SCOLETRAIN

Time In The Saddle (Snow)

2012-01-23T07:32:00.001-06:00

Frosted not Frostbitten!

2012-01-19T21:24:00.001-06:00

Both commutes today were well below zero with the windchill to make the ride somewhat more challenging. Hopefully this weekend brings some positive temps and sunshine to get people active outside. Stay warm and dress properly if you decide to battle Mother Nature! Pedal on...

My Playground

2012-01-18T08:29:00.001-06:00

Since the first of the year I've found what I call my fountain of youth. Fat bike riding around Point has been my fountain and everyday brings with it a different adventure. With the 26 mile Green Circle Trail as my main ride template, winter and snow bring with it optional routes that just aren't available in the summer. The fun factor is what makes riding the Pugsley so inviting no matter where I ride it or at whatever speed the trail conditions dictate. Occasionally the racer in me will crank the 40 pound beast up to warp speed with a few structured fast efforts. These efforts bring added attention while trying not to scare some people with the loud roar that the hummer sized bike tires make. Maybe it's the freedom from the trainer during the dark months of winter and the lure of something different that make fat biking popular in the snowbelt? Who knows for sure, but the demand for these bikes and the many events that are scheduled has been steadily catching more attention in the bike industry. Check out www.fat-bike.com for the latest news and events if fat bikes catch your fancy at all. Pedal on...

Finally!

2012-01-12T10:18:00.001-06:00

Snow has finally been delivered! Let the Fat Bike fun begin...

2012-01-07T16:47:00.002-06:00

Another Adventure 212 journey started this morning with an early road trip to the Krayers homestead near Baraboo in a place called Denzer. Not sure if I could ever find my way back in a car, but the road riding in this part of the state is amazing. I'll probably need to fire up the GPS for a return trip. Started with seven and added another handful of Wildside riders about halfway through the three hour tour of hill country. Afterwards we all re-fueled at the Krayers on Lisa's great sloppy joes and the Frazier's great beer. Next up for the weekend is dinner/beverages in Madtown tonight and an attempt to become a super fan tomorrow at the USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross Nationals to cheer on our local Pros. Should be fun! Pedal on...

Weekend Entertainment on Ice!

2012-01-04T05:41:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBsm2gOZpw4&sns=em

Late December No Snow?

2011-12-28T08:10:00.001-06:00

Starting to look like Christmas...

2011-12-23T07:55:00.001-06:00

Hard to believe that it's December 23rd and we still haven't had any accumulation of snow. The mild weather has kept cycling interesting when you can ride your road, cross, mountain or fat bike. Let's hope that this doesn't bring a late spring.

Merry Christmas!

First Bike Tracks

2011-12-08T19:23:00.001-06:00

Lostvember

2011-11-26T10:25:00.001-06:00

Not a lot to post about since ending my mountain bike season at the Iceman. Riding has been all about fun and holding onto some level of fitness. December will bring with it a mix of cross and fat bike adventures depending on mother nature. It was tough taking a few weeks off from structured workouts, but soon the work will begin for next season with early events such as the Barry-Roubaix and NUE Cohutta 100 already penciled in on my calendar. The wait for our new S-Works Epic 29er team frame sets has begun with hopes of seeing them sooner than later... January is the expected arrival date??? Lets see if winter passes by as quickly as summer did...

2011-11-05T22:33:00.001-05:00

ICEMAN

Left everything on the race course today at the Iceman Cometh. Cramped really bad with about 5 miles to go and limped across the finish line 56th out of 105 finishers in the Pro field. The race winner was from Switzerland and he collected $5k for his 1.5hr effort. Adventure 212 was well represented with Mike Phillips taking 6th overall. Thanks again to Adventure 212 and Specialized for all the support this season! Time now to enjoy the off season for the next month before 2012 training begins. Pedal on...

Thank you for using Picture and Video Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.

A Good Week!

2011-11-02T07:30:00.001-05:00

The last week of structured workouts for the season has finally arrived! Yesterday morning with my mtn bike blinking like an emergency vehicle, I cruised through some tempo intervals that ended with quick bursts. In the dark as I pedalled towards the coming sunrise, it was a satisfying feeling knowing that I'm well prepared for this coming weekend. Saturday will be the end to a long season that has been fun with the last chapter of this seasons mtn bike races closing in Traverse City, MI at the IceMan Cometh. My goal is to finish strong in a stacked field of 100+ Pro/Elite racers from around the globe and to have fun before, during and after the race. Safe travels to all those heading to TC in the next few days! Pedal on...

Cross After Iceman?

2011-10-23T16:59:00.001-05:00

Our Awesome Team! Thanks Adventure 212!!!

2011-10-23T11:14:00.001-05:00

Iceman or Bust

2011-10-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

16 days and counting before I line up to race again! My 2011 race season started in Michigan with the Barry-Roubaix in Middleville on March 26th and should end at the Iceman Cometh in Traverse City, MI on November 5th...if I don't do any cross racing.

This will be my 4th racing journey to Michigan this season. It's always good being in my home state competing, or just to visit friends and family. My training has been a mixture of fun and suffering lately. The early morning temps have been hovering right near 40 degrees and the wind has been relentless. Darkness has taken away most of our great scenery here in central Wisco and left me with whatever my Niterider Tri-Newt light will illuminate in the direction I'm pedaling. After more than a dozen Iceman Cometh races it's somewhat of an advantage to have the course memorized, but it can also be detrimental if you're having a bad day and you know what still looms ahead on the course before the finish line. I'm hoping that this year is a good race with lots of fun afterwards with my friends! Pedal on...

Banning Cyclists???

2011-10-11T10:37:00.001-05:00

What is this world becoming? These are some of the safest roads I've ever ridden a bicycle on...

"ScoleTrain: http://t.co/Z9Fy2plr"
--http://twitter.com/ScoleTrain/status/123754704281944064

Scott Cole

Head-On Collision

2011-10-11T00:06:00.001-05:00

Another WORS mountain bike season is complete after crossing the finish line Sunday at Sheyboygan in 24th overall. It was a day where I probably shouldn't have lined up for the start after a very emotional week on the homefront.

I'll be the first to admit that it was a tough weekend to get motivated for and to even think about being focused enough to race up to my potential. Lack of sleep didn't help at all either...

My week changed quickly after having to decide to put our 10 yr old Black Lab named Moab to sleep on Wednesday evening. It all started when her appetite gradually disappeared on Sunday and by Wednesday she could hardly move. Laura got her into the vet on Wednesday afternoon for an appointment and didn't have any idea how our week was about to change. At first we thought it might be lyme disease, but it ended up being jaundice (liver failure). When I got the call at work, I only had my bike to ride to the vets office. It ended up being one of the hardest 2 miles I've ever pedalled in my life after hearing the diagnosis for our beloved four legged family member. What was even tougher for me was the effect it had on my family. Seeing the kids and their tearful goodbyes before they left Moab for the last time hit me hard as we tried to explain and console them. Laura and I also struggled with our emotions as we held Moab as her heartbeat slowly faded and her suffering was over less than a minute after the injection.

What I've learned over this last week is that when family matters and mountain bike racing collide head-on, family will always take precedence over biking no matter how tempting it is to pedal on...

2011-10-06T06:25:00.001-05:00

R.I.P. Moab 2001-2011

2011-10-05T11:17:00.003-05:00

Two of My Favorite Companies...

