Posts Tagged ‘luck stone’
A group of pros raced a new, fun event in pouring rain on thursday – XTERRA Super Sprint Relay, filmed by Luck Stone. Was good fun- should have more of those. Also an easier event to attract agegroupers. In the middle- holding the trophy- Maurizio Mendez. 18 year old Neo Pro from Mexico City. Fastest swimmer and fastest runner in the field- watch out for him
My week kicked off a bit rough. On Friday (8days before the race) I though my appendix is either about to burst or has already burst. Rushed to ER, they did tests incl n CAT scan. Lets just say the pain was sygnificant. I dont get in a wheelchair lightly.
It turned out to be a viral gastrointestinal entenites. A virus in my gut. No medication for that, but I was on a clear fluid diet for 2 days, an all liquid diet for 1.5 days and then started a “bland” diet. Cant believe how long it took to get my intestines going again- and get rid of the pain and cramping.
By race day I was still pooping like a pigeon as opposed to a lumber jack.
I went through the usual motions of warming up, but I felt shocking and told Liezel right before the start “I feel terrible.” She (and my coach Ian) said- “just do what you can.”
I was super relaxed at the swim start, sitting on a branch in my favourite brown river. Pic by Jesse Peters
This swim course was for sure the most fun I’ve done in years. The current was really strong, but varied according to depth. As you can see below, we had the swift current come from every single angle. You can see the rocks and shallow parts on the photo. And the sandbar (between bouy 1 & 2) where Josiah ran from mid pack to round bouy #2 in first place. He LOVED it- much to the swimmers chagrin. The dotted line is a run up Browns Island.
Other good & fun swims I remember off hand:
– Energade Triathlon in Durban where the surf was HUGE, I was off the back but caught a huge wave just as I turned the last bouy- and body surfed about 300m to shore! The wave (with me on it) went right over the lead group, and when I stood up on the beach, I had a 30 second lead.
– My first triathlon in France (1992) was a down river swim. (Kevin Richards / Richard de Villiers / Thierry Baron what was it called?) Not being able to understand the briefing, we just swam down stream. It was quite narrow- trees overhanging both sides, and soon it got wider as another river joined. I sighted and saw people standing ON the water, in the middle of the river! I had no idea what to make of it, but they were waving, and obviousy we had to swim towards them. When I got there I realized they were standing on quite a large concrete weir- about 5m long and dropped maybe 2m in height. The swim course went straight down it. The weir had a sheet of plastic over it and these people were shoving us down the weir! You slid on your stomach. It was quite a rush and came as a total surprise.
Back to Richmond: Lost 30″ seconds in a lacklustre swim, but was surprised when my legs came around on the bike. This course is just awesome- never a dull moment- I wish I had time -and know how- to properly edit the GoPro footage I have.
Picked off the guys ahead and took the lead about 6km in- just before the Tunnels. Really enjoyed this race. Richmond is a “must do before you die”
Really enjoyed the Zoo out there! It was 8 am, and the rocks were not yet slippery with beer.
Slid on some gravel on a narrow wooden bridge and took a tumble – lost some time and skin – and some time.
Some riders use brakes to stop. #Caveman uses his fore arm.
Enjoyed new red Supacaz grips
The Green Car on the course. Doubt its a Green Car in the California way
Got off the bike with a 30″ lead on Dan and 3.30 on Josiah. Craig Evans was in between. Felt surprisingly comfortble running – all the way to 8km. Havent been running much, mostly rehab with guru Lawrence van Lingen at Rausch PT in Orange County. “OC, NOT LA, I’ve been told”
The river level rose with the 4′ of rain, so the course changed from last I saw it, and I ended up waist deep in the river, (rookie!) with Dan breathing in my neck- I realized things were about to go pear shaped if I didnt do something pronto.
With 25″ lead and 2 km to go, I thought I had it in the bag, but when we hit hilly and technical section across Belle Isle, my body totally folded. Dan came blazing past in the woods, I tried to pick up the pace and promtly tripped over something. (probably my feet) Did a clumsy Judo roll, scurried after my still rolling new Oakleys, and gave chase, but Dan was gone and my body was empty.
Loved my new Hoka One One Huaka racers! So comfortable, I raced them out the box. Superbe ride quality, comfortable, fast and light. Not as big as other Hokas, but plenty cushy for a racing shoe- thanks to the magic of the RMat midsole.
