tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-357667242024-03-07T01:08:57.747-08:00grasshopper adventure seriesBy three methods may we learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is bitterest.-ConfuciusMighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-77185533758339970152011-04-12T21:41:00.000-07:002011-04-12T21:45:32.966-07:00Hop, hop, hippity hop!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28UWOAn5dVEsXY9Z5jYhDnAZpnZ9z0ZF5kWHOSBnrWhAhTzKQvFQyRw1BBfUDg_U_8GQ3LWwQ_mabSMwLbuQRjEqLo29qmGoNhwokMRUlI-3U_q22qkaziVgcRSbeghK-Vz6J3g/s1600/IMG_3078.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28UWOAn5dVEsXY9Z5jYhDnAZpnZ9z0ZF5kWHOSBnrWhAhTzKQvFQyRw1BBfUDg_U_8GQ3LWwQ_mabSMwLbuQRjEqLo29qmGoNhwokMRUlI-3U_q22qkaziVgcRSbeghK-Vz6J3g/s400/IMG_3078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594924676605082082" border="0" /></a><br />Sorry haven't gotten results up. Technical difficulties. Have the new <a href="http://www.grasshopperadventureseries.com/">Grashopper Adventure Series </a>web page so stay tuned in. Geysers/ Pine Flat will be a hero's journey. 1st to the top takes the Golden Spike! 1st man and woman.Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-85815371900598344842011-03-27T19:39:00.000-07:002011-03-27T21:19:10.899-07:00Marshall Madness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLw91OmRP_AYbTIKwb66Qxn1Q2LAFrUcH0Wa6r84uFLn4DhqsSQfoIuxRXBqXA4r7WM_Y7eNHMLBaAIiWGyO4rYdlk9V0mdVPgRSu-HImy1yQce0CHBrcaajz9Lz4sJYYtZv83g/s1600/sound+of+music.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLw91OmRP_AYbTIKwb66Qxn1Q2LAFrUcH0Wa6r84uFLn4DhqsSQfoIuxRXBqXA4r7WM_Y7eNHMLBaAIiWGyO4rYdlk9V0mdVPgRSu-HImy1yQce0CHBrcaajz9Lz4sJYYtZv83g/s400/sound+of+music.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588980544714366146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />40+ riders showed up Saturday for what turned out to be a hard, but not quite epic day. The early morning flooding on Hwy 1 South of Tomales and Valley Ford Cutoff were down to just a few inches by the time we arrived. Was kinda hoping for an upstream finish, just for the story books. No time for me to warm up and I assumed (wrongly so) that people would start out more mellow since we were a smaller group. Numbers were down from last years 300+ and noticeably lacking was the full Bissel team along the Cal Giant and the days' fastest rider Andrew Talansky. Though I had hoped for a mellow start I know our dedicated NorCal group and had no doubts that the days' group had showed up to serve a heapin' helpin' of tough love. I surprisingly made it to Hwy 1 with the main group and thought I'd get a nice tow to Valley Ford. I tucked into the middle, then drifted near the back, then the VERY back and then on my own. I didn't bury myself too deep to hold on and hoped the Boyler and Kent would do me the kind favor of picking me up. No luck. I rode from the riser past Bay Hill turnoff to Tomales Bay solo. Luckily managed to catch up to Colby Pastore and Scott Nydam's brother (Bob?) and hung with them until we picked up another cracked threesome on the flats approaching Wilson Hill. We enjoyed the wind to our back, especially since I knew we'd be paying for it as we headed west on Chileno Valley. Jim Keene and NorCal gave us a sweet water and food hand-up at the base of the climb and onto the long march back to Joy. Our group of 6 worked well together and didn't come apart until Middle. We lost one on the decent and then another on the little climb up out of Freestone Cut off. Myself, Royce and Colby took turns to Joy and then finished with a solid climb up the devils back. Picked up Matthias who was struggling to ride his 39x17 due to a broken rear cable. Overall the ride was a great reminder of the parallels of biking to the bigger challenges of life's ups and downs: High in making the split. Low; being dropped and spending "forever" alone. Dreading the headwind and considering the comfort of a warm coffee shop. High, catching a group and to ride with, safe challenging ride the rest of the way home. No major cramps up Joy. Was a pleasure to be out with friends again and see smiling faces at the finish. Until next time.<br /><br />MigMighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-90304064560163352412011-03-23T18:54:00.000-07:002011-03-24T10:30:20.861-07:00Marshall-Chileno Hopper March 26 , 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHeNRg9U0_6nW4wZN6EqLd4RkFmKEWdia5ADijRIr-qEgH3w8YLVOzUcj5gX0eEaIp0WNnecafhR5yS6SZSNA36p1V83oZGh2rwiphQ8R9SRStF2ipjRoMDUZfFHpMeFje9Wntw/s1600/PR-Tomales+Bay.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHeNRg9U0_6nW4wZN6EqLd4RkFmKEWdia5ADijRIr-qEgH3w8YLVOzUcj5gX0eEaIp0WNnecafhR5yS6SZSNA36p1V83oZGh2rwiphQ8R9SRStF2ipjRoMDUZfFHpMeFje9Wntw/s400/PR-Tomales+Bay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587478383636472786" border="0" /></a><br />Weather report: Scattered showers. I know this cuz it's what's happened each of my last four rides. Remember the Hoppers happen rain or shine. There's no bad weather, just bad clothing. If you need to update your Winter gear or buy one extra layer don't forget to stop by <a href="http://norcalcycling.com/">NorCal</a> and check out their newly remodeled shop. This Hopper is 100% paved road.<br /><br />The ride will begin at 10:00 in Occidental. You will need to sign a Grasshopper waiver AND a County of Sonoma Waiver. Cost: $20. This is new so please make sure you sign both. We will be staging at the Old Camp Meekers Rd.(just down Bohemian Hwy. past Graton Rd. ) in order to avoid blocking Bohemian Hwy. If the numbers are large we'll be starting in two waves: Pro 1,2,3 and then everyone else. Like last year we will head up Coleman Valley Rd. and will finish at the top of Joy Rd....:) Last year stats were about 80 miles and 8,000 ft of climbing so plan ahead.<br /><br />There will be porto-poties at the Union Hotel Parking Lot and the Community Center so please use them. Also, don't forget to pick up a coffee and snack from the Union Bakery. If you haven't had one of their hot, fresh fruit turn overs with a Capucchino you're missing out!<br /><br />Also, Fork Catering will be at the finish from 2-4 so don't forget to line up early for your tasty morsels.<br /><br />NorCal will have a neutral feed and aid station at the halfway point atop Wilson Hill. If you want to leave food or water with Jim see him at the start. Please pick up your discarded items at the Occidental Community Center after the ride. I'll will bring the bottles that I have from previous rides. Gnarly ones have been recycled!<br /><br />Remember these are training rides and not races. You must ride responsibly, never cross the center line and obey all rules of the road.<br /><br />No sag or support. As always, you will be given a laminate with a map and course directions. You are presented with world class ride and awesome companionship on the road; as well as the start and finish, but there is no aid or emergency services on the route. Not a bad idea to bring a cell phone and some money for a coke and a snickers if you need help making it home!<br /><br />Rubber side down and dress warm.<br /><br />MigMighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-80460970099092407402011-01-20T12:40:00.000-08:002011-01-20T12:43:45.595-08:00Hopper has hopped to new web page...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ns_lvOU-pATBLUR9Sa6_kSwrZjTKhLY9ErJI7st8yYo6p2nyvUI_mxkzQnpmrJpnAF2Yb3EN7hOrq2l4oL9XJWHNUOkdsafEYrCdv7rB81uvngw4zMCrHcu5-ZObL1gxh-XjOw/s1600/cross+victory.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ns_lvOU-pATBLUR9Sa6_kSwrZjTKhLY9ErJI7st8yYo6p2nyvUI_mxkzQnpmrJpnAF2Yb3EN7hOrq2l4oL9XJWHNUOkdsafEYrCdv7rB81uvngw4zMCrHcu5-ZObL1gxh-XjOw/s400/cross+victory.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564371472947059090" border="0" /></a><br />Check it out at <a href="http://www.giannicycling.com/">Gianni Cycling</a>!Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-49034860244649904832011-01-16T09:01:00.000-08:002011-01-16T09:58:03.238-08:002011 Poster/ Levi Leipheimer Interview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmcw_jjZ3RjA0IlXvZ1BzeSQkxVrFlQfVsVmHKHjqJ8V4tzyi7Et9hozaDrais7IwSNPixr_K14q0I4UYXfbiSWbLvvYZb6EJ48pziq1r511p1TiWEUr-evB_2kAbuj0c_ttMgw/s1600/33818_492155667367_46426172367_5816356_7462474_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmcw_jjZ3RjA0IlXvZ1BzeSQkxVrFlQfVsVmHKHjqJ8V4tzyi7Et9hozaDrais7IwSNPixr_K14q0I4UYXfbiSWbLvvYZb6EJ48pziq1r511p1TiWEUr-evB_2kAbuj0c_ttMgw/s400/33818_492155667367_46426172367_5816356_7462474_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562831635001614562" border="0" /></a>Chances are Levi will be out for the first Hopper. I had a chance to ask him a few questions about cycling in Sonoma County and the Hoppers. Don't forget to sign up for the <a href="http://www.levisgranfondo.com/">Gran Fondo</a>. It will fill up fast!<br /><br />Q: How long have you been living in Sonoma County? I moved to Sonoma County in December 1996.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> I had just signed my first professional contract with a small domestic team Comptel-Colorado Cyclist and two of my teammates Kirk Willett and John Peters lived here and convinced me to come check it out. I’m glad they did! I drove a small truck packed with everything I had at the time and never left.</span><br /><br />Q: As a professional cyclist who races and trains around the world you have said that Sonoma County is one of the best places to ride and train. Why is this and what other places are in the top three or five? <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sonoma County is unique, there’s no denying it. Northern California is a rugged and treacherous place that is both beautiful and daunting at the same time. Everyone remembers their first time on a road like King Ridge, a road that exemplifies those qualities. I remember riding Skaggs and the Ridge on a wet foggy day about a month after I moved here. I’ll never forget that feeling of not knowing what lay around every corner and not seeing a car for hours. The best part is that we have more roads like that than anywhere I’ve ever been. That’s not to say I haven’t been able to enjoy some spectacular places around the world like the Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and islands like Tenerife and Mallorca.</span><br /><br />Q: There has always been a solid group of professional cyclists living and training in Sonoma County, both road and mountain bikers. Many come here to train and others create a home. With the Amgen Tour of California and Levi’s Gran Fondo how do you see Sonoma County growing as a cycling destination? <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">There’s a rich cycling history in Sonoma County, from the Coors Classic to The Amgen Tour of California to The Gran Fondo, each inspiring the next. Along the way, Sonoma County has built a solid reputation as one of the best places on earth to ride your bike, any bike! We have an amazing opportunity right now to capitalize on that reputation to improve our cycling culture and infrastructure. We just need to do our part, no matter how big or how small. Take Bike Monkey for example, here’s a group of people extremely dedicated to the sport and more importantly to our community. They have invented a way to make their living promoting cycling and build something meaningful. In most cases, they left behind their careers. They’ve provided us with a high quality magazine to call our own, fantastic events like Boggs 8 hour, SoNoMas, Howarth Park Dirt Crits and the Monkey Cross Series. Together, we’ve got big ideas for the Gran Fondo and how it can improve Sonoma County. I feel very lucky to be a part of the same community. If you’re wondering what part you can play, you can start by supporting Bike Monkey and their events. Your participation or volunteering will go a long way in making Sonoma County the gold standard.</span><br /><br /><br />Q: There are a lot of strong riders in our area. Many top cyclists in the area work full time and many are raising kids and still find time to train. Many pro’s retire and never hang up their bike. There is a dedication and passion for cycling in our area that is like a fever. Can you comment about the passion for cycling that you see and feel in our area? <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The cycling community in Sonoma County is tenacious, committed and ambitious. I’ve met too many people to count who build their lives around the bike, people who soak up everything this county has to offer and then give it back in some way or another. They are Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists, School Teachers, Wine Makers, Restauranteurs, Contractors, Builders and the list goes on. There are also an awful lot of people who make their living from the sport here, from professionals like myself to bike shop owners and employees to ProTour team managers and staffers to manufacturers to coaches to event organizers to publishers, designers and writers. This community has been able to come together and start Sonoma County on a path towards something great. We are just getting started on that path and we are going to innovate and then inspire others along the way. In just 3 years, this extraordinary community has been able to build the largest mass participation event in the US that will host 7,500 cyclists and generate well over $250,000 in charitable proceeds for 2011, I think that says it all.</span><br /><br />Q: The first Grasshopper I remember seeing you at was 8 or 10 years ago when you were riding for U.S. Postal. You came out with Mark H. and sat in for the first half and and then headed back to the flat lands for some motor pacing. The field size and depth has grown but many of the characters remain the same. I know you like to make it out for as many Grasshopper training rides as you can fit in. Why do you think the rides are unique or special? <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The Grasshoppers are cycling at it’s best; they’re fun, adventurous, social and more than a little competitive. They’ve grown over the years despite their underground nature. Where else can you show up to a 250+ person group ride and see people on cross, road and Mt bikes for the same course? The Grasshoppers run through the heart of Sonoma County, they “knight” you as a true Sonoma County Cyclist.</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Team NorCal "All Blacks" on the day Lake Sonoma was canceled</span><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fg9oKHGn81Q?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fg9oKHGn81Q?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> (Nothing canceled this year!) </span><br /></div><br />Q: Lastly. You built up a sweet cross ride for Hopper number one last year and I know we’ll see you out there this year for Old Caz. What’s the perfect bike set up for the first Hopper? <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Last year was my first Old Caz Hopper so I took a lead from guys like Roger Bartels and Shane Bresnyan who have ridden a few over the years. They’ve traditionally done it on Mt Bikes but convinced me to get a cross bike. I’m glad i did, there’s a lot of pavement despite the epic off road sections and the cross bike rolls better than a Mt Bike for most of the course. </span>(So if you still don't have your cross bike dialed in, still time to swing by <a href="http://norcalcycling.com/">NorCal</a> and get a new one! ...or get yours ready for the party)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thanks Levi, hope to see you out there!