Cyclepaths/Wild Cherries Racing

By Conrad (photos by Alanna):

L-R: Conrad, Nate and Ramsey (along with Nick not in the photo) rode to the Boca Road Race from the Start Haus. On the way there, I asked my teammates how we were going to win. We created a complex plan that wouldn't materialize. Instead we all rode as best we could, helped each other out where possible - especially Nate and I, who were able to race together with the front group for the whole race.

L-R: Nick, Nate, Conrad. Um, yeah, we live here.

At the end, there were about 8 of us remaining in the lead pack and I went for it from the back, around the outside and won the sprint. Goddamn I love sprinting. We were joined for the ride out and back by Andy Scott, a Cat 5 Truckee local who delivered a solid 6th place in the Bs. On the way back, we took the Boca-Roubaix dirt road route. The Boca Road Race is one of the highlights of racing in truckee. It's close and in a beautiful setting: riding home on dirt backroads while the sun is setting is hard to beat. Since I'm always traveling for work, I unfortunately don't get the opportunity to do this race every month, but I sure wish I could, it's one of the summer's highlights.

Photo Gallery Compliments of Alanna Hughes:
http://flickr.com/photos/21265854@N02/sets/72157606357919134/

On Saturday, July 19th, the second season of Chickadee Underground racing commenced with Chickadee #1, a 50 mile epic mt. bike course between Truckee and Tahoe City, CA, and back. Ten hearty souls showed up to tackle the tough course. For two of us, it was OTB, though we didn't ride the OTB trail. Forrest went Over The Bars, while I was Off The Back.

On one of the descents on the Rim Trail, Forrest hit something hidden in the dust and launched over the bars doing a full flip and landing on his back. This kept his injuries a little less visible, (limited to his back) and he did jump a bit when I forgot, and slapped him on the back to congratulate him on a job well done.

This year's course was "easier" than the previous year though it's a little absurd implying there was anything easy about the course. It was well designed with manageable fire road climbs (great for socializing and keeping the heart rate from skyrocketing) while descending epic single track. But with that said, it's still a 50 mile mt. bike course with tons of climbing, so it isn't an easy ride. Thanks to Conrad for putting together the well thought out route.

We sampled trails such as Power Line, 2 Beavers and a Bear, Schaffer Creek, Missing Link, Western States, Bob Watson, Happy Face, Rim Trail, and others. Conrad, Forrest, and Nick Damner rode single speed. This bummed me out as I had a cable housing failure and rode the whole course in the middle ring. Normally, I'd have an excuse for getting dropped, "Well, I only had 9 gears." But that sort of whining doesn't work when guys are riding single speeds!

It was an epic day with great riding. Although it's a point series race, it's really more of a brisk social ride, which makes it super fun!

Conrad, Ben, Forrest, Eric, and Nick stayed more or less together for the entire race and finished together with some sprinting at the end. Emma broke off early and did a slightly shorter version of the ride. I got dropped, lost, and did some "extra credit" finishing with 52 miles total. LT, Janet, and Annmarie started off with us, then broke off early on and did their own version.

After the ride we hosed off behind the Blue Coyote, then slipped inside for burgers and beer. Then, not quite done with our day, we headed for the docks on Donner Lake, re-uniting with Janet, LT, Ann

emarie, and surprise guests Katerina and Marcus for a nice dip in the Lake.

If that wasn't enough, we then headed home for a quick shower, and rallied over to Old Greenwood to catch a free Kenny Loggins concert on the golf course...and that got us thinking -- not so much about Kenny Loggins, but about golf. So we decided to forfeit our bike riding on Sunday to play 9 holes of golf at Ponderosa. Other than whacking a few houses with stray golf balls, and Conrad getting busted by the Course Marshal for violating the dress code (no shirt), it was pretty sweet. Naturally, we enjoyed a few PBR's on the course.

After feeling guilty about being lazy and playing golf, we thought we'd maybe take a ride in the afternoon. But after thinking about it a little more, we instead decided to continue the lazy trend, going for some Mexican Food at El Toro Bravo, and afterward settled in at Conrad and Lisa's watching the Tour de France on the flat screen, dozing in and out as Phil and Paul carried us through the epic mountain stage.

