Dogfish Cross in Hermann - A MO Staple

This past weekend was the 'Missouri Cross Opener' in Hermann at Jeff Yielding's Dogfish 'Cross weekend.  Haven't miss this weekend for several years and don't plan to for years to come.

Darion had a soccer game in SGF at 2pm on Saturday so it wouldn't give me time to jump in the masters race so I opted for the Saturday 'under the light' in the Open race.  So upon arrival in Hermann I joined up with several 360 teammates at 'the compound'.  They were getting ready to race while I unloaded and warmed up a bit.  Chilly (not really, but compared to recent days it was) and lots of dew on the course had it a tad slippery; opted for the PDX setup.

360 guys all raced solid and before you know it it was go time for me.  Course was a typical Yielding layout with 1,000,000 turns, the stairs (bottom half), and a sandpit with a turn (ridable, but faster to run).  Toed the line in a 30 racer field (and tons of these guys are really fast) and started on the 2nd row.  First lap was lap and after that it just got faster and faster.  I felt ok, but made three stupid mistakes in the first 2 laps that had me off a group moving quickly; I was pretty much on my own.  An hour later I finished 14th (top half of field - barely).  That's about right for my ability and fitness; I'll take it.

Strung up the hammock and off to sleep. 

Solid field in the Open event Saturday night

Sand was ridable, but faster for me to run.  Shortly after this pic I dumped it

 

Riding solo for 80% of the race - boring...

Woke up to a beautiful morning and Nate, Dale, and I headed of for a 1:15hr cruise around town and on the Katy to loosen the legs.  Got back, cruised the course to find a couple changes (course backwards on Sunday and the upper stairs were used which are tougher and longer - good for me).

Decided to move my race to the 45 minute masters race as it would get me home 2 hours earlier (not a tough decision).  Couple of solid racers lined up in the 40+ and 50+ (started 30 seconds back).  Dry course for went with the MXPs for the day.

Had one of the worst starts I've ever had as I missed the pedal three times and finally got going (way off the back) after laughing out loud.  Quickly moved through the group and slotted into 4th for most of the first lap.  After that I moved forward and before soon Jose and I had a gap on the rest.  He and I swapped some pulls and then I increased the pace with 3 to go and opened a sizable gap.  Kept the pace solid until the last lap where I let off the pressure and soon after Tom Price of Trek Collective (50+ category) caught up and we rode out the last lap pretty much together.  Snagged another win.

Take a look at the below picture: Jose knows what he's doing on the stairs.  Sunday's stairs were a bit tougher/steeper/longer than Saturday and the biggest 'assistance' on getting up these quickly was the use of my free hand pulling on the rail.  Always took the right side allowing the rail to come into play.

This might have been lap 2 when I put a little effort in the
stairs and pushed the pace for 1/2 lap to see who was where









 

 









Good guys sharing this podium (Tim and Jose)

Ira Brown, long time friend, was back in MO visiting some family and showed up to race the 3's.  I hung around and caught his race (7th), chit chatted during part of the open then headed home.  It was a good weekend of racing.

Got home with enough daylight for D and I to take on Ian and a friend in some backyard football (we won by 1 TD is what we tell D).  From there it was a quick unpack, put D to bed with a story, grab a bite, and then crash in bed catching the last of the Bears vs 49ers - awesome weekend!

Up next is a little open, but Oakley Night Cap weekend in Des Moines is the next good one in two weeks

***Most photos from Nate Bethell, with some from Dan Singer Photography***

 

Pre-Season Week #2 - Wild Trak SuperPrestige

This past weekend continued a little build up to my 'cross season with a two day event in Alton, Il - Wild Trak SuperPrestige.  With Saturday's race starting at 5pm and just a little drive (4hrs) from home I was able to hop on the rollers for a bit and snag a great late breakfast with the family before heading out. 

