Hello from my cozy apartment in Missoula, Montana! I’m just settling in with some breakfast while storm clouds start to gather outside. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous, though, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up the season—well, at least until the state championships roll around in a couple of weeks. Can’t complain about going out on such a high note.
Yesterday started pretty normally, woke up, had my usual breakfast, nothing too crazy. Just one of those perfect days where everything feels right.
Hey, folks! Let’s chat about the heart-stopping, wheel-turning spectacle known as the “Spiral of Death” in the world of cyclocross. Imagine this: a dizzying maze that wraps riders in tighter and tighter circles, only to spit them out like they’ve been through a blender—on two wheels. It’s not just a test of skill; it’s a mental game where the bravest souls dare to tread. This feature turns a regular race into an adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster. So, if you’re up for a challenge that’s as much about outsmarting yourself as it is about out-pedaling the competition, the Spiral of Death awaits. Buckle up; it’s going to be a wild ride!
Riding in wildfire smoke? Bad idea. It’s full of nasty stuff that messes with your lungs and even your blood. Worse for folks with asthma or heart issues, but it’s rough for anyone. Kids, older people, and anyone with health issues are most at risk.
Think hard before you hit those smoky trails. Gym might be a safer bet, or an N95 mask if you can’t resist. Watch those air quality reports – they’re crucial.
The take-away? Put your health first. Smoke’s no joke. Chill indoors, enjoy some TV. Better safe than sorry!
I am currently in first place in the MBRA Cyclocross Series. This weekend I put in some constant results while series leader John Curry was absent. That is why I say “brief” because after Helena John should take the top spot back. I am only keeping it warm. Frank Gonzalez should be there as well to show me a lesson after taking advantage of his mishaps. You can only go so far on luck. So in preparations I must get a little faster to back up my current situation. Here is the rundown:
Greetings, Missoula! Back in my humble (finally!) apartment after a whirlwind Kalispell trip filled with cyclocross, camaraderie, and enough lactic acid to power a small village. The “Woodland Cross” and “Heron Park Cross Race” threw everything at me – brutal climbs, epic battles, and the ever-present reminder that maybe I should listen to advice about better starts (oops!).
Saturday’s race started hopeful, quickly evolving into a rollercoaster of “could haves” and “almost got its.” The course was killer, but hey, everyone keeps suggesting better starts, right? Well, I achieved that… then promptly forgot how to utilize it strategically. Led five glorious laps, felt the burn, and got outpaced in the final stretch. Third place – bittersweet, but a learning experience nonetheless.
Post-race, fate (and some sweet discounts) landed me with the Bozo crew – Sten and Corey, legends of the Muleterro team. Turns out, the Grand Hotel wasn’t just a place to stay, it was a rustic haven complete with Zen vibes, homemade cookies, and flicks paired with delicious Thai food (Thai Palace, maybe?). Pure bliss.
Sunday’s race? Not exactly what my sore, “Old Dude” ailment-riddled body craved. But hey, races have a way of starting, and as always, I warmed up, channeled my inner diesel, and clawed my way through the pack. Doug snagged the win, but the cheers of “The Kaiser” and “warming up the diesel” fueled my fire. Gotta love the support!
Now, with a car full of unpacked gear and a body protesting like a teenager, it’s time to hit the hay and dream of epic comebacks (and maybe some injury-free races, fingers crossed!). This season has been one for the books, good times and all. Until next time, Missoula!
UPDATE 11/8/7: A new infection has started on the other cheek. The main one is flattening but sore, like a burn. Lots of peeling on the sores.
UPDATE 11/5/7: Race went well and no damage done. Swelling continues to subside. I am to call the doc today for updates.
UPDATE 11/4/7: Going racing. can not sit correctly yet and inflamation still a bit hing but what can you do on such a nice day.
UPDATE 11/3/7: I am starting to respond to the celfuroxime and have decided to go to the race tomorrow. The inflamation is still high but I am hopeful that by tomorrow in Helena I will be as ready to go as I was in the Buttee 100! Thank you for all the calls and emails!
