CCCX#2 Race Report

Much to my dismay, and really, I was just SOOO astonished, that my informal (don't know if the idea was ever formally communicated outside of the empty space between my ears...) petition to reschedule the Expert race for Sunday to accommodate the expected storm did not happen. Hmmm, maybe next time I will have to make a bigger effort to ensure maximum carnage and mayhem in TRUE mtb racing heritage...

Aannyywaaaaay, under blue skies and perfect temps CCCX #2 got under way on what was pretty much a pancake course suitable for drafting and spinning, probably MUCH to the pleasure of most participants, save a few twisted souls like myself. Bri started the morning off right for the Joselyn's team with a SOLID VICTORY in the Beginner women's class earning some redemption for what she considered a below average showing at round #1. Nothing like a sub par finish to light a fire under your ass right? Sorry I missed your finish babe, it won't happen again...hopefully...what can I say, Robin was performing PURE magic and if you haven't been at the receiving end of his handy work, then you NEED to contact him at: (831) 869-8610, he WILL MAKE YOU RIDE FASTER AND FINISH BETTER, no question! Call and get faster, it's THAT SIMPLE!

In the sport class, Steve and Brett were holding it down for the blue train while Bill was continuing with solid rides in his new sport shoes as well. Steve chipped away and earned what I believe to be a solid 2nd although there is some dispute as to a "phantom" racer in there. Brett looked better than I have seen in a long time with a fast cadence and aggressive ride, keep up the work Brett, it will come! Every time, I saw Bill he was puttin' it down, not sure where he ended up, but would be shocked if it wasn't on the Podium!

The expert race got under way at about 1:30 and although my rain dance didn't work, things were interesting with Downieville Native Jason Moeschler making an appearance at what will probably be the flattest, least technical race he will do all year...I told him he should have showed up 2 weeks ago for the mud fest! In a great display of heart and determination, he rode right off the front and laid it on the line for all the marbles and in the end came up just a hair short finishing 3rd overall...but I thought it was a valiant effort indeed!

Trying to keep his dust insight was eventually myself, Eric, Greg, and Nico (who was feeling MUCH better!). Some bad luck saw Nico get dislocated from the group which left the three of us to do what we could...which basically meant pedal pedal pedal...In the end I just couldn't hold the pace and Eric and Greg bridged up to Jason while I came home by myself.

In the GRAND SCHEME of things, Eric won the whole ball of yarn (NICE!) Greg won his class (way to break in the Pink Panther!), I won my class, Alex worked the +35's and took home some victorious metal with Mark avoiding starting straight crashes to cash in for some 3rd place hardware, too!!! Travis kept looking around for some climbs to do, but, again just getting through a race like this is good for a climbing fiend like him and James toughed it out despite being sick to put in some solid laps of training that will benefit him later in the season I'm sure!

Not to be forgotten was another great showing by my friend Jeff Linder who continues to show up each week without equal...Seriously, who else is gonna show up to loose that that tough guy? Another week, another top step of the podium, and it couldn't happen to a nicer, more accomplished guy!

Karen, Eric's dad, Robin, Shelly, Bri, Brett, Steve, Gary, Tami, G, too!!!, Greg's family (Yup, The 'Chef and Bentley, too!) and everyone who yelled and cheered, tossed bottles and gave inspiration...thanks so much it really helps keep the pedals 'a turnin!

As for the "Big Racers!" good luck to Mike, Nathan, and The Masacre for putting in the time to hit the first Kenda Cup this weekend. I know you guys will kill it tomorrow!!!!

Great job to everyone that was there!
PS: If anyone ever needs pre-race help, just ask Jeremy or Julie that I have a SMALL amount of competence and I don't mind lending a helping hand' but I can't be responsible for what may happen to your bike! And in no way does Joselyn's officially endorse my tool spinning shenanigans!

The Course...

