Ride Hard, Ride Fast!!!

Our trip to Mammoth started early Saturday morning.  The Policars and my family caravanned from my house in Corona all the way to Mammoth.  We had to get to Mammoth early enough for Priscilla to catch her XC race.  After a long week at work, the long drive was certainly relaxing.  At least six hours later we arrived at Mammoth.  The temperature was a bit nippy compared to our heat wave in So Cal.  Off the bat we were on the go getting Priscilla ready for her XC race. (Priscilla’s Race Report to follow later). 

Later that morning, RL & I suited up for our practice run.  At the parking lot we were joined by our teammate Wes and our other friends from the local racing circuit such as Sam Hill and Billy Ray Cirus. 

The course was amazingly fast!  By far, it was the best course that I have raced/rode on.  It was definitely the longest and toughest for me.  Other than the long stretches of a singletrack, we were challenged with a rock-garden, pumice and finishing through portions of the Four Cross (4X).  With the time limitations we had a total of three practice runs. I was somewhat satisfied with practice but I was eager to get back on the course.  I couldn’t wait until Sunday’s practice.

With our families joining us on our trip, we didn’t have time to just “ride” the park so after practice we went to our condo and settled in.  We headed back to the resort later that afternoon for the XC awards then back to the condo for a relaxing evening with a great home cooked dinner.

Sunday, Race Day – RL and I headed to the resort without our families (they would join us later that day).  With RL pulling a trailer, parking was hard for us to find that morning, however we were able to finagle a spot in the VIP parking.  After suiting up, we met up with our other teammates.   I went up the lift with David “Mini-Mal” Sanderson.  He gave me a lot of advise and pointers that would be very helpful.  Too bad there was only time for one practice run.  Overall I was comfortable with my practices however the rock-garden section always plays into my psyche.

Race run – I was lined up behind Moe.  30 seconds after he starts, off I go. Rounding at the corner up top, I approach the first roller/drop…whoa – The Moe was laid out at the bottom… I have to admit I was scared S#!tless!!!  It happened so fast that I didn’t know if I was going to run him over and go OTB or had enough time to go around him.  Fortunately Moe was able to pull himself and his bike to the side and I was able to pass safely.  Onto the course I was trying to regroup mentally.  Everything was coming up so fast… coming up to the rock-garden I head to the right – wrong line.  The best line should have been on the left side, over the boulders that transitioned over smaller rocks to the bottom.  At the end of my line was a small gap that has a tree and rocks on each side.  Not enough room to go through or I can clip my pedals.  During practice I saw the better riders jump over this section - but I’m not one of those better riders.  I quickly dismounted over this section then got on my bike to ride the rest of the course.  The rest of the way felt good although being a long course, I was quickly tiring.  Somewhere in the 4X section, I heard the crowd yelling that the guy behind me was coming up fast.  Exhausted, but I pedaled the best I could.  I reached the Finish Line without being passed.  Whewwww, glad that was over!

Below is a video of my race run.  It’s not as fast as the others but you have an idea what we rode through.

In the end I finished 5th place and made the podium.  Gratifying for a long trip and being up at Mammoth! 

This race also capped of the Rock Shox Golden State series.  Missing out on the initial race of the series, I didn’t think I qualified for the overall points.  Surprisingly I made the podium for the Overall with two of my teammates, Moe and Wes.

I had a great time at Mammoth.  I can’t wait for next year.  I hope we have another series that includes this venue. I want to say thanks to our sponsors: KHS, Bike Commuters, Hoss MTB,  Evomo, Serfas, Ergon, and Spenco Gloves.  And a Special Thanks to our families, without them this trip wouldn’t have been possible.

This week has been hotter than usual.  As a matter of fact, it’s been the hottest days of this year’s summer.  I tried to get a few rides in during the week however I was unsuccesful.  I was only able to actually ride once.

Fortunately this past weekend was a good one.  On Saturday, RL & I joined the Intense Cycles crew and shuttled up the Old Troy Lee trail in Corona, CA.  We had two truck load of bikes, approximately fifteen guys.  The video I took was rather long, so I was not able to post on YouTube just yet.  It’s still in the works and should be completed this weekend.

On Sunday I headed to Aliso Wood with my son, Jared, bro-in-law Cons, co-worker Gabe and RL & Prisilla.  We had a totally relaxing ride, no pressure… just cruising along enjoying the trail.  This is the first time I have ridden with my son since he was 10 yrs old.  Now 20, I’m hoping he will enjoy mountain biking and spend time with me on the trails.

