Jim Hewett's Page

This race is a Northern California classic; one big loop, lots of climbing and lots of relatively technical descending.  It usually draws a pretty fast regional field, pitting climbers versus descenders and rewarding those that can do both well.  Despite small course changes and varied conditions, no one has done it in under 2 hours.  I originally raced singlespeed here, then moved to the geared class.  Last year I finished second overall in just under 2:12, my fastest time till that point. …

The Sea Otter Classic in Monterey is the largest consumer bicycle show in the country.  It also serves as a major race event for many disciplines of cycling, including XC.  This year it was once again part of the Pro XCT series, which makes it the most competitive event that is this close to Marin.  I travelled down Friday morning for two days of racing.

I would be racing my Santa Cruz Highball at under 19 lbs.  I have been very happy with my XX1 1x11 drivetrain and I woulld be…

Sunday was the 20th year of the Napa Valley Dirt Classic.  This early season race always brings out a great crowd of NorCal racers, all eager to test their legs and race before Sea Otter.

I was the returning champion, having won last years race against a relatively weak field.  This year some fast guys were in town and the locals were fit and out in force.

Barry Wicks and Kris Sneddon, two national pros that race for Kona, were in the area training.  They had ridden the King's…

The crowd was a little smaller for the third ride of the 2013 Grasshopper Adventure Series.  Instead of 300+, we started with 140 or so.  The course may have deterred some road racers, as it was 54 miles of pavement with 3 miles of dirt thrown in.  The fireroads down to Austin Creek and over to Cazedero make you question the wheels and tires you will use, if not what type of bike.

I opted for my training wheels, which are a bit heavy but feature 32 spokes and Stan's Notubes tubeless…

The Cool Mountain Bike Race is usually Team Summit Bicycles' first priority race of the year.  It happens kind of early, which means the weather can be unpredictable.  This year there was no snow or rain, only sunny skies and temperatures in the 50s.

Training has been going well for me, though I raced last…