My year in racing...

Thursday, July 03, 2008

MtnBikeRiders.com

It was either late last year or early this year when I stumbled upon www.mtnbikeriders.com. I was in the process of converting my Intense Tracer into a full suspension single speed when I saw a new thread posted by RL Policar (imapodaddy) on www.mtbr.com. Apparently he also converted his full suspension into a single speed bike. Within his profile, he has a list of websites. Being that I am fond of mountain biking, any links or web address that is bike related to mountain biking I will look into. Turns out that www.mtnbikeriders.com is a pretty cool site. The crew of MtnBikeRiders write on-line reviews on various mountain biking related products as well as ride reports on local rides.

I don’t recall how I got in touch with RL, maybe it was through MTBR.com at first, but I eventually started posting comments on his site. When my Tracer SS was completed, he posted pictures of my bike on www.mtnbikeriders.com. From here I was invited to a local ride with the crew. It was March 08 when I joined RL, his wife Priscilla and Moe Ramirez at Bonelli Park to pre-ride the course (a week prior to a race). From here on out, I meshed with the group and joined them on more weekend rides. Later on I met the other members of MtnBikeRiders such as Jeremy Yang and Lance Lowry. In April, I met the guys at Sea Otter’s media area. They were hard at work with information of the new products from many vendors/manufacturers.

Sometime in April, RL asked me to be a guest writer for the site and review and roof rack. A little timid and not really familiar with the flow of their review process, I declined and asked for other future opportunities. RL, not deterred by my rejection of the roof rack review, he stayed in contact w/me via email on other mountain biking related subjects. In the beginning of May, MtnBikeRiders had a Mother’s Day ride at Aliso Woods. The whole staff would be present and I was excited to ride with all of them. It was such an awesome ride and I had a great time.

Later that week, I received an email from RL and Moe, owners of MtnBikeRiders.com. They were curious to see if I wanted to join the crew and work with them. I’ll be part of the Team and will be a contributing writer and product tester. Seeing an opportunity to work w/guys and gals who share the same passion, I immediately accepted! We went over a few formalities, and all was golden. RL sent out an email intro to the staff as well as a Press Release through http://www.mtnbikeriders.com/2008/05/15/mtnbikeriders-welcomes-newest-staffer/

Since then, I’ve had two products to review. An Ibex Ignition 3 and a Sette Workstand. You can read the reviews through the links below.
Ibex Ignition

Sette Workstand

Posted by HardCharger at 16:32:50 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Monday, June 02, 2008

Big Bear Shoot-Out, Southern California State Series #4

Sunday June 1^st, I headed out to Big Bear, CA with my friend Scott Vlahos to race the 4^th part of the So Cal State Series. I had entered the first two segments of the series ( Bonelli Park – 3^rd place and Fontana- DNF) and I missed the 4^th installment at Santa Ynez, mid May. I was looking to get back on track and hopefully fair well against the regular competitors in my class.

Scott, a fellow clyde, was already going and asked if I wanted to come along. Not wanting to drive up by myself, I took him up on his offer. I headed out to Scott’s place at 6:30 am in the morning. He lives in Riverside County , therefore Big Bear is only approximately one hour and half away. We would get there in plenty of time to register. We drove through the city of Mentone in Redlands which I would say has been the easiest way to get upto Big Bear. We hardly saw any traffic… upon arrival we went to the registration which was held in La Montana restaurant. Shortly after we finished with registration, we met up with our other friend Harry Burr. He hopped in the car and we drove up to the trailhead to see if we can scope out the course.

Harry trying to make heads or tails of the map.

At around 9:30 we geared up for our race and did last minute tuning of our bikes. In the parking lot we met up with Jim Palmer, another clyde who races in our group regularly. Our group wasn’t scheduled to start until 11:30 am, however since we were not allowed to park at the base of the mountain and only across the street from La Montana, we would have to ride UP to staging. Previous information stated 1½ miles to the top but per my computer it was actually close to 2¼ miles. This alone plus the thin air will be a toll on the body. The four of us along with many other competitors started making our way up the mountain. Once we reached staging, we were joined by three other clydes, making our group a total of 7 competitors. The race was starting at 7000 ft.

