XXCIssueTwo

[introduction]

I’m happy to say- XXC #2 is done! I feel real good about this one. I liked the first issue, and in some ways it may have been better. But I have to say issue two is the ballz. Content just really came together for this issue. The season is in full swing and folks are putting in huge efforts on the race courses and on the trails. I myself have a 5 hour and a 13 hour race under my belt already and a few hundred miles of mountain epics in. To me, that is what mountain biking is all about. Long days in the saddle, IN the mountains on a mountain bike!

But hey, XXC isn’t about me. It’s about you, you, that chick in the purple, you, that guy over there with his bibs on over his T-shirt and that chick right there. It’s about US. It’s about doing long races, logging big miles and enjoying time in the saddle of a mountain bike.

As far as racing, XXC #2 has lots of great race coverage from Trans Iowa, The Cape Epic (Tinker!! Can you believe it? Freaking Tinker!!), The Cohutta 100 and more. There is also a really awesome article and some KILLER pics from Jason Boucher (aka GNAT) from his epic adventure on the Kokopelli Trail.

I am really thrilled to have some of Joe Foley’s portrait photos in th mag.

He captured these down at this year’s Leesburg Baker’s Dozen. If you live here on the East coast and are close to the D.C. area you have to go check out Joe’s exhibit at Artomatic. The show starts Friday, May 29th. And will include the photos seen here in XXC and more. Artomatic is located at 55 M Street SE in Washington, DC. You can get more info at info@artomatic.org and Joe’s blog- joefoley.blogspot.com.

As always, big thanks to the contributors for lending XXC their talents and joining me in the spreading of the Enduro Freak Gospel. You rock!!

Also thanks to you the reader. I see the stats, I know you’re reading. I read the e mails and appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Thank you. I hope you keep reading, but more importantly I hope you keep riding, racing, and putting in the miles.

Jason Mahokey xxcmag.com

“Hundie Practice” April 2009.

Photo by Brad Schmalzer XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

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[contributors] Thanks to all the contributors of XXC #2.

Without you, none of this would be possible. Your generosity and talents are greatly appreciated. Thanks for sharing.

[contents] 2nd No More at the Cohutta 100 by Carey Lowery

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Tinker and Johnny Take On Dr. Evil and The Cape Epic by Tinker Juarez & Johnny Kritzinger

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2 Epic’s Whiskey 50 by Lynda Wallenfels

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W.E.M.B.S. #1, Stump Farm 12 Hour by Ben Welnak

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14 Hours On The Kokopelli Trail by Jason Boucher

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Faces of Racing, The Bakers Dozen Project by Joe Foley

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24 Hours of Andrenaline, Hurkey Creek (Solo) by Tim VanGilder & Troupe Racing

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Trans Iowa V.5- Beyond The Rocks, Dust & Dirt by Guitar Ted

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Recapping The Gravel Madness of Trans Iowa V.5 by Joe Meiser

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The First Time by Jason Mahokey

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Carey Lowery - careylowery.blogspot.com Tinker Juarez & Terri Slifko - tinkerjuarez.blogspot.com Johnny Kritzinger - dcmchromemtb.co.za Lynda Wallenfels - 2-epic.com Ben Welnak Jason Boucher - gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com Joe Foley - joefoley.blogspot.com Tim VanGilder & Troupe Racing Co. - trouperacingco.com Guitar Ted - g-tedproductions.blogspot.com Joe Meiser - eojmeiser.blogspot.com Jason Mahokey - thesoiledchamois.com Kristin Aho Brad Schmalzer - twenty-thirdattemptatblogging.blogspot.com Paul Buchanan - bluecolnago.blogspot.com Corey “Cornbread” Godfrey - cornbreadblog.blogspot.com Tim Mullin - pbb.smugmug.com Ben Thomson James Mandolini - epicrides.com Jon Pratt - mtnbiker.smugmug.com With special thanks to Wifey, B-Man, family, Don, Aarron, Brad, Mr. Garth Prosser, Mike Ripley, my iMac, Dogfish Head Brewing, Victory Brewing and Sierra Nevada.

If you would like to contribute words, photos or art to the next issue of XXC or would like advertising information please e mail Jason Mahokey at xxcmag@gmail.com.

And a bunch of other stuff in-between.

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After years of finishing 2nd, Carey Lowery takes the win at the Cohutta 100 Cohutta 100 Race Report by Carey Lowery

Today was the day. I would not have a better opportunity to “get the monkey off my back.” Not wanting to be the “perennial 2nd place finisher” any longer, I was determined to leave it all out on the trail. And so it began with the call up. I took my usual spot several rows back.At the start, I rode fast enough to get in with a good group of racers, but not so fast that I would blow up.

reel them back in on the descents. I knew that a 5 mile flat section was fast approaching so I started looking around for “domestiques.” You know, some big strong guys on 29’rs. I found two and locked on tight to their wheel. I was able to drop Danielle using this tactic. She was looking strong and I needed every advantage to put some distance between us.

The temperature at the start was 52 degrees, but I knew it was going to be a long hot day (the high was 88). Using a Sharpie I wrote “EAT!” on my forearm to ensure that my nutrition plan was going to be followed.

Betsy also followed suit and for a while we rode together. I thought it was pretty ingenious of her to use a riser bar and flip it down on her 29’r to give her a proper bike fit. When we started climbing Daly Gap, Betsy once again managed to drop me as she went into “mountain goat” mode.

On Brush Creek Trail, I was in a good position and was able to keep the pace up.

I could see Paula (Burks) just ahead and somewhere in front of her were Danielle and Betsy (Shogren). Brush Creek was a hot! I was in a good rhythm and already I knew my legs were going to be strong!

Entering Boyd Gap, I was told me that the others were just a couple minutes ahead. On this singletrack descent there were a couple guys in front of me using WAY too much brake, but I guess this was a good thing as it forced me to be patient and not do anything stupid. Descending down the paved section to Old Copper Road, I was right on Paula’s wheel and could see Betsy just ahead.

The two SLOW guys were also ahead. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, they were probably not locals and just did not know the trail like I. But I wanted to keep Betsy in sight so I jumped ahead of them and Paula upon entering Old Copper Road. I was right on Betsy’s wheel when we hit the super rooty section. I was able to get around her by going to the right.

From then on, it was a train of three: me, Paula, then Betsy. We rode this way for the remainder of the singletrack up to the beginning of the 65 miles of gravel road, a.k.a. “the Death March.” It was here that we caught up to Danielle. We all rode together for the first couple minutes until Paula flatted.

As we started up a series of 3 short, but supersteep shady climbs, Betsy and Danielle pulled away from me. I never lost sight of them and was slowly able to XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

Not worrying too much, I just settled into a rhythm and let my legs and lungs dictate the pace. After about 30 minutes, I just happened to look back and saw Danielle. Uh, oh ... it appeared that I settled a bit too much. Luckily I was feeling good enough to kick it up a notch and not let her catch me.

Once on top of the ridge, I put it in the big ring and hammered it to Aid Station 2 where I stopped for my Camelbak and gel flask. The stop was no longer than 30 seconds.

From there it was a short gradual climb followed by some sweet descending to Jack’s River campground. I apologize to the driver of the truck who thought that he was going to make a hood ornament out of me.

By now, it was starting to get HOT! But I was hydrating well and taking a squeeze of gel every 30 minutes, so my body was feeling great. At the bottom of the Potato Patch climb, I was able to hook up with another 29’r who seemed to be equal to me on the climb. His name was Todd. It was great to be able to pace up this 9 mile climb with him.

About a mile into the climb we caught up with Betsy. As I approached her, I tried to read her body language for any indication of weakness. Her cadence seemed to be a little slow, but it also appeared she had a 2 by 9 drivetrain. But from Continued >

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racing against her last year, I also knew she was superfast and here I was riding alongside her. Was it because I was better or was there something wrong with her? I guess only time would tell.

Upon reaching the top, Betsy sped up a bit and I matched her, but ouch, it did hurt. I passed by Bubba’s aid station 3 and when I looked back to see where Todd and Betsy were, Betsy was not there! Oh my goodness, now was my chance to try to put some distance between us.

Once I began to climb up Big Frog, I found my legs again and pushed it. I knew my favorite set of rollers lay just ahead and I was ready for some fun. This section of fireroad seemed to fly by. In years past, this was where I began to really hurt, but today I was on fire. Everything seemed to be going perfect! I flew down the descent into the Big Creek area, almost overcooking a couple corners, but by now I was beginning to smell the singletrack, even though it was still 8-10 miles away.

The adrenaline kicked in and I do believe that is the fastest I ever climbed and descended the next 10 miles. It was super rutty up on top and you had to be ever so focused or you would end up cartwheeling off the mountain.

Right after Big Creek there is “the Wall,” an agonizingly steep section that always hurts like a M-Fer. But not today! Today I was the conqueror, not the conquered. It was here that I began passing some Big Frog racers and they looked like they were in a world of hurt. But they were indeed toughing it out!

