Soaring Eagle 3/29/09 Race Report

MUD, MUD, and then some more MUD!












"That course was so muddy!" "There was no way to avoid the mud!" "That was the muddiest race I have ever ridden in!" "The mud was 6 inches deep!" and "It was so hard to pedal through the mud I felt like I was standing still!" were just a few comments I overheard riders exclaim after their race. No one was really complaining about it...just acknowledging how the course was today. Even though we raced the same exact course 4 weeks ago, due to the mud factor, it seemed like an entirely different venue.

Team TAI had 12 team members racing today and 5 other teammates who were out to offer support and to pick up their GU, Nuun and Schwalbe products. Thanks to our sponsors for these awesome products and to Nick, Karyn, Joel and Keith for taking care of the orders!

Phew! I am happy to report that Chris L. made it through the race without experiencing a mechanical. "Unlike the last 2 races, I actually finished before they dismantled the finish line", Chris was happy to report.

Keith was not so lucky. He suspects he jinxed his luck by sending out an e-mail earlier in the week requesting his fellow teammates to send him fractured bike components to use in analysis. He ended up having to CARRY his muddy bike for a good portion of his last lap after the derailleur hanger broke, causing the chain and derailleur to get jammed in the spokes and cassette, which prevented the rear wheel from turning. Keith seemed to take it in stride, even pausing to pose for a photo before heading off to the finish line. Keith now has a broken derailleur hanger to analyze.

This was an unfortunate way for Keith's 1st BuDu race of 2009 to end. Team TAI had 2 more riders making it out for their 1st MTB race this season. Fortunately Vince and Russ had much more satisfying 2009 inaugural races.

Vince, moving up to Expert this year, joined Matt, Ron and Allan for their 4 lap race. Vince has made the move to tubeless tires this season and they obviously worked out well for him today. Team TAI once again dominated the Expert 40+ category with Matt, Ron and Vince sweeping 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.

Russ has been doing a lot of endurance road training rides in preparation for the solo 24 hour race in May and all that hard work appears to be paying off. Russ has had very respectable finishes in his first 2 years of MTB racing, but until today finishing 1st has eluded him. Congrats!

Just an FYI... if you ever ask Joel when you're racing for an estimate on the length of the gap between you and the rider ahead, his estimate is always going to be low or "he is just around the corner." Joel believes in keeping the hope alive that you can catch the rider. I am happy to announce that Joel's tactic worked splendidly today. At the start of the last lap, Matt not satisfied just winning his age group, had his sights on catching the rider from the younger age group. Matt had to be well over a minute, and probably closer to 2 minutes, behind the leader of the younger age group. "30 seconds gap" Joel informs Matt. Matt cranked up his pedals and flew on the last lap making up almost all the territory that lay between them. We were astounded to see Matt finish mere seconds behind the younger rider. Spectacular show of speed, Matt!

Bob respects Francisco's athleticism and has been trying since cyclocross to beat him in a race; but until today victory has always eluded Bob. Today he has finally succeeded, passing Francisco somewhere on the last lap. Francisco said he started out too hard and the churning in the mud tired his legs too quickly so he was not able to hold Bob off today. Thanks again guys for keeping the races interesting. We look forward to watching you two battle it out during more races.

The 5th race in the BuDu series will be next Sunday, April 5, on Whidbey Island. Also, in the planning stages is a team drop clinic led by Chris Bentley. Stay tune for more details...

Recap of placings:

Beginner Women 40+
3 Ann

Sport Women 30 - 39
3 Jenn

Sport Men 30 - 39
13 Chris L.

Sport Men 40+
1 Russ
14 Bob
17 Francisco
22 Keith (experienced a broken derailleur hanger)

Sport U-18
5 Erik

Expert Men 40+
1 Matt
2 Ron
3 Vince
14 Allan

Meet the Team - Jenn Sinclair

Nickname: When I was a kid my stepdad called me "Queenie." Most recently I was given the name "Sexy Socks" by Sean of Ragnorok Racing.