Rolled up to the course a couple hours prior to race start which gave me a good opportunity to get in several laps and chat with some folks I hadn't seen in a while.  Course was set up great with some good elevation change, open power sections, and several requiring handling skills.  Temps were in the 70's, which was incredible, and with rain the day before the course was thick grass mostly (which was grippy with Clement PDX), but there were a handful of damp mud that kept you on guard.

Lined up with a solid Masters crew (20 seconds behind Open racers) and after one of my worst starts it wasn't long before I worked my way to the front and set a good pace.  Gaps opened quickly and after 60 minutes (rare for Masters) I won with a decent gap and actually finished 4th overall (to include Open).  I liked the 60 minute race as it was great training.  Fun and tough course that found me on my back (wrecking) twice.  First one was right in front of Scott Peipert who actually ran over my rear wheel (with no damage), but the second one was by far the best as I clipped something on a fast descent and went flying over the front of the bike.  Glad that one was in a wooded area and no one could see as I am sure I looked ridiculous. 

Doing some work early with Scott P

Always nice to snag an envelope

After the race I headed out to dinner with Scott P and his wife.  After that they were kind enough to put me up for the night - HUGE THANKS!

Sunday morning was awesome with temps in the low 60's.  Loaded up, headed to the course, changed up, and snagged a good hour road ride around Alton to loosen up the legs.  Switched up wheels and hit the course a couple times and found it the exact same as the day prior (except it was drier and fast).  Hung out and watched a couple race while chatting with folks until it was time to go. 

With a drier course I chose the Clement MXPs which were spot on.  Masters field increased in size and quality for Sunday with most notable the presence of 'The Killer' Tim K.  Last time we raced was when he snapped his ankle at the State race so I was looking forward to chasing him.

Race took off (we were 20 seconds behind the Open field) and as I expected Tim jumped to the lead and I was getting ready to settle in behind when a couple guys jammed me up in the 1st 180 turn and I dropped back a handful of places.  Watched Tim opening a gap, but didn't panic and about 1/4 way into the first lap I made contact with him and went to work increasing the pace.  Before I knew it a decent gap opened and I started pulling in several Open riders.  By the end I took the W with a decent gap and finished 4th overall (that includes the Open racers). 



Tim K putting in the early effort; fun chasing a fast guy

 

I will insert something here:  I rarely meet Masters racers who are not super cool and nice, but then there is Tim K (who I have only met a handful of times)...  This guy exceeds all and it appears no matter what comes his way on and off the course he is a super positive guy with a constant smile on his face and good words to say.  Looking forward to getting to know him better and if you haven't met him it's your loss. 

Good weekend of training/racing.  Hopped in the car and 4 hrs later was home playing with the boys. 

Next weekend is the season opener for most at Dogfish Cross in Hermann; a Missouri staple on any 'cross racers calendar.  Jeff and crew do a great job on not only solid courses, but great overall venue/event.

'Cross Pre-Season in Iowa

That's right, after a long spell of no racing it's time for a little injection of race pace and practice at speed so I (and Dale) opened our 'cross season with what I am calling 'pre-season race workouts'.  So with that in mind Dale and I headed to Iowa.

I laugh at how many were saying 'it's August, way too early for 'cross', but are you serious?!?!?!?  That's like saying Christmas comes to soon, there's too much flavor in this steak, ...  Put on a 'cross race in June and I'd be there.  Long and short - if that's what a person loves then it's never toooooo early.

Altoona (suburb or Des Moines) had two days (Friday evening and Saturday) of true 'cross racing, Palooza Cross, put on by the Sakari Race Team.  Hopped into work Friday morning for a bit then we hit the road for 5.5hrs and before you know it we pulled up at the venue and was pleasantly surprised to find a nicely laid out course with a little bit of everything (minus climbing - super flat) that makes a course interesting and challenging: power straights, tons of turning, plenty dismounts, sand/dirt mounds section, and a cool large berm.  Perfect for the Clement MXPs