...is SO SWEET - as per my wonderful co-horts previous post indicates!!! Since, she didn't get to ride the fully marked course, I will just add that it is mostly flat and flowy through the trees with some super cool new downhills to test out any brakes we might have left from the last mud fest! Not much climbing, but certainly a lot of pedaling.

It should be on for tomorrow...unless my petition goes through. Does anyone want to help me convince Keith that we should run the race on Sunday when the big storm is supposed to come in and hit us again? I mean, just in the sake of having another "real" mountain bike race and not some "perfect conditions, no problems" race, right? Let's keep things interesting after all right...???

I will wait for the flood of comments to come in supporting my quest! Make 'em quick, we only have a few hours to get this change put into effect! MUD RACE, bacon, sweet jumps and gold...it doesn't get much better than that! See you Sunday!...errr, probably tomorrow I suppose...

PS: Bri, I LOVE your stories...but I MIGHT be a tad biased :)

CCCX#2

Since no one wanted to go with the most awesome beginner bicycle racer ever, I will let you know that when I did the pre-ride tonight it was pretty much awesome. There's lot's of pedaling and some fun new trails that I have never been on. Oh and the most rad part ever is that we get to do the super sick "s" berms again!! It was all great until my rear cassette broke and I only had one gear in the back because the rest were spinning in circles. Totally Tubular I know!! I am sure that everyone guessed by now, but this is Bri typing. I know my stories aren't as fun as Brian's but here is a great link that will get you pumped up for Saturday's Race.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKGNebltt5E

I eat bacon and I crap gold. I am the BUTCHER!!!! I train for success, Bring it on!!!!!!

Maiden Voyage!

Tonight marked the first time the wheels hit the dirt in what will undoubtedly be the first of several victorious rides upon the new race weapon that will surely guide it's faithful owner to many a satisfying ride, a mountain climbed in record time, descents passing by at death defying speeds, race competitors toppled, podiums mobbed and passersby jaws dropped at the sheer aesthetic nature of all that is happening. What is it you ask (besides a completely grammatically defunct run-on sentence)???

Well, if you can't guess, I suppose you will have to show up at CCCX round numero dos to see what all the hype is about. "But, my-oh-me, how will I know what I see?" you exclaim?

"Trust me, you will know" Is my reply and isn't this post getting lame?

Other than snippet previews of what's to come, hopefully the course will be marked for all by tomorrow so we can put a Joselyn's beat down on all followers Saturday!

More Pictures!!!

There sure is a lot of blue in the Expert class! Doesn't everyone look warm and cozy!



If you look closely (ok even with a micro scope it would be tough) you can see the carnage developing at the back, left of the pack that took down Travis and Mark off the start. Greg is up front charging away!


Mike, up and out of the saddle and charging out for another lap! BRRRAAAPPPP!!! Oh, for the uninitiated, that is a motorcycle sound that basically translates into: "GO GO GO YOU BAD BAD MAMMER JAMMER, GET SOME GET SOME GET SOME!!!!!" More or less...

You always need great support and these two clowns, errr, supporters are always behind the scenes to make sure I am covered. Once again, the offer of beer (in the big clown's hand) is passed on. I know, I can't be a REAL mountain biker and not drink beer, but I DO try to make up for it with abnormal candy consumption!

IS IT GOING TO BE ANOTHER MUD RUN ON SUNDAY? Hmmm.......

Myths Exposed!

Indeed, secrets are being revealed tonight...This is the latest offering from top European doctors associated with Operation Candero. My glucose levels may be abnormally high as a result of some of their radical theories and nutritional suggestions, but it is a risk that I am willing to take...

Of course, while the ingredients may "look" simple enough, they are mixed at PRECISE ratios to optimize performance and enhance the bodies ability to ride through the mud with wreckless abandon and no concern for personal safety what-so-ever...

LET THE TRAINING BEGIN!!!

Picture Time!!!

I tried to put some shots up of a few people overlooked on Keiths' site or just plain good shots!

