A few weeks ago I signed up to the SIR email group, just to see what's going on with the Rando side of Riding in Seattle.
It was just an innocent email (I get in digest form) that sugessted a 200k ride from Pete's Coffee in Redmond to celebrate the Solstice, only thing was it started at 9pm! Mr Mark Thomas was suggesting an all night ride to celebrate the longest night of the year!!! He also required you leave common sense at home, I think that's what got me thinking. I spent a week going back and forth, that would be cool, noooo that is stupid....yes I'll do it, no I won't. Also there was the issue of work the next day as it was scheduled for a Sunday night.
Finally, on Saturday, I bit the bullet and decided it would be good "prep" for RAO in JULY!! (leave common sense at home!) I would do the ride until it was time to go to work then head for Bellevue and work 8 hrs with NO sleep, then ride home, hey I can be dummer than the best of them :-)
So, I left home at 7pm (after doing a 35 mile ride in the morning and a short nap after lunch) to be sure to be there in time to hand in paperwork, have a cup of coffee and see if anyone else was crazy enough to do this ride, with heavy rain in the forecast.
I brought both batteries and the charger for my Light and Motion Hi-Arc light, plus a bunch of hammer bars and Martha's Gluten free cookies, my fanny pack weighed a ton!
Much to my surprise there were 12 of us starting this insanity Dominique, Cecil, Geoff, Lyn, Vincent, Dan, Joe, Robin, Steve, Mike,Mark and I. Robin being the only one I had met before, I knew of Mark and Vincent from the Barlow 300k, and Chris Ragsdale had a lot of nice things to say about Mark, who crewed him to victory at The Furnace Creek 508 with Bob Brudvik. Everyone was friendly to me, being the outsider of the group, so that was nice.
We took off just after 9, and headed up Novelty Hill, where it started what was the first of many hour long downpours. Going down Novelty Hill to Snoqualmie Valley was a new experience! descending fast in the dark and pouring rain, but we all survived. I think there were 6 of us together at this stage, so we just rode a steady tempo. The first control was at what was Carnation Farm and was a question that I think only Joe knew what it was, it's too much trouble to take out your card with the question on it in the dark and rain.
After Carnation Robin cranked up the pace and by the time we hit Fall City it was just him and I, then riding up snoqualmie falls we tore the legs off each other, so called a truce and rode around the weyerhauser loop enjoying the night and chatting away, along with getting the wrong answer for the 2nd control question ;-)
We all regrouped at the QFC in North Bend, where Joe took some photos of the crazed bunch.
I was really cold starting back out, at 12.15am, and as we were riding back down to Fall City I had to go fast to warm up, so once again it soon was just Robin and me pounding each other up from Fall City to Issaquah, although I wondered why he didn't stay with me (as it was more likely he would ride away from me on the other climbs). I got to the top and he was nowhere in sight, so at maybe 2am I went back looking for him, I came upon the rest of the group and they said he had flatted and we would regroup in Issaquah.
Riding out there in the dark was so cool, and quite safe, compared to some of the daytime rides I've done. I was just thankful to have a group of people be there too, there is no way I would attempt this by myself, I'm too much of a wuss.
After regrouping in Issaquah we went in Newport Way, all the way to Coal Creek, and on Newport Robin, Vincent and I separated ourselves from the main group, we all got together again at the AM/PM on coal creek, where the clerk was a tad perturbed to be having to serve 12 loons on bikes at 4am in the pouring rain, he was more interested in getting the garbage collected. Newcastle cops showed up here too, asking if we were OK! I won't answer that one ;-)
Next was May Valley, Issaquah-Hobart, Cedar Grove, Lk Francis Rd and Maple Valley. Lyn had a flat and nobody heard her call out, (sorry Lyn) so we were a while waiting there. It was just after 5, I think when we started up the Cedar River trail to Renton and the west side of Lake Wa. I decided to try to make it to Starbucks in Leschi, as I was starting to feel sleepy and some Coffee and food might help with that.
We got to Starbucks just after 6, so I had to rush some food, bid farewell to my fellow insomniacs and head over I-90 to work. Man did I get dumped on!! had to ride as hard as I could too, to make it to work, which I did at about 7.15 just enough time to change and start at 7.30.
That was one hard day in work! Luckily my clothes had dried out from the 130 mile commute for the ride home and it was not raining, but I was not riding very fast and was starting to get sleepy again. I finally made it home at about 6.15pm and eat dinner, prepared for the next day at work and went to bed at 8pm.
