Bontrager Tire Information- An XC racer view.

I have had a bunch of questions on the new tire line up from Bontrager that is available. Mostly, people are asking what they might consider running in certain conditions and what to consider packing along to races and rides this season.
In an attempt to help with this, here are some recommendations: Section 1 below has a breakdown of tire usage by condition, it attempts to make sense of what a tires intended purpose is. In the section 2 at the bottom, I offer a summary of what sets of tires to buy and run based on: how many tires you are thinking of getting and under what conditions to run those tire choices.

With all of this I try to adhere to a few basic rules:
Always pick a tire with a bit heavier tread and sidewall protection than you think you might get away with.
Always run either the same tread pattern front and back, or run more tread on the front than the back.

I base it also on the absence of the Bontrager XDX's and Jones ACX that we are used to having on the bikes, as indeed, it appears Bontrager may be phasing those out. (From what I can figure out, the XDX in the 29er lineup has been replaced with the 29-3 and with the still not released 29-2. The XDX in the 26er world has not really been filled yet, the XR2 is pretty close from a traction standpoint, but I think the XR3 conspicuously missing from the lineup will be the real niche filler if/when they release it. The ACX is being replaced with the XR-4 and 29-4 tires in the two wheels sizes.)

Section 1

Smoother dry course with good flowing corners and such:
26 inch wheels:
Bontrager XR0
Bontrager XR1
Bontrager XR2 Tubeless

29 inch wheels
Bontrager 29-0
XR1 29er

The 29-0 and XR0 and XR1's are not tubeless rated or advertised tires. They have a fairly light weight side wall system that gives good casing compliance and tends to fold out of the way when rocks are encountered rather than slice through like a stiffer side wall may. As such, they are also kind of porous when it comes to getting them to seal tubeless if you try to set them up that way. The beads are actually fairly solid, so that aspect seems to hold in a tubeless setup. If you do decide to try them tubeless, consider using both Stan's and Superjuice to get a good setup. The latex based Stan's tend to create a good "permanent seal" to the sidewall porosity as the Superjuice particles clog them. But keep in mind, THEY ARE NOT MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED FOR TUBELESS USE.
The XR-2's I have only seen at the dealer show and was very, very impressed with. It is a good cross over tire between lower rolling resistance and adequate traction for most Virginia/Maryland/NC style courses. I have a pair of these arriving this week that I may brave using at the Warrior Creek 6 hour if conditions allow. It appears to be a step up from the XDX in power and braking traction, I will be curious to see how it holds for cornering traction against the older XDX, I am thinking it will be superior in that realm as well.

Smoother course with sharp corners or slightly loose leaf litter or courses with more rocks and loose terrain:

26inch Front
Bontrager XR4
26 inch Rear
Bontrager Revolt
Bontrager FR3

29 inch Front
29-3 29 x 2.1 inch version it is the one with the angled linear knobs in the picture (note here: Bontrager rates the 29-3s as a dual position tire (front or back) it is apparent though that the 2.0 version may be a better rear tire than front, and vice versa for the 2.1's)
29-4

29 inch rear
29-3 29 x 2.0 inch version it is the one with the horizontal knobs in the picture.
FR-3 29er

All of these tires in this category are tubeless ready.
The XR4 and 29-4 are dream tires on the front. Good angled knobs with some taper to them, they tend to shed mud and dirt really well and hook up in a predator-supernatural kinda way. The sidewall casing are solid and seem to hold up really well also. In really muddy or loose conditions, they would also be awesome on the back of the bike.

The FR3's are a Free Ride style tire, super solid sidewalls and thicker tread durometer means they can take big hits from rocks and such and keep going. The center bead on them is intended to offer low rolling resistance when on solid surfaces, and when setup tubeless the tread on the sides will press into the ground on softer surfaces. I recommend the FR3's for when there are rocks or when there are periods of significantly alternating conditions Loose rocks, mud, to pavement and back again.
The Revolt and 29-3 29 x2.0 are really only rear tires in my mind, and I am not sure I would recommend either for super sharp rocky conditions. The Revolt would do OK with that if you were cautious, as it has a wider tread surface than the side walls, so effectively, the tread helps to shield the sidewalls from rocks. the 29-3 appears to be a really great tire for loose conditions, or for when the terrain is roots and such, but I would be very cautious on rocks with it.