After a few miles of rollers, it was downhill time to the last bit of singletrack. Oh, yeah! Back in my element. At the last aid station, I dropped my Camelbak, drank a Dr. Pepper, grabbed a cold water bottle.

Thanks, Zeke! I leapt onto West Fork and treated this last 10 miles Carey Lowery enjoying the top spot on the women’s podium. like a lap in an XC race. It made no difference that I had already been racing for 90 miles. I asked my legs for some speed and they responded gleefully.

The long flat stretch after this aid station is usually my arch enemy. Usually there is a headwind and with the legs being heavy, I feel like I am on a treadmill: I thoroughly enjoyed Quartz, Bypass, Lower Chestnut, and Thunderock. As I working hard but going nowhere. But today, the legs were good. Yes, the dropped on down to the last bit of pavement, I said to myself, “I am going to headwind was there but so were two more domestiques. Once again, I latched win!” My next thought was, “About damn time!” As I rolled across the finish on. They were strong and a couple times I about popped off, but I dug deep, line, I looked up and saw 8:06. A PR for me. Elated, I soft-pedaled up the paved knowing that this was a place where I could potentially put more time on my path, cherishing the moment. competition.

A huge congrats to Paula for pulling out a 2nd place finish and to Danielle for At this point in the race, I was beginning to realize that a win was a possibility, 3rd. It seems both these ladies had bike mechanicals but dug deep and finished However, I had no idea how far back Betsy, Danielle, and Paula were. I also strong. And tremendous kudos to Betsy for hanging in for fourth as she was vividly remembered the sprint finish in 2007 and did not want to repeat that bit having body mechanicals. of excitement.

To read more about Carey’s adventures, check out careylowery.blogspot.com.

The descent on FS 17 was super fun!

Even the short evil uphills were not so bad. Legs were great and I happily stood and ground up those pitches.

At this point my chain was beginning to make some noises, “I ... need ... lube.” So at aid station 4 (mile 65) I stopped and let them lube my chain while I refilled and refueled.

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Tinker & Johnny Take On Dr. Evil & The Cape Epic Inside the 2009 Cape Epic with Tinker Juarez & Johnny Kritzinger

By: Tinker Juarez and Johnny Kritzinger. With photos by: Terry Slifko XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

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South African sunset.

Table Mountain Burning

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

We had a great journey here to Cape Town South Africa. Here is what I’ve been up to to get ready for the race.

helicopters were flying all above. I was thinking we would go to jail today. Wow!

I got a short ride in yesterday after putting together my bike. Today we went up to Table Mountain and went to a loal bike shop and had some coffee. and a nice danish roll, discussed the bikes, the course, and the race.

Back to the ride- It was a tough ride. It is steep with loose rocks, sand, and broken up roads. There are big rocks in the decent and the turns are slippery. I was really happy to have my Stan’s wheelset set up with my Kenda tubeless tires. It is so easy to pinchflat. I was happy to have the Scalpel - I will definitely need the full suspension for this one. For the rest of the week - I have no idea what to expect but I am glad I brought the gear I did. Yes - this is a tougher prologue than most.

When we headed out this morning we found out that Table Mountain was burning. We were not sure if it would be closed but headed up anyway.

It was pretty smokey since it had burned through the night and over 150 homes were evacuated, but they let us ride. Shan - one of the locals knew all the trials.

What a surreal sight - you could still feel the heat from the ground and the burning scrub. From time to time you could feel the water drops from the helicopters. The wood was still smouldering and the XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

I don’t have photos of it but it looked like the sun was rising because the fire was so hot. It was a perfect beginning for the toughest mountain bike stage race in the world.

-Tinker

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Cape Epic: Prologue

In the lead at the half way mark.

Saturday, March 21, 2009 Start/Finish: Cape Town Distance: 17km Climbing: 650m

The Cape Epic started today with the 19 km prologue. Johnny Kritzinger, a 22 year old South African and up and coming champion, is my partner for the next 7 days. We are riding on the DCM-MonaVie-Cannondale team and had a great race today. We are in the open Men’s category and started somewhere around the 360 spot or something.

It was a fast and fun course with just the right amount of climbing. We lost track of the number of teams we passed and ended up with the fastest lap time for much of the day. Overall, we finished 19th. An excellent start. Johnny and I worked well together and I look forward to racing with him.

-Tinker

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

On the line at the 2009 Cape Epic Prologue.

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Oh God yes! Ice me please!

Cape Epic: Stage 1

cracked. It was just a matter now of just trying to survive the rest of the ride and finish.

Start/Finish: Gordonís Bay to Villiersdorp Distance: 112km Climbing: 2729m

We rolled across the line in 22nd place and 24th overall. Not bad after a day like today. Oh, a lesson learned today: Pick a small kid on the side of the road to do the high five with. The teenager I saw today almost knocked me off my bike!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

We started the day today at 3:45 AM and were on the road with the convoy by 4:30 AM. The stage started at Gordonís Bay. I felt normal at the start. Not tired but I knew it would be a long day in the saddle. We had a good starting position so it was a nice neutral start. Everyone was shuffling around and got into a comfortable place. The first climb was 8 miles from the start and I started having a mechanical problem. This was when I realized how technical and hard the course was going to be on the bike. The next neutral support area didn’t have anything that we could use. Johnny waited for me and we hammered when we could. Your mental status is so important to performance and on this first day I knew I had to get over it. After three hours of struggling I almost XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

Ben (Sonntag) and Jacques (Jansevan Rensberg) had a great day and made up some time from yesterday. They finished 10th and are in 15th place, overall. Ben said, “It was definitely tough. It was bumpy and hot. The hardest part was after I lost my water bottle and I bonked a little. I am so happy we got a good finish.”

Will try and post daily. I just know that if the rest of the race is like today then the Cape Epic will live up to its reputation. Untamed.

Should be better tomorrow. Good sleep will help.

-Tinker

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Crossing the line and finishing stage 2.

Cape Epic: Stage 2

Monday, March 23, 2009

Start/Finish: Villiersdorp Distance: 110km Climbing: 1527m After a well deserved rest it was all action again at 5 o’clock in the morning. Feeling good and keen to make up for some lost time Tinker and myself set our bottoms on our saddles for what was to be the 3rd day of the untamed African race.

The start greeted us with a fast and flat 6km section of tar. Great to get the legs warmed up and move up in something that looks like the peleton you’d see in the Tour de France. On the top of the small hill the arrows sent us right and into the mountains. This section of downhill was just crazy! What made it even harder than the tons of rocks sticking out was the enormous dust cloud that was being created by the riders. The dust made it impossible to see where you were going! A big crash in this section saw other DCM Chrome Monavie rider Jacques Janse Van Rensburg go down hard as another rider’s’ bike flew infront of him!

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We made it through safely and putting the hammer down to try and catch the small bunch ahead of us.

Tinker was flying! I just had to keep up on the downhills, my hard tail not the best option for untamed Africa. ( I did not tell Tinker, but he had a massive rear wheel puncture when his rear tire met a sharp rock.....it used a lot of sealant but sealed perfectly!) Stan’s Sealant is the best invention in mountain biking!

the finish....a steep 5km climb to the top of a mast tower on a koppie (a small mountain/rise)! This sting in the tail sure did hurt! The climb also gave us our first sight of wild animals, weird because we had apparently rode through a private animal reserve along the route. Nonetheless we were happy to see some cows! Tinker makes an awesome cow moo and he can even make them stand up and walk out of the way.

Sitting pretty in the second big bunch of the day we were happy as our company were the two leading masters teams for the day. They did some big pulls on the flat roads and one could feel the tension build between them as the finish line drew closer with every pedal stroke.

The fast single track downhill was a real treat after the hard climb and knowing that it was only another 5km to the finish made it even better.

Swooping through the vineyards and onto the tar road for the last 1km to the finish we were really happy with our 14th place on the day. A brilliant ride on anyone’s terms!

The cooler weather definitely helped us today. The body does not fatigue as much like it does in the ridiculously hot weather like we had on stage 1.

Our goal of trying to make up some lost time was a sure thing and we were feeling great as we rolled along the fast open roads towards Villiersdorp.

Like it was not hard enough forcing our bikes and bodies through the sand and undulating rocky terrain. Dr. Evil had something special for us for XXCMAG.COM

Our goal for the rest of the ABSA Cape Epic will be just to keep it smooth and consistent. That should see us shape up pretty well!

All in all....another great day in Africa!

- Johnny

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Cape Epic: Stage 3

We actually did quite well. We were riding with Christoff (Sauser) and Burry (Stander) and the rest of the top ten but they literally walked away from us during the hike a bike section. When we got to the top we took in the amazing view. You could see the whole valley. South Africa is amazingly beautiful and this is such an awesome way to see it.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Start/Finish: Villiersdorp to Greyton Distance: 73km Climbing: 1976m Yesterday Dr. Evil hurt us. It was a mere 73 km race (short compared to the last two days) but brutal because of the hiking. It started off with a really steep climb we could ride. When you got over the climb there was a little bit of rolling stuff, but then we got to the really steep climbing.

