The Lessons of Cohutta

“But there is suffering in life, and there are defeats. No one can avoid them. But it's better to lose some of the battles in the struggles for your dreams than to be defeated without ever knowing what you're fighting for.”

-Paulo Coelho

My most sincere appeal to endurance mountain biking are the lessons in humility that come about from it. No matter how on top of your game you are, you can always be knocked down to size. Endurance cycling promotes the stripping of self-indulgent ego feeding and calls you to look inward. As a result, this introspective glimpse allows for an outpouring of everyday life applications in other facets. I cannot speak for all endurance junkies, but for me, this is what it’s all about.


The 2010 Cohutta 100 was a healthy dosage of humility for all its participants. With everyday rain drop, lightning bolt, thunder crack, elevation change, and position battle, it proved to be well worth the price of admission. Every race has its variables, be it stronger riders, challenging terrain, ominous weather. Cohutta this year seems to have all of the above.

Amongst the 133 elite open finishers of this race I managed to squeeze out a 16th place. Initially I was a bit discontent with the result but all in all I am satisfied and content that the venture was worth while.

Sometime around mile 80 or so when I was descending at 40 mph in loose gravel with lighting and thunder surrounding me and squinting my eyes to try and keep the mud and rain from severely distorting my vision I distinctly remember thinking to myself, “In this moment, I am alive”.

Photos soon to some…

Props to fellow Michigan riders Mike Simonson, Christian Tanguy, Greg Kuhn, and Robert Herrimen for representing that despite optimal resources, physical and intestinal fortitude is strong in the Motor City!!!

6WC: Losing to Win

Ray Dybowski once gave me the following advice. It has single handedly been some of the most sound advice anyone could ever give me when it comes to racing a bicycle. These are words that are easily said than done when amidst a race moment of frustration and self-doubt. However, equipped with my lessons of the past I was able to heed these words on April 3rd, 2010 in Wilkesboro, NC at the second annual 6 hours of Warrior Creek.

Don't quit: I've had a number of good finishes in races that seemed to be completely out of my control. They go down in my journal as epic. You keep picking up the cards that are dealt to you, play them, sometimes they turn into the winning hand. Sometimes you have to hang in long enough for the race to come to your level, if you don't quit you will be happy when it does, maybe even epic!

I must say that the BMCC is officially off to something great with this race. In only its second year, the 6 hours of Warrior Creek has sold out, even necessitating the promoters to open 75 extra spots this year. The elite open category alone this year boasted 104 participants!

Wilkesboro is a beautiful community in the foothills of North Carolina located amongst a network of several solid trail systems. Warrior Creek’s trails are fast and furious filled with high burms and a few challenging rock gardens. After pre-riding the course the Friday prior to the race I categorized it as “Helltrack on crack”.

The morning of the race was a beautiful 65 degrees which was a pleasant treat after the cold winter in Michigan. As I sat at the line I looked back and marveled at the sea of 375 riders extending back behind me. The start of the race was ballistic to say the least. In an effort to string the field out, the promoters designed the first lap to have a few miles of hilly road terrain which catered to my road skills. I was pleased to enter the holeshot into the trail sitting second wheel behind Eddie Odea of the Ergon Team. I held his wheel for that entire lap until we finally whittled the 375 rider field down to 4 riders.

During the first few miles of the second lap our group turned to three riders, one of which was Aaron Oakes who was the returning race champion of 2009. I knew I was with the group to be in but we were all attacking each other just a bit more than I desired at that time. Remembering the lessons of the tortoise and the hare I started to think about dropping back and settling into my own rhythm. Just as that thought passed, I found myself hitting the ground hard. The two remaining riders took off before I had time to pick myself back up. Fortunately, I was able to settle into a rhythm after this and maintain my third place position.

On lap four I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had reeled Aaron Oakes back in. As I passed him he did not put up much of a fight to stay on my wheel. I later found out that he had pulled out of the race on that lap. I was now sitting in second and was comfortable and happy with my positioning.