Who smiles in these conditions? Mark does that's who!

Nathan can see the pain with or without glassess...

Mike chargin' away! Out for another lap of FUN!!!!

Bri wishing she had signed up Expert so she could do more laps!!!!

Is that a race face or what? Talk about FOCUS!

Brett may have been the ONLY rider in a mere jersey and short!


Bill made his Sport debut a good one with a solid 3rd place finish in the yuck. All Smiles!

Greg lookin' good before problems set in.

I would love to know what Alex is thinking about right now....

I'd rather be lucky than good any day of the week. "Pray for Rain" that's what I say!

Yeah, yeah, I know...nice boots dork...But they were warm and dry!

Advice...

Sometimes, all you can say is something simple that, really you should already know. You know how mom used to tell you as a small child things like: "Don't run with scissors!" or "Don't touch the hot stove!" Really, did you NEED her to tell you these things? Probably not, you should just know better right? Right. Well, then stop reading right now if you already know better....

BUT, in the last 2 weeks of rainy, muddy weather, I feel like all I do is clean bikes...especially drive trains. Wipe the crap off. Check to see that it's still filthy, spin the cranks and wipe some more. Spin the cranks and apply the oil. Spin the cranks and wipe the excess. You get it. This isn't rocket science. THIS IS EASY RIGHT! YES, exactly. It's TOO easy.

Because as I was doing this process to the third bike in a row yesterday and my hands were covered in oil, grease and grime as I spun the cranks, I didn't even realize over the sound of the iPod that the soft, delicate flesh of my finger was no longer safely on the cranks, it was now BETWEEN the chain and the sprocket taking a parade loop.

"WTF!!!! OUCH MOTHER TRUCKER!!!!" As blood poured out and mixed with my greasy, oil covered finger I just stared dumbfounded that I (who I consider to have a decent mechanical background) could be more dumb than a clod of mud. So, a word to the wise, please be careful around things that spin fast and can hurt you. I will know only turn my cranks with my pedals, thus keeping my punctured (and probably infected) finger further away from the cutting teeth.

Thank you. This has been a public service announcement at my expense hopefully for your benefit...

Mud Fest #1

Wow, what a day of surprises! I think everyone was expecting rain, but I was pleasantly surprised that the deluge that I had expected really didn't materialize...which didn't seem to make things much easier, but I will take small victories where I can find them on a tough day like this one!

The morning race started out on time at 9am with Bri and a few kids representing the Joselyn's team and the trails were pretty good. In fact, Bri made it up a hill every lap on the pedals, whereas, I had to WALK up it every lap! Yup, she's a studette! In the end after using some technical skills to scare a few riders she ended up 4th and is hungry to improve on that result!

A little bit late, the Sports took off just after 11. Strong rides were put in all around and Frank was having so much fun that every time I saw him, he was busting sweet wheelies! Steve looked like a metronome completely unaffected by the conditions and just pedaling away, about a minute or few off of Franks wheel and Brett was right in there, too...quite possible freezing to death as EASILY the rider with the FEWEST amount of cycling clothes on. I think he talked to the Masacre about how to dress...

While they raced away, I realized that I forgot my hydro-bladder, bib, and helmet. Hmmm, is this your first race Brian? Apparently, pre-race nerves affect even seasoned racers, but first time rides in the expert class must have deleted the few brain cells normally bouncing around the vacant space between my ears....

In the end I believe (guessing here) that Frank was about top 5 overall (OA) and I know he WON HIS CLASS...and I think Steve was just behind for about 2nd. He looked really good! Brett soldiered through for a 5th, which I think is maybe his best CCCX finish! Alright Brett!