Check out Forrest's GPS data from the Chickadee ride here:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/6295099

And stay tuned for Chickadee #2...check the CWC racing schedule here:

http://cwcracing.org/?section=schedule

And learn more about the Chickadee Underground Race series here:

http://www.chickadeeunderground.blogspot.com/

Results:

1. Ben Raggins 17pts.
2. Forrest Huisman 17pts.
3. Eric Ronning 17pts.
4. Nick Damner 14pts.
5. Conrad Snover 13pts.
6. Emma Gerrard 12pts.
7. Paul McKenzie 11pts.

L-R: Ben (Northstar), Conrad, Matt, Forrest, Justin

Results:
Justin Thomas 2:06:11, 1st Pro XC, Spark 15
Conrad Snover 2:16:19, 1st Singlespeed, Scale 15
Matt Chappell 2:25:28, 7th Expert, Spark 15
Forrest Huisman 2:30:01, 6th Singlespeed, Scale 15
Ben Ragains 2:24:04, 14th Pro XC (Team Northstar/Giant)
Full Event Results: http://www.srtiming.com/results.html

Scott bikes was at Downieville, and posted a story about our teams success. http://www.scottusa.com/news/bike/1434

Our favorite local newspaper also ran a story:
http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20080717/SPORTS/502840310/1052
From Conrad Snover:

The Downieville Classic is one of the most epic mountain bike races in California. Huge names come from across the country to try their hand at this difficult course. We traveled out 4 times to pre-ride and check out the course. In doing so, I determined that I needed an easier gear (20t cog instead of the 18t that drove me to tears on the first 2 tries) and bigger, thicker tires than the ones that gave me 2 flats on 2 different pre-rides (note: last year I was in 2nd when I got a flat, and ended up 7th).

This year all the practice worked, and I won the singlespeed division. That of course made my day, but hanging out in the gold-rush town of Downieville, where in 1848 someone found a single gold nugget worth $85K, and the town was so remote that new boots cost $150, with my teammates was the highlight. The town hosts a big-air bike jump contest into the river, closes the street for beer drinking and live music, and holds a pixie-cross race (bike race with adults on little kids' bikes). It truly is an insanely fun place to ride, and hang out after a ride.


From Justin Thomas:
I half expected to ride well with the recon. we had done over the previous weeks and one final smokey ride on the Wednesday before the race with Ben R. (looking back, that was too close to be riding the whole course). Even though I wasn't racing the All Mtn. category I knew lining up at or near the front would help keep things smooth leading onto the loose gravel road for most of the climb. I situated myself on the climb at a pace I knew I could maintain and possibly increase at the top. I rode most of the climb with Mark Weir and Mike Vine and was 6th going into the first short section of singletrack. Felt pretty smooth and fast but

when I got back onto the gravel road for a few up and down miles, I was a little more tired than expected. I got caught by 4 All Mtn. guys working together leading up to the technical "Baby Head" section. I figured I wouldn't see these guys again after checking out their 5-6" travel bikes cruising by. Of course the bike doesn't make the rider so they all came back when things got technical. My Scott Spark with its smooth 4 inches of travel did the job perfectly and kept things light when the trail occassionally turned upwards.

I rode most of the descent faster than I had in training and was making good time down the mountain. Of course I had to spoil my luck when about 2/3 of the way down I stupidly reached for my bottle in the middle of on coming technical section. Not realizing how fast I was going and how quickly the next section was coming, I didn't get my hand back to my handlebar in time and ended up crashing on my right side. I was pretty upset with myself and couldn't believe I had made such a foolish mistake. One rider from behind caught me as I was doing damage control. With the adrenaline rushing, I quickly got back on and was determined to get my place back. Heading into the final few miles, I told myself to stay on his wheel and wait my turn. It seemed the crash had taken the wind out of my sails as I slowly lost contact with this rider and soon heard other riders coming from behind. Within the last 2 pedal intensive miles, I got passed by the other 2 All Mtn. riders I had passed at the top.