2nd, but loved it. Nail biting finish. Good to be back racing after some seriously trying times. This was my 1st XTERRA ever (2001- also finished 2nd) and I fully appreciate why this place gripped me – despite the Speedo and borrowed 30lbs Soft Ride bike with road pedals…
My family loved watching this event live on their computers and being able to follow the athletes via GPS tracking. Thanks a lot to Luck Stone for pushing the envelope.
We also remembered Scud. With his wife Margaret. (l-rJosiah Middaugh, Margaret, Caveman, Maurizio Mendez (18 years old) Karsten Madsen & Craig Evans)
From XTERRA FB page:
You’ll notice the “Scud” in the background of your racing bib numbers. It’s in honor of long-time XTERRA Ambassador Scott “Scud” Scudamore who passed away on December 28, 2013. The XTERRA Tribe knew “Scud” well for his outgoing and welcoming spirit. He was the prototype XTERRA ambassador. He calmed racers nerves at the start line, fixed their bikes, gave them words of encouragement and helpful tips, was the ultimate training partner, and guided the XTERRA crew every chance he got. He was an icon in the Mid-Atlantic mountain bike scene, built trails, conducted how to ride your mountain bike with confidence clinics, and taught newbies how to ride. Scott was retired but hardly stood still. He was on the local water rescue team and had recently learned how to surf a kayak in white water. His volunteerism efforts were off-the-charts, perhaps most notably his connection with Trails For Youth, a program that connected kids to the natural world around them. He served for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a captain. He was famous for his fries, for making people smile, as a soccer coach, and a family man. He left an undeniable mark on this world, and he is greatly missed by his extended family within the XTERRA Tribe and far beyond. On Saturday we’ll gather around Brown’s Island for a toast in Scud’s honor at 3pm, and on Sunday his wife Margaret will fire the cannon to get the races started.
Being injured and watching XTERRA Richmond from the sidelines.
“Having a bad day is all about perspective…”
A story about being injured and watching XTERRA Richmond from the sidelines.
Richmond is where I fell in love with XTERRA. Thanks to Rich Cruse for the picture.
It was the summer of 2001. I borrowed a monstrosity of a bike from Joe Umphenour, covered the logos with electrical tape (endorsed by no one) put my own yellow tires and road pedals on it. Rocked the timeless speedo, running camel back and rookie number 27. My total monthly income from sponsorship was $400. I finished 2nd behind Mike Vine, and passed Ned Overend and Steve Larsen -legends unknown to me- on the run.
Just a few months earlier, a picture of Steve Larsen, in that same river crossing, pulled me out of a post Olympic slump and gave my spirit for adventure and racing wings.
TEAM X-T.R.E.M.E – “Train, Rehabilitate, Empower, Motivate and Endure.” Jeremy Soles, a former Sgt. in the United States Marine Corps founded the Wounded Warriors team. They participate in extreme events wearing gas masks, cutting their oxygen intake to as low as 20 percent. But to some, the gas mask is the smallest of hurdle to overcome…
Cpl. Todd Love lost both legs and an arm in an explosion. The doctor wouldnt let him parachute into the XTERRA Richmond start this year, so he “just” did the swim. And then his comrades carried him for the entire bike and run legs in a specially made backpack…
Sgt. Johnathan Mozingo, also a Marine, has served three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mozingo who did the bike and run legs, was wounded during his last tour in Afghanistan and lost part of his left leg below the knee.
In a gas mask at 94deg F and high humidity…
Sgt. Johnathan Mozingo
Enter the Caveman. Avia Mantis racing shoes, Oakley Radar, 8x Clif Shots, Suunto Ambit GPS, Specialized Fast Trak 2.2 Control tire, Stuffitts shoe savers, Squirt chain lube, Cool Points on ice and Luck Stone race number belt with GPS tracker for live feed. Seems quite pathetic in comparison…
Seems like there’s another knuckle dragging Cavemanoid in the James river… Turned out to be my swimming buddy Branden Rakita. (R) We trailed froth footed Craig Evans by about 45″.
Photos by Jesse Peters.
Amazing series of XTERRA fotos by Jesse Peters http://backlight.zenfolio.com
jesse@backlightdigital.com
Craig Evans carried great form (despite all the salads!) and was eager to back up his 2nd place at ITU Cross Tri Worlds 2 weeks before. However, he stuffed up a low, wood bridge crossing and ended up in the trees. Laughing, I yelled at him to “get a guide dog.” My turn at getting abuse is lurking around every corner, so you have to get it in when you can!