In the afternoon race, I pondered why I was even warming up because I was just getting soaked and miserable thinking, "come on, what the hell!!!" At the last minute, I swapped gloves and gogs, and that helped quite a bit. Foregoing the normal "row" start, the group rolled out en-masse and the first casualties where Travis and Mark (I heard) who got tangled and hit the pavement (OUCH!...but not like Floyd Landis). Greg got a great start and was up with the pack, while Nathan passed me like he had NOS on his XTC and I remember Alex slipping by just while I was tyring to hold position. Right away I think we were all wet, pretty much instantly brown, and ALL probably thinking that a seat on the couch with chips, salsa (don't forget the cheese dip!!!!) and a little TdCA would be A LOT better than our current "entertainment" choice for Sunday afternoon...

Not only did he miss the TdCA today, but he sat in traffic from LA and missed his Roadie Race yesterday, but Mike H. was in town, looking great and ready to splash some puddles! Bri said he looked really good racing around the track to boot! Nice appearance!

I remember during warm up with Greg and Nico, Greg was like, "Did you see the hike-a-bike?" I was like "Whatever! There aren't no hike-a-bikes out here!" Boy, was I wrong. We came around the first time at the "3rd climb" and I was pedaling, but my bike wasn't going anywhere! My rear wheel would spin and I would fight for balance and then people started running past me!!! Whaaaaat! Dam CX'ers!!! Well, I NEVER once made that hill and it was torcherous each lap, but the totally sketchy, slippery, mud rutted out decent through the ice trail...errr...ice plant was WORTH IT! Brian's plan of action on that consisted of:

1.Pedal into bushes as hard as possible.

2. Lean back...waaaay back
3. Close eyes

This technique was especially fun on laps 4 and 5 with no rear brakes! I think we can all relate...

In the end, the squad posted some strong results with the +35 class an absolute Joselyn's fest with Mark garnering 5th and Alex the numero uno position. Bri said James was really going well and looked strong through the day, which is especially impressive considering he was out at the bars and strip clubs until 2:30am. Weeeell, technically he said he was at "work", but haven't we ALL used that excuse at one point or another?

Special congrats go out to Jeff Linder who came out and despite being the only rider in his class soldiered out for a final lap when others where calling 4 laps enough. Jeff is a serious tough guy! Of course, he won his class! Nice work Jeff!

As for your author, they always say that I've been a decent mud rider and what can I say, Lance is all wrong, it's definitely ALL ABOUT THE BIKE, because my XO was just flawless today, I loved the trails, and in the end it went better than I expected. After a day like today, I think small miracles should be taken with thanks. So thanks!

Great job Team! Oh, especially to Robin, who helped me out with some knee issues before the race, thanks again! Lastly, thanks to everyone that was there helping and cheering (Karen, Smurfette, you are racing NEXT TIME!!!, just everyone out giving support, it was awesome!)Ahhh, it's a great feeling to be done, whether it's a grueling race or a tediuous race report...We'll get some better pictures up I PROMISE!

New Brakes!

During our pre-ride of CCCX round numero uno, the ride stopped and talk turned towards bikes and parts (imagine that!). Greg and CB were contemplating various bikes, components and the usual rubbish involving gram crackers, teddy grams, grammas and maybe even bicycle components...by the gram, of course!

Normally, my uninformed self just sits on the sidelines and listens, in an effort to perhaps learn something, or maybe I just enjoy sitting there looking dumb (that's for you to decide). However, on this particular occasion the conversation turned towards brakes. Now, this is a subject I have an opinion on!

After rattling off variations of juicy magura girls avidly seeking skinny bikers who barely have enough muscle to squeeze the brake levers hard enough to initiate a stopping reaction, I simply interjected:

"Well, of course Formula Disc Magura Oro, Rim mounted brakes may be lite, BUT, nothing offers the unruly stopping power and anemic gram count of DYF brakes."

After further clarification, CB (as often times happens on group rides) asked "Who invited this Butler guy to the party anyway?"...who knows. But if you know what those brakes are, then good for you! If not, ask Greg or CB, they already have a set on order...

Double Header Wknd!