Muddy Stuff:
26 inch
Bontrager XR4
Mud X TLR

29 inch
29-4
Mud X TLR 29

This past weekend at the BRS, I ran a 26x2.0" MudX on the back and an FR4 26 x 2.2" on the front. I was surprised with how well they both hooked up the entire time.


Section 2

So, to try and boil it down, what should I buy, and when should I run it?

If you are looking at getting 2 tires for all conditions: (budgeted minded approach, this will leave you over gunned in some conditions though)
26" crowd
Bontrager XR4 and Bontrager XR2 Tubeless

29" Crowd
29-4 front and either a FR-3 29er or 29-3 29 x 2.0 inch version for the rear.
when deciding between the FR3 or 29-3 look at what you ride the most. If rocky stuff, get the FR-3, if smoother stuff, go with the 29-3


If you are looking at getting 3 tires to cover conditions: (offers the additional option of having a lower rolling resistance pair of tires for when the terrain is smoother or dry)
26" crowd
Bontrager XR2 Tubeless Pair (front and rear) and and Bontrager XR4 to put on the front when things get looser
29" crowd
29-3 29 x 2.0 inch version, 29-3 29 x 2.1 inch version and 29-4 front for when things get looser on the course

If you are looking at getting 4 tires: Effectively gives you three viable alternatives to run: 1- smooth, dry, and fast; 2-Tacky, loamy, fast; and 3- technical, loose, challenging terrain.

26inch
A Bontrager XR4 Bontrager XR1, Bontrager XR2 Tubeless, and a Bontrager Revolt
You run the XR1 rear and XR2 front for a very low rolling resistance setup on a super fast dry course.
The Revolt Rear and XR2 front for a low rolling resistance setup on a tacky or slightly loose course.
You run the XR2 rear and the XR4 front for a moderate rolling resistance setup on a looser or more technically challenging course.


29 inch
29-4, 29-3 29 x 2.1 inch version, (29-3 29 x 2.0 inch version or FR-3 29er), and an XR1 29er
This gives you a similar set of options as the 26 setup above
XR1 rear with 29-3x2.1 front for very low rolling resistance setup on a super fast dry course.
(29-3 x 2.0 version rear or FR-3) with the 29-3 2.1 front for a low rolling resistance setup on a tacky or slightly loose course.
(29-3 x 2.0 version rear or FR-3) with the 29-4 for a moderate rolling resistance setup on a looser or more technically challenging course.


if you have the cash, consider adding a Mud-X or additional XR4 or 29-4 for the rear to any of the above and I think you can cover 90% of all course conditions that we will ride, you would match it with the XR4 or 29-4 already in the sets.

When selecting tires, they also come in an "Expert" version and "Team Issue" version. In general the team version has a higher thread count sidewall and is a lighter weight tire. Durability and tire function should be similar between the two though.


I hope this helps and makes some sense of the Bontrager Tire line to you all. If there are any lingering questions, please send them my way and I will see what I can come up with.

-Shawn

Overall Standings after Stage 1 and 2

Category, Name, TT Time, SXC Time, Overall Time


Expert Men David Tevendale 0:22:06 0:52:39 1:14:45
Sport Men Daniel Ortiz 0:23:27 0:55:25 1:18:52
Sport Men Whit Zirkle 0:23:54 1:01:15 1:25:09
Sport Men Will Canup 0:30:55 1:01:30 1:32:25
Beginner Men Dillon Long 0:27:29 1:06:55 1:34:24
Expert Women Sheila Scott 0:28:47 1:05:50 1:34:37
Expert Men Scott Ramsey 0:31:56 1:06:44 1:38:40
Sport Men John Scott 0:30:05 1:09:08 1:39:13
Beginner Men Chris Royer 0:31:12 1:10:33 1:41:45
Beginner Men Nathaniel Nickerson 0:36:26 1:22:17 1:58:43
Expert Women Lorene Davidson 0:39:06 1:20:01 1:59:07
Beginner Men Jeff Bentrem 0:38:31 1:31:53 2:10:24
Beginner Women Jennifer Whedbee 0:47:25 1:25:03 2:12:28