</span>Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-83421541398697156442011-01-11T21:52:00.000-08:002011-01-11T22:29:01.786-08:00Option B: Road BikeRoad bikes can go anywhere. There's nothing you can do on a cross bike that can't be done on a road bike but there are a couple of limiting factors. First is tire clearance. If you run your road bike for Hopper #1 use the biggest tire that will fit, and put on new ones. Not sort of new, or a kinda new but brand spankin' new. Or don't and just ride more carefully and be prepared to fix flats. No matter cross or road I would bring two tube, tube patches, and tire boots in case of a side wall blow out. Also, if you are a CO2 person this is a ride where you want to have a frame pump. If not for you then for your friends who are bound to forget theirs. Specialized makes a great selection of tires. Last year I road All Condition Elite 25 but I'd suggest something larger. The <a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=58015">All Condition Armadillo</a> comes in a 28c and is puncture resistant. If you have crazy clearance or want tire that is mostly road with some side traction try the <a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=58016">Burough CX Pro</a>.<br />Second: Put on a climbing gear. If you have anything stiffer that a 36x28 you'll be hurting. Whatever you ride you'll have fun and if you get passed by your buddy on a cross bike you can always pick up one of these <object height="160" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wllwQKro1Wo?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wllwQKro1Wo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="160" width="320"></embed></object>Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-29787552875528872782011-01-08T07:34:00.000-08:002011-01-09T20:35:14.232-08:00Old Caz: Cross,Road,Mtb?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZczWC4caxPnqzwUIwVQ1xXUTWZfEreeIvs_fAY_u2bJyujYjYQb8Q4T0HnOvmgpF3rjrG1HBYMyQbPNvM15wOISiRUMW3JzX4Z2tEnIpI7ew62TGr5t_6zQRQzP5jd6gA8ldGVw/s1600/167942_166539386723468_100001022249088_358795_6984861_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZczWC4caxPnqzwUIwVQ1xXUTWZfEreeIvs_fAY_u2bJyujYjYQb8Q4T0HnOvmgpF3rjrG1HBYMyQbPNvM15wOISiRUMW3JzX4Z2tEnIpI7ew62TGr5t_6zQRQzP5jd6gA8ldGVw/s400/167942_166539386723468_100001022249088_358795_6984861_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559999748820434994" border="0" /></a><br />I've never been a tweaker when it comes to bikes, components, weight and geometry. That being said, I've been lucky enough to ride some of the best custom steel bikes hand built in Sonoma County and lately super-duper science fiction carbon fiber.The intrigue of talking about the latest and greatest lost it's appeal after my first couple of years racing. Now a days I just like to ask Glenn or Shane at NorCal and check out their latest dream machines. I began riding mountain bike in 1988 on a Stumpjumper that was too big for me and later "upgraded" to an REI Ponderosa with XT before buying an Ibis SS. After that came several Mojos and then a fiery affair with my Soulcraft. The last few years I've been reunited with Specialized and am now on my 2nd Epic. Whenever possible I've tried to buy XTR when building a new bike but have often settled for XT. We all know how well it works and for the price difference.<br /><br />My first road bike was a Team Miyata with friction Dura Ace and downtube shifting that I began racing right away. A few years later I upgraded to a used Trek before I was honored when Leo Autuori built me a custom steel bike. This was the first bike that was new with a complete Dura Ace kit. These were the days when $500 was a lot for a set of wheels. If you ordered a Dura Ace kit you bought Dura Ace wheels. Before every bike came with Mavic Aksium wheeels cuz they knew you would then return to buy wheels that cost half the price of the bike. I was in love with my Autuori and my first carbon fork... until the fork snapped in half just above the headset and I ground my chin into the pavement. We were mile 80 into a 100+ ride with a large group that had headed out from Duncan and Nathan's place in Healdsburg, a great winter tradition. I was mid-pack on River Road when a small branch was kicked up ahead of me and found a home in my front wheel. Mountain bike reflexes caused me to quickly shift my weight back behind the saddle, if only slightly. The stick broke twelve spokes before settling in at the top of my 1" carbon steer Reynolds fork and snapped cleanly in half. My drop to the earth was so quick the brunt of my fall was on the back of my hand and my glasses! Amazingly no one else crashed around me and I hung out while waiting for a ride home. This was my call to upgrade to 1" 1/8 and a sweet Soulcraft.. I had never been fit on a road bike, or mtn. and just road them, trusting they would fit. For my current Tri Cross and Tarmac I was fitted by Jeff at NorCal and made some significant adjustments. What a pleasure to drop 5 lbs. on my road bike, improve my fit and find some long-lost fitness. Last year was a blast, and this year...we'll see.<br /> <br />So what bike should you ride?<br /><br />Let me start by saying that there has been a first place finisher on a road bike, a mountain bike and of course a cross bike. I've ridden all three but this year I'll be on my <a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52719&scid=1001&scname=Road">Specialized S Works Tri Cross</a>...again.Shane,Glenn and Duncan are on this years version, Crux, and love it! <a href="http://norcalcycling.com/">NorCal/Bike Peddler</a> have been huge in helping me upgrade my bikes the last couple of years and my cross bike is my dream bike. NorCal is the underwriting sponsor for this years Hoppers so stop by to get your bike dialed in, new tires and clothes, a new bike if you need one, and all your Grasshopper needs. They will also be donating product that will be raffled off at each event. When I make specific suggestions for tires and equipment, clothing and shoes, simply mention that you read about it on this blog and you will get a 15% discount. How sweet is that!? Chances are you'll be buying new gear anyways, so I'll give you some suggestions for each ride to make it simple. Gear is personal and there's 100 ways to skin a cat but we're not talkin' taxidermy we're talkin' Hoppers, and some things work better than others, period.<br /><br />It's time for a new drive train so I'm going as big as possible in the back with a Red 11-28. The S Works cranks are 36-48 so it's a sweet gear. Some might like the gear options of a triple but with 10 speed you can almost get the same range. For the Super Sweetwater it's likely I'll put on a 10 spd. mtn cassette with an XX deraileur for an even better climbing gear. Another upgrade for this year will be Specialized stem and carbon bars. I've been enjoying the carbon bars with flat top on my Tarmac Pro so much I'm going to set up my cross bike the same way. Last years Old Caz Hopper was my first ride on tubeless tires, Hutchinson Piranha. What a ride! I've always run tubes and 100 psi to avoid flats. The descending and bumpy roads on 60 psi 32c tires is bliss! If you don't have the option of riding a cross bike and will be setting up your road bike or mtb....stay tuned and I'll give you some suggestions. Happy trails, MigMighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-89657476247393075932010-12-15T10:27:00.000-08:002010-12-15T10:41:48.399-08:00Hoppers 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHF3IBxus1U7_N17pI0B_ThAsFmivKQPjRob3O82TpIobNj2LGuGUEV0nTYO3RCuPEjVhjaUp1Vsn_blerPELKxSkCceyq4lK-r720uahZsGC0DSGAD_SJl83lesFlbFXQntLhA/s1600/PA270632.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHF3IBxus1U7_N17pI0B_ThAsFmivKQPjRob3O82TpIobNj2LGuGUEV0nTYO3RCuPEjVhjaUp1Vsn_blerPELKxSkCceyq4lK-r720uahZsGC0DSGAD_SJl83lesFlbFXQntLhA/s400/PA270632.