The team emails were flying today about the possibilities of a double header race weekend. Having done quite a few of them in the past (on dirt bikes) I can honestly say they are very rewarding and also very hard. Not just the racing, but you have all of the planning, chores and driving to do...sometimes driving through the night to a different state, that can be tough! ha! The things I vividly remember are:
1. Conditions. This weekend would wreak havoc in terms of rain and mud. I would probably have about 10 pairs of goggles fully rain prepped ahead of time so that at least I wouldn't have to deal with that Saturday night.

2. Bike Washing. If it's dusty then the wash part is quick, maybe an hour. Then it's time to change air filters, oil and tires. If it's raining, then it's probably 2 hours and about $20bucks at the car wash to clean all the mud off the bike, boots, and gear. Oh, and as and added bonus, you just KNOW you will be pulling on WET boots in the morning if you don't have an extra pair... ahhhh, something nice to look forward to when you are already tired and sore! When I was really poor, you even got to pull on the same sweaty gear...To be young and tough again!

3. Tires...Oh god, on the Moto's we run these foam inserts called "mousse tubes" that are flat resistant since they are solid rubber. They are like wrestling with a pissed off wild boar...covered in butter. If you are lucky you have an extra wheel-set to swap. If you are REAL lucky you have a practice bike to race one day and a race bike for the other day. I usually wasn't that lucky...

4. Accommodations. Do you know how fun it is to pitch a tent after being exhausted from day 1? Luckily we usually worked out a hotel to mooch or a house to crash at. But in the events we weren't so lucky...well it was pretty crappy.

5. Morning of Day 2. EVERYTHING IS SORE. You wake up and think, I can barely move, how can I RACE today? In the end it always works out because you are often times stronger than you know, but finding that out is definitely a toughie!

6. Satisfaction. On the drive home you feel relieved for making it through, stoked for having done it and you try not to think about the roached equipment, dirty gear, and all the post race work to do at home...I find that if you beat your pals, the last part is MUCH more bearable!

In the end, double header weekends have been some of the most fun and memorable times I've ever experienced!

As for this weekend, I'm cool racing once on Sunday :)

Piles of Bikes...

Sometimes, you make love and sometimes it's quick and dirty. Last night was love...ok, maybe more of a rant, but a work of love none-the-less. Tonight, there is a ton to do so it's quick and dirty...but still enjoyable, some would even argue more so...

AAAaannywaaaay, the reason is this: Bri brought her SHINY, BEAUTIFUL, carbon fiber bike that I prepped So nicely home and now it basically looks like...how can I put this nicely? Um, it looks like a big ball of shit...and sounds worse! So, I've got my hands full with that tonight. Frank, I think I will be buying a few more parts tomorrow...

And for those of you who didn't know (well, everyone except for Greg) I went out on a nice little Roadie ride last night after having given the Rocket (duh, my road bike!) a SUPER bath. She was looking fast and I was feeling good! My shifting was problematic, so I kept fiddling with my barrel adjuster and that was working about as good as a nice tasty eggplant for dessert (NOT GOOD!) so in typical Butler fashion I was like "F it, lets just ride". So we get to the bottom of Barloy canyon and I go to shift and it's like "KaaaBLING" and I look at Greg and pretty much just say "I am pretty sure that I'm screwed right now!

The long and short of it is this. My bike was stuck in the HARDEST possible gear to ride and I was pretty much at an intersection where everything is downhill...errr, maybe the opposite. So, basically last night was about as much fun as game night with that annoying inlaw that you hate. On a less personal note, I need to wrap this up. So my FAVORITE piece of advice regarding this situation and how to fix the broken cable and run the new cable came from a very good and reputable friend and it went something like this:

"Brian, in life, important things come down to getting something into the right hole."

Hmmm, well, I certainly don't need to be told twice. I've got that one logged in the ol' memory banks, hope you do to! Off to the garage!

Cheaters and Liars Prosper!