UPDATE 11/1/7: Just got back from the doctor (well not just, fell asleep). I have had a staff infection . We are trying a more agressive approach with 1000MG cefuroxime a day for ten then we will see. The doc says I’ll be able to race Sunday. He put me on a IV with antibiotics for 10 minutes today because we needed to take action immediately. I should go in sooner next time.
It is back, the 5th bout of this infection that seems to come out of no where. Last Saturday I felt sore after the race and then Sunday I knew it was back as the undercarriage started to swell. Monday I had a golf ball size lump and now it is the size of a hockey puck. It was only 3 months ago that I had a nightmare with this thing and it almost did me in. I missed last nights race and with this week end’s race in Helena looming I am calling the doc. I have decided to make a timeline (from past blogs) to try and figure things out:
May 12, 2006 : New Job! Started Racing!
May 28, 2006: 1st Infection (11 days)
July 10, 2006: Stress at work and paying bills! Racing!
Aug 6, 2007: Surgery, not as expected, continue antibiotics
Oct 22, 2007: Week of stress, Friday stressed at work.
Oct 27, 2007: 5th infection.
Nov 1, 2007: 1000MG cefuroxime a day for ten days.
Nov 3, 2007: Started draining and getting smaller.
Nov 5, 2007: Raced yesterday with decreased performance. Inflamation continues to go down and knee infection drained after the race. It looks good this morning.
Nov 8, 2007: A new infection has started on the other cheek.
Yo peeps! Guess where I’m chilling? My friend’s cozy pad, soaking up the good life: blueberry ice cream, classic horror on cable, and (hallelujah!) high-speed internet. The perfect antidote to a stressful week, let me tell you. Sadie the dog went off on her adventures with some lovely ladies, and tomorrow morning, it’s Kalispell-bound for the first race of the weekend – the Woodland Cross!
Finding a cheap hotel in sub-zero temps? Mission: not impossible, but definitely tricky. Camping isn’t exactly appealing in this weather, so the plan is to conquer both races (including Sunday’s Herron Park Cyclocross, same venue as last year’s state champs!) with some strategic car maneuvers. Let’s just say, my inner explorer is getting prepped for a chilly adventure.
Wish me luck on the races, folks! And prepare yourselves for next week’s potential cycling withdrawal drama. Because after battling snowy roads and epic courses, real life might feel a little… slow-paced. Until then, I’ll be dreaming of podium finishes and maybe some hot cocoa breaks between races. Stay frosty, everyone!
The results are in and I have placed 4th in the Mens A category (standings). In first place was Dave Hartman with 430 points and in second was a tie between Toby Meirbachtol and Doug Shryock with 360 points. I followed with a skimpy 335 points a far cry from last year when i tied for first. Apparently I have become slower and I must evaluate why and make the necessary adjustments.
In the class that I am supposed to be in, Masters, John Weyhrich took the title. John is the man who lent me his wheel in the Thunder and Lightening race. Good job Dave, John!
Its off to Kallispell for the Montana Series where I am currently 3rd. Go to http://www.montanacyclocross.com/ and vote for who you think will win this weekend.
Hello from a house that has behaved bravely and it’s inhabitants are surviving the onslaught of a k9 that misses it’s owner. Its day 5 of the house-sitting project and things are getting interesting. I have a race tonight but I fear my chances of doing well are slim due to stress and all the work involved with this certain project. What started out as a “almost” vacation in a cool house complete with laundry facilities has turned into a stressful situation. Its not that bad, no one is hurt or lost, but I don’t want that to happen and that is where the stress comes in.
Day 2 – Where in the world is Sadie: I came home from my race to find the yard and the kennel empty. There was a large hole in the side but no dog. I panicked and went looking around. No Sadie to be found. I found three messages on the house owners tel-machine.
The first one was a guy that found Sadie and brought her back. Little good that did as she escaped again out her previous escape route.
The second one was a lady that did the same and I started to realize that Sadie was on the lose and no one had the sense to hold on to her.
