La Ruta part 4

Stage 2 had the steepest climbs and stage 3 had one of the longest.I climbed for 3 hrs up to the top of a volcano.There was a hike a bike section that no one could ride and it went from almost 30 degrees to 5 degrees Celsius.Then i descended for 2 hrs down the back side.It was wet,muddy and full of baby heads.My hands were so sore and numb.The descents are where i lost all my time because i am not a great descender but i managed to take my time and rode it all.I passed some bloody people on this decent and one person was in so much pain that they were crying i tried to help but they didn't know what i was saying so a local took over.Stage 4 i was so ready to go it wasn't funny.I was awake most of the night watching my clock.I didn't need the 3:30 am alarm.I was feeling super good and wanted to have a strong ride.It was raining all night and it rained all day and i mean poured.We had a 40km an hr controlled start which was crazy,right threw town.I had lost sight of Don but all of a sudden i came around a corner there he was,he had flatted so i jumped off my bike and offered a hand.He had pretty much every thing under control so i said i would ride ahead because i knew he would ride hard to catch me and he did just before the teresal bridge's.So we rode the rest of the way together and pulled super hard on the flat road section.Then came the tracks wet ,bumpy and long.Saw alot of flat tire's but we made it.Thanks tubeless tires.When we got to the ocean it was still pouring rain but we went for a swim anyways then got cleaned up and had some beers.

La Ruta part 3

I just wanted to give a quick run down of what you did at the end of each stage.When you get in you have to scan in with your id. They then give you a ticket for a meal.Then you have to take your bike over to the mechanic's but before they take it you have to take off things like bike computer and other things you may have strapped to your bike that could interfere with the washing and maintenance of your bike.You then must track down your gear bag.They are all numbered and are piled in a big truck.Sometimes this truck is not easy to find and the bag is not light.After that you must shower if you are shuttleing to the hotel(stage 234).The showers are like tarps and garden hoses in the parking lot.After you get clean you have to lug your gear bag over and find a shuttle,but you can't leave when you find a ride oh no you have to sit and wait for the van to get all the way full and i mean fulll!Then when the van's muffer is touching the gound it is time to leave and it is off to the hotel.When you get there you have to unload you gear bag into the hotel and try to get a key for your room and lug it all the way up to your room.Once in the room you have another shower, wash clothes, shoes etc. Then begin to get everything ready for the next day like race food,fill bottle's etc etc.You then ate supper and then maybe watched a quick bit of tv and went to bed.

La Ruta part 2

The rest of the stage 1 went pretty well but i got to say that if you don't like climbing then you wouldn't like this race.It seems like you are always climbing and most of the down hills are fast and then you are climbing again.The feed zones were good and the people there were very helpful.I went with 3 bottle's on stage 1 and 2 on stage 2 3 4. I wore my back pack with a couple of jacket's in it for stage 3 because the decent of the volcano was cold.The end of stage 1 was at the hotel and you also stayed the night there so you went straight in got your room and showered.You got 2 meals a day breakfast and lunch or supper.Stage 2 was steeper than stage 1 if you can believe it.The grades were as high as 30% By the middle of the stage my toes were burning from all the climbing so i had to stop where ever i could find cool water and soak my feet quickly.I saw a lot of suffering that day but it was alot dryer than day 1.More later.

La ruta part 1

I don't have alot of time so here is a quick overview,i will post more later.We had lost luggage,long waits,trouble speaking the local lingo and a mad man shuttle driver that should have raced nascar who would laugh with hellish glee when he would just about hit pedestrians.It was super hot in Jaco and me and Don got in 2 good prerides before the race.I had the route in my gps so we rode part of stage 1 twice.As for the race Holy Steep Climbs!!!!The first stage was steep,super muddy,hot,long and we were up at 3:30 am to get to the start on time.I had heard about how tuff the first stage was so my game plan was to take it easy so i hung close to the back until we came to the first big climb.Don was in race mode and was in finish the race mode because i new my class was stacked so i let Don take off and didn't try to stay with him at all.I had a great ride but got real dirty.I have never seen mud like that you couldn,t even push your bike threw it so carrying it was your only option.It would get so caked up mud that it would add 20lbs to your bike so you had to scoop it off by hand to lighten to load.I was sure glad i had a lefty fork because i could at least ride the muddy down hills.Alot of the others with normal forks would wipe out because there front tires would not turn.That is it for now more later.

