"CRY TODAY, FLY TOMORROW"

These were the words spoken to me by a recent new cycling acquaintance last week while discussing the passing of our good friend Mike Janelle. Well, more than myself took those words to heart as some of the local crew headed to the front range to do some Cyclocross racing, with MJ heavily on our minds, to indeed "fly". Probably most inspiring, Jake Wells, on Saturday at the Louisville Rec Center in the men's open/pro race. He gave us somthing to help take our minds off of our grief for an hour in an exciting effort that put him on the podium in third place, it was great. Thanks for that Jake.

J Dub riding away from the field, catch me if you can.

Monday was simply an amazing day, filled with sadness, heartbreak, funny stories and great memories, but mostly, it was a day filled with alot of love. So many people contributed to the days events. Kelly Anthony, Amy Hermes, Linda Wells, Gretchen Reeves and so many more were plain and simply all outstanding. It's clear Mike Janelle will always be remembered with a smile.

I questioned myself whether or not to post this next pic, however, I could not resist in the name of the type of humor I find most fit. And most importantly, I'm just going to have to stay true to my sick sense of humor even when I'm "down" for a while. When the celebration wound down Monday eve, encouraged by Yogi.........., myself and Jono Ridler decided to walk over to Denny's (did we really do that?) for the always delicious midnight breakfast affair. I could not help myself.....I HAD TO ORDER THE "MOONS OVER MY HAMMY". When the order arrived, I could not help but notice there was a LARGE piece of egg shell on the top of my sandwhich, no extra charge of course. When I started snapping pics of it, most thought I was a bit off course, which I was. Bottom line was, I figured Mike was laughing at the sight of it....hence the pic and this post. If I should get beat out in a sprint at Nationals in two weeks, I'm blaming it on this sandwich.

I'll have a side of "eggshell" please....thank you.

A SHORT BREAK FROM BLOGGING

With the events which have taken place this past week in our local cycling community, I saw it fit to take a break from blogging and assist where it was needed. I'll be back on board shortly. In the meantime, I just want to go ride my bike, whether it is in the sunshine, rain, snow or mud. I ride because I can and because I love it, I hope you all do as well......

The sunsets at the Louisville Rec Center CX race 11/24/2007

Everyday the sunsets only to rise again the next morning. Each day is a gift. I hope I am a better person today than I was yesterday. LG/2007

IN MEMORY OF MIKE JANELLE

MIKE JANELLE 1967-2007

I was informed this morning from a close friend of the unfortunate passing of Mike Janelle last night in his sleep. In memory, please go to the following link

http://mikejanelle.blogspot.com/

to post comments and thoughts.

Please send pics to post as well to

fishlg@netzero.net

Please keep Mike's family and friends in your thoughts in the future.

Best Wishes

FOR A HAPPY FOOD COMA DAY

From the Addicted to Bicycles staff...

I want to do this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN_r9joWNXQ

AND I DO NOT WANT TO DO THIS...CLICK THE LINKS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBSdqhH9PbI

OR THIS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpbkTncjEOs&feature=related

YOU ARE INVITED TO CRUSH YOURSELF THIS SPRING

THE FACES OF LA RUTA...THE RACE ACROSS COSTA RICA

Kevin Perry and Adam Baker..La Ruta Survivors
Two Words....La Ruta. Many consider this to be the hardest Mountain Bike race in the world. 4 days of suffering through the mountains and jungle of Costa Rica. 28,000 ft of climbing the FIRST TWO DAYS. These pics give you just a glimpse into the suffering these warriors from the Eagle Valley went through to battle every ounce of adversity the cycling Gods threw their way during their journey...the stories should be epic when they arrive home. Kevin Perry, 24th out of 171 riders in his class, Todd Moyer, 13th out of 116 riders, Adam Baker finished an impressive 77th out of 147 Master A riders.

