With Round 4 of the CCCX race series in the books, I think everyone that raced will probably agree that this was a tough event! Keith laid out a similarly high speed course to last week, but this week, a few diabolical hills were added into the mix to provide just enough additional pain to make things really interesting! The course, combined with conditions that gave way to a strong dose of sunshine…and dare I say “heat” made for a challenging event that tested the riders resolve, strategy and ability to manage all aspects of a cross country race. It was a tough cookie…good thing I really like cookies 🙂

The Salinas Cowboy’s were out in force and looking especially stylish in their newly designed 2016 race kits. I personally think they look pretty classy and appealing. Not only can she coach, but Bri knows her way around a graphics file too! Nice work honey!

Despite morning fog, I felt things warming up on my pre-ride and made a last minute decision to change race attire to my trusty Cupertino Bike Shop sleevless/womens jersey/gunshow look. Tan lines be dammed, I’m a function over style type of racer…except when it comes to my IBIS Tranny 29er – that bike has got it all going on – pure speed, comfort, style AND the option of SS for real men!

If you don’t know KC Fontes, then you should definitely learn about the incredible feats he is capable of. KC always has a great attitude, cheers loud for his friends, and puts in an amount of effort, fight and battle that I will always appreciate, yet could never comprehend. He is a true inspiration. He raced the morning race and stuck around to support the rest of the Cowboy’s all afternoon. Class act.

Another shot of some fast high schoolers – many of whom landed on the podium and are making their presence known as things get serious for the HS mountain bike season. Not only do the kids make the event WAY MORE FUN and competitive, they also bring some seriously DEEELICIOUS tacos to the race when Palma Chef extraordinaire, George Garibay pulls out all of the stops to raise money for the team by offering the best tacos you have ever had! YUMMY!

If you see Nick and he isn’t smiling then check his pulse because something is wrong! Another example of the great people involved in HS mountain bike racing. These kids are some of the best I have ever met. This is probably a reflection of the entire family’s involvement as Nick’s parents are always helpful and willing to lend a hand to anyone who needs it in the pits – as I have first hand experience with!

Dillon has logged a handful of races upon his trusty IBIS Tranny 29er, and while he is using the XC events to build some fitness, he is really just biding his time for the California Enduro Series (CES) where he will focus his talents on the more technically demanding terrain and conditions of Enduro Racing aboard his IBIS Ripley LS.

Without my partner in crime and CES teammate, Micah, to crack the whip, I had to self-motivate myself today and in doing so, I slipped pretty deep into the pain cave. A consistent CCCX fixture, Josh Walker kept my honest for several laps and then I spent a good bit of time riding with another popular NorCal racer in Kevin Smallman and had an absolute blast with him! We were riding through single track completely tapped out, taking corners way too fast and basically having fun racing bikes! In the end, a few lappers divided us up just a little bit and I figured I could simply soft pedal to the finish line. Well, when I came around the last corner there was another rider between myself and the checkered flag which only means one thing to a racer – “I must pass him”. The ensuing sprint for no fame, glamour or prize money took the last little bit of reserve I had in the tank. Finish empty. Racing bikes is RAD!

Trail Head Cyclery / Specialized Alex Wild, once again, proved his pedal bike prowess – this time leaving no doubt about his resolve and ability to dig deep…look closely and you can see the saddle is missing from his race winning machine! He rode most of the race without a saddle and still was able to hammer out another “W”. Wow. Talk about perseverance! Jett put in another solid ride and Quadzilla’s Alex Kramer made a return after take a few weeks off to land yet, another solid pro podium. Among a sea of young up-and-comers, Alex is proving age is just a number and his 40th birthday doesn’t seem to be slowing him down at all! What a stud!

Micah left the top step of the podium vacant today as he decided to hit up the CCCX road race this weekend for a change of pace. I figured it would be a shame to let it sit lonely when one of the “2 old men and a kid” teammates was in the field and ready to fill in. It hurt, but it was worth it.