Interview from one of the best

herehttp://www.cyclingdirt.org/videos/coverage/view_video/235889-la-ruta-de-los-conquistadores/210723-tinker-post-la-ruta-stage-4

stage 1 interview La Ruta

Here

la ruta story to come soon

had a great ride and will post a race story when i get back to canada.it might be a novel though,lots of stories .it was crazzzzzy.

This dude is hardcore man!

Leadville 100

I would love to do this race.So i am going to try to get in for next year,if they want Canadians.

Last Race For A While

Well the end is almost here,last bike race for a while.Don't plan on racing much next year.I have to much on the go at home and at work.I have been training steady,riding the jogging as much as i can.This is the first race this year that i managed to train steady for.I feel pretty good the last couple of weeks.I think i am just about at 40,000m of painful training climbs.I haven't had my GPS the last couple of weeks because i sent it back for a new one( software )but before that i was at 38,000 m over the last few months .Bike has been working great,i picked up a new scalpel 1 for the race and have been riding it for a little over a month ( thanks Olympia ),all i want to do before the race is change the tires. Flights are booked,hotels are booked,transportation is booked.I can't believe i am going to be climbing up the sides volcanoes and riding threw rain forests.This race is going to be the toughest race i have ever done,they say every year 40% of the racers don't finish.The heat,humidity,mud,steep looooong climbs,getting up at 4:30 0r 5:00 every morning and racing every day with hardly no sleep because you sweated all night and oh i just about forgot having ride on bumpy railway tracks for km's and km's.I think if i finish in one piece a good drunk will be the order of the day.

La Ruta Stage 4

La Ruta Stage 3

La Ruta Stage 2 Oh My!!

La Ruta Stage 1

What's the deal with the sandilands race

Anyone heard anything?

XC800 Degrees Celcius

I arrived Friday night with my wife ,pre rode and then went for supper.Slept not bad (it was cool).The morning warmed up fast and i knew it was going to be hot.I did like Greg and couldn't find my bike so i got stuck in behind a pile of people.I set out to ride steady and my goal was top 10.I was feeling real good even with the heat until around my 4th or 5th lap i started having bike trouble.My rear cassette would not free wheel it would make a hell of a noise and then the chain would jump and get jammed up(crap).I stopped a bunch was times and couldn't see anything wrong.I couldn't even turn it backwards by hand so i walked a bit ran a bit and then when i was close to the end i said screw it and decided to to ride it .It worked as long as i kept pedaling but when i stopped it didn't sound pretty at all.So when i got in i decided to take the rear cassette off.I was lucky because Shawn Z was there and began to help me.After we got everything apart we noticed that the rear cassette bearing had packed it in so he offered me his wheel(thanks Shawn)We began to switch everything around and even had to do rotors because i run smaller ones.I lost a pile of time but was happy to keep riding.I ended up with 8 laps and missed the cut off by 5 mins i think, so the best i could have done if i didn't have trouble would of been 9.The fast guys did 11!I think out of the top 13 around half were from MB that's counting Paddy which i thought was pretty dam good.

sweet alter eight

What a great race.The best Birch course in a long while.You know it's good when you can ride it all in the pouring rain.I had a good race,felt strong and had no leg cramps but i did get hot feet on my 10th lap and had to stop at the bridge just before Gilles secret trail and soak my feet in the cool creek water .Bike worked good,mp3 worked good and my shower at the end worked good.The alter gang sure did a great job and it sure looked like everyone had a great time. I think i got in 11 laps which was about 95km and get this,3200m of climbing according to my gps.Next up is XC8,oh yah.Hope to see alot of the same crowd there.

2007 la ruta interviews

Here

Spruce Ride But It's Not The Blundurd

Hey everyone i am heading out to spruce for a ride on Sunday 9am everyone is welcome.We will be doing or trying to do 4 laps 160km but this not the blundurd race it sounds like it going to be on the 9th.I can not make that date because i doing the mtb provincials on the 8th and the muddy waters 100 miler on the 9th so if any one is in the same boat and would like to really suffer then come on out it would be great to see you.

Cory-confirmed
Nathan-confirmed
Gord-confirmed
Nathan's brother inlaw-confirmed
Don-in bc riding his motorcycle
Can of woop ass-confirmed
Mr suffer-confirmed x4

Who's doing Blundurd Hundurd at Spruce Woods ?

I believe it is this Sunday at 9am .I will be there at 9am and was wondering who is going to join me?Let me know.Should be good weather for a 160km ride.

Holland 1200m?

