Seagato

Painfully Close

2010-06-02T09:32:00.001-07:00

Less than 3 days out from the Dirty Kanza 200. Short thoughts:

-Almost 250 participants this year, more than doubling the amount of last year

-Beautifully hard course

-Feeling way more confident than any year past

-High temps in forecast but surprisingly not worried

-On my fastest bike I have ever rode

The Superfly at rest. Hopefully the beast will be ready Saturday!

Fat Tire Festival

2010-05-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

Quick video of the race. I am on the start line on the right. Notice me dropping back very fast haha.

Wilson Lake Race from bob arnold on Vimeo.

Went down to Wilson Lake for the Fat Tire Festival. Had a good time even though the trail was pretty long for a XC race. Took about 2 and a half hours to finish. Ended up 4th or so. Possibly may have got 3rd but no way to figure out the actual finishing order so didn't want to bitch so I guess 4th will have to do for now.

The race was insanely hot and took the power right out of me. Anyway just wanted to do a short post. Racing in St. Joe MO this weekend.

The whole team was pretty much there with a strong showing from everyone including, Matt, Aaron, Bobby, Randy, Mike, Steph, Dustin, and Dusty. Jed also came down from Emporia and did his first race and had a good race finishing I think 2nd.

-Seagato

Still Alive.

2010-04-28T13:24:00.001-07:00

First things first(like there would be any other spot for the first thing?), Matt Brown has joined the blogging word. Check that out HERE

Told myself I wouldn't do another update 'til after school was done for the semester but figured a quick update couldn't hurt. Hope you like short and sweet.

Bikes Relaxing Before Ouchita Challenge

Raced in Ouachita Challenge(Place 51st...just missed the goal of top 50) and had a blast with all the team who all went down.

Bone Bender

Two weeks later I headed up to Lawrence KS for the River Trail race. Got first place in the Expert/Cat 1 19-29 years old class.

Bone Bender: Mouth Open = Painful Ride

The week right after Lawrence I would head up to the Bone Bender 6 Hour Race in north Kansas City where I would learn very quickly that a week of recovery that is made up of teaching spinning 7 times in a week is impossible. I would ride like a small child and just held on to what little power I had to finish respectable(not sure what the exact place was, didn't care to look yet).

Well that's about it. Racing at Wilson Lake, Fat Tire Festival this weekend then next weekend heading up to Robidoux Roundup in St. Joe, MI.

-Seagato

P.S. 38 Days until the Dirty Kanza 200....I'm so screwed haha can't wait!

Have You Met My Friend Matt?

2010-03-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

If you have not got a chance to meet my good friend Matt Brown and his wife Stephani I believe tomorrow, Wednesday, is the day you should. They are opening their new shop downtown, 520 Commercial in Emporia KS if you want specifics, and I couldnt be happier for them.

Yes, there are in fact great products behind those brown papers in the window.

They bust their tails 24/7, literally 24/7 to keep our team and fellow riders happy. Dont beleive me, example time then, called Matt at his home and he came down to the shop at 10 p.m. to get me some tires to go race the next day because I was not happy my choice I had made. They bought a new building, secured all our team sponsors, completely rebuilt their new building, continued training and kept the old shop all running at once...Yes they are that good!

These two are also responsible for my addiction to bikes. They donated a bike to a giveaway that I happened to win. Dang them and their kindness! Thats why this couldnt of happened to a better couple of people. Anyway, I could go one forever on how great they are but you should really go down and check out the new shop ASAP! I got a sneak peak today and wow!! Prepare to be amazed... so get down there now! As for me I got some new tires that need mounted for Ouachita so off to go do that.

-Seagato

P.s. If its been away since you have made it into Flint Hills Music you should swing by there as well as they just updated their shop as well.

Famous? Not Yet.

2010-03-21T17:29:00.001-07:00

Well here it is. CLICK HERE for the Adventure Monkey Magazine. Its a collection of articles meant to inspire you to get outdoors and become active. I was lucky enough to get asked to come on board and right a section on heart rate. I got to run though. Its about to be the longest week of my life and fallowed by going to Arkansas to race so I need to get down to business. Enjoy the Mag!
Link time,
All the contributing writers:
Anne Marie Garrett(nice looking last name there)
Shawn Honea
Lelan Daines
Robert Garcia
Rebecca Martin
The Browns
Randy Rasa
Mike Wise
Adam Didde
Rob White
Bobby Wintle

Enjoy and check all those people out if you can!

-Seagato

Yours Truly

2010-03-21T09:42:00.001-07:00

Check it out! Monkey gave me gifts at the release party! Full write up to come later...I am off to KC to go see my brothers finally after last nights snow storm put a stop to that real fast.

I am photogenic...right?

Spring "not so much of a" Break

2010-03-19T10:45:00.001-07:00

You know the saying...Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, strike three! I feel like I may have that wrong...who knows. Anyhow, long story short, come to find out my phone did not update with the time change and I finally missed a day of Spinning. To my credit I still showed up "on time" according to my cell phone just in time to watch them do stretching.

In other exciting news, did a VO2MAX test on Mr. Tim J. Mohn(made up middle initial for dramatic affect). This was the first time for me to help with running the test, have actually been the test subject in the past. It was a great learning experience and starting in the next week or so I will be able to run the test on my own...so if interested let me know. I am in the process of developing the bike version of the test for ESU which has me really excited.

Also big weekend coming up, Adventure Monkey Magazine party Saturday if you didnt know! Then after that its off to KC for a Seacat brother reunion. A Seacat reunion gaurantees three things will happen:

1. Me and little Seacat will accidently break a car window(long story)

2. I will end up kicking in a locked door(even longer story)

3. Blackout

In order L to R. Marine, Doctor, Bicyclist.

Thats about it for now. If your bored I found a couple links worth a view that should help your Friday move right along.

That's What She (Courtney) Said: Older brothers girl friends blog...she is somewhat witty(just kidding Court) and has some gross/funny stories about med school.

World Cup Race Coverage: Video from a World Cup race up in Canada last season. Great video and a couple girls that are easy on the eyes, as well on bikes. What I like to call a win/win/win.

Have a good weekend

-Seagato

Hello Fun...How I Have Missed You

2010-03-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

Last night got the chance to hang out and knock back a couple beers with some of the guys. Probably was not the best idea seeing as I felt like crap because of allergies but still had a blast and strangely was able to get to bed before 2 in the morning (not something that usually happens when I go out).