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550980686612165394" border="0" /></a><br />"We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by"<br />Will Rogers<br /><br />I know most of you out there have been waiting for the Hopper schedule to come out so you can plan your peak for the worlds hardest training rides! In the past many used the Hoppers to spring themselves into their A races but lately if you don't show up with your A game you get dropped. Others need to print out the dates to make sure the baby sitters are hired and honey-do list is complete in time to get the ticket to ride... so here you have it. Next week we'll have the official flyer with the dates and in Jan. expect our new web page to be up. There will be no official routes posted prior to the rides so don't ask.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />January 22nd Old Caz-Willow Creek (Cross)<br />February 19th Fort Ross-Willow Creek....(Bayhill-Joy!) :) (Road)<br />March 26th Chileno Valley-Joy! (Road)<br />*April 30th Geysers-Pine Flat (New Hopper starting in Healdsburg) (Road)<br />May 28th Super Sweetwater (Cross)<br />June 25th King Ridge-Annapolis-Willow Creek (Yeah, you read this right!) (Road)<br /></div>Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-77172163379503197482010-12-08T15:30:00.000-08:002010-12-08T15:33:02.160-08:00Old Caz Hopper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8f5toWnd332OAqOslMjQeU7euJPHbaezGfFpnhEw5p7k16v4HFhK7Q-Pr29U0zIWItWnVXdxz4Zkl_sctCejaOjBn21urhE_OOXmzYISJT6zPPF_f7Lt9LblQE6FwvdGk-edUA/s1600/photo+single+worlds"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8f5toWnd332OAqOslMjQeU7euJPHbaezGfFpnhEw5p7k16v4HFhK7Q-Pr29U0zIWItWnVXdxz4Zkl_sctCejaOjBn21urhE_OOXmzYISJT6zPPF_f7Lt9LblQE6FwvdGk-edUA/s400/photo+single+worlds" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548458505479415922" border="0" /></a><br />Put it on your calendar. Jan 22nd Old Caz Hopper # 1. Other dates to follow soon!Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-92164005524796695162010-11-18T12:39:00.000-08:002010-11-18T12:48:14.794-08:00Yep! We're on!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2jsB48Y89BdyeEDCKEg_5iWXjHOoGYH15hnOAxYdhu5fDDY8qyjPXaHAIajDefxsW4GuoXo1nh__omQxMKy6to1ekr1-DYaderHk3hNcFKJHM96PzKUYaE4le3JpTBOmPE5wpw/s1600/Sound+of+Music.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2jsB48Y89BdyeEDCKEg_5iWXjHOoGYH15hnOAxYdhu5fDDY8qyjPXaHAIajDefxsW4GuoXo1nh__omQxMKy6to1ekr1-DYaderHk3hNcFKJHM96PzKUYaE4le3JpTBOmPE5wpw/s400/Sound+of+Music.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540994068421812066" border="0" /></a><br />You know that during your last ride you were talking about the Hoppers. I understand, we just can't help it. Some are feeling the sensations of late summer/fall fitness and have been racing cross...ready to pop and want a Hopper to bring out the best. Others have fallen off the back as family, work and seasonal colds have taken their toll and look to the Hoppers as a goal to help them get back on their bike. Still there are those who like Jerry's kids can't wait for the show to come to their home town and another chance to see their brothers and sisters. Plan on the first Hopper being in the end of January and we'll get the schedule your way in December. In the mean while, ride it don't hide it.Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-86565199381981356652010-09-27T15:32:00.000-07:002010-09-27T15:38:11.634-07:00Birthday Adventure<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjSPePcW6lX0IYKwDMIch6Q4oR52uepHlGZcsxcpFAq5-cirPF8XqqJbsiybHO2B00z7ZXeQz8Y8zksOiuyQFliLeBUjadVOVIVztLcWSanH6H0LpTyOSQaZpqpKikxaUQbP0_g/s1600/Mig_Dan+.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjSPePcW6lX0IYKwDMIch6Q4oR52uepHlGZcsxcpFAq5-cirPF8XqqJbsiybHO2B00z7ZXeQz8Y8zksOiuyQFliLeBUjadVOVIVztLcWSanH6H0LpTyOSQaZpqpKikxaUQbP0_g/s400/Mig_Dan+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521726215703166082" border="0" /></a><br />3 amazing days in Downieville for my 40th. Great camping and enough trails to break the best of us. Appetizer of Bullard's Bar on Friday, Lakes Basin Super Supreme for main course on Sat. and a calorie counters nightmare of a dessert on Sunday...Dowineville Race loop with a side serving of the Preferred Cyling Trail. Haggared but happy today. Already planning up some fiendishly fine Hopper loops so fret not.Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-52605129562270972362010-08-19T12:14:00.000-07:002010-08-24T21:05:48.509-07:00Westpole Adventure! Next one Sept. 3rd. 4:30/5:30<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsHe1hWG1KAxUKCHm8o-EsCokDmAJNhdyqS3cMz1gSnIrI9HoMjWcX3QQsXcY8ZwbK9JMHexZs5luBKX9uuBWsAbdFcxKe3-x-ZLqIHAE4kwwNCE_C5xxSkv_kTKY9n4klQVpGw/s1600/Willow+Creek+map+version+2+copy.81+-+color-1"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsHe1hWG1KAxUKCHm8o-EsCokDmAJNhdyqS3cMz1gSnIrI9HoMjWcX3QQsXcY8ZwbK9JMHexZs5luBKX9uuBWsAbdFcxKe3-x-ZLqIHAE4kwwNCE_C5xxSkv_kTKY9n4klQVpGw/s400/Willow+Creek+map+version+2+copy.81+-+color-1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507202023626495890" border="0" /></a><br />This isn't a Grasshopper but will be a blast! Please read the blog <a href="http://westpoleadventure.blogspot.com/">Westpole Adventures </a>to see what this is all about. Dates, Location and Time are all listed.<br />MigMighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-58059619711883281702010-08-16T18:22:00.001-07:002010-08-16T18:24:24.704-07:00Congrats Levi!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQFo7UWblRCWtLH-1KZABCZ8P8H3QCmm0i_jpCw0CyO5XAOaLc3FT2yt_zEDWOvfQj-Lv2Lv00b-c_K1WBP27x1p6UCXqAQUf_FKZDNhtv5ll0-RtwSxb9ucY6yHtOGgXr_PSVQ/s1600/IMG_2+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQFo7UWblRCWtLH-1KZABCZ8P8H3QCmm0i_jpCw0CyO5XAOaLc3FT2yt_zEDWOvfQj-Lv2Lv00b-c_K1WBP27x1p6UCXqAQUf_FKZDNhtv5ll0-RtwSxb9ucY6yHtOGgXr_PSVQ/s400/IMG_2+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506183295358052514" border="0" /></a>It may have been Levi's first race but at least he's ridden with the fellas at least once out on the ridge. He crushed it!Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-47557649259592814962010-06-27T22:22:00.000-07:002010-06-28T09:10:11.090-07:00Grasshopper Final Stage<object height="285" width="440"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LN2arXBLGj8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LN2arXBLGj8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="285" width="440"></embed></object><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Video by Tom Rosencrantz<br /></div>January!-June!. The "!" stands for the Hoppers we've all stamped on the end of our months. Time flew by this winter. In part due to the business of life; teaching, riding my bike, raising two kids, working on my place, but also the culmination of every month with an epic ride with my bro's (and sisters). The Hoppers are a gathering of the clan. Not so different than racing mtn. bikes in the 90's, in fact some familiar faces still in the mix. Was a disappointment not to include Lake Sonoma this year, won't happen again! Fortunately the Hoppers seem to exist in a steady state form of equilibrium. Each year there are new riders who come out because they've heard stories. Either they love the rides and keep coming back, or they realize they are too hard, not enough services etc. and choose not to return. Then there are those who cannot stay away even though they know better. Retired pros, new fathers can't seem to resist the calling and are often humbled by the depth of the field and the intensity of the "friendly" competition. Definitely a field of tough love. How many private battles have been waged in the silent switch backs of Willow Creek? We managed to include dirt in 3 of the 5 and I've figured out a Fort Ross loop that will include dirt as well. How fun it is to craft challenging, asthetically perfect loops and see who shows up. Had a few minutes yesterday by myself sitting on Willow Creek after the finish in utter bliss. Was stoked to present the Spike to Shane and Lindsey, both proud to have claimed the overall victory. Hung out to greet rider 88 as he rolled in at 5:55. There were no sour faces, well some in deep pain but a euphoric pain that shows the pride of accomplishment.