Warning: Do not watch this video.
It causes irreversible buttock puckering.
Full Screen viewing expressly prohibited
due to risk of heart attack.
12/23/11
12/19/11
Tino Racing Nationals and Worlds
Robert 'Tino' Sonora, Ph.D.
Cyclocross Racing Big Time
Now it’s off to Madison, WI to race Nationals in the 45+ and Elite races. From there, I head to Louisville, KY to take part in the Master Worlds 45+ race.
Cheers, Tino
Click Here to see the Colavita Racing website
(Scrbes Note: Dana, Martha, Rich, and Walt will be racing CX Nationals as well, and Dana is also going to the Worlds)
12/15/11
D-Town Big Time
USA Pro Cycling Challenge
2012 Host City Video
This vid is 10 minutes long
Durango, as Stage 1, is highlighted First
The first 1.5 minutes will
Knock you out
(Full Screen)
12/14/11
12/12/11
12/11/11
Sweet Elite - 2012 Team Announced
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Durango Devo Sweet Elite
In its short history, the team has claimed several national championship titles thanks to Howard Grotts, Alicia Rose Pastore, Tad Elliot, Sage Wilderman and Teal Stetson-Lee. Sturm is the current collegiate short track national champion while Caitlin is the current collegiate cross country national champion.
See the article Here
12/9/11
Do you know Ned?
New from
Dirt Rag
Words by Josh Patterson, photos by Shannon Mominee and Josh Patterson
If you look up Ned Overend’s Wikipedia entry you’ll notice it claims he retired from professional racing in 1996, which goes to show you that you can’t trust everything you read on the Internet. While it may be technically true, Overend did stop racing mountain bikes full time to focus on other endeavors, like winning two XTERRA World Championships. Racing is no longer part of Overend’s job description; his daily duties include marketing and product development for Specialized, his long-time sponsor.
That’s not to say Overend is a desk jockey. One certainly couldn’t tell he was no longer racing and training at the professional level from his showing at this year’s Cross Country National Championship in Sun Valley, ID. “Deadly Nedly” finished ahead of 48 professional racers decades younger than himself—it has to sting knowing this guy was in his prime while you were in diapers, and you still can’t hold his wheel... Today, Overend is a legend in his spare time.
What has been your most rewarding accomplishment as a mountain biker?
Well, there are individual races, but at this point it’s longevity. When people talk to me that is what they are excited about. The fact I’m still passionate about racing has become my biggest accomplishment, more than winning a World Cup or World Championship.
Is there a race you look forward to each year?
I always look for different races, but the Road Apple Rally in New Mexico is a favorite. It’s a high-speed race with bermed turns—not as painful as a lot of other races. It is also the oldest mountain bike race in the country, must be going on 30 years.
Road, mountain or cyclocross, do you have a favorite?
Mountain for sure. I love ‘cross racing for the intensity, even though it doesn’t so much suit my style. It tends to be more power-oriented.
This July you finished 14th at Cross Country Nationals. How does it feel to be 56 and able to leave riders half your age in the dust?
[Laughs] I’m conflicted. I do a lot of different stuff for Specialized, my job is more than racing, but it does allow me to train a lot. At the same time, when I get a result like this, I think “Jeeze! If I focused more on training then I could probably improve that result.” That’s just the way a racer thinks. It’s cool to be able to perform at this level still—I think it helps that there’s no pressure for me to race.
Any advice to master’s athletes, or any mountain biker who wants to be able to ride at their full potential, regardless of their age?
I’m not too obsessive about cycling, or training in general. My training approach has obviously worked for me. You need to be informed about the training process, don’t rely on a coach. Living in the mountains has helped me—it forces me off the bike in the winter. I Nordic ski and do other sports to create a physical balance that I think is responsible for my longevity.
What is your favorite trail?
We have a new trail in Durango, the Skyline Trail. It was initially built for the Singlespeed World Championships in 2009. There was a lot of hike-a-bike back then—we made the climb more rideable. It’s a super technical trail along a ridgeline.
Tech question #1: Do you see 29ers taking over the XC market?
I do. The 29er has reinvigorated the hardtail market. They have evolved to the point where they are a superior bike for cross country in most situations. There are a lot of situations where 29ers are faster and very few where they are slower. I think this year is the tipping point for 29ers in Europe.
Tech Question #2: What do you think the future holds for disc brakes in cyclocross?