Carb loading

Anyhow, today I had planned to get in one last intense long ride before calming the training down for Ouachita, which is 2 weeks away as of today, but that wasn't what happened at all.

Tim hit me up for 60 road at a fast pace but being a little under the weather I was forced to decline and actually made the choice that I was going to just stay in and relax. After about 2 hours of picking up the apartment followed by cleaning off my iPod and iPhone of music I dont listen to anymore I became motivated to go ride atleast for 45 minutes to spin my legs out.

I knew I was off to a bad start when I got a few blocks out and realized my new stem was not even close to straight and was forced to stop and adjust it. Then I came to notice the angle of my bars was a little off and was not in the mood to get off again so rode the entire ride with them that way.

Did about 10 miles and stopped to turn around, change my music, and take a pee...I dont know if it was from the change of music or the empty bladder but once back on my bike my mentality finally changed for the better. Up to that point every pedal stroke had me wanted to throw my bike away and quit riding. With this new found excitement I headed into a couple roads I had never been on before and had a blast. Wasn't putting down any record times but got a chance to just listen to some music, set up and enjoy the air, and just take everything in.

New favorite area to ride in

My legs never really got under my the whole ride but still rode strong for the last hour and even talked myself into stopping and taking this picture (I know I am not Adventure Monkey when it comes to pictures). Well thats about all I got today but getting excited for the Ouachita Challange just trying to decide on my final tire choice.

-Seagato

Nothing to New

2010-03-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

Well thanks to the Adventure Monkey my sites popularity has grown(the mentions of my nice thighs and fast speed are what i think are key to my sites growth, thanks again monkey man). Sounds like he will be throwing a release party for the magazine, I cant wait(little does the monkey know that this gato[thats spanish for cat for you none espanol speakers{espanol is spanish for spanish for you really white readers}] knows how to party)!

And yes that would be a Seagato blog first back there...use of parathesis, brackets, and curly braces! I feel like they are not used right but damn it looks good.

But in other good news I got out this weekend with our largest group ride of the year to date(I think it was 11, I refuse to do math on weekends). It was a great chance for everyone to catch up and have a chance to chat...Jim Cummins made the trip down from KC to put some gravel miles in and check out some routes for the DK200 version 2011. The ride for the most part was a decent pace until about 30-ish miles and it turned into a race all of a sudden. Matt, Jim, Tim, Chris, Mike, and myself would make a break. Long story short it was a painful sprint all the way into Americus and I was able to just edge out Chris for the city limit honors.

Not much else to say today, my little brother is making his way back to the USA from his time spent over in Japan for the Marines so thats about my biggest highlight I got.

-Seagato

Laps 4 Landon

2010-02-28T09:12:00.000-08:00

Few people had asked to see this logo that was made for Laps 4 Landon. Landon Dody was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a disease which causes thick mucus build up in the lungs and stomach and can cause life threatening breathing and panceatic problems. I got involved with the event last year when a class I took helped organize the event and I loved it so much I want to help out again ths year anyway I could so I got the chance to make the logo again! Below is a picture of the logo, time and date of the event so I hope to see all of you there(ya its far away so plenty of time to plan ahead!).

The idea for the logo was that when I first got to meet Landon he walked in with his mom holding her hand and always kind of stuck in my head so check it out.

Anyway big group ride today so hope to have some pictures up tomorrow of the good times to be had. I am gitty with excitement, feel like a little kid, just ready to be outside again with everyone.

Dirty Kanza 200 Video Teaser

2010-02-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

Short post but just wanted to throw up a little preview(more of just throwing some short clips together than anything) of the documentary I am planning on trying to pull together for the Dirty Kanza 200 focusing on training and what not.

Also got some good riding in the last few days with the nice weather out. Riding outside again just makes everything seem so right. Hard to describe but just good for the soul. Anyway enjoy the short video and hopefully it makes you want to ride.

Dirty Kanza 200 Teaser from Garret Seacat on Vimeo.

Short preview of the start of the video I plan on doing to document the race and training of the Dirty Kanza 200 this year(2010). Thanks to Lelan for some of the clips. Enjoy!

-Seagato

P.s. CLICK HERE for the link to the amazing video IM Design did last year.

Busy Busy Busy

2010-02-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

Got some grief from some readers about no new updates so had to throw one down really fast. I have been crazy busy with writing an article for the Adventure Monkey and Bobby's brain child, "Kansas Bicycling Magazine", designed a team t-shirt for the High Gear squad, designing a couple other t-shirts for people around the community(one is Laps 4 Landon, which is a great event that benefits a young boy that I believe is three and is fighting cystic fibrosis and all the money thats raised goes to finding a cure), and also getting all the sizes for everyone on the team to get the jerseys order...which reminds me here is the new design for the 2010 team...Shawn at IM Design once again killed it!! Check them out! If you get a chance check out the sponsor links on the side...they do alot for us and we try to give back as much as possible.

Also on a side note thanks to Wiggins and Matt for hooking it up with the team stickers again! Before I forget I got a chance to check out Aaron's sick Trek 9.9 today when it was in the shop for repairs...makes my Superfly feel like a tank! Its 5 lbs lighter...just not fair. Stupid 26er haha

-Seagato

...

2010-02-01T20:48:00.001-08:00

Nothing really to talk about lately...sick of the cold which leads to way to much time on youtube and vimeo and every now and then come across a pretty decent movie or two.

I found this video of some crazy cross race and thought it was worth a watch. Check it out and enjoy. Also Lelan has a great video on his blog as well...check it out HERE

And yes the blog is still a work in progress just got busy with school and work again so the finishing touches have been put on hold for now...hope you like the new layout...which reminds me I owe Matt some t-shirt designs(I knew this blog was good for something).

Raleigh SSCXWC from Saleigh on Vimeo.

Just a little bit of fun at SSCXWC09.

-Seagato

ITS HERE!

2010-01-25T17:08:00.000-08:00

2010 Gary Fisher Superfly!!! Came in today about 2-3 weeks early!! Guess being on a Trek/Fisher team pays off.

Matt told me to come down to the shop to get a box that came in for me...assuming it was just some socks or some other silly part I ordered from long ago. I walked into the shop and Matt told me to go check in the bathroom because he ran out of room so being the fool I am, I just walked in and looked around for a small box to only notice the only box in the room was a bike box...I checked the side and it said "Superfly 21in." and I almost fainted...ok maybe not but all smiles from that point on.