High School Overall
Name, Age, TT Time, SXC Time, Overall Time
High School Zak Folks 0:25:12 0:46:09 1:11:21
High School Jesse Thomas 0:25:53 0:48:33 1:14:26
High School Thomas Torries 0:27:52 0:47:12 1:15:04
High School Mason Schmidt 0:29:21 0:47:14 1:16:35
High School Spencer Wuthman 0:30:20 0:52:27 1:22:47

CORO SXC Results

Category, Name, Lap1, Lap2, Lap3, Lap4, Lap 5
Expert Men Kyle Rodland 0:09:46 0:19:46 0:30:26 0:41:34 0:52:17
Expert Men David Tevendale 0:09:50 0:19:34 0:30:08 0:41:30 0:52:39
Sport Men Daniel Ortiz 0:10:05 0:20:35 0:31:35 0:42:54 0:55:25
Sport Men Whit Zirkle 0:10:47 0:21:59 0:34:27 0:47:16 1:01:15
Sport Men Will Canup 0:10:57 0:22:42 0:34:56 0:48:09 1:01:30
Expert Women Sheila Scott 0:11:36 0:24:05 0:37:25 0:51:00 1:05:50
Expert Men Scott Ramsey 0:11:05 0:23:06 0:36:54 0:51:48 1:06:44
Beginner Men Dillon Long 0:12:18 0:25:03 0:38:09 0:52:15 1:06:55
Sport Men John Scott 0:11:59 0:24:47 0:38:48 0:53:50 1:09:08
Beginner Men Chris Royer 0:12:43 0:25:29 0:39:02 0:54:35 1:10:33
Expert Women Lorene Davidson 0:15:04 0:29:40 0:45:15 1:02:27 1:20:01
Beginner Men Nathaniel Nickerson 0:15:15 0:29:16 0:45:28 1:03:37 1:22:17
Beginner Men David Morris 0:16:39 0:31:33 0:47:07 1:05:29 1:24:10
Beginner Women Jennifer Whedbee 0:15:07 0:30:16 0:47:46 1:06:33 1:25:03
Beginner Men Jeff Bentrem 0:16:52 0:32:59 0:50:28 1:10:08 1:31:53

High School Category
Name, Lap1, Lap2, Lap 3
Mason Schmidt 0:15:00 0:30:06 0:47:14
Jesse Thomas 0:15:24 0:30:42 0:48:33
Thomas Torries 0:15:10 0:30:07 0:47:12
Zak Folks 0:15:20 0:29:42 0:46:09
Carlini, Michael 0:21:53 0:46:59 1:14:51
Spencer Wuthman 0:15:54 0:33:18 0:52:27

CORO TT Results

Here are times
Category, Names, Finish Time, Start Time. Time on Course

Expert Men David Tevendale 0:37:06 0:15:00 22:06.0
Sport Men Daniel Ortiz 0:41:57 0:18:30 23:27.0
Sport Men Whit Zirkle 0:41:24 0:17 23:54.0
High School Zak Folks 0:29:42 0:04:30 25:12.0
High School Jesse Thomas 0:28:53 0:03 25:53.0
Beginner Men Dillon Long 0:47:29 0:20:00 27:29.0
High School Thomas Torries 0:31:22 0:03:30 27:52.0
Expert Women Sheila Scott 0:45:47 0:17:00 28:47.0
High School Mason Schmidt 0:31:21 0:02:00 29:21.0
Sport Men John Scott 0:49:05 0:19 30:05.0
High School Spencer Wuthman 0:31:20 0:01:00 30:20.0
Sport Men Will Canup 1:04:55 0:34:00 30:55.0
Beginner Men Chris Royer 0:51:42 0:20:30 31:12.0
Sport Men Kirk Henderson 0:49:15 0:18:00 31:15.0
Expert Men Scott Ramsey 0:47:56 0:16:00 31:56.0
Beginner Men Nathaniel Nickerson 0:57:26 0:21:00 36:26.0
Expert Men Eric Fletcher 1:00:22 0:22:00 38:22.0
Beginner Men Jeff Bentrem 0:57:31 0:19:00 38:31.0
Expert Women Lorene Davidson 0:55:36 0:16:30 39:06.0
High School Bon Jun Koo 0:43:27 0:00:30 42:57.0
Beginner Women Jennifer Whedbee 1:08:55 0:21:30 47:25.0
High School Diakata, IJ 0:51:59 0:02:30 49:29.0
High School Nick Pashoian 0:54:37 0:01 53:07.0
High School Evan Roberts 1:00:00 0:04:00 56:00.0