I knew the race was going to be won with six laps and that most likely they would be completed in sub-6 hour fashion. As I rolled out on my sixth lap, I was right on schedule to finish in sub-6 hours. Angela had informed me that starting the lap I was a mere minute off the first place rider Nathan Wyatt. As I rolled that lap I begin to hit a wall in the first few miles. However, after taking in a GU, I was able to regain composure and I could feel my speed pick up. I was gaining hope that there was still a good chance I could win the race in epic form.

There are few things worse than the dreaded sound of a bike tire instantly fizzing to flat during a bike race. The tool that was once ripping you around the course in synergistic harmony is quickly reduced to nothing more than a 23lb weight. Unfortunately with a mere 5 miles to go in the race I had to experience this sound. I was devastated; everything was going according to plan. As I unsuccessfully struggled to get my tire to reseal, I watched the dreaded third placed rider, Andy Applegate ride by me.

There are points in a race in which your confidence can go to self doubt within a virtual instant, this was one of them. I thought for sure I had lost my podium spot. I knew there was a road crossing up ahead and I pondered simply throwing in the towel and DNFing. However, from past experience I knew that the result of knowing I quit a race when I could have finished would not be worth the mental torment that would ensue afterward. After much mental dispute, I pulled out my extra tube and CO2 and got to work. It’s amazing how the simple act of changing a tire during a stressful race situation can make you struggle and wrestle with it so much more than usual. I finally managed to get the new tube in after spilling Stan’s No Tubes all over me. As I went to fill up the tire I noticed that my tube didn’t have a valve core in it. At this point I reevaluated once again quitting.

Sometimes you just have to beg, borrow, or steal to get what you want…in this instance I choose the first. I sat on the side of the trail and begged each passing rider atop a 29er if they had a tube I could borrow. Eventually, a very gracious single speed rider passed me a tube. I quickly changed and was on my way. However, I only had enough CO2 left to fill about 10 PSI in my tire which resulted in a slow last five miles whenever the trail turned or came upon some rock gardens.

Eventually I passed the line, 13 minutes off of first, but somehow managed to hold onto my third place position. Andy Applegate who had overtaken me during my mechanical was a mere 3 minutes off of first. I couldn’t help but fixate on the “what ifs”. As I rolled through; I had tears of frustration in my eyes.


After I deescalated and had some time to ponder my achievement I became increasingly satisfied with my result. I could have easily quit when things didn’t go my way and lost a podium spot. I remembered Ray’s quote and ended the day with the feeling that I had done something epic.


If putting on a well-organized, well attended great race with a great course was not enough for the BMCC, they hosted a great after party in which I was able to meet many 29er Crew members I had only previously read about. Two of which were Brent Lester and Tommy Rodgers who Angela and I had ended up staying with that evening in a beautiful mountain top cabin, with a view that as Brent described it “didn’t suck” courtesy of the generosity of one of Brent’s clients. The evening consisted of many celebratory Oat Sodas as well as some great conversations circling around the two-wheeled passion we all shared. The next day we arose and went for a 2 hour hike to top off the weekend. I really look forward to having the chance to hang out with these guys in the future…Perhaps ICEMAN guys?...That is an invite to all.

Check out the race footage HERE

It's not Belgium, but it sure hurts like it.

I made the pilgrimage back to my old stomping grounds this weekend in preparation for the sufferfest that is Barry Roubaix. In only it’s second year this race boasted a 700 plus field, which made for some deep talent. This race is officially a big deal in the style of an old Belgian Spring Classic.

Race Cliff Notes: This one hurt more than any race ever has in March. I suffered. I had to dig deep several times. I made “the selection” but was all out of moves with 3 miles to go. Wound up 15th overall in a field of very talented riders. Ended the day realizing I have some work to do ahead of me. Nonetheless, the cobwebs have been blown off and the season has been opened.

Congrats to fellow 29er Crew Team Mate Mike Anderson who kept the crew represented for a second year in a row on the podium.

Looking forward to this upcoming weekend!

