Triple Crown West #2: Bonelli Park

It’s been about two years since I had a clean XC race at Bonelli. On the last three outings I’ve had a punctured sidewall, a flat and chain issues so I simply wanted a clean race. It was clean, but it definitely wasn’t smooth. Last week I encountered obstacles, but rolled with them and made the best of it with the help of the team.  It was a rough ride to the XC podium this week. There was an absence of flow.  It’s not a complaint just an observation.

Go!

Representing the team

My Super D run on the other hand, was both clean and smooth.  The guys in my group and I started as the sun was setting and that made for some interesting riding given the shadows.  There was only three seconds between first and second place just like last week.  Every second counts! Speaking of seconds, it cost me 7 cents/second to race Super D and 1 cent/second for XC. Given the smiles post race at the awards, it's absolutely worth the extra 6 cents/second!!

 Awards in the dark for the Super D at dusk

 Another pair for the team

The team had a very good showing this week and we’re off to a good start in the US Cup Series. The Fontana City National is up next, but I think I’m going to opt for something from the asphalt underground: the Fargo Street Hill Climb or the Feel My Legs I’m a Racer event.

Thanks to Jason and the sponsors for making everything with the new team possible and to Lynda for continued excellent training workouts.

Triple Crown West #1: Vail Lake

I’m feeling pretty good this year and it’s due to a number of factors:

• Lynda and I did something a little different during the winter and it was of tremendous benefit. Different is good.
• I’ve been able to do a few training rides with my new SoCalEndurance teammates. These young guys can really put the hammer down and the hurt on.  They have a passion for cycling that I had lost and riding with them helps rekindle my passion for cycling. Besides having new teammates, I have new sponsors and I like testing new gear. Different is good.
• Work is less chaotic this year and so I have plenty of energy when I head over to the Torture Clinic after work. I enjoy Robert’s classes because it’s a controlled environment where I can turn myself inside out and get in a good training session on equipment I don’t normally use during the rest of the year. Different is good.

Saturday I went out to Vail Lake to pre-ride the XC course and to try the Super D race. I messed up my front wheel during my XC course pre-ride, but thanks to some quick work by Jason, it turned into a great opportunity to ride something different.  I used his KHS 656 XC bike for the Super D race while my teammate, Heidi, took my wheel to the great folks at The Bike Shop for repair.  

 The 656 XC is a thrill to ride!

 

I absolutely enjoyed racing that bike. It was easy getting used to the feel of it and I’m looking forward to borrowing Jason’s bike on many an occasion!! Different is good.

On the Super D podium with Tim (left), my former Shoair teammate.

The conditions for Sunday’s XC race couldn’t have been better for me because I love riding in the heat and it was a welcome change from the recent cooler temperatures. Different is good.

XC podium

 Two more for the team.

I couldn’t do it without the team: Jason and company for having the race support all worked out so everything went very smoothly, the camaraderie of my teammates and of course our team of sponsors. Thank you.