Moyer rejoices after his coast to coast effort.....
a La Ruta conqueror
The End

Ahhh, a new team recruit

NEW MOUNTAIN PEDALER RECRUIT FOR 2008

Introducing the latest recruit for the Mountain Pedaler Vail race series team, she will be riding women's beginner class...Charlie Brown needs the points.

LAST POLL RESULTS...

VOTES WERE ALMOST TWO TO ONE...ADVANTAGE, WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN WINTER.

COWBELLS ARE IN....

THIS IS THE OFFICIAL RACE BELL OF CULTCROSS 2008, SHOULD YOU WIN ONE AND END UP WITH AN ERECTION LASTING MORE THAN 4 HOURS, CONSULT YOUR FAMILY PHYSICIAN OR THE LOCAL BUTCHER IMMEDIATELY!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A RACE GETS CANCELLED...

Every now and again, you have plans to travel to a race that gets cancelled, such was the case yesterday with the Red Rocks Velo CX race which was scheduled in Golden...so what to do? Hook up with the fellas for a Mt. Bike ride on the home dirt seems to be a pretty logical choice, until we hit up Yeti's Grind for a cup of Jo after riding in the snow for near two hours...Yeti's makes a great rendezvous point this time of year as you have immediate AWESOME COFFEE from Nate and Tara when you get done riding. Of course once we get the Jo down, the shop owners decide it's time to get rid of the extra "beverages" left over from a party a couple of weeks ago and being bike riding men of good value and judgement, we (except for Brennan, a couple more years bro) decide to indulge like kids with a free pass to Toys R Us. Ya see, Nate and Tara are leaving for a week for the holiday and HAVE TO knock the inventory down before leaving, so we volunteer. All of the guys leave at a reasonable time after a great laugh out session which leaves me hangin while the shop gets closed...that's when the Gran Patron and GM tasting begins....wonderful, leading to this pic from the local Taco Bell which I promised I'd post....here ya go.

Below, what too much Yeti's can do to a grown man, 5 for 5 at Taco bell

below, the fellas gellin at Yeti's. Jake, Courtney, Brennan, Jono and Nate

JAKE WELLS MODELING HIS NEW CAPRIS IN YETIS
..OUTSTANDING, GOOD THING HE IS ALREADY MARRIED.

LA RUTA UPDATE VIA YOGI.....

HERE IS THE ACTUAL E-MAIL FROM MOYER

SOUNDS LIKE THE BOYS ARE HOLDING DOWN THE FORT IN COSTA RICA..thanks to yogi for the update

"615 am rolling nuetral start,kevin says 300 plus watt start, insane shit going down, all roads open to traffic, weaving in and out of cars and busses.then a 22% grade for 1.5 hours.muddy downhill ,then two miniclimbs, leading to the big climb (3hrs)of the day,upaved over the volcano,9000ft assent.then the downhill,mud,snot,rain,and then of course cow shit.what aday!kevin 5:10 todd 5:45 adam 6:30 .kevin moved up a coupla spots,I moved back in the top 20 for age group.and adam is holding steady in his group.tomorrow 75miles to finish mostly flat.pics are day 2see ya , thanks todd, adam , kevin"

CHECK OUT KEVIN PERRY IN THE MOUNTAIN PEDALER GARB SELLING WATCHES TO POOR COSTA RICAN CHILDREN. LOOKS LIKE HE IS OVER HIS STOMACH ISSUES AND KICKING ASS!

MOYER COVERED IN COSTA COW SHIT

COOL NEW MTB TRAIL IN JUNCTION....

HERE IS THE LINK

http://vimeo.com/347886

THANKS TO STEVE SILAGY FOR THE LINK

FIRST LA RUTA PICS IN FROM TODD MOYER...

Something tells me this is not actually from the first day which has 15,000 ft of climbing. But thanks for the pic guys...via Yogi's e-mail. I'd much rather be sitting in Eagle waiting for it to snow than with you guys checking out hot surfer chix in the Costa Rican surf at sunset sippin on a killa umbrella drink....Boneyard was great today, sorry you missed it.