Hometown: Port Orchard, WA

Racing Category: Sport for MTB and Cat 4 for cyclocross

Racing Highlight: I can't think of any one thing. I really enjoy every event that I enter.

Favorite Racing Venue: I have to say that cyclocross has become my most favorite cycling discipline. I guess it is because the classes are bigger and with the shorter course you are racing more closely with your competitors. I love the challenge of the mud and obstacles!

Goal for 2009: My goal this year is to attend as many mountain bike races and road ride events as I can. I am hoping to give road racing a try and also compete in a few triathlons this year.

Long term goal: Stay healthy and happy!

Why join Black Diamond Racing? Great people and lots of smiles!

Years on the team: This is my 4th year. I have worn our team colors of WaMu, Team Sega, and now Team TAI.












Anyone up for the Courage Classic? For the past couple of years I have ridden the Courage Classic and I am considering riding it again this year. The 3 day ride starts in Snoqualmie, crosses the 3 mountain passes of Snoqualmie, Blewett and Stevens Pass, and ends 172 miles later in Skykomish. Check out www.courageclassic.org for details on the August 1-3, 2009 ride. It would be great to have some other teammates join me!

Most often seen riding: My spring and summer training rides are mostly on the road in the Oak Harbor and Gig Harbor area.

Downhill racing in the near future? No, but 2 weeks ago I took a DH clinic at Dry Hill in Port Angeles. It was so much fun! I want to do it again.

First bike: I don't remember my first bike as a kid. I do remember riding the Chilly Hilly as my very first biking event about five years ago on a borrowed bike. After that one ride I was hooked and I bought a Giant road bike.

Time spent off the bike: When not riding, I am working as a title/escrow closer for a title company in Gig Harbor. And when not working, I am home being a mom. I also enjoy running and going to the gym for workouts and just hanging out with close friends.

Support crew: Definitely my mom and my daughter are my biggest fans and supporters. They are always attending the races to cheer me and all my teammates on. On my long training road rides they will follow along in the car, meeting me at rest areas along the way, and then drive me back home after the ride is complete. They are the best!

Interesting fact most people don't know: Growing up I bowled on a league for several years. When I was 10 years old I even received a trophy for high game of 205. As a kid I also loved rollerskating and spent every weekend at the skating rink.

Dream vacation: My dream vacation is to do a month long bike tour in Italy.

Black Diamond 3/08/09 Race Report

SNOW!

On Saturday it snowed off and on all day, but the trail report from Chris B., was that little snow accumulated on the trails and they were "in terrific shape." That night when I went to bed it was snowing so I was pleasantly surprised in the morning to see that there still wasn't any measurable accumulation on the roads. Race day around 8:15am it started snowing and it continued snowing throughout all 3 races, sometimes snowing so hard, it looked like we were in a blizzard. Weird weather!

There were 10 Team TAI members who braved the weather and elected to wake up an hour earlier (daylight saving time-spring forward) just for the thrill of racing at Black Diamond, the most technical course of the BuDu series and in my opinion the most fun.

Harry had a fabulous 2nd MTB race ever, competently handling the twisty singletrack, baby-head rocks obscured by the snow and the muddy roots. Congrats on your 3rd place!

The Experts raced next. Team TAI was well represented by Matt, Mike and Ron. Matt took off like a rocket and set the pace. It was Mike's first race of the year and he stuck to Matt's wheel like warm bubblegum sticks to the bottom of a shoe. Ron stayed with them for the first 3 laps until falling back slightly on the last lap. Way to ride guys earning 1st, 2nd and 3rd places!


When Ron finished the Expert race, the Sport category was already taking off. His disappointment in missing the start was evident by his tone of voice as he declined my offer to help him get ready for the singlespeed category. I was pleasantly shocked to see Ron racing 15 minutes or so later as he decided to race after all. Ron wins the "Pony Express" award riding a total of 7 laps. Ron knows what training he needs to put in now for the Sea Otter Classic in April.