The Amazing Places a Mountain BIke can take you!!

Had an awesome trip these past two weeks. More pictures to follow, also something on the Chimney Chase this weekend tomorrow. Out team rocked!!

This is my favorite picture from the trip....or at least one of my favorites.

Cowbell Challenge

Start Line at Cowbell Challenge 2009.


This past weekend saw Denelle and myself venture south to Davidson, NC. for the annual Cowbell Challenge. This years event was going to be part of the US Cycling National Endurance Calender as well as the Kenda Cup East with races on both Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday race was my focus with a 58 mile marathon event. In past years, this event has been a 10 or 12 hour race that has had a large contingent of local ass kickers taking wins, with this jump onto the national calendar though, things were looking primed for some big names and top speeds. The race course itself is on a piece of property owned or managed by the city of Davidson and known as Fisher Farm Park. There is not a lot of elevation change within the park overall, but everyfoot of it they seemed to make use of by running the race up and down from a small river bed to the top of a 200 foot hill numerous times. Much of the actual climbing seemed to be in the open fields or on wider sections of trail in the woods, so things were very sun baked come noon time. The opening section of trail for the event had some great sections of rocks and TONS of roots that added challenge to corners and desents, add to this some optional "free-ride" style lines made mandatory thanks to liberal application of Kenda Tape and you have a race venue....a super fun race venue.
The race was slated for a 10am start from downtown Davidson with a blitzkreig style rampage from the town to the race venue via greenway paved paths and roads. Having registered in the pro-field for the weekend meant that we were all placed on the front of the race and turned loose at pace. From the gun, someone upfront decided they needed to make haste, and haste they did. I don't know if it was the KOM climbs that were being awarded or just some sick roadie on semi-slicks, but the pace was UNREAL from the get-go. I clung to the back of the front runners, and by the time we hit the first section of single track 8 miles later, there were 8 of us left as the lead pack....and I had already burned some significant matches. On the first climb on single track, I settled in, tried to keep the middle ring spinning over and sipped at my InfinIT bottle on the downtube. Up that climb, and through the Kenda Blowup Archway and we were starting our first full lap. I quickly left the front of the pack and let the paid people move off to do the damage they wished to each other, I wanted little to do with that. Over the next two hours I worked my way around the course, through the rock gardens, up the multiple leg burner climbs and over the rooty corners and drops. I never really felt I could hit full power with the significant heat. Steven from WBR/Siren recorded 103 degrees under their canpoy near the transition area. By the end of Lap 2 I was really feeling the heat. I was pushing the InfinIT and pleasantly surprised by how well it seemed to be working, at the end of Lap 3, I made a request for some Coca-Cola and Johanna and Kyle managed to roust some Dr. Peper from a kid in time for me to have some before going out for my 5th lap. This was to prove to be a deciding lap for me. I felt solid and held steady through the climbs and really was pulling great time through the rooty corners and technical sections. The Top Fuel's ABP systema and Full Floater technology made a HUGE difference on this course. I never had to get out of the saddle through the roots and could stay planted to the bike and produce power through all but the roughest rock garden sections....and luckily, those were mostly downhill. This lap I cought the guy who had been just in front of me. We came into transition with him just in front of me and as I stopped to get a fresh bottle and a bit of food, he rolled through with his camelback and setout on course. A quick feed from Jo and Kyle got me out on course again and I announced to them, I was gonna go find that guy. Kyle's words stuck with me for the lap, "Give him hell."
I rolled throught the first technical features and empowered by the cheering fans on the side once again forced myself to ride the semi-technical rock climb through a narrow and over some precarious roots. I dropped one gear harder than I had been through the next twisty section as I tried to pull time on the guy on the 29er bike in front of me. He still was not in sight though. Coming out of the woods on that lap and into the first sun-burnt field section, I saw him ahead by about 200 yards. I put my head down, drove the pedals around in harder cirles, and found some strength that I did not know was still there. As the gap closed, I got to the first of the field climbs and quickly pulled niner dude back in. I settled in just behind him at a gap for a minute to evaluate what I had left in my deck and try to measure out what he was holding still in his hand. I swept past him in the next little sweeper climb and he hopped straight onto my wheel and seemed to settle in comfortably for the 4th from final climb on my wheel. I ticked the pedals over in the middle ring, turning steady power at about 90% of my LT, hoping I could find a little extra pop in the legs shortly. We crested this climb, and on the next descent, he came around me to create a small gap going into another flat field section. He was a big strong guy and managed to open his gap on me a tiny bit more on this flat....or at least enough to keep me out of his slip stream. Into the 3rd from last climb, we climbed together, steady, holding pace, I pulled around him on the edge of the trail. As we entered a short techinical descent, I managed to clean the line quickly and created a gap of a few seconds. The second from last climb was a short one, only 250-300 yards total, and it had a long descent to flat after it....I hoped out of the saddle and pounced. There was no sound from behind me and I spun the pace up out of the saddle and settled down to a seated position feeling the burn in the legs and still pushing power. Cresting the climb and not looking back, I started the sweeping field descent. I glanced over to where we had just climbed up and saw niner guy spinnning up the climb not responding to the acceleration. I went through the flat section. Powered the final climb in the middle ring and spun through the finish for 8th place in the Pro/Open field.
Race done!!