Rumor has it today that Kevin Perry was actually in 11th place after stage one and then became violently ill...stay tuned.

GAME ON.....

HERE IS A CULT CROSS UPDATE

I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE ACA. THIS THREE RACE SERIES IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE SPRING. I WILL NEED HELP AND WILL START A SEPERATE BLOG SITE

http://cultcross2008.blogspot.com/

WHICH WILL BE SPECIFIC TO

CULT CROSS 2008STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS

CX RACING PORTLAND STYLE...

This photo was pulled off of the Cyclocross Magazine website

IS'NT THAT RYAN MCFARLING'S GIRLFRIEND?

NOW I KNOW WHY HE MOVED TO PORTLAND!

BULLDOG MANAGES TO DO WHAT GEORGE W. COULD NOT DO IN 7 YEARS

In Breaking news, this Bulldog was able to accomplish in one stinking squat what George W. has not been able to do for seven years. Take a dump right on Bin Laden's head.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

CHECK OUT THIS SICK RIDE!

http://www.gravitybolivia.com/gallery/slideshow.php?set_albumName=PhotohighlightsfromtheWorldsMostDangerousRoad

A FRIEND OF MINE JUST GOT BACK FROM DOING THIS RIDE...THIS IS SOME SICK SHIT, CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINK FOR THE SLIDE SHOW FROM BOLIVIA!

COMPTON WINS FIRST WORLD CUP

COLORADO GAL GOES BIG!

Katie Compton crushing the field at the Boulder Cup two weeks ago

Compton captures first-career Cyclo-cross World Cup win
Pijnacker, Netherlands (November 13, 2007)—In just her third-career UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup race, Katie Compton (Colorado Springs, Colo./Spike-Shooter) rode to a victory in the third race of the nine-race series on Sunday.

Katie is on track to take her first World Championship

PRIORITIES

YOGI DRAWS THE SHORT STRAW

I get to Gunnison with my bro Courtney "wawawawawazup holmes" Gregory, check into our room at the Waterwheel Inn which is right next to the Trough restuarant where I was a doorman in 1984, go have a PBR, then head into town to meet up with Jaco Wells and Yogi who are comin into town hot a couple of hours behind us. We grab grub at the Gunnisac, then a nice dark beer at a downtown establishment where the boys come in to pre-register, in the crowd is Parbo (Danish national CX Champion) and Danny Summerhill (silver medal in worlds U23) along with race promoter Ken Bloomer. Then it's back to the Waterwheel to get Jake and Yogi checked in. Only one problem, Jake racing pros gets a bed, then it's a toss up between Yogi and Jake's new Blue CX bike for the other. Well, as you can see in this pic, Yogi picks the short straw and ends up sleeping on the floor while Jake's cross bike got to sleep under the blankets in the other twin...SUCKS TO BE YOGI.

Rumor has it, Yogi bought the bike a couple of shots of Cuervo later that evening and climbed in bed with it...he then proceeded to almost cut off his shwantz in the chainring in a romantic moment of weekness. Dude, try the seat tube next time.....

our bartender at the Trough sporting his PBR belt buckle

NEW CYCLOCROSS MAGAZINE

NEW CYCLOCROSS MAG JUST HIT THE STANDS

CHECK IT OUT AND SUBSCRIBE

here is the link...

http://www.cxmagazine.com/blog/

CHECK OUT BARRY WICKS IN THE NUTHUGGER LADIES

AND....A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARIO CHIARANI..THE PUNK TURNS 16 TOMORROW!

COLORADO

CULT CROSS

WHAT IS IT?

STAY TUNED FOR POSSIBLE COOOOOL NEWS

I HATE CROSS, I LOVE CROSS, WHAT A WEEKEND.

The picture below sums up my on bike race experience in Gunnison this weekend.