Chris L. bike troubles continued this week. He was riding his 1997 vintage bike as he awaits the custom build-up of a new Litespeed. The seat clamp was not able to withstand his race-pace force and came loose on the second lap. He found a wrench at the pits, tightened the bolt and headed out for the last lap, only to have it loosen again. Good luck Litespeed, it is evident Chris is going to put the new bike through the ultimate test.

Jenn is one tough rider! Normally the 3 stacks of log piles don't bother her, unfortunately the first stack got the best of her today...probably due to the extra "snow" factor of the race. She did a nice endo and ended up with a beauty of a bruise, PINK no doubt, on her right thigh. She did not let this mishap deter her from winning 1st place. Awesome riding!

Francisco had a spectacular race, although it took some researching to confirm my observations. He looked so much more at ease at the race than I remember from the 2 times he raced at Black Diamond last year. Could it be Francisco is learning to actually LIKE the rooty, muddy and, today, snowy trails at Black Diamond? I predict he will like them even more once he installs his new fork from Fox Racing Shox!

The Men Sport 40+ is a very competitive, well attended category. There were 20 racers out there Sunday despite the cold and at times, difficult to see through the massive snowflakes, weather conditions. Of those racers, 5 also raced last year on the similar course. Of those 5, Francisco was the only one who was faster this year than last year. Fabulous riding, Francisco!

Bob McGee, you are my, and many other riders' hero. Never have I seen a team tent or Mr. Heater more frequently used. THANKS for setting it up and also for taking down the course tape after the race...I heard you got lost making your way back to your car???

Recap of placings:

Beginner U-18
3 Harry

Beginner Women 40+
1 Ann

Sport Women 30 - 39
1 Jenn

Sport Men 30 - 39
11 Chris L.

Sport Men 40+
11 Francisco
14 Bob

Sport Singlespeed
6 Ron

Sport U-18
5 Mitch

Expert Men 40+
1 Matt
2 Mike
3 Ron

Meet the Team - Daniel McGee

Nickname: Rubber Band Man

Hometown: Redmond, WA

Age: 10

Racing Category: Junior Boys-Beginner for both cyclocross and XC MTB

Years racing: 1 year. In 2008, he raced at Leavenworth and Whidbey Island in the Indie Series and then the entire Seattle Cyclocross Series.

Racing highlight: Last summer riding down the huge sandy descent by the grassy infield at South SeaTac for the first time!

Favorite racing venue: Wednesday Night World Championship at South SeaTac. (Races begin April 1, 2009, see http://www.wednesdaynightworlds.com/ for details) He also likes the Bavarian Brew Festival in Leavenworth.

Where he rides most often? In his Redmond neighborhood.

Years on the team: This will be his 2nd year. He joined mid-season during the Indie Series last year.

Why join Black Diamond Racing? Daniel liked the people on the team and he thought they wore "cool" jerseys.

Goal for 2009: Do you have any spare rubber bands? Dan has been adding to his rubber band ball for a couple of years. It currently weighs 36 pounds and he hopes to reach the goal of it weighing 50 pounds by the end of the year.

Long term goal: To win a bike race.

First bike: Redline BMX bike

Time spent off the bike: Dan is a busy boy! He plays the cello and piano keyboard. At school his favorite activity is PE. This year he had a major part in the school's play and was on the school's basketball team. Dan also rides a unicycle, is a Cub Scout and has his Ham radio license...and don't forget he is working on that humongous rubber band ball.

Support Crew: Kim and his dad Bob McGee, who also rides for Team TAI.

Interesting fact most people don't know: Dan likes writing and illustrating his own comic books. It started when his friend drew a picture of Dan being squished and then Dan drew a picture of his friend and the idea of an actual comic book escalated from there.

Shout Out to our sponsors: Dan thinks Black Diamond Bike and Backcountry is a very cool store! He also wishes he had more Ritchey parts on his bike!