It was hot and super humid with heat index way over 100*.  Yes that sucked, but it sucked for everyone and my first race (Masters 45+) was only 30 minutes so lets get this on.  Three masters fields (35+, 45+, 55+) were sent off in 15 second increments and each class had 7 to 10 riders per.  Whistle goes and quickly settle in behind a guy driving a decent pace as we start moving through the 35+ class and before you know it Jim Cochran (local Iowa stud and 5th at 'Cross Nats last year) and I up the pace and move to the front.  Due to the heat my HR was pretty pegged right below the danger zone so I kept a steady tempo going as we made our way through lap one; we opened up a pretty good gap.  Half way through lap 2 Jim put in a couple digs and opened a gap on me that held for a couple more laps with him taking the win and I 2nd around 30 seconds or so back.  I made a choice early to not make too many surges or digs to keep some energy in the tank for the Open race later in the day. 

My kit was soaked with sweat straight from the start

Friday Masters 45+ Podium

Dale finished his 55+ race in 2nd and felt really good with his effort.

Was a really fun and flowing course; great workout #1...

Hung out (in the shade) for the next couple hours before it was time to go again in the Open race (60 minutes).  It was 9:45pm, the humidity was still high, but the temps had dropped into the upper 80's which felt awesome after the 5pm race.  18 guys toed the line and after a quick start I found myself around 10th-12th place half way through the first lap.  Legs and lungs felt pretty good and was able to start pushing the pace harder and started moving through a handful of guys and by the end of the race I finished 6th.  Efforts and driving was good on a lightly damp (from dew) course and the Clement PDX on the front was a good choice (MXP on rear).  One out of the money...

The promoter let Dale and I throw up camping hammocks at the race site for the night and that was great until 3:30am when a huge stormed moved in which had us moving to a pavilion (dry cover).  Storm last right up to our masters race start at 8:50am.

(Tried to) Loosened up the legs a bit taking a couple warm up laps (course was ran in reverse from Friday) and found the course a slippery slog fest.  Debated between PDX or Rhinos, but since it wasn't full on muddy went with the PDX which was the right choice.  Wouldn't call it muddy, just soggy and energy zapping.  To the start line and found Cochran was not present, but a handful of new faces not present the day before.  A hair larger masters group for the 35 minute race and this time they grouped us all together for the start and not in increments.  Got a decent start, but felt thick legs right off the bat.  Settled into a good pace and with the course slick on every turn got in some great handling practice at race speed.  By race end I was 2nd of all masters and won my 45+ category.  Dale finished 2nd again and was happy with the effort.  Tough, but lots of fun.

 

 

Dale was killing it through the same.  Game Face!

Flat course does not mean easy course.  This was Saturday's
Masters 45+ 'podium'; 2nd and 3rd was no where to be found...

Dale and I picked up our swag, jumped in the car and 5.5hrs later were back home.  Both of us agreed it was an event worth heading back to next year.  Well worth the driving to get the pistons pumping at race speed.  I was no where near fast or with much zip in the legs at this event, but for me at this early point I'm didn't expect to be; it's still pre-season...

Up next is Wild Trak Superprestige (another pre-season event) on Sept 6/7th in STL (actually the IL side of the river).  After that it's full on race season starting with Dogfish Cross Hermann (a staple for any and all MO, KS, and IL racers).  Looking forward to seeing Jeff and crew as his events are great.

 Couple more pics:

Some Family Fun



 

Fun week while Ian was at Evangel basketball camp Deb and I took the little man to Silver Dollar City (and later the movies).  Overcast and low turnout made for short lines and big fun.  Darion loved having full attention all day.  Stopped by Evangel on the way home and watched Ian's 3 on 3 team win the camp championship (he also ended up winning the 1 on 1 champ and the 'ball handler' award.



 

Photo-Bombed my our little man

 

Saturday one of my cousins got married and we all had a great time.  I don't think Ian and Darion had been to a wedding before so it was a good experience for them.  