A post race cool down ride with Dillon, Alex and the infamous Chris Burnham was just the thing I needed to remind me that riding bikes makes my legs tired and my body whine out in discomfort. Chris said “this is the best time to ride with you guys” having little sympathy…That’s why we love him!

Until the next adventure, keep having fun and loving what you do!

Another exciting weekend of racing #XCRacingBro has come and gone with the local CCCX Series hosting their 3rd round on a track that has probably not been run in over five years! With access to some of the “old school trails” that this series hasn’t used in a number of years, the last two events have featured courses that offer a great change of pace from what we have been racing over the last few seasons. This course in particular was HIGH SPEED! The moment Rod blew the start whistle, the pack rocketed up the familiar pavement start stretch and the race was on….the pace seemed to be #FullGaaazzz for the next hour and half! The high speed configuration combined with fun, flowing, single track, made for a ton of excitement…and in my case a bit of dehydration as I was so focused on, “pedal, turn, pedal, don’t crash, pedal, turn, pedal, pedal”, that I barely had time to drink from my bottle! This is what racing is all about – big time FUN!

Before the start Bri can always be seen wearing her pre-race smile and repping her awesome sponsors! With her trusty Marin CXR #Raawr and a course that suited her well, it was sure to be a good day! Unfortunately, a tire malfunction meant that she spent too much time in the pits instead of at race pace on the course. Seems like her mechanic needs to go back to MMI…

Nicky D is usually only this enthusiastic about the start of an Enduro! But, in anticipation of the California Enduro Series getting under way in a few short months, it means strapping on the lycra and busting out a different kind of “laps” than the gravity guys normally like to pound out!

The coolest thing about bike races are the friends and camaraderie that you experience! Our moto buddy Joe didn’t have his KTM250 today, but instead rolled over on his sweet looking IBIS Mojo to check things out and say hello. He knows a thing or two about racing too, as his motorcycle club, the Salinas Ramblers just hosted a hugely popular cross country motorcycle race last weekend – The Picacho Creek Challenge was my absolute favorite event back in the twist-grip racing days!

Dillon and Nicky D discuss the pro’s and con’s of going #FullLycraBro…

Warming up with Bri and Dillon on our top secret test loop! Not really, the trails around the race venue are easily found, super fun and offer many great options to warm the legs up with.

Your winner on the day! Jett Chandler may be young, but his prowess aboard a bicycle is known far and wide…and often feared! Switching from his trusty Felt hardtail, to a full suspension set up this year doesn’t seem to have done anything except continue to produce excellent race results! Congrats on a great day Jett!

Post race story time makes the racing seem TWICE as exciting! On the left, Peninsula Bike Works, Micah Mozal and on the right Dustin and his son listen in to what “really” happened from a key eye-witness.

“Mrs. Fitzy” not only came out and raced, but she sprinted to the finish line for a well earned post race beverage! #Motivation. It’s what keeps the pedals turning!

It’s hard to picture much better representation at the race than the Fitzy Family…no wonder they ride for Family Cycling Center! We love racing with them!

Bri coming to the line after a somewhat frustrating day. #NeverGiveUp is a requirement of any successful racer and I am proud of how she persevered through the adversity of the day to still put in a strong ride!

My finish line face isn’t nearly as pleasing as Bri’s…This is the look of #IsItOverYet ?

Did we mention how rad it is racing with your friends? Seriously, we go to these big social events where there are a bunch of people dressed in lycra, hanging out and having fun. The race is just an ancillary benefit!

Bri’s podium with Rock Lobster’s Campbell Steers taking the win over IBIS supported Lili Heim. I definitely like the new blue and orange Marin/Rabobank jerseys – looking good!

Racing with Micah is always a treat! But, as good as his bike skills are, his photoshop talent is equally impressive…

Maybe the best podium shot EVER? What do they say – Boys who race together stay together? I’m not sure exactly, but I almost pee’d my pants laughing when he sent this pic over…Too funny!