I did the Holland road race on the weekend.It was hot and humid for the most part and there wasn't a bad turn out.I don't road race so my goal was to better than last year because last year i think i was last.I felt really good during the hole race,no cramps or anything.I ended up losing contact with the lead group after the 1st lap.They were going alittle to fast for me at that time.So i rode alone for a bit.I kept trying to hook up with some different riders so we could work together but i kept dropping them , that wasn't working very well.I pretty much rode the hole last lap alone.Not sure what my time was but the results should be out soon.I couldn't believe when i got home and my gps said that we only climbed 1200m during the 5 laps i was hoping for more.With my warm up and race i rode 118km.Next up is blunderd if it is still on, i haven't heard much about it lately.

See you in HELL my friends!!

Be there!

Epic Reach The Beach

What a blast and what a nice day.I started strong but later on lost the lead group.I rode hard to get myself back into the top 10 but soon after my back started to tighten up.The last 35km or so were hell because of my back.Every bump Jarred me and i could not seem to push the big gears like i like to do.I had to helplessly watch people catch up to me and pass and there was nothing i could do about it.I think my time was 4:58 which had me in 17th place out of 59 or 57 riders and the winning time was 4:17 i think or maybe alittle less i can't seem to remember.The sand was soft and draining and i suffered alittle but i liked it.Hardly wait for next year.Oh yah the race ended up being 105km's.

Reach The Beach (Are You Ready)

La Ruta News

Get your news hhhhere!

Watched My First Cup Race

This was not the plan.I was hoping to race at birch for Cup 5 but when Taya decided to give me one of her bugs i threw in the towel.I couldn't seem to shake it off in time and with reach the beach next weekend i decided to pass.This was the first time i have been at a race without a bike.Looked to me like it was a pretty good race.The 2 leaders were smoking and the race sure got spread out( way to go everyone)i wish i could of suffered with you.When i got home i was so tried from being under the weather i felt like i did the race but did nothing.Next week rtb sick or not sick i will be there because i love this race so i hope there is a good turn out.

La Ruta Shakes Up Organization Ahead Of 17th Edition | Cyclingnews.com

La Ruta Shakes Up Organization Ahead Of 17th Edition | Cyclingnews.com

Shared via AddThis

Great Weekend Rides

What a nice hot weekend.Got in a couple of good rides.The first one was on Sat where i was in another tt in Portage, it started in Portage and ended at Delta Beach.There was a pretty good turnout but not alot of Portage guys (wtf).The provincial team was there and some Winnipeg guys and gals,it was warm but there was a se wind.I was in cat 4 and i think i was in 3rd at 33:57 and the top time in cat 3 was 31 and some change again i think(that's fast) after the race me and Don S rode back to Portage ended up doing just over 60km .Then Sunday me and Brandon Greg headed out to spruce for a lap,we would of did a couple but we both had things to do.It is fathers day , my anniversary and i have to work from 5pm to 5am.It was 25degrees at 9am and 30 2hrs later.We had a great ride doing a nice steady pace with lots of time to shoot the shit.We did a semi hot lap down to cabin 4 in 52min and some change and then took it easy on the way back.Then after the ride we relaxed with a cold beer ( thanks Greg) before heading home.1 lap 38km

Morden Recap

What a great race!Lots of people,great course and ok weather.I did the 80Km race which was tough.Some spots were alittle rough and others were a bit wet.There were 2 creek crossings alots of grunter climbs ,single track,double track and some gravel road sections.It pretty much had it all except for long climbs which are almost impossible to find in Manitoba anyways.My race was good i didn't go out to hard and then got into a grove.My goal was to average 1hr a lap for 5 laps which ended up working out to 5:06 mins of riding time using my gps with about 5 mins of stops (feed zone ,crashes etc. etc)which i thought was pretty dame close .I wanted to start with a good 2 laps and then tone it down and get comfortable and finish strong.You always have to be careful not to follow someone else's pace when you do the long races.You have to know your body because the main goal is to finish the race.I could have gone alittle harder but i honestly thought some of the guys ahead of me would wear down( i was wrong).Good job to all the guys that did the 80km race even the guys that didn't finish because it takes balls to do or try to do a race like this and if you finish you can really say you did something.Here is some of my race numbers on my gps.


1st lap 53:59
2nd lap 58:27
3rd lap 1:02:10
4th lap 1:06:06
5th lap 1:03:42

calories burnt 3611
climbing 1623m
zone 1 9:19
zone 2 1:17
zone 3 7:41
zone4 2:25:15
zone 5 2:46:12
max heart rate 187
The rate zone times are more because that is including my small warm-up.