I threw it together in a hurry...and this thing is crazy light...talking sub 23 lbs for an XL frame...ya thats right, thats not a typo(even though I am notorious for those). Thats also with tubes and the heavier handle bars on too! This baby is going to be crazy light for the DK200.

Anyway, Matt helped me so I could get out of his joint so they could close and then I ran home to finish it up. I called up Dustin on the way home because like any true bike fanatic I knew he would enjoy tinkering with it. He went straight to work on the brakes(which I normally won't let others touch it because I like setting things up on my own but he has the same attention of detail on putting together a new bike that I like so I knew it was all good) while I changed out the RL bar for the XXX bar. Also tossed on the XTR pedals and Bontrager RXL water bottle cages and then we sprinted outside like little kids to ride it around.

I was very impressed so far but tomorrow will be its maiden voyage so for tonight I have to relax and get some major homework and reading done...damn this school thing...to think I pay for this. Lata suckas!

-Seagato

p.s. I know the background image is having trouble loading for alot of people and trying to address it right now but thinking it may finally be time to start an actual webpage and be done with this damn "blogger" website crap

First Century of 2010

2010-01-24T16:45:00.000-08:00

I know I left out a update from last weeks ride but I was feeling lazy so you can just check out the blog links in the post below somewhere...sorry. I do have a new post about yesterdays ride though so that should be worth something right? On Saturday I had actually planned on a 100 mile solo venture but never been happier that it turned into a group ride. Dustin Burgadt(also a great head shot of yours truly on his most recent post), Tim Mohn, Scott O'Mara, and myself all got together and headed out despite the wet roads and horrific wind. Everyone road strong and made great time for a mostly headwind of 20+ mph. This ride would once again go to show how putting road bike tires on a mountain bike, does not in anyway make it a road bike...especially if I get lazy and leave the front fork on. The real turning point of the ride would be just short of 50 miles when we took a road over a huge lake(not sure which one this was) but the wind tore us apart! I was able to snag some pictures during it of everyone. Scott would feel the pain of riding a mountain bike and snag a ride at 70 miles(still impressive to me for riding with a mountain bike with crows on it and keeping up 'till then). The three of us would continue on fighting for city limit sprints despite the pain with everyone winning one in the three cities. Dustin would take honors of the Emporia sprint when he pulled away a mile or so away and me and Tim just had nothing left to pull him back...nicely played.

This ride was for sure a great fitness boost but hurt mentally a couple times when we would stop and it hits you just how much farther and harder the DK200 is. Still I have no intention of peaking for the DK200 but still want to have a better showing aka not DNF-ing. My legs felt like rubber and stomach was all upside down and inside out after the ride(cheap pizza will have that affect, or is it effect? shit who knows) but after a quick meal with Dustin followed by some nachos and some dark chocolate all was right again. Ride ended at just short of 105 so not bad for a January training ride. Well that's about all I really have for now. I am going ahead and put a link to The Adventure Monkeys blog HERE. This guy takes some awesome pictures and his post are usually worth a read. Also I got a name drop on the the Dirty Kanza 200 blog HERE. Its an old post but I just now saw it on a lazy day when searching the web. Also Lelan is signed up for a 24 Hour race. Good luck brotha and get on that bike!

Quick Post For Midget

2010-01-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

Fell off the map this week just being busy with school, work, and training...needless to say I'm home today sick but it hasn't been a totally loss. My little brother Matt aka Midget sent me his bike to put together for him for when he gets back from the Marines. Little preview picture below for him as I work on it.
In other news I did about 75 miles last Sunday with the team and a few other guys from around. Had a great time and still feel like an ass because I made us pick up the pass and ended up ripping the group apart in the last 40 miles...my bad guys. I'll have a full write up maybe later this week but check out a good one at Bobby's blog or Eric Benjamin's blogs. Both good and humors.

Well I am heading back into my little shop to knock out Midgets bike for him so I can give it a little bit of a ride. Couple mornings ago I forgot I took these pictures below of my daily energy boosters for the day...Special K followed by large amounts of coffee.

Teaser

2010-01-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

Today the team got a sneak peek at the new team jerseys for 2010...very very sexy indeed. Shawn at IM Design has once again out done himself! Sadly the design doesnt get to go public for a few more months...just had to mention it because its all coming together beautifully.

But other than that just getting busy with school and all that jazz. High hope that the weather stays high enough to melt all this crap off the roads by next weekend. Also got a little bored with the design of my header so went ahead and updated it real fast.

Well time it run...my 5:45 a.m. spinning class at Emporia Fitness comes way to early most days but damn I love it and all my addicted clients that show up. And yes that reads 5:10 and which equals being up at 4:40 a.m.

-Seagato

Happy to Start School Again

2010-01-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

Well today was the first day of classes and it felt good to be back mainly for the reason that once school starts its time to get down to business on the training side. So with decent weather today I was able to sneak out this afternoon for an extremely easy recovery ride. With all the Spinning I teach, time on the real bike on most days is limited to easy to moderate right now to prevent over training but damn it felt good today! Nothing better than the cool crisp air. Anyway time to get some much needed sleep in.

-Seagato

JERSEY DESIGN IS HERE!

2010-01-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

Its here! The design for the 2010 Team High Gear Racing! Check it out below!

Haha Ya right! The design is in the process though and the guys at IM Design are doing a killer job on it so far. Cant wait to see what Sean pulls out of that mind of his. Also Matt gave me the chance to put my graphic design skills back to use and designed the new logo for his skateboard line...check it out below.

In other news I have kicked my 2010 training into high gear(no pun intended). I of coarse am still teaching Spinning 5 days a week at Emporia Fitness still but finally adding in some more time on the real bike now that the weather is clearing up and also started lifting. I forgot just how much I love lifting...its been bringing out the old power lifter in me lately and I have to just try to keep it calm because that kind of lifting has no purpose in cycling.

Well thats about all I got for today. If you get bored I highly recommend doing a google seach of Dirty Kanza 200 2010 and checking out all the results...really exciting stuff.

-Seagato

P.S. Lelan I am straight up killing you in blog update amounts lately...suck it!