Lisbon Urban Course

A bit of video footage from the Lisbon Urban downhill course. Super cool idea for a race and looks like a fun course....I wonder if we can do an XC version of this?

BURN 24 HOUR

It is just over 26 hours until we all line up for this race. The weather is looking to be good with temps in the low 80's in the daytime on Saturday and SUnday and lows of 60-65 over night. Some chance of rain....but we all have to ride in the same conditions.
Crew is looking Strong:
DUO Men:
Cyrus and Danny-O
Mike Walling and Scott-tae.

Solo Women:
Denelle kicking ass.

Solo Men
Jason Hiser and Myself.

The barge is rolling out shortly to make a heist of Danny-O from Highschool. I feel like I am aiding the deliquency of a minor in some respects, but hey, he got permission right.

We are gonna try to do some updates from the venue on Saturday and Sunday, so look to the blog for more information and probably party tips from Cyrus. He can, after all, do these races fueled by hot dogs and HEED.......

-Shawn

Ever seen a 8+ hour HRM file

For scaling purposes, each of the horizontal lines is 25 bpm. So the two that you see this file spending most of the time between are 150 and 200....with 175 being the middle ground. Indeed the average HR for the entire time= 170. The final portion of the file is what happens when you have to pedal a flat tire in. Can't generate much power that way.

Jasper Wins at Twisted Tire!!!

Big News Folks: Jasper took the kids class. I hear it came down to superior course knowledge on his part. During the neck and neck race, Jasper's main adversary took the log, Jasper knew about the clear path around.....and WHAMO!!! He took the win!!!

Nice job Jasper!!!