With another great day of racing in the books, none of this would be possible without all of the support of the companies that help us all out. For me, Cupertino Bike Shop has been there for a loooong time…and while my IBIS Tranny 29er is new to me, I sure love the feeling this hardtail offers on the race course or just cruising around the trails – so comfortable and fun!

And sheeesh…one more thing
WILL YOU PLEASE CUT THAT FORK DOWN TUBE DOWN ALREADY…? I don’t know which is better… the “extended Garmin mount fork tube” or the incredible hand holding podium picture! Be sure to be at the next race this Saturday, where there will likely be more new race trails and more good times that you will definitely want to be a part of! Thanks for a great race Keith!

For tough-souls, the popular Central Coast Cross Country Series (CCCX) started under ominous conditions last weekend during one of our much needed El Nino winter storms! With the onslaught of “real winter” forcing many riders to adapt to the unfamiliar conditions, Bri and I decided to delay our race debut until this weekend for a variety of reasons – and no punches pulled, the weather was definitely a factor! However this weekend, racers were welcomed by a true blue-bird day with conditions that make this area one of the best places to live anywhere!

I was especially excited about the event and rolling out some hot new wheels in the form of an IBIS Tranny 29er hard-tail. It’s been a while since I raced a hard tail and I was a bit nervous with the move, but this bike has sparked a solid start to our relationship with it’s nimble – actually FUN geometry and responsiveness. I am looking forward to logging many more miles on this sucker!

In contrast to last weekend where I picture dark skies, rain clouds and heaps of mud, today offered racers an incredible day of racing to prepare for! We parked by the Scotts Valley Cycle Sport tribe and talked about dirt bike racing. It was RAD!

Bri was doing work! She absolutely loves her 650b Marin Team CXR! The smaller wheels make for a quick and responsive machine that is very capable of roosting XC courses to bits and pieces!

Is this a great day to race bikes or what!?!?!?!?!?

Dillon is ALWAYS SUPER PUMPED TO BE ON HIS BIKE!!! Especially, after racing a brutal XC race. I wonder what the IBIS Team Rider is thinking… “Just wait until Enduro season starts! I love my Tranny, but I can’t wait to get on my Ripley LS!”

Stephanie was ripping up the course on her way to a solid 2nd place finish! I followed her through the “flat berms trails” and she was slicing the corners like a real pro! Not only can she ride, but she is an amazing baker and I *might* have overly indulged in the delicious cake she brought to the race! YUM!

Micah and Kimberly are such a cute couple! The man stomping out podium power on his way to a strong first place finish today is also a long-time cycling fixture on the central coast and has something special in Peninsula Bike Works – check them out! Yes, that bike is as FAST as it looks – well with Micah at the helm that is 🙂

Wow, did we ever have an incredible cheering section today! The Spoke Crew was in full force, with one racer and the rest taking spectating duties to an all new level! I was compelled to make sure I wasn’t dragging butt too much when approaching their cheer zone each lap. Thanks for the yells guys!

There is A LOT of speed in this picture! DC10’s Jett Chandler and some very speedy Salinas HS Cowboys represented by Noah and Ryland – all of these guys were flying along the trails in a train of speed that landed them all on their respective podiums, Wow great work guys!!!

The camaraderie of bike racing is second to none! Good friends and good times!

Your race winner for the 2nd week in a row – Alex Wild riding for Specialized and Trail Head Cyclery. Last week an Epic, this week a hard tail Stumpjumper, we will call him Mr. Versatility!

Michelin is making a strong push in cycling and these XC tires are seriously good! The Wild Race’R Advanced Ultimate is designed for super fast XC racing. I ran a 2.1 in the rear and a 2.25 in the front for an incredibly light and speed seeking set up.

This is a shot of the Michelin Wild Race’R Advanced Ultimate 2.25 mounted up front in 2.25.

And that’s a wrap for this week! I love this podium shot of Bri and her 2nd place Pro finish! Marin Bikes – Raawr!