Finally the last message had a person that had custody of the delinquent beast. The problem was that she recorded her phone number so fast I ha to play it back. I hot what I thought was the repeat button and heard the message, ‘Message deleted”. I had deleted the message by accident. Shit!
After numerous stabs at the phone number I scored the correct one. the woman brought Sadie back and I proceeded to stay up half the night mending the fence and dragging cinder blocks to stack around the kennel.
Day 3 – Victorious, Sadie held at bay: I was glad to find Sadie still in her cage after a stressful day at work. All day I was worried that she got out again. To celebrate I took the girls out for a hike up University Mountain. We had a great hike and the only bad part was that we got sort of lost and came out of the woods late. All in all, a good day.
Day 4 – Sadie makes a comeback: When I arrived at the house that I am sitting I was hopeful that we would have another good hike that night. As I opened the gate I was dumb founded. There was two holes in the kennel and as a bonus there was garbage strewn around the yard. The only good part was that Sadie had failed to break out of the outer fence (I learned of a new latch at the bottom of the fence).
I felt that I could mend these holes as well but it seemed that that night’s hike would have to be postponed for cleanup and mending. When I went into the house that was confirmed. Sadie had ram-sacked the house and garbage was all over. I set out to start picking up.
The icing on the cake is when I went out the front to pick up the mail. What did my wondering eyes fall upon? A citation from the animal control department about a nuisance dog. It seems ol’ Sadie had been barking all day as well. I figured I would have to take Sadie to work or take time off work as she definitely could not be left alone.
Day 5 – Now what? This brings us to now and what I have to do to make it to Saturday when i am freed of this venture. My bright idea this morning may be a bad one but one that I only have time to do without losing my job. I am going to lock the pet door and leave Sadie sleeping on her bed while I go to work. then after a couple hours I will come and mend the fence (extended lunch) and place her in the kennel. Hopefully she will not bark at mid day and if she does maybe no one will hear and call the cops again. Then I can attend my race this afternoon. So wish me luck and we will see what the future brings as I come back tonight after the race.
Good morning from my friends house where I am house-sitting for a week. All the pets are waking up and if it was not for Sadie I would of slept in. I didn’t even hear the alarm but I did get mauled by the big dog. She must of heard it and knew I was supposed to get up. Good dog!
I am brutally beaten, broken, and in a world of hurt today. After the race at Lubrecht my ankles felt like someone hit them with a hammer. Yesterday as I took the girls out for a hike I was sore and could not move very swiftly. It did not help that we got side tracked and was out till after dark trying to find the trail out.
The course last Sunday was one that favored myself. It has one set of barriers and one barrier alone at the bas of a small run-up. The rest of the course was flat out hammering. Oh yea! I almost forgot, a sand pit too but it turned out to be a easy ride over the sand.
The night before I was up mounting an old tire from last year because of my sliced tire in the Thunder and Lightening. The tire held up and so did I …. barely. At the beginning I took off strong but soon fell back to 4th behind John C, Frankie G, and Clint M. I set out to not let the group get too far ahead. Soon John blasted the group apart and we were all strung out about 1/8 mile apart. Clint started slowing and as I overtook him he dove into the pits to change bikes. I figured he would attack to get his position back so I hammered on.
Soon I was catching Frankie. 3, 2, then 1 lap to go and I gave it my all and got right up behind him about 25 yards away. The last set of barriers came at us so fast and we were so concerned in racing each other that Frankie lost his chain (reportedly crashed). I came flying over the barriers, barely made the first one and my bike hit the second one. It bounced and I tried a pirouette to regain control but actually ended up throwing my bike as I fell face first onto the turf.
From there it was a matter of who could repair the damages the fastest. I had to take the brake cable loose from my brakes (taco-e wheel) and Frank had to untangle his chain. I crossed the line in 2nd. Have a good day everyone … I am going to rest up. I feel old!
The biggest cycling event for Missoula is about to take place this weekend and who better to give you a run down than the guy who is putting it all together. I just got done reading a new blog I found called “Montana Cross” by Shaun Radley. This is one cool dude, he is always nice to talk to and race against … adding to the fun factor of the cross family here in Missoula.
