Checking in from Bloomer Park

Well this well over due. I guess better later then never... right? Well to start with I've made a huge transition in my life going from pretty much a bike bum to... well a guy with a job, but I'll still be the bike bum. It's part of the contract Bo and I figured out. The other transition is moving back to Northern Michigan from my adapted home of Durango Colorado for the last 8 year. It's not a bad move at least, but ask me that again in February and I might tell you differently.

What being a bike racer is all about..... Windshield time.

Last weekend I headed down to Bloomer Park in Rochester Hills for my first true Michigan mtb race in years (excluding the Iceman.) To compare this course to something you all would know... it would have to be a very buffed out Avalanche. Very tight and twisty fast flowing single track goodness served up in a buttery smooth fashion. In other words a real hoot to ride! Not only that I got to hang with the longest standing NCCS racer guy Captain Todd Freidinger, which is always a good time, plus I haven't seen him in 2 years or so. We got in a nice pre-ride before hitting up probably the best pre-race restaurant ever... The Olive Garden of course. Never ending pasta dishes and salads will leave you fueled for the race! That was my plug for The OG, so if anyone from management is reading this you can send me a check with the address below. The race went well for the team. I ended up taking the W! Which was my very first in Michigan, I've had a few 2nds back in 2003 or 04, but never made it to the top step of the podium. Captain Freidinger had a solid race coming in 4th in the expert class. Made even better by discovering (post race) his front wheel wouldn't even spin a full revolution. Probably why he felt the lack of pop out of the corners?

Todd getting it done out there. With some extra drag!

This weekend (being tomorrow) the team will be racing at Hansen Hills just down the road in Grayling. I'm pretty sure that the whole team will be on hand to dominate. We'll be sure to get an update up here in a little more of a timely fashion.

Catchen up with old friends.

Thanks for reading,

Chad

Mud, Sweat, and Beers

Overall I would say I had a good day. I felt pretty good during the race but there were a few critical moments when I wasn't in the right spot and just didn't have the power to close down the gaps. However, I did win the holeshot and found myself off the front for the first 3/4 of a mile. Probably wasn't the best idea but there were a couple muddy, tricky, corners that I didn't want to follow the roadies through.

The guys that beat me were all good cross racers or Cat 1/2 roadies. I recognized most of their names from previous road/cross race results. It was a perfect course and race for their type of fitness. It was 98% wide open two track with rolling hills. The guy that won

was on a cross bike. Basically it was much of the Iceman course backward. I should have run the bike rigid. I had my fork locked out almost the whole race and even when I used the suspension I didn't need it. It was one of those rare races where other guys were noticeably slower on the descents and corners but I could never capitalize because they had so much power on flats and hills.

The venue was awesome! They had a great start/finish area complete with a huge beer/food tent and good music. The had a great announcer and a big turn out for a first time event. There was even a fly-by from a Coast Guard helicopter. They really did an incredible job for a first time race. It sounded like everyone had a great time, spectators and racer

s alike. There were all different ages and levels of racers there.

Overall, I am happy with my fitness. I think I am improving and should be in good shape for Avalance and Superior Bike Fest.