<br /><br />The days honors went to John Hunt and I understand it was a true battle to the end. Timmel was in the mix but somehow got a flat. How many flats were there? <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Women's honor for the day went to Brenda Phelps and Hilary Bartels who came in at a scorching time of 4:37. Heard they were rippin the fella's legs off! </span>Overall was Shane. Congrats! A True bike warrior; road, cross, mtb you pick it and he'll bring it! 2nd was Rog and I somehow managed 3rd. Too tired to report further, need to put a bathroom window in tomorrow before leaving for Costa Rica on Thurs. It was a blast as always! Thanks to everyone who helped out and to everyone who participated. Hope you cup has been filled, now go share a drink with the world!<br />MigMighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-38282282781896336252010-06-25T10:13:00.000-07:002010-06-25T11:28:13.284-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedpVBGG6WgpKzUC9T5l-k2ER1haRgeO0MY2_Em14Tu6vdGkM1MC2qH296m8-7YpQ_MziuuCK0Tu5ULWivUp4jDzC3L2ZBYm7aY9euIY4izbTzPSZ5fnT6oKExKg_GiQZOtv_ZOw/s1600/Union+Logo.BMP"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedpVBGG6WgpKzUC9T5l-k2ER1haRgeO0MY2_Em14Tu6vdGkM1MC2qH296m8-7YpQ_MziuuCK0Tu5ULWivUp4jDzC3L2ZBYm7aY9euIY4izbTzPSZ5fnT6oKExKg_GiQZOtv_ZOw/s400/Union+Logo.BMP" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486770174546408242" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This has been an epic Hopper season! Stage one saw the field shattered by an attack by Shane and Levi, Shane turned himself inside out to hang with the man ahead of a foaming chase group. Stage two Chileno Valley saw a massive group of over 200 including the entire Bissell squad rip up Coleman Valley and finish up the enigmatic Joy road and was won by Cal Strawberry young strong man Andrew Talansky followed closely by Ben Jaquemaynes. Stage three was won by Hot Tubes rider Anders Newbery after pulling a group of 6 from Cazadero to Willow Creek, bridging the gap to the lead three before leaving the group and riding solo for the victory. </span>Stage four was won by Levi with a strong group of 10 giving everything for the days top places. Tomorrow will be...well...epic. Team Chico will be in full force as will NorCal. Expect many top pros who have come to appreciate the challenge of a Hopper and covet and elusive stage victory. Shane, Rog and Mig occupy the top 3 spots but with a long day and double points to be had, anything can happen. Follow the words of Yoda.<br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/x51EIXjhiEU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/x51EIXjhiEU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://grasshopperadventureseries.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html">What is a Hopper? </a><br />Read January's post if you haven't done a Hopper. There are "ground rules" and rules of the road are rider enforced. Remember that roads are open and this <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">IS NOT A RACE. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Details:<br />Ride starts at 10:00 AM at the Community Center in Occidental. Sign a waiver at the Community Center $10 w/USAC license. 1 day license may be purchased for $5.There is parking behind the Union Hotel. Please don't park at Post Office or Occidental Health Clinic. Thanks to the Union for letting us use their parking lot. They have a bikers' special for lunch after the ride.<br /><br /></span>1. H2O There is water at the top of the Hauser Bridge climb. Though we are not loved by everyone in Cazadero, the Buddhists have set up a water faucet with shady bench and bike rack!!WTF? I love it!<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It would be foolish t0 pass this spot. This is about the half way point in the loop. My suggestion is that riders Q up at the faucet and fill both bottles. Water is at high pressure so should be quick. At this point tighten down your cages because in 1 mile we descend Kruse, all dirt, to HWY 1 and I lost a bottle last time.<br /><br />2. King Ridge has been seeing a lot of bike traffic related to the Grand Fondo. We will not ride by unnoticed. People drive fast and drive big trucks. You may feel like you are in the middle of nowhere but are always in someone's backyard.<br /><br />3. Descend carefully. There is no sag wagon. If you have never ridden King Ridge, Kruse, Meyers Grade, Hauser Bridge proceed cautiously. Hopper's are relatively simple to run and inexpensive for riders and we have no support! There are no EMTs on course or radio communication. Remember, you are on a big group ride with your friends. Ride and pass safely. Be respectful on the roads.<br /><br />4. Ride finishes at top of dirt on Willow Creek. If you have friends or family who will meet you there please ask them to ride and not park at the top. There is very little parking.<br /><br />5. Rubber side down, have fun!<br /></span></span></span></span>Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-30024571570580489202010-06-12T11:06:00.000-07:002010-06-13T21:08:16.074-07:00King Ridge Hopper 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhtZPjTBkQh4h6N1R1U6r6oobpj19ICkiMk2jywWjW5Zt1L1CYBli-nt75seAxi3qeAe9PCO6iiRPOnmxPXwIhmSWKabQtTnfqHnu1SycV50vDiklX0Jirng7oN6iUAfqBaF3Bw/s1600/PA270682.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhtZPjTBkQh4h6N1R1U6r6oobpj19ICkiMk2jywWjW5Zt1L1CYBli-nt75seAxi3qeAe9PCO6iiRPOnmxPXwIhmSWKabQtTnfqHnu1SycV50vDiklX0Jirng7oN6iUAfqBaF3Bw/s400/PA270682.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482476001830731730" /></a><br />Pre-rode the Hopper course with the intention of throwing in triple dirt. Kruse, Salt Point and Willow Creek. Must say, was a perfect ride for me; my Tarmac Pro worked well as a cross bike. To the relief of many we will omit the Salt Point section. The plan was to CLIMB the central trail from the coast to Sea View but it's REALLY wet. <br />We will instead do King Ridge, Hauser Bridge then descend Kruse to Hwy 1. Of course this means we will be climbing Fort Ross Rd and then ride Meyers Grade to Hwy 1 and then climb Willow Creek. We will finish before the locked gate at the top of Willow Creek.<br /><br />The final ride is double points so there's a possibility of mixing things up a bit. Shane is killing it this year and me and Rog are nippin at his heels, well at least barking from a distance. Been a pleasure to host the series for the 12th year and couldn't do it without the volunteers at sign in and Kim's work at the start, finish, map design and results...actually I guess she does almost everything, hey... I have to ride the f'in things, right?Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-45914073548616767922010-06-03T22:55:00.000-07:002010-06-03T23:06:21.867-07:00Not a Hopper But Pretty Damn Fast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimx9QnHnWbsLKg-XtBqSUSb5tABQPYJXiszNfTjL0KBiX4SdnYKLhRgE8jjQHHiNnaNerFEwBiq6e9yWsTA6d_uUEKGW_kMmKHzSGUMfB7KT5wx8z3v5zbbk6kA1oN-xfhJEtZZw/s1600/IMG_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimx9QnHnWbsLKg-XtBqSUSb5tABQPYJXiszNfTjL0KBiX4SdnYKLhRgE8jjQHHiNnaNerFEwBiq6e9yWsTA6d_uUEKGW_kMmKHzSGUMfB7KT5wx8z3v5zbbk6kA1oN-xfhJEtZZw/s400/IMG_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478795411892358738" border="0" /></a><br />With a pending cancellation of last weekend's Hopper checked in with brotherhood for a pulse on over-all foaminess. Rog' claimed to have thrown in a mean taper but wasn't interested in a road Hopper. Shane was up for the dirt as were Y Boat, CB, The Boyler, Duncan...even Captain L was in for an "easy" day. He really knows how to flatter his friends. The Ridge it was and was...Nectar! Hurt to not have a mtb. Hopper, will not happen again! To make up for it plan on a surplus of dirt for the King Ridge Hopper. Plan on some fresh rubber. We will have 3 sections of dirt on the day including two stiff climbs on dirt, the last of which is Willow Creek. That's all you're gonna get out of me so don't ask! Plan on +/- 80 miles and freakin' hard!<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fg9oKHGn81Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fg9oKHGn81Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-247797134723515592010-05-16T22:28:00.000-07:002010-05-25T11:27:14.005-07:00¡CANCELED!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD7nHuWN2pwPVD91-qzB3QYRhEs2AYBwHLSpF-7hwzVauV5REVxmgz2wcFcrj7BzEG0Eiyg4OckVyZp2UdlJfTNeJ5KGoZdJSPX93M1zEfufLqBaXNGPZGV5QkS2Gd9csb3vncw/s1600/Lake+Sonoma+Trail+Map.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD7nHuWN2pwPVD91-qzB3QYRhEs2AYBwHLSpF-7hwzVauV5REVxmgz2wcFcrj7BzEG0Eiyg4OckVyZp2UdlJfTNeJ5KGoZdJSPX93M1zEfufLqBaXNGPZGV5QkS2Gd9csb3vncw/s400/Lake+Sonoma+Trail+Map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472108021423267986" border="0" /></a><br />GO AND RIDE THE LAKE ON YOUR OWN IF YOU WISH, TRAIL SHOULD BE SWEET. I'M CANCELING BECAUSE OF REQUIREMENTS REQUIRED BY ARMY CORPS. PART OF OUR GROWING PAINS. GREAT HAVING SO MANY PEOPLE COMING OUT TO THE HOPPERS BUT PUTS US IN A NEW REALM FOR SOME EVENTS, AND WE'RE CERTAINLY ON THE PUBLIC RADAR. WE'LL PLAN AHEAD NEXT YEAR ! KING RIDGE IS STILL ON FOR NEXT MONTH SO STAY TUNED!Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-27805956118303188832010-04-26T12:57:00.000-07:002010-04-26T13:05:27.377-07:00Hopper Four<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQzZGyqJl49DiGxcl8GtXyAi41K-B7utyOySn4jfHIOQEGU1rNCO5d6fvBKkKgM6IBU7_sKFkdhXRE8f4qxhhMtLGMTIQgtQvCwjZnfZRwbJLfjE2f9MIo952O6RQIBfMyOfh7A/s1600/Peleton;+D.Mills+jpeg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQzZGyqJl49DiGxcl8GtXyAi41K-B7utyOySn4jfHIOQEGU1rNCO5d6fvBKkKgM6IBU7_sKFkdhXRE8f4qxhhMtLGMTIQgtQvCwjZnfZRwbJLfjE2f9MIo952O6RQIBfMyOfh7A/s400/Peleton;+D.Mills+jpeg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464538144365017010" border="0" /></a>What a day! Perhaps the most compact 55 miles around. That was a true West Pole tour. Race winner was not surprise with 'da Man' in the house. Fast times by all, guess people have been finding time to ride their bikes. Remember next Hopper is all dirt,so return to the Dirt Temple and gather your chi because the Monks of Shoa Lin-West will be out in force. Have a story to tell, send it our way. Take a look at the cool photos that <a href="http://www.veronikalenzi.com/GrassHopper042410/imagegallery.php">Veronica Lenzi</a> took before she had to help out a wounded soldier.Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-49419183567324119292010-04-22T20:56:00.000-07:002010-04-25T21:15:25.956-07:00Hopper 4 Details<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdSRCL7CYpLog1h76d5FBfOiU0jMpdwCbmdfpz4KxWqDC54hHFq844ovgLmSggeZf3tgRO2-eKGYUc71IXjUHLGpFCW4L5Oj1GK8gMPiWy7_9Rq34Y96qr-DrP0SabbskMq8HKg/s1600/meyers+road.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdSRCL7CYpLog1h76d5FBfOiU0jMpdwCbmdfpz4KxWqDC54hHFq844ovgLmSggeZf3tgRO2-eKGYUc71IXjUHLGpFCW4L5Oj1GK8gMPiWy7_9Rq34Y96qr-DrP0SabbskMq8HKg/s400/meyers+road.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463180863254700450" border="0" /></a><br />Saturday's ride will be a gift for the roadies as I couldn't even sneak in a sliver of dirt. Whenever I start to feel my legs being shredded by my skinny tire brethren I dream of one last burst and a dash for hole shot into swoopy singletrack. No trails but the West County roads may as well be single track.<br /><br />Ride starts at 10 at the Occidental Community Center. Remember to bring your USAC license or purchase a 1 day for 5 bucks. You need to sign a waiver. The ride fee is $10 unless you feel the need to give more so you get your money's worth. We will finish up Joy and end in the same spot. Please make sure to stop and if you are going to hang out, move to the side of the road.<br /><br />Remember, these are organized training rides and not "races". This does not stop people from riding fast. Ride and pass safely. There are no signs, food, sag or water. Bring everything you need. It's been years since anyone has had to stop to buy smoked salmon in Jenner and call for a ride home, so if this is you, make sure to bring some money. All the roads are open and there will be traffic. Vehicles on back roads tend to be big so stay to the side and be alert, don't take risks that will jeopardize your safety, the saftey of others, and our opportunity to share in these fun rides.<br /><br />Thanks in advance to Chaz for letting us hang at his place, Kim and Gianni brothers and sisters who help with sign in and finish, and of course Pacha Mama for the air we breathe and the water that keeps us alive. (and mountains to make it all worth going up...)<br /><br />Mig<br /><br />How's your Kung Fu?<br /><br /><object height="250" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FrYlNNy929Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FrYlNNy929Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="200" width="300"></embed></object>Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-32920703760652136882010-04-08T22:56:00.000-07:002010-04-08T23:01:48.867-07:00Hopper Number Four<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbG1N9Svb4XrL2qwI-ot0NT86g5v9rkaTVFSzBiDrzOIWAqrfRMAG5wmojA2OcOZtVgLXRkfC1Vnxoyq5ZrBhLaXyFaxL63naerbLfOxkh1vTl7xoS6X37PQO1yX3dVgnlFU7nUw/s1600/Mystery+Machine3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbG1N9Svb4XrL2qwI-ot0NT86g5v9rkaTVFSzBiDrzOIWAqrfRMAG5wmojA2OcOZtVgLXRkfC1Vnxoyq5ZrBhLaXyFaxL63naerbLfOxkh1vTl7xoS6X37PQO1yX3dVgnlFU7nUw/s400/Mystery+Machine3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458012882109329202" border="0" /></a>Fort Ross-Bay Hill-Joy. No more details than that. Start time 10:00. Usual spot, usual suspects.<br />Here's a glimpse of what you might see at the top of Joy.<br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wOur8qXvpnk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wOur8qXvpnk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="160" width="320"></embed></object>Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-15051147827534121112010-03-29T20:21:00.000-07:002010-03-29T21:35:10.372-07:00SuperSweetwater-A report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibMA7i2404c0Cl4yrtgzO7qTs-aTQeN2hsyKua0oqytMeswHknnJW_zzIabCYNYUXSgf4IEVEIjQ2EEU7D7wxOarJ7pKTKrd9BtgGtFZVuy6U7lys3Kzz-TjSZ_Df0G1Wqi4oSg/s1600/Muscle+crowd,+Occi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibMA7i2404c0Cl4yrtgzO7qTs-aTQeN2hsyKua0oqytMeswHknnJW_zzIabCYNYUXSgf4IEVEIjQ2EEU7D7wxOarJ7pKTKrd9BtgGtFZVuy6U7lys3Kzz-TjSZ_Df0G1Wqi4oSg/s400/Muscle+crowd,+Occi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454280723303387922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A last minute route change averted potential negative fallout in the West Pole bike world and not a single utterance of discontent. I know many had planned to scale the last massive wall and some had forest nymphs hiding behind old growth stumps, ready to belay them up the final pitch. As fate had it the ride was longer, and maybe harder than was planned. The choice of machinery was typical for a cross-Hopper. Mountain, road, cross...which was your weapon of choice? I had not a second to work on my bikes before Sat. Even Friday evening I opted for dinner and a movie with Tera and just hoped what had worked last week would again work on Sat. Slid open the shop door Sat. morning to look at a hat-trick of Specilized wonder, chose the bike that would be fastest on the day, barring a flat. I had ridden Sweetwater twice on my cross bike and noticed the lack of confidence on the descent with my cross bike. I longed for the sticky side walls of my 23c road tires. Was pretty sure I would get dropped on the climb and thought there was a chance of catching back on the descent. Road bike it was, besides it was the cleanest machine in the shop. Didn't even switch tires. It was a gamble and I took it as such. The plan was to descend Old Caz carefully and if I made it, would pay off in spades.