Hilbert #1

Hilbert was great this past weekend. Our team showed up in solid form and ready to put pressure on the competition. The final results turned out in our favor for certain.
____________________
Sport Men
1st Danny O
3rd Cyrus D.
____________________
Sport Women
9th Lisa Stover
____________________
Expert Vet Men
10th Ken Tankersley
____________________
Expert Women
3rd Sheila Scott
____________________
Sport Vet Men
14th John Scott
____________________
Masters
4th Jim Seguin
____________________
Enduro Women
2nd Denelle Grant
____________________
Enduro Men
1st Shawn Tevendale
4th Kevin Murray
12th Dave Tevendale (ill timed flat)
24th Jason Hiser (quit half way through to go swimming, triathlete in training)


Awesome job to everyone. Huge thanks to my dad and to Danny-O's parents for running the pit and the trailer. You guys were huge help out there!!

-Shawn

Meltdown--Results

Below are the results from todays fun. They are all done in the following format.
Place, Name, Team, Start Time, Lap Time(s), Total Time

Beginner Men
1 Troutner, Marshall 10:06 11:04 0:58
2 Royer, Chris 10:06 11:07 1:01
3 Miller, Matthew Endorphin 10:06 11:08 1:02
4 Eggleston, Dan 10:06 11:11 1:05

Junior Beginner
1 King, Jake CRC 10:06 11:06 1:00
2 Nicolas, Breton 10:06 11:57 1:51

Junior High School

1 Risberg, Henry 10:04 10:52:33 11:38:50 1:34:50
2 Smith, Eric Charlottesville High School Mountain Bike Club 10:04 10:57:00 11:47:23 1:43:23
3 Bell, Connor Gripped Racing 10:04 11:53:19 1:49:19
4 Long, Dillon Blue Ridge School 10:04 11:00:35 12:04:58 2:00:58
5 Massonneau, Andrew Winchester Wheelmen 10:04 11:02:51 12:09:48 2:05:48
6 Lynch, Sean Charlottesville High School mountain Bike Club 10:04 11:11:36 12:20:38 2:16:38
7l Zirkle, Whit Blue Ridge School 10:04 11:08:25 DNF

Sport Men

1 Ortiz, Daniel Bike Factory Race Team 10:02 ??? 11:33:50 1:31:50
2 Dreyer, Cyrus Bike Factory Race Team 10:02 10:50:00 11:35:00 1:33:00
3 Bell, Ken Gripped Racing 10:04 10:49:56 11:38:15 1:34:15
4 Stahl, Mark SEAVS RACING 10:02 10:51:35 11:39:40 1:37:40
5 Thatcher, Hurt Appalachian State 10:02 11:41:45 1:39:45
6 Dabler, Randy Spud Racing 10:02 10:53:15 11:46:25 1:44:25
7 Lindblad, Paul Gravel 10:02 10:55:26 11:47:09 1:45:09
8 Seguin, Jim Charlottesville Racing Club 10:02 10:56:39 11:50:55 1:48:55
9 Sharp Ii, Brown 10:02 10:58:05 11:51:50 1:49:50
10 Smead, Chris 10:02 10:55:38 11:52:16 1:50:16
11 Hogan, Brendan 10:02 11:00:28 11:53:53 1:51:53
12 Baker, Jaimison Carytown Bicycle Company 10:02 10:57:12 11:54:49 1:52:49
13 Eiserman, Robert Deaf Guy Racing 10:02 10:05:45 11:55:18 1:53:18
14 Perpetua, Joe 10:02 10:57:47 11:55:49 1:53:49
15 Pelz, Joseph 10:02 11:02:03 11:59:38 1:57:38
16 Hiser, Jason bareinternational.com 10:02 11:03:24 12:01:55 1:59:55
17 Tressler, Lyal 10:02 11:02:00 12:02:36 2:00:36
18 Homick, Michael Team 53X11 Coffee 10:02 11:03:25 12:03:37 2:01:37
19 Scott, John Bike Factory Race Team 10:02 11:03:40 12:03:54 2:01:54
20 Nadas, Joshua Proteus 10:02 11:04:55 12:10:44 2:08:44
21 Guy, Cedric bareinternational.com 10:02 11:13:30 12:11:44 2:09:44
22 Mitchel, Brian 10:02 10:59:35 12:13:50 2:11:50
23 ???? 10:04 10:59:40 12:18:48 2:14:48
24 Dunay, Matthew 10:02 11:12:30 12:26:40 2:24:40
25 Diehr, Lee The Bike Lane 10:02 11:19:06 12:37:00 2:35:00
26 Massonneau, Christopher Winchester Wheelmen 10:02 11:13:54 DNF

