I'm not ever sure of where my fitness is this time of year, especially this year. With the exception of the last two weeks "training" has been epic snowshoe battles with my friends back home as well as running and rowing at the gym. I hate the trainer so I've not exactly been getting in the miles, most of you know what I mean. So when faced with the option of doing the cross country distance or doing the marathon I choose the later. More miles are better this time of year and race miles are best, Right?
Podium shot...
Take note of the super consistent laps. This is the way to win an endurance race...
Winning bike. The 26inch hardtail ruled the day today. "This will be the year of the 26in hardtail"...
It's nice to be able to review the course, the number of laps and other incidentals before the race, without having to bother the very busy promoters...
P.I.R. Phoenix International Raceway, in the background...
One more ride tomorrow then I fly home for two weeks rest before the next trip. I'll be back in Phoenix for White Tanks on the 26th but I'm skipping the US cup at Bonelli park due to logistics, so I'll just take that time to train. Race season back east starts soon, the preparation continues...
Great job Monte!
ReplyDeleteWay to kick some ass, you da man
ReplyDeleteYo Mike!
ReplyDeleteAwesome job!!!
I'm finally settled in LA (living and working in Burbank) and getting back into shape. Had a tough few years there and was very inactive. I'm liking the idea of cross country Mtn. Biking, especially out here. Ton of trails right out my back door. I'm thinking of getting a 29er. What do you think about them? I'm 6' and targeting 195lbs.
great to see you out there. too bad you didn't ride milagrosa with us on Saturday ;)
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
ReplyDeleteNice to see someone bucking the trend- the year of the 26er!!!
Hey man, nice race.. How much do you love your sworks? I noticed they slackened the headtube angle for 2011, and I wonder if you've ever thought the steering was a little more sluggish than it should be.
ReplyDeleteRobert H.
The bike the way it is set up is perfect for me. Responsive in the slow techy stuff, but stable at speed. The carbon is super stiff under efforts, but smooths out the bumps(feels like a inch of travel). One complaint is the seatpost, It slips. I fear when I do change it I'll lose the smooth ride. I'll post full review after a couple more races...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback... Interesting about the seatpost...I read a similar story in a magazine review of the bike.
ReplyDeleteVery interested to read your full review ...