Wed nite race review

I was heading into the city so i decided to take in a wed nite race.I love these races super fast and always competitive.When i first arrived at around 4pm the first person i saw was Kevin Braun.He was waiting for Hal so they could mark the trail.I just happened to have saddle he won on my blog during a free give away session so i made the transfer.I then did a couple of semi hard warm up laps and then got ready for the race.When staging began i found out that the top guys from the last race were allowed the front row spots,so i was pushed back.I knew it was going to suck because we had a short sprint and then had to funnel in between 2 picnic tables( which are chained down so that they can not be moved).My start wasn't very good, a hole much of guys made it into the single track before me.I then found my self riding in a group that was a little slower than the front few guys so they slowly disappeared .I couldn't make a pass until the trail opened up so when it did i managed to pass 2 or 3 guys then took off to chase down the lead group.I couldn't seem to quit catch them,they would be in sight and then they weren't.So i just kept riding hard.Pretty much the hole second lap i had about 4 guys right on my ass so in the last open section on the second lap i tried to open it up and hammered but it didn't work.They all just worked together and waited for me to burn out and then made the pass.I tried to keep them reeled in which was working until my chain jumped off just as i started the last lap( they were gone ) probably lost about 20 seconds which normally isn't much but at bur oak it is.I only managed to get one of them in sight again but couldn't bridge the gap.I don't think i was to far back time wise but i think there was quit a few guys ahead of me.The results should be out soon.I felt good during and after the race, legs felt strong.I raced the first half lap using middle ring and the rest i used big ring and my bottom 3 sprockets.

Group Ride 6 NOT!!

Toady i headed out at 8:45 am for a group ride.It was cold and really windy.When i arrived at the start point i saw no one.So i rode up towards Bob's house and found him.He wasn't to keen on riding in the cold wind so he decided to get his mtb and ride somewhere out of the wind. So i headed out alone.First i went out to Newton and back and then rode around town for a bit.It turned into a shorter ride of just over 40km .Now i have to get ready to work until 2 am,i am on nights the next 3 days (joy).

Sunday Birch Ride

Today i went with Don out to Birch.We left at 8 am on a great morning.I had just finished doing a TT the day before so i wasn't sure how i was going to feel,but i knew i was in for some pain considering Don was leading the charge.We did a grand loop trying to hit as many climbs as we could.( man Don can sure hammer climbs ) all i did was just stay on his wheel and let him lead me around.We had a great ride and i felt pretty good.Ended up doing just over 30 km with 3,600 ft of climbing in about 2 1/2 hrs which i thought was a good ride considering the terrain.

Second race of the year

Saturday was my second race of the year.It was another time trail from Portage to Delta Beach and then ride home after the race. It is around 55km round trip.The turn out wasn't as good as last time with Don, Nathan and Mike not showing up,but there was still some great competition because some people that were not at the last one showed up.It was alittle breezy again which was OK.Here is the top 5 .

1st Cory
2nd Bob
3rd Nettie
4th Ian
5th Gord

Had to get the fam to help me work out

Today i decided to ride to birch so at 9:30 i took off from my house in Portage.It was a great morning nice and sunny and not alot of wind.I took gravel roads and the mountain bike.My family decided to come and pick me up so before i left i loaded the baby stroller so i could push Taya up and down the hills at Birch.( great hike a bike training ) By the time i got there and rode some trails i rode about 80km.I met my wife at the top parking area and then we went down to the bottom to unload.Brandy brought at lunch so we could have a picnic on the trails(sweet).The stroller was weighing about 60 to 70 pounds with all the gear and Taya inside which made it a great workout running the hills and she really liked it too.

My first race of the year.

Today i did my first race of the year.It was a time trial starting in Portage and ending at delta beach.There was a not bad turn out,thought there would of been more but most of the top riders from the portage area were there.After getting signed in Bob came up to me and asked me whether or not i wanted to go last or go ahead of Don Sissons.Luckily Don was busy talking to someone so a said i would go last, he didn't seem to mind.So we all took off,Mike Caslor probably had the best start he was flying (brand new bike).I took off last to try to hunt down as many people as i could.It took to around the half way point before i caught Don then soon after Nathan and then finally Bob and Mike Caslor.I ended up taking first place Bob second and i think Nathan took third.Don had bad luck again, because shortly after i passed him he got a flat.(dnf) It turned out to be a great day weather wise so i hope there's more coming.