It had been 37 hrs since I had woken up on Sunday morning, though I did have a 1 hr nap after lunch on Sunday, and I rode a total of 190 miles in that time.
Can I stay awake that long and ride 520 miles in July??? That's why I'm doing it!
Happy New Year to you all
MjW
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Race Across Oregon
Well, this last weekends race was one I have been looking forward to all season. I was doing the 517 mile Race Across Oregon on the 4 man relay team, Koenig's Kronies.
We were a mix of Ultra Rider Chris Ragsdale, Bike Racer Mick Walsh, Randonneur Brian Ohlemeir and Recreational Cyclist Ian Luttrell. Our crew were guys from SIR randonneurs, Eric Vigoren,Mike McHale, Ian's friend Miles Matsen and the Legend we were named after....Urs.
A lot of organising and planning went into several pre-race meetings and enjoyable dinners getting to know each other, until the day finally arrived and we all made our way to Hood River for the start.
Our goals for the race were to have fun and ride hard first, then try to win the 4 man team division, and we knew if we won we would have a course record, as race organisers George Thomas and Terri Gooch designed a new course for 2009.
Friday afternoon at the host hotel, the Best Western Hood River Inn was a hive of activity, everyone rushing around setting up cars, vans and the 4 Tandem team with their custom built tandem rack built in the back of a pick-up. Bikes had to be readied too, making sure we had the right lights and reflective tape in the correct place. We managed to pass vehicle and bike inspections, so the Urs and Miles made the trip to Safeway to buy supplies for Riders and crew, we were going to be out there for at least 24 hrs, and there were 8 of us to be feed, not to mention gallons of water to drink in the expected hot temperatures .
After a hearty dinner we were off to bed and try to get some sleep, solos left at 5am but we didn't start until 9, so we had a relaxing morning before heading off on out adventure.
The race starts out with a parade led by George Thomas, up a stinkin' hill in the spirit of RAO! After 9 miles George pulls off and away you go! Chris was doing our first leg, so the rest of us had more time to drive to the first exchange, Brian was next, then Ian and finally me. We expected Chris to be first to us at 17 miles, but I knew a couple of racers could stay close to him. We were pleasantly surprised when there was no one in sight when he arrived, he must had had about 1 1/2 minutes on the next guy!!! From the Grundel Bruisers 4 man Team. Brian was looking good on roads I'm familiar with from the Mount Hood Cycling Classic, so I knew his tempo was smooth on an never ending climb. My first pull was after the Cooper Spur turn off, my legs hurt from all the standing around yesterday, but I'll have plenty of opportunities to feel better later :-)
Our vans were set up great, just hand off your bike after your pull, hop in the van and take off the shoes, there was an always stocked dispensing cooler of ice cold water, and I had my Heed and Perpetuem right there, along with Enduralytes and Anti-Fatigue capsules. Also had some Gluten Free snacks and Hammer Bars on hand. We were never short on food or drinks and our van crew Mike and Eric were persistent in asking if we needed anything. How could you not ride as fast as you could?
We took 15-20 min pulls each, and that was plenty of time for recovery, with 4 guys. At the first time station, 70 odd miles in, we were ahead by 14 mins, and it continued to grow throughout the race, so we just had to focus on maintaining our pace, hope nobody got sick and try to catch the oh so impressive Kenneth Philbrick who was ripping it up in the solo division.
I hope to one day do this race solo, but when we were passing the first of the solo's after about 200 miles, I was thinking , that does not look like fun at all, riding 10mph in 90 deg temps, with 300 miles to go...amazing some of them, especially Sandy Earl rallied and made the official finish before 5am Monday.
Night riding was fun with the car headlight making visibility safe. We saw many deer, some elk, a bat, owls and I met a young Coyote that didn't seem to know what to do! Luckily all the wildlife kept their distance and we survived the night.
I think I got two or three 10-15 min naps, and sometimes I was hardly able to keep my eyes open right before I was due to ride, but once on the bike I was fine.
We eventually caught Mr Philbrick on the 10 mile climb between Service Creek and Fossil, and, though going a lot slower than we were, he looked to be in control and riding smoothly. It took us about 375 miles to catch 4 hrs, that's one tough solo rider!
It was great to see Martha as I finished my pull into Maupin, and she leapfrogged us as we went up FR44 near the finish, then Ian's parents showed up.
I got to take the last pull up to the Cooper Spur Resort (Thanks guys!) it didn't seem so bad, maybe I just am used to being under pressure when racing up there. We all rode together for the last mile or so up to the ski lifts and the finish, which was nice.