[Todd] Wells and I have had cross bikes with disc brakes for a while. It gives those bikes a lot of range. It gets boring training in the grass, we like to go out and do trail rides on our ‘cross bikes in a variety of riding conditions. That is where disc brakes excel. We’re still trying to figure out how big the disc needs to be—the weight really needs to come down, but discs will evolve in ‘cross and on the road.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
[Laughs] I don’t know. I didn’t see myself doing this 10 years ago! I’m for sure a lifestyle rider—this will be part of my lifestyle. My wife and I moved closer to town for more of an urban lifestyle, I see ourselves moving even closer to town and using our bikes more and cars less.
Drink of choice?
IPA. We have some great breweries in Durango. Someone needs to start brewing more IPA’s in Europe! I enjoy the beer over there, but a good IPA is one thing I look forward to when I get home.
See the article Here
12/8/11
Gail's Update!
Dear Friends,
Thank you ALL for your precious emails, cards, prayers, and visits. It means so much to me to hear from each of you. I am so blessed to have such a loving family and friends; more blessed than I ever realized before.
I've been home since November 23rd and am recovering more each day. The orthopedic doctor gave me permission during last week's exam to begin putting 25% of my weight on my right leg (the right hip was fractured).... It is wonderful to use the walker with both legs instead of hopping only on the left leg :-). She also x-rayed my clavicle and is happy with the progress.
Scott & I met with the neuro surgeon (aka brain doctor) yesterday and he is taking me off the daily anti seizure medication and says I should be able to consider going to work parttime in January. I still need to nap and sleep more than normal.... but that will become less as I continue to heal. I thank God daily for all my blessings, including all of you.
Love, Gail Smith
11/30/11
Day At The Park
Think it's hokey at first?
These guys, and the production techniques, are remarkable.
Recommend Full Screen
11/29/11
The Sonntags
Papa, Ben, and Carmen
Celebrating Carmen's Selection to:
2012 Summer Olympics
United States Cycling Long Team
Other Durangoans Selected:
Todd Wells - MTB
Kristin McGrath - Road
Willow K Rockwell - MTB
Krista Park - MTB
Final Selections In June
When you see 'em
Wish them Goshspeed
11/27/11
Todd Wells
Todd Wells
Wins a Stage of JingleCros
Wells Claims First Cross Win At Muddy JingleCross
Posted on 26. Nov, 2011 by lyne in race
On his penultimate race this season, US Cross ChampionTodd Wells (Specialized) finally got his first cross win this year. Though he says that he doesn’t have his top fitness, Saturday’s race was all about finesse, choosing the right line and staying your bike. Hours of overnight rain continuing throughout the day turned the course into a slipe and slide in some spots, especially the zigzag descent down Mt Krumpet – simply it was mud everywhere and staying upright was tricky.
Todd Wells was locked in a duel with Chris Jones (Rapha-Focus) for the final three laps until he took advantage of a bobble on the final lap to take off and take a solo win. Chris Jones (Rapha-Focus) is chasing Well
Tristan Schouten (cyclocrossracing) battling for third
Todd Wells (Specialized). “Today I felt like I didn’t have a lot of power but knowing how to ride in these conditions and when to put the power down, just how to be as efficient as possible out there on a course like this. Of course, staying on the bike is a big key.”
About being at the front with his brother. “It’s awesome being up there with him. I was happy to see him riding so well and I hoped that we would be able to ride off together and spend the day at the front but it didn’t quite work out that way. It’s still a good ride for him so I’m proud of him.”
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Scribe's note: Durango's Todd Wells, two-time Olympian, is actually finishing up his best season ever. See what the Wall Street Journal said about him in July.
11/26/11
Dana Shinn Smokin' Cross
Dana Shinn wins 3 Races
Back-to-Back and Then Some
In Boulder... "The course was muddy but easily rideable. I started once again near the back. I jumped once again up to the front. I followed a few women for the first lap and then felt good enough to attack. Again, I thought it’s only 35 minutes. So I put my head down and hammered. No one else kept up. I was so focused, I didn’t even notice when I was on my last lap so I did an extra one. Silly but hey, it was only 35 minutes! Super fun and what great schwag for 1st place!"
In New Mexico... "The NM CX race in Pojoaque, NM the weekend of 10/15 was much warmer. In fact, it was hot. The Dash for Life folks know how to put on a race. The course was long and tough with lots of turns, a nice hill, and a great descent. I raced both the 3/4 and 1/2/3 womens races and somehow worked my way into 1st place in both. So fun! I’m hooked!"