All I remember is stretching out my whole body length of the bike to push it up the loose rocks. The rest is sort of a haze since I am actually writing this on the next day (Wenesday, March 25th).

Most of the ride was just sitting in a really fast bunch of riders flying along. The last 10K had a lot of really steep ride able climbs and then there was some really fast single track descents through some orchards.

Then 3km of fast, fast downhill straight to the finish. We were unbelievably happy to see the finish. We had a good ride. Finished 14th but decided not to sprint for 12th place since we all finished in a big group.

-Tinker

Johnny’s leg gets some treatment.

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Cape Epic: Stage 4

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Start/Finish: Greyton Distance: 114km Climbing: 2202m Today looked like it would be the end of our race.

I took a bad line and there was a 5 foot across ditch with vertical walls that was about 4 feet deep. The ditch was next to the fire road we were turning on to. I was committed to save a bad crash since I was coming down the hill about 30 mph so I had no choice... I jumped it. My front wheel just cleared but the back wheel hit the brim and stopped me. It was unbelievable- the tubeless tire was still on and intact, even after I jumped on it. But I thought the race was over with.

At that point, I put a tube in, and we watched as all the people were passing us. We were on a flat road and people were grouped up and we lost any hope of finishing as well as we had in the last few days. The wheel and tire worked, so we made our way to the neutral support zone. We just wanted to finish so we went carefully and luckily it wasn’t too rocky and when we made it to the neutral zone, the leaders and our teammates were there. We expected Brandon (Stewart) because we had just passed Max (Knox).

Max and Brandon were working with Christoff and Burry hoping to help them finish and keep them in good time. Max and Brandon, after all, are just riding and using this as a training for the Sea Otter next month.

Anyway, Christoff gave me a wheel and we were set. We later got another flat on Christoff’s wheel and when I was fixing it I found a gel pack inside the tire and a plug. He had used a

The last downhill at the end of the Stage 4 gel pack and plug to repair a tear and left it in there!! Ha! Johnny and I were in about 40th position or back further. I was not telling him but was thinking in my head that this was a good effort to get to this spot in the standings and we needed to get it back. Maybe he just knew it but somehow we had to make up a lot of time. I put the hammer down and Johnny kept up. I depended on him to be there and I knew he could do it. We slowly passed team after team. We passed at least 18 teams and finished 18th today and 15th overall. We really put it together and kept back in the game. Anything can happen in this race. So, it was a great day.

For the disaster it could have been, we had a great day.

I feel like every day has been tougher than the last, but thank God we have an excellent Physio and motor home. I would be dead if I didn’t have the luxuries! I am tired but I came into today with power. Different from the last couple of days, which is a good sign. We will focus on pacing ourselves and staying consistent.

- Tinker

Incredible scenery of the Western Cape, South Africa XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

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Cape Epic: Stage 5

Thursday, March 26, 2009 Start/Finish: Greyton to Oak Valley Distance: 111km Climbing: 2233m Another fun day in Africa.

For a race like this you need three main things: 1) Dependable equipment; 2) your state of mind (positive attitude); and 3) fitness. Not necessarily in that order. State of mind is the most important.

Johnny needs a set of shocks, too. A hard-tail is so much lighter and easier going up hills and stuff, but the full suspension bike is worth the weight. Johnny said that the first 5 k was the most fun and even though they made a big deal about it, the UFO climb did not seem that bad. The last 5 K sucked. After the last water point there was a hell of a climb and we were out of water, hot, and tired. I don’t know where the route profile was tracking, but the little blip on the profile did not predict what we rode on.

My outlook was a little different. Today was not such a great day for me.

I felt really tired most of the ride. This morning I felt nervous and tired. Somehow my legs didn’t have anything and they felt like cement.

We started in a big group and my legs felt really heavy. I was getting dropped on the UFO climb but it was so early and I knew I couldn’t give up. It was only an hour into the ride. But I realized I had to think positive. I rode through it and I started feeling better. When I started feeling better and hung with the group, I focused on not doing too much pushing and hung on. I felt better enough to give me enough confidence to push a little harder and stick it together. The group stayed together and I remembered all the guys were tired too. We ended with a strong finish, in 12th place.

I am not even thinking about tomorrow yet. For now I need to rest, get cleaned up, and nurse this golf ball size lump on my shin where a rock hit me. In this race you go through hard days. I gave a lot of effort yesterday and paid the price today. Sometimes you really have to dig deep and today was one of those times. Rest for now.

- Tinker Johnny looking a bit tired.

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Tinker and Johnny puttng the hammer down.

Cape Epic: Stage 6

Friday, March 27, 2009 Start/Finish: Oak Valley Distance: 86km Climbing: 1546m

Today was a good day in the office. What a beautiful office, too! The course was filled with lots of single track, rocky descents, and it was quite technical. I love fun single track and gives you time to enjoy the ride, just cruising along and enjoying the race. There was a super rocky decent. I went slow like a grandpa and didn’t care. I couldn’t afford a flat- too early in the race for that right now.

We had a fast group of guys and we tried everything to stay with them. The two guys that got away finished really well. They stood away and we were not able to catch them. The two Trek Check guys were with us for a little while but they had a flat and bike issues or they would have finished ahead of us. That is the way biking goes.

Sometimes you get luckier than others. My Scalpel was working excellent, thanks to Leroy from Tiger Cycles. The shifting was excellent. The Gore cables are so nice - thank you Gore for your sponsorship. The cables are nice to work on, too. They have a Teflon sheath and work great.

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At the end, Johnny went ahead of the two MTN guys and I was behind them.

Then one of them slipped a gear and I was able to get past. His partner slowed down to wait so I got past him, too. Johnny and I finished 8th place today. We are reported as me being the Top American with my South African partner Johnny Kritzinger in 14th place overall.

What a difference good rest means. I even got up before the daily 5:00 AM horn blaring the wake up call. I am racing a lot harder than I anticipated before coming to this race. My intention was to take it easy and use it for the season training, but Johnny is super strong and doesnít even seem tired after 6 days of this grueling punishment. But we are having a great race, and we made it to the last day within the top 15 an excellent finish for a race like this.

Tomorrow is the last day and we will be finished. The week has flown by and it hardly seems like we rode as much or as hard as we have. I have already decided to return to South Africa to race again soon. Like I already said, this is an awesome way to see this beautiful country.

- Tinker

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Cape Epic: Stage 7

Saturday, March 28, 2009 Start/Finish: Oak Valley to Lourensford Distance: 60km Climbing: 1760m

Johnny and Tinker at the end of the 2009 Cape Epic.

We made it! And what a great feeling it is to finish the race and have it done. There are so many things can go wrong and we did have our share of challenges, but we did great. This race is different - no laps to get back to the pit and get the bike worked on - so you had to be prepared for the worst and this track really beat it out of you and the bike. Winning this race to me was crossing that finish line each day and getting that finisher’s t-shirt at the end.

I met Johnny the day before the race. We never rode together before but I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. You need a good partner to finish a race like this as well as we did. And Johnny was the best and I know he will continue to be among the best racers in the world for some time. Keep an eye out for him on the DCM Chrome team in the future.

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The track really challenged us because of how tough it was on the bike. I know this is a lousy excuse but the mechanicals set us back.

But that is part of racing and how this game is played. We did the best we could but I really wanted to do better for Johnny. He will be there soon enough. The best thing about it is we learned from each other and had a great time.

South Africa MTB racing is way bigger than I anticipated. Before we went, I pictured SA as a quiet part of the world, with some good racers, especially since Christoph Sauser and Jock Boyer have adopted the area as home. What I didn’t imagine is that it is every bit and more of an involved cycling community with a huge following than we have seen here in the US in a long time. There were thousands of

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Tinker, Joshua and Elmo head home.

Cape Epic: Stage 7 continued: of spectators at every race. At least 20,000 were at the final stage, helicopters with cameras everywhere, motorcycles with cameras everywhere, and television coverage multiple times per day. I can’t say I’ve seen that in a long time. It is right up there with the racing scene in Europe. It was so nice to see SA as being right up there, particularly in the XC enduro scene.

Last weekend they had a national championship race with an impressive list of racers. This weekend they will host the first UCI World Cup race in SA. I look forward to seeing the DCM Chrome team on the podium. DCM is sponsoring the World Cup series, proving that the passion for cycling and desire to reach out to the international arena is very well established. I guess what I am trying to say is that this race woke me up and the rest of the world watch out. South Africa cyclists are here to stay.

The stage is a blur now, so I’m not going into details, but it was another day riding my bike with a bunch of friends in one of the XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

most beautiful parts of the earth. A good day in the office.

