Leadville 100

Entries will be limited and determined by lottery. Entries must be received by Jan. 31 for lottery participation. Confirmations will be mailed by February 9. Unsuccessful entries will be returned. Under 9 hours – handcrafted gold and silver trophy belt buckle, under 12 hours – handcrafted silver belt buckle. August 2009
$250 fee

50 miles out and back. Start/Finish in the heart of Leadville @ 10,200’. 90%+ dirt or double track dirt roads. Steep climbs: serious descents. 7 mile climb to the 50 mile turnaround at 12,600 ft. Approximately 14,000’ elevation gain. Greater than 65% average finish rate under the 12 hour limit. Excellent support stations.

Palomar Mountain Stage 8 Update

Palomar Mtn will come at the half-way point of this stage (not at the finish). With four climbs, this is most difficult final stage that the TOC has ever seen. Palomar Mountain (5,123 ft.). At 11.7 miles, a seven percent average grade, 4,200 feet of climbing and 21 switchbacks. A small group will get away on this stage.

ROUTE details 2009 Amgen Tour of California

AEG released route details yesterday. Race is expanded to cover more than 750 miles over nine days, 8 stages. Pick 4 stages that shouldn't be missed?

1. Stage 2: Sausalito south to Santa Cruz over the Golden Gate down PCH
2. Stage 6: Friday, Feb 20th, Time Trial in Solvang
3. Stage 7: Saturday, Santa Clarita to Pasadena via Angeles Crest Hwy
4. Stage 8: Sunday, Escondido to summit of Palomar Mtn

PAA 2009 kit design

Here's the look of the new PAA cycling kit.  Orders must be received by Saturday, November 15th.

200 mph high-speed rail in California

California voters approved a High-Speed Passenger Train Bond. An 800-mile high speed rail will link SF and San Diego. This will take more cars off the road and make way for more bikes.

The high-speed rail will be stretch from Sacramento to SF and on to LA and San Diego. Trains would use the same wheel-on-rail technology found in France, Spain, Korea and China and reach speeds of more than 200 mph.

Click here for the train route

Lance Rides Again and I have a benign tumor?

Both are true.

I thought lower back pain was just a given in Transrockies? On day 3 of TR, my left side of my lower back hurt and became numb and continued throughout the race. Heavy doses of Advil kept it reasonable. A week after TR i bent over to tie my shoes and noticed i had a golf ball size bump on my lower back. Today the doctor diagnosed me with Lipoma, a benign tumor under the muscle tissue near my spine on my lower back (which explains the pain and numbness). It's large and near the spine so it needs to be surgically removed. Beeatch.

Click here for the exclusive Vanity Fair article on Lance

The Kids

Training takes a back seat for this morning as Parker and Elie had their first day at school last week.  I did sneak in an hour easy ride.  Here's a pic of the little tykes.  Parker is on the left and Elie is on the right.  Their friend and neighbor Danny is in the middle.

Crazy Larry & The Italian Mafioso

We met some great people along the way racing in Transrockies 2008.

Scroll down the side and check out the other pictures.

Top 10 things to remember for the next endurance mtb race

10. Ingest HEED instead of Cytomax
9. Carry a rain jacket
8. Ride a sub-25 lb mountain bike
7. 8+ hour weekend training rides
6. Learn bike maintenance
5. Race and drink with Kiwis & Brits
4. Add serious hike-a-bike training to your schedule
3. A Camelback can only slow you down
2. Ride UST Tubeless w/Stans
1. Have Sam from InCycle as your lead mechanic

Re: Stage 6

CRAP!!! Dude, you are so gnarly. You will be forever changed by this event, if they allow you to survive!! I'm buying you the biggest beer I can find the next time I see you.

thanks for the update and keep kickin' arse!

comment

10,000 + feet of climbing
10,000 + feet of descent
95 degrees

The route organizer described todays stage as very challenging. Come to find out 40 teams decide not to start today. Athletes are breaking down and nerves are on edge.

Most of us felt sick just listening and watching the course being described on google earth the night prior. Stuart from team ireland said he walked out of the room as it was being described.

We decide to ride with Laurie and Chris the entire stage as its survival mode...

Critical points in the stage are 8 climbs, one being a 45 minute hike-a-bike and 3 more major hike a bikes at 90k (just when u think u r finished.

The day wore on and it was a very dusty and dry day. The start was a 10% climb for 4 miles and right into beautiful single track. I did not feel good on the 30k ascent of High Rock Range and someone crashed in front of me and almost took me with him thru a 1 foot deep dust bowl section. I ascended at 4 mph and just kept plugging. Vert was having a good day and had to wait at the top.

We peaked out a few more times, at checkpoint 3 with 30k remaining, I was over heating. Luckily I started dumping ice water on me to cool down.