I ended up finishing 9th behind All Mtn. category riders and luckily happened to be the first Pro Solo XC rider. I was pleased to have finished in the top 10 but know I can improve a lot on my performance and give the All Mtn. Category a serious run; possibly with the assitance of a Scott Genius All Mtn. race bike!!

My Cyclepaths-Wild Cherries Racing team equipment worked perfectly ranging from my Giro helmet and Oakley Radars on top all the way down to my Adidas carbon soled shoes. In summary, I had a great time racing and the whole atmosphere of Downieville should not be missed.

From Forrest Huisman:
Smoky Bear isnt too happy these daysour outdoor playground is still ablaze. Fortunately, the wind shifted and skies cleared Saturday morning for Ben, Matt, Katie, JT, Conrad and I. For our 9:30 AM start along the slightly steep and narrow Sierra Buttes Road, the temperature seemed abnormally warm and humid. Is it possible that 500 staged racers can affect the weather in Sierra City?

With the Announcers countdown, we were offkind of. Despite a few locked handlebars and squirrelly mounts on either side, the peloton gained momentum as spectators flashed their cameras and happily cheered amid poison oak. At this venue in particular, its very important to secure good position up near the front, I am sure JT will give pointers if asked.

Climbing, surprisingly, is not my strength. So, to stay cool, I took full advantage of the misting station and another obscure creek crossing along the first half hour of the climb. This tactic kept me refreshingly energized for the remaining exposed climb, although I am sure it allowed the entire Sport Category to catch me. By the ti
me the infamous hike-a-bike section was behind me, my ego rebounded quickly as I started making multiple passes all the way up toward Packer Saddle (It also helped that I was racing within the Sport Category). Thanks to my Scott Scale singlespeed, no wattage was lost, helping me carve uphill like Ive never experienced before.

After seeing lovely Katie at the top, I was tempted to stop and chat, drink my feed, and cheer for those I just passed. But with Sunshine Trail just around the corner, I set my sights on three guys that werent worthy of the holeshot. Although my 20 cog allowed for good climbing, it also provided ample entertainment for the spectators along the flats. With my legs rotating at 130 rpm (probably higher), I passed all three just before the timing mat and proceeded to stir some moondust. Further in, I ran into another fellow racer debuting on his singlespeed, Nick Damner, whom I hadnt seen in years. I was stoked as we raced and paced each other like old times.

On the descent, I grew increasingly aware of how much I appreciate my ESI grips. Control and comfort, all in one! I didnt even notice my sweet Giro Atmos (which is a good thing), and was pleased with my super comfy yet rigid Adidas mountain shoes. Reaching down for a snug(er) fit was almost too easy, giving me the extra control I needed to negotiate the infamous terrain ahead. Through the rock gardens, stream crossings, narrow negotiations and super fast sections, I lost count of where I was or who I was chasingI was living the dream.

As with all dreams, I woke up. In this case, to both quads locking down as I crossed the bridge and started ascending third divide. Thinking I had some time to spare, I stopped to stretch them out a bit. To my disappointment, I looked back to see a train of 10 guys raging up the hill behind me (huge dust cloud and drool on each). I wish I had a photo of my face at that instantsurprise, fear and an oh-shit, all rolled into one. By the time I gained upward momentum, three had passed me again, but only one was able to maintain position over the top of the divide, coincidentally another singlespeed! BTW, I was drooling by then too.

During the final few miles of the race, we battled back and forth through the flat traverses and fast descents. We worked together to gain on others and split through hole shots whenever possible. Thinking of my awesome teammates and inspired road strategies, I maintained fair composure toward the end as we rolled toward the upper asphalt stretches of Downieville. Knowing that we had two small rollers left, I let a few guys shred the final single-track corner and sprint along the asphalt flats. As they gained distance, I grew concerned, but kept my rpms high and my eye on the lead.

Fortunately for me, when I create momentum, I tend to keep it awhile. This helped as I managed one final attack as the climb got steep, and as I crested the top, I passed the chase group and sailed in for 6th place among the one-speeders. I was very stoked.

Although the promoters struggled with timing equipment and schedule this year, the Downeville Classic is a must see, must do party for next year. I rarely see a better venue and group of people come together. The race course, swimming, food, beer, river bike jumpin and festivities were further complimented later by live music on the street, more beer and of course, industry house parties. Overnight in Downieville is a must!

The Start Line:

The twisty course at Vacaville suits my bike handling skills, and the overpass-type hill compliments my skinny ass. I snatched 3rd place at Vacaville in 2007, even after crashing with three laps to go. My true competition in the race this year wouldn't be other riders, but the oppressive heat.

"A man from hell is not afraid of hot ashes." - Dorthy Gilman.

Unfortunately I am from Minnesota.

It was 95 degrees in the shade at 2pm when we toed to the start line. The heat wafted up from the pavement and beamed down from the cloudless sky. The pace wasn't killing me, but the temperature was. 30 minutes into the race I had already gone through both of my water bottles, and there was still about an hour left to go.

With my tongue hanging out of my parched mouth, I started to panic. I paced my efforts by following wheels, doing anything to keep my heartrate down and my body from overheating. The race felt easy on my legs, but my body was starting to shut down from the warm air. With 5 laps to go, I started to get dizzy and my need for water overcame my desire to race. I dropped out of the pack and started asking spectators for some fluids. I spent the rest of the race sitting under a tree next to a drinking fountain, wallowing in a shame spiral.

A big ole' DNF stamp on my forehead was the reward for the day. The winner of the race soloed the last few laps to take the District Championships Jersey. After crossing the finish line he burst into flames, grew huge black horns and pulled out a pitchfork " revealing his secret to tolerating the heat.

I won Leesville Gap in 2007 by out-sprinting the other 9 riders from an all-day breakaway. That was in the Cat 4s, a win in the Pro 1/2 field would be much harder. Much much harder, mo-muchly, the muchliest.

Nate and I drove down the night before with the plan to sleep on the lawn outside Williams High School (where registration would happen the following morning). Our blissful ignorance led us to forget it was the evening of the 4th of July. Strike one, loud fireworks all night long. Fortunately it was relatively quiet on the High School soccer field, so we laid out our sleeping bags to catch some sleep. Within seconds of lying down, we were swarmed by mosquitoes. Strike two, an unbearable amount of bug bites. Not all hope was lost, as zipping ourselves completely inside our bags prevented harassment from the buzzing pests. Strike three, sweating to death inside sleeping bags because it was 80 degrees outside.

At 1am and dozens of bites later, we ran off the field and got a motel room.

The Leesville Gap course is a little over 60 miles in length and features the worst pavement of any race in Northern California. About half the race is on broken asphalt and loose gravel. The quality of the road surface is what makes this race difficult. 60 miles feels like 80 because you have to pour so much energy into your bike to maintain traction and a smooth power output. The worst parts of the roads are in the first 30 miles, leaving you utterly destroyed for the later-half of the race. The Copperopolis road race in March is called the Paris Roubaix of Nor-Cal - Leesville Gap is far more deserving of that title.

The attacks started right away with teams from McGuire, Cal-Giant and Webcor all trying to shake out a breakaway. I just stayed near the front as I knew the real fireworks would happen along the busted pavement before the big climb, with the final selection occurring on the big climb (3 miles, 1500 gain) itself. If you dont make the cut in these decisive first 25 miles, the race is essentially over.

I got stuck behind a large split in the field about a mile before the climb. I shot out of the pack and chased hard to latch onto the front of the race just as the climb started. As I was chasing, I knew that I was probably burning the match that would help me ascend in good position. I was right, the lead group pulled away from me almost immediately and I spent the rest of the climb watching them drift farther and farther away. There is enough downhill and rolling flats following the climb, that a decent sized group can stay away for the remaining 35 miles. But I put my head down anyways and started chasing.

A few miles down the road a McGuire rider flew by me at 30 mph, he was truly hauling ass. I saw that as my opportunity to at least end my suffering on the course a little faster, so I jumped on his wheel. We exchanged pulls for the rest of the race, catching and passing quite a few riders. The McGuire rider did the majority of work, taking monster pulls in comparison to what I was able to output. I finished the day in 18th place - I probably would have died in the heat out there if not for the super-draft of the McGuire rider.

Photos are copyright Through My Eyes Photography.