I heard that this event was the counterpart of the Tour de France of MTB. There is no doubt in my mind that it earns every bit of respect and more. It was awesome. Many many thanks and congratulations to the race organizers, our team, Kandice and Cisca for supporting us, without Ian and DCM Chrome I couldn’t have been there and I am extremely grateful for this, Leroy for the mechanical support, MonaVie and Cannnondale for supporting our trip and the awesome bikes. The Scalpel bikes held up awesome perfect for a course like this, Kenda tires for keeping us with the rubber side down - this was the toughest terrain I’ve race in and the tires made it easy, oh and of course, my family - Joshua and Terri and Tracy - it was awesome having family there with the cowbells, wearing the jerseys, being at the finish line every day, and good food. It would have been hard being away from home for so long without you.

- Tinker

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Whiskey 50 2 EPIC’S

Lynda Wallenfels recaps

her Whiskey 50 win.

This was a really fun weekend! Dave (Harris) and I raced the Whiskey 50 on Saturday and rode the Prescott Monstercross on Sunday. Dave spent most of Saturday chasing me and I spent all of Sunday chasing him…I was kinda blown on Sunday.

On Saturday I raced geared women and Dave raced SS. We all started in one big pack though. The start was very Trans Rockies like with the big pack start on pavement. Having survived 14 of those starts and another 7 similar starts at BC Bike race I am a pro. It was plenty rough and the guys were trying to push me around.

Dave and I started near each other but it was such a big rough start we lost each other quickly. I got ahead of him on the first paved climb and right before the single track started he darted in front of me.

Then we were rolling through the trees climbing this fabulous switch back climb - beautiful - in a line of guys and I was right on Dave’s wheel. It was making me laugh and chirp and shout out “whee!”. It is really comfortable being on his wheel after all the stage racing we have done.

The climbing got steep and loose andI dropped to the granny riding it, and Dave was off his SS walking.

We lost each other then cause I was racing (ain’t no waiting for your BF!) On the 50 mile course there is a long out and back section. I was about 2 minutes up from the turn around about to hit the 3k climb when I saw Dave so figured out I had about a 3 minute lead on him. I was pretty sure he would catch me on the climb.

Then Mike Hogan (Titus-Chipolte) came up by me riding smooth and fast and I hopped on his wheel. Mike set a furious pace and pulled me up the climb so fast I never did see Dave.

At Aid Station 3 I had to drop off Mike as I needed water and when I started back off again I had pretty much blown up and wove up the rest of the climb seeing stars!! After that was a big single track descent which I rode like a beginner cause I was so blown! Near the bottom of the descent I hear this voice “hey nutter”- Dave had caught me on the descent on his SS!!

I let him by and he disappears off quickly. A couple of hundred yards later the trail ends and we are on the 2 miles of gradual downhill pavement to the finish. Dave is about 200 yards in front of me.

When I hit the pavement a motorcycle cop pulls up beside me and asks if I am 1st place woman! I had a police escort with flashing lights to the finish line!! I pop into my big chain ring and catch Dave in short order. He jumps on my wheel.

So I roll in up to the finish line with my police escort in front and my boyfriend on my wheel. The cop toots his horn and they announce first place woman is finishing and the crowd cheers. How cool was that?? It was really cool for me. It made me laugh out loud and smile really big.

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Background pic: Lynda finds a new way to pimp one of her sponsors.

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Coverage and photos by Ben Welnak

The words of the day for the first race of the Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series (www.wemseries.com) were cold and wet. The Stump Farm race is always a good, fun, and fast course. However, after a three day stretch of clear skies and 70 degree weather (Friday was 73 degrees), a cold front was predicted. Unlike usual forecasts, this one was correct. The temperature dropped steadily throughout Friday night as the rain started to fall. As of 7am on Saturday, it was 43 degrees, with a “feel like” temperature of 35. Can you say epic?

The 12 hour race was set to begin at 8am. The real soaking rain held off and the sponge-like sandy ground of the Stump Farm course proved to soak up the rain that did fall. It was a go. Too bad the registration process was slow… the race was delayed 15 minutes. It was a welcomed extra few minutes, as many seemed to be moving slower than normal due to the cold, rainy weather.

As with all WEMS races, the race begins with a le mans style start. A total of 27 solo 12 hour riders toed the line, 20 geared and 7 singlespeed, ready to tackle the 9 mile laps. The course was not very technical, consisting of about half grassy cross country ski trails and half twisty singletrack, with only a few minor climbs. The run at the gun was only about 50 yards, so the start was fast and furious.

Rider: Ben Welnak Photographer: Mrs. Ben XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

Several very strong local riders were off to push through the first race jitters, early season legs, and Wisconsin spring weather. The favorites on the day at the start seemed to be a highly motivated Chris Strout out of the Chicago area and XXCMAG.COM

northern Wisconsinites Justin Lund and Chris Schotz.

Strout has become a contender on the national 24 hour scene and notched 2 second place finishes in WEMS in 2008.

Schotz and Lund finished first and second respectively in the 2008 12 hour series standings.

After the quick run to the bikes, there was a long, straight lead out before hitting the twisting, sandy singletrack. It didn’t take long for the mud, dirt, and water to fly as the leaders took to the front on the grassy service road lead out.

Strout was on the lead from the start. Schotz and Lund fell off the pace from lap one. It’s was not Lund’s day as he continued to slow and finished 11 laps. Dark horse, Mark Burkholz, riding a singlespeed, held Strout’s wheel until slowing in laps 5 and 6, allowing Strout to open up a 3 minute lead.

As the morning progressed, the steady mist subsided and the course began to dry nicely, proving to become tacky enough to rail the corners in the singletrack and hard enough on the ski trails to roll easily. Two areas of the ski trails didn’t dry out, at all. They became treacherous mud pits that proved to be more like quicksand as the day went on. Nicely travel ruts were the only way to safely navigate these pits. By the last lap, an 8 inch deep, one wheel rut was the only way through the second pit. The temperature continued to hang in the upper 40’s. In these cool temperatures, it was important to really focus on getting fluids, because impending dehydration is not as obvious as regular summer conditions.

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The pits are a very important aspect of long lap style races. The races are not won in the pits but can be lost in the pits. Roll and go pits are essential to finish near the top and it proved to be true for this race. Burkholz continued to ride strong, turning in a 41 minute lap 7, bettering Strout’s 45 minute lap 7. He now had a one minute lead on Strout. After lap 8 they were even. Strout gained another 5 minutes over laps 9 and 10.

The Wisconsin race scene is strong and well rounded. WEMS puts on 9 races, each containing 3, 6, and 12 hour races, including duo and team formats for the 6 and 12 hour races, respectively. The race at Levis-Trow, one of IMBA’s epic rides, is a 25, 50, 100 mile format. Also, new this year, is the 12 Hours of Pitchblack Singletrack.

The 12 hour race will run from 8pm to 8am, the 6 hour from 8pm to 2am, and the 3 hour from 8pm until 11pm.

Burkholz appeared to continue the roll and go pit strategy and picked up another 4 minutes on lap 11. At this point in the race, the gears that Strout was cranking on his Siren Song 55 proved to be too much for Burkholz’s singlespeed. Strout finished up with a winning 16 laps in 11 hours 42 minutes and 52 seconds.

Burkholz had an impressive ride, challenging both the geared and singlespeed riders, winning the singlespeed category with 16 laps in 11 hours, 53 minutes, and 5 seconds.

The Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS – www.wors.org), which has been a staple on the Wisconsin scene for several years, has 12 races on tap and caters to all skill levels.

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After a long, cold winter, the Wisconsin racing season is finally underway!

Get out and ride.

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Jason Boucher takes an epic journey along the Kokopelli Trail and rediscovers the beauty of the desert.

Words & Images by: Jason Boucher Gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com

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Photo: Gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com

I’ve been enamored with the desert for as long as I can remember. I can’t recall where this love for the south west began. Back in December on a flight to Asia, I read one of Evertt Ruess’ books. Evertt’s ramblings, writing and art really got me fired up to experience the desert again. My last real experience there was 16 years ago when I ended my Alaska to Utah bicycle adventure tour. I love the desert. You can experience and see whatever you want to in the desert. If it remoteness you seek, it’s easy to be alone. If it is simplistic beauty you wish to see, all you have to do is open your eyes. If it is grand and majestic views you seek, look up or look down.

For me, I went to the desert to re energize my mind and body and ride big miles. I love the desert.

Sixteen years ago, I finished my Alaska to Utah bicycle adventure with a solo run of the Kokopelli. At the time I was riding a modified mountain bike frame with front and rear panniers. I walked a good portion of the upward pointed parts of the trail.

This time I planned to do it differently as I believed sixteen years of product development was at my side.

“You can experience and see whatever you want to in the desert.”

If you are not familiar with the Kokopelli Trail, it is a 130 or so mile trail linking Fruita, Colorado with Moab, Utah. Many folks break the trip into 4 or 5 days. I intended to do it in 2 days. Both the start and the finish of the Kokopelli is epic desert single track, some of the best in the country if I don’t say so myself. The middle is a combination of desert road. It has it all, a perfect test for mind and body as well as equipment. I chose to ride my Salsa Big Mama full suspension bike to give me the most options and the most comfort, quite different than my choice of 26” rigid hard tail 16 years ago.

