Bonelli and Fontana US Cups

The racing season is well underway after the first few US Cups. Bonelli Park and Fontana were the last two consecutive weekends, hosting world class fields with both races having over 100 racers. With this being my first full season as a Pro I started near the back of the field both weekends, but am excited to be working my way closer to the front each time I race.

Bonelli park is one of my favorite national series courses. Lots of steep climbs and descents, along with man made A-Lines that keep it interesting. Feels as close to a European race course as we get in the US. After a solid preride on Friday I knew I had good legs and was feeling fast on the course. I was excited to go out and race hard after some problems in the first round in Texas. My start position wasn't great, lining up on one of the last rows in the field of over 110 pros. Although it can be intimidating to be looking forward at a sea of riders before I even start it also can be inspiring, a challenge to see how far I can work my way through the pack.

The start was pretty crazy, as to be expected, but I avoided most of the problems and I was able to maintain my position to the first climb where I started to make moves. Although there were a couple wide sections of the trail, there was a significant amount of singletrack. This made passing a little challenging, definitely had to plan to take advantage of every wide spot possible. The 85 degree heat along with the endless climbing really made for a tough race but I seemed to be feeling better every lap, continually passing riders.

This was the first race I have competed on my new FRM Factory Racing Anakin 29er. By far the best hardtail I have ridden. Super light and snappy but also has incredible vertical compliance to create a smooth ride. The Anakin begs to be ridden fast which is a great feeling when you are hurting in a race. Everyone needs to try one of these bikes, FRM has set a new standard for hardtail mountain bikes,  an absolutely exceptional ride.

In the end I moved up about 40 spots to 52nd position. Not a result that I wanted, but part of the process of working my way up towards the front of the field. Going into Fontana next weekend Ill be closer to where I want to be in the start, so mission accomplished. Before we headed back to Flag, I still had the short track to go. Short tracks are crazy fun and I was excited to race hard and work my way up again in the field. Unfortunately one negative of such a short and intense race is that if you have a problem there isn't much of chance to get back in the race. On the first lap I was taken down by a guy trying to make a sketchy pass putting me in second to last position in the field of over 70 riders. I worked my way up for as long as I could but there just wasn't enough time to work as far up the field as I wanted to. I left the short track frustrated with a lot of fire that I really wanted to take out next weekend at Fontana.

I've never been a huge fan of Fontana's cross country courses but I was inspired from last weekend to put down a good result. Again on Friday I got out to preride the course. Definitely different than what I was expecting. Only one big climb every lap, much different than last weekend with lots of ups and down. The style of Bonelli was more of what I was expecting but the benefit of having one big climb is that you also get a big descent. Almost the entire back side of the course was a rad, flowing descent on the side of the mountain. There were also some techy rock sections to keep it interesting.

On Saturday my start position wasn't great again, but it was a bit better than last weekend. To my surprise the field was even bigger than Bonelli with more than 120 guys. The start was hectic but there was a lot more room to pass in the first few minutes this weekend. I attacked hard off the start, knowing that I had to get up through the field fast. After the first lap I had moved up into 32nd position and was feeling solid. Unfortunately I think I had gone for it a little to hard and  going into the third lap I could feel that my legs were really started to fade. I kept the calories coming in and tried to keep it going as well as I could.

Over the next few laps I ended up fading back some. Every once in a while the legs would come around but as I crossed the line I wasn't happy with my performance. I had pushed it way too hard at the start but I was at least able to finish the entirety of the race where nearly half the field got pulled.

Like Bonelli, the Fontana Short Track was the next day. During my warm up I took a few laps and was really happy with the course. Had a couple tight corners, a short climb, and a really fun descent, perfect course in my opinion. Started towards the back of the field again, but off the start I pushed hard and started working up fast through the field. Nearing the end of the race I reached a group with a few fast U23 guys in it. I kept the pace high in the group and on the last lap I attacked hard up the climb. I got a gap on the other U23s and then had a close sprint finish with one of the other guys in the group. I rolled across the line satisfied. Felt good to have worked my way up to where I want to be, finishing in the 20s.