Ergon grips and Rotor Q-Rings keep this "Old Man" rolling! Pedal on...

Gotta Love the Mud Races!

2011-09-27T18:20:00.001-05:00

WORS Bear Paw

2011-09-25T22:33:00.002-05:00

Just after the start before all Hell broke loose with heavy rains, lots of mud, rocks and roots...

A Good Muddy Day @ My Dream Job!

2011-09-25T21:22:00.001-05:00

Pedal on...
Scott

2011-09-18T16:46:00.000-05:00

Big Wheels Keep on Rolling...28th Overall Cheq Fat 40!

2011-09-13T21:47:00.009-05:00

Dust Fest...

nd 10 of the WORS series is now in the books after a hot and dusty race in Lake Geneva, WI. Besides mentioning that it was dusty, my legs must have gotten left behind in Copper Harbor at the Fat Tire Fest because they didn't want to climb at all once the race started. Starts have been my Achilles heel this season and having a start that goes up a short steep ski hill didn't help matters at all. Once to the top and buried mid-pack, we all came to a stand still at the entrance to what I've called a lower goat trail over the years. Quoting my brother somewhat here, "I could've gone up the start climb easier and saved energy if I knew that we would all come to a dead stop at the top!" I totally agree with him here, hopefully my climbing legs come back for the next race that has a start like this...

Once we got rolling again we had another backup on the upper goat trail that featured a 180 degree turn up a gravel laden climb to the highest chairlift, which isn't all that high at this mini ski hill. This standstill happened as racers were in the wrong gear or just couldn't be patient enough to give each other a small gap that would have eliminated the domino effect of everyone directly in front of me having to get off their bikes. Finally, after the 2nd backup we finally got rolling and it was time to play catchup.

My climbing legs did eventually make an encore appearance, but the damage had been done on the first lap. No bike problems, rock garden scares or crashes at this years addition of the WORS Treadfest that I ended up 24th overall in the Pro/Elite field. I had to dig very deep mentally to work through the day, but in the end it was worth it being around great teammates and friends. My Specialized S-Works Epic 29erworked flawlessly again, and the best part of the day was seeing Big D's huge smile after we got his bike race ready on Sunday morning!!! Thanks again to Adventure 212 and all my other sponsors listed on my blog for their support this season! Almost forgot that I need to mention our newest team sponsor, Infinit Nutrition! In the last four races I've completely eliminated gels during the race and have only needed to have bottles with their Speed Formula or our very own Jitters endurance mix. Be weary though of the new MUD drink by Infinit! Mixing this double mocha energy drink with an already potent coffee in the early morning hours will light you up and keep you up all night...not what this sleep deprived old racer needs! :)

Pedal on

Copper Harbor Fat Tire Fest Fun!

2011-09-06T00:14:00.001-05:00

2011-08-31T09:13:00.003-05:00

The Ramble...

For the first time this season I'm finally starting to find my groove again after a somewhat slow start. Maybe its knowing that Chequamegon is just three weeks away and I'm always motivated for the 40 as I head to the start line for the 17th straight time. Last weekend at the WORS Reforestation Ramble I comfortably ran in the top 20 the whole race and just lacked some kick in the old legs in the last few miles to finish 18th overall. The course was fast and at times like I was on a Speeder Bike from one of the Star Wars movies as the singletrack became a blur each lap. Thanks to Sue for taking care of me with bottle hand-ups each lap! Next up, Copper Harbor Fat Tire Festival. Pedal on...

2011-08-23T07:56:00.009-05:00

WORS Border Battle - River Falls

My week of vacation ended on a high note with a strong Pro/Elite finish at the Border Battle this past weekend! Again it was another great weekend with my Adventure 212/Specialized teammates for pre-race rituals with a few good laps of the course and dinner on Saturday night in downtown Hudson. Afterwards a small group of the guys assembled in the hotel parking lot for some non-alcoholic tailgating bike prep while the ladies headed out to raid a few stores in the area. We only got heckled a few times by passing cars, but had more than enough entertainment with Jitters fabricating and solving minor team bike issues. We should almost have enough material for a reality TV show at the end of this race season...

The course for the Border Battle featured one climb at the start of each lap and another rockier climb about halfway through the 5.5 mile lap along with plenty of very fast roller coaster like singletrack. The start went well for me from my third row call up as I was able to get clipped into my pedal in a timely manor to get off the line in the top quarter of the 70 plus rider field.

The first few laps were uneventful as I rode great in the singletrack, but struggled on the climbs and always had to bridge back to the small group of about six on the ridge each lap. It helped to have Justin Piontek in the mix as I've coached him for the last few years and he saved me a few times on Sunday as I tried to stay with him as long as my old body would let me.

On the the 4th and final lap I finally stayed close enough on the start climb to get into the singletrack at the head of the half dozen riders that I had been around most of the day. This plan worked well until I caught a root in a fast left handed corner with my rear tire and high sided at the front which led to getting t-boned and slammed into a tree. Not a good thing for my mental state at this point with being so close to the end, but I stayed at the front as nobody was able to get through the roadblock I created and it was just a matter of settling my heart rate down again and staying on two wheels...

With one more gravel climb to the ridge top I was at the front as we turned the corner for the remaining up and down fast singletrack section before the finish. My big surprise came when I heard my teammate Ryan's voice as we headed towards the woods again! I let Ryan lead and I put my total trust with him as I glued myself to his rear wheel and we gradually gapped the others in the last few miles before rolling through the finish line in 18th and 19th overall respectfully. As a team, we placed five of us in the top twenty overall with Mikee 2nd, Darrin 3rd and Chris 10th overall! RESULTS Congrats also to the A212 women for their performances and a big thanks to all the support we get from our A212 team/sponsors at the races and to Karen Piontek for the great water bottle hand-ups each lap!!!

Pedal on...

2011-08-19T17:49:00.002-05:00

Very thankful that this Friday is turning out for the better! After another morning with the plumber here, all pipes are un-clogged or replaced along with a new throne in one bathroom. The repair cost us just over 1k by the time it was all finished. It was time a consuming job and after watching walls being cut into, I'm glad that I left it to professionals to fix.

Got in a quick ride today to make sure my old body still works before departing tomorrow for the WORS Border Battle in River Falls with my Adventure 212 teammates. Lets see if a week of vacation pays off with a good result on Sunday...

After getting my Specialized SW Epic 29er race ready with a new tire combo, my daughter made sure her daddy had a fast haircut for the weekend if that might help me at all. :)

Looking forward to pre-riding this WORS course for a change. With working most Saturday's on WORS race weekends, it's never good lining up at the start wondering where the course goes. Safe travels this weekend! Pedal on...
Scott Cole

A Lazy Day...

2011-08-18T16:07:00.000-05:00

2011-08-14T14:43:00.001-05:00

Vacation Time!

This summer has flown by and my week of vacation is already here thankfully! No big road trips to see family or travel to a bike related event. This year a few day trips are planned with the kids, but nothing that will take us away overnight. Some R&R is planned along with household chores that need to be completed before the next six weekends are booked full with mountain bike races. Time sure flies when you're busy being a husband, dad, bike racer and have a full-time day job...