Soaring Eagle 3/01/09 Race Report

Soaring Eagle Park is a new venue for the BuDu race series this year. Many were dubious about the selection of Soaring Eagle for a race so early in the year because of the amount of mud and standing water that can accumulate there. Nevertheless, 13 of Team TAI showed up to check out for themselves the trail conditions yesterday for the inaugural race.

Harry Shaw, 13, found the race to be "brutal", although he enjoyed it. He says this was his first "official" xc mtb race although he raced once before at what he thinks was the short-track at Beezly Burn. He feels even though riding with his dad, Henry, at South SeaTac prepared him for the technical aspects of the course, he needs work on improving his endurance. Harry ended up with a small abrasion on his leg which he was quick to point out was not due to a crash but instead was from his foot slipping off his pedal. His only encounter veering off course was on the last lap on the last left-right-right combo where he went slightly wide on the sharp left turn, glancing off huge stump on the right, which changed his trajectory enough to bump him back on course so he managed to make it right around the last tree and finish in style in front of the crowd. Harry claims "it was all good!"

Allan liked the course finding the only part he dreaded was the deep muddy section where each lap started and then just for grins we had to hit it again for the sprint to the finish line. This meant Allan, as the sole Team TAI representing us yesterday in the expert division, got to slog through the muddy 3-4" deep 1/10th mile in length section 4 times. Pure power Allan!

Allan's son Erik also made it out to race yesterday, although we weren't so sure for a minute or two... At 11:00am the Sport riders were called up and Rory started the various categories. After they had all started, a couple of us mentioned to Allan we "thought Eric is racing today" and we "did not see him take off." Hmmmmmm... Allan hops on his Yeti to locate Eric. Fortunately Allan quickly found him returning back from the car getting some gum. Eric steadily went to work on recouping his 2 minute (or so) deficit and ended up "passing 15 or 16" racers during the 3 laps of the Sports race.

Mitch, our other Junior-level Sport racer, had a great race battling it out with Molly Martin of the Pedal-Mashers, demonstrating that in a race there are always mini competitions out there irrespective of what age category a racer technically falls within. Molly is very powerful and seemingly plowed through the mud trough section much easier than Mitch who was pedaling at a much faster cadence. Mitch still has the technical riding advantage over Molly and flowed through the bouncing pin ball machine sections a bit faster. It looked like Mitch was going to come out ahead of Molly for the 2nd week in a row, but on the last lap the cleat on his shoe became loose allowing Molly to pass him, making them tied in the series at 1 race a piece. This mini-competition helped Molly decidedly earn first place in her age category-her first at Sport MTB!

Sad to announce, but there was a casualty on the course...Chris L.'s bike. Somewhere on his third lap the rear triangle on his carbon bike failed. Chris is getting more than a bit fed up as this is the 4th frame that has failed; 3 times aluminum frames and now the carbon frame the manufacturer felt would be indestructible. Chris will have to keep us up to date on this saga.

So overall, most racers walked away with a favorable impression of the venue. It is one where the trails are well packed from much use, similar to South Seatac, but the course has limited locations for passing. The course did not have a fast-sweepy flow to it. There were 2 bridge crossings and 1 short log pile to cross. The tight sharp turns, especially on the descents, required deep concentration and fast mental calculations in order to proceed through them in the most expedient manner. Other than the muddy section previously mentioned, the course manged to avoid major mud and only included a couple more very short areas with mud.

Recap of placings:

Beginner U-18
3 Jackson
5 Harry
8 Bradley

Beginner Women 40+
3 Ann

Sport Women 30 - 39
1 Karyn

Sport Men 30 - 39
6 Zach
20 Chris L.

Sport Men 40+
3 Henry
11 Francisco
12 Bob

Sport U-18
7 Eric
8 Mitch

Expert Men 40+
10 Allan

See everyone next Sunday, March 8th at Black Diamond for race #3!