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Central Coast XC #1

February 2, 2015 by [email protected] In Musings

Is XC racing EnduroBro? Hmm, let’s see…

100mm bikes instead of 150mm bikes. Nope.
Glasses instead of goggles. Nope.
Lycra instead of baggies. Nope. Wait! Baggies! YES! There is common ground…if only for a very few riders!

Not only that, but even though the bikes are different, you can still lay down a pretty sweet skid on an XC bike! And skidding IS very fun and very EnduroBro! Ok, now that we have established that basically riding bikes in general is super fun we can move on.

Apparently, there was some other big event happening today where people try to score points on a big grassy field with some type of small pig? But, that doesn’t sound EnduroBro at all. In fact, I am pretty sure that there are no bikes, goggles or even baggie shorts! OH THE HORROR! Fortunately, nobody told all these people and the sign up lines for Keith’s extremely popular Central Coast Cross Country Series may have been the longest that I have ever seen! In fact, they run a pretty tight ship and I heard the lines were sooo long for the morning race that they had to start late to accomodate the onslaught of riders. How cool is that? Getting people on bikes. Seriously, that is so EnduroBro that I can’t even stand it!

With this being the racing Debut of Bri’s Marin CXR Hardtail, she was really excited and amped up to have some fun…and probably do a few sweet skids, too!

Bri and Ron Riley at the start line!

With such a strong turn out, there were a ton of great racers and a ton of people on course. Fortunately, passing opportunities are pretty good and most everyone makes an effort to cooperate on the course. The course itself had a few new sections that were really fun, too! At one point I was on auto pilot just riding along where I expected to go straight and I almost missed a new, sharp right hand corner under some Eucalyptus trees, phew that was close!

Beyond that, I mostly rode by myself until the last lap when I realized that the very talented, and owner of Peninsula Bike Works – Micah Mozal was up ahead…and I was pretty sure he was in my class. Ugh. I respect Micah and having raced him a bit in the past, consider him a fierce competitor. The last bit of the race was a slug-fest and we both were going all out knowing that the spoils of victory complete with a massive purse, Italian super-models and endorsement contracts awaited!

Or maybe not.

But, we both wanted to win. It came down to just about the last corner where Micah gave her everything and I was almost certain we would both go down, but fortunately, we are both decent bike handlers and were able to EnduroBro our way through to the finish in what I would say was a barn burner. Wow!

In Bri’s recap of the days events, she was most excited to see SO MANY girls who came out to race their bikes! Seriously, the ladies turnout was very strong and the quality of racing set forth by these serious competitors was second to none. From all accounts, the strong turnout resulted in some serious racing! None of it would have been as fun if it hadn’t been for the awesome cheering sections full of cheerleaders. Jeff Shen definitely won the award for being in the most places on the course! Apparently, Juliana Bicycles wanted to have a strong showing with Andrea Turner, Abigail Hippely, and eventual winner(!), Amanda Schaper who drove a hard pace from the start. Bri latched onto the wheel of good friend Ann Fitzsimmons and the two girls worked their way forward from the start. In the end, Bri had a great race that came down to a fun battle with good friend Tracy Gaucher who was riding in loving memory of her grandmother on her way to victory. No doubt, gramma was smiling down from above. In the end, Bri ended up 2nd on the pro podium and was stoked on a great day!

The Chandler Family is a staple at these events! They are always quick to lend a hand and the quick riding of their son Jett landed him a very impressive finish in the Pro class! Way to go Doug Chandler Performance team!

Post race bench racing is almost as good as the race itself! The Buy-Cell/IBIS guys are clearly winning right now!

With the stacked fields, the racing was tight at the pointy end of the group, but these girls and guys proved to be the sharpest today! You can check the full results here.

Pro Female Podium…looks like the spoils of victory are pretty fun up there!

Pro Men Podium:

While Soren wasn’t on the Pro Podium above, The Bear Development / Trek rider did manage 2nd overall, just a few seconds off of the Santa Cruz Bikes / Fox Shox backed winner, Scott Chapin.

And since I took the time to contemplate writing this post, I can’t thank the best bike shop in the Bay Area, Cupertino Bike Shop, Fox Racing Shox, Dumonde Tech, Fox Head and everyone listed on the sponsor page enough for all of their help and support!