Short track is where you can really test a bike capabilities. The racing is so intense and you are constantly stressing your bike, whether it be sprinting up climbs or railing the tight corners. Again my FRM Factory Racing Anakin 29er impressed me. Never thought a hardtail could be this fun.

Overall a couple successful weekends of racing in California. I really am determined to keep moving forward in the cross country races and will work hard in preparation for my next race, the Sea Otter Classic. Thanks for everyone's support, feels great to always have the best equipment, support crew, and cheers out on the course!

Havasu MBBA

With a rad new bike and a fresh course, I rolled into the third round of the MBAA State Championship Series excited to race. I was surprised by the quality of the course in Havasu, after hearing many mixed reviews at the earlier races of the state series. It was one of my favorite race courses ever, full of rippin, perfectly bench cut, single track, in the mountains overlooking Lake Havasu.

Saturday morning I rolled up to the line focused and ready. Although my legs were feeling a bit tired from the hard training block that I had just completed for the US Cup the next weekend, I knew if I battled hard I could be fast on this course. Seeing TJ Woodruff on the line always makes me nervous though, knowing how strong and consistent he is race after race.

It was finally go time and when the whistle blew my FRM Anakin Full 29" rocketed off the line. I've never ridden a bike so responsive and stiff, no power is wasted into frame flex. I got the whole shot and decided to lead it out for awhile. I kept the pace high and within a couple miles it was down to only TJ and I. As soon as we were alone we started trading pulls, every moment was full gas. TJ was attacking every hill and I was pushing it on the fast single track sections. I knew by the conclusion of our first of 3, 10 mile loops we had gained a significant gap on the rest of the pro field.

Over the next couple laps the pace didn't lessen at all. I would work hard on the climbs to try and stay on TJ's wheel while trying to use my strengths on the descents to recover and keep the pace high.

In the end I was able to pull out the win. I rolled across the line totally smoked. The course and my competition had pushed me to the limit. Perfect preparation for the first US Cup the next weekend.

I would like to thank FRM Factory Racing for making sure I have the best equipment to achieve my goals this year. Havasu was my first race on my new FRM Anakin Full and I couldn't have been happier. It pedals amazingly well with an impressive suspension design that keeps things light while virtually eliminating pedal bob. When its gets rough the suspension opens up and creates one of the best descending cross country bikes I have ridden. Coming in at a weight similar to most hard tails, the FRM Anakin Full is as good as it gets.

Interview with Shea Chavez, Geiger Coaching Athlete

Rad interview Shea Chavez. Shea is riding for Pivot Cycles this year and is planning on doing the Pro XCT Circuit. She is an amazing rider and all around great person, it will be really cool to see her progress this year. There is also a mention of my new business, Geiger Coaching. Geiger Coaching is a Professional Coaching Service for all types of cyclists! More to come on Geiger Coaching, but I am really excited to be working with Shea to help her achieve her goals. Her blog can be seen at: sheachavezcycling.blogspot.com. Follow her to see updates on her racing and training throughout the season!

 Interview with Shea Chavez, Geiger Coaching Athlete!

MBAA State Series McDowell

Always excited for the first race of the year, even more so if it is on one of my favorite courses, the competitive loops at McDowell Park. Although this race is very early in the year and mostly used for training, it still feels good when the nerves start setting in. I crave those nerves, that feeling that I have been deprived of for a couple months.

We arrived on Friday afternoon. Headed out on a preride right away with Shea Chavez, who is now racing for Pivot Cycles. It felt amazing to be in the Phoenix sun, even to get hot, after being up in the colder temperatures of Flagstaff. The course was in great shape, there were even a few new berms that had been added to one of the smaller loops. The backside of the long loop, Southridge, was nice and rocky which is always a fun part on a relatively fast and smooth course. My legs felt great and all in all I was extremely excited to race. The only thing left to do before the race was to rest and put in a few laps on the pump track that was 50 feet away from our trailer.