Birch Ride

Today me and Don went to Birch for a ride.We left at 7:30am got a coffee and headed out.It was a beautiful morning way warmer than i thought it was going to be.After getting changed we headed out on the trails.Everything was going good until something got stuck in my crank brothers pedal and i couldn't seem to get clipped in,after a minute or two we found the problem and carried on.It was nice riding, i was trailing Don as he hammered climbs until he started having bike trouble about half way threw our ride.Then all of a sudden i heard a crack and his rear derailleur some how got caught in this spokes which isn't good( bent real bad ) He was done,so i rode on alone for another 40 Min's and met he back at the truck.Ride got cut short but it was still all good.

Hunting Route

Today i decided to ride a route i normally take during hunting season in my truck . It is pretty much all gravel roads and passes wright threw the portage sand hills . It was real nice because there is hardly no traffic and the scenery is a nice change. I saw dogs,cats,horses,cows,wild turkey's,a hawk,and rabbits. Normally i see lots of deer as well but it was to early in the evening. It was a 71.35km loop and it sure beats riding along side the hi way.

The long way to Birch

Today me and Don decided to take the long way to Birch for a ride.We started in Portage at 9 am and rode south .We decided to take the gravel route which went mostly south but zig zaged west a few times .The place we came in at was the back of snow valley where the nice cabin is.Then we rode some trails and did some climbs.I could really feel it in my legs today ( too much riding this week ).It will be nice to take a day off or maybe two.Don was real strong today which is nice to see.My wife was there to pick us up at the ski club house which was sweet (thanks honey bunny).All in all we did just over 70km.

Spruce Woods Ride

Had a good ride with Don today.The weather was perfect.I had some bugs in my bike i needed to work out so Friday night i worked on it and it all worked perfect today.I ended up putting on a new rear cassette which i already had and some new spacer action on the stem and shortened the chain.Don wasn't so lucky his rear wheel axle started falling apart.We just barely made it back to the truck.He didn't want to try fixing it out there so we just did one lap.

Spruce Report

Spruce Woods are perfection.Not any wetter than in the summer,climbs are all good ,lots of traction,trails are clear of trees.Everyone enjoy.

I more than likely will be out there on sat with Don so anyone who wants to ride our pace is welcome or just come and ride your own pace (its all good)

Group Ride 5

Today was another good group ride. We stuck a little closer to home doing a lap around the east end of town and then heading out to the base where we did crit like laps.Then we made our way back to town the same way we came.All in all i did 45km.

Riders out-Cory,Bob,Ron and John Ferg

Rode Birch Today

Rode birch today it was nice.There was some snow on a few trails but over all pretty good.Some climbs were pretty sticky and some were dry.I spent most of the time doing climbs.There was enough dry stuff to make a pretty good ride.Tomorrow is a group ride and Thursday i plan on heading to spruce woods so if anyone wants to come along let me know.

La Rutaaaa ohhhhh that hurts

This morning i finally got registered for La Ruta the toughest race on the planet( so they say and i heard from many others that are not joking ).Had supper with Don Sissions on the weekend and he is pumped and ready to roll.I think he has a great chance at winning the veterans cat.The first day sounds nasty with over 5000 meters of vertical.We're looking at a 8 to 10 hr day just to warm up and with the heat out there it should be a barrel of laughs.I think i am going to roll with some hard tail action out there considering the amount of climbing there is going to be.The race is 4 days but we are going to spend 2 weeks there.I joked with Don that we could rent bikes after the race but he said forget about it,i think we will just get drunk and pass out on the beach. One thing i am looking for is a bike travel case (hard shell) if anybody knows where i could buy or rent one ( used ) let me know.

Snow again

I woke up his morning to see that it was snowing again.It was also chilly with a wind from the n or ne i think.I didn't enjoy my ride today it was so gray and cold (what a bummer).Doesn't sound like tomorrow is going to be much better.I hope spruce is ready for next weekend,I'll have to check it out.I think it will be close as long as we have a nice week.

Group ride 4

This was the best ride temp wise so far . Nice strong SE wind made it a fun ride out.Did some intervals and some good sprints,right up to 100% of max.It doesn't take long to get there when you sprint into a strong wind.Ended up doing 59.5 km . I did a 10km warm up by pulling my baby girl around town after daycare.She had a blast and then she had a nap.

Riders out -Cory,Bob,Nettie,Ron and a new lady (can't remember her name)

Group Ride 3

Today was another good ride, wind was from the south so we rode into it on the way out.Temperature was nice but it was overcast.Got in some nice hard pulls into the wind and a good race/sprint up the hill at the end.All together i rode 63km.