George and Terri (and Amelia) were there to give us our finishers medals, and Martha had some drinks and snacks for us.
Our finishing time was 26 hrs and 27 mins, all in all a great experience with a great bunch of guys, I suggest you try it sometime, if you're in reasonable shape it is not sooo hard on a 4 person team, yet still challenging and fun. I was super impressed with Kenneth, of course, but Chad Swanson had a great ride in his first Ultra event. The Tandem Team, Yes 4 tandem team!! Impressed me too, I must say I worried that they had bitten off more than they could handle, some had only started riding last fall!! They finished in 34 hrs.
Official results are here http://www.raceacrossoregon.com/race_results
And if you want to try ultra racing on a smaller scale to start try the Ring of Fire 6/12/24 hr TT in Maupin in Sept http://www.raceacrossoregon.com/roftt
Now for Cascade Classic!!
Cheers and have a great Summer :-)
We were a mix of Ultra Rider Chris Ragsdale, Bike Racer Mick Walsh, Randonneur Brian Ohlemeir and Recreational Cyclist Ian Luttrell. Our crew were guys from SIR randonneurs, Eric Vigoren,Mike McHale, Ian's friend Miles Matsen and the Legend we were named after....Urs.
A lot of organising and planning went into several pre-race meetings and enjoyable dinners getting to know each other, until the day finally arrived and we all made our way to Hood River for the start.
Our goals for the race were to have fun and ride hard first, then try to win the 4 man team division, and we knew if we won we would have a course record, as race organisers George Thomas and Terri Gooch designed a new course for 2009.
Friday afternoon at the host hotel, the Best Western Hood River Inn was a hive of activity, everyone rushing around setting up cars, vans and the 4 Tandem team with their custom built tandem rack built in the back of a pick-up. Bikes had to be readied too, making sure we had the right lights and reflective tape in the correct place. We managed to pass vehicle and bike inspections, so the Urs and Miles made the trip to Safeway to buy supplies for Riders and crew, we were going to be out there for at least 24 hrs, and there were 8 of us to be feed, not to mention gallons of water to drink in the expected hot temperatures .
After a hearty dinner we were off to bed and try to get some sleep, solos left at 5am but we didn't start until 9, so we had a relaxing morning before heading off on out adventure.
The race starts out with a parade led by George Thomas, up a stinkin' hill in the spirit of RAO! After 9 miles George pulls off and away you go! Chris was doing our first leg, so the rest of us had more time to drive to the first exchange, Brian was next, then Ian and finally me. We expected Chris to be first to us at 17 miles, but I knew a couple of racers could stay close to him. We were pleasantly surprised when there was no one in sight when he arrived, he must had had about 1 1/2 minutes on the next guy!!! From the Grundel Bruisers 4 man Team. Brian was looking good on roads I'm familiar with from the Mount Hood Cycling Classic, so I knew his tempo was smooth on an never ending climb. My first pull was after the Cooper Spur turn off, my legs hurt from all the standing around yesterday, but I'll have plenty of opportunities to feel better later :-)
Our vans were set up great, just hand off your bike after your pull, hop in the van and take off the shoes, there was an always stocked dispensing cooler of ice cold water, and I had my Heed and Perpetuem right there, along with Enduralytes and Anti-Fatigue capsules. Also had some Gluten Free snacks and Hammer Bars on hand. We were never short on food or drinks and our van crew Mike and Eric were persistent in asking if we needed anything. How could you not ride as fast as you could?
We took 15-20 min pulls each, and that was plenty of time for recovery, with 4 guys. At the first time station, 70 odd miles in, we were ahead by 14 mins, and it continued to grow throughout the race, so we just had to focus on maintaining our pace, hope nobody got sick and try to catch the oh so impressive Kenneth Philbrick who was ripping it up in the solo division.
I hope to one day do this race solo, but when we were passing the first of the solo's after about 200 miles, I was thinking , that does not look like fun at all, riding 10mph in 90 deg temps, with 300 miles to go...amazing some of them, especially Sandy Earl rallied and made the official finish before 5am Monday.
Night riding was fun with the car headlight making visibility safe. We saw many deer, some elk, a bat, owls and I met a young Coyote that didn't seem to know what to do! Luckily all the wildlife kept their distance and we survived the night.
I think I got two or three 10-15 min naps, and sometimes I was hardly able to keep my eyes open right before I was due to ride, but once on the bike I was fine.