Overall it was a great day for some good times and sweet skids! See you next time!

Obligatory A1 2015 SX Season Post!

January 3, 2015 by [email protected] In Musings

ARE YOU READY FOR SUPERCROSS!!?!??!!

Dirt Bikes are SO ENDURO BRO! Heck, where do you think wearing goggles came from?

With the culmination of…

hundreds, if not thousands, of practice laps

hundreds, if not thousands of miles on the road bikes

hundreds, if not thousands of aches and pains overcome in the quest of a #1 plate

Tonight it will all unfold and two things are for sure:

There will be a new champion.

How long has it been since we could say that? 4 years? Whether you agree or disagree with Ryan Villopoto’s career decisions, I am thankful that he gave us 4 incredible years and will ride off into the sunset an undisputed SX great. I am equally excited to see him lay waste to the “world” competition in Europe. No matter what, or where he raced, 2015 was going to be a tough year with nothing to gain – either way, domestically or abroad, the expectation that comes with being the #2 is that you must always be #1. That’s a heavy weight for anyone to bear, but if anyone can hold it up for another season, I believe it to be RV. We will miss you Champ.

The sport will miss JS7.

Say what you will, but if you don’t honestly believe that James is not one of (if not the best) most skilled riders in the history of the sport, then you are lying to yourself. Period. I for one wonder if there will there be any displays of incredible prowess generally unequaled by any other rider in the series with the absence of JS7?

As much as I believe that RV could doggedly muscle his way to a record breaking 5th SX title, I also believe that the series will suffer a serious blow with the absence of JS7.

Having said that, I firmly believe that if you do the crime, you do the time.

It’s unfortunate that someone with Stewart’s resources didn’t have just ONE MORE man-friend who could simply read and understand the monumentally important implementation of drug testing last year. It’s not like this was anything new – having been under discussion and debate for years. Further, it’s not like professional SX riders can claim ignorance on this front. They all double as nearly professional level road cyclists and many follow cycling enough to be aware of the massive cleansing that sport has undergone with PED’s and serious punishments. To all of those who thought James would get off with a fine and miss a few races…have you heard of a bike racer from Texas – Lance Armstrong? Clearly, the powers that be ruling with an iron fist in handing down PED penalties seem to prefer “making an example” rather than “making an exception”. Bummer for the fans, but hopefully a stark lesson to all others – if you take drugs, ignorance and after the fact use exemptions aren’t gonna save your ass. Even with a nice and neat little doctors note.

Now that all of that is off of my chest, I can barely stand waiting around all day to see how the race will unfold tonight! My picks for the night are…

Go with MO! Trey has it. Nationals. Monster Energy Cup. If anyone has momentum and bike familiarity on their side it’s Trey. You can argue that he didn’t win the MEC, but you can’t argue that he was FAST there. Lessons, mistakes, live and learn.

94 The Bakery will not disappoint. I know. New bike this. Too much pressure that. But Kenny seem’s impervious to things that stiffle other riders. If he is having fun, then he’s hard to beat. I think he is having heaps of fun with his new team and bike.

Davi – same dog. same tricks. no less impressive. The last time he raced this series he was a very surprising #2 after several race wins. You could say he was lucky at MEC, but then I would say that “the gooder you are, the luckier you get”. Davi has loads of good. Not to mention a 4x champ in his mechanic. Mike Williamson could make it 5 in a row this year…

And then there was Eli. I would honestly love to see him on the box and his European Vacation was great. I believe he has the speed. I also believe that as much as he has a point to prove, he also needs to make it through round 1 and that might be in the back of his mind. If he get’s a start, I think he can win. If only those starts weren’t so tough to come by…

RD and CR – I’m really torn here. How are they not on the box, let alone top 4? Are times that tough? Honestly, I can see either one of them finishing higher. Easily. But, with RD known to be picky I don’t know if he will have the new KTM dialed in yet. Chad is never one to be underestimated and I would love to see this surly veteran prove me wrong and go on a terror of unmatched winning fueled by the haters. Seriously, if this isn’t a state of excitement for the sport – that the top 5 is an absolute dog fight, let alone the podium – then I don’t know what is!