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Scribes Note: OMG!
11/23/11
11/22/11
11/20/11
11/19/11
The Group Ride
The group settles into formation meters after leaving the café. Like the table manners learned as children the formation is innate to us. Two abreast, tight against the curb we form two lines. Cars pass us with ease as we pedal out of town and into the countryside. The pair on the front increases the tempo as soon as we are out of traffic and onto the rural roads. From experience they quickly find the rhythm of the group. On the rural roads, we’re in synch. Knowing how to ride properly in a group is taught and learned.
I was introduced to cycling as a boy. On my first group rides, I was taught how to ride with others appropriately. As we pedalled along with our club mates, my father explained ride etiquette to me. On open roads, the group stays close to the shoulder. To allow cars to pass and to benefit from the riders’ slipstream, the group stays compact. It is often easier for cars to pass a group of cyclists who are riding two abreast near the road’s shoulder than a group, which is single file and much longer. We must be aware we are sharing the road with other traffic.
Each pair pulls off the front sharing the workload with the others. To peel off the rider on the right moves right, the rider on the left moves left, reducing their speed gently to let the others pass. The pair who has been following slice through the pair to take the lead with the rest of the group in their slipstream. The two who have just finished their turn on the front, move back into the slipstream at the back of group rapidly to avoid being in the way of the traffic for long.
Within the group riders should always be paired up. Two abreast is acceptable, three is not. In an odd numbered group, the single rider sits at the back. Each rider has his or her turn being alone at the tail-end. In a group, everything is shared.
A group is concerned with others’ well being. We point out obstacles in the road, we signal directions and we take care of each other. A rider who is struggling is sheltered from the wind and given food and drink. We wait for those who have punctured and help them repair the flat. Every cyclist has a bad day. A group will get you through the bad moments.
Like bragging at a dinner party about wealth, nobody appreciates a rider who constantly forces the pace to prove his strength. Half-wheeling, the term used to describe a rider who is constantly pushing the pace half a wheel in front of the others, is an insult not a compliment. Group rides are not races. Good riders are in tune with each others’ abilities and the groups’ objective. At the right moment, when everybody is ready, the tempo will increase, the group will splinter, the strongest will surge ahead, and then only to regroup again at a designated spot.
A group ride should be challenging but also pleasant. Experiencing an achievement is often richer when shared. On the bike, each pair of riders converses as if they’re across from each other at a dinner table but in the fresh air the conversation is often more animated. On the roads, societal hierarchies are muted. A CEO is just another wheel to follow. A professional cyclist is just another face glistening sweat.
Together, a group of eight eats through the hours. In nearly six hours, we’ve seamlessly devoured mountains, cut through valleys and popped through towns. Even our stop at a café failed to break our rhythm. On the terrace, everything continued to flow.
Michael Barry
Team Sky
Click HERE for the Michael Barry Website
Howard Grotts, Fort Lewis College
Howard Grotts
Winning the
National Mountain Bike Championship
Last Week
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Leading Fort Lewis College
to the
Division 1 Overall Cycling Team Winners
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11/16/11
Gail Smith
Gail had a bit of a bike crash on Saturday (10/29/11) west of Mancos, on Hwy 160.
Tues Eve 11/15/11
Gail and I wish to express our thanks for the well wishes, cards, and prayers. Gail continues to heal and will be home for Thanksgiving. We are now looking forward to getting our lives back to normal but we still have another month or so of no weight on the right leg, routine physical therapy and further recover from the knock on the head. Still another month for the brain to fully heal from the bruise and get past the headaches and sleepiness. She is looking forward to returning to work after Christmas. We will be doing allot of spin classes over the winter along with some lifting to get her back in shape although I'm not sure about her return to cycling. She is planning a 1/2 marathon as her big come back with our daughter, Michelle.
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Scott
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11/11/11
Services
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Church Services
Sunday 11:00 - Home Depot
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La Posta Road
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Regroupings at Weaselskin and Bondad
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Todd Wells Wins La Ruta
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2011 La Ruta de los Conquistadores
Last week - Costa Rica
Todd Wells
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Durangoan, and Two Time Olympian, Todd Wells won the
4 day Mountain Bike race.
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Each epic day included 4-6 hours of everything
Planet Earth has to offer.