FRUSTRATION

is the word that best describes my CX race in Gunny this weekend, same might be said for JW and Court as I think it is safe to say we all struggled and spent some time in the dirt like many of the racers that day. The course was actually great, but VERY technical with crazy slippery grass corners throughout, probably close to 30 of them! I got to line up with three of my age group's (45+ open) fastest riders and near the end of the FIRST lap I ATE SHIT on one of the slick corners and spent the rest of the race chasing...not the ideal situation, but at least I broke the new Alpha fork in immediately.

On a much better note, the announcing gig was most enjoyable as I shared color commentary with Dave Ocks of Gunnison...we aint exactly Ligget and Rolle but we did keep the crowd laughing all day. Thanks to Fred Reynolds for the use of your generator...it worked like a gem.

Todd Wells outlasted the Danish National Champ Joachim Parbo in the men's elite race despite a flat and two crashes. along with the elite field was Mario Chiarani who sat in with the big heavy crew. He flatted early but got to race for 40 minutes with the real deal...he faught hard, and ran harder! Thanks to mom and dad Chiarani for the killa homemade bread!

And check out Todd Wells post race comments from Velo News

"It was also a welcome change from his performance in the Omnium Mountaineer Cross race in Gunnison the day before, a ride he called "a struggle with a flat tire and a couple of crashes in there."
"It's been so dry here that the grass can be kind of slippery," Wells said. "I ended up winning the Gunnison race, but I felt like I was riding like a beginner."

A word of advice..DO NOT eat the meat loaf at the "Gunnisac" in town. Courtnet Gregory can tell you about that, as his ass put on a fireworks display only rivaled by that at the Majic Kingdom at Disney World all night long.

But...do ask for Ange to be your waitress if you check it out...she's the bomb.

chasing the cyclocross ghosts in Gunnison, pissed and frustrated after crashing on lap 1

Sunday was another ballgame as it was going to be a day off until Burnsy called and said he was headed to Denver to race this morning, of course I could not say no, so we hopped in my Subie early and hit Denver for the 35+ Cat4 race...What a difference a day makes in the life of a bike racer....After FINALLY having a good start, Burnsy and myself battled for the 5th spot overall and had the Mountain Pedaler sandwhich working on another guy who seperated with us...and the fact that I was there at all was pretty surprising, until I ATE SHIT twice mid race and they got away from me...never to be caught again....Burnsy 5th, myself 7th....my best CX day this season. Especially since it was the 35 plus crew...I've never hated and loved cross racin so much in such a short period of time....hopefully the peak will be at Nationals next month.

TODD MOYER AND KEVIN PERRY ARE OFF TO LA RUTA, COSTA RICA

TODD AND KEVIN STOCKED UP ON SQUIRT LUBE FOR THE LA RUTA...I CAN'T THINK OF A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR CYCLING'S BEST KEPT SECRET, THE MUD AND JUNGLES OF COSTA RICA..GET SUM.

If you have never heard of or know what "LA RUTA DE LOS CONQUISTADORS" is....go HERE;

http://www.adventurerace.com/eng/english.htm

WHAT THE HELL IS IT? NEARLY 15,000 FT OF CLIMBING DAY ONE, AND CLOSE TO 12,000 FT OF CLIMBING DAY TWO, THEN THE RACE GETS DIFFICULT.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Anyway, two of our local peddlers are tackling this event, that'd be Todd Moyer and Kevin Perry. Prior to their departure they were at Mountain Pedaler in Eagle stocking up on extra everything for an unsupported race across COSTA RICA. Cables, derailleurs, hemorrhoid cream (which CB specializes in) and other implements of destruction.

GOOD LUCK FELLAS...WATCH OUT FOR ALL THE CRAZY SHIT IN THE JUNGLE!

maaaaan, only 5 months until

SEA OTTER! WINTER GO AWAY. HAIL GLOBAL WARMING!

http://www.seaotterclassic.com/

April 17-20, 2008

50TH BIRTHDAY GIFT FINALLY ARRIVES...THANKS TO THE CREW.