Last minute tune up on my Intense 5.5.

Clydes - Harry Burr, Scott Vlahos, me and Jim Palmer.

At GO we were immediately faced with a grueling 2 mile climb on the fireroad. This was a non stop ascent with no flat areas for a break. I trudged on but many passed me. Soon, other racers that started after our 11:30 am group were coming up behind me; some were the 18 yrs old and younger, steam rolling past me. This was a tough climb indeed! After the two mile mark the trail leveled off to a sweet rolling, short, descents with off camber turns. This didn’t seem to last too long then we were back to more climbs. The next few miles didn’t seem to be as steep as the first two miles but definitely tough enough. As we continued to climb, I started to lose sight of the guys in my group. Getting close to the 10 mile mark, we cut into a singletrack. This was a fast flowing, through the trees, type singletrack. I felt that I may do well in this section and hopefully will make up time. Somewhere in this section I see one of the racers that started with our group. Thinking it was one of the clydes I am competing against, I pedaled faster. Fortunately I have some skills that helped me maneuver through the singletrack and catch someone. Unfortunately he was not part of the clydes group, rather another racer (from another group that started at 11:30). Shortly after I pass him, I ran into the first water crossing. Not able to see the bottom, I wasn’t sure how deep it was therefore I dismounted off my bike and walked across the log. At the same time this was a relief after the non stop climbing. I jumped back on the saddle and got going. After the singletrack, it was more climbing on fireroads. Thus far, uneventful as I trudged up roads, in hopes to catch my fellow clydes.

Starting point, continuous climbs up ahead.

Prior to the race we were made aware that the fireroads were open to the public –dirtbikes, hikers, recreational mountain bikers, etc… One highlight of the race for me was when I was climbing on the second half of the course. As I turned the corner, I see a group of recreational mountain bikers descending while I was climbing. The lead rider was surprised to see me, as I was to see him. Since he was going at a faster speed than I was, he must have felt the panic of running into me. I see him trying to stop but must have squeezed his front brakes too much where he flew over the bars missing me by a few feet. I know this sounds terrible but I was so tired and out of breathe that I couldn’t even muster the words to see if he was ok. I navigated the bike away from him and continued to climb.

Back to the race… more climbs. Knowing that this race was 17 miles long, as I reached the 15 mile mark on my computer, I knew the descents were coming soon as the race was to end near the starting point. At this point I haven’t seen any of my fellow clydes and pretty much had conceded coming in last place. From the fireroads, we were diverted onto a singletrack. Finally fun sections to breakup the boredom of climbing. With only finishing the course left on my mind, I wanted to enjoy the singletrack but get down it safely. I was exhausted, fatigued and had cramping in my legs. This is usually when the trail gets the best of you. I shot through the singletrack as fast and safely as I can. Once this section ended, I was back on the fireroad that I climbed at the start of the race. Coming down was the total opposite - as slow as I climb it earlier, I bombed down to the bottom with ease. I soon passed the starting point where I was directed to another singletrack that leads to the finish line. Many of this last section reminded me of Downieville (Nor Cal). I reached the finish line where Scott had been waiting for me. He confirmed that I came in last in my group. I was just relieved that it was over as this by far is the longest race I’ve entered. From the finish line, we rode back into town where we met up with Harry. We got our free tacos then headed home. From Scott’s Garmin 305, it recorded a total of 1856 ft of climbing…wow!

I had a good time regardless of the place I finished. However as a result from this race, I have decided not to finish the Southern California State Series which is “best 6 out of 8”. This is my third race of this series and only did well on the first one at Bonelli Park . There are four left and two of the venues are not local. Being that I am behind in points, I have to make a decision if it is worth it to keep on competing in the series. Taking the financial aspect of things, I have to bow out and shoot for next year.