Just look at A-Rod! Now, I can state right off the bat (get it, stick and ball sports...) that I am NOT a fan of these sporting affairs, but I AM however as smart as your average tool shed shovel, and this I know for sure:

Why would I lust after professional cycling where my hero's are tagged, bagged, and stuffed BEFORE the PROOF is even out of some clumsy lab assistant's hands...

WHEN I COULD BE...

...A multi-millionaire PROFESSIONAL athlete, in really any popular American sport, but for the sake of argument let's take baseball. A-Rod openly admits (after blatant lies initially) to taking performance enhancing drugs in order to "deal with the weight of the world on his shoulders in Texas" and then parlays that into the most lucrative contract in baseball with the good 'ol Yankee's...More accurately a contract for results based on lies and cheating. And to MOST of the AMERICAN PUBLIC this is OK!!! You say no? Well, I will believe it when I see baseball attendance slip and sponsors pull out in the same fashion as has occurred in cycling.

"But wait" you say, "Baseball is as American as apple pie! You must be anti-American if you can't see that these athletes are under a tremendous amount of pressure, and they admitted their mistakes, and this and that and over and over..." I DON'T CARE! WTF! You hypocritical bastards! Even a RUMOR of doping in pedaling and sponsors are reviewing budgets and making cuts to professional cyclists, teams, events, you name it...oh but wait, I forgot, cycling is SO MUCH EASIER and MUCH less stressful. Thus the higher pressure to dope in baseball right? Let's see, in a worst case scenario in baseball you get beaned with a small white ball. It hurts. You take a base. Ok, I know an injury could take you out of the game. Boo Hoo.

In cycling (or perhaps my favorite, motocross) the smallest mis-calculation can leave you with a lot more than a welt, it can leave you dead...Ahhh, that's why they make the big bucks...oh wait, that's not true. How much does A-Rod make, $24 million per year? (Why don't I sell this guy a house in Pebble Beach! How's that for dirty money...)

It's the ball players that fill the stadiums with people validating their cheating and lies by their mere presence and support, again, while the slightest allegation of "anything that could lead to performance enhancement" results in utter catastrophe for cycling...I hope you haven't been taking any naps...and certainly, don't refuel with a post ride protein shake you big bad cheater...that could certainly make you faster and stronger.

In the interest of time (and wanting to get some of that performance enhancing SLEEP) I won't even go into the impact on kids or how this attitude is not just limited to sports...my oh my, I SURE DO believe that honesty and the straight arrow will get you ahead in business, just look at all my rich pals flying around in private jets' laughing at us for buying into their contrived financial schemes...nope, instead I'll continue plowing ahead in my Pollyanna little view of the world, where hopefully my favorite saying still has some ring of truth...no matter how muted...

YOU GET OUT OF IT, WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT. THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS.

So what do I propose? Well, I wish I was captain of the universe and it would matter. But since I'm not, then it just doesn't mater. So instead, I'll just continue to ramble my obnoxious, opinionated babble and if you disagree, then you can let me know and I'll take it into consideration. But, until then, I can think of about 24 Million reasons why A-rod is a schmuck.

Congratulations to Chris and Cindy!

Madelyn Frances Burnham was born at 10:55pm and with it a great day in sporting history will no doubt be remembered as the biography of the next great female cyclist begins to unfold! Perhaps, the first to win the Tour de France?!? Oh wait, CB may not want her to be some sissy roadie, this will probably be the first girl to beat all the boys at a World Cup Mountain Bike Event! Whatever is in her destiny she will not only have a great coach, but more importantly 2 great parents!

Let's give thanks Chris is into cycling and not into football...

Sunday Evening Post

This is what you get when you RIP...a dead girlfriend!!! Luckily it was only from exhaustion and not crashing. She went so fast down the last singletrack at the top of skyline back towards Laguna Seca that I COULDN'T even believe it!!! I thought that I was going decent and I look back and she is RIGHT THERE. Watch out on the downhills boys, I had my ego checked today and I don't think she's done yet!