Worth Noting

Ever since my inception into this sport, it has never ceased to amaze me to observe the eclectic group that is drawn to it that otherwise may have never cross paths. I have had the privilege to race against Rashaan in the past and feel his objective is an honorable one. Although a typically generalized group, cyclists transcend socio-economic statuses, race, and region. Ones success in the sport is always a direct correlation to their hard work and dedication.

My vicarious sentiments…

I’ve been at a loss for words to describe my feelings after hearing about the cancellation of the 24hr National Championships at Big Bear as well as the 24hrs of Nine Mile. Both events were major goals on my schedule this season. It’s one thing to aim for a target and miss, but to have the entire target completely yanked from your site is a bit devastating. I’ve wanted to write out my reaction to all of this for sometime now but just couldn’t find the energy or correct articulations. However, I stumbled upon this video today and ironically Hitler has concisely summed up my emotions on the subject.

Anticipation…Elation…It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

I rolled out my door this past Saturday morning with lofty goals in mind. The weather was right which lead me to attempt the 126-mile jaunt from Royal Oak to Waterford to Fenton to Macomb by 5:00 for a family party. My steed of choice was my new Superfly SS. I was geared at around a 62-inch gear amidst a sea of elite riders on gears. I couldn’t help but think this was a bit of a suicide mission, but alas what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger.


As I flew solo to meet The Godfather at his home in Waterford, I was riddled with anticipation/enthusiasm that this would be the first ride of the year in which “the gloves were officially off”. I’ve spent all winter rolling around at social paces in the snow, ice, and bitter cold. However, today marked the beginning of camaraderie-induced seasonal warfare. Although my single-minded choice of bike was much like bringing a knife to a gunfight, I was quite confident that I have been on top of my game this off-season and have been enhancing my ability to dodge bullets.

I arrived at The Godfather’s house at 10:00am to be greeted by his famous sustained energy “Ray-McMuffin”. We sat and ate breakfast while I discussed my current mental and physical state as well as aspirations for 2010. Ray then looked at me and commented, “You know, the next two weeks are always my favorite and special time of the race season”. He went on to further explain how this is much of a calm before the storm. The foundations have been laid. The work has been done. New seasonal equipment has been ordered/obtained and it’s now time to see where the chips fall. What return are we going to get on our investment?

Some of my early season targets are Barry Roubaix, 6hrs of Warrior Creek, Cohutta 100, and ultimately the 24hr National Championships: 24hrs of Big bear.

I fully concur with Ray’s sentiments. This time of the year marks a new beginning, a clean slate. No longer should we revel on our past victories nor fixate on any previous failed expectations. This time of year marks a distinctive period of forward thinking.

What finish lines are you beginning with in mind? What goals and targets will you aim for? A wise man once said, you are only as good as your next race.

As our ride transpired and the miles/hours ticked away I was pleased to ride with many seasonal comrades who I hadn’t ridden with during the banes of the winter. Selle, Joberon, and Tom K. were all riders I hadn’t saw since November and I was pleased to draw motivation off our synergistic movements and conversations as well as their lung busting multiple gears to mash.

All in all the day ended with the unanimous gesture that in the words of O’Shea Jackson (aka Ice Cube) “Today was a good day”. I had rolled just over 125 miles in 7hrs flat and was able to gain some early season confidence that I am pleased with my form right now. So for right now, I am going to savor the next two weeks.

Remnants of my Past

Many people who interact with me on a daily basis and are people whom I consider very close comrades have no idea that at one point in my life I made a living traveling around and playing with a yo-yo. This is no joke! Before all of my efforts and energy were channelled into turning the cranks over, I got paid to perform yo-yo shows for all ages. It was a lucrative gig and I can truly say I lived the dream. I think the only thing that can top it would be getting paid to roll around on two-wheels day in and day out.

Recently, American Cycle and Fitness decided to exploit my random talents and put together some entertainment for Travis Ott (Marketing Director at Gary Fisher) and the rest of the gang from Fisher Bikes/Trek.

Below are some of the highlights of the shenanigans that ensued…enjoy. Special props goes out to anyone who can guess the origin of the soundtrack.