Shawn has posted a map and a preview of this week end’s big event. Beer and podium girls … what more could you want? The blog also contains all the details of each Missoula Cross Series race as well as the Montana Cyclocross Series. It also has some great photos! Check it out!
Last year I raced Masters and watched the “big event”. this year I am nervous to be in it but also excited to put the hammer down against these dudes. Lets rock!
I am unpacked and just watched the Seattle Seahawks bomb out to New Orleans. I am worn out but in great spirits because I had some good races this weekend. Saturday I raced in Big Sky and today I raced at Lindsay Park in Bozeman.
Yesterday I got out of town around 8 Am and just about missed the gun in Big Sky. The trip took longer than I expected and then I got behind some slow drivers. I got there 45 minutes before the start and scrambled to get ready and go a couple laps.
The race started and I got off to a great start in 3rd. After a couple laps I fell to 5th after a crash. Somehow I found new form and passed my foe and ended up in 4th place. I felt the finish was pretty respectable and headed off to my favorite haunt for pizza.
I had a slice of pizza (not the best) and then went to the Hungary Moose to have some coffee, goodie, and blog. That wasn’t going to happen as they were closed for cleaning. Just my luck, so I headed off to my camping spot on Moose Creek.
Marcy and I hiked all over were we were camping and found some great meadows and vistas. When it got dark I watched a movie on my laptop and went to sleep in the beetle pod.
I awoke to 28 degree temps and all my gear outside was frozen to the ground. I showed up for today’s race in plenty of time and got in a couple rounds of the course to warm up. I wondered if I could go hard again.
At the start I once again jumped out with the lead group and the 4 of us rode into a lead. the front runners battles so hard it blew me and even put the third place guy in a bit of difficulty. After the guy in third crashed I overtook him and went hard for a couple laps to put on a comfortable lead.
I finished third and it felt great even though I felt like shit. Finally a top three in a men A race. This is quite an accomplishment and I feel lucky to have the form to have a strong race. I know that I still lose most ground on the running sections so when I figure that out I am sure I can challenge for maybe a win someday.
After a long trip back I am home and going to bed. This weekend in The Big One, a race that takes place in the local baseball stadium under the lights. It is the biggest cross race in Montana and one of the most exciting.
Hello from the Green Hanger where I am getting the “chores” done doing laundry and later groceries. After that I prepare the beetle pod camping system because I’ll be spending the weekend camping out and racing the cross bike. I am part excited, part hesitant.
I am excited to still have enough time before winter to go camping, traveling, and of course racing. When i look at that bike I just want to go to the park and run it hard. I still have that fire to race although almost out of gas.
On the other hand part of me hates the thought that I can not be the fastest guy. And if I do want to be the fastest guy I will have to suffer. I did not decide to suffer this Wednesday so will I elevate myself to full suffer mode before the race tomorrow? We will see. On thing is for sure, I don’t take home the cash I would of if I stayed in the Masters category.
No matter the feelings I have registered for the next 4 races so I must go. I know when it is over I will be glad to have done it. I remember last year that this trip to Bozeman for the double race weekend was my favorite race weekend of the year. I can assure you that since doing the knobby Tire Series in Idaho, nothing will top that. I cant wait till next year.
Tonight, Missoula, it all came together: adrenaline pumping, friends cheering, and rain adding a dramatic splash to the course. But let’s be honest, the rain wasn’t the only thing turning heads – it was my riding, or rather, my lack thereof.
Picture this: perfect race conditions, friends hyped on the sidelines, and me? Shocked as a squirrel in a thunderstorm when the heavens opened up. But hey, I embraced the chaos, crossed the finish line in true “soaked-but-smiling” style. Just the rain, though? Nah, that wasn’t the whole story.
Instead of unleashing my inner racing demon, I played it safe. Gained a position, defended it like a cornered badger, but the comfort zone was a slippery slope (pun intended). Those grassy corners, remember the ones where I took a faceplant last week? Yeah, they haunted me, turning my attack mode into a hesitant shuffle.