On the racing front, I signed up for the Wausau24 6 hour solo 0n the race day morning for some fun and did had a few good laps before my stomach turned sour and forced me to stop for a short period of time. The highlight was a good lap with my brother just as the bad T-Storm hit and postponed the event for 4 hours and ended the 6 hour. Last weekend I survived the Battle of Comstock after a long week at work. I ended up 28th and was satisfied with just finishing as I had no expectations after having very little sleep and lackluster training coming into the race.

Looking ahead to the Copper Harbor MTB Festival and WORS races that are next up on the schedule!! My main focus is the Chequamegon 40 now with my Fat 40 specific training beginning recently to try and better last years finish in what will be my 17th straight 40.

Time to try and relax, but will still keep the cranks turning this coming week early in the morning to try and not take away from family vacation time. Pedal on...

Scott Cole

2011-07-25T20:55:00.001-05:00

WORS #6 Alterra Coffee Bean Classic - Crystal Ridge

Finished a respectable 23rd yesterday in Franklin, WI at the venue that I've re-named the garbage ski hill. Not a lot of details about the race as I was glad to make it to the start line after a long Saturday at work and no motivation to race. I started from the second row and got off the line good until I couldn't get my left shoe clipped in to my Eggbeater pedal. A rookie mistake that cost me many positions up the start climb that featured a $100 prime this year to the first one over the top. The outer loop immediately after the start around the field only accomplished one thing, and that was to create a single file train of fifty some Elite racers heading straight for the first tight singletrack section that is featured in the video above. I entered this section in 30th place and rode a comfortable pace until we got back to the climbing sections around and up the ski hill before starting the next lap of our four lap race. My only goal was just to finish strong, stay on the bike and not break my bike or body like in earlier races. In the end I was unscathed with my Specialized S-Works Epic 29er being lots better than me. Thanks to the Metro Mountain Bikers

for another great event where I enjoyed the twisted singletrack that this course always throws at you year after year. Also a big thanks to all of my sponsors this season: Adventure 212, Specialized Bicycles, the Hostel Shoppe, Hidden Bay Sports, Ergon, Crank Brothers, NoTubes, Optic Nerve, and Scrub Brake Components. Next up is a 6hr Solo at the Wausau 24 this coming Saturday. Pedal on...

Still Competitive...

2011-07-11T07:37:00.001-05:00

This season so far has been filled with lots of great travel with my Adventure 212/Specialized team, but it has also made me ask myself why I'm still racing.

To summarize my season lets look at the condensed version race by race:
Barry-Roubaix - an early season 65 mile gravel grinder that started at 19 degrees. Started fine and held on to lead group until a big crash not involving me split us apart and the Bonk followed after trying to bridge back up. Top 30 finish and faster than 2010.
Cohutta 100 - Another amazing adventure with my 212 team only to be derailed at mile 20 when the $200 stick ripped my rear derailleur into a few pieces. DNF!
Syllamos Revenge - by now you can tell that all 212 team road trips are awesome! Beautiful scenery, trails and rental house with a view that was amazing! Great start until 3 rear tire issues turned this 125k race into a survival ride. A surprising result coming across the line 21st in the open field.
WORS Rhinelander - body showed up, but no legs...31st on the day.
Mohican 100 - fun travel with Chris, Michelle, Mark and Lee again, but my downhill slide continues after being KO'd 3 miles into the race by an anxious racer that almost led to me hanging the racing bike up for good. DNF.
WORS Big Ring - did not start, still battered from the Mohican, but my 29er takes 3rd ridden by Mikee Phillips!
Lumberjack 100 - first race back after big crash. Just a hard ride with no expectations and thankful for Lee getting me to the finish line in 24th and 8min faster than precious best from 13th overall in 2009.
Subaru Cup Pro/XCT - this big weekend started off horribly. During pre-ride with the A212 team I go down in the rocks cracking my frame near the rear disc brake and bruise my lower back to add another troubled spot on my old body. With some good black duct tape I band aided my frame together and in the last hour decide to line up for the Pro xc race. 2 laps into it I'm done and roll off the course even more depressed about my season. Next is Sunday's short track which went better than expected even after getting pulled some 6+ leg burning laps, but I did find some competitive fire somewhere deep inside myself. An hour later was the gravity fed Super D event that lasts about 7 minutes and is basically a balls out rise down the tiny ski hill to the finish area. Bad LeMans run to the bike, but a great time following teammate Chris Peariso to the finish with a worthy 13th overall!
WORS Firecracker - no expectations for yesterdays race, just hoping for a race with no bad luck. Started off mid-pack and settled in with Justin who I coach and broke the race into four individual one lap races. The heat was the main hurdle with temps in the low 90's, but with enough fluids and a steady hard pace I rolled across the finish line 19th overall in the Pro/Elite field. Just the result I needed after a healthier last two weeks of hard workouts and smart training.

Thanks to Chris & Michelle Peariso along with all our sponsors for keeping me rolling with our incredible team!

Lastly, Thanks to my wife for all the things she does for me while I continue to be a bike racer! Love you lots!!!

I guess I'm still competitive!

Next up WORS @ Crystal Ridge in Franklin.

Pedal on....

ALP du Rib Ride

2011-07-04T09:49:00.001-05:00

A good ride up to Wausau yesterday with visits to the top of Rib Mtn State Park and Starbucks before the downhill ride back to Point. Pedal on...

2011-06-27T07:29:00.003-05:00

Subaru Cup Super D Lounge

2011-06-10T08:20:00.004-05:00

My Only Good Memory of the Mohawk 100...

CLICK

...before going down hard 2.5 miles later with another racer and still dealing with my battered body 6 days after impact!

Pedal on...

NASCAR or MTB Racing?

2011-06-05T08:22:00.001-05:00

Lately I've been questioning my bad luck at races and trying hard to think of what other form of racing it reminds me of. It has to be NASCAR with the broken bike parts and crashes. At Cohutta I was cruising comfortably along with aid station 1 in sight when track debris took out my transmission(rear derailleur) and my day was done. Yesterday at the Mohican I was where I needed to be after the mile long start climb and at the front of the chase group getting into the woods when I was part of the first crash (yellow caution) that would end my day of racing. Coming down the first steep and washed out hill, an impatient racer (trying to win it with 95mi to go) recklessly passed me on the left and lost control immediately! With no place to go and without a NASCAR spotter keeping me out of trouble, I plowed into the bike and rider hoping my big wheels would turn this into just a speed bump on the course. This idea seemed good until I was half way across the downed racer and I realized that I was going down and it wasn't going to be pretty. I barely recall the initial impact than it was a blur for a handful of seconds as I tried to get up off the ground and untangle my body from forest debris and bikes. Right away I knew something wasn't right from the pain in my left side upper back and neck. I slowly pedalled and walked the next 3 miles until my crash adrenaline wore off where I decided it was probably best to call it a day and get looked at. A big disappointment as I've finished this race two out of the last three years and felt that I had a good result coming from knowing the course well and feeling good both mentally and physically.

Along with a very sore neck I am glad not to have had a possible concussion that a few people were concerned about because of my soil sample that I took upon impact. The bruises and dirt rash will heal quickly, but the neck will take some time starting tomorrow with a few appointments.

Crashes and broken parts are a big part of racing which I hope I've gotten out of my system for rest of the season! I want to race mountain bikes, not be carnage like in a NASCAR race because of impatient racers...

Congrats to the rest of my Adventure 212/Specialized teammates(Chris & Mark w/ sidekick Lee) and especially Michelle for winning the 65 mile race in record time!!!