Snow+Bikes+Planet Sub=Pefection

2010-01-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday I told Dustin I would be coming out to ride with him at the Smith estates and it ended up being a pretty decent sized group ride including myself, Matt Brown, Jed Sampsel, Dustin, and Randy. We were even so lucky go to have "LowKee" fallow us as we played in the snow. It was great to be outside for once!

The ride consisted of riding for about 50 yards and then laughing at who ever fell down for the most time so it was a good time to be had by all. I have some other pictures but may post those later for now I am exhausted and going to lay down and watch a movie.

Before I forget I got registered for my 3rd attempt at the DK200. I cant wait! This is an epic race in the b-e-a-utiful flint hills! I highly recommend checking this race out...well its full now but for the future if you didnt make the cut. Jim and Joel really know how to put on one hell of an event. I just did a google searched it and wow there is a real buzz about it this year and cant wait for everyone to come see what we have to offer...150+ entries is going to make this the best DK200 to date...not to mention starting and finishing in downtown Emporia!

Anyway time to run...below Matt enjoying his sandwich...good way to end a perfect day.

Did I mention I am pumped for the Dk200? Just thought I would mention that again!

Like Christmas All Over Again

2010-01-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

Well last night I checked my credit card to notice I had been charged for about half of the stuff I had ordered for from Trek and to my suprise it showed up today down at High Gear! Sadly it will still be a couple months or so before the Superfly makes its showing because of being back ordered but for now this was a plesent late xmas gift. Either way still just out of control with happiness to be a part of this awesome team thats paired up with Trek and all our other great sponsors!

So this pretty much ruined my plans of cleaning the apartment today and resulted in my playing with all the new toys and gear all afternoon. A little teaser photo of some of the tasty treats I got today below.

Well I need to get to the gym and lift and teach spinning. In the words of Matt Brown, "Have a good one!"

Also I am working on our Team High Gear Racing facebook page so soon you can fallow the team on there. And we added an 11th team member this week...Aaron Elwell...another great rider and awesome guy to add to the team. Happy to have him abord!

X-Mas Break

2010-01-04T18:47:00.001-08:00

First of hope everyones holidays went off great! I had a good one relaxing with the family. Well took a few weeks off from training hard and tried to get in some good relaxation during the holidays. As pictured below even my beer was in the festive mood...a good sign it was a good break from the bike.

Even had some chance to get in some quality time with my loving lab "Camp" back home!

While at home I did a couple runs since I made the choice not to bring the bike home...big mistake...I was insanely sore and thinking I will be sticking to the bike for a good amount of time from this point on. Also joined the local high school basketball team for a few practices to keep the legs loose and had a great time even though my jump shot has lost its touch it was still a awesome workout.

On the way out and back had to drive by the biggest attraction south west Kansas has to offer...yep thats right...windmills...be jealous!

Well thats about all I got...time to get back to work on the bike.

4 Hours of Good Pain

2009-12-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well I dont know how I forgot to mention this earlier...damn finals at school and work getting crazy busy...but I went and did the Coronado's Challange with a bunch of the High Gear Team and had a great time!! Its always a good time on the bike when you have got the likes of Jim, Tim, and Mike around you. Sadly Mike wasnt around for long...he was caught up in a crash within the first 50ft. of the race and some how trashed his cable housing.

This trail is got a insane amount of climbing...its pretty much a steep ass hill in the middle of no where! Not single speed friendly at all...that reminds me Brad Williams, another Emporian, made the trip and put the hurt on me early on with his single speed. I thought chasing him around for the first 2 hours was going to result in my having another DNF.

Myself, Tim, and Jim would spend the next 4 hours hunting eachother. We settled in 5th, 6th, and 7th after about a two hours in. Some how I got a break away and snuck out and put a couple minutes on the Tim/Jim combo.

I would stay out front the rest of the ride with Jim getting a little to close for comfort on the last lap. I have no been in that much pain in along time!

The race would end up with me in 5th, Jim in 6th and Tim in 7th. I would finish the race and could not even walk because I had given it my all, which was my only goal for the day. I went into this race with the idea of finishing and being so trashed it would hurt all week...and thats what happened.

Untill next time!

All Smiles Over Here

2009-12-07T18:17:00.000-08:00

Big news coming from the High Gear camp this week. The brand new High Gear and Trek/Fisher team has finally been announced.

The team will be featuring the fallowing:

-Matt Brown

-Stephani Brown

-Schad Schreiner

-Randy Smith

-Dusty Sopoci

-Chris Wiggins(The lone roadie)

-Bobby Wintle

-Mike Wise

-Dustin Burgardt

-and Myself

And even more import our 2010 Sponsors:

-Trek

-Gary Fisher

-Bontrager

-High Gear Cyclery

-Planet Sub

-NOS Energy Drinks

-Oakley

-IM Design Group

-Emporia Fitness

These companies are amazing! Frequant them as much as possible! These companies are making this team what it is.

In other great news...yes there is alot actually...to start off with just finished enrolling in what will be my last semester of college(sad and happy moment), ordered my new Gary Fisher Superfly, just ordered a bunch of Bontrager clothing and other gear(like the new Race X-Lite Carbon Fork), and the Dirty Kanza 200 just picked up Salsa as a sponsor(Jim and Joel are gods of promotion).

Well I really have got to get to work...don't plan on any updates for a few weeks...really have to nail these last few finals before Christmas break.

'Till next time, Keep riding!

Rails to Trails

2009-10-27T18:41:00.001-07:00

Got an awesome ride in with Matt Brown this weekend. Found some tasty little bits of road never hit up before along with checking out an old missle silo. We also jumped onto one of the rails to trails sections...probably one of the better roads in Kansas, if you can call it that. Great views the whole time. Enjoy the pics.

Ya you heard right!

2009-10-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

Some rumors had been going around about next years team maybe getting a sponsorship from Trek/Fisher....well its official.

Fresh off Matt Browns website:

High Gear Cyclery: News!
October 5, 2009
Breaking News: High Gear Team will be representing Trek and Fisher Bikes for the 2010 season. We were approached this summer by Trek/Fisher and offered a deal to ride the best bikes in the world. We are currently working on a new team jersey design and promotional material. If your company would like to be promoted by the 2010 High Gear/Trek and Fisher Regional Team please contact Matt at 620-342-4977 for more details. Check back for Team roster and sponsors to be announced at a later date.
In other news.....Everyone likes videos, so here ya go.
Just in....Dirty Kanza 200 video teaser. Talked to the promoters the other day and sounds like 2010 is going to be bigger and better then ever. Check it out.