We eventually caught Mr Philbrick on the 10 mile climb between Service Creek and Fossil, and, though going a lot slower than we were, he looked to be in control and riding smoothly. It took us about 375 miles to catch 4 hrs, that's one tough solo rider!
It was great to see Martha as I finished my pull into Maupin, and she leapfrogged us as we went up FR44 near the finish, then Ian's parents showed up.
I got to take the last pull up to the Cooper Spur Resort (Thanks guys!) it didn't seem so bad, maybe I just am used to being under pressure when racing up there. We all rode together for the last mile or so up to the ski lifts and the finish, which was nice.
George and Terri (and Amelia) were there to give us our finishers medals, and Martha had some drinks and snacks for us.
Our finishing time was 26 hrs and 27 mins, all in all a great experience with a great bunch of guys, I suggest you try it sometime, if you're in reasonable shape it is not sooo hard on a 4 person team, yet still challenging and fun. I was super impressed with Kenneth, of course, but Chad Swanson had a great ride in his first Ultra event. The Tandem Team, Yes 4 tandem team!! Impressed me too, I must say I worried that they had bitten off more than they could handle, some had only started riding last fall!! They finished in 34 hrs.
Official results are here http://www.raceacrossoregon.com/race_results
And if you want to try ultra racing on a smaller scale to start try the Ring of Fire 6/12/24 hr TT in Maupin in Sept http://www.raceacrossoregon.com/roftt
Now for Cascade Classic!!
Cheers and have a great Summer :-)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Slacker!!!
Well, It's been a while, to say the least. But it's not easy riding 43 miles commuting, working 8 hrs a day and trying to keep up on Facebook updates, as well as Cyclingnews.com too.
Interesting year so far for me, started off with terrible weather and an inability to ride my bike more than 12 mph....on a good day!
Luckily I'm married to the best caregiver in the world, and she figured out I might be Gluten Intolerant. Martha has been baking all kinds of Gluten Free goodies and making sure I've had a Gluten Free lunch at work too. Thanks to her I am feeling better, lots a ton of weight and riding many miles this month. In the 10 days to Saturday (where I did 213 miles in the Lewis and Clark Ultra 12 hr) I totalled 900 miles. I feel like I have not been racing very much, probably true. It will be interesting to see how my body reacts when I get to racing at Mt Hood and Elkhorn Stage races.
Then I was talked into racing the Race Across Oregon on a 4 man team, that's 528 miles, in 20 minute increments!!!! Then it's back to Bend for Cascade Classic.
August is my rebuild month to see If I can go back and finish my first 24 hr race at Ring of Fire on Sept 12th-13th.
Hopefully it will be less than 5 months before my next post....but you'd never know.
Interesting year so far for me, started off with terrible weather and an inability to ride my bike more than 12 mph....on a good day!
Luckily I'm married to the best caregiver in the world, and she figured out I might be Gluten Intolerant. Martha has been baking all kinds of Gluten Free goodies and making sure I've had a Gluten Free lunch at work too. Thanks to her I am feeling better, lots a ton of weight and riding many miles this month. In the 10 days to Saturday (where I did 213 miles in the Lewis and Clark Ultra 12 hr) I totalled 900 miles. I feel like I have not been racing very much, probably true. It will be interesting to see how my body reacts when I get to racing at Mt Hood and Elkhorn Stage races.
Then I was talked into racing the Race Across Oregon on a 4 man team, that's 528 miles, in 20 minute increments!!!! Then it's back to Bend for Cascade Classic.
August is my rebuild month to see If I can go back and finish my first 24 hr race at Ring of Fire on Sept 12th-13th.
Hopefully it will be less than 5 months before my next post....but you'd never know.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
"Pre"
I like this quote, and to be able to race like this AND win is a sign of true greatness.
A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more. Nobody is going to win a 5,000 meter race after running an easy 2 miles. Not with me. If I lose forcing the pace all the way, well, at least I can live with myself.
Happy Christmas! or whatever else you celebrate.
Mick
A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more. Nobody is going to win a 5,000 meter race after running an easy 2 miles. Not with me. If I lose forcing the pace all the way, well, at least I can live with myself.
Happy Christmas! or whatever else you celebrate.
Mick
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
December Already?
Well, I have a pet peeve, walkers and joggers on the BGT and Sammamish River trail wearing dark clothing in foggy conditions. Impossible to see!