Thanks again to all of my sponsors! Adventure 212, Specialized, Hostel Shoppe, NoTubes, Crankbrothers, Optic Nerve, Scrub, Hidden Bay Sports, Ergon and Twin 6!

Pedal on...

2011-05-29T12:08:00.001-05:00

WORS Big Ring Course Preview

Garmin Connect - Details

2011-05-23T14:47:00.002-05:00

WORS #2 Rhinelander

2011-05-15T08:09:00.001-05:00

Survival Race

Broke out of my endurance DNF race slump yesterday by making it to the finish line of the Syllamo's Revenge 125k(75mi). Everything was good at the start once up the mile long climb that led us into the beginning of never ending single track. Just a short distance in I had to stop after burping my rear tubeless tire. I tried to air it back up with no luck as it wouldn't seal at one spot. Tube install #1 and I'm back rolling buried in the pack. Not getting enough air with my mini hand pump led to flat #2 that was a pinch flat. Finally rolling again I eventually get to checkpoint #1 with no race motivation left. It was survival time with no other tube with me until checkpoint #3 and one of the more rocky trails I have ever ridden. By now I was just riding along trying not to crash or flat. It was good to see other racers as I slowly moved back up through the field. At checkpoint #2 I was told I was in 40th with over 50 miles to still cover. The rest of the race went pretty smooth except for one scare where I just about high sided down a technical rocky section. At aid station #3 I was able to air up my rear tire more and it was smooth sailing to the finish with some riding time spent with Dan K. from Michigan for most of the last 1/4 of the race. Finish time was around 8hr13min I believe. Thankfully it wasn't a true 100 mile distance that most NUE series races are because it would have been a long day on the saddle. We left before results were posted. Great race to all my Adv 212/ Specialized teammates and thanks to all sponsors for their support. More to come later as we continue are marathon drive back to Wisconsin. Pedal on...

RESULTS UPDATE - 21st place Men's Open

BIG

2011-05-13T08:57:00.000-05:00

Ever since I got a big wheeled bike everything seems to be getting bigger also! Arrived in Arkansas yesterday for this weekends NUE series Syllamo's 125k race. Found this huge rocking chair on main street in the small town of Calico Rock on a short ride to stretch the legs out. Bad storms last night, but today looks to be better hopefully for packet pickup and some course pre-ride with the team. Pedal on...

S Cole

2011-05-02T06:17:00.003-05:00

DNF = Derailleur Not Functional

A beautiful day to race for 100 miles with sunny temperatures forecast near 80F and no thunderstorms this year seemed wonderful compared to the conditions we left behind in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the great weather wasn't enough help for me this past weekend to successfully navigate Cohutta's challenging course and get me to the finish line...

As racers we never want a mechanical DNF from bad equipment or bad luck to take us out of a race. It will happen eventually, but the odds are good that it won't happen often if luck is on your side. The damage from the stick that went into my rear wheel/derailleur happened within sight of aid station #1. At first I thought my chain had just derailed after hearing the grinding from the stick that had been kicked up off the trail and into my rear wheel. After a closer look, I realized that putting the chain back on the front ring didn't matter as the rear derailleur cage had snapped. With only 18 miles covered it was a "you gotta to be f@%*king kidding" moment! After surveying the damage, I concluded that the single speed plan wasn't going to work in race conditions after seeing how bent and twisted the chain was. Eventually I cobbled the chain back together trying to find a gear combo that would keep the chain on. Heading backwards on the course my first try resulted in the drivetrain locking up all together when the chain climbed up the rear cassette to a bigger cog. Finally after another 30 min fix, I just walked and soft pedaled slowly back to the start/finish area. Not the way I wanted to see the finish banner, but very glad to get out of the woods in one piece. At the point of derailleur detonation, I was feeling like it could have been a good day with the way the race had started. The Cohutta 100 was my first race on the 2011 Specialized S-Works Epic 29er and I was feeling very comfortable on it. The bike is amazing and and after a few new parts I'm looking forward to riding more than just 18 miles on our local trails before NUE #2 in Arkansas.

Big congratulations to A212/Specialized boss Chris Peariso for getting on the Cohutta 100 podium again with a 5th place overall finish in a tough pro field and my brother Mark for placing 14th in the open category of the Big Frog 65!

Last, but not forgotten...congratulations to the rest of my A212 teammates for an amazing weekend of racing and lots of podiums at the WORS series opener at Iola!!!

Ready, Set, Go!!!

2011-04-29T18:34:00.000-05:00

Alarm is set for 4am,
Charge system with coffee and breakfast,
5am departure for race,
7am the fun begins...

NUE Cohutta 100

2011-04-28T18:31:00.001-05:00

Made it to our cabin for the Cohutta 100 after a long day of driving. Some delays through Cleveland, TN where some severe storms hit yesterday. It's hard to describe what Mother Nature did to parts of this community...nothing that I have ever been so up close to like we were today. On a more positive note, the weather is beautiful here with temps in the mid 60's with sun and the forecast is awesome for Saturday when we race. A huge swing from what we left behind in cold Wisconsin last night. Tomorrow looks to be a somewhat relaxing with no alarm or job to get out of bed for bright and early! Looking forward to pre-riding the first 1/5th of the course in the early afternoon. Need to make sure that the bike and my old body are in sync for a good 100 mile race with 12,000ft of climbing and 7-8 hrs of saddle time. Good luck to the rest of our Adventure 212/Specialized Mtb Team at the WORS opener in Iola on Sunday! Pedal on...

Winter Storm Warning!

2011-04-19T18:15:00.000-05:00

Looks like my first real mountain bike ride will be at the Cohutta 100 in TN next week! I'm glad I got in another ride on my Epic 29er this morning before this mess started! Pedal or shovel snow...

S Cole

2011-04-14T16:38:00.003-05:00

Big Wheels...Big Bench Everything seems to be getting bigger these days...

2011-04-07T10:08:00.001-05:00

Fresh Gravel!

Recon ride this morning over the last 20 miles of the route for this Sunday's "Point du Nord" Spring Classic. If the weather cooperates, it will be a great ride! Pedal on...

2011-04-05T07:49:00.002-05:00

Waupaca Flanders Spring Classic

61 miles completed Sunday in tolerable weather conditions with the temps hovering in the mid 30's with rain, sleet and the obnoxious winds that have become the norm on this route year after year. Five of us just wanted to ride outside and noting was going to stop us from doing it. Thanks guys (Tim, Barry, Wild Bill, John) for turning this ride into one of the "Epic Classics" that we can talk about for years to come!

Another B-Day Ride, Another Year Closer to AARP Discounts

2011-03-31T10:53:00.001-05:00

Dragged my old body out of bed before 5am for my annual b-day ride. Rules are that you must hit your age in miles, not kilometers. The ride must also be completed on your birthday...no combining of days to reach milestone age mileage!

Once out the door I met my brother at his apartment for some companionship to help keep the pedals turning on this wonderful sunny morning with the outside temp showing a balmy 19F with a possible high of 47F. My route took us south of Point & Plover west of I-39 through many farm fields with some gravel roads mixed in for excitement. You would have thought that last weeks race would have weened me of my need to ride any and all gravel in our county...not going to happen anytime soon unless the roads get paved!!! Back onto pavement we proceeded in a counter clockwise direction as our bottles froze halfway into the ride when you need hydration the most. I only spotted one snow/ice covered road during this b-day celebration on wheels. Hopefully this is a good sign for this weekends HBNSC Spring Classic ride.