We are currently working on securing a couple more sponsors in hope of having the best team yet for the 2010 year. Roster to soon be announced! Get excited!

Also in other news Tim and myself decided not to go to Russell for the ride and stuck around Emporia. We went out to Council Grove and ride the section between there and Alma that we didn't make it to during the 2009 Dirty Kanza 200. I had forgot just how hilly it is up there, and yes Little Egypt Rd. is still just as rough as it was last year.

Forecast: Fun with a chance of freezing your ass off

2009-10-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

Me and Tim Moahn are heading out to Russell, KS tomorrow to give the Ride to Paradise a shot. 60 miles of gravel and good times....well other than the forecast that is calling for snow and freezing rain.

Dirty Kanza 200 Video!

2009-10-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

Ya its finally here. The IM Design Groups Dirty Kanza 200 promotional video. I am 100% sure you will have a instant need to want to go ride gravel...or atleast your bike! Check it out!

Finally a 24 Hours of 9 Mile Recap(Pictures)

2009-10-05T19:27:00.001-07:00

A few pictures from what had to be the most fun I have had on my bike ever. It was an experience I wouldn't trade a thing for. I am already planning on being back for next year, so much learned about what this kind of racing is all about.

Finally!

2009-08-30T18:56:00.001-07:00

Here it is all you gravel junkies. Dirty Kanza 200 video. Created by Lelan Dains.

Dirty Kanza 200 - 2009 from Garret Seacat on Vimeo.

A good little taste of the Dirty Kanza 200. The DK200 is a 200 mile gravel road race through the Flint Hills around the Emporia, Ks. The 2009 race would have a blistering head wind that changed direction throughout the day and was coupled with sweat drenching heat. 85 would start and a record low 15 would finish. www.heartlandrace.com Editing done by Lelan Dains

2009-07-21T18:42:00.001-07:00

2009-07-17T12:02:00.001-07:00

If you ride bikes you should be in Emporia this weekend. cRamp Alexander this sunday! Trail is in amazing shape and a promised good(cramp filled) time. Big time props go to Lelan and the whole High Gear Team. We have spent tons of time working on them come out and enjoy them with us.

Sponsored by:

Just a little overdue

2009-06-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

A couple quick lines before I head out on the bike for a couple rides today. First things first...We are putting on a race here in Emporia, KS July 19th. For all the juicy details swing on over to crampalexandarrace.blogspot.com and check it out!

Second, another DK200 is in the books. Long story short, heat plus a constant head wind mentally drained me and I pulled the plug at mile 70 just outside Elmdale(sp?). I would call Matt down at the bike shop and beg him to come get me. He was nice enough to send out domestique Marvin out for me. That guy is a life saver. I owe a big thanks to the High Gear Cyclery, Marvin, Jenna(was going to meet me at the halfway point with my stuff), and anyone else along the way that has helped me out on this race. Be on the lookout for a video from the race coming from Lelan(check links to the right for his blog). By the way 15 out of 85 fiished...out of those 15 there would be no Team High Gear riders...damn the heat!

Third, Team High Gear would make a short road trip down to Wilson Lake a month or so ago. Everyone had a good ride. Mike and Lelan would take on the expert class with Bobby, myself, and Dusty spinning around in the sport class.

Fourth, I have started to kick up the training for 24 Hours of 9 Mile finally.

And thats about all I got. Peace suckas!

Climb Much?

2009-04-09T18:37:00.000-07:00

(Preride on Saturday)

The crew(Tim, Dusty, Mike, Lelan, Bobby, Randy, and myself) headed down to do the Ouachita Challenge down in Arkansas last week and had a good/painful time. Myself, Tim, Dusty, and Mike all got down there on Friday afternoon just in time to check in to the hotel and grab some BBQ. (On top of first big climb)
The next day(Saturday) we would grab some classic small town cafe breakfast(Large portions and tons of coffee)and the head off to meet up with Lelan, Bobby, and Randy to get some preriding in. We would check out the last couple miles then hit up the first 8 miles or so. The first 8 miles had changed since last year and WOW! they added some major climbing. We would rap up the preride and head off for some pizza

(Fixing Lelans bike)

Sunday morning we would wake up to cold pizza and rain coming down. Once down to the race start the temperature would continue to drop but the rain let up.

The start of the race was a clustered mess and luckily Lelan, Dusty, Bobby, and me would bridge up to the lead group getting out of the mess that I knew would happen once the whole group reched the first large climb. Lelan would stick with the lead pack on the first climb and dissappear over the top. Im not sure when Dusty and Bobby backed off but next thing I knew I was all alone.

Once up the climb it was a fast decent to the first section of trail. When I finally reached the trail I felt like my legs couldn't go fast enough. I would eventually pull Lelan in and we both were stuck behind some slow riders for awhile.

From that point on till the first checkpoint I was feeling good. Once at the first checkpoint Lelan and Dusty would come in soon after I was there and they would pull my slow ass in on the long road/gravel section. Timzilla would eventually catch on and the High Gear train took in affect and ripped through the rest of the gravel.

We would enter the trail together as a group and that was all she wrote for me. I had to stop and catch me breath because I just couldnt keep it up and that would be the last I would see of the team.

So pretty much from that point on it was a pain train all the way in with 10 minute burst of energy fallowed by 10 minutes of me questioning what the hell I was doing out here. I would end up riding the last section pretty good for not being able to get into the small ring up front(great fun on those steep climbs).

Results would end up with Tim 41st, Dusty 46th, Lelan 59th, Myself 63rd, Mike 89th, Randy 138th,and Bobby 150th <----Bobby spent almost the whole race with no front brake so just finishing is amazing! His face below pretty much sums it all up. Feel like I left alot out of this post since its a week late but anyway there ya go.

Bad Weather

2009-03-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

2 post in 2 days?! Ya obviously nothing else to do in this weather. Thought I would drop a quick update that Randy is now going to Ouachita taking the total to 7 High Gear teammates making a showing.

This morning me and Tim got together and mounted up the new tires(Hutchinson Toro).