Posted by HardCharger at 17:13:39 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Wildlife Encounters

Through out the years of riding in Southern California , I have encountered various wildlife. I have seen all sizes from the smallest – ticks, to the biggest – California Mule deer. The most common are rabbits as they flourish through out the mountains. I’ve seen rattlesnakes up close and the wiley coyote lurking from afar. I have also run into a coyote several feet from me, but quickly ran off as it was spooked.

These two pictures are of a coyote from the Fullerton Loop, past the tunnels. I was going in reverse when I ran into this coyote. We were face to face for a split second and then it ran towards the hills.

By far in my experience nothing beats the day I ran into a bobcat. It was sometime in 2000 when I was riding in Chino Hills State Park . I was riding along on my GT Zaskar, heading east bound on Telegraph Rd. towards the East entrance. As I turned the corner, I saw a figure move from afar. This caught my attention! I slowed down so I can have a better look. I immediately noticed that it was a cat…but what kind? As I neared the creature, I realized that it was too small to be mountain lion (what a relief) and definitely too big to be a house cat. Also, a house cat/domestic animal will not last in the wild. Getting closer to the animal I noticed that it was a bobcat. Most wild animals in this size are typically harmless unless you do something to provoke them. Not wanting to lose the opportunity to capture the moment, I stopped maybe 20-30 feet from it and slowly took off my camelbak, reached for my 35mm compact camera.

At this point the bobcat had already noticed me. They are very keen in nature. What was interesting is it was never spooked - it just stayed on the trail. At times it appeared that it may have had a prey on the side of the fireroad.

With the camera in hand and straddling the bike, I slowly walked towards the bobcat very cautiously. I was snapping pictures as I approached it. The bobcat moved several feet towards the edge of the trail. I slowed down as I wasn’t sure what its intentions were but it didn’t seem to mind that I was there.

As soon as I passed it, I turned around and continued to take more pictures.

This was extraordinary event as not too many people have had this type of wildlife encounter… not to mention a harmless encounter with a wild animal.

This is a list of animals/creatures that I have seen while mountain biking:

ticks
tarantula
Horny Toad lizard
skunks
rabbits
snakes
bobcat
coyotes
deer

One day I would like to see a Mtn Lion out on the trail however, I want to see it from a distance J

Mt. Lion from a Seattle wildlife refuge.

Posted by HardCharger at 19:08:47 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Friday, May 09, 2008

Training Grounds – Coal Canyon and Fullerton Loop

Fullerton Loop

Part of my goal to improve on racing is obviously to ride, ride a lot, and ride a lot more… With spring and very
soon summer upon us we have the daylight on our side. One of the trails that I have been frequenting is the
Fullerton Loop. To give a little background I have been riding The Loop (often referred to) just a little over ten years.
I have lived in Orange County, CA for almost ten and the Loop is local and very accessible. At one point I lived
just miles from the trail head and I would often ride from my house. Currently I work just a few miles south of
the Loop. Needless to say I ride this trail at least three times a week. Here ar e a few shots of the trail.

The most common trailhead - the courthouse.

Singletrack on the way to Euclid.

Fullerton Loop is not difficult at all. Once a rider has the fundamentals down along with some stamina
and endurance, he/she can breeze through the Loop . Because this trail runs through neighborhoods,
horse trails and parks, it can easily be made into a short or long ride. The typical loop consists of 11
plus miles, however there are additional trails that can be added, making this into a 15 mile trail. Also
some riders do double loops… bottom line there are many variations that can be ridden.
With a newborn, I have time constraints. My typical rides are from 8 to 11 miles. I do this at least three
times a week, sometimes more. After having ridden it for so many years, at some point I started riding
this trail backwards. With many variations available to me, I mix it up every so often, but always having
at least 8 miles out of it. The Loop has some steep sections for climbing however they are short. The
only time these posed as a challenge is when I converted my Intense Tracer into a singlespeed.
Slowly but surely, I’m making the steep climbs. There are no real steep / technical descents or treacherous
climbs as you would find in the local mountains. However, you can count on hundreds of people on a weekly
basis riding this trail. Below are more pictures of the Loop at different areas:

Commonly known as Blair Witch.