Saturday morning I woke up ready to go. I was excited, but kept focused on dialing in my pre race morning preparations that I will transfer over to some of the bigger races later in the season. As I put on my Pissei Clothing I got an instant boost of confidence. Wearing comfortable and rad looking kits always gets me stoked. Its going to be a great to always get that feeling as I get dressed out, now that I have the best in Italian comfort and style with my Pissei Clothing.

Some of the Pissei Clothing that I will be wearing for the season!

After a good warm up and catching up with some of the riders on AZ Devo I headed to the line. I got a good position, shifted to the right gear and was ready to go. The minutes flew by on the start line, before I knew it the countdown had started... 3, 2, 1, Go!!!!!

I sprinted hard off the start line, making sure I would get the holeshot into the single track. I quickly settled into a solid pace up the short climb right after the start. To my surprise, by the top of the climb, there were only three of us. Lance Runyan, TJ Woodruff, and I proceeded to lengthen our gap over the rest of the field throughout the lap. I sat at the front for the entirety of the first 10 mile loop. I wanted to test out my legs and see how the other guys would respond to little accelerations I would do. I felt strong and was planning on opening it up on the second lap.

We rolled into the second lap all still together, I was feeling stronger than I did at the beginning of the lap and was ready to start throwing down. TJ took the lead on one of the fast headwind sections so I took time to recover. After about 10 minutes of sitting on I decided to go right before one of the more rocky and technical parts of the course. I checked back often to see the gap getting larger and larger. I felt relieved getting to the top of Southridge, the most technical part of the course, with a gap. I knew I could put more time on the other guys on this section, so I pushed hard. Unfortunately a few minutes into Southridge I heard the horrific sound of air and Stans spewing from my rear tire. I hopped off and shot my tire up with my CO2. I got back on, hoping that it would seal up but it didn't. At that point I knew I would have to put a tube in. I pulled off to the side and started on the repair as I watched Lance and TJ rocket by.

I put in the tube quickly and got back going, hoping that I could possibly fight my way back to those guys...to my disbelief less than a quarter mile later I had to deal with a broken chain. By the time I was done fixing the chain quite a few racers had passed me and I was definitely ready to race off some frustration. I attacked hard and passed every guy I saw. In the process I put down the fastest Sport Loop of the day to go along with my fastest Long Loop of the day. I managed to work my way back into third position before crossing the line. 

Although I was frustrated to have had the problems I did, I was thankful that they had happened at this race and not one of the many other races later in the year. I felt accomplished in knowing that I felt extremely good for this time of year, giving me even more inspiration to work hard towards the next few races. Although it might not have been the result I was hoping for, I took more from this race than most of the wins I have. I had a great time racing with TJ and Lance, both extremely good guys on and off the course! Stoked to have more battles with them throughout the rest of the season. 

TROPIX-FRM Factory Racing

I'm very excited to announce that I will be racing for the TROPIX-FRM Factory Racing Team for the 2014 season. We will be aboard FRM hand made carbon bicycles with Marozzochi Suspension, wearing Pissei Clothing, Limar Helmets along wtih DMT Shoes. Excited to race on this prestigious UCI mountain bike team!

FRM Anakin Full  29er XCR1

FRM Anakin SLK 29er XCR1

Marzocchi 320 LCR Carbon Fork and Roco Light Shock

Limar Ultralight+ MTB

DMT Lynx

Pissei Clothing 

24 Hour Racing, had to try it!

       The final months of 2012 were really good ones. In November I decided to try my hand at 24 Hour Solo racing. I like long rides and races but I knew this would be a big jump. Seemed like the perfect time to do one, so I went for it.

      I knew if I ever did a 24 I wanted it to be 24 hours of fury. I love the McDowell race course, if I am going to ride for that long I want it to be on something good! I went into the event with a pretty chill attitude. I was just transitioning out of my off season break, so I didn't really have any expectations for myself. My only goal was just to keep pedaling.