After the top 5/6 guys does it simply come down to the start? I mean, who is to say if the silky smooth riding style of Cole Seely (is there a better rider to inherit the #14?) will triumph over the excitement of Dean-o’s new KTM, Will Hahn’s new digs at Kawi, and the hard charging “until the last corner” determination of Jason Anderson?

And what was that? JGR Yamaha’s are so fast that they holeshot outdoor nationals three abreast? Of course, Barcia is a threat and no one is going to muscle Weston Pieck out of the way if he get’s a start!

Wearing the #4 of the GOAT could mean added pressure or ignite the spark that Blake Bagget needs for some SX success. If I had to pick the top ten for the night, I will take:

1. Trey Canard

2. Ken Roczen

3. Davi Millsaps

4. Eli Tomac

5. Chad Reed

6. Ryan Dungey

7. Justin Barcia

8. Will Hahn

9. Cole Seely

And I think Jason Anderson puts a strong, last lap move on Dean for 10th!

What about Broc Tickle, Josh Grant, Blake Bagget, Justin Brayton, Andrew Short, Andrew Peick, Jake Weimer, Seriously, simply qualifying for the main event night show is going to be an awesome achievement given the depth of the field! With all of this talent, the possibility certainly exists for a top rider to simply get beat or get a bad start and not make the main. While many past champions have had a tumultuous first round, they show their grit by still grinding away for as many points as they can muster. Will we see one of the title contenders have a really rough night? I just hope for some incredible, safe racing that see’s everyone make it to round #2!

In the lites class, I am just as excited!!!

One of the biggest changes for me is the switch of the powerful Troy Lee Designs Team away from Honda and over to KTM. Have they had enough time to bring those bikes up to speed for Jessy Nelson and the rest? The bikes LOOK GOOD!

I had all my pennies on Jeremy Martin last year and we all know how that went. I have a feeling that a National Championship can change a guy though…

I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t extremely impressed by Justin Hill at the MEC. And I’ve always been a fan of Tyler Bowers. We know Mitch builds a strong bike, but is it fast enough to pull that big bull around the track?

As much as I would love to see one of the young kids pull it out, I also respect redemption. I’m a firm believer in “it’s not how many times you get knocked down, but how many you get up”. We’ve all lost count of how many times Josh Hansen has been down, but he is back – again. For that reason alone, I’m picking him for the top spot despite all else.

1. Josh Hansen

2. Justin Hill

3. Jeremy Martin

Honestly, due to the team managers holding out lites rosters until the last minute, I’m not entirely sure who is racing! But, I’ll go with a podium full of “J”s tonight!

Bell Santa Cruz Super Enduro Recap

October 14, 2014 by [email protected] In Races

Wow, if the Bell Santa Cruz Super Enduro wasn’t one of the most fun day’s you have ever had on a mountain bike, then you probably weren’t there. Plenty of quality riding in the forested hills of the Santa Cruz mountains provided a back drop that was definitely worthy of an event finale! With four special stages and some challenging climbing during the transfer sections, this event was going to test riders all the way through until the final skid of the last stage Bro!

For me, the event was especially rad in knowing that Bri was in contention for a top spot on the series podium for the Pro Women. Dang girl, nice work this season! In preparation for the event, I was extra cautious in preparing her goggles so that she would have maximum #EnduroGirlGogglePower…but I guess I should have spent some time on her glasses, as she tossed her goggles aside in favor of her favorite Smith PivLock V2’s…oh well. At least I oiled her chain…I think.

At the end of the day, she had a Shripping good time and landed on a talent laden podium shared with Olympian in Lea Davison, badass mammer jammer DH’er Jo G-Form Petterson and her best friend InsAmy. I was super proud that she rose to the occasion, pedaled her butt off and laid down clean runs to not only throw down the great result on the day, but also cement her 2nd place overall in the series standings. Wow! At the start of the year we could barely spell #EnderoBrow! Mad props for a great performance and hopefully a glimpse of more goodness to come!