Now it's time for work after refueling my forty plus year old motor at Adventure 212's Bistro with a latte and breakfast burrito. Survival time until 7pm at work followed by riding home to see what the family has cooked up for me tonight??? I could easily eat a whole birthday cake the way my appetite has been lately. Pedal on...

S Cole

2011 Barry Roubaix double track.wmv

2011-03-28T19:56:00.000-05:00

2011-03-27T07:58:00.005-05:00

Race #1:

START PHOTO
It was more about survival at the Barry-Roubaix than anything else yesterday as race #1 of 2011 started off with temps near 20F. Being cold never seemed to be an issue as the pace lit up early with our arrival onto the killer stretch of mile long two-track on Sager Rd(photo in link below). Detonation of the cozy peloton happened instantly as racers fought for position. I struggled on Sager Rd and found myself chasing to get back into the lead pack before slightly over-cooking myself to bridge back up. After some friendly chit chat with Matter, Schouten and my A212/Specialized teammate Mikee P it was game on again. As the hills got steeper, the lead pack seemed to react like a huge bungee cord as we ticked off the miles. Nothing to exciting happened until just after crossing hwy 43 for the second time where a big crash at the bottom of a 35mph plus descent took down a handful of riders and split up the portion of the pack that I was comfortably cruising in. The crash was a wake-up call for me as I barely missed going down as it happened right ahead of me. From that point in the race 6 of us dangled from 30-60 seconds back until we were only four. It then became survival time for the rest of lap #1 as we tried to stay together picking off a few detonated bodies from the lead pack throughout lap #2. Just before Gun Lake Rd we swept up my A212 teammate and eventually Mikee and I were by ourselves cruising in a somewhat comfortable damage control mode and content just to cross the finish line finally. I finished 23rd overall after the final results went up almost 10 minutes faster than 2010. This course is a beast with its 5,000 ft of climbing and gravel that never seems to be very forgiving. Overall a great time this weekend with family and friends at an event that keeps getting bigger and better every year. Thanks to Rick P and all the sponsors for putting on the Barry-Roubaix! Pedal on...

SCOLE (@ScoleTrain) has shared a Tweet with you:

"BigBikesThom: @cyclingdirt This is the effective hole-shot at Barry Roubaix. The thing is DEEP and cold. http://bit.ly/dIjkb6 This race is gonna be RAW!" --http://twitter.com/BigBikesThom/status/51365321038245888

Ready, Set, Go...

2011-03-25T06:50:00.001-05:00

Made the drive back to my home state yesterday getting into Kzoo by 11pm. Chicago was uneventful with no traffic backups and the weather was great for traveling. Having no snow covering the ground is taking some getting use to though. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's Barry-Roubaix race even with temps starting near or in the high teens at go time. I feel like it's another Iceman with the clothing options I've brought for the weather. My only goal is to stay attached and sheltered in the lead group. All needs to go better than last year through the mile long stretch of nasty two-track a few miles into each of the two 30 mile plus laps and the miles should melt away if my strategy goes as planned. My Adventure 212/Specialized teammate Mikee P will be gravel grinding with me tomorrow in a field that looks to be pretty stacked with Midwest talent. Good luck to all of the 900+ participants at the B-R! Pedal on...

S Cole

Some Gravel Miles Today

2011-03-18T13:45:00.000-05:00

Everything seems to be coming together with training for next weekends Barry-Roubaix! The first race of every season always is a mystery on how my cardio, legs and mindset will work together...lets hope it's a team effort! Pedal on...

2011-03-11T15:04:00.003-06:00

The Killer Gravel Road Race!

2011 Barry-Roubaix Course Pre-Ride
http://vimeo.com/20900076

About this video:
"March 8th XXC Magazine had the chance to pre-ride the 35 mile course of the Founders Brewing 2011 Barry-Roubaix "Killer Gravel Road Race" course with the races promoter Rick Plite. Here is just about the entire course, taken at about 600 times faster than we rode it!

XXC Mag hopes you enjoyed this "high speed" look at the BR course and it helps with your prep for the Barry-Roubaix on March 26th, 2011.

For more information on the race visit Barry-Roubaix.com."

2011-03-06T00:40:00.004-06:00

New Big Wheel

Picked up my new ride for the 2011 season today...thanks Pete & Bill! Highlights of the adventure to DePere included having to stuff the over sized 29er bike box into my small car and the Chef Boyardee Ravioli that Pete & Sara shared/introduced to the kids. The reviews were mixed on this weird looking food in a can on whether it was better than the pizza or not??? Other fun side trips worth noting included Seroogy's Homemade Chocolate(for my wife) and a stop at the Luna Cafe which sponsors the Bike Hub/Specialized Mtb Team to caffeinate up for the drive home. This will be year 22 or 23 of competitive mtb racing for me if my memory is still accurate at my old age. As the "Elder" on the Adventure 212/Specialized Mountain Bike Team, I'm very thankful and honored to be part of this talented and fun team for another season! It's great having younger teammates who can help an old guy like me who's close to getting AARP discounts to stay sharp and somewhat speedy. Thanks again to Specialized for giving me the tools to succeed for my 11th consecutive year partnering with the most innovative company in cycling! I'm really looking forward to getting this new big wheeled ride dirty once this damn snow finally melts! Pedal on...

2011-03-03T07:38:00.003-06:00

How I Get Motivated...
I've always been motivated by early season events like the Barry-Roubaix that is less than a month away already, but for the inner child that's trapped in this old body, a new bike motivates me even more it seems. This Saturday the big kick in the ass for me will happen when I get one of THESE before or after a small side trip HERE to make my lovely wife happy for a short period of time until the sugar kicks in to make hyper kids for the return trip home. Winter definitely needs to go away ASAP so that all of us can get out on our favorite trails shortly! Pedal on...

2011-02-23T22:23:00.003-06:00

Honored To Make This LIST Again!

2011-02-20T15:08:00.001-06:00

More Snow!!!

Fog = Bad Visibility = Rollers

2011-02-17T08:59:00.000-06:00

S Cole

Friday's Commute

2011-02-12T06:58:00.000-06:00

S Cole

2011-02-11T07:03:00.003-06:00

Not satisfied with your stock 2011 Specialized S-Works Epic at 21-22lbs? Watch this video if you consider yourself a closet weight weenie or have already lived through an addictive junkie like gram shaving bike build project. Enjoy!!!

2011-02-10T07:42:00.003-06:00

Evening Commute

A bit overdressed with the goggles last night on the way home from work. Felt like I was rding around in a fish bowl for most of the ride. My morning trip was much colder for the hour I was out exploring the local trails and my regular optics worked just fine for the negative temps and windchill. I seem to have my layering down pretty good for winter riding after many years of trial and error, but it still amazes me how just a small tweak from your feet to hands and head can make the most difference with winter riding comfort and enjoyment. Have fun and stay warm if you get outside to ride! Pedal on...

Gravel Roads, Snowmobile & Snowshoe Trail Friday!

2011-01-29T08:26:00.000-06:00

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2011-01-23T22:00:00.002-06:00

Sunday Fun Day!