We started at the base of Cholla, climbed to the top, then descended down Rock-It.  From there we headed to Dripping Cave, via Coyote Trail.

Below is a video of our ride:

Since my new employment is located in South Orange County, Santiago Oaks would be the most accessible trail on my way home.  I’ve been frequenting this trail at least twice a week.  A total work out where you get to climb the Three Bitches (3Bs) then jam down Chutes, a super fun descent! 

Below are a couple of videos taken within the last month.  On first one, the camera was mounted on my seatpost, facing the rear.  A different look where you actually see the elevetaion change on the trail.  I actually like this view…different from what you usually see.  The second is a front view through a chest strap.  The camera is the GoPro Wide.

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated this blog site.  With unemployment, it was hard to focus.  Riding  remained steady…  I rode regularly and raced several times.

Now back in the workforce since June, I want to get back to the swing of things.  Maintain this blog with regular updates of my passion - mountain biking.

In the meantime, below is a video from my last race (while unemployed).  Rather than re-writing my Race Report, you can read it in this link: http://www.mtnbikeriders.com/2009/06/02/woodward-west-joes-race-report/

Having been unemployed since Feb 20th, I haven’t been motivated to update the blog site.  It’s quite depressing staying home waiting for companies to call you.  Riding helps alot, but sometimes you need something extra to get you going.

Family, friends and racing are the only things that keep me sane.  Day to day, I sit and wait for employers to call me but the phone stays quiet… freakin sucks!!!

I have an awesome time staying home with my one year old son, but the sense of security (financially) creeps up every so often then the cycle begins again.

I’m staying positve.  I’m in good shape compared to others out there who were also laidoff due to our economy… ughhhhhh

Last week, I headed out to Sycamore Canyon in Riverside, CA. Through the years I’ve heard so many great things about this place. With my trusty Garmin 305, I downloaded the route off www.geoladders.com.  Below is the link for those that are interested: http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=20548. 

Sycamore Cyn has a variety of challenges through the network of trails which consists of long climbs, descents, rocks gardens, drops, stunts but most of all – endless SINGLETRACK!

On this ride I completed 16 miles, 80% of it were single/double track. Below is a helmet cam video of some segments of the trail.

This past weekend’s race was needless to say – WET.  Our forecast in SoCal called for rain and boy did we get it all weekend long.

 

Saturday I opted out of the XC race.  I decided to take pictures of XC and save my legs for the Super D later in the day.  While I was taking pictures on the XC course, I was scoping out the blue & yellow arrows (markers for the Super D).  After I was finished taking pictures from the top of the hill, I pre-rode the marked course.  It appears that it was to be all descent, utilizing the last segments of the XC course with only one climb at the backside of Southridge.

 

Super D: My teammates that will be joining me for Super D were The Moe and Kim. As we took the shuttle up there were light sprinkle.  Gathered up top were the rest of the Super D racers.  They were anxious to start the race - not because of nerves, but because it was FREEZING.  As we lined up, I was behind Moe again.  The wind had picked up and the sprinkle turned into light rain.  As you can see from the pictures video, it was wet & cold…

 

As Donny counted me down to start I was poised to go.  Having pre-ridden the course I felt confident that I will do well on my run.  “In 5,4,3,2,1…” I sprinted to the bottom.  The course winded down a singletrack with quick S –turns.  Nearing the water tank, I see my fellow teammate Jeremy taking pictures. 

                picture by JerYang

As I approach him, I feel my tires mildly skidding on the corners.  By now the rain has picked up a bit.  Approaching “Sandbag Hill”, I take a different line from my pre-ride. This was a line that went over a boulder and had a smoother transition into the next segment.  Not having taking this line before was a little scary but it all worked out.  Going down the last singletrack descent, I felt smooth - I was very familiar with it from the XC races.  Not sure when the downpour came (as I was focused on the race), but when I reached the bottom, the rain was HEAVY.  At the bottom and up ahead I see my teammate Moe.  I was now on the long stretch next to the fenceline and visibility was low due to the downpour.  It was very hard to see through my glasses.  I switched gears to my big ring and pedaled.  Unfortunately I caught up to Moe and passed him.  It appears he was having a hard time seeing as well.  Coming around the turn I tried to climb the only ascent.  It was a short but steep rocky climb.  I made it close to half-way up then dismounted off my bike and ran up to the top.  I remounted my bike and finished the race without any incidents.