Riders out-Cory Bob,Nettie,and Ron L

Happy Easter

This is one of my fav's.Happy Easter.The bike drop kick is the best (perfectly timed)

Group ride 2

Today was another good group ride.The wind was 10 to 15km stronger today than yesterday.I ended up doing 61.5km.The group was a little bit smaller but it was still a great ride.

Riders out- Cory,Bob,Nettie,and John L

First group ride

Today was the first portage group ride of the season.I have been riding alone for a while and it was nice to have some company.There ended up being 7 of us which made for a nice group.We did 45km as a group and then i did an extra 15.I needed to check the storage so when i got home i jumped on my mountain bike.

Riders out were-Cory,Shane,Shawn,Bob,Trevor,Theo and a young lady(not sure of the name)

Sweet Ride

I know i am not a roadie, but i think this is one real pretty ride.

It was built up for the Lance Armstrong.

Secret revealed!

Well since the winter is over i Quess i can reveal my secret weapon.I didn't want to tell anyone because i was afraid everyone would rush out and get one.I have been using it all winter so even if you went out and got one now you will never catch up to me.I even used it while driving and yes during sex as well.

I'm going to rule the worrrrrld HA HA HA

Give away of the month

Nice lite saddle .Was on one of my mountain bikes,it needs a home.

Well i hope the crappy weather is done.I have been training indoors mostly and went for a jog on Sunday.Today i went for a 27 mile ride did some zone 5 sprints,one leg drills and rode pretty much the rest of the time zone 3.

I was thinking because there is no Redass and BAF isn't going to be an enduro i don't think my wife would mind if i take in the odd Cup Race,Brandon Hills or Wed Night Series.( We will see )

Sunny but........

Today looked sunny but there was a very cool breeze.  South east i think,made for a cool ride when you were riding into it.  It was still nice to be out again following that sucked out storm.  It should just keep getting better from here on in ,but we will see.  Had a good steady ride not to long and the only thing that got cold were my feet alittle by the end.  It was also very slick in spots just about went down once.  I practiced going through deep snow like it was mud.  I quess that is like being in the desert when you keep see water ahead of you.Winter is dragging on so long i am starting to imagine things.Oh well as long as it makes me happy.
P.S That is not a picture of me i just thought this post needed one.I didn't bring my camera,duh!

Hurry Hurry!!!!!

Only 2 days left to vote.Don't forget to vote for your favorite tire because it is so very important.

Not very good out door riding

I think the snow,rain,wind,and windchill are going to keep me indoors for a couple of days.I could probably walk faster.Here is what one of my shorter rides looks like.

Zone 1-2:32
Zone 2-6:56
Zone 3-41:03
Zone 4-1:09:32
Zone 5-0:30

2152 calories

Messy but nice!

It's been nice being able to get in some good rides outside.They are real good but messy and that is OK by me.Rode the Scott a couple of times just to fine tune it,the rest of the time it has been the Giant.Still no world from Jamis about my frame.It looks to me like it is just a crack in the paint but we will see what Jamis thinks.

Tough Races

So the other day i was thinking back on some of the tough races i have done.I was thinking,what was the hardest one i have done so far.I decided to share them with you.I have raced for 25hrs,29hrs,8hrs,100 miles,300 miles,7 day stage race.So starting at #1 as the easiest and working up to the hardest here is my list.

#1-Muddy Waters 100 mile (it is a good distance but fun i did it twice on my mountain bike.You can ride this one without stopping.

#2-Morden's Back 40-great course just needs to be longer then it would be way tougher.

#3-Reach the Beach 120km and 90 km (it is harder because it is off road and gravel.You can ride it without stopping as well.I did it when it was 120 as well as 90,super fun but 90 is a little short.

#4-Birch 80 km's-It was tough but you always get a break on the road sections.


#5-XC8 8 hrs-I had lots of fun there.Great spot i had good energy right to the end and felt good after the race.

#6-8hrs Birch-I found this 8 hr event harder than XC8 probably because i just finished TransRockies.

#7-Blundurd Hundrud-This is real tough but it could be tougher if the weather was hotter.


#8-TransRockies-Its tough and fun i felt strong during the race except for stage 2 when we went threw some wet technical section's i went down so many times by the end of the stage i was wiped but i rebounded the next day stronger than ever.

#9-Redass 2008 440 km's -Some people say that doing some of these stage races is the hardest thing you will ever do on a bike(not true)riding for over 24hrs without sleep on gravel roads is harder.


