So bring your #Fatboy, bring your family, and come have fun!

Whether you’re going slow or fast, this long single track in the woods is guaranteed to make your smile muscles hurt.

More info on Greyton Classic website.

Went for a little ride in the legendary Redwood forest with a friend. (Bay Area- San Francisco)

Click on the image for Youtube link.

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.

Love riding challenging trails and single track?  Tahoe and NorthStar trails, majestic views, blue skies, woods, thin air and yes, lactic acid! Mind boggling single track, stunning scenery and the camaraderie of a team mate.  Sounds good?  The Epic mountain bike race is for you!

This endurance orientated event is aimed to be a 5 star experience:

– 5 Star course:  3 days of trails that will take your breath away.  Literally and figuratively.  (I recently rode them at a leisurely pace in 2 days and was exilharated – yet thuroughly pooped – at the end.)

Stages 1 & 2 are about 35 miles each and stage 3 is about 25 miles. Long enough to knock the stuffing out of you, but not so long that you couldnt face a few beers and share some laughs afterwards. (Maps available on the website) The course features a mix of mostly fire roads and jeep track but also a fair amount of some of the best single track I’ve ever ridden. There will be wave starts to spread the field and the opening miles will be fire road to thin the herd. Be prepared for plenty of climbing. About 3500ft to 4500ft of  climbing per stage. Fortunately, what goes up, must come down – always something to look forward to.

This event is aimed more towards endurance riding, rather than hours of bone and bike crunching single track. You dont need advanced skills or a hard core trail bike for this event. DO bring a descent level of fitness for the 6400 ft (2000m) base altitude. And remember- everything goes up from there.  Also bring a few layers of clothing for the crisp fall temps.

Stage 2 is mostly fire roads with some good, long sections of fast, flowing single track like the one above.

Plenty of space to overtake early on.

Stage 1 features awesome single track – including the infamous “Sawtooth”, “2 Beavers and a Bear” and

“Twin bridges”.  This is one is the baby of the 3…

Leave the lightweight tires and tubes at home… I recommend going tubeless with a strong sidewalled tire like the Specialized Fast Track Control 2.2.  If it stays very dry and loose that time of the year – a more knobbly Ground Control 2.3 / 2.1  front / rear combo in the Control casing – or something similar will give you grip in the corners and help you float on top of the loose stuff. If it rains (or in the rare case, a light sprinkle of overnight snow) – this sandy course will be fast and packed down nicely.

A dual suspension bike is nice, but not a must – there is a single speed category (a category also known for its love of fully rigid bikes and curious facial hair).  XC bikes – like Specialized Epic 29er  – and modern trail bikes (with a good pedal platform)  Stumpjumper or similar – will work well.

– 5 Star accommodation:

Like it says – 5 star experience. Think Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe for $225 a night…

Just roll out the door to the start line.

Enter the special pass code on the website  for the $225 Ritz Carlton per room per night sponsorship deal.

Plenty for the family and kids to do – Adventure camp, bungee trampoline, geocaching, gem panning, Strider& Roller skates, fly fishing, wine walks and the list goes on…

If both parents are riding, the Ritz Kid’s programme will entertain your kids with an adventurous and educational programme at a minimal cost.

Also, check the www.epic-race.com website for more affordable NorthStar condos and even “luxury camping” (you get your own tent and a thick inflatable air mattress) for as little as $25/night.

– 5 Star Dining: Then there is the weighty matter of Food: In this case, more accurately referred to as “Nutrition plan.”

The menu is carefully designed by the OSMO Nutritionist to promote recovery after stages, fuelling before stages and everything in between.

I quote from the website: Say, Friday night dinner…

Friday Dinner   

• Thai style salad, rice wine vinaigrette
• Build your own noodle/rice bowls
• Yakisoba noodles, rice noodles, brown rice
• Roasted Tri Tip, Chicken and Shrimp
• Steamed Vegetables
• Pho Broth, Coconut Green Curry, Kung Pao Sauce
• Sprout Bar, bean, radish, broccoli, etc
• Cashew and peanuts

I wonder if the above options are “and” or “or”.

Aid stations will also be 5 star- stocking products like Clif Bar.

– 5 Star Experience: Ride with a team mate and create memories to last a lifetime.

Epic Chix

Epic Race caters to women unlike any other mountain bike race

Hey Ladies, 

Ski season may be coming, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up the bike.   Call up your riding partner and end your riding season with the Epic Race!     And in case you think you can’t, we’ve eliminated every excuse so that you can!    Just get to Lake Tahoe and we’ll take care of everything – all you have to do is show up and pedal.  Catering to women unlike other events, we’re providing an experience for you and a friend to join in on the fun.   Cross the finish line with your team mate and enjoy all the comforts of our Ladies Lounge.     A shared experience is priceless.

Race includes:

Women’s own start time(s)

Bike Valet waiting at the finish line (clean / tune and ready for the next day)

Ladies Lounge includes:

Wind trainers for cool-down

Post race massage / rub down

Recovery foods, rehydration

Eucalyptus Action Wipes – next best (immediate) thing to a shower!

Post race / cool-down with yoga

– If you’re a racing snake, check out the prize money page– this race has one of the biggest prize purses for any MTB event in the country. Pros, Amateurs, Industry Cup and Single Speed category leaders jerseys and prize purses.

I pre-rode Stage 1 with Andy Buckley from NorthStar his friend and self supported ultra racer Blake from Truckee. Some cool GoPro footage to come soon.

“You go first. No, you go first. I insist…”  The course features a good amount of Epic single track – Andy and Blake heading into 2 Beavers and a Bear trail on Stage 1.

Single track is for whooping and fire road is for story telling. Or chasing your breath – whichever way you like it.

Lake Tahoe view.

Truckee Meadows view.

I’m riding with legendary Todd Wells on the Specialized Racing Team.  Who are you riding with?

Register now and benefit from various sponsorship options.