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Cyclocross - The Spectator's Delight!
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(Click to Enlarge)
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Cyclocross Race at the Fairgrounds
Sunday Afternoon
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This is a Spectator's Delight!
11/5/11
The 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge - Coming to Durango?
Keep your fingers crossed that the USPCC comes to Durango on August 20th.
We'll know Soon!
Durangoan's Doin' It - This Week in History
Mary Monroe on her way to Winning the New Mexico Cyclocross Race
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Ben Sonntag in Costa Rica - La Ruta de Los Conquistadors
Troy Wells takin' a well deserved break
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Shannon Gibson rockin' the Cyclcocross course
10/31/11
Fort Lewis College wins the Mountain Bike National Championship
Skyhawk Cyclists Win Big
(Read the Herald Article Here)
Set the Trophy on the Table
Lets EAT
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(Click on any image to enlarge)
The FLC SKyhawks
Take the Team Omnium Title for the 18th time!
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Our four Individual National Champions get silly
Sarah, Lauren, Rotem and Howard sit at the piano left to right
10/21/11
Lauren Hall Wins Track National Madison
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Local Pro Lauren Hall
Wins Elite Track Nationals Madison
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(photo credit Pat Benson)
Walt Wins All 4 Road Races at World Senior Games
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Walt Axthelm, Durango, Colorado
25th Huntsman World Senior Games
October 2011
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The Road Cycling Worlds is made up of 4 events
Hillclimb, time trial, crit and road race
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- 4 Gold Medals
- New record for the 20k TT in Division 1
- Best time in the 20k TT Overall ( 238 riders competed age 50 & up)
- Earned The Overall Jerseya
This was my 11 year at the games
This was the 1st year to win all 4 events
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The group pic are the jersey winners of ages 50 to death in the Division 1
Farmington Hill Debate
The Future Of Farmington Hill is in Our Hands
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On the 2nd of November there is going to be a public meeting about the alignment for 550 from Grandview. Regardless of which one they choose, the old road will be abandoned.Unless someone requests otherwise, they will turn it over to adjacent landowners.
I have been after the county for several years (since we knew it was moving) to adopt the road and convert it to bike/ped access to the stub end of CR 220 by the brick plant.
Eventually, it could connect to the river trail where it will cross the highway just west/north of there.
The best would be to have a whole bunch of folks show up to request it.
Wade Moore
Boure Bicycle Clothing98 Everett ST
Durango, CO 81303
888-889-9242
970-247-0339
Boure Bicycle Clothing98 Everett ST
Durango, CO 81303
888-889-9242
970-247-0339
10/20/11
Bras Across the Belle
(click to enlarge)
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Benefitting
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Breast Cancer Awareness and Research
10/9/11
10/8/11
The 2011 Four Corners
Cyclocross Series
Cyclocross Series
The Four Corners CX Series is back again for 2011 and is proud announce Stan’s NoTubes as the presenting sponsor. The schedule features many of the great racing venues of the past but also has some new ones.
10/23 – Cuba, NM – for more info: http://nmcross.com/sites/default/files/2011-cyclocross-series.pdf (USA Cycling Sanctioned)
11/6 – Dolores – for more info: http://ciclistasdelrio.blogspot.com/ (USA Cycling Sanctioned)
11/13 – Durango – La Plata County Fairgrounds
11/20 – FLC – Ray Denison Memorial Field
12/4 – Cortez – Parque de Vida
12/11 – Aztec – Across from Alien Run MTB Trails
12/18 – FLC – Ray Denison Memorial Field
In all races except for Cuba and Dolores, the start times are as follow: 10am – Open Women/B Men 45minutes, 11am – Men A/Men 35+ (yeah you read that right, 35+)
Keep an eye out for more details, an official race flyer and more at http://cycling.fortlewis.edu
Stan’s NoTubes makes the best tubeless products out there and have and new CX tire, the Raven; check out all their goods at: http://www.notubes.com/
Wednesday 12noon CX practices have begun at the FLC Softball Complex and keep an ear to the ground for Official afternoon practices coming soon.
For more questions contact: hagen_d@fortlewis.edu
Dave
10/6/11
Blaze 2011
(Click image to enlarge)
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Travis Brown Ned Overend Tom Danielson
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2011 Blaze Weekend
aThanks to the Sponsors, Participants, Volunteers, and Tommy D
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