#10-Redass 2007 300 miles-I had a messed up leg and it took me 29hrs i never suffered more ever.I could not feel my little toes on both feet ,my fingers ,i could not bend my knee,i could not feel my groin area.Just ask Hal Lowen how hard it was we rested in ditches for the last 110 km's and popped advil's like candy.It was a month before i could ride again.

YO YO YO Check This Out!!!!

I am aloud to post this cool video on my biking blog because you can see kids riding bikes in the back ground.Let me know what you think if you watch it.

You think you're tough??

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D-mZRvqjzK9Q&source=video&vgc=rss&usg=AFQjCNEtNXzUc3lPNRSCjjq-utAOXvHa6g

Free give away of the month

Anyone need a pair of Shimano pd-r540 pedals?I have no need for them.

XC8 oh the fun!

Here is a old picture from XC8 a couple of years ago .Good times and my leg doesn't look so good.Hope to get back there his year.

Need warmth!

Training is going well doing pretty much the same as before.I can hardly wait for some warmer temps without a windchill,i would like to start getting in some longer rides.I haven't heard back from Jamis yet about my frame.I stopped by the shop in town and it looks like Don's frame is in.I also saw a sign that they were going to put up stating there $50.00 per hr shop rate.I won't comment on that one except for i am glad i don't have to pay that.

Take it easy?

Today was a litter day 6 miles snowshoes and a easy spin on the trainer tried to stay at 65%

Training is fun

Friday was supposed to be my jog day but it turned into a day off.My daughter had a fever and had to come home early.So Sat i went to Birch with Don Sissions he skate skied and i snowshoed on the bike trails i stayed off the groomed trails because it is funner going threw the deeper snow. Got lots of hill climbs in and spent 3 hrs on the trails.Sun i did sit ups, push ups and rode the trainer (resistance training) after that i did 6 miles on the snowshoes.

My kind of winter riding

http//www.original-extreme.com/english/transmexicana/index.php

If you don't like to climb this is the race for you!(I like a good mixture)

Feeling Better

Started feeling better again today after a weird bug on wed

Workout -some sit ups,some push ups and intervals on the trainer up to 88%

Pretty some i will start doing some outside riding.I do like the structured workouts you get from a good trainer and i try to use it as much as possible during the winter.

Training

Training for La Ruta http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na5uphcTP2w&feature=email

Solo? Finally

Looks like Trans Rockies is offering up a three day solo event.It will run at the same time as the main race but it will end in Nipika for the solo racers and the 7 day riders will continue on.It's a start maybe it will be all 7 days for solo next year.BC bike race has already jumped on board and is offering 7 day solo race or teams of 2,3,4,5.They should of done this years ago.I may have to rethink my race plans.

Tuesday workout-6 miles on snowshoes and easy spin on trainer between 65% and 75%
Wednesday will have to be a day off because i have come down with another bug.

Monday workout

Started with coffee then sit ups followed by an apple and nutrigrain bar for breakfast.I then went for a jog ,very nice day out.When i got home i showered and cooked some scrambled eggs with olive oil and 2 slices of rye toast for lunch.I then went out on the snowshoes for 6 miles.It was a great day off.I even had time to make some home made cabbage rolls for supper.

Free goodies from the savage

I have a Scott espace card jersey jacket that i have never worn.It is a medium and i am giving away free to anyone who would like it.This is the first of many free give a ways.Why Cory why!!!! you ask ?Because i like to give stuff to my friends.


Sunday was a good workout indoor trainer race pace up to 97% of max.Felt real good.Now if i could only tune up my riding skills.

Workout

Friday was my day off and Saturday i got a good 3 hr snowshoe session in. It was a great day nice and sunny.There was a little bit of a wind chill but nothing a face mask won't fix.

It Lives

It lives to ride another day.I don't think i want to get it dirty.

thur workout- trainer (rolling hills) low resistance -low cadence 2min on. High resistance- high cadence 1min on over and over and over.

Birthday!!!!!

Taya turned 1 today so we had a grand celebration.She got a little messy but that was OK she had a blast.

Tues workout- trainer low impact fat burn 65%
Wed workout- trainer grinding hill climbs followed by a little bit of intervals

La Ruta News

I remember saying before that La Ruta was going to be 5 days, well i guess they decided to leave it the same for 1 more year they need more time to get all the changes ready.So 4 days it will be.

Sun workout-jog
Mon workout -trainer intervals

Bike Trouble!!!