<br /><br />Ride report (as viewed by helicopter and lead motorcycle)<br /><br />A healthy but not massive peloton of 125 rolled out of Occidental early Sat morning for what looked like a "a 3 hour tour...". Unlike Gilligan's epic journey of ridiculous repetitiveness the weather did not start getting rough and the Captain did not get tossed as blue skies reigned all day long. The first of the three Hoppers to roll neutral gave the group a chance to catch up, reminisce old times, and warm up legs and lungs. A fortuitous green light at Frei Rd, calm traffic at Guerneville and River Road, and a well scheduled piss stop near the Laguna bridge on Eastside Rd. led the group to the checkered flag of Wohler Bridge and the first of the days intermediate sprints. Unbeknowenst (word?)to the group Mig took the first sprint to Hopkiln Winery that gave him a 30 minute time bonus. (It just might be enough to secure the overall series victory, depending on other miscellaneous, unpredictable and otherwise ridiculous time bonuses that only he can award). The first bump up Sweetwater saw a splintering of the group that kept a steady pace in the flats but the group was brought back together before the first of the days real climbs. Shane hit the front and set a pace that was certain to separate the contenders from the pretenders. Stuck to his wheel was White Lightning, Carl H., Krishnamurti, Brian Astell, Hot Tubes and a few others. Close behind were G. Hope, C. Brown, Redhorse,Brian F, Mig and several others who took the fast train to the top. (Noticibly absent from the days ritual was U-boat and Duncan-bra'; both of whom made magical appearance metamorphosed as childhood play-critters halfway up the Old Caz climb) A frantic pace on the decent saw C.B. and Geo drop off the pace and Mig managed to catch a lift on HT/Cervelo who caught the lead group of 5 at the intersection of Armstrong Woods Road. A short way back the chase group that included Geo, C.B. Caballo Rojo,Thumanator and several others dug deep and reconnected with the group as they headed onto Old Caz and climb number two for the day. Old Caz, which is well known to all who participated in Grasshopper #1, was once again the butchering block as Shaolin Shane put the group into the meat locker. Only the days strongest were able to follow the blistering pace and lumberjack-sized helping of tough love dealt out by the leader the the GH series. Rog, and Krishna followed over the river and through the woods as junior muscle man fell off the pace on the technical decent. Mig hit the gate in 8th position and picked up Brian Astell who was picking himself up but soon lost two places to the boys on mtn. bikes. The group hit a snag in the mother of all downed trees and as the 4 or 5 riders did the fireman's brigade Chris B. and Mig popped around the low side and took hole shot into the creek. The elite group of three including Rog, Shane and Krishna rolled off the front, hopeful that the group behind would either give up or not have the power to bring it all back together. A small group gathered near the Caz store looking confused as to which way to go and it was a blessing for Mig who showed up, pointed the group in the right direction and tucked in behind Anders Newbury. His blistering pace was cracking the group but as he notched it down a bit the group unified in their effort to catch the leaders. (Actually, Anders pulled all the way from Cazadero to Hwy 1 except for one brief rest!) The elastic of the chase group was stretched thin as those on mtn. bikes suffered the extra effort of spinning fatter tires. The next group back containing Brian Anderson, Thuronator, Kent I'mjustChillin'cott and the other brave soldiers kept a steady tempo in anticipation of the days final climb. On the one "riser" before descending to Hwy 1 the elastic snapped as it always does. Hot Tubes smelled blood and finally left his followers in the dust and Carl H. powered by Mig's left over coke came around and brought himself and Mig into contact with the new leaders. "Who's ahead", asked Mig. "This is it", responds Rog. New lines were drawn. Game on. It was a question of attrition as the lead group of 6 hit Willow Creek. A road where your best day can turn to your worst if you end up in the fetal position on the side of the road, begging water from your buddy you just dropped. A steady tempo spread the group out and a surge by Shane on the rocky lead in to Pomo split the lead group into six. As the battle raged for the top spots so to did it boil down through the peleton. There is no giving up in this group. There were battles being fought for the top 5, the top 10, the top 20, the first column of the results page, the first page of the results. This is a tough crowd. Rog, Shane and Anders rolled off the front and Mig, Krishna and Carl rolled together until Carl took off when it got steep. After the top 5 came rolling though the finish the next 12 people came in within 6 minutes.The V went to Anders Newbury, 2nd to Rog, 3rd to Shane. An epic day was had by all. What a great way to spend a Sat! Thanks to everyone for not leaving trash or pooping by the side of the road at the top of Willow Creek.<br />Give thanks,<br />MigMighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-3050967132257573732010-03-25T21:03:00.000-07:002010-03-25T21:52:06.153-07:00Super-DUPER-Sweetwater<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbPGOoIyhwRctLD1A7r29WCJtGdN_JiaRg1j6kwCswPfKCchlfFFBaVnDmMRKeL28fGkbkp9w-ldwug3468tG99ZVfVjfb9azDIZ2hPuiSvyv-QVWw937Pk0bJ4eaHHnaFZl-GA/s1600/cojinetes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbPGOoIyhwRctLD1A7r29WCJtGdN_JiaRg1j6kwCswPfKCchlfFFBaVnDmMRKeL28fGkbkp9w-ldwug3468tG99ZVfVjfb9azDIZ2hPuiSvyv-QVWw937Pk0bJ4eaHHnaFZl-GA/s400/cojinetes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452800764482179138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Route change....The ride will follow the proposed route up to and including Sweetwater and Old Cazadero. We will finish Saturday's ride by riding 116 to Russian River and up Willow Creek. Will finish before locked gate at top.</span> To avoid potential conflict and impact user access we will be skipping this climb. Those who have pre-ridden may not be so sad. <span style="font-size:100%;">The Freezout climb is on State land and user access is provided by permit. Visit Landpath's website for details about how to get a permit. Stay tuned for updates and ways to get involved. The ride will be longer but have less climbing.<br /><br />Remember, Grasshopper are self-supported rides. Bring everything you need to get you through the day. Everyone must have a USAC license or purchase a 1 day. The cost of the ride is $10. 1 day license is $5. Sign in at the Occidental Community Center. Remember to eat lunch at the Union Hotel and ask for the Grasshopper Special.<br /><br />There are no road closures, this is a large group ride so ride respectfully. We will ride as a group until Wohler Bridge and then it's on. Pee stop on Eastside Rd. after crossing River Road. If someone is giving you water on the course make sure there is enough to share.