Parts of Blair Witch

A fun area that leads you to a long descent, down to Euclid.

Short downhill to finish the ride by the courthouse.

Coal Canyon

Another area I ride often to help me train is Coal Canyon . This trail has recently become part of
Chino Hills State Park . CC is located south of the 91 FWY. The trailhead is accessible off the
Greenriver exit in Corona . Park at the dirt lot before the golf course entrance. You will then head
west bound on the bike path, paralleing the 91 FWY, and the riverbed along side the golf course.

Looking back (north) towards the 91 FWY. Chino Hills across the freeway.

Trails from on the way to the top.

View from the saddle, 1st mile.

CC’s ride consists only with climbs. From the start of the trailhead you will go on a consistent gradual climb.
This will lead you to the Radio Towers at 7 miles. The Towers can be seen off the freeway. This is an in/out
ride, meaning you ride in, turn around and ride out; there are no other segments that branch off the trail.
Off course you can cut it short at anytime.

Radio towers at the summit. This can be seen from the 91 FWY.

View from the Radio Towers, looking onto my neighborhood.

My typical ride is from my house which is 2 miles away from the trailhead. I usually ride for only about
an hour as I am limited in time and daylight. From the trailhead, I usually climb for at least 3 miles,
sometimes 4, then turn around and head home. On the weekends, I try to squeeze another mile or two.
Out of this ride I get a pretty good workout as I have to climb back to my house on the road. Overall it
evens out, but I certainly feel my legs burning by the time I get home. These two trails are not the most
challenging however they are local. One main target I use for training is time. I record my ride time and
always try to beat it the next time around. So far I think I am on the right track.

Posted by HardCharger at 15:09:57 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Thursday, May 08, 2008

RR: San Clemente Single Tracks

After my meeting in San Diego on May 1st and missing a ride the day prior (visit at Intense/previous post), I was looking forward to riding San Clemente Singletracks (SCST). Sometime last week I posted a thread requesting recommended trails in San Diego and many recommended SCST.

I have never ridden this trail before although I have read about it on many postings through MTBR.com and Socaltrailriders.org. The pictures and postings from STR members were very interesting. I printed out a map from Geoladders.com and brought my trusty Garmin Etrex Legend.

When I arrived at SCST, I parked at the Richard Steed Memorial Park . With my car marked in my Etrex (and map), off I went. I entered the trailhead at the end of the street/cul de sac, just past the dog park. As I entered the dirt trail, I noticed a sign. I stopped at this junction as I thought it was a trail map, similar to El Moro. Rather it was just a general map of the area and San Clemente . Since I have never ridden here before I decided to go clockwise. As I turned left, just about 5-6 feet from me was a RATTLER! It was heading slow to the bushes.

4foot rattler

Holy cow, 5-6 feet is not far at all. I’m sure it was harmless until I get close enough. I slowly moved my bike far enough to get the camera out. At the same time I thought it would be a good idea to help it off the trail as there were hikers out as well. I threw small pebbles at it so it would move. One hit it and the snake coiled up making it’s rattling noise.

Rattler coiled ready to strike.

At this point, I wanted to video tape it through my camera but I used up most of my memory from the Intense factory. The snake went off into the bushes right by the singletrack entrance rattling away! After pissing it off, I decided to stay off the singletrack for now and go clockwise on the fire road. I climb for a bit until there was an entrance to a singletrack on the northside of the park.

Here are some pics. Overall, riding here was an experience. It certainly would have been better if I would have gone counter clockwise as it appeared that there were more climbs involved in the route I took. I didn’t see the ladders bridges that were on the postings on STR. SCST was definitely overgrown. Too many times I was getting whipped in the arms, legs and face. It was too much in some places that it took the fun out of the ride.