We recovered and powered the last 30k, Chris and Laurie were climbing like mountain goats and Vert and I took 15 seconds back from team Chantry Fats today on the sprint at the line.

The stage went well for us - though it was beyond hard and almost ridiculous. The athletes were in agreement that they just tried to crush everyone today. We finish in 8 hours.

Stage 4

Nipika to Whiteswan Lake

110 kilometers (longest stage)

8,500 feet of climbing.

8,300 feet of descent.



In prep for a long brutal stage. 6am breakfast of 3 pancakes, eggs, ham slices, fruit, coffee, oj and coffee.



Race starts at 8am with an expected 8 hour day on the bike. Sammy dialed in the bikes last night and says I need a new headset.



The profile shows two mtn ranges we need to fly over with 3 checkpoints - the rules state that u have to checkin as a team at each checkpoint or get penalized. The weather is ideal today at 30 degrees celcius..



At the first descent a pro crashed head first and received 10 stitches. The start was fast on dirt roads - we rode well and finished in 8 hours -- the descents and scenery was amazing - with lots of rivers, 8,000 feet of descent. Today water bars in the trails were dangerous and one guy hit one at full speed and launched while breaking his clavical. We passed him and he was laying on the ground with an emergency blanket waiting to get air lifted out via helicopter while his teammate finished the day with a broken crankset. We hit major water crossings and a fast finish into Whiteswan Lake.



Finished in 7 hours 55 minutes exhausted. Very tough day.

Stage 2 : detail

Stage 2 - August 11: Invermere to Nipika Resort, 74km

13,000 feet of climbing.





A detour to heaven. It was a long day for everyone on the TransRockies trail today, as an already gruelling stage got longer when the front pack went off course and everyone played "follow the leader," The riders went awry when some of the top teams missed the flagging tape on course indicating a right-hand turn. Instead, the group marched up a steep avalanche gulley shouldering their bikes all the way to the top, missing the turn and finding out, upon summiting the chute, that the trail had gone cold.". Everyone was so focused on putting one foot in front of the other that we ended up just following riders at the front of the race, realizing their mistake, turned and began backtracking, eventually finding the route the leaders completed the course with a time of 5h50'37. There was a lot of climbing today even without adding an extra hour and a half of uphill with my bike," said Frederic at the finish line, still sporting a smile but showing signs of fatigue after two straight days of steep vertical.



The degree of difficulty was high and the wrong route created an extra hour of hike-a-bike. The descent was so difficult with roots, mud, water falls, stream crossings. Today I question my tire choice of Michellin Pythons as I slide down shoots of mud and scree at high speeds, though no major crashes - maybe they will be ok.



The 3 climbs today were absolutely brutal at well over 15% for 20k each. It took us 7 hours and 56 minutes to complete todays stage.



The next stage is at Nipika Mountain Resort and promises to deliver that with some exceptional private singletrack along the Kootenay River, bordering Canada's Kootenay National Park. The weather is clearing now as the clouds cracked open to reveal blue skies today.



There was plenty of snoring in Tent City last night. Perhaps this collective deep sleep, after only Stage 2, it is concrete evidence that TransRockies VII is indeed the most challenging edition yet?



strong Kicking Horse Coffee is on the menu in the morning.

Stage 7: Last Stage

80 kilometers

Crowsnest Pass to Fernie
7,000 feet of climbing
8,000 feet of descent

Todays highlights are a 10% climb out of the valley at the start! We thought the last stage would be easy? Not the case - it was set as a tough day to the finish with hike a bikes, singletrack, and a fast rip descent thru famous Fernie singletrack. Technical descents and fast fire roads with a paceline were also on the menu. We were on a good day. We held with a great group for the first 50k. The group was made up of 2 leader jersey teams (100+ mens, mixed open).

We passed team KHS in 26th place and were on track to catch team chantry fats when Vert lost control on a nasty descent and body slammed on the steep rutted descent. Luckily he didn't crack his helmet, but he was seeing stars. For 30k after the crash he recovered.

At checkpoint 3 we regrouped, had some coca cola, water, the medic offered Vert a ride on a quad to the finish. Luckily he turned it down we bombed down the final sections to finish on main street in Fernie!

We immediately went to the beer garden and celebrated the finish with the pasadena team Chantry Fats and the mayor of Fernie.

Stage 5 update - the Rock Garden

It is Thursday and the first time I have been able to get internet access.

Stage 5 is Whiteswan Lake to Elkford
88 kilometers, 6,500 feet of climbing.
6,000 feet of descent

Todays climbs are steep, 2 big range to ride over today as we ascend over the front range of the rocky mountains and lots of ground to cover to get into Elkford.