Well, I did EL Tour de Tucson, stayed with Franz and had a blast. I didn't make the split at the 2nd wash (sabino creek) so just cruised in with Bruce from Excel and about 60 others. Hanging out with Dan Byrne, Franz and the HSP crew was great too.
The Thanksgiving Day Ride was a huge success, we raised $1,400 on the day, so Northwest Harvest will benefit to the tune of about $3,200 when all matching is said and done. Hats off to the Seattle cycling community, we need to get some more publicity next year!
Other news, Ed Farrar was moved to Harborview for therapy this week, we wish him well and if
you get a chance, drop by and say hello.
That's it for now, except I hear Two Wheels is working on two tires for Christmas! (spare tires that is)
Mick
Well, I did EL Tour de Tucson, stayed with Franz and had a blast. I didn't make the split at the 2nd wash (sabino creek) so just cruised in with Bruce from Excel and about 60 others. Hanging out with Dan Byrne, Franz and the HSP crew was great too.
The Thanksgiving Day Ride was a huge success, we raised $1,400 on the day, so Northwest Harvest will benefit to the tune of about $3,200 when all matching is said and done. Hats off to the Seattle cycling community, we need to get some more publicity next year!
Other news, Ed Farrar was moved to Harborview for therapy this week, we wish him well and if
you get a chance, drop by and say hello.
That's it for now, except I hear Two Wheels is working on two tires for Christmas! (spare tires that is)
Mick
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Ride For Ed Farrar
I did the "get well soon" ride for Dr Ed Farrar in Wenatchee today. It was amazing the amount of people who showed up.
Stoked has a full report on her website. Scroll down too and check out her new components and bike :-)
Stoked has a full report on her website. Scroll down too and check out her new components and bike :-)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Astoria
It looks like Astoria is where THE party of the weekend will be ( yes Jamie even bigger than yours!).
Have you seen those Cross Crusaders Party? Here's the "menu" from Brad, I'm sure there will be something stronger too, if you so desire.
Now on to the real important business. BEER. I'm bringing 45 cases ofPortland Brewing beer for prizes for the last two weeks. Also, we have four kegs for the Saturday night bonfire, and there'll be a beer garden all day Saturday and Sunday.
Have you seen those Cross Crusaders Party? Here's the "menu" from Brad, I'm sure there will be something stronger too, if you so desire.
Now on to the real important business. BEER. I'm bringing 45 cases ofPortland Brewing beer for prizes for the last two weeks. Also, we have four kegs for the Saturday night bonfire, and there'll be a beer garden all day Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Sunny Saturday
I did the Excel, Marymoor ride today, just 5 of us. Went up novelty hill and north on snoq valley to lost lake and woodilville.
I got lazy...got?? this afternoon and did not go to the gym. Washed the burner plates on the stove, though while Stoked salved in the garden. Spent some time on Bebo networking site
too :-)
I also got the first of my 2009 Z Team Clothing!! How many of you can say that? and there should be more on the way soon, just got a skinsuit and arm warmers today, Louis Garneau...very nice.
Tandem ride in store tomorrow! Weather looks like it will hold up.
I got lazy...got?? this afternoon and did not go to the gym. Washed the burner plates on the stove, though while Stoked salved in the garden. Spent some time on Bebo networking site
too :-)
I also got the first of my 2009 Z Team Clothing!! How many of you can say that? and there should be more on the way soon, just got a skinsuit and arm warmers today, Louis Garneau...very nice.
Tandem ride in store tomorrow! Weather looks like it will hold up.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Saturday Ride
I did the First Rate Mortgage team ride today, they are so nice to let me ride with them even though I am no lomger on the Team. They are nice about it too, thanks guys.
We rode across I-90 to Newport Way-Issaquah (where Salmon Days made it crazy!) Issaquah-Hobart, Cedar Grove Rd and back the Cedar River trail to Renton and up the west side of the lake.
There are still some guys who need to back off the intensity for this time of year, it's ok to go hard up a hill of for a sprint, but you need to limit the intensity for a few months and recover, or build endurance if you have nothiing to recover from.
That said, it was a good ride, despite the fact that Stoked could only ride to Leschi and back, still suffering the effects of a lingering cold.
Tomorrow I get to ride with my only Seattle teammate!
I have been following what is looking like a very intense race at the Furnace Creek 508 between two time defending champion Michael Emde, from Spokane and Kevin McNulty from Ramona, California. After 253 miles only 1 minute seperated them!
We rode across I-90 to Newport Way-Issaquah (where Salmon Days made it crazy!) Issaquah-Hobart, Cedar Grove Rd and back the Cedar River trail to Renton and up the west side of the lake.