Looking back and comparing my 1st attempt to this one, it was clear that the two experiences would vary widely. In my first attempt, I hit the trail in Fruita with several thousand miles under my legs carrying way more equipment than I needed, not surprising considering I was on my own for the prior 3 months. This time, I flew into GJ with minimal gear, a full suspension 29er and not that many miles on my legs after our long and hard winter here in MN. It would be a true test. I couldn’t wait to begin.

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I rolled out of the hotel parking lot alone, in the dark and with a lot of gear. While I’ve been riding with lots of stuff mounted to my bike, this was the first time this year I would have ALL my stuff including my 5 liters of water, 2 days of food, small parts for repair, and safety & survival gear. It was a slow first 7 miles of pavement to the trailhead.

As I entered the trail network, I made the commitment to deal with whatever comes my way. Within minutes, I knew my ride would be epic as the first photo I took of the blooming desert in the morning sun set the tone.

The desert in full bloom.

Over the last few years, I’ve been to Fruita several times and I’ve ridden the start of the Kokopelli more than once. This time though it was different. No car at the trail head. No extra bike or wheels in the car. No place to shower and eat that night. Nope, I was on my own. It was in these first few miles of trail that I realized and experienced all the things that I wanted to experience. I was alone. I was in a beautiful and big place. This is why I was here. I was in a true test of my mind, body and equipment. My choices would dictate my results.

Independence.

“Within minutes, I knew my ride would be epic as the first photo I took of the blooming desert in the morning sun set the tone.”

About 60 or so miles in I would reach that critical point on any personal journey and challenge. Should I continue on? Should I set up camp here? As I looked around I knew I should move on. It was windy. It looked like rain. I had no shelter. I needed to keep rolling.

I pressed on. It was here that I decided to make my two day journey a one day journey. It was easier to keep riding than to stop, set up and sleep in a windy & rainy desert. Now, my thoughts turned to my body and my psyche, “Can I make it?”

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Photo: Gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com XXCMAG.COM

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“I was in a true test of my mind, body and equipment. My choices would dictate my results. Independence.”

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As I pushed on, it became more apparent that I made a good decision. I’m not suggesting always choosing to move on is the best thing, but for me and the equipment I had, I know pressing on was a good choice. On one of the middle sections, the brutal wind made riding almost impossible. It took me almost 2 hours to go 10 miles. Sand and wind pounded my face. At times I had to walk through deep sand. As I looked toward the direction I needed to go, it was clear in the skies that that rain and potentially severe weather were in my future. I liked my odds of finishing more if I pressed on and got closer to a paved highway. Then it happened.

Rain. Wind. Hail. Crap! I was 6.5 miles from pavement. As I sat on the ground protecting my back pack from the rain and scurried to get my rainfly on my

pack and my rain jacket on myself, a group of 6 cyclists rode by. They were the only cyclists I saw on my entire journey. Their words had meaning too.

One of the guys asked me “Where are you headed?”

“Moab.”

Another quickly added “Shit, that’s 7 more hours from here.”

“Yep and I’ve been out here for 8 already!” and I pedaled off.

I quickly warmed up and thankfully, the rain didn’t last that long. The brutal and biting wind remained, but the rain had actually made the soft desert sand faster.

I covered the next 6 miles quickly and found myself on Highway 128.

Ahh….Pavement!

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Taking time to capture the beauty of the desert.

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The second I hit the pavement, I reached for my Starbuck’s Doubleshot that I’d been saving for that moment. I often save little things like this for interim goals.

After about 1/2 mile of paved joy I turned up the trail again and rode the Yellow Jacket section. Another 8.5 miles later I dropped in on Dewey Bridge. It was here I would filter water from the Colorado River and make my final pivotal decision.

It was at Dewey Bridge that I decided to not continue on the Kokopelli. It was windy. It was cold. It was raining. I did not want to be stuck in the next section with severe weather. I decided to ride the road into town. It would be about 30 miles of pavement followed by several more miles to the camping area where I planned on meeting friends.

Those final miles on the pavement were brutal. The wind was blowing up the valley and at times I was pedaling down hill at less than 5 mph. The rain finally broke and sun started shining. As the sun was setting, Moab was around the next corner. The sky lit up with amazing beauty and color. I had made it.

While I did not actually ride the entire Kokopelli, I did manage to put in 125 miles in almost 14 hours of straight pedaling. I had accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish. I had seen all that I wanted to see. I realized how small I am and we are as humans. I had proved to myself that big miles and big things are possible.

I love the desert.

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Photo: Gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com

“I had seen all that I wanted to see. I realized how small I am and we are as humans. I had proved to myself that big miles and big things are possible.... I love the desert.”

For more on Jason’s Kokopelli adventure check out Gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com and the XXCmag.com blog.

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“9-13 hrs of pure fun that you can dream about on the best the West has to offer.”

It seems there are more and more endurance events to pick from these days, and that rocks! I mean you have your 12 and 24 hour lap races, the NUE 100 mile series, and ton of low key and underground events, and now on August 23rd, Mudslinger Events is hosting the High Cascades 100 in beautiful Bend, Oregon.

The 100 mile loop will be an incredible 80% SINGLE TRACK! That’s a serious amount of dirt. There will be fully stocked aid stations with drinks, food, gel and gear. Not to mention catered Mexican food and beverages from Deschutes Brewing to warm your muscles up after the race. Whether you’re racing to win or just to finish good times are guaranteed!

Registration is now open and the field is limited to 200 racers so go to www.mudslingerevents.com today for more information and stay tuned to XXC and XXCmag.com for more on the High Cascades 100.

Photos by: Ben Thompson

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Photo: Jason Mahokey Rider: Don Powers Location: Laurel Highlands, PA

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To contribute to XXC or for advertising information contact XXC at XXCmag@gmail.com.

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favorites

Photo: Ben Welnak Trail: Colorado Trail, south of Denver trailhead

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To submit your favorite trail contact XXC at XXCmag@gmail.com.

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How did I get into this whole 24 hour thing? I’ve wondered this many times during training those long hours on the bike, taking the long route home instead of going straight back for dinner, or setting up the lights to ride in the dark when it would be too easy to ride procrastinate and train later.

While I’m somewhat new to the 24’s, it’s not new to my team, Troupe Racing Co.. One rider, Randy Profeta, is a long time 24 hour racer and has competed in the World Solo’s and finished 2nd in his class. Other team-mates have gone solo many times and have been on mixed teams for years. Going into this race, I had a wealth of information to draw on. Plus, I had done my homework in the form of a solid winter/spring base phase, built some intensity with early season races, and rehearsed my nutrition. I felt that I had prepared the best I could for this race at this time of the season.

The venue for this round of the 24 Hours of Adrenaline was Hurkey Creek campground, in Idyllwild. 24 HOA has a long history of racing at this venue and the course is a local favorite. It’s considered elevation and takes us up from the desert scrub and dusty trails at sea level to pine trees, creeks and mountain meadows. There are a few fire-road sections, but overall the course is rolling single track, fun twisty downhills, and a few technical climbs.

We arrived early on Saturday morning while other team-mates arrived on Friday to set up on our campsites which were along the course. We had reserved 3 premium spots on the final paved road as it winds through the campground. This area would serve myself, Damon Mann who was also riding solo, Troupe’s 5 woman team that was entered in the 5 person open class, and Kevin Akerman who was racing in the solo 8 hour event.

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Race prep consisted of the usual. We had plenty of time, and I took some pride in getting number plates on bikes, light mounts in place and checking air pressures.

For this event, I chose my new Blur XC, and my Superlight as a second bike. After that, I moved on to nutrition and gave those that were helping run our team support some info on what I would want. Pretty straight forward there: I ran on Hammer H.E.E.D., Sustained Energy and Hammer Gel, with the random “real” food item every so often. Once everyone on the team was set and bikes were ready, there was nothing left to do but check in at the timing station and take our places at the start.

Before we knew it, we were off and running - literally. 24 HOA gets the event going with a 1/4 mile run around the campground. Being a solo, this is nothing more then a jog while the team riders sprint for position to beat the traffic on the first climb.

I opted to pace with one of the riders of our women’s team for the first lap. I had raced this event last year, but Michelle had not. She was uncertain of the course and I thought it would be nice to have some company for lap. We made our way quickly through traffic until we reached the first downhill section, aptly titled “The Exfoliator” where we were separated. Soon after Michelle came on the radio saying she had crashed, but was ok. Luckily Kevin wasn’t too far back and stopped to get her back up and rolling.

I shifted into the middle ring and settled into my pace. My plan was to be a bit conservative in the early hours and not back down over night. Still, I felt like I was cruising. I thought many times of how I rode this course last year, and many times had to walk the climbs. This year was different. I was comfortably climbing everything, working though the tricky technical spots, and flowing through all the single track. In short, I was having a great time.

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“My plan was to be a bit conservative in the early hours and not back down over night.”

