so I’ll work on shorter and more frequent……We’ll see if that happens. I just wrote my buddy Brandon back which was to be a short reply that turned out to be a page of abbreviated notes and tidbits. I think I have a problem. Ha!
It’s been so long I had to check my last entry. Thanksgiving seems like yesterday….. Other than cross Nats have come and gone. It was a blissful suffering witnessed by some felt by even fewer and enjoyed thouroughly by me. I raced like pond scum and all to the ringing of Chance Cook’s voice throughout the venue. It was great to see him even if it was just a glance out of the corner of my eye. I think I need to focus a bit more when racing. Justin Robinson, one of the nicest guys not just in cycling but that I have run across, put together a great race broken rear der and all, and won the Master Mens 30-35, that’s right I’m that old. Ha! The next day after some Ensure and help getting to the race in a rascal from the 55+ center I lined up against the fire breathing elite men. The race was still fun but I had to just laugh at myself as I couldn’t get out of my own way. Congratulations to all especially Trebron and Page. They were hashing it out and gave the amazing fans of Portland a race to remember. Of course the after hours party of the notorious cross scene was not to be disappointing with steam being let off like a kettle in a Southern Diner full of Grits and greens. The next day wore itself on everyone’s droopy eyes with smiles and grimaces abound. You gotta love cross!!! If you wish to relive the memories please go to Rob Karman’s photo gallery at http://www.karmanphotos.com/. He has pictures of everyone and they are great. It helps a super nice guy with a ton of talent who was out there slogging away capturing the pain. They also make for great thank you’s to sponsors who have helped along the way with little or no feedback of how it’s going. Especially, if you didn’t win and we all know that there can be only one winner, yet they love to see their hard work out in the mud just as you love testing your hard work in the mud. Thanks, Rob, for all the great pics in freezing drizzle--you’re da bomb!
Needless to say, I had some Burger King fries and a coke to cure me for the plane ride home from the after hours shenanigans. Also, it needs to be noted especially after all the grief I gave the poor guy that the one and only GULLY not only made it out to the party, but up until 4:30am. He thought I wouldn’t remember but I have a knack sometimes for such events. It was that late because Brandon had to catch a shuttle for a 6am flight out. Novice cross move, by the way!!! Also, it was fun to have Freeze out sucking down the keg with the rest of the dirtbag bikers. As Melissa says, we put the “K” in class.
So Sager you can still write and say this web page is so last year because that’s all for now. Thanks for stopping in.

Saturday November 27, 2004
Feasting, Friends, and Family. I think this was the first time in about 10 years that we haven’t dined with the Kinney group for Thanksgiving. Clint used to be a roommate of mine back in the day and is known for his celebration prowess. Tiff and I would go up to see Grandma in Montrose, have some grub, then hit the passes back to town. The first year I was living with Clint we showed up much to our pleasant surprise to feast number 2 with ample bottles of vino. Stuffed to the gills and well lubed by the spirits, it soon became a Thanksgiving tradition to carve the turkey not just once but twice. Ahhh, in excess or not at all!
Even after Clint and his lovely wife Erin moved to Fruita we managed to keep celebrating two-fold first with Grandma and Fam then off to see the Kinneys and their ever expanding turkey table of guests. This year however Tiff was feeling less than spry and so we broke tradition and just headed back over the passes. I guess after years of such indulgence I had no idea what it was like to eat at around noon after a turkey trot then get home in time for dinner with no plans. Town is completely shut down and with not much in the cupboards the tummy was starting to turn. We just settled in, made some pasta and gave our thanks. Sorry Clint, Erin, and Emily for not making it this year. It was nice to be home, but a void of Trivial Pursuit and a wine headache made the season a bit strange.
I have been trying to run to stay in shape and the only shape I’m starting to see is round. For some reason I can’t control my urges to polish off giant chocolate bars. 10 for $10 you just can’t beat it with a serving size of four per bar. Mmmmm.. Luckily I had the turkey trot up in Montrose to keep things in check as well as making it to the group ride this past Wed. Ned, Grant and Myself all went out and suffered up at the college. It was a great workout and the not so small reminder how fickle conditioning can be. So with about 2 weeks to go for nationals it’s all intervals all the time. Pain or rest I guess up until the middle of December. If you know nothing else I’m hoping that the races won’t come as such a huge shock.
