A Nice Change of Pace...

Tonight Marc and I joined the Wooden Wheels shop ride. I have to admit I had a blast. There were a variety of folks out with us tonight. From the aspiring racer to the reluctant beginner. Everyone of them rode well, and everytime we stopped to regroup it was nothing but Smiles on all there faces. This ride made me remember what it was like when I first started riding. It's not always about riding as fast as you can and trying to beat up on each other. It is good to just go out with a group that is just out to ride there bikes and have fun. I wish I could remember some names, but I have never been good at that. I will remember there faces and what kind of bike they were riding, funny how that is. It was cool to meet and ride with some new people. I can see myself riding with these folks again.

Well I will keep it short,Thanks for reading,
Buddy

The Road to Recovery, and More Reflections

I got back on the bike today for a little recovery ride. I rode solo and took it real easy, and felt surprisingly good.

I have also had a bad case of post race depression. I am not alone, it seems everyone from the team is having the same feelings. I keep questioning things; did I ride as hard as I could have on my first 3 laps, What if I did this or that different. This is Crazy We won the freaking race. I suppose when you spend that much energy and emotion in such a short period of time you end up with a lot left over. I still think this is nuts, I can't stop reliving the race. I can remember every second of every lap like it just happened. I hope it stays that way because this with out a doubt my best race ever, and certainly on one of the best teams ever. I am looking forward to Friday night. We are going to get together again and share pictures over some burgers and beers. It should be fun because we can share these moments with some loved ones and friends.

Well I am done for now, Thanks for reading,
Buddy

7 Springs the Lighter Side...

A view from the top.





This weekend was filled with good times and while I have been sitting around the house recovering I thought of few more I would like to share.

Kids race, Are you kidding me!







While picking up our kits the lady looked ot Jeb Bagger and said "the kids race is at 2:00" We all laughed and pointed out this guy just got 2nd at the NORBA National at Mount Snow.

Jeffery was a laugh a minute this weekend. We tried to get him to drive. Mom didn't like the idea too much.

I could go on and on but I don't want to bore folks. Thanks again for reading,
Buddy

7 Springs: We Came, We Raced, We WON!!!

Nothing Better than the top of the podium.






I have now done five 24 hour races and have been fortunate enough to win 3, not too bad. This team was awesome, fatmarc, L Webb, Dan The Man, and Slick Rick. We had a great supporting cast who I can't thank enough, Fitzy aka Johan who shuttled us back and forth, kept us updated, and was a master at predicting lap times. Ted Logic, kept our bikes clean and running smooth. Jeb Bagger, did whatever we needed and took some great pictures, not to mention he lived on Rock Star and chocolate covered expresso beans. You can check out www.fatmarc.com for more info and some cool pics.


The race; I knew this was going to be a great team but I didn't expect to run away with it. We dominated from start to finish, in fact if it wasn't for a couple of mechanicals we could have won by 3 laps.

The first rotation went like clock work, Dan ran well and was 3rd on his bike, he also was 3rd to finish lap 1. Rick then through down the teams fastest lap I think it was a 1:10. I followed Slick Rick and felt great. Lauri went next and simply kicked ass. fatmarc was our closer and he laid down a blistering lap.

2nd rotation Dan broke his chain with 3.5 miles to go and still turned a 1:21, everybody else rode well and we pushed our lead to well over a lap.

3rd rotation; we seemed to be on cruise control. Everybody was riding well and consistent. L Webb had a flat but still kicked ass.

The last Lap.








We hit the last rotation, we pretty much have the win but would like to take 3rd overall. To do this we have to get L Webb out for the 19th lap. Dan goes out and rips it up, Slick Rick also hammered out a fast lap he passes me the band and I have 1:15:10 to get Lauri out for a lap. My fastest lap so far was my first at 1:18. I though I could do it but I would have to ride a perfect lap. I take off and I felt pretty good. I flew through the rock gardens but lost my bottle in the process. I see my team cheering me on and Slick Rick hooks me up with a bottle and I took off. I Took a lot of chances, never slowing down on the descents and hammering up the climbs. I never got passed on my previous laps, but on this one some guy got by me on the flat section and I used him as a rabbit. I came up on the spot where Dan broke his chain a real steep switch back that I only made on my first lap. The guy slips out and I went for it, not only did I make the climb but I dropped him in the process. I also noticed I was 8 minutes faster to this point that I had been on my last lap. I started to realize I really could do this and get Lauri out for another lap.

I get to the last climb. It is about 2 miles long with some really steep sections on my previous laps I would try to save a little for the last half mile which was the toughest part. I was feeling pretty good and knew this was it so I gave it everything I had. I get to the section where I get off and walk a bit and there is Jeb Bagger cheering me on, he even started riding along side of me. I hop back on the bike and I can hear Dan saying HERE HE COMES. I know it is going to be close and even though I was hurting really, really bad I just kept pushing. Dan is calling out how much Time I have as he running along side of me. It was amazing everybody was cheering me on and pulling for me. As I make the turn onto the grass section I hear a guy say " Shift Down, oh you can't do that" Ted starts running with me too, there were people I didn't even know running along side of me. I have to tell you I was hurting soo bad I wanted to cry but I kept pushing, I was riding on the energy from the crowd, I had to have been because my legs were done and I don't even think I could breath. I heard Wes yell " Get Out of The saddle" I stood up and some how found a little more. I felt like I wasn't going any where but I was told I was flying up the last part. I am almost to the tent and I see Lauri with a beer and proceeded to ride right by her. I get to the tent and it was too late. 12:00 had come and I missed it by 20 seconds. I got off my bike and just collapsed. I have never pushed so hard in my life. In the end I turned a 1:15:30, my fastest lap of the race. I have to tell you it was one of the most incredible feelings I have ever had, I remember laying on the ground wishing Rachael could have been here with me, at least I had my team there, Oh and I did get that beer from Lauri, man was it good.

I loved this race, the course was awesome, and the event was well run. I can't say enough about the team, we all supported each other, had a great time and just kicked ass. Of course we could not have done it with out our support, Fitzy, Ted and Jeffery were awesome, thank you guys. This will go down as one of the best.
Well this has been long enough, so Thanks for reading,
Buddy