Also bought a couple new water bottle cages and finally got my fork set up to my liking. I spent the last couple weeks playing with the +/- air pressure and rebound and finally got it dialed in.

-Seacat

Finally Race Time...

2009-03-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

In a week that is. I have been getting excited to head down to Arkansas and have my ass handed to me. Ouachita is by far my favorite trail to ride! It hurts so good! This year it will be Timzilla, Mad Mike, Dusty, and myself heading down Friday and getting some preriding(and a couple beers) in on Saturday. Also 'Leggy' Lelan and Boobby(get it? like boobs? but his name is really Bobby!) are heading down Saturday to join up with us

Training is still going pretty decent for myself...I have started to teach Spinning on campus and I am having a blast doing it. Its always strange because I can never tell how hard I worked them 'till we are finished and they walk by me saying "thanks for killing me today." Haha Nice change to put the hurt on someone else for onc.

Speaking of the hurt, I rode with Tim this week and changed my brake pads...and well didn't get the pads pushed back in far enough on the rear wheel so I spent 2 hours on the bike with what felt like dragging a log behind me! It had planned to be an easy ride(which it was for Tim as he watched me suffer) but I was at about 80% or higher of my MHR the whole ride.

Well got to get to work and make that money! Enjoy the snow. Also signing up for 24 of 9 mile after we get back from Ouachita. They lowered the price as well to only $100!

Couldn't have been better

2009-02-21T06:55:00.000-08:00

This Friday I totally lucked out. Walked out the door with bike in hand at 8:30 and didn't come home 'till 6pm. Almost a sunrise to sunset day of riding. Does it get much better than that?

I pulled out of town and headed to Madison, KS taking the DK200 route from last year. I was coming off a 2 day rest so the legs felt good and made good time. Once I made it to Madison I was taking a break and eating a sandwich and Matt Brown called saying he was hitting the trails at 3 if I could make it back.

So of coarse I shoved the rest of the sandwich down and chugged some coffee(I was still cold from leaving in 20 degree weather). Made it back to town with time to spair so Matt, his nephew(Donovon), and me headed to the trails.

Not going to lie...I riding had been happy with gravel lately but the trail was pretty much amazing! I ended up at 90 miles...10 short of my goal but hell it was a good time. After we finished at the trail it was off for mexican food and margaritas! Told you my day couldn't have been better.

Also thought I would mention that at some point on my way to Madison a group of about 6 horses sprinted against me up a hill. It was good fun but they won and as I went by at the top they all just looked over at me like "eat that!" Haha

-Seacat

Exhausted

2009-02-16T21:03:00.000-08:00

I have been on the bike a pretty good amount lately(12-15 hours a week) and I tell you what, it leads to some great sleep and extremely vivid dreams, but thats another story! I have not slept like this ever. I hit the bed and pass out at night and wake up earlier than normal and feel totally rested and ready for the day!

This weekend I was able to get a couple rides in. Sunday Tim, Wiggins, and I headed out on a gravel ride in the 20 degree weather. I would like say the cause of my weak riding was the cold but truth be told Tim and Wiggins just rode my ass into the ground! We went to sprint at the end of the ride and when getting out of the saddle I pretty much feel apart. Its all good though. Props to both guys!

So today(monday) went out to go for a ride and made it about a block and my body was just telling me this is not going to happen today so I made a fast u-turn and headed home and passed out on the couch. I woke up still in my riding gear, minus the helmet of coarse, and was so hungry that I pretty much tore the kitchen apart making sandwiches like a mad man! But I now feel totally refueled and ready to get back on the road, gravel road that is, and get some more base miles in.

Also, little bit of good news, got the parents talked into coming to 24 Hours of 9 Mile with me as my support crew :) Big time boost right there!

Remember dont take life to serious or you will never get out alive!

-Seacat

Really?

2009-02-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

So I have officially decided to do a 24 hour solo event. Dumb? Maybe. Stupid? Probably. Great time? Yep! I am planning on doing 24 Hours of 9 Mile in late July. I first started thinking about this a few weeks ago and did about 3 weeks of training to make sure I could balance the load of training, school, and work. And to my surprise I was able to do it just fine. I am putting in about 12-15 hours a week on the bike and feeling pretty good. So, as for now I need to get some sleep because it usually means I am dead tired before 10:00pm even though I am putting down a worthy amount of coffee.

Also had to restart the no red meat diet after the Super Bowl...I made one hell of a chilli and couldn't help myself.

New Year; New Season; Same Guy

2009-01-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

It has been brought to my attention that my site is in need of an update so here you go.

Mainly just been on the trainer with the Niner set up with some road tires so I wont have the whole apartment building after me.

Lately when the weather isn't below 20 degrees and snowing I have been able to sneak out to the trail for some laps on the good ol' single speed and to my surprise I don't suck as bad as I thought I would. The trail is in decent condition other than the recent deforestation that occurred, but thats a whole other rant.

Also, I have decided to cut red meat out of my diet so its been one week and a couple days red meat free, personal record right there.

Way Over Due

2008-08-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

Ok well to start off I know how far behind I am so my bad.

To catch you up I had my first DNF at Trumans Big Love with mechanical problems out the "ying yang" but had a great ride 'till then.

Then was off to Shawnee Mission 3/6 Hour where I would team up with Mad Mike only to have more mechanical problems(middle chain ring fell apart pretty much) then to fallow that severe cramps and getting sick on the trail...not fun.

So on to the good news...Rapture of Misery was a blast(minus Matt Days broken ankle). Matt, Steph, and myself would team up for co-ed and take 1st. Lelan, Dustin, and Mike would join up for a 3 person super fast and pull in 2nd place and Randy, Matt Day, and Kegan would do the just for fun.

Well thats all I want to post for now but some good quotes from the Rapture in Misery:

"I saw these HUGE treads and was like is someone on a motorcycle?" - Matt Brown

"I hit the tree and notice it was the same one from the last wreck as my head flew towards the next tree....it was awesome!" - Mad Mike

"I saw Mike get snipped...I looked down at the trial when I looked back up he was in the bushes" - Matt Brown

"He only has 2hours on those lights...and his day laps took 2 hours..."
"He is screwed" - Me and someones conversation

"I woke up and there were no lights and Mike had his garmin out" - Lelan

Great Riding, Fun Racing, and Good Fishing

2008-07-17T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well its been well over 3 weeks so its time for an update I figured. So here it goes...