Started my day off by actually sleeping in until 7am which is not the norm for me. Lately I've been up by 4am or earlier on a daily basis if I work or not. Got my morning jump started with some good coffee and a little motivation to get on a bike after watching the live cyclocross World Cup in Hoogerheide, NED. Eventually found my way down to my "Man Cave" where I played around on the rollers before deciding to clean my road bike better and change out the batteries in my dead Power Tap. Upon returning to the wild, wild upstairs, it was time for daddy to pick a movie for the little guy and at first he didn't accept the Disney movie Chicken Little very well. He wanted one of the movies we've seen maybe a few dozen times(Curious George), but after the first false alarm about the sky falling he finally started laughing and accepted my pick. Whew!!! After the movie I downed my pre-ride Nutella and PB sandwich before escaping for a few hours as the Packer game was kicking off. The best time to ride on the roads are during a Packer football game. Only had to watch out for two cars in the few hours that I was out enjoying some peace and quiet. A beautiful day to be outside and the 9F temp wasn't even a concern as it was just great to be riding a bike, even if it was my Pugs which is the slowest bike in my stable, but lots of fun. Walked in the door just as the Packers were trying real hard to give the game back to the Bears. No big deal to me as I'm a sorry Detroit Lion's fan. Finally it was dinner time followed by board and card games with Avita followed by some interruptions to wrestle with Seb. Avita's as competitive as I am from what I can tell...not always a good thing if she loses. Last on the days to-do list is haircut/bath time for Seb and wash/condition/new hairstyle for Avita before it's lights out for both of them. I'm lucky to make it through the bedtime part of the evening as I have built a reputation at home for falling asleep with Seb and waking up around 3am still in my street cloths with my shoes on. Sometimes I'm the one who seems to be out cold first when the goal is always to get him to start sawing logs first. That's my Sunday fun! Pedal on...

Team Adventure 212/Specialized: Adventure 212 Team: Season Preview

2011-01-14T20:01:00.000-06:00

Let the 2011 Adventure Begin!

Team Adventure 212/Specialized: Adventure 212 Team: Season Preview

2011-01-12T08:25:00.002-06:00

Snow Daze

So far eight days out of the new year have been on the Pugsley outside having fun riding local trails and exploring away from the normal beaten path. Every time I get on it I've had to laugh because of what I'm able to ride through and/or over(along with what the bike looks like). The looks from people I pass by have become comical at times as there is the first glance followed by a neck breaking second look with a curious looking expression of "what the f#$*". It has been my commuter bike of choice this winter and I call it my Hummer of a bike with its four inch wide tires. The Pugs may not be the most efficient bike on the open road or trail, but it has its purpose with making the dreaded winter months more fun and bearable. If you aren't having fun, why ride? Pedal on...

2011-01-02T09:57:00.004-06:00

New Year Brings New Motivation!

Announcing the 2011 ERGON USA SPONSORED RIDERS & TEAMS

Year 6 riding the green grips! Thanks Ergon!!!

2011-01-01T16:18:00.001-06:00

ICE, ICE BABY...Frozen Trails Again!

Nothing like a meltdown and the end result being deep frozen footprints on the trails. Still better than the trainer or rollers. Pedal on...

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2010-12-29T07:54:00.002-06:00

Ergon Factory Rider for 2011!

2010-12-25T11:11:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-16T13:44:00.002-06:00

A Week of Bike Fitting Knowledge Overload...

Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Android phone

Thanks to Aaron, Donny, Scott & Andy for sharing their wealth of BG FIT knowledge and professional guidance/patience this past week at Specialized! An incredible learning experience and I'll definitely be back in the near future for another course! Happy Holidays to everyone at Specialized!!!

FAT BIKE ARRIVAL

2010-12-11T06:29:00.000-06:00

Winter just got better with my new Surly Pugsley that arrived yesterday and was trail worthy for the commute home. Up to 12 inches of snow are forecast for today. Ride reports to come. Pedal on...

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2010-12-02T06:44:00.002-06:00

Buy this on Ebay

Auction started last night...at only $3100

2010-11-30T21:39:00.003-06:00

BIG WHEELS Coming Sometime Soon!

2010-11-24T06:59:00.004-06:00

For that Cycling Addict in your life...T6 one stop shopping!

25% OFF EVERYTHING SALE

On Wednesday, November 24th EVERYTHING on our site will be 25% OFF. Every single item, brand spankin’ new or two years old. 25% OFF. It’s a simple as that. Do some pre-pre-holiday shopping while you’re on the clock, and make more time to hang with your family and friends during the rest of the weekend. Sale ends at midnight Central Standard Time on Wednesday November 24th. SHOP NOW.

2010-11-20T12:50:00.005-06:00

FOR SALE

***Large 2010 S-Works Carbon Epic - $3400.00 Black Friday Special***

Contact me if interested: sdcole82 at gmail dot com

2010-11-10T19:17:00.004-06:00

Looks more like the Paris-Roubaix than the IceMan...

2010-11-09T06:59:00.004-06:00

The End...of 2010 Racing!

The Race...Cyclingnews.com

Visit cyclingdirt.org for more Videos

2010-11-07T09:02:00.006-06:00

ICEMAN 2011

RESULTS
Another ICEMAN is in the books after a challenging day with the course conditions and the havoc the mud played with the drive train. A small amount of snow during the night and race time temps near forty with sunshine turned the course into a muddy stew. 4,000 racers earlier in the day didn't help either as the course was pretty torn up making this one of the most technical Iceman out of the 13 I've completed. The last 20 miles were the worst after getting a bad start that was actually scary with another crash happening on the pavement less than a mile into the race. Chain suck was my biggest worry as I was off my bike at least four times trying to un-jam my chain. All in all it was a great day and event after coming across the line in 25th out of 88 pros. As a team Mike was 8th and earned some cash from the pro purse. Michelle dominated her age cat and Mark was 5th in his age cat for his best Iceman finish ever. Chris was the goodwill ambassador after a crash at the start helping a few more unlucky racers on his way to the finish line. As always a BIG THANKS goes out to my Adventure 212/Specialized Team and sponsors for everything from the support to the great team camaraderie that is always there no matter if we win, place or just show at an event. Over the last three seasons this team has grown into a highly respectable entourage at any event we participate in and has also become somewhat of a second family as we have traveled, feasted, overhauled bikes, harassed each other and just plain have fun when we all get together. Can it get any better next season??? I think it definitely will!!! Pedal on...

Friday Night Ride

2010-10-30T08:20:00.001-05:00

2010-10-20T07:06:00.004-05:00

Biketoberfest?
Maybe I'm not the most original blogger out there with what I post, but my month of October has been lots of fun so far and is maybe worth mentioning. You see things about Octoberfest (where copious amounts of beer and food consumed) celebrations all over Wisconsin this month and the closest I've ever come to any of these celebrations has been what I'm calling "Biketoberfest" that is our new Tuesday night gathering of friends to ride cross or mtb's on the Tomorrow River Rail Trail from Plover towards its ending point in Manawa and back to Plover. Once I get to October it has been a struggle over the past 12-13 years to make it to the first weekend in November for my end of the season IceMan Cometh race in what I call respectable race shape. When you look forward to a ride this late in the season you know you're still having fun on your bike after ten months of riding through snow, rain, high winds and a few blazing hot days of summer. Last nights ride under a moon that's nearly full was relaxing and the miles clicked off quickly with conversation and a handful of good hard pulls every once in a while. Even with a flat front tire that I was too lazy to fix in Amherst Jct, I was still able to cruise along on the granite trail on a tire that barely clung to the rim over the last ten miles to the finish of the ride. My celebration of a great night concluded after I got home with dinner and a much deserved New Belgium Hoptober beer. Does riding a bike get much better? Pedal on...