There are still some guys who need to back off the intensity for this time of year, it's ok to go hard up a hill of for a sprint, but you need to limit the intensity for a few months and recover, or build endurance if you have nothiing to recover from.
That said, it was a good ride, despite the fact that Stoked could only ride to Leschi and back, still suffering the effects of a lingering cold.
Tomorrow I get to ride with my only Seattle teammate!
I have been following what is looking like a very intense race at the Furnace Creek 508 between two time defending champion Michael Emde, from Spokane and Kevin McNulty from Ramona, California. After 253 miles only 1 minute seperated them!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Off Season!
I took two days of work last week as my brother Tony and his wife Joyce came to Visit. They are on a grand tour of the US for their 25th wedding anniversary.
We took the Clipper to Victoria on Thursday. Then went shopping and wine tasting on Friday. Saturday Tony and I rode on the Tandem for a bit (he doesn't ride much anymore) he was the one who introduced me to bike racing, at my parents urging, to get me out of trouble. I don't think it worked ;-). On Saturday afternoon we went to Martha's Dad's house in Anacortes and sat on the deck drinking wine, or beer. then went to dinner.
I had them at the Airport at 5.30am on Sunday, for their flight to Vegas, where they took a Helicopter trip over the Grand Canyon, and tonite they are going to see Mamma Mia on the Strip.
Me, I'm probably going to El Tour de Tucson again this year, instead of a trip back to Ireland!
We took the Clipper to Victoria on Thursday. Then went shopping and wine tasting on Friday. Saturday Tony and I rode on the Tandem for a bit (he doesn't ride much anymore) he was the one who introduced me to bike racing, at my parents urging, to get me out of trouble. I don't think it worked ;-). On Saturday afternoon we went to Martha's Dad's house in Anacortes and sat on the deck drinking wine, or beer. then went to dinner.
I had them at the Airport at 5.30am on Sunday, for their flight to Vegas, where they took a Helicopter trip over the Grand Canyon, and tonite they are going to see Mamma Mia on the Strip.
Me, I'm probably going to El Tour de Tucson again this year, instead of a trip back to Ireland!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Cali Dog
Went to see Mr Pruitt off Last night, had to keep him and stangelator apart, seems like there's some anomosity there ;-)
Good to see bike racer types we hadn't seen in a few weeks, well all year, considering we were in Oregon every week this summer!
After a lot of soul searching I have decided to change teams for 2009, I will be riding for Z Team next year. I think we'll have a great team for Masters stage races, with David Zimbelman, Clint Chase, Matt Slater and me. Then for one days, Nathan Hobson (we just have to teach him some patitence so he can be a force at the finish)Karsten Hagen and Mike Dunn.
and Jen T, we're still thinking of and praying for you.
Good to see bike racer types we hadn't seen in a few weeks, well all year, considering we were in Oregon every week this summer!
After a lot of soul searching I have decided to change teams for 2009, I will be riding for Z Team next year. I think we'll have a great team for Masters stage races, with David Zimbelman, Clint Chase, Matt Slater and me. Then for one days, Nathan Hobson (we just have to teach him some patitence so he can be a force at the finish)Karsten Hagen and Mike Dunn.
and Jen T, we're still thinking of and praying for you.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Duathlon
Well my 24hr race was spent mostly sleeping!
I was feeling great most of the time, not going too hard, but not quite able to get enough fluids in, my legs were still good after I finished the big loop of 171 miles and I did the 2nd fastest night loop of all my first time around.
When I stopped to get drink and food at the end of the lap, I couldn't stand up and then couldn't steer the bike when I tried to ride on. I had, I think a combination of Heat Stroke and Dehydration, I believe. That was it after 10+ hrs and 184 miles for me, and I was ahead of record pace too, but not halfway through the race!
The hardest part is having to wait a whole year to try it again, yes I am a sick man, but I'm also determined to do this once, at least. Well at least try one more time!
Huge thanks to Brian Ecker for coming all the way to Maupin and providing great support for me. Also to George and Terri for putting on such great events, they really make you feel like you're special, wherever you are in the field.
Also Kudos to Stoked for an excellent 193 miles in the 12 hr, only 9 miles behind the overall winner and a new womens course record. She's looking for a partner for next year to break the mixed team record....any takers?
Thanks,
Mick
I was feeling great most of the time, not going too hard, but not quite able to get enough fluids in, my legs were still good after I finished the big loop of 171 miles and I did the 2nd fastest night loop of all my first time around.