I'm really proud of her, Bri is really getting into form and had another great weekend of riding with her longest road ride yet on Saturday and then busting out another Sea Donkey loop today. She is gonna BE READY for some podium pie! Actually, in this house we are always up for MORE DESSERT PLEASE!

Travis broke blood in the NEW KITS by braving the cold in Sacramento at a road race...errr...I mean a really fast mountain bike race where last year he had a tough time in the sport class and this year he was on pace in the Expert class! Well, until a mechanicle gremlin got to him. If not for that he would have been mixing it up with the fast guys for sure!

1 week until MAXIMUM FORWARD VELOCITY RACING RACY TIME!!!!

Some funny Plates

Some more pictures from Team Training last Saturday.

The Great Caper!

I find it VERY INTERESTING that I made a deposit into the "supposed" Sunday sag wagon with my Top Secret Nutritional Strength strategy (Code Name TSNS), knowing that it would be the difference between riding wheelies post lunch stop or sucking elephant ears and sooooome hoooow, my secret blend did NOT make it to the lunch stop. Further, said nutritional supplements were non-existent post Sunday ride and have not been returned since. Hmmm....

This seems like a caper only capable of being planned with insider knowledge. Something sneaky and treacherous. So, knowing that I need my A-game, I am stepping up MY side of this investigation with a few secret weapons of my own! No, I have not enlisted the help of Matlock or Inspector Clusoe, but rather my top secret nutrition partners who have much experience:

(A-hem-ahhsmurfette..ahhermmmBriiihmmm...errr) and we have a concrete theory that goes like this:

The deposited bag of Top Secret Nutritional Strength (Code Name: TSNS) has been consumed by the team nay-sayers and do-gooders who espouse the only way to optimum race fitness has to do with the consumption of fruits and vegetables...whatever those are! PPFFFSssshhhh!! Well, clearly, in this case "fruits and vegetables" are a DECOY!!! My crackpot team of investigators believes that the TSNS bag was commandeered...HI-JACKED EVEN, against it's own will and helpless to defend itself. We cannot name names at this early stage, but the alleged culprits know who YOU are...and you better be watchin' your back!

Unfortunately, it would be difficult to assume the lost TSNS still exists as the allure of its satisfying and rewarding myth is too strong to resist. Thus, our crackpot team of investigators would simply be happy to have a replacement supply of TSNS if YOU, the alleged culprits can reproduce the goods...

We will be waiting...

Bizarre Weather Patterns!

What gives? 2 hours ago I'm sweating away because it's 70 degrees in Carmel and now the fog is so thick I can barely find my truck! WTF! Well, on the bright side, if I can't even find my truck out there, then hopefully that evil witch meter maid can't locate it either and that will save me another fine contribution to the City of Carmel...

On a happy note, the feeling in my legs is coming back and I hope everyone that rode this past weekend is on the road to recovery. Last night my legs were so sore I couldn't even touch them...not even the magical healing powers of The Stick could do anything, I know that really is bad news, because we all know how fond I am of my Stick! Seriously though, if you haven't bought one of these funny looking little roller pins, I suggest heading down to Joselyn's and picking one up. It is probably the best $40 bucks I've spent in a while...and best of all you can continuously make juvenile jokes about your very own big stick...errr, I mean The Stick...

Style Queen!

Here's a cool shot courtesy of James from the top of Fremont!

In my delerium last night, I forget to thank Bri for over hauling the look of the blog on Sunday! If you visited last night you may have been shocked and thought you landed in the wrong spot, with the signature pink gone forever and replaced by the cool new colors! Ok, I am sure pink won't be gone forever, but I think the new look definitely has a fresh appeal that changes things up a bit! Hope you all like it as much as I do! I also hope everyone is as sore as I am today! Ok, that's not nice, I take it back....sort of...

