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.