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It’s been said by someone that 24 hour racing is 50% mental, and staying positive is critical. I believe this was one of the reasons I was feeling good. Even though I was taking this race serious (it was one of my “A” races for the spring season), I made an effort to chat as I rode through the check points, or wave to those who cheered in the campgrounds, and even holler back at the party that always gathers on the final short technical descent. This group is at the race every year. They hang out and cheer for and heckle every rider long into the night. Their enthusiasm makes that one of the best portions of the course.

“Even though these events are supported financially by the teams, many times it’s the solos that make it special and are respected out on course.”

You find little things that have some sort entertainment during these races. At one point, I jumped on with a few team riders that were battling it out. As we rotated through a pace-line I found myself pulling them back into the campground and into the timing station. As one of the riders went to sprint past me to the finish of his lap, the other stopped him and pointed out that I was a solo rider, and that I had “earned it” ñ the right to lead them into the finish/timing station. It’s little moments like that that are really unique. Even though these events are supported financially by the team’s, many times its the solos that make it special and are respected out on course.

The miles went by through the day and into the evening. I had stopped at our pit station occasionally to change gear or grab a quick bite to eat. But overall, my plan was working. I was not stopping, my pace was good, and nutrition was doing what it was supposed to.

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Around 10 PM, the temperature started to drop. Having learned a lesson from last year, I knew that a damp and sweaty base layer is certain death. I pulled in and immediately changed clothing and put on a long sleeve base, long sleeve jersey, dry bibs and leg warmers, and my Hincapie jacket. I also grabbed my helmet that was set up with lights, mounted my bar light and was off again with a pop-tart in hand.

Temperature continued to drop from daytime highs of upper 50’s to the high 20’s. It was no longer cool - it was cold. Water left outside in our pit had started to freeze.

My bottles were now H.E.E.D. slurpees. Staying moving was critical. If I kept riding, I was comfortable, but any stop would bring on almost instant hypothermia and uncontrollable shivering. I felt great despite these conditions, and the number of riders on the course was beginning to thin out.

At 4:30 AM, I pulled into the timing station and did some investigating. I was sitting in 3rd at this point, and only 3 solos were still on course fighting out the cold. I had 3 laps on the rider in 4th, who last came though hours earlier. I decided that it was time for a break. I headed back to the pits, changed clothes, and sat down in the comfort of the RV for 1 hour. This gave me some time to eat and close my eyes for just a few minutes. At 5:50 AM, I was back on the bike and feeling great.

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Morning laps at Hurkey are beautiful. Riding through Johnson’s Meadow was nothing short of epic. The cold temperatures had left a layer of white frost on everything and the trees and bushed seemed to sparkle in the morning light.

As I came into the timing station, I was relieved to see that I was still sitting in 3rd. As long as I was logging in laps, I would not be caught by the rider in 4th - or anyone else for that matter.

By 11 am, It was mathematically impossible to catch 2nd place, or for me to be caught by any rider behind me. So, despite feeling pretty good and still having some gas in the tank, I decided to finish the race and officially log my last lap. I took my time and counted my last lap as a personal victory lap. I thanked the volunteers at the check points, and event stopped to to take a few photos along the way.

I was stoked - I had made the podium in one of the races that I had always wanted to do well in. Back at our campsites, we popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

Our women’s team had taken 6th against teams of all strong male riders, and Damon had rode his way up to 4th in the solo.

Solo Male Podium: Tim VanGilder 3rd, Taylor Lideen 1st, and Cryil Jay-Rayon 2nd.

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Trans Iowa V5, the fifth running of the ultra endurance cycling event run around on Iowa’s back roads, is over. The reports are coming in from the event’s participants, and in all I would have to say it was a grand success. The question that many outside the circle of “gravel culture” may have is, “Why?” Actually, that is a great question, and one that is still being answered.

Known to racers as “TI”, “The Trans-Iowa”, or as something that haunts their unconscious mind until they tame the beast, Trans Iowa has been something of a cult. It seems to be a passion that is hard to explain to others unless they have been bitten by the bug that infects the soul of any who dare to toe the line at the late spring event.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the running of T.I.V5 and perhaps you will see a hint of just what it is about this event that elicits such a passionate outflow of training effort, determination during the event, and praise of the event and fellow participants afterwards.

The technical hard data on this event barely scratches the surface of what takes place out there during a Trans Iowa, but it is important to realize what the challenge is that is faced by anyone that pulls up behind “The Dirty Blue Box” at

4am on Saturday morning. Trans Iowa V5 was a 314 mile long modified loop course run out of and back in to Williamsburg, Iowa. Along the way each rider had to navigate themselves using cue cards provided at the start and at each checkpoint for the following sector of the loop. No one knew where they were going until the evening before when they received the cues for the first 40 miles in to check point #1 at Washington, Iowa.

So, you show up for a 300 plus mile event, and you do not know the course, or exactly where you are going. It is discovered along the way. Faith or craziness?

The course must be completed within 34 hours and each checkpoint has time cutoffs. Riders often do not have time for anything other than a quick stop to refuel or exchange clothing layers. Checkpoints are at convenience stores, and convenience stores are on the route, but the riders must use their own judgment to resupply or not. No services are supplied by the race promoters.

The roads are mostly crushed limestone and are dotted with sections called “BMaintenance” roads that are usually nothing more than a dirt slot graded into Iowa’s rich soil. Hills and flats intermix to create a mosaic of pain that many riders find not only a great challenge, but a surprising and intoxicating mix.

“There are plenty of races out there anyone can finish, it is nice to have some out there like TI to keep posers like me in their place.”

-Jim McGuire, 5 time Trans Iowa participant.

The scene at the start.

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This year saw 52 participants take the rolling controlled start at 4am Saturday, May 2nd under starlit skies. The opening salvos of the event were rather flat or gently rolling hills. Iowa has a reputation for being somewhat of a flat state, but that notion would soon be laid to rest not long after Checkpoint #1 had been passed.

At about mile 65, the riders turned north at a town named North English where the big, incessant rollers started in earnest. The grade is steep, and one hill follows another with no respite. The roads were also interspersed with several of the infamous B Maintenance sectors that give one a feeling of remoteness and a hint of what our predecessors had to deal with in their Conestoga wagons 175 years ago. Although mud was at a minimum, the rutted, uneven surface of some of the B roads was difficult enough to force riders to walk the climbs.

Added to any Trans Iowa event is the wild card of weather. Sometimes the weather is such a factor that it precludes the possibility of any finishers at all, (Trans Iowa V2), or severely limits the amount of finishers and truncates the planned course (Trans Iowa V4). This year the weather was a benign factor for the most part with the exception of a stiff afternoon breeze on Saturday that happened to coincide with the riders traveling the part of the loop that caused this wind to be at their faces. The resulting mix of headwind, bright sunlight, hills, loose gravel, and B Maintenance roads was too much for a great part of the field. Only 25 riders would leave Checkpoint #2 due to others missing the time cut off, or DNF-ing before reaching it. The weather had its say in Trans Iowa V5, albeit in a subtle way.

“I honestly don’t know how many people could have finished this entire ride alone.

I’m pretty sure there’s no way I could have.”

- Ben Shockey, fixed gear rider. 11th overall.

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Matt Braun goes down on a B road.

Photo by: Corey “Cornbread” Godfrey

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Charlie Farrow trying to recover from severe digestion issues coming into Checkpoint #3.

Photo by: Paul Buchanan

“Bravo for creating, developing, and continually enhancing such a masterpiece that is the Trans-Iowa. I have been around cycling for 30 years and the Trans-Iowa is to my mind the most incredible citizen’s event in USA cycling” - Charlie Farrow, 6th place finisher of TI V5 Leaving Checkpoint #2 after 151 miles of the course was not an easy decision for some. Over half the course remained, and now it was going on into the dark of night on massive hills, B roads, and more gravel than you can imagine. For a few, the night time was a nightmare.

Some pulled the plug, some wretched and vomited, some pedaled in a zombielike haze to the beat of some voodoo playing in their minds. Whatever demons the racers dealt with, we can not totally fathom. However; the results of the pain and misery were evident upon the faces of the competitors as I observed them coming in to Checkpoint #3. Dave Pramann looked like he had aged ten years XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

in the space of 65 miles. Charlie Farrow, whose body shut down on him inbetween Checkpoint #2 and #3 limped in and hit the convenience store for much needed fluids and calories. Tim Ek was drenched in sweat and moving gingerly. It was plain that the pain cave had been visited somewhere along the way.

Now moving on into the depths of early Sunday morning, the final 15 riders left in the event forged on in whatever way that they could, relying on each others company to continue on in what would otherwise be a futile attempt to finish the last leg of Trans Iowa V5.

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Matt Gersib basks in the glow of TI V5.

Photo by: Guitar Ted

“I’m still a bit unglued mentally from it, actually... but in a good way.”