When I stopped to get drink and food at the end of the lap, I couldn't stand up and then couldn't steer the bike when I tried to ride on. I had, I think a combination of Heat Stroke and Dehydration, I believe. That was it after 10+ hrs and 184 miles for me, and I was ahead of record pace too, but not halfway through the race!
The hardest part is having to wait a whole year to try it again, yes I am a sick man, but I'm also determined to do this once, at least. Well at least try one more time!
Huge thanks to Brian Ecker for coming all the way to Maupin and providing great support for me. Also to George and Terri for putting on such great events, they really make you feel like you're special, wherever you are in the field.
Also Kudos to Stoked for an excellent 193 miles in the 12 hr, only 9 miles behind the overall winner and a new womens course record. She's looking for a partner for next year to break the mixed team record....any takers?
Thanks,
Mick
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
24 Hours!!
No not the TV show, it's a bike race stupid!
"I went down down down and the flames went higher, and it burns burns burns The Ring of Fire"..........http://www.raceacrossoregon.com/roftt
The question is how many miles can I ride, the competitor in me wants to try to beat Urs Koenig's record of 414 miles, but that's a tall order....Urs is a peddaling machine. I would realistically be very happy with 400 miles....A 400 mile ride? even that sounds nuts.
Well here goes! and watch the website, they update during the race. I will start about 6.45 am on Sat and then they want me to go to breakfast after we finish at 7 am on Sunday. We'll see
"I went down down down and the flames went higher, and it burns burns burns The Ring of Fire"..........http://www.raceacrossoregon.com/roftt
The question is how many miles can I ride, the competitor in me wants to try to beat Urs Koenig's record of 414 miles, but that's a tall order....Urs is a peddaling machine. I would realistically be very happy with 400 miles....A 400 mile ride? even that sounds nuts.
Well here goes! and watch the website, they update during the race. I will start about 6.45 am on Sat and then they want me to go to breakfast after we finish at 7 am on Sunday. We'll see
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Summer Riding
I won a race last week, in Bellingham , Masters of course. I also lost a race by a lot, to one of the best hill climbers on the west coast.
This weekend was a tale of two seasons! Saturday was beautiful and was spent riding my bike for 9 hours in the most beautiful place in the state......North Cascades Hwy. Great prep for This.
Today started out nice, but quickly turned nasty, the seward park masters A race was cancelled, nobody showed up! I bailed on the 1/2s race it was just miserable, so I just rode to Seward and back.
Next week is Eugene Celebration race for us!
This weekend was a tale of two seasons! Saturday was beautiful and was spent riding my bike for 9 hours in the most beautiful place in the state......North Cascades Hwy. Great prep for This.
Today started out nice, but quickly turned nasty, the seward park masters A race was cancelled, nobody showed up! I bailed on the 1/2s race it was just miserable, so I just rode to Seward and back.
Next week is Eugene Celebration race for us!
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Time Trial Perspective
Sunday 3rd August,
You know, It's pretty easy to offend people when talking about your performance, especially in a time trial.
I did the State 40k TT champs today in Tenino, my performance was not what I hoped for on a fast course. Where Ian McKissick went sub 50 mins!
To say I sucked would be offensive to all the people I beat, and I have heard that many times from riders who have beaten me before.
Let me just say my performance was not what I hoped for, and congratulate all the medal winners.
Next up for me is the State Hill Climb, I can only try to be better there and maybe get in the medals.
Mick
You know, It's pretty easy to offend people when talking about your performance, especially in a time trial.
I did the State 40k TT champs today in Tenino, my performance was not what I hoped for on a fast course. Where Ian McKissick went sub 50 mins!
To say I sucked would be offensive to all the people I beat, and I have heard that many times from riders who have beaten me before.
Let me just say my performance was not what I hoped for, and congratulate all the medal winners.
Next up for me is the State Hill Climb, I can only try to be better there and maybe get in the medals.
Mick
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
I'm here Still!
Wow, just never got time, or made time to blog.
I did Mt Hood, Elkhorn and Cascade so far, and survived. Not as good as last year, but ok. Co-Motion Classic Tandem Race was last weekend, and we did manage to retain our "title".
Next big event is the Ring of Fire 24 hr TT! Could be great, could be a disaster, but it should be fun, in a sick kinda way.
Mick
I did Mt Hood, Elkhorn and Cascade so far, and survived. Not as good as last year, but ok. Co-Motion Classic Tandem Race was last weekend, and we did manage to retain our "title".