<br /><br />If you have never ridden Sweetwater Springs Road please do the decent on Google Earth before Sat. There are several corners that are the tightest I have ever ridden...+/- 130 degrees! Follow someone in your group who knows the decent. There is a large tree down on Old Caz so do your best.<br /><br />First-time Hopper riders...read earlier post "What is a Grasshopper" and others to help understand the history and spirit of these rides. TELL ALL FRIENDS AND FANS NOT TO DRIVE TO END OF WILLOW CREEK TO SEE THE FINISH....RIDE A BIKE! THERE IS NO PARKING AT THE END OF THE ROAD.<br /><br />We all know what's at stake here, so when your buddy trash talks you before the start just use the words of the Dude, what more needs to be said.<br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QsogswrH6ck&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QsogswrH6ck&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br /></span>Mighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-24546851405774668582010-03-22T12:38:00.000-07:002010-03-22T22:03:26.690-07:00SuperSweetwater or "Getting to Know Me"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKJFixwYSbPPXHmqI-38PsH5WSMntKZ-Io9A9MfhObqeXxm62YAEPUMEb3-nYUjVO7ZYLhAnJ9XigqaJYJCftYa4oFlcJDde-GmNr69VWaJIfJ_s7854Oyz0j6f8JjXtXsv15ag/s1600-h/photo+single+worlds"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKJFixwYSbPPXHmqI-38PsH5WSMntKZ-Io9A9MfhObqeXxm62YAEPUMEb3-nYUjVO7ZYLhAnJ9XigqaJYJCftYa4oFlcJDde-GmNr69VWaJIfJ_s7854Oyz0j6f8JjXtXsv15ag/s400/photo+single+worlds" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451690438095724258" border="0" /></a><br />It's been nearly 20 years that my only social life involves biking. Now that I have kids I have made new friends with something other than bikes in common, the experience and challenge of raising kids. But mostly, time with friends is spent on the bike. If you're reading this I need not explain. When I returned to Sonoma County after graduating from H.S.U. I remember turning down concerts, a day at the beach, parties, to ride with my friends from Gianni Cyclery. There were many firsts, both solo and with groups.Many unknowns; routes, abilities, breaking points of our equipment and ourselves. Firsts like King Ridge solo from my house on Mt. Jackson on my mountain bike with slicks, Hi-Tech hiking boots...snacking on top of Hauser Bride with a pb&j and a king size Snickers. Riding Old Caz with Leo en route for Fort Ross Rd. Discovering Mill Creek on my own. Getting darked on at Mannings Flat on Mother's day and finally making it to Guerneville at midnight after an evening nap on Gilliam Creek. Grasshopper Peak solo on my roadbike, then driving all the way to Snap's to make a party. The triple in Moab with Winkle; Behind the Rocks, Pritchet Canyon-Hurah Pass to Jacobs Ladder, Kings to Skaggs on dirt...it goes on. But why? Early on I was enticed to race for the thrill and challenge, but the ride itself wasn't an adventure. Racing is about how fast you can do a particular route. Racing on the road can be exciting, but there was too much waiting, watching, planning. There's an appeal to this still and I alternate adventure rides with suffer fest races. When it comes down to it there's nothing that beats the silence and shallow breathing that accompanies the sensation, the uncertainty, the questions that no one is willing to voice..."will we really get back before dark?" "Does Mig really know where the fuck we are?" "Do I have enough water?" "How long can one go without feeling fingers and toes before you really need to worry?" "Am I going to get shot by a pig hunter?" Sometimes I wonder if we've ridden the word "Adventure" out of the Grasshopper Series. This year there is no doubt it remains, perhaps more prominent than ever. Even on the roadiest of road loop I know there were many people on Wilson Hill who were considering bailing through Freestone and not complete the loop up Joy.This thought probably tortured the mind, chewed on it like some stale mental beef jerkey to pass the time. Some even in the top 30 called it a day and limped home. I did get bucked off momentarily on Joy and whooped it up, but oh well, I'm not imune to my own medicine of suffering as many will attest. This is a tough crowd. If there is one thing the Hoppers isn't, is "negative". Almost everyone, everytime is riding their hardest. There is no "laughing bus", no "omnibus" of sprinters. It's tribal and it's the school of tough love. Combining dirt with road is as good as it gets. In Sonoma County we have a few options and most have been done. The beauty is in creating something new. A new loop, a new dance, a new way of being on the bike. Doing something different is an adventure. Doing something different with 200 friends is like ultimate cage fighting men's circle complete with talking stick..especially when we finish up Freezout. Think about the hardest climb you've ever done at the end of a long day. Then think about Brad chasing you, cackling, waiting to force feed you nutella-coated cold bacon and warm beer if he catches you, then think how lucky you are to be riding your bike, inches from the edge of our continents, healthy lungs heart, mind (at least mostly) and a bike to see you through (hopefully). The more you curse me during the ride, the more you will thank me at the end. After all, it's for your own good grasshopper. Stay tuned for more Grasshopper details.<br />Peace,<br />MigMighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35766724.post-78032032013335256382010-03-03T11:45:00.000-08:002010-03-09T22:52:25.344-08:00SuperSweetwater<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLpBHMY8WRJFckjefZwPBQhGZ0uZlVYxnnB7Ivo8AXquI7Otben_I0pyjgpOFQvtwxWWXPEOHBIz54lQ_ZUZy32iruvvBfZRDYBToMQcHuWOvSfyNW41FfQkc9KzWaRQ14XIsrQ/s1600-h/W.C.+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLpBHMY8WRJFckjefZwPBQhGZ0uZlVYxnnB7Ivo8AXquI7Otben_I0pyjgpOFQvtwxWWXPEOHBIz54lQ_ZUZy32iruvvBfZRDYBToMQcHuWOvSfyNW41FfQkc9KzWaRQ14XIsrQ/s400/W.C.+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444497866656613730" border="0" /></a><br />Here's the map for the Willow Creek State Park section. All trails are open to bikes. The south face is wet so be careful. Watch for hikers and bikers. This route will not be marked so will be best to pre-ride. You will need to climb over a locked gate when turning left on to State land from Freezout Rd. It is the SECOND left. If you're off the front you can wait for me. If you're off the back...follow the tracks. Additional route info to will be posted soon. Finish will be BEFORE locked gate at top of Willow Creek, not at Coleman Valley.<br /><br />To tired to write anything witty but here's the road directions in case you have time to ride the course.<br /><br />Remember to carry all your own food and water. No support. If you need a bottle hand up you are taking these fun training rides much too seriously. It also makes things unsafe for others and un-evens the playing field.<br /><br />Graton Rd to Graton—Cross 116—continue straight on Frei Rd.—Left on Guerneville Rd.—Rt. Laguna Rd.—Rt. Trenton Healdsburg—Cross River Rd—Continue on Trenton/Healdsburg Rd.—Lft. Eastside Rd.—Rt. Wohler Rd.—Rt. Westside Rd. (It’s on when we get to Westside Rd.) –Lft. Sweetwater Springs Rd.—Lft. Armstrong Woods Rd.—Rt. River Rd.—Rt. Old Cazadero Rd---Up and then down to creek. Up again and down to Cazadero—Rt. After Caz store on Austin Creek Rd.—Cross Cazadero Hwy and continue on Austin Creek Rd. –Rt. River Rd.—Lft Moscow Rd in Duncan’s Mills—Rt. Freezout Rd.—2nd left on Freezout. Climb gate, enter State Park.-Follow Map<br />Approx. 60 miles and 7000ft of climbing<br />Finish on Willow Creek BEFORE locked gate at topMighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06852816441345653908noreply@blogger.com2