To start off with Trumans Big Love went pretty good.. We had a good sized sport class and me and Lelan just barely made it back from our warm up ride to catch the start of the race but it ended up working out alright. I would drop out in the second lap from a mechanical and Lelan would have brake problems throughout the race. Randy and Dusty both would have good runs with no big problems to speak of. Randy seems to be really coming around to the sport by moving into the sport class already.

So a couple weeks after the race I took my vacation and was off to Colorado for a week. While there I stayed with my aunt and uncle in Lyons, CO. Most days consisted of a good ride on Hall Ranch which is a blast. It consist of a 2-3 mile climb with some of the nastiest rock gardens I can remember ever seeing

But once to the top you were greeted by a some ground squirrels who didn't seem to mind you walking up right next to them

After a short stop to watch the critters run about there were almost to many good views to take in. The top lop was about 3-4 miles of climbing one half of a mountain and flying down the other. I got alot of weird looks on a hard-tail while flying by 5.5in travel trail bikes. HAHA Got to love the 29in wheels!

So after a view days of riding and fly fishing I found out about a short track race taking place in Boulder. Seeing as I have never done a short track race I figured I would give it a shot. It was a blast even though the thin air left my lungs crying by the end of the race. I raced in Cat B with 55 people starting the race in what I can only describe as the most insane start to a race I have ever seen. we had to funnel from about 10 wide to 1 person wide for the first corner...and ya it didnt happen but I didnt see anyone go down.

The course consisted of about 5-7 short hard climbs fallowed by quick downhills. I came in 40-something or other.

Anyway I am off to bed. See everyone at Shawnee Mission this weekend! Keep on eye on "Team High BMI"

Fun Ride

2008-06-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

The other day i went out to the trail to try to get some laps in for fun and when i stopped to take the picture above i noticed i had a voice mail from Matt and he wanted to do a night ride out to Cottonwood Falls(50 miles round trip). Sounded like fun i thought so i ran home and threw on the lights and was off to meet up with him.

We(Randy, Steph, Matt, and myself) left town at about 9ish or so into a beautiful sunset. The ride was at a decent speed but nothing fast...just a relaxing ride.

(Matt, Randy, Myself)

Once to Cottonwood Falls we stopped and put down a couple beers as the gas station was shutting down.

(Matt working out his inner demons and Steph)

So we finally started to head back to Emporia at about midnight or so. It took us an hour and a half to get to Cottonwood Falls and would take us two and a half hours to get back. Probably could have been faster if not for all the shorts breaks and Matt not feeling so hot...poor guy...shouldnt have been trying to hold my wheel! haha just messing with ya Matt.

Here is a couple other pics from the night:

Matt on the way to Cottonwood

Randy showing off his new training secret with Steph

Steph enjoying the ride

Matt and Steph on one of the many breaks on the way home

Dirty Kanza 200

2008-06-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

Prerace Picture

L-R: Jim Cummings, Me, Tim Mohn, Matt Brown, Lelan Dains, Mike Wise

Well its been a week since the Dirty Kanza 200(a 200 mile gravel road race for those who dont know) and I figured I am over due for a update and some thoughts on the race. Sorry about the long post but long ride equals long post.

The day started just like any other before a race...with a great breakfast and some coffee to make up for the 2 hours of sleep you got from being to nervous to sleep. So after some early morning fuel I headed off to the start line located at a hotel in town. Thanks again to Mikes parents for letting us put our bikes in there hotel room so it would be less to worry about getting to the hotel. So once I get there and was finally ready to do this, they start the rider meeting with news that the race will now start at 8 a.m. because of the weather south of town that had hail and strong winds. 10 minutes later they sent us out anyway and it payed off beautifully.
Once off we were escorted out of town be the local police to about a mile outside of town where we would hit our first gravel of the long day.

This made for a funny time seeing some of the riders from out of state on the gravel with there cross bikes just getting kicked all around.

The pace for the first 20 miles was crazy fast. We averaged 20 mph and the crazy thing was everyone was keeping casual conversations at this pace. It was looking like it was going to be a great ride.

With the lead group pulling away before the first climb the group would slow to go single file across one of the first of many water crossings of the day.
The first climb of the day would be a preview of what was to come...a super fast pace up some crazy large hills! The first hill used to be something I would dread but on this day it didnt even seem like a hiccup compared to what we would later see.

Once over the hill Mike and Lelan would break off with the lead group of about 10 or so after the first hill. Jim, Tim, and myself would take just a notch off of that pace to relax a little bit and save ourselves for the next 170 miles still to come.

While the rest of Team High Gear was just relaxing into the grove Matt Brown was out just plain smashing it with the rest of the top dogs!

As a team the rest of us(Me, Lelan, Mike, Tim, and Jim) would just destroy the first 50 miles about a little over 3 hours with Mike and Lelan beating us into Madison but waiting for us.

After leaving Madison for the next 50 miles the Team High Gear train would form and would make short work of the section leading into Cottonwood Falls.

This section started with a long section of "Minimum Maintenance Road." This section had a deep water crossing that I have got to give props' to Mike for trying to ride. The water was so deep and fast that I thought it was going to sweep Mike away...and that is no easy task folks!

Ok so enough pictures now for my thoughts. That was by far the funnest/hardest ride I have ever done...and I had to drop out at the 155 mile mark! I feel as if I learned more about my body in that one day than possible. I had been dealing with cramps for about 9 hours when I did call it quits but I feel as if I still won after just getting that far, cramps or no cramps. It was something else to pull into every check point and having people cheering for you and the great pit crew of High Gear there to help us out...Ya I am talking about you Steph, Jenna, Randy and Marvin! I stepped off my bike at the 100 mile check point to be waited on by them like I was royalty....It really gives you the strength to go on.

And I have got to mention thanks to Matt again for dropping out and driving by and seeing me and saving my life and giving me a chance to laugh for a little bit. I dont think I will ever forget you and me just laughing like little kids about how big the climbs were and everyone else in the car just looking at us like "We need to get them to a hospital." Still makes me laugh thinking about it.

Mad Mike you deserve some big time props' (along with your wife Shelly...wait change that...your whole family) for making the amazing prerace carb loading meal that still is in my dreams! Also for being a great support crew and it was awesome to see your parents come so far to support you in something you love. 11th place with an extra 14.78 miles too because he is just "Mad" like that.