-Matt Gersib, 8th overall, TI V5

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Photo by: Guitar Ted

The final leg was done by the first three finishers in just under 25 hours. Which was an incredible feat considering the toughness of this particular course. Joe Meiser took the finish line first with Dave Pramann and Tim Ek having made a gentleman’s agreement on the road to tie for 2nd out of respect for their helping each other along the way, both physically by drafting and mentally by just being there.

even has gotten into me, as a promoter/organizer. I can’t tell you how many times I have sworn off ever doing another Trans Iowa event, but somehow the “itch” comes back, and I am not satisfied until I have scratched it. Not just a little bit either, but maybe until it is bleeding. I think that the 15 finishers of Trans Iowa V5 would agree, and that many of the folks that fell short of the challenge would not only agree, but say, “Hell yeah!” Let’s do this again!

Trans Iowa is a bit unique in its own way when you think about how it breaks a person down. The obvious thing is the physical part. The brutality of 300 plus miles of Iowa back roads is not to be taken lightly. However; the mental and emotional part is even more shocking, really. Grown men crying as they sit on the ground at the finish line. Freely given and accepted hugs, handshakes, and words flow amongst competitors and promoters alike. Alliances made upon the road become life-long friendships. It is hard not to feel it well up inside of me even now as I type out this story. Trans Iowa is like that. It gets into you, it breaks you down in my opinion.

I think maybe it is all summed up in this quote from Ben Shockey: “…thanks doesn’t seem to cut it but it’s all I’ve got right now. You allow us...encourage us to chase a dream no matter how crazy it may seem to others”.

So, what is it that gets into you and why? How can it really be explained to those that have not taken on such a challenge? I am sure this bit of writing falls very short of the mark in regards to answering those questions. I just know that it

Even though T.I.V5 has just been completed, a T.I.V6 is already in the works.

Look for updates on this event at www.transiowa.blogspot.com

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That is what motivates me and keeps myself and David Pals doing this year after year. It is why folks come back and do this event year after year, and why new folks come to throw down what they’ve got in the face of this huge challenge that we craft for them. It isn’t for everyone, but it is definitely a life changing experience that all of us involved with Trans Iowa can attest to.

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Photo by: Joe Meiser

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The pre-race meeting and “words of wisdom” from Guitar Ted.

It is inevitable, every time it comes up that I am planning to ride in the Trans Iowa I am asked; “How do you train for that?” The short answer is this, “I ride my bicycle,” “a lot”. I’ve never put together a structured training plan for the Trans Iowa. My training for Trans Iowa includes commuting through a Minnesota winter, pushing through the sub-zero temperatures and then putting in long hours and higher intensity when early spring arrives in March and April. With the race being 2 weeks later this year I had the opportunity to use The Ragnarok, another great gravel event, as a training race to gauge where my fitness was at for Trans Iowa.

TIV5 was my 3rd attempt and second finish at the famed Trans Iowa put on by the dynamic duo of Guitar Ted and David Pals. These fine gentlemen spend 100’s of hours planning, route finding, driving, stuffing bags, and coordinating volunteers to put on a legendary event. When I think about the Trans Iowa I imagine a cyclist 100 years from now pouring over routes, photos, and cue sheets. Talking about the nature of the event, the intensity of the routes, and the tenacity of the competitors.

I hadn’t been thinking about the race until the week leading up to the prior, so when the week started so did my focused planning of figuring out gear, clothing, and nutrition. My bike had to be prepped and my bags packed. With a busy week this all happened Thursday night before the event. I wasn’t too worried as I’d danced before and new the steps needed to be prepared and get me through. Experience can be both a blessing and a curse. I was humbled by last year’s mistakes that put me out of the race and wanted to prove I could finish again.

“We then decided on finding dinner prior to the pre-race meeting. Our options were pizza, or the bar. We chose the bar based on the New Belgium on tap.”

Williamsburg, Iowa was home base to this year’s race, a quaint small town with not a whole lot going on the surface. My friend Charles Parsons and I arrived mid-afternoon, got checked into the hotel, and met up with family and friends.

We then decided on finding dinner prior to the pre-race meeting. Our options were pizza, or the bar. We chose the bar based on the New Belgium on tap.

After beers, fried chicken, and French fries we hurried to the pre-race meeting arriving a few minutes late.

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Photo by: Corey “Cornbread” Godfrey

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Race packets and words of wisdom from the promoters in tow it was time to get as much rest as possible. The bike was prepped, gear and nutrition was packed, and clothing was laid out. I climbed into bed just before 9PM for what would be a short night’s sleep. A 2AM wakeup was unexpected and left me inside my head for 30 minutes in a silent dark room so as not to wake my brother who also rode. There I laid, half-awake, dreaming of possible race scenarios until the alarm went off at 2:30. Breakfast of coffee and granola was comforting in the early morning. It helped ease me out of bed, into my cold freshly creamed chamois and onto my bike for a ride to the start line.

I can’t think of any other races that start, or have finished in cemeteries. It seems the promoters have a penchant for irony, or at least the depths of physical and mental pain that Trans Iowa can put a rider through. This years start line was calm and jovial. With temps in the mid-40’s we were cracking jokes and making introductions up until the pre-start meeting. Guitar Ted and David Pals packed into the official pace car of Trans Iowa, an early 90’s Honda Civic Wagon, otherwise known as the Dirty Blue Box and the race began.

The race started out comfortably. We rolled out nice and easy following GT until he pulled off the front and the race was on. The group immediately began to splinter as the pace ramped up to a roughly 17+ mph average for the first 40 miles. A group of 20+ riders formed the lead group. The list included the usual suspects, nearly all the Lincolnites, The Madison Contingent, da Minnesotans, and several others whom I have yet to be formally introduced.

We reached the 1st checkpoint 40 miles in unscathed. We had ridden through several pig farms and watched an incredible sunrise as we headed southeast.

Charlie Farrow was second into the checkpoint. He quickly grabbed his cue sheets and scrambled back onto the road. I chased him and several others including Gorilla, Parsons, Tri, Vargas chased and caught us. Like many others we got lost headed out of town, but quickly regained direction.

Once out on the open road and on route the lead group started working together. Some say that Charlie Farrow and myself began to attack off the front.

I was surprised and disappointed that the group had splintered. As we gapped the field, Charlie inquired of my comfort level with our pace and I inquired the same with him. It was agreed that we were both very comfortable and decided we would go on and work together. An agreement was made to roll off the front when you no longer wanted to pull. This would keep the other rider from worrying about having to pull through.

Charlie and I stopped for a refuel in North English. It was here that Dave XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

Pramann, Tim Ek, and Corey Godfrey caught us, but. we had already refueled.

They came in like a storm, Ek Saying “Let’s go, Let’s go”. I hurried to get my pack on and get on the bike. All but, Godfrey rolled out of North English in a hurry leaving him behind to fend for himself. I felt bad, but not bad enough to stop. Godfrey was Ek and Pramann’s responsibility if anyone’s. A race is a race.

GT has written that he asked me about a downed tree here. I don’t remember the conversation, or a tree. This is an indicator of the state of mind I was in during the race. Post race, two weeks later my brother and I were talking about our experiences at the event. It was only then that we realized that the “tree” I had mentioned was actually Charly Tri. Who had destroyed his derailleur on a minimum maintenance road.

The “Iron Men of Minnesota” settled into a brisk pace together. Charlie and Dave were riding especially strong. Dave is incredibly smooth and powerful on a bike. Charlie is aggressive. I’d ridden with both of them at last year’s Almanzo and new that this would be the winning group. Their experience, strength, and wisdom are intimidating. Tim Ek was struggling, but riding strong. He had closed the gap on the chase group after flatting early in the event, prior to checkpoint 1. When he and Dave caught Charlie and I, Tim had been chasing for 80 miles.

“...gas station fodder can be misleading and dangerous...”

Mid-day as the sun was high and temps were warmer I was struggling physically and mentally. My legs felt strong, but my stomach, head, and shoulders were weak. My stomach was churning. I’d later find out it was the pre-race fried chicken and french fries. I had a slight headache from the constant wind, sun, and heat. My shoulders ached from miles of fighting the headwinds. I hoped my body and mind would hold out for a finish at this point. Surveying the competition I thought Charlie and Dave would be crossing the line together.

This would be my lowest point during the race.

The “IMOM” reached the second checkpoint at mid-day 2:30-3:00 (ish). We took a long rest, filling bottles, eating solid food, reapplying chamois cream, etc...

Jason Novak rolled in solo. The 5th Minnesotan had battled the afternoon’s headwind to mile 150 mostly solo. After an ample break at the gas station the “IMOM” headed for the hills.

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Just short of 200 the tenacious Charlie Farrow fell from the lead group. He had apparently been battling stomach problems from consumables at checkpoint 2.

Not surprising, gas station fodder can be misleading and dangerous. Tim attempted to reattach him to the group with no success while Dave and I soft pedaled to wait for them.

I remember what it felt like to break the 200 mile barrier in TIv3. It was an overwhelming feeling, or I was exhausted. Either way, I knew that if I made it to 200 I would finish the race. I won’t say it’s easy after 200, but there is a certain euphoria that comes at this point.

At this point Dave, Tim, and I had the wind at our backs and 20 miles to checkpoint #3, the final checkpoint.

