brand new monster

Jon B.

Sea Otter in one week. I’ve been working my ass off for this race. Last year it nearly beat me, instead of me beating it. I rolled down there with maybe 300 miles for the whole year on my legs, acting like I was prepared. The heat was brutal, and the course wasn’t cross, but crit on dirt. The killer part for me was that 35+ Men 1/2/3/4 all raced together. I had no idea how or who to pace myself with. In the end I finished 20th out of 32 riders in 35+.  This year I rode 350 miles in February, 430 miles in March, and I’ll have about 300 miles behind me for April by the time we drive down. I would like to be excited but I know much some people train and I’m nowhere near them. I’ve registered for Men’s 3/4 rather than racing with the older guys. It’s a 30 min race instead of 40 minutes and it should be a more focused race for me. I’m going with the expectation of working for a good result. Sunday I race XC for the first time ever, just for fun with Laurel’s dad—who is a total ripper. Good times.

Sea Otter in one week. I’ve been working my ass off for this race. Last year it nearly beat me, instead of me beating it. I rolled down there with maybe 300 miles for the whole year on my legs, acting like I was prepared. The heat was brutal, and the course wasn’t cross, but crit on dirt. The killer part for me was that 35+ Men 1/2/3/4 all raced together. I had no idea how or who to pace myself with. In the end I finished 20th out of 32 riders in 35+. 

This year I rode 350 miles in February, 430 miles in March, and I’ll have about 300 miles behind me for April by the time we drive down. I would like to be excited but I know much some people train and I’m nowhere near them. I’ve registered for Men’s 3/4 rather than racing with the older guys. It’s a 30 min race instead of 40 minutes and it should be a more focused race for me. I’m going with the expectation of working for a good result.

Sunday I race XC for the first time ever, just for fun with Laurel’s dad—who is a total ripper.

Good times.

It’s a long time til ‘cross season.

Hunter!! One race and one training ride later. Epic.

BASP 5—CCCP Two lessons learned; racing won’t keep me in shape, and pay attention to the basics. I got my new Hunter this week, and Travis and Cam built it up Saturday—epic and thank you both! In the hub-bub of new bike joy, bedding in rotors, and 49ers game day traffic, by the time we got to the race, all I could think about was trail time. The front wheel pushed everywhere, I crashed on lap one, and struggled with cornering all day. When I checked my pressure Sunday night it was in the 70s—smooooooth. I also spent more time in traffic this past week than I did on the trail, so my race fitness was pretty garbage. Its not all bad though, I know what to do to prepare for Sunday and plan on putting on a better show in Santa Cruz with the team. Props to Brad for taking the Fritos hand-up and passing me on the last lap.

BASP 5—CCCP

Two lessons learned; racing won’t keep me in shape, and pay attention to the basics. I got my new Hunter this week, and Travis and Cam built it up Saturday—epic and thank you both! In the hub-bub of new bike joy, bedding in rotors, and 49ers game day traffic, by the time we got to the race, all I could think about was trail time. The front wheel pushed everywhere, I crashed on lap one, and struggled with cornering all day. When I checked my pressure Sunday night it was in the 70s—smooooooth. I also spent more time in traffic this past week than I did on the trail, so my race fitness was pretty garbage. Its not all bad though, I know what to do to prepare for Sunday and plan on putting on a better show in Santa Cruz with the team. Props to Brad for taking the Fritos hand-up and passing me on the last lap.

(Source: freshairhunter)

Stafford Lake Awesome race! Stafford had a great vibe, beautiful weather, and the nicest setting—just like last year. Another solid race with a bunch of fast Bs. I owe Cam coffee and toast. He showed me some lines and gave me a few updates on the starting line—which was rad, like having a crew chief before the big race—and I got to use Leah’s tire as mine had a nasty sidewall gash. Otherwise, B’s just keep reinforcing how important fitness is. Position 13 out of 20+ riders. Big high five to Jason for repping out east, thats awesome. BASP this week, see you there.

Stafford Lake

Awesome race! Stafford had a great vibe, beautiful weather, and the nicest setting—just like last year. Another solid race with a bunch of fast Bs. I owe Cam coffee and toast. He showed me some lines and gave me a few updates on the starting line—which was rad, like having a crew chief before the big race—and I got to use Leah’s tire as mine had a nasty sidewall gash. Otherwise, B’s just keep reinforcing how important fitness is. Position 13 out of 20+ riders. Big high five to Jason for repping out east, thats awesome. BASP this week, see you there.