       We arrived the day before the race to set up everything, making sure my pit and bike were dialed. As I laid everything out it became real to me what I was about to do. Although it was just going to be for fun, I had one BIG, LONG race against the legend Tinker Juarez and other really strong riders. At that point there was nothing I could do except make sure I had enough food, which I did.

        The race didn't start until 10 so I slept in a bit till 8. I had a pretty big breakfast, I wasn't really concerned with feeling heavy or a little sluggish at the start. I just wanted to put in some calories, which I would really need. I didn't really do much or a warm up, just spun around the venue a bit.

       The start line was full of different emotions. The solo riders were starting with all of the teams so some people were amped, ready to throw down, while others just wanted to cruise. I feel like I was somewhere in the middle. I didn't want to blow up early, but I knew I should take advantage of some of the riders doing teams by letting them pull me around the course. I put in a solid sprint off the line and funneled into the single track second wheel behind my teammate Nick Thomas. He settled into a solid tempo, it was nice to start the race on a familiar wheel that I knew I could trust to take good lines.

        About half way through the lap I felt like picking up the pace a bit so Tinker and I took off and had some fun before returning to the venue. Everything felt good going into the second lap. We were only 40 minutes in, kind of scary to think about at the time, but I can usually tell that early if I am going to ride well.

       The next three of four laps preceded pretty uneventfully. Tinker and I rode together, we didn't talk much but it was nice to have someone to ride with. The first separation that occurred between us was going into what I believe was the 5th lap. One of my pivot bolts came loose and we had to tighten it up. Being the gentleman that he is, Tinker waited up for me. Cool thing of him to do, so I had no problem leading him through the next couple laps. As the Sun started to set I decided to put in a bit of a push. I didn't look behind me until I got to the venue, where I realized I had dropped Tinker.

      I kept a steady pace and learned that after the next lap I had put about 15 minutes into him. After completing my last day lap I was told that the gap had grown even more because Tinker had chilled in his pit for a while. As my amazing support crew which consisted of my parents, Marty Coplea, Chuck Bruni, my girlfriend Shea, her parents Tonya and Eric, the Wards, Jay Suarez of Team Winded,  and many other AZ Devo Parents (it was awesome to feel the love from everyone, I seriously thank each and every one of you!) got my lights and other night supplies ready I hit a wall. The fast riding at the beginning of the race along with the three lap push before sunset really had taken it out of me. I had to take a few moments to compose myself and dig deep to go out for another. I am extremely glad I did!

     Night saved me. I was able to drift away and just peddle. Laps just blurred into each other. The only thing that I really remember were the stops in between where I got to see everyone. This gave me huge bursts of energy to see everyone that was helping me and to get a hug from Shea! Although these early night laps were tough, I look back at them now as some of the greatest hours spent on my bike. Just pedaling, suffering a bit, but knowing that I accomplishing something big.

         It was about 2 in the morning when I hit my next wall. My legs felt surprisingly good, but mentally I was struggling. I just didn't want to ride anymore. I knew that stopping was not an option though, I had worked to hard to give up! I took a moment to compose myself and went out again. Chuck was awesome enough to go out and follow me for a few laps. I wasn't really up for talking too much but it was nice to have somebody there.

       Every time I came into the pits I would get updates on the other racers. I know the heat of the day before had really hurt Tinker, who had taken a few hour break, and that Jon Pettit had moved into second but was a few laps down. I got some needed inspiration at some point in the early morning that I only had to do a couple more laps and then I could stop, with there being no way the others could catch me.

      The second to the last lap was really hard but coming into the pit knowing I only had one more to go was pretty awesome. I got pretty excited going into the last lap and even attacked a few of the hills and descents. Pretty much just gave it anything I had left. I peddled through the venue that last time, feeling pretty awesome. I sprinted into my pit, did a little drift and a stoppie, before handing off my bike to my dad and promptly sitting on the ground. It was over, I had not only rode 215 miles in 20 hours but I had won!! Couldn't really comprehend what happened at that point, just wanted to take a shower and crawl into my bed.