In the top left corner you can see some of the many Luck Stone volunteers on the course, streaming live video through the iPad and doing twitter feed. There were 4 big screens at T1 for spectators to see video footage, follow twitter and live GPS tracking of each pro athlete. Of course the feeds also went out on the interwebs so folks in South Africa could follow more “closely”.
This Richmond course is so much fun- it has become rougher than it was 2 years ago, providing a good balance of speed and skill. I think this is the epitome of XTERRA racing (now that the swim is almost 1500m) and I think everyone who loves racing XTERRA should give this one a whirl…
I used the Specialized Sworks 29er Epic with Command Post – to drop the saddle in the drop offs and hairier corners.
Tip of the month: Biting your tongue improves mental focus. Kids, dont try this at home!
There is not a lot of place for pedaling on this course, so when you can, have have to push the big thing!
Sgt Mozingo and TEAM XTREME
Yup, it takes all sorts…
Just a glimpse of the madness on that narrow rock ledge. Imagine loud bull horns, bells, cheering, beer spraying even more crazies lurking in the woods. I think the local cycling posse calls themselves the “Leghorns”.
Scenic city racing in Richmond.
One moment in the city, the next in thick jungle and maybe “swimming” in 4 inch deep river water…
If you dont do your home work to scout the course, you could find yourself between a rock and a wet place… (Who has the pic of this Mister Anonymous (also the coach of a famous pro athlete’s we wont mention) on his side, swimming in this calf deep water?)
Cool Points in hand to keep the 94deg F under control.
Trying not to ruin my legs on the Mayan Ruins.
7 Wins in my last 8 starts in Richmond. My 10th Richmond XTERRA.
Loving support from my wife. Spectating is an endurance sport in itself…
Josiah Middaugh had some bike troubles but came back with a strong run and caught Craig Evans in the last mile.
Craig gave it all…
Thanks to the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, home stays and my lovely wife…
Will Kelsay backed up his breakthrough performance -6th at Cross Tri Worlds with a 4th in Richmond. Welcome to the podium Will! When I get back to Boulder we do some GoPro pool time?
A special thanks to Specialized Racing mechanics Dylan van der Merwe and Joe Devera for pimping my ride every day of the week.
We had a fair bit of press- here an interview with CBS.
On Thursday before the race I had 4 press commitments:
– 5 minutes live on CBS 6 Morning Show at 9am. (which took 2hrs),
– XTERRA Press day at 12.
– ESPN Live Radio at 4
– Shop appearance and poster signing at 3Sports (Richmond Specialized dealer) from 6-7.
Between all the driving and getting lost, fitting training and recovery in, gets tough.
A special thanks to Charlie Luck from Luck Stone quarries for their continued support. Lets keep “Crushing it!”
L-R: Will Kelsay (4th) Middaugh (2nd) Caveman (after I broke the 1st (of 2) glass and stone trophies) Evans (3rd) Rakita (5th)
Liezel and I were especially touched by TEAM XTREME and what they are trying to ccomplish. Todd has 1 arm and no legs but he rose to the challenge and is now swimming and further competes in the back of his buddy’s backpack. (hopefully he’ll tandem parachute to the swim start next year)
You have 2 arms and 2 legs and you’re looking for a reason to get off the couch and someday see your feet again?
I will think twice about feeling sorry for myself next time I have to go train in rain or snow, or PUSH when the going gets tough…
For more race details I quote from XTERRAs ace report by Trey Garman:
[In a city with such a rich and colorful history it’s only appropriate that the sports most experienced stars stole the headlines. For Stoltz, who “lost his heart to XTERRA in Richmond” back in 2001 it’s his seventh win in eight years.
“I just love Richmond, the course is amazing and really suits me,” said Stoltz, who had the fastest bike split by far in 1:21:00 despite doing an extra little out-and-back section that no one else did.
“On the first lap I caught Craig (Evans) and then five minutes later I caught him again. I wore out 3 sets of legs and 1 set of tires pre riding the course- turns out a section had changed since when I went pre-riding, and on race day I dont look for arrows,” Stoltz explained.
“He did the old course out-and-back,” said Evans, who followed the correct route. “It was funny because a few minutes later I hear this loud chain slap behind me and thought, oh man Josiah or somebody is riding great and then Conrad comes by and says “where’d you go” and I said “I went straight, where’d you go?”
Evans tried to stay with him the second time around but conceded “he’s in a whole different league right now.”