Santa Cruz Super Enduro Pro Women Podium

My day was almost over before it began. After a SNAFU on Tuesday night left me with a colorful and swollen ankle I was pretty sure that riding would be out of the question since walking to the bathroom proved nearly impossible. Thanks to the help of Grifall Family Chiropractic, Oona Hall at Accupuncture Monterey Bay, some clever insights from Super Coach, Chris Burnham, and Steve Lewis for helping to dial in my bike and more supportive HT DH Pedal / 5Ten Maltese Falcon shoe combo. I don’t remember exactly what my contribution (beyond stupidity) was, but I’m SURE that I cleaned my own goggles, Bro. Ultimately, I was able to clip in and make it around the course in a fashion that salvaged what was looking like a sure DNS (did not start) and resulted in a 5th for the day and preserving my 2nd place standing in the series.

On a day when I couldn’t be more excited for my #EnduroPrincess to rise to the occasion, it was also incredible to see how our friends pulled through to throw down some awesomeness of their own! I’m sure I won’t get them all, but these #EnduroBro’s were stellar as well…

Dillon Santos straight flowed the day with 2 of 3 test win’s for the day and the overall series wins!

Dillon Sent it all the way to the top of the box for the day and series!

Amy Morrison was also on the Shripping train with a 3rd on the day and series.

Steven Lewis made the long trek from the “round 1 home” of Reno, NV to put in a performance to secure his #2 series ranking.

Ann Fitzsimmons thought the event would be good rehab for her still recovering knee, so she threw down just enough to win the Cat 1 women!

Nick Dinapoli had us all in tears with his lyrical mastery that was only bettered by his first place on the day and series as well!

Jordan Hartman was just behind Nick for #2 in the series after overcoming some serious challenges this year.

Emily Forsberg stamped the day and the series, winning the Sport Women class – a sign of good things to come in the sport from this young woman!

Bailey Smith who routinely shares accolades with Scott Chapin for the “best dressed at the races” brought home a solid 3rd in the series after two other wins.

The battle of the pro men continues to be intense within the Santa Cruz Mountains as Muscle Milk Specialized’s John Hauer makes it two in a row after another close battle with IBIS Retro Cellar’s Jeff Kendall-Weed separated by a scant 3 seconds! Jeff claimed 2 stage win’s while John captured the win in the challenging 3rd stage. Will 3 in a row be on the menu for next year or 3 seconds be found on the trails? Can’t wait to find out!

The Funniest Podium Ever? By far!

John Hauer’s Winning Specialized S-Works Camber 29er

Dang, there are probably a ton more incredible stories to recount, but at the moment this will have to suffice. Thanks for the incredible memories California Enduro Series! All of the #EnduroBro’s are already excitedly looking to 2015!

Bell Helmets

October 14, 2014 by [email protected] In Products

How EnduroBro is Bell Helmets? Well based on their outstanding support of the final round of the California Enduro Series, AKA the Bell Santa Cruz Super Enduro, it’s pretty easy to see that this company is as Enduro as knee pads and Fox 36 forks! The event – an overwhelming festival of extreme awesomeness that could only properly be handled by wearing goggles (of course) – which by the way, did you know the Bell Super 2 has a Goggle Guide Adjustable Visor system? Hashtag that goggle love all day long Bro! Not only that, but there is a camera mount and other cool poop, too! Add in some stylish colors and the ability to upgrade to MIPS technology at a price that is waaay less than the competition and the Bell Super 2 definitely qualifies as #TotallyEnduroBro!

Not only that, but after the race I checked out their booth and was given the run down on their top shelf full face helmet, the Full 9, which features sweet check pads that are held in place by magnets in case you want to dry them out on your refrigerator after washing them AND options for built-in helmet music when combined with Skull Candy speakers that you can buy separately. There is even some crazy EJECT crash technology that sounds really impressive, but did you see the paint job? Seriously bro, I can’t afford to crash in that thing and scratch it. Not even a little bit*.

Big thanks to Bell for heaps of support and helping to make this final round a #SuperEnduroBroSuccess from all angles and especially the generous podium prizes afforded to all of those lucky enough to earn a top spot.

*Of course, all helmets should be gouged prior to wearing in order to stave off murphy’s law in regards to crashing brand new stuff. This in no way ensures you still won’t crash in the helmet. But it should help to keep that bastard Murphy at bay in eliminating any lame “first time out crashes” in a new lid…

Selfie Time!