Turns out both Don Sissions and my carbon fiber Jamis Dakar XCR Team frames have cracks in the frame. Sounds like Don has a new frame except the rear triangle coming.Dale has to send pics of my cracks to Jamis and see what they want to do. Good thing i decided to rebuild the Scott because it might be a while before i ride the Jamis again.

Trainer workout today( hills) and 6 miles on the snowshoes.

Finally starting to shake my cold.

Its been a rough few days, stupid cold.Got back on the trainer today still stuffed up but felt good(intervals). I also worked, got a hair cut and stopped buy the local bike shop to get a few things( new tire pump ,tire gauge ,grease gun ,grease ,chainstay protector ,and some spare brake pads. My Scott is almost done, it is in my basement and all together but i am waiting for a few more things that i ordered on ebay to come so i can finish it up.

Dreaming of the best race ever!

Imagine if you will rolling hills good for gears or single speed. Lush forest trees. Hot desert like temps. Cabins along the route for rest/feed stations. Sound good so far,of course it does. Imagine again if you will 24 hrs of Spruce Woods. It doesn't hurt to dream (does it). Maybe some day we can get a bunch together and do it for fun like the blundered 100? Now i must go back to dreaming bye bye for now.

Too much work Not enough working out

Thrus worked until 11pm Fri worked until 2am Sat slept and went for jog Sun trainer workout Mon finally got Taya's cold no workout. One of these days i will get into a groove.

Do you know Scott? Here is a pic of him naked!

Freshly stripped but still a little dirty.

mixed day

My day started with get Taya off to daycare then to work, shipped 2 loads of potatoes to Mc Cains then home for lunch.After lunch i went to Winnipeg to return baby gap boots and i also stopped at Olympia bike shop.I then went back to work to lock up and went straight over to daycare to pick up Taya.Once mom got home i worked out before supper intervals again warm up 1 min on 2 min off then a cool down.Then it was to Sobey's and back home.Another day done!

workout and free food

Today when i got home from work i did resistance training on the kettler (hill climbs in a big gear)up to 300 watts eddy current resistance and the name of the game is to keep rpm's above 100 and stay at or below 92% of max.It was all good .I just finished my workout when i heard a knock on the door.It was my wife's dad and apparently he was off work and bored so decided to cook us a chicken,potatoes ,carrots,salad and garlic bread.Sweet, i can hardly wait until he retire rs.

Light Day

6 miles on the snowshoes low intensity to work and back.Trying not to get my baby Taya's cold.(stay tuned)

This my own recipe,post workout food it's got everything you need.I had it tonight after my workout.I did intervals on the kettler no higher than 88% of max and then a short jog right after.Now back to the dish.

You get a skillet cut up some broccoli,carrots,white onion, celery,2 cloves garlic, and red peppers. Then cube some lean pork meat and throw it all in together add a little water put the lid on and simmer for a couple of hours.When every thing is cooked to your liking add some mushroom soup and some milk,simmer a bit more then get some cornstarch mix it with cold water and add ,this is to thicken it .Final step cook some pasta noodles any kind and then pour sauce on top. yummmm

freaken cold

Today was one of the coldest days for snowshoeing. Could not feel my little friend when i got home(and yeah i said little).Workout was 6 miles on the shoes and a jog before supper.I also managed to work on a couple of bikes as well. It was a good day but i have to work tomorrow up at 5 am time to make french fries. I have to deli ever 520,000 lbs of potatoes to Mc Cain's.

Tonight Taya fell asleep in her highchair all tuckered out ,had to skip bath time and go straight to bed. Kettler workout in the morning kept heart rate between 65% and 80% and a jog before supper. Now it is movie time either Batman Dark Night or Hellboy 2 sweet.

My day day was like so.6am wake get Taya ready for day care workout on indoor trainer hill climb intervals high cadence 1min on 2min off downhill sprint at the end.Go to work then pick Taya from day care wait for mom to get home and go for run before supper.After supper went to sobey's to restock then put Taya to bed, all done.

Do to work and the new baby i must trim down racing a bit so i am sticking with what i love pain and distance.My 2009 plans are as follows.

>morden marathon
>red ass( if they have )
>bring a freind
>reach the beach
>muddy waters
>blunder 100(This one dishes out the pain my eye vision was burry when i got home for 2 hours
>alter ego marathon
>fall classic marathon
>xc8
la ruta de los conquistadores(already in the planning stages.They are serving up 5 stages of pain for 2009.)
I think that is it more km's but less events.