On the second of the two 10-mile twisty, turny, tree and fanatic-fan filled roller coaster ride of a mountain bike course Stoltz followed the right arrow and got into his groove.
“First lap my head wasn’t in it, I wasn’t focused because I was trying to figure out where I went wrong. So, on the second lap when I saw the arrow, it all made sense, I could focus was just flying, pouring the power on in the pedaling sections and railing the technical sections. It was so smooth and so much fun. There was a lot of spectators on the cliff- all in costume, yelling, spraying beer and dancing around. It was like riding through a circus. It’s such a fun race, really the epitome of XTERRA.”]
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Love the pic of Boise pro Adam Wirth and his son Mac riding to race start. Mac has his feet on top of Daddy’s, so he is helping put down the watts! It seemed like an amazing father & son get-away week. They “pre ran” parts of the run course together, Mac did the kids race, watched the pros (knows us all by name) and didnt miss an expo or a beat all week. What a cool sport to get your kid involved in. As opposed to baseball where all they do is chew, spit, scratch and wait. And the “role model” is Barry Bonds…
We miss you, get well soon Dan!
Luck Stone XTERRA Richmond VA.
Richmond, Virginia, 2001. Fresh from the Sydney Olympics, bored with road triathlon, I jumped into my first XTERRA. It was love at first dirt! That was before the Caveman was the Caveman. (few called him the Crazy Russian. Boulder Peak Triathlon commentator in 2000 looked at “RSA” behind my name and decided it will be “Conrad Stoltz from Russia.”)
The Richmond bike course used to be hectic!- I was inspired to try XTERRA by a magazine picture of Steve Larsen- running his bike through this stream crossing a year before. I borrowed a Softride (from Joe Umpenhour at the OTC) with Flexistem, alu beam “suspension”, road shoes and pedals, sweet yellow Python tires, (with tubes) hip style Camel Back, and of course the evergreen triathlon favourite – the speedo…
I loved it! Finished 2nd behind Mike Vine, just ahead of Steve Larsen and Ned Overend– legends I did not know at the time. They were so nice and welcoming, asking me about my future plans, complementing my fast run and of course “that bike.” I was fishing the chain out of the spokes when they zoomed past me.
Here we are, my 10th XTERRA Richmond. (Only missed one- I was out of the country (semi- deported!?) in 2002) I guess I won around 7 or 8. Lots of stories since then-
1) Due to floods a duathlon – Nico LeBrun (4x World Duathlon Champion podium) loved it!
2) Another year, this amazing story about fixing a flat, Caveman teeth and ingenuity. Story here.
3) 2010, I almost cut my foot off on a piece of underwater steel and still won. Story here. And if you really have hair on your teeth, you can view the surgery pics here.
After 14 years in Richmond we have something truly ground breaking…
Thanks to the amazing local company Luck Stone, the XTERRA Richmond presenting sponsor, we have live satellite tracking of all athletes!
I just clicked on the link to my timing chip, and I can see on the map here that its in storage outside Houston. Sunday morning 8am EST, it will be on my number belt on my waist and you’ll be able to follow my and all the other pros’ progress live during the bike and run legs.
I quote from the newsletter:
WATCH IT LIVE AT XTERRA.LUCKSTONE.COM
Luck Stone, a presenting sponsor of the XTERRA East Championship, has a comprehensive slate of coverage planned for Sunday’s pro race at 8am EST, that can be found at http://www.luckstone.com/xterra-world-tour-2012
On one screen they’ll bring you live video feeds from eight spots around the course. On another they’ll showcase a social media (GIS) map of the course with detailed positioning and tweets from strategically positioned spotters and finally, in a first for XTERRA, they are equipping every elite with a GPS tracking device that will allow followers to see their every movement. The “myathletelive.com” device reports location, speed, distance, and elevation.
Google Chrome seems to be the best browser for viewing, but fans can use any web enabled cell phone or handheld device such as an iPhone or Droid. Just go to the website xterra.luckstone.com, and follow the various links. Home viewers can do the same from their computer. Our suggestion is to open up multiple browsers and have fun.
And, for those on-site at Brown’s Island Luck Stone will have four 70-inch big screen TVs broadcasting the coverage. Those on-site are encouraged to share their experiences, from here and afar, via twitter with hashtag #xterraRVA
On Sunday, click on the name of the athlete to go directly to the specific URL for that racer.
Happy spectating!
Conrad