2010-10-11T17:54:00.007-05:00

Wigwam Sheboygan WORS #12

A great race/venue to end the WORS Series at with the temps in the mid 70's and plenty of sunshine. Not my best day on the bike after not being able to clip into my pedal from the start line. You would think that I should be able to clip in without thinking about it after all these years, but obviously that's not true. Blew up pretty hard after the 1st lap trying to make up for the bad start blunder. Not a good strategy on my part when you're racing in a strong field of racers. Ended up racing the big wheels after a mechanical on the 26er Epic after pre-ride on Saturday. Very much missed my brain rear suspension on the last few laps. Had a good time riding the middle laps of the race with my young protege Justin Piontek. Too bad both of us weren't on top of our game yesterday to end the season with a strong finish. Without Justin working with me, I probably would have shut down and just rolled around at a sloth like pace for the remainder of the race. 23rd overall put me close to the middle of the field at the finish with $10 being pocketed on the Equalizer climb that I conquered all five laps. The IceMan Cometh is a month away with possibly a few cross races thrown into the mix to keep training going until November. Congrats to my teammates on dominating the podium yesterday in the Elite race and to Mikee Phillips for dominating the Elite race after a short lived retirement from racing this summer. Thanks to Adventure 212 and Specialized for all the support and camaraderie this season! Pedal on...

photos by Lasecki's, VandeZande's & Schramm

2010-10-02T05:17:00.004-05:00

My Favorite Bike Parts

Ergon GX2 Leichtbau Carbon Grip

Friends call my Ergon's "Old Man" grips regularly, but these grips are why at 46 years of age and in my 21st racing season that I'm still pounding out long miles and able to be competitive be it training or racing. Since my introduction to these grips while reading Jeff Kerkove's blog back in late 2005 or early 2006, I've have used no other brand of grip on my mtb bikes for xc or endurance racing . Any bike that isn't set up with Ergon's feels foreign and awkward after 5 years of riding on the GX1's, GX2's, GP1's and GP2's.

The reason for this post is due to the fact that without my Ergon GX2's over the last 4 weekends, racing and/or riding probably would have been very painful and limited to just recreational trails. At the Lake Geneva WORS race I went down hard and sprained my right wrist enough that it was tough to even grip a coffee cup let alone ride technical or rough singletrack in the following days. Less than a week later and two days before the Chequamegon Fat Tire 40 I had been seriously concerned about holding on to my handlebars. That day I decided to change from the GX1's(no bar ends) to my Team Ergon Green GX2's with carbon bar ends. With some advice from my orthopedic PA I lightly taped my wrist and with the ergonomic shape of the Ergon GX2's plus bar ends I was able to ride more comfortably yet have one of my best Fat Tire 40's since 1998. This set-up didn't completely take away the discomfort that I was experiencing before the race, but made it possible because of the design to focus on having a safe and great race experience. "Old Man" grips do have their benefits! Try a pair of Ergon's sometime if you get a chance or find me at a race and I'll help to get you set-up. Pedal on...

The End

2010-10-01T19:06:00.000-05:00

Point to Manawa & back home today on the Tomorrow River Rail Trail. A 78 mile journey without anything else to do but pedal. A great day off!
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2010-09-27T21:46:00.007-05:00

More Bear Paw

RACE REPORT

2010-09-26T17:28:00.008-05:00

Adventure 212/Specialized WINS!!!

All 4 Elite's in the top 10 at the WORS Bear Paw today!

1st Darrin Braun - 1st Pro Elite Win!
3rd Chris Peariso
4th Ryan Krayer
9th Scott Cole(me)

start photo by Jay Labecki

photos by Tammy VandeZande

2nd Lisa Krayer Elite Females.

2nd Mark Cole Comp 40-44.

Thanks to all of our sponsors and race support for a Great Day!
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2010-09-19T06:07:00.005-05:00

2010 Chequamegon Fat Tire 40

RESULTS

photos by L. Cole, Jay Richards & skinnyski.com

A great day on my bike!!! 22nd overall in the men's division(23rd with the one tandem just ahead me and with all other categories overall) and 1st in the 45-49 age group w/ a time of 2:18.23!!! My best result of the season & a much needed result to help keep me motivated thru the IceMan Cometh. Thanks to all the support from my Adventure 212 teammates and Specialized for the great bikes/accessories they've hooked us up with! On the small wheeled bike with full suspension this race... Congrats to everyone on the A212 team for their great races this weekend along with the good times before and after the Fat 40! Pedal on...
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2010-09-16T07:41:00.001-05:00

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2010-09-13T07:00:00.003-05:00

Crash & Burn WORS Treadfest

Finished a painful 27th overall in the elite field at Lake Geneva yesterday. Had two great laps and was in the racing mode again both physically and mentally before being taken down by a stump along the course in tight singletrack.

One of those crashes that happens so quick you have no time to react before finding yourself on the ground dazed, beat-up, bruised and pissed off once you can think straight again. Nothing happened injury wise that won't somewhat heal by Saturday's Chequamegon 40. My left side is not suitable for sleeping on and my right hand is very stiff and pretty weak for the second time this season. Why do you always seem to land on a part of your body that's not quite 100%? Pedal on...

2010-09-11T08:42:00.002-05:00

Finally the Weekend!

Standing Rocks singletrack is always a great way to end the work week! Video of sections 1, 2, and most of 3 before I headed out on the xc ski trail for a few laps with some more singletrack thrown in at the end of each lap to spice the ride up.

2010-09-10T06:58:00.002-05:00

2nd Wind?
If there is such a thing as getting your 2nd wind, this is the part of my season where it would be nice for the month of September to find it. This season has been one of bad luck and over training. When you start accumulating flats in record numbers and you've worked the old body too hard to the point where it runs like a sick 4 cylinder and not a turbo diesel, something has to change hopefully for the better. With Chequamegon set as a target for getting back on track, I've been listening to my peers and have been actively recovering with low intensity training and only a few prescribed efforts thrown in for tracking my progress. These last two months have always been my favorites with my 16th Cheq Fat 40 coming up along with Iceman #13. No matter how I feel on the bike I'm still a very competitive person and it's still about having fun and with that usually respectable results will follow. This weekend it's off to Grand Geneva for the WORS Treadfest. Pedal on...

2010-09-03T06:21:00.003-05:00

Crazy!!!

Just two months of mountain bike racing left this year! Where do the summer months go??? Not a whole lot to post lately with my lackluster race results and a plethora of flat/torn tires this season. Lately I've been working on resting the old body as September is a busy month with the Copper Harbor Fat Tire Fest, 2 WORS races and my 16th Chequamegon Fat Tire 40 in a row. Work has been busy, the kids are back in school and my new bike wanting syndrome is starting to become more deadly as I get ready to sell off my S-Works Large Epic and S-Works Large SJ 29er HT in order to get a 2011 S-Works Epic 29er hopefully. It's packing time and a shorter day of work as it looks to be a fun Labor Day weekend on the big lake once I punch out at the time clock later in the afternoon. Be Safe & Pedal on...