Finally, the last three laps arrived. Time to wake up, right? Pedal like a man possessed, throw caution to the wind (and the puddles). But the damage was done. 4th place. A respectable finish, sure, but a missed opportunity gnawing at my soul. Sorry, guys, I choked.
This race was a lesson learned, a reminder that sometimes, playing it safe is the riskiest move of all. Next time, rain or shine, I’m riding like the storm itself. Stay tuned, Missoula, there’s redemption on the horizon. And who knows, maybe I’ll even master those grassy corners without becoming a human lawn dart again. Until then, keep your wheels spinning and your spirits high!
P.S. Anyone else out there have epic weather-induced races (besides Noah and his ark, of course)? Share your stories, commiserate, and let’s laugh at the mud splatters together!
I have stayed up late to get this pressing story out to all of you anxiously awaiting the photos of the awards banquet this last weekend for the M.O.R.S. series awards. Ok! Well, maybe it is just mom who is checking every hour to see if I sent them. Mom and Dad called me last night when I got home and wanted to hear all about it.
The banquet took place right after the Copper Mountain cross Race so we were all as hungry as could be. the pizza was good but took a while to amass enough to fill the gullet. After we were all full the boys started the show. John Weinrich the association president and Dave Peck the mountain bike coordinator handed out the hardware and checks.
My friends the Browns were their and their daughters took home 1st place for the woman’s categories even though dad was more proud of the big sheep that Emily got this hunting season so far. From what I hear it was quite the hunt.
We all came out with socks and killer glasses but most of all we came out of the season closer as a family of racers. I am already looking forward to next year where I plan to get more involved. More to come on that thought. good night all and keep it fast.
Hello from my apartment in Missoula Montana. I just got done unpacking, took a long hot bath, and watched the Packers lose their football game. I just got back from Butte Montana where I attended the first cyclocross race in the MBRA (Montana Bicycle Racing Association) 2007 series.
I traveled to Butte this morning around 8 am and arrived to a brisk 34 degrees. The sun was out and the day looked to be beautiful. I must not be ready for the cold as I found it too cold for enjoyment.
The race was soon off and this year I decided to race in the main event group (Mens A,B,C). I started in last because I did not want to get in the way of any body in real contention. And off we were.
I was second to last and I enjoyed the large group as we strung out and attacked the first barriers. It was like poetry, kind of beautiful in a way. I decided as log as everyone stayed together i would follow. If someone attacked I would try to go with them.
The attack took place on a long stretch of grass just before a real rough downhill section. I tried my best to get by riders that may pose a threat to running into me if the downhill turned ugly.
Up the marvelous run up we went and I started to attack and pick people off. I did not want to lose sight of the main group.
As we entered a real rough field section someone did not like my progression through the field and as I passed on the inside he took me out. I tumbled and my bike flew into the air and landed in the middle of the course. Riders started to hit it and I rushed to get it out of the way. I had hurt my leg, I assumed the chase.
A couple laps later I lost sight of the group but I progressed through the pack and was still picking riders off. The field was around 18 strong so I had plenty to pick off. On the downhill my chain jumped over the chain guard and completely off the front rings and crank. I had to dismount and fix it.
I was passed by a strong rider. It took me a lap or so to chase this guy down but when I did it forced me to elevated my game. Then I dropped my chain into the chain keeper. I was quick to put it on.
I kept working my way up and took another spill, this time sliding across the grass as if I was in a football game and I just dove for a catch. I remounted and continued. With two laps to go John Curry lapped me. I hung my head, here we go again with getting lapped.
I decided to follow him to see how fast he was going. This elevated my game once more and I was able to overtake him and un-lap myself and get back on the lead lap. In the end there were only 5 of us left on the lead lap and that is very good news as far as my performance. I finished 5th, which is better than I expected. I finished with some fast guys. Here is the rundown.
John Curry
Jeff Proctor
Frank Gonzalis
Scott Herzig
Me
Stay tuned and come back as I have planned some posts including photos from the MORS Awards and some season wrap ups. Take care and ride hard.
Boneshakerbike 