Big news on “The Drip.” The Crawfish invention that has both weight loss and muscle gain companies crying in their pillows at night. It’s now available to the masses and not just Crawfish athletes for performance weight management as well as recovery. By the way it has worked with a diet including massive amounts of chocolate but that could be individual specific and it’s definitely not recommended. If you’re interested check it out at http://www.the-drip.net/ Quite the elite cast of athletes that use it presently and probably even 10 fold that try and use something similar. So if you see more and more folks running around with water bottles sipping on them like pacifiers then you’ll know they are “dripping” and just ask them how it’s working for them. It’s good stuff and an easy way to stay hydrated at the same time. Anyway, Crawfish has plenty of testimonials and I’m on the Super Size Me track now anyway. Burger and fries….Mmm……
If you’ve noticed some changes in my web site it’s under some construction. Thanks to Katomic media it has been up and running during the changes. However, this means that my excuse for not updating the journal is out the window. Doh! Thanks for the changes Kendra and if you want scroll to the bottom for now to see some sponsor logos that wouldn’t go small enough for the side placing please feel free and I’m sure they would appreciate it.
Last weekend went skiing at Wolf Creek!!! Holly Moley!! It was amazing with so much snow it’s just sick. My cousin Michelle and her friend Chris were in town only to get a sampling of completely dry rocky mt. powder. I went immediately to the Scotty Bob web site to salivate over some new tele-skis. I’m thinking that I need to get some black Moby’s for the most floatation possible. Tiff says that I need to sell some bikes but what good is getting rid of toys for toys? I say keep toys and just add to them! By the way Goddards thanks for the post card and stay in Mexico you vagrants!! While you are surfing it just means more fresh turns for me. That’s right, I’m back skiing and loving it!!!! For some gallery quality photos and a trip to die for all written out by the lovely Rachel check out http://underagedrvers.blogspot.com/ These are in fact friends of mine and no they aren’t 90 years old they are a ripe dirty 30!!! Their 401k is written out in the sand with corona bottles and I think they will see a better return in the bottle deposit than all of us put together. Live baby, live! In any case they can at least cringe at the fact that the more cervezas they spill down the harder it will be to keep up on the slopes if they ever do give up the flip flops. As my cous’ Hadley says, “SUCKAH!” Thanks for stopping in and sorry in advance for all of the drool you will witness at the upcoming cross races. Wonder what’s up with Wells’s website???

turday November 6, 2004
Fallin’ off the face of the earth? Heck No! I’ve actually had a ton to share but just not on the computer quite as much lately. So what has happened since the Road Apple? Really I just need to sum it all up so that I can get back on track. Slacker….I know. After the Road Apple pounding that I received I thought what the heck why not try some new training methods that I have never given a go. So super secret training that even the Crawfish didn’t know about was not touching the bike or exercise for that matter at all. One week later I was heading to Utah with Shriver with a bike built just the day before the trip and about a 30 min spin right before leaving to work out all the kinks. The Kona Jake the Snake bike was flawless and so light I can’t get my mind around it. Truvativ managed to round up a pair of cranks for me and it was smooth sailing. Some parts I had to round up from the depths of the shop included not one but two Shimano 600 road deraileurs. Ha! I think they actually work better than the new Dura-Ace. Made back “when Coke was still Cola and a joint was a bad place to be,” to quote Merle Haggard.
The trip was a blast. Thank you so much to Rob Wuebker for putting up Shriver and myself on a late notice joining the criminals of the 505 crew headed by none other than B-Dwight and Gully. Where’s Gully…….He’s racing that’s where he is and smoking fast as usual. Shriver off of great season form and priming for the collegiate nat’s went in and had two great races for his second big race ever first being Nationals. Excellent job Matt!!! I had a couple of strong races and more importantly had a blast racing. I suffered but it just wasn’t that bad for some reason??? Go figure. With two fun races under our belts, Matt and I headed home cross season officially under way. I went back and started swinging a hammer for Pat and Chris, both craftsmen rivaling Bob Vila. It has been a blast not only building again, but using one of my drawings no less. Makes me wish I would have spent some more hours on the drawings to get them perfect but heck these guys are so good they never even check the drawings. Ha! In any case the house is starting to look just like I envisioned if not better.
I figured that with one week totally off the bike, heck, why not make it two to see what happens. Dum, Dum, Dummmmmmb. Not only that but throw in a too much fun bachelor party for Tommy D (really deserving a journal entry all of its own but no it won’t happen), a tear-jerking wedding with great friends, a quick bout with recovery from a Denny’s night, laryngitis--a.k.a. screaming YaaaaHoooo too much, a diet of Wendy’s to keep it all down, and two soccer matches in the freezing cold back to back, and I needed a rest from resting--or shall I now start to phrase it “get my sorry ass out there and do some training.” In any case it didn’t happen other than hammering nails all day in freezing drizzle. Heck I ride in that weather all the time so being outdoors and working in it just seemed right. One 40 min run that just about killed me before flying out to Gloucester and I was primed for some serious self exploration on the training front. Shocker I had two rough races. Actually I think had there been a third day I would have been going pretty good by then as I felt I was building but to no avail. The trip was amazing. Upon arrival with a stellar plan of zilch to get from the airport to Gloucester I ran into Gully and he set me up. Thank you to Adam and his Godparents for the ride as well as one of the best meals I have had in a long time. Also, congratula