August 2014 Blog Posts (2)

I missed the Downieville Classic last year due to a work conflict, but this year I was back for more competition on the rugged Sierra trails.  My preparation included periodized training to put me in peak condition for the weekend, as well as a couple of trips prior to better learn the extended downhill portions of the XC and DH courses.  I would also be riding the most capable mountain bike I had ever ridden for the rocky and fast terrain.…

As a kid, I used to painstakingly build these incredibly fragile balsa wood model airplanes. Hours of work would go into cutting, gluing and assembling these delicate little projects. After carefully winding the rubber-band powered propeller, I'd hold my fragile model aloft, release my grip on the tiny aircraft and watch it take flight into the unknown.

Yesterday, after full season of dedicated training and racing, I stood in the dark atop my trusty Trek Madone, waiting at the start…