The ride looks short at 88k, but the climbs are steep and and the second climb is 30k with a steep pitch at the end. The descent is wicked fast at the end covering 4,500 feet in 15k with the famous rock garden. The descent was thru a 5k garden of boulders, we rode the whole thing, just banging the bikes. Our friend stuart from team ireland's bike came apart at the end - his linkage bolts started popping off....

The italians had a mechanical and lost the stage to team rocky mountain in 3.5 hours and we finish in 7 hours.

Finishing in Elkford was awesome. The city opened up the sports center and we had a cool place to rest, shower and eat, I napped on the floor of the curling rink and rested - very tough stage and tomorrow is over 100k and the temp is going to be over 90 degrees.

In 28th place


Mike Mascott
Google
P: 949.794.2053
Cell: 626-390-8712

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Stage 3 update - Time Trial

Nipika Lodge Time Trial

44 kilometers

5,000 feet of climbing



The first mtb time trial in the Transrockies. We start 6th in 30 second blocks. Yesterday we were in survival mode and today we feel good and can race. The director says its a recovery day - unlikely.



The day is fast and we avg 10 mph thru lots of singletrack and Vert's first nature break in the bushes. The trails criss cross and follow the Kokanee River. Wood bridges, rooty, trails and we finish in 5 hours.



We finish without any major issues and still 15 seconds behind Laurie and Chris in 27th place.



End the race with burgers and Kokanee beers with live acoustic music at Nipika. Recovery massage with tara scheduled for 7pm.

Race Day - Sunday

250 teams of riders. First day race plan from the debriefing is sunny and 50k distance up and over the 9,000 foot summit of the panorama ski resort and down to K2 Ranch.



The ride up was steep from the start - no warm up. It takes us 2 hours to reach the Col. Though now we have get up and to the top of the ridge. The trail now is unridable - everyone throws their bike on our shoulders and "hike a bike" the rest of the way up. We hike for over an hour and it starts to SNOW. We ride and hike the ridge line at 9k feet. When rideable the single track is lush, rooty and it's cold - we are under dressed - no jacket, no extra gloves - luckily have arm warmers.



Riders are skattered across the ridge except for the pros are already descending. We asking our new euro pals about epo connections.



We finally descend thru the wettest - root filled single track - we know now that we're in BC.



We get down and ride fast dirt roads to K2 Ranch. My brakes are torched and I crash running over a water diversion plank as we descend into K2.



We finish in 5 hours & 30 minutes, 27th place out of 100 in the 80 + open mens division.



Bike wash immediately, we connect with our mechanic, Sam, on loan from Lori - Team Chantry Fats from Pasadena. Lori is here with the family.



We meet a bunch of people from all over the world - gavin & adrian Team Canada, ben, jackson, rodney, sally etc...



The winners for the day - The Italian team aka 'the mtn goats' at 3 hours total time. Unbelievable........

Here' the picture

Mike Mascott
Google
P: 949.794.2053
Cell: 626-390-8712

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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

FAT TIRE BREWERY

Mike Vert riding the stationary during a layover in Denver Intl Airport after a skinny dip ale.
Next flight united to calgary flight # 6587. L8
Mike Mascott
Google
P: 949.794.2053
Cell: 626-390-8712

--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

week of 7/21: 3 3hr mtn. bike rides, 1 4hr. mtn. bike ride, 2 3hr. road bike rides
week of 7/28: 2 3hr. mtn. bike rides, 1 4hr. mtn. bike ride, 1 3hr. road ride, 1 5.5hr road ride
week of 8/4: 4 1-1.5 hr. road rides (SUPER EASY/SUPER FLAT) rest week

Food menu for race was released today...

...we'll burn 4,000 calories per day of racing. The daily meal plan is set by the race organization to feed the body - hopefully beers will be available to feed the mind.

Click here for the full menu - here's a quick look at breakfast:

• Kicking Horse Coffee
• Eggs
• French Toast or Pancakes
• Multi-grain Breads and Bagels
• Muffins & Oatmeal
• Cereals and Milk (Soy and Rice Milk available)
• Muesli & Yogurt
• Ham, Sausage, or Bacon
• Fruit & Fruit Juices

Tour of California heads to Palomar

The race is nine stages in 2009 heading south to Diego. Stage 8 will be a repeat of last year going over the backside of the Crest from Santa Clarita to Pasadena - though no stage up Balcom.

The final stage is a mountain top finish up Palomar Mtn.

Click here for full story and here is a list of stages.

Palomar 12.68 mi, 4,325' ascent, 6.5%
Alpe d'Huez 6.86 mi, 2,530' ascent, 7%

...new route for Transrockies

"The final route will include significantly more singletrack thanks to new routing on Days 1, 2, 3, and 6 along with an exciting Day 7 route which will be significantly longer than in the past. Oh, and that one will have lots more famous Fernie singletrack, too. Final mileage and elevation will be released before the event, but riders can expect the route lives up to the TR reputation as the most raw and remote fully supported epic in the world."  said the TR director.