I have to say it, Deb is so pretty



Grandma Smith

Sunday after church we threw some towels and sunscreen in the car and headed to White Water.  Stayed way longer than we expected as the lines (low attendance) were super short and we just kept going and going.  Boy Wonder (below) was trying to show off his abs (at least he thinks he has some...).  By the time we got home everyone was wiped out (but not before Ian and I played some 'dunk ball' at the house with 14 others).

 

 

 

Training is full on 'cross mode now and I'm using the same program that's got me where I want to be in mid-Sept and on for the past three years.  Way ahead of past years equipment wise as I have both bikes already set up and dialed and four sets of tubies glued (MXPs, PDX, Rhinos, and a training set of Vittorias).  Already at race weigh of last year and toying with taking it down 4-5lbs more (we'll see).

Jake is still getting his biking legs under him and I am loving cruising with him on the road.  Been doing a handful of night riding which we both enjoy.

Hit the last three Waffle races in Springfield put on by the fine folks of Mercy-Kuat.  Nothing new there except a much larger turnout, but relatively the same speed and efforts as the past years.  Always fun. 

 

Single Speed Fun at Route 66 Rumble

 

So after last weekend's failed attempt at gear'ed mtb'ing (and I do realize it was probably a mechanic's error - that's me) in Warsaw I got things swapped by SS style for yesterday's Route 66 Rumble in St. James, MO.

 

I had raced the MO State SS Champs a here a couple years back and remembered it being a fun flowing place and I was right.  Got to the course and just a few sprinkles hit the ground, but that was it for the day; trail was super tacky and the temp was pretty decent. 

 

Course was not near the one from a couple years ago; this one was super flow, then technical rocks, then rough rocks, more flow, technical climbs via rocks/roots, more flow...  A great mix of everything, but not the super flow I was expecting

 

Got to the start line of the marathon class and found a good sized field with a couple fast guys from Team Seagal (both on SS's) and Mark Gullet from Kuat.  Start was an open gravel road that went for a good bit (slightly downhill) before hitting the single track.  Filed in 3rd and that lasted for most of the lap until the two Seagal guys slipped off in the woods and I would never see them close again (until the finish).  A rider and I gaped Mark and that would grow lap after lap (each was right around 30 minutes).  With a couple laps to go the guy I was with/near had a mechanical issue and I increased the pace and never saw him again.  The race was going really well (even having 2 significant crashes) until the last 1/2 lap.  Hit a rough rocky section and my fork blew (oil everywhere); not a huge deal as it was close to the finish and not overly rough.  Then out of nowhere I 'Lebron'ed It'; yep, huge left hamstring cramp!  Got off my bike for over two minutes working it out and getting it relaxed and mobile again.  Pedaled a bit one-legged until the left one was good to use again.  I soft pedaled in with just enough to get 3rd and hold off Mark as he finished 20 seconds or so back.  In total just a tad over 3hrs racing.



Had to get out quick as it was a good sized field on a downhill run off the start

 

 

 

 

Fun hard race and hopefully I will get the fork fixed in time to get a last mtb race (next weekend) of the season before 'cross training starts.  Been riding for fun and endurance and in two weeks I stop riding and start training.  Can't wait!

 

Below is a quick clip of Ian knocking down a couple free throws last Friday night.  I don't take many videos during his games as I am too busy 'watching' to deal with the distraction.

 

MO State MTB Champs; If It Ain't Broke...

...the classic 'Ain't Broke Don't Fix It' phase was perfect for this past weekend's Down and Dirty race in Warsaw, MO (also the MO State MTB Champs).   Mac and the Truman Bike crew always put their heart and souls into each of the mtb events they host and this was a typical A+ rating for them.  Weeks leading to this the Midwest received a constant dosing of rain, but the 5.8 mile section of trail they selected was not only super fast, but also incredibly dry and mud free.

So back up a couple weeks and I started thinking about throwing gears on the Trek Rig for some upcoming marathon races.  Nice thing about the Rig is the ease of moving from SS to gears and back.  So I switched up and did a handful of gravel rides on the gears and all worked well; even got 1 short trail ride at Sac and except for one chain drop it worked well.  Got the chain catcher dialed in a little better (so I thought) after Sac and figured I was ready for racing.