We were in beautiful country and the sun was low in the western sky. As we headed north, uphill, and past horse farms I noted how absolutely beautiful it was. Dave, described it perfectly saying “What a bucolic setting”.

We reached Traer, Iowa; Checkpoint 3 at dusk after riding blazingly fast Ridge Road. Checkpoint 3 looked familiar and then it came to me. I had met Chris Plesko here during TIv3.

He was nursing a flat tire mid-day and munching some pizza as Brian Dukek and I rolled in that year. Tim, Dave, Meiser, Pramann, and Ek ready to leave and I were happy for another long Checkpoint #3 for the finish. break, it had been 70 miles since checkpoint 2, the sun was getting low, the miles in the saddle were wearing on us, and we were hungry. I went straight for the sausage pizza, a 12oz. Coke, and a 2-pack of Reese’s Cups along with 4 bottles of water.

With the Pizza, Coke, Reese’s, and a Swiss Cake Roll I had carried from checkpoint 2 gone I prepared for the last 96 miles of the race. I filled my bag and water bottles adding the last of my nutrition mix to the bottles and handing off excess food and water for the next racers through. I wouldn’t need them. I then attended to my shorts applying cold chamois cream for the last time.

Finally, I suited up for night knowing that I wouldn’t want to stop to put on clothes.

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After comments from the volunteers that we were flying and a few fingers pointed my way by my comrades I thought it fitting to suggest we soft pedal the first 20 of the last 96 miles. Tim & Dave both agreed and we were on our way in the final minutes of daylight.

I don’t remember the first 40 of the final 96 and the last 60 weren’t my finest hour(s). Somewhere around 11:30 we rode by a farmer mowing his lawn. I thought “that’s crazy” and then realized the irony in that statement. I was getting tired. Tim was getting stronger. Dave seemed to be unwavering in his strength.

As we bumped along Ridge Road again I was having trouble focusing, staying awake, and losing motivation. I needed something for inspiration. I considered Photo by Paul Buchanan singing, eating more Clif Bloks, and finally settled upon a goal of being the first finisher under 24 hours. Tim, Dave, and I were 60 miles out at this point and had over 4 hours to break the sub-24 barrier. I asked if they were interested in setting the goal. I’m not sure what there response was, but in my mind it was “Yes, absolutely!” So, I set the pace.

We were making good time and cruising briskly as Guitar Ted and Dave Pals passed us shortly after the goal was set. I was looking forward to that next left turn, off Ridge Road, hopefully onto something smoother. Then it happened.

Tim made the suggestion that we form what Dave has coined “The Devils Pact”.

That is, decide the race here and ride in together. I was prepared for a finish line battle I hadn’t even considered this scenario. I had actually been agonizing over my plot for the breakaway. Would I break early and ride in solo, or wait until the home stretch to jump, risking a 2nd or 3rd place in a sprint finish. Here was Tim and Dave offering me the win and negotiating 2nd. I didn’t know what to say. I know I didn’t say much, but believe me I was greateful. I was at a loss for words. It didn’t start to sink in until Tim said “Joe, how does it feel to win TransIowa?”

With a pact made we set a comfortable pace for the last 60 miles. We were on track for the sub-24 finish, sitting up and talking, enjoying an incredible night with a bright moon.

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Photo by: Guitar Ted

“The final meters were a blur as were the first few minutes at the finish. There were handshakes, hugs, some near crying, and the incredible feeling of having won the Trans Iowa.” the bag. I gave up reading at this point, trusting Tim to get us in. Mentally, I was a wreck, physically my body still felt strong.

As we approached the final 10 miles Tim came alive igniting what little energy was left in the group. The lights of the Williamsburg outlet malls came into view as did the faint glow of the Motel 8. Cheeseburgers were discussed, the finish line was near, our success at finishing was celebrated, and our plans for crossing the finish line were arranged.

Guitar Ted and Dave Pals picked a perfect road for a glorious finish. B-Road PP was an absolute mess. Muddy as the pig’s pen we’d seen earlier in the race and rutted badly. We would have to pick our way through the mud towards the final 100 meters with a small group of congratulatory spectators cheering us with yells and cowbells as our headlights came into sight. The final meters were a blur as were the first few minutes at the finish. There were handshakes, hugs, some near crying, and the incredible feeling of having won the TransIowa.

As the final miles deteriorated on the odometer so did I. First to go was my ability to hold a straight line. As I read the cue sheets I started drifting towards the ditches. Fortunately Dave and Tim were there to call it out along with the soft apron on the dirt roads. Next to go was my navigational ability. A gross error was made and we missed the right onto 16th avenue. adding significant mileage and eliminating our chances at that sub-24hr finish. I even broke down and called Guitar Ted at this point asking in my most polite 3am voice “Could we get some clarification on the cue sheets here”. Here’s a side note. Never upset a race promoter, don’t be an ungrateful ass, get invited back. Tim became our eyes at this point, taking over navigation from here on in. I might still be in Iowa if not for Tim, Thank You! Finally to go was my eyesight. I stopped being able to read altogether I’d look down at the cue sheets and just see the glare on XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

I figured we’d come in to a quiet checkpoint and be congratulated by GT and DP. It was great to have so many faces greeting us at the finish especially my brother Mike and John Gorilla. Thank you guys for being there to literally pick me up and dust me off. Next year I hope you’ll both be crossing that line, with me in front of you, of course.

Before getting to chilled I was whisked to the hotel by my “team managers” towards a hot shower. I slowly found my gear tub and picked through it looking for clean warm clothing and the coffee I had stashed at 3am Saturday morning.

I hobbled into the bathroom and loaded the coffee maker, slowly stripped the encrusted clothing I was wearing and began to assess the physical damage as I took a long hot shower. I was sun burned, wind chapped, chafed, and sore all over.

People are starting to ask me if I’ll be on the line next year and oddly enough with each recovering day my answer trends closer to... Maybe.

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Photo by Tim Mullin.

It only takes one race to become an endurance racer. Maybe it was a Solo 12 or 24 hour race? Maybe it was a 50 or 100 mile race? It doesn’t matter. The moment you take your place on the start line you enter the world of endurance racing. You may want to try to UN do it. You can’t. You’re in. You’re done.

Innocence lost. Welcome.

Like many other “first times” in life, it probably didn’t go as you imagined. It surely hurt and no doubt you made some mistakes. Yet through the pain, embarrassing moments, tears, and telling yourself that “this is just wrong!”, you find yourself wanting to do it again. Monday morning you head back to work, sore and hobbled, but with a smug satisfaction of having just spent a weekend pushing yourself physically and mentally in a way that in all likelihood 99.9% of your coworkers did not. You sit down at your desk, try to find a position that doesn’t irritate your saddle sores, turn on your computer and eagerly head to Bikereg or Ride424 to find the next event. “The next time will be easier” you say as you type in the last digits of your credit card, “surely it gets easier... right?”.

A month or so ago I raced Solo at the Leesburg Bakers Dozen. Over the years I’ve lost track of the number of Solo events I’ve done, but I never tire of pushing myself and watching others do the same. This year I shared my pit with my friend Brad. I’m not gonna lie, I took some perverse pleasure in watching Brad take on his first Solo. It was fun to watch him push himself beyond the pain of a 2 hour XC race, to see him ride through the suffering and put in a solid 15 laps of racing. But the best part of all was not more than a few hours after the race when we sat in our hotel room talking about what races we were going to do next. Well done Brad. See you at the Mohican 100.

Do you remember the first time?

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Photos by: Ben Thompson

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The Keg Ride 2009 Bikes & Beer in

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The Streets of Pittsburgh.

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By Jason Mahokey

On May 15th 500 people showed up in Pittsburgh to join in East End Brewing’s 2009 Keg Ride. The crowd of two wheeled beer lovers followed 3 bike pulled half barrels of East End Pedal Pale to the OTB (Over The Bar) Bicycle Cafe on Pittsburgh’s south side. Not sure if the 7 mile journey qualifies as an endurance event, although I’d have to think the folks who were pulling on those barrels would beg to differ, but it sure looked like fun!

Check out eastendbrewing.com for more on the Keg Ride and on their fine craft brewed beers.

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A little while back my friend and Pro Bikes teammate Aaron was thinking out loud about mountain bike racing on his blog. He wrote some words that stuck with me and I’d like to share...

“The great thing about mountain biking, as with cross, is that your result in every race is limited purely by your own ability to push yourself. There isn’t any of that trying to make a break at the wrong time, or chasing down a break without any help, only to have other guys blow past you in the sprint. There is just you, and your willingness to push yourself. There is a little of knowing when to go hard versus when to rest, which is something I’m still learning, but that comes with time.”

-Aaron Shelmire

Nice words Aaron, and very true. I find that with each mile I ride I learn a little more about our sport and myself.

Sadly with each passing season I also forget a little more.

Of course, maybe it’s the “forgetting” that keeps me coming back?

Thanks so much for reading. Stay tuned in the coming months for issue #3 of XXC. Good luck at the races or on your next epic adventure.

Jason Mahokey XXC Magazine

Photo: Ben Welnak XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO

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