News on food?  The TR organization contracted three-time Ironman Champion and sports nutritionist Melissa Spooner as a food consultant for the event.

in memory of a bicycle advocate

Dennis Crowley, bicycle advocate and visionary, has completed his last ride. On Sunday, July 13, 2008 he left us to finish his dreams.  Attached is a fitting image of Dennis with the Specialized Angel at the 2008 TOC.  Take a ride in memory of Dennis

Pre-Race Update: 80+

Great news!  We received confirmation today from the Transrockies headquarters that we are elgible for the '80+ division' for the big race.  By adding our ages together, we barely snuck into this group.  It's a happy day to leave the Open Men division and move into 80+.

Taste Stone's new Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout

The Stone Brewing 12th Anniversary Beer Festival is coming soon.  The date is Saturday, August 16th on the CSUSM campus in San Marcos east of Oceanside.  In addition to a ton of beer selections, they'll have Arrogant Bastard Ale onion rings and grub from Pizza Port.  Vert and I will still be riding in BC on the 16th - enjoy the stout.

1 Gear Bag Per Person

All gear must fit in this bag.

16"x16"x36" = 9,216 cubic inches

Feed Stations @ Transrockies

Feed stations are typically 30 kilometres apart on all stages.   The following is available at each station:

.  Water

.  Ultima replenisher drink

.  Cliff Bars and Shots

.  Fruit slices

.  Chain lube

.  medical crew

Equipment Update:

Ladera Cyclery turned me onto "Skins™" compression clothing. Skins™ reduces the build-up of lactic acid immediately after periods of sustained exercise (2hrs and 15 mins up to 37% ). Less fatigue, minimize soreness and recover faster...whatever works! SPF 50 on the arm coolers that are cooler than just skin.

Big training ride this week to Mt. Wilson

Took the morning off today for a big training ride. An incredible ride with a ton of single track. Here's the detail.

. Chaney Trail connecting with Mt. Lowe Rd
. We detoured a bit up to Inspiration Point
. Thru the tunnel to Mt. Wilson Red Box Road
. We backtracked and hit single track all the way down
. Connected with Sunset Trail down to Millard Canyon
. Poison Oak was everywhere
. Finally looped up to ride El Prieto
. 4.5 hours

PAA makes the Dana Point Times cover!

MTB training rides in the OC

Are there better MTB rides in the OC? Any suggestions?  Here's what i have so far...

Aliso Canyon Park: not a lot of steep climbs, but some good single track. Hidden above Laguna Beach and connecting with Top-of-the-World. Ride has multiple trails dropping down into the park. 5000 acres with the main loop of about 15 miles.
El Moro: Off PCH in Crystal Cove State Park. This is a good mixed 10-mile loop. Most of the climbing is gradual though some steep uphills on West Loop Trail. Links to other trails off the backside.

Needless to say, the majority of my training will be on the road.

Weekend training with fast friends...

...from Altadena to Mt. Wilson to cold beer (in 3.5 hrs)

My new 29er fixed gear single speed

Vert's new ride......the other was my old bike

2007 Specialized Marathon Epic carbon

Mike Vert's... new ride

2007 Specilized Marathon Epic carbon

16 Days in BC

Stoked!
Booked our first 3 nights at the Pine Inn slopeside, in Panorama Mountain Village, at the base of the Mile One Quad, "in the thick of all the action and the après opportunities in the village." A budget hotel, but in the village.

Booked 2 round-trip reservations on United to Calgary with Mileage Rewards! No cash needed! More money to spend at Bicycle John's!

Mascott's ride

Here's some stats on the bike i'll be riding in Transrockies.

weight: 24.5 lbs
frame: 2003 Santa Cruz Superlight
components: shimano xtr 9
brakes: avid disc
wheels: MAVIC Crossmax
tires: Kenda small block 8

Sold for $11.5M

K2 Ranch is the end of stage one. The crew will set up the tent village on this 9,200 ranch. After doing some digging we found out that this property was sold for $11.5M in 2000. The real estate property summary on 'Unique Properties' lists it as "perhaps one of British Columbia's most exclusive private retreats and offers additional potential for ranching, forestry, and tourism." Gear list should include a fishing pole.

Stage 2 ends here at the Nipika Lodge. As an eco lodge, Nipika generates all its electricity via solar and micro-hydro.

Transrockies 2008 briefing

Total distance will range from 550–600 kilometres with elevation gain between 10,000 and 12,000 vertical metres. The longest stages will be as long as 110–125 km with the shortest as brief as 40 km, usually on the first or last day. To get a better idea of routing from prior years, check out our race reports.