     I passed out, and awoke to a beautiful morning with about an hour left in the race. It felt weird for the race to be still going on and not to be on the bike. Sure, I could have kept going and done more miles, but to be honest I just pretty much didn't want to. I had my fill, for sure. Awards were soon after the race so I just hung out with all the people that had helped me. I was still pretty out of it, but conscious enough to feel stoked about the race.

    Awards were cool. Great to see all the racers who had pushed it hard for an entire day. Team 24's are crazy, so hard!! I was very honored to shake Tinker and Jon's hands, two very tough and accomplished men.

My first 24 hour solo race was a good one. Everything went pretty much as smooth as it could have, considering the amount of riding that I did. Even though a lot of suffering was involved, I did really have fun. I truly appreciate all the help from my sponsors along with my support crew. Also Cameron Chambers at Carmichael Training Systems provided me with some great pre-race advice that really paid off. Always good to learn from the National Champ! Couldn't have done it without you guys!!

   

     

Prescott 6'er

                The season has pretty much rapped up for me, but there are still a few races that I can’t pass up. The Prescott 6’er was one of them. Although this is a young event, I have heard great things about the course and knew it would be well run with Hub Event Productions at the reigns.

                My dad and I drove down the morning of the race to be greeted with a venue full of Flagstaff locals and many of my AZ Devo teammates. The atmosphere was chill, perfect for this time of the year. We set up my pit and chilled for a while awaiting the 9 am start time. Hopped on my bike about twenty minutes to just to get the legs opened a little bit, they felt solid, which got me excited to go! I got on the front line along side my teammates Dilyn Sheber and Ian Wilkey and stood there for what seemed like a long time. I didn’t mind though, just hung out and had some laughs.

                Finally the race started, I got the holeshot  and kept the pace fast through the venue. There was a four mile start lap which consisted of a few minute climb and then pretty much the last third of a full lap. My legs felt good off the start so I decided to take advantage of it and held a strong tempo up the first climb. By the top Kurt Refsnider and I had a gap, which we held going into the first full 9.1 mile lap.

                For the first few laps Kurt and I traded pulls, he is a great rider, it was really fun to ride with him. Always an honor to ride with a Tour Divide Champion! We stayed together until the third lap, where about half way through I got a little gap. When I realized this I stepped up the pace to solidify my lead. After I was on my own I settled in and rode hard.

                Lap after lap my legs felt good, I tried to rest on the descents and attack the climbs as hard as I could. The course was really fun, which helped me push through the hours. There was lots of cool singletrack along with some wider stuff which allowed me to keep downing my Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem and Hammer Gels.  Keeping fueled was the key to my success for sure; I only cramped once the entire race!

                I knew going into my eighth lap that I had to make it back before three, the cutoff time, to get in a ninth. Legs still felt awesome so I attacked the lap. Pushed it hard, shredded the descents, and really felt the flow. I got in at 2:53, grabbed my nutrition, and headed back out. At this point I knew I had won, I knew Kurt couldn’t go out again so I went out and cruised. Really enjoyed that last lap, got to ride with my teammate Nick Thomas for a while. He was still riding really strong, holding his fourth place position in the Solo class. I came across the finish, completely stoked with my performance. I had ridden well and had a lot of fun out there.

 

 

                Awards were quickly after the event where I got on the podium for the win in the Solo category. I also got the fastest lap and had the most laps overall! It was great to see my other teammates riding well. As I mentioned Nick had a great ride to fourth in the solo race while Daisy Ward and her teammate Leah McCabe won the Duo Women’s race. Dilyn and Ian also raced duo with their dads and both placed in the top ten!

              I would like to thank Mike Melley and the Hub Event Productions Crew for a great event! I will definitely be back at this event next year. Also I would like to thank AZ Devo , Nathan Cain and the Flagstaff crew, along with my dad for all the help in the pits. As always my Hammer Nutrition fueled me throughout the day, couldn’t do these things without it!