The ALPHA Q CX Fork (.99 lbs!) just arrived yesterday and is in the process of being installed on my CX bike, just waiting for the epoxy to dry on the carbon steerer which holds the star nut in place. Thanks again to all of you who pitched in and got me this "SICK" gift. I can't wait to race on it this weekend in Gunny...and it looks soooo freekin sexy!

Thanks to CB at Mountain Pedaler for ordering this gem.

Riding the dirt in Eagle right now is stellar...get your ass down here for the last few killa mt. bike rides of the year before the shit hits the fan weather wise, it's dry all the way up to "Catwalk" and smooooth as butta.

it's unfortunate but true....cycling season is winding down, which means it's only a matter of time before Jono, Jake and the boys are callin in dumb on POWDER days to go rip it....SEE YA OUT THERE FELLAS, JUST BE SURE TO CALL ON THE 10 INCH PLUS DAYS EARLY! YEEOOOOOOWWWW!

GUNNISON THIS SATURDAY...R U READY TO SUFFER??!!!!

ROAAAAAAAAD TRIIIIIIIIP

UCI POINTS RACE AT WESTERN STATE COLLEGE IN GUNNISON...SEE YA THERE.

Hey local crew....looks like myself, Courtney wwawawawazup holmes Gregory, Jake Wells and Yogi will be down there Friday night, if you are comin down early, call me and lets hook up for dinner...376-1244. Crashin at the Waterwheel Inn.

GEORGE W. CRASHES OUT OF MEXICAN CRIT

George W. Bush who was a late entry into the Mexican National Criterium Championships, is seen here crashing out of the race due to the flood conditions from recent rains in that country. Part of the rules in Mexico state that you may compete in their national championships if you are from another country as long as you do not wear a helmet.

Once the gaps opened up GWB was in trouble as he had to negotiate these stream crossings which have formed from global warming of the great Mexican glaciers on his own...better luck next year Georgie boy.

THE YETI'S GRIND CREW

SINGLE TRACK UPDATE

I did indeed get up to the new single track today and started clearing for next spring, it's gonna be a bit of work to "get er done" but it WILL get done. It's currently pretty dry up high and with this week's weather I may get a couple more shots at workin it before more snow flies...the short days REALLY SUCK however when it comes to getting work on the trail complete....

A Picture of Pure Fun, Hell, Suffering and Triumph all in one.

THE FELT FX1. Can't have more fun on two wheels

Get ya one at Mountain Pedaler.

Does the "C" stand for Chippolini?

Mario Chiarani chasin down another Cat 4 victim
The weekend's biggest story, was perhaps about the kid with the BIGGEST head racing this weekend. I've spoken of him before and have his blog link here. 15 year old Mario Chiarani spent the weekend throttling the competition in FOUR races. He crushed the hopes of Danny Hiller (15-16 Juniors) Saturday at Boulder Res with a dominating performance then started at the BACK of the Cat4 race...in 90th place and worked his way up to 37th overall, against a bunch of whimpering grown MEN. Each of them could smell the burnt rubber of Mario's back tire as he warped by them....He might as well been in the front seat of the "Enterprise" with Spock driving.

Sunday provided a new Junior Class challenge...as a bobble (crash) at the start of the junior race may have cost "Grasshopper" a victory. Mario is in his first year of racing cross, which is pretty damn impressive, and is learning the art of patience at the start of a race...well, this day he learned that on lap one, it is critical to let the other riders make the mistakes early and take advantage of them...rather than being the victim of the HUGE adrenilin rush that it is so easy to get caught up in at the beginning of a race, especially when you have won the day before...An early crash cost him 5-10 seconds...he got second by about 5 when it was over...a VERY GOOD learning experience as I see it. He did get kinda hosed on the lap count, but I'm not gonna let him use that as a "lame" excuse...