Sunday morning did the short drive up to Warsaw (1:10hr drive is as local as it gets for us) on a nice cool and dry morning.  Met up with fellow 360 Racing teammates Doug, Terry, Dale, Lyle, and Emily who were all racing their respective age/category events while I toed the line for the marathon.

Pretty small field, but not light on talent.  Long and short: felt pretty good fitness wise in the first lap, but two dropped chains and a Crank Bro Egg Beater pedal crushed on a rock had me chasing hard.  Figured on a five lap race for a little over 3+ hours so settled into a good rhythm for the haul.  Was in forth 1/4 way into the 2nd lap and chain drop number 3 and chain catcher jammed into ring had me simply call it a day; frustrated...

Three years I have raced various SS, open, and marathon events in single speed mode and have had decent success without one single mechanical, so why the heck did I change something up when it wasn't necessary?!?!?!?  Got home, threw all the geared stuff in a box and got the Rig back in SS mode for the upcoming races.  I am a decent mtb'er and love using it to hone handling skills and building base for 'cross, but have never had visions of grandeur so maybe I got caught up in wanting to try and be a 'fast guy' racing instead of riding the way I enjoy (SS).  Oh well, plenty more events coming up.

On the home front, the Saturday before the State race was Darion's 'Gotcha Day'; three years since he walked into our home and hearts.  Deb was with Ian at a basketball tourney in Arkansas (went 2-2) so Jake and I snagged the young man for a fun day.  Started off at D's favorite eat place - IHOP (have no idea why he loves it so), then off to indoor mini-golf, then to Sequiota Park for a huge game of Hide-n-Seek and trail wandering, and wrapped it up with a long bike ride in Bolivar.  It was a great day and D and I loved having Jake with us.

Always funny to see what he chooses to wear next.

Standard breakfast for him when at IHOP; big
question is which to start first...



The kid loves the TRX and it strong for
being pint sized

The night before Ian's Arkansas tourney he played in a three game shoot out with his school team (who are not the most talented group) so to ease the pain I took he and a teammate to Hurts Donut on the way home.  They were impressed with the 'whopper'.

Killing Time...

 

...until mid-July; that's when a true training schedule starts and focus is made.  Been riding consistent, but nothing of significant intensity.  Lately its been raining just enough to keep our local trails wet so most everything is on the road or Frisco.  Also, the humidity is cranking up... ugh!!!!

 

 

Meanwhile the Jones crew has been plenty busy with sports.  Darion is full into baseball, finished basketball camp and is also in summer school.

 

Little D is 2nd row 2nd from the left.  He played great

Ian is skipping summer school.  Basketball is in full flight as his travel team (the Ambush) has recently won a couple tourneys and also playing well at The Courts.  This month he is playing several shootouts with his school team and looks like he'll play with the high school JV (he's going into 8th grade) at a couple of their shoot outs. 

Pic of tourney champs with Anthony Tolivar - local
kid playing in the NBA

Jake is home for the summer and is riding with me from time to time along with working his JOB.  Fun having him on the bike.

Tons of work on the house and yard fills my days and weekends.  We put in a sidewalk on the back of the house from the driveway to the back door.  Happy with how it turned out.  Several other smaller projects always seem to need attention...  I love yard work (no joke, I really do).

Threw down grass seed and straw today; hopefully
filled in by the end of July

Backyard court is getting full attention as it seems most nights either Ian is out there shooting, he and I are playing 2 on 2 with the neighbors, or high school/college kids are playing.  Fortunate to have this and putting it to good use.

Race wise:  this weekend is the MO State race at Warsaw, will do either St. James (66 Rumble) or St. Joe the following weekend, then the KS State mtb race in Lawrence, KS after that (all marathon class).  That will wrap us base riding before two weeks laying low then full on 'cross.  Can't wait, so ready!