Sport Women

1 Schrock, Kate Light Street Cycles 10:04 11:04:09 12:06:17 2:02:17
2 Howard, Esther Bike Factory Race Team 10:04 11:10:38 12:19:19 2:15:19
3 Dunay, Megan 10:04 11:21:57 12:46:12 2:42:12
4 Stover, Lisa Bike Factory Race Team 10:04 11:28:48 13:10:00 3:06:00

Expert Men

1 Bishop, Jeremiah Cannondale-Mona Via 10:00:00 10:35:45 11:10:30 11:45:21 1:45:21
2 Sundt, Jonny Kelly Benefit Strategies 10:00:00 10:38:00 11:15:38 11:54:38 1:54:38
3 Raynes, Justin SEAVS/Bikes Unlimiited 10:00:00 10:38:24 11:15:47 11:55:52 1:55:52
4 Michaels, Chris 10:00:00 10:39:24 11:19:06 12:02:18 2:02:18
5 Jenkins, Thomas Shenandoah Bicycle Company 10:00:00 10:40:26 11:20:35 12:02:43 2:02:43
6 Rodland, Kyle Independent Fabrications/CRC 10:00:00 10:41:18 11:21:42 12:07:34 2:07:34
7 Kutney, Mark Van Dessel Cycles 10:00:00 10:42:35 11:24:39 12:09:23 2:09:23
8 Cook, Rob 10:00:00 10:42:27 11:24:28 12:10:39 2:10:39
9 Wittwer, Greg Design Physics racing p/b Rowlett's 10:00:00 10:43:13 11:26:20 12:12:18 2:12:18
10 Jones, Bruce ???/ 10:00:00 10:44:06 11:28:44 12:17:02 2:17:02
11 Wittwer, Fred Charlottesville Racing Club 10:00:00 10:48:23 12:23:34 12:23:34 2:23:34
12 Stahl, Scott SEAVS Racing 10:00:00 10:48:00 11:37:14 12:29:59 2:29:59
13 Ramsey, Scott Bike Factory Racing 10:00:00 10:48:55 11:37:04 12:31:24 2:31:24
14 Kelnberger, David Fisher 29er Crew 10:00:00 10:53:00 11:41:14 12:31:50 2:31:50
15 Pence, Richard Charlottesville Racing Club 10:00:00 10:53:05 11:43:55 12:37:00 2:37:00
16 Moffett, William Richmond ASR 10:00:00 10:51:50 11:42:41 12:39:28 2:39:28
17 Runnals, Michael JRVS/Casey Auto Group 10:00:00 10:39:48 11:19:00 DNF

Expert Women

1 Krause, Johanna Velo Bela/CRC 10:00:00 10:47:17 12:24:26 12:24:26 2:24:26
2 Grant, Denelle Bike Factory Racing 10:00:00 10:54:55 11:48:00 12:42:51 2:42:51
3 Scott, Sheila Bike Factory Racing 10:00:00 10:54:24 11:49:16 12:50:52 2:50:52
4 Co, Michelle Bike Factory Racing 10:00:00 10:57:54 11:56:49 12:59:00 2:59:00

Single Speed

1 Senn, Jeremy Bike Factory Racing 10:02 10:47:28 11:29:46 1:27:46
2 Murray, Kevin Bike Factory Racing 10:02 10:48:22 11:30:37 1:28:37
3 Crouse, David The Bike Lane 10:02 10:46:28 11:31:50 1:29:50
4 Pence, Nick JMU 10:02 10:49:03 11:34:20 1:32:20
5 Claman, John The Bike Lane 10:02 10:50:34 11:40:03 1:38:03
6 Lindbloom, Ethan Team Carytown Bicycle Company 10:02 10:53:30 11:42:46 1:40:46
7 Claman, Jeff Pedal Shop/ODBC 10:02 10:55:54 11:46:58 1:44:58
8 Daniels, Nick The Bike Lane 10:02 10:54:45 11:50:02 1:48:02
9 Capelle, Greg Proteus 10:02 10:57:56 11:54:10 1:52:10

New Bikes are Good

They make you want to ride more.
They make you faster.
They make you train.
They eliminate excuses.