2010-08-26T20:45:00.002-05:00

Get Well Jason!

You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers...

Professional mountain bike rider in intensive care after hit-and-run

o2s10wmgb1219.jpg | MQTphoto

2010-08-20T17:31:00.000-05:00

Muddy Faces Photo - Ore 2 Shore

o2s10wmgb1219.jpg | MQTphoto

Coach & Student...

2010-08-18T06:02:00.005-05:00

O2S
Finally time to post about the last few days and the Ore 2 Shore. Bad luck struck again in Michigan when I flatted about 3 miles into the 48 mile race last Saturday. A short rocky downhill was all that it took to puncture and make a hole big enough to let tire sealant spray out on every wheel revolution. It took me quite a bit longer than expected to get it fixed when you find a used CO2 cartridge in your seat bag and you have to beg for a pump or CO2 from another racer. Lesson learned...always repack your seat bag with new CO2 cartridges before each race!!! This had been the seat bag I used at the Lumberjack 100 when I ripped another tire apart. My bad!!! Here is the long version of my race. I started dead last in the field after my tire/CO2 issue, helped another fast racer(Chad Sova)a mile or less later up the course after he broke a chain. Since I was so graciously helped by a fellow WORS racer who stopped and gave me his CO2's, I repaid my good fortune by getting Chad going again. Dead last again with the broom wagon(ATV) waiting patiently for us as the rider of the ATV ate his lunch we final started to roll again on the course. It's amazing how many things you see when you don't have your head down going totally anaerobic. We had standing ovations through Ispheming and at every aid station for the first couple we had volunteers yelling for us to take their cups of water and/or fruit. I think that they were probably glad to know that the broom wagon/course sweep ATV was close behind us and they could pack it in and go home shortly after we passed. Sort of felt like a party in our back of the pack position with the racers who were having lots of fun from my observations. Our pace was good and the course very enjoyable from my new perspective being buried in the field. The only sketchy thing about starting dead last was the overtaking of the racers as we came though the pack at a faster pace. I went from 663rd or further back, since DNF's weren't listed in the results up to 192nd overall. On a few occasion my heart rate spiked, especially on the downhills as we tried to cautiously get by people. The knee deep lake we rode through in the first half of the course was a disaster as Chad and I both got drenched along with soaking a few innocent victims who became overly vocal towards us. Words that I won't type or say out-loud were yelled in our direction. The power-line hike-a-bike that I could see for a good distance before actually getting to it looked like rush hour in Chi-Town. People 3 to 4 wide pushing their bikes was an experience and somewhat relaxing as we marched in unison to the top only to find an ATV with ice cold Gatorade being handed out. It looked like a rest area, so we took advantage and re-hydrated with a cold one. From the top it was smoother sailing as we made our way towards the 510 Rd climb and hopefully my bottle hand-ups. Being way off pace because of the flat meant that my support may have left after waiting and not seeing me come through at my normal interval behind my faster Adventure 212/Specialized teammates. To my surprise, as the climb started they were still in position and hand-ups taken to get me to the finish. The climb was easier than I remember from past editions of this race when I had been only a week out from racing a 24 hour solo event. The last 21 miles we had rode the day before so no surprises were waiting on the course. I basically rode tempo in as Chad and I had separated at the bottom of the 510 climb when I had come up on one of my A212/Specialized teammates who had crashed. Just before the end with about 10 miles to go I helped out another friend from my hometown who needed a chain tool at one of the last aid stations. Once moving again I navigated the dreaded downhill sand pit and finished strong after the last section of pavement that takes you to the arena for the finish. No glory for this racer, but lots of fun and I did actually see Lake Superior for the first time from the posted overlook on the course. Usually at this overlook I'm riding with my head down on the handlebars trying to stay on someones wheel about to blow-up and you never notice the surrounding picturesque landscape that makes this event spectacular.

Another great weekend with my team and friends who make mountain biking the sport it is. Thanks to Adventure 212 and Specialized for the great support again this season. Only 8 more race weekends in a row now before the next break in the schedule.

Moving forward to this past week it has been what I would label as a hyper week with no time to breath. Tuesday, Chris Peariso and I headed to De Pere at 6am to meet with the Specialized rep to road ride and meet about next years team plans. The road ride was great until the last few miles where I almost became a road cycling casualty when a delivery truck failed to stop coming out of a business parking lot. The driver looked right at us and proceeded to roll into the street and thankfully I accelerated and swerved along with Pete just in time to miss the large front bumper by about a foot or less to spare. The driver came to a screeching stop about 6 feet out into the road and I'm hoping that his close call with us will make him more aware in the near future when he's driving and sees cyclists on the road. Just hoping! After our heart stopping ride we re-fueled and Chris and I made our way to the Reforestation Camp in Suamico to ride the upcoming WORS course for this weekends race. Two good laps and we are both ready to have good races at an event that I enjoy being part of every year. After a long Pro-like riding day it was good to get home and have some play time with the family. My recovery ride Wednesday with my daughter included a stop for ice cream during our hour long spin which is why cycling is such a great activity to get your family and friends into. Pedal on...

2010-08-11T06:57:00.002-05:00

Ore 2 Shore Weekend!
Looks to be a fun race weekend up in Marquette with my Adventure 21211/Specialized teammates! This will be my return to the O2S after a 3-4 year absence due to a scheduling conflict at work with an event that we host. In O2S past races that I've raced, they have always come a week or two after a 24hr solo race where my body was still trashed heavily from the abuse. It will be interesting to see what fresh legs can do on a course like this. I'll have the big wheels rolling with my Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29er this weekend with my goal being that of making the podium in my age category. Body and bike are ready to go, it's all up to how bad I want it when the gun goes off on Saturday morning. Last night was a good Tuesday club road ride with 10 strong cyclists to make for an interesting mix of speed, pain and survival in the summer heat. Another goal of mine, not related to racing but riding, is to possibly get a video or two uploaded in the near future of the Island singletrack and other local trails if I figure out blogger. Pedal on...

New T - New Goals

2010-08-02T18:34:00.001-05:00

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2010-07-30T07:00:00.008-05:00

The Best Endurance MTB Mag!

XXC

The new digital issue #8 features an excellent article written about the inaugural Chequamegon 100 Mtb Epic by Ben Welnak that I really hope returns for 2011 in the Northwoods that covered many miles of primo single-track(75ish) around Seeley, Hayward, Cable & Rock Lake, Wisconsin.

Time now to get ready for a short drive to 9-Mile in Wausau to checkout a lap or two of the Wausau 24 course for tomorrow's race! Pedal on...

Bike Washers

2010-07-20T11:13:00.000-05:00

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More Colorado

2010-07-18T07:59:00.000-05:00

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A Mtn Bike Legend

2010-07-16T09:09:00.000-05:00

Thursday evening capped off a great week out in Colorado with Specialized. Took in lots of info about the 2011 product, the riding was epic and hospitality was great as always. One of my highlights was being able to talk with Mtn bike legend Ned Overend about racing, training and when and if he will come back again to the Midwest for the Chequamegon 40 or the Iceman Cometh races. After getting up at 3am this morning I'll be glad to get home later today along with really looking forward to being picked up at the airport by Laura and the kids. Pedal on...
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