Next big event is the Ring of Fire 24 hr TT! Could be great, could be a disaster, but it should be fun, in a sick kinda way.
Mick
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Weekend Update
Wow, what's up with this weather?
Well, we took a weekend off racing this week and planned on doing some good training rides, maybe even take the Tandem out before we race it in three TT's next weekend in Maupin. Well, we are still stuck on our rain bikes!
We had leftover snow on Sat morn at our house, but still hit the road at 7.15 am to meet the Excel guys at marymoor, well wouldn't you know most of them bailed and Glenn didn't know we were planning on coming, so we missed the 3 that did ride by when we were waiting at the Velodrome? Ended up riding to Carnation for coffee and back home over some hills :-)
Sunday wasn't much better, and Martha rode north while I ventured back out to meet anyone who might show up at Marymoor.....again nobody! Oh well I trugged along and got a good ride in.
My total for the weekend was 155 miles, not bad for snow and temps around 40 degrees most of the time.
Walla Walla sounded like a brutally hard race in all Categories, some fast people lost a lot of time . Kudos to teammate Sile Kiernan for winning the cat 4 womens event, and Robin Secrist winning the Cat 3 race overall, Robin was 2nd overall in the 1/2/3 womens race....and I'm sure there's more to come from both.
Note to "2wheels" It's only one race, you guys Rock and will again. Keep the positive attitude.
Well, we took a weekend off racing this week and planned on doing some good training rides, maybe even take the Tandem out before we race it in three TT's next weekend in Maupin. Well, we are still stuck on our rain bikes!
We had leftover snow on Sat morn at our house, but still hit the road at 7.15 am to meet the Excel guys at marymoor, well wouldn't you know most of them bailed and Glenn didn't know we were planning on coming, so we missed the 3 that did ride by when we were waiting at the Velodrome? Ended up riding to Carnation for coffee and back home over some hills :-)
Sunday wasn't much better, and Martha rode north while I ventured back out to meet anyone who might show up at Marymoor.....again nobody! Oh well I trugged along and got a good ride in.
My total for the weekend was 155 miles, not bad for snow and temps around 40 degrees most of the time.
Walla Walla sounded like a brutally hard race in all Categories, some fast people lost a lot of time . Kudos to teammate Sile Kiernan for winning the cat 4 womens event, and Robin Secrist winning the Cat 3 race overall, Robin was 2nd overall in the 1/2/3 womens race....and I'm sure there's more to come from both.
Note to "2wheels" It's only one race, you guys Rock and will again. Keep the positive attitude.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Constant Hum
Well, It has been a while, but life has been.... well, life!
I work in Bothell (for now) and they have been pile driving mondo beams into the ground for the last several weeks. It's part of the Brightwater sewage treatment plant tunnel. It's been a pain, unlike Stoked I can't just pack up and go home when there is an annoying noise outside ;-)
Racing has been average, with stresses at work, they are changing what I do daily it seems. And just not getting enough training, I'm just happy to be riding my bike. Hopefully I will be able to compete before long.
Next up is the Deschutes River TT Festival in Maupin. We are doing it on our Tandem again, I
remember last year my form started to come after this weekend of suffering, so hopefully it will be the same this year. Otherwise I will be in the hurt locker at the Mount Hood Stage Race, which comes two weeks earlier this year. I bet we see snow on both road stages, and not just on distant mountaintops!
Hope everyone has fun at Walla Walla, sorry I won't be there. I am looking forward to all the reports, especially from smack talking Brian in the Cat 3 race.
I work in Bothell (for now) and they have been pile driving mondo beams into the ground for the last several weeks. It's part of the Brightwater sewage treatment plant tunnel. It's been a pain, unlike Stoked I can't just pack up and go home when there is an annoying noise outside ;-)
Racing has been average, with stresses at work, they are changing what I do daily it seems. And just not getting enough training, I'm just happy to be riding my bike. Hopefully I will be able to compete before long.
Next up is the Deschutes River TT Festival in Maupin. We are doing it on our Tandem again, I
remember last year my form started to come after this weekend of suffering, so hopefully it will be the same this year. Otherwise I will be in the hurt locker at the Mount Hood Stage Race, which comes two weeks earlier this year. I bet we see snow on both road stages, and not just on distant mountaintops!
Hope everyone has fun at Walla Walla, sorry I won't be there. I am looking forward to all the reports, especially from smack talking Brian in the Cat 3 race.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
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