Go get a new bike and live up to its demands!!

This is my new steed, prodding me softly from the living room at this moment, "Come get me....the trails are calling."
How can a 22.5 lb machine have so much influence on my day.

GO RIDE!!!

-Shawn

Wanted- Rig

Good weather over the weekend led to lots of riding time for many. Denelle and I managed to hit a 2.5 hour surge fest on Saturday with resident hard man and woman, John and Sheila. The theme for the day...Single Speed!! Denelle borrowed Sheila's extra SS and I got to ride my Top Fuel with the suspension wide open and the gears locked into one only. It was great fun, like riding a pogo stick when you had to get out of the saddle and really try to climb something. The power file for the day was interesting. Lots of real high surges combined with periods of flailing with the pedals. Denelle had more fun than I did though, she really seemed to enjoy the ride so much she is now looking for a Gary Fisher Rig to ride part time. Sunday was a 3.5 hour ride of moderate intensity. The legs seem to be coming around to my way of thinking...which is good, it would be a long winter if they stay this obstinate to what I want them to do. Dave got out and flew some more. He is gonna kill it this year. He has been training really hard all winter and is getting in some really big hours on the bike. Come next year he will be ready to drop it on everyone with that new Pro-Cal we are getting put together for him.
I am looking forward to struggling to hold his wheel this year at the SM-100.

-Shawn

R.I.P.

The longest running bike team sponsorship in history.
Too bad it is over.

-Shawn

Live Life-Ride More

Got in about 3.5 hours today. Solid Endurance paced riding. Trying the 29er thing pretty serious, and I think I am starting to dig it. Time will tell. Todays ride was a bunch of dirt gravel roads near Earlysville, Whitehall, and Free Union with the mandatory climb over a mountain or three. Really cold to start with, then warmed a little, rained a little, dried a little, cold a little more.....it was a little kinda ride.

Tomorrow is gonna be another story!!! I was hoping for a good endurance ride of about 4 hours or so...but the weather is making me wonder. Hypothermia is never fun on a bike.

Cross Race

Got this wacky idea to do a cross race yesterday. Nothing like a full hour of "what the hell are you doing to me" for your body during the off season. Man, that was fun!!!
I managed to pull of 4th place in the collegiate category on a Full Suspension 29er. Kind of not a cross rig at all....but you ride what you know and what you are comfortable on....so I loaned the Cross bike to someone else, and rode the mountain bike.

All will revert to normal starting this week though: It is Base Miles Time!!!!! I love this time of year, a reason to hop on a bike, and pedal for hours on hours. During these rides, I have solved such things as world hunger, poverty of third world nations, and the perfect suspension design....alas, by the time I finish I am too tired to remember what the answers were though.

I guess the thing I love the most about being a competitive cyclists is base training.

Let the fun begin!!!

-Shawn

More pics.

Denelle, Anthony, Chris and myself set out on a Semi-Epic ride today. Only semi because really there was not a doubt of things ending well. We started out on a casual loop, of about 35 miles or so. Ended up with a crash by Anthony into a cactus, 12 or so spines plucked later, we were on the trail again....yes he got them in his chin.
We rode a while longer, some of the crew started to tire....then the weather hit.....including hail. We got home, cold and tired, but made it in safely.

Sedona Pics-4

Rainy Day for the most part, now we have low hanging clouds, fog and super fast tacky trails....awesome riding!!
Unusual to see the desert this way.

Sedona Pics Take 3

Here are some pictures from an Epic ride yesterday....fun times were had by all...until I locked up a rear axel and had to spin a wheel in the frame to ride for 5 miles....talk about a horrible resistance workout!!!
The cool thing about it in retrospect. If it had been any bike other than a ABP equiped Trek, I am not thinking the wheel would have stayed in the dropouts enough to work.