 

 

 

I placed 5^th in the beginner’s Super D.  I was stoked as my last race (two weeks ago) didn’t go so well.  I didn’t write a race report but the short of it was I had mechanical problems with my rear derailleur which forced me to stop and try to fix during the race. 

 

 

I have to give thanks to RL for his mechanical wisdom.  I was able to fix my rear derailleur along with other things on my 6.6, and have it race ready for this past weekend.  Below is a helmet cam vid of my race.  I had difficulties inthe first two series but this time I was finally able to record my run. 

 

DH: I was back bright and early Sunday morning to get a practice run since I didn’t have a chance on Saturday.  Top of the morning, the rain was upon us already.  Onto the shuttle RL, Moe and I went.  At the top of the course rain was coming down steadily.  First down the course was RL, Moe then I.  Through a series of turns, I came up on a waterfall section of rocks.  Man did I STOP abruptly… Looking down this section I was SCARED.  With the rain and thoughts of the rocks being slick, I didn’t have the cajones to even try and roll down.  Needless to say I walked down. Onto the other sections of the DH course were other rock gardens.  Maybe it’s psychological but some of these sections really got to my head.  At the same time rain was really coming down and hard to see through our goggles.  After our practice run, we hung out at the tents and dried our gear and fiddled with our bikes.  It’ll be another 2.5 hours till our class is called up to race.

 

Through this time many thoughts lingered in my head.  I tried to memorize the lines that other racers took or try to psyche myself out that it wasn’t so bad…  typically in the past I have done ok once the race started and I just react to the course.

 

picture by Chris/Sharky

Race time - as we got ready to go to the top, mother nature gave us a break.  It stopped raining however it was still cold.  The Moe, Kim and I joined RL at the staging area.  I talked to other familiar faces to try and calm my nerves down.  I even walked to the first waterfall/rock section and watched racers go down.  With the much drier condition (than our practice run), this section looks so much different – maybe easier is the right word.  Walking back up top I felt better.

 

                picture by Chris/Sharky

 

On my run I rolled down this particular section with ease.  Coming around one of the turns was a big rut that I have been trying to avoid during practice (and previous races).  Like the other times, my rear tire slid into it but I still stayed on my bike and pedaled away.  Passing the saddle, I tried to navigate through a left handed rock section but stalled.  The racer behind me caught up and I let him pass.

 

picture by Christopher Wood

Down towards the bottom I see Moe ahead of me.  Onto the lower rock garden and the infamous “wall” I tried to catch The Moe but unsuccessful.  I pedaled but had no more gas.  I finished the course unscathed and relieved. 

 

 

Despite placing 5^th in DH I was not happy with my performance.  It’s quite evident that I have many areas to work on.  The rock-psyche is by far the biggest obstacle.  Pedaling where I can is another; often times I try to coast through sections thinking I’m carrying enough speed.  Props to my teammates for encouraging me when needed.  I’ll be looking to make some improvements on the next race.

 

Thanks to all of our sponsors BikeCommuters, Ergon, Evomo, Hoss and off course MtnBikeRiders.com.

Yesterday morning I decided to go on a “relaxed vibe” ride.  Being that my industry was also affected by the economy, I have some time on my hands.

 

I headed out to the ever so popular Fullerton Loop.  Accompanying me was my 1.5 yr old son, Jake.  The only time I’ve pulled him on the trailer was on city streets by our house; I’ve never taken him through any trails.  This ride will be a challenge.  Although we will be going on a slow pace, I’ll still have to climb with the trailer.  Also I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as his mood (cause small kids can change at a drop of a dime).
 

 

Cruising through the
Loop, I opted to skip the singletracks and the technical sections for the obvious reasons.  I stayed on the flat roads.  Along the way I made several stops to let Jake out and get acquainted with the surroundings.  I also stopped to make sure he was situated correctly on the trailer.  Our last stop was at Laguna Lake to watch the ducks. 

 

My riding partner was great!  He actually enjoyed being outdoors and didn’t make a fuss.  I wasn’t looking to go for a long distance however we managed to ride just shy of 8 miles… not bad.

 

Yesterday was totally relaxing.  The ride reminded me of my first rides here.  I made so many stops that I felt like a “newbie”.   Never the less, I had a blast as it was just my son and I.

That’s my new motto for 2009 as I ride my Rigid Single Speed.  Finishing touches on my rigid singlespeed were done over the holidays.  Last component needed on this project were the disc brakes.  I found a killer deal on Avid Juicy 5s right before Christmas.  Top it off it was free shipping and arrived on Christmas Eve.  Other components added to this beauty are: