St George ICUP

Well thinks sure started well today. The weather was much better than forcasted. My boys tore it up in their races. It sure makes a daddy's heart flutter when he sees his boys try so hard. And Dot did well in her first sport race coming in 5th place among the "youngster" crowd.

Jonny

Joey

My race started with a huge pack of 24 racers so I wasn't sure what to expect. I got out to a slow start not wanting to mix it up with the pack too much, but by the first few hills I made it to the front third. I was feeling good but was trying to hold back some not wanting to flame out like I have a bad habit of doing. But by the time we finished all the climbing I had passed Bob S and Darren C who have been my hard to reach targets all last year. I was hoping it was because of my improvement rather than their early season rusty legs. But as soon as I passed Darren my chain fell off. They passed me and I lost 3 spots. The second lap was scary since I couldn't catch back up with them and was feeling tired. I eased up for a couple of minutes, drank some Carborocket and went for it again. Then during the third lap I started seeing the group again and passed Bob again (he looked like he was hurting). Then I caught up with Darren and Tim W. I was feeling great! There was still the front group ahead but I was stoked to be where I was against these guys! I only had a mile to go! What could happen?

Pssssssssssssssssssss! I hit A sharp rock and the Stan's started spewing! I didn't worry too much at first since the Stan's had been reliable so far. But the hole did not seal and I had to stop. I used up two canisters of CO2 but the hole was to big. I had to start pushing (after I spent about 5 minutes screaming and cursing) I came across Dan a local St George racer I new and he gave me another canister and I put the tube in. I at least got to ride to the finish instead of walking. I finished third to last. I don't know where the two behind me were. I would have only finished 7th or 8th anyway but I do think that was the best I raced this early in the season. Usually I burn out on my last lap. I guess there's always the next race. And I hope it will be on the NEW ARANTIX!

ARANTIX MILES: 2380

ICUP races-

Here are the basics of the next two races the ARANTIX and I were in for historical filler.

After the Tuscon races I was feeling pretty good and stoked and couldn't help having illusions of crushing the competition. Well there has been crushing but not the type I was thinking of...

St. George, UT

The first race of the local Intermountain Cup series was in St George the first weekend of March.

I got out to a real strong start actually leading for a few seconds (yes just a few) but then thinking I was going out too hard I slowed down to third and held that for 2/3 of the first lap until I crashed. I got scraped up a bit and the Arantix took it well. Well I dropped to 6th then and never saw the front pack again. Disappointing. Well I figured there was always the next race.

Hurricane, UT

The first weekend of April was the Cholla challenge in Hurricane. It was a course I missed last year and was not very fond of once I pre-rode it the day before the race. Well I got a weak start for the race and just had nothing in my legs from the start. I came in 5th but out of a field of 8. Not very satisfying.

I actually think I had overtrained. I was sore all the time since St George and never felt as strong since that race. Anyway, I had to do something fast since we were headed to the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey CA the following week. I was worried.

Remember; the rate limiting component in cycling is the engine. Ride on.....