Checkered Flag - Day 3

What can be said that hasn't been said?

"This Hurts"

I think at some point in the last two days, we all murmured those words or at the very least had those thoughts. But, today the Joselyn's Pain Parade kept on rolling and I think that the definition of "This Hurts" went to new levels!

For me, I would have NEVER believed anyone, if 3 months ago, they had told me I could ride 3 hardcore days in a row on my bike. I lost count of how many times the little voice in my head urged me on "come on Butler, gut this out, it won't hurt forever" over the course of the last 3 days. And to everyone that completed these last three days, I'm glad that we were all able to answer that call to action to just keep pedaling and never stop...one pedal stroke at a time. I swear, there were times when I went so slow I don't know how I kept the forward momentum going and didn't just fall flat on my face.

Despite the grim looks and obvious pain in everyone's eyes, I think the team forged ahead with a steadfast determination and commitment that, if the other teams knew exactly what we possessed and the level we reached in the last 3 days...well I think they would be shakin' in their cleats...scared to even show up to a start line knowing the abuse we plan on inflicting this season!

Highlights from the day that I can still recall (the brain is mooosh) are: Metronome Mark and his smooth pedaling style. It seems like all weekend long he just pushed like a finely tuned Swiss watch, quiet and determined. Brett and Travis came back out for the team after doing their own thing yesterday and both rode well (good job on the rock drop Brett!). Nathan forged his own course and managed to hook back on at lunch...and that spiffy new bike! Wow, I think there might be a few more of those on the team by year end! Shelly gets big props for showing up each morning with spirit and enthusiasm ready for whatever the day held. Considering she's off her normal training regime, I think her effort was outstanding...I am pretty sure there is a Sea Otter 2009 podium in her future and the other girls better be scared! Oh, and let's not forget the smiles we got from Bri at the top of that little speed bump (hurl hill?)? She went out with the "dads" and rode the entire sea otter loop! Do I smell a "Sport" upgrade? Frank's pull up 50 at the end was perfect, Steve's consistency is sold in the same Swiss watch store as Mark's and I kept waiting for the end of ride Yeti attack, but he salvaged our souls...although Mark did throw up the VICTORY V with a leg numbing finish line sprint at the end of the day! Greg, Eric, Alex and James continued their strong riding despite numerous colossal efforts over the course of the weekend. I think the 3 of them were aided by a "Special Drink" (Did CB sign off on that drink?) at the lunch stop that was full of carbs to give them some extra boost! In fact, what exactly was CB drinking out of that fancy "liquid jersey"?

Sweet move of the day definitely goes to Frank for his sweet ridge top crossup...or is that X-up...BMX style? Inspired, Alex threw down a few good ones on the way back, too!

James requested this quote be thrown into the blog and since this DJ does take requests, the conversation went something like this at the very end when the group split:

James: "Brian, who else followed you up that trail?"
Brian, crosseyed, seeing double and with spit on his chin: "Dude... (breath)...I don't know...(breath)...I saw you and Alex go...and I just went into the bushes...(more breathes)..."

I think the re cap pretty much sucks. Guess you had to be there...

All in all, I just want to CONGRATULATE the WHOLE TEAM and give special thanks to Alex and Frank for heading up this effort. Not only was the riding incredible, but the party, food and company was fantastic last night, too! Oh, and let's not forget Robin who not only had to endure my "rough riding" but saved a few peoples bacon this weekend...including my own!

If this training camp is any indication of what's to come, then I think it's going to be one heck of a year! Everyone better watch out because the Joselyn's Pain Parade is rollin' up to a start line near you soon...VERY SOON!

PS: Mike, that "Special Carb" drink at lunch was definitely raised in your direction! To be honest the thought of another training camp right now just left a little throw up in my throat...
Time to finish watching the super bowl.

PPS: Let's all just stick to the same story that we all road on the ROAD today so the Masacre doesn't realize what he missed!