This kid is on target to do something spectacular in the junior classifications. Watch him. He is being courted by sevral teams already, including the Mafia guys...

Redline and Boulder Cup Cross....when reality smashes you square in the face...

What a great weekend of Cross racin in Boulder. At a time when the weather Gods can absolutely crush you morally, the weather was stellar both days and the racing was fierce with Ryan Trebon just killin it in both pro fields. From an amateur racers standpoint, I have FINALLY accepted the fact that I am just an older amateur cyclocross racer who MUST compete against a bunch of ex pro roadies from the front range if I am going to continue to race the discipline which I hold dearest to my heart....there is nothing better than the atmosphere, the venue, the fans, the courses and the effort of a cross race...period. Accepting finishing mid pack in a field of 60 or 70 riders in my situation makes the experience pretty damn fulfilling and so much fun...as it is acutally the race with-in the race which keeps you going hard to the finish, giving every last ounce of effort to catch the guy in front of you, or to stay in front of the guy bearing down on you from behind.....

The start of 100 crossers....it can be challenging to say the least.

The weekend was a celebration of Cross. Saturday's race was super fun at the Boulder Res as the course was much more forgiving than last weeks, great seeing Dave Griebling from SQUIRT lube there...then after pounding Sushi on Pearl Street it was time for some much needed rest...when the call comes at the hotel room...from Jake Wells, PARTY at Dave's house (Mafia Racing's Team Manager) in east Boulder...well, in the great spirit of Cross racing, I decide that a party sounds much more fun than watching HBO in my La Quinta room by myself and head to the party. Mafia Racing has got their shit together! Race hard, play harder, then get up early and race hard again, with or without a hangover. The party was a BLAST....thanks Mafia. All kinds of folks there from up the hill...the Wells family, Kansas Jay, Yogi, and most importantly Amy Hermes, thanks for wearing the tight jeans Amy, you've got an ass for the ages.

Trebon and Wicks, the Kona Twin Towers, warming up.

One of the downfalls of racing 45+ is that the races start EARLY. When you have tried to hang with a bunch of young bucks the night before who race for Mafia...that can be a disasterous combo. Despite it, I got there in timely manner, had a better start, and managed to beat four or five guys that have been taking me to the wood shed all season. (were you guys at the party as well?). Perhaps the biggest story of the weekend...Mario C. More on that in the next post. You go boy.

Todd Wells, a crowd favorite, bunny hopped the barriers every lap.

MONDAY...A DAY TO WORK NEW SINGLE TRACK..

LOOKS LIKE THE WEATHER MAY HOLD FOR A FEW MORE DAYS GANG...I'M PLANNING ON HITTING THE NEW SECTION OF SINGLE TRACK I FOUND ON MONDAY TO START CLEARING IT FOR NEXT SPRING....YOU ALL ARE INVITED!

HOPE TO SEE SOME OF YOU CXIN THIS WEEKEND!

COME OUT AND SUPPORT JAKE WELLS IN THE PRO RACE...kick it braaa...

DONT FORGET THIS WEEKEND CROSS RACERS

NATIONAL CLASS UCI,ACA CX IN BOULDER THIS WEEKEND
HERE ARE THE LINKS!

http://www.americancycling.org/racing/ef/nov/redline-cup.pdf

AND

http://www.americancycling.org/racing/ef/nov/boulder-cup.pdf

THIS PIC FROM LAST YEAR'S BOULDER CUP SHOWS JAKE WELLS AND MYSELF SCREAMING OUR ASSES OFF FOR NONE OTHER THAN CHRIS HORNER, A TOUR DE FRANCE HERO, RIGHT IN BOULDER! I BELIEVE WE HAD BEEN DRINKING LIKE BELGIAN CX FANS. THIS YEAR, JW WILL BE LINING UP WITH THE PROS.