Lelan got out and got into a pace that would not be denied! Even with 3 flats(By the way were is my tire iron!) he would pull into 14th right as the sun was setting for the day. Lelan probably gets the award for biggest support crew for the whole family at the start of the race! Thats what happens when your big time I guess.

And for Jim(#37) and Tim (#66) thanks for pushing me till I exploded! Just kidding. These two put down a solid pace and never once swayed from it. Tim would pull in 3rd place....2nd year in a row. Now thats consistency for an event like last all day. Jim would pull in not far behind him in 4th place.

Well thats about all I got...Thanks again for Tim, Joel, and the Heartland crew for putting on an amazing race and thanks to Matt for helping put together an amazing course. Also thanks for the pictures Shawn at IM design. Also look for picture in Mountain Bike Action...we had photographers at the race from there.

Come on!

2008-05-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

Just thought i would vent a little frustration about how in the last 3-4 days i have had about 3 flats and my cassette came loose! What is this all about! Also my bike wont stop creaking when i really get on it! Well i guess its better to have problems now than saturday. Anyway i am off to go work...got to pay for the toys!

No Ride But No Worries

2008-05-24T20:47:00.001-07:00

In the last week or so i have yet to get on the bike much other than a couple quick runs at Camp Alexander. Even though i haven't been putting in the miles i would like to i am still feeling good about the DK200 but getting some nerves about the whole "200" part.

I went back to Dodge City earlier in the week to see the family and take them the new dog(2 year old bulldog that snores farts and breathes heavier than me after a cross country race). While i was back in Dodge i actually planned on doing about 120 mile ride but enjoyed being around the family so much i decided to hang out with the parents and dogs and skip the ride. I might end up paying for it in about 7 days but really was nice to just relax and have no worries for awhile.

Quick DK200 note: I am dropping the Ritchey Speedmax tires for Bontrager DryX 1.75 because of all the troubles of trying to get the Ritcheys to set up tubeless and they seem to puncture easier than i really would like and i think the Bontragers are going to be a little more "comfortable" after 200 miles on my body.

Anyway I am off to eat some cookies and lay in bed! My idea of carb loading haha! Hope everyones training is going great and see you in a 7 days and if you get a chance check out mtbr.com and head to the endurance forum and post your bike you plan to ride for the DK200.

Happy trails...or gravel...or what ever your poison of choice is

DK 200 two Weeks Away!

2008-05-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

So finally got out today and was able to get some distance in on my legs for the first time in awhile today. Got almost 50 miles in on what should be the first part of the DK200 and I have got to say it was beautiful out there! I stopped for about 10 minutes at what will be mile 25 or so and just took it in...because I know in 2 weeks thats going to be the last thing on my mind.

Matt Brown was good enough to let me barrow his Pace fork for the race and wow it is super light and paired with the SpeedMax tires the bike is light and felt good on the climbs. I did however have some trouble getting the tires to seal up little holes a couple times along the ride.

My back and legs hurt for awhile during the ride but I am pretty confident its from riding the single speed yesterday out on the trail and just not enough recovery, but either way I am feeling fresh and confident that I will be able to finish the DK200...then again it is 200 miles so hell, who knows!

Go ride and happy trails!

Wilson Lake

2008-05-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

For the races Sunday Matt was able to pedal his way into 2nd place behind guess who? Cameron. Matt also backed off because of a strange creak coming from somewhere in his wheel. Me Lelan and Dusty would all be in the Sport Open Class and would start of with us 3 and two other guys pulling away from the pack. Lelan must have been hurting because his legs were dead and i could tell because i just planned to hold on as long as i could untill the other four guys dropped me but on one of the first climbs I actually ran into Lelans back wheel and decided maybe I had what it took to beat him today(Who knows when that day will come again...not soon enough haha jk Lelan). So i passed him soon after that.

So me, Dusty, and the 2 other guys pulled away(Luckily Lelan couldnt hang on from killing it the day before at the Short Track and Timed Climb). Dusty would stop to help out Bobby with a flat and would catch me soon after that because I was lost at a fork in the trail as the 2 other guys had got out of my sight by this time. So me and Dusty smashed it and caught the other two and my legs just felt like they couldn't go fast enough so about the half way point i passed dusty and then passed the other two guys a little bit later. I would just kill it the rest of the way leaving everyone behind(Not bad for my first sport race) and would finish 2nd with Dusty 4th and Lelan in about 8th or so(Not to shabby for dead legs!). Some guy pulled away from the start to take 1st overall in sport that I had no clue about but still very happy with the week end!

Thanks again to Doug and everyone else for putting on a great weekend of racing!

Also the Saturday before the race I was hurting for some trail and night riding so I snuck out to Camp Alexander and got 2 quick laps in on the single speed in the dark...Nothing better than a couple night laps to remind you how much fun it is just to relax and ride!

Pictures of the Wilson Lake soon to come.

Get out and go ride...and try to stay dry(good luck!)

Bad Idea But Still Fun

2008-05-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I met up with Lelan and Tim out at camp alexander for a couple quick laps to enjoy the nice weather. Being the smart guy that I am , I threw on the new cross tires I got for the DK200 on my rigid single speed...long story short, I got my ass kicked out there. But surprisingly I still had a good time and it helped me gain back some of that confidence I had lost in the last couple rides. Anyway I better get back to my school work(only 2 more weeks so time to actually study for once). Get out and go ride and see you all at Wilson Lake this weekend!

We ever going to race?

2008-04-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

Well over the past week i had probably the two best training days of my life. On Monday and Tuesday of last week I was able to lay down some of the best times I have ever done to date, along with the legs feeling great. But the bad thing about this is we never race so it all seems pointless! I know one day ill get to race(hopefully this weekend at wilson lake!) but right now its just frustrating.

So since the race was canceled on Sunday Matt, Lelan, Dusty, and myself set out on a good ol fashioned gravel day. About 20 miles in I got a flat that seemed to take about a day and a half to change, ok maybe it didn't last that long but long enough for the other guys to get bored enough to start playing carnival games and seeing who could throw rocks further. Anyway long story short the ride took alot long than planned and I got my ass handed to me on both town sprints(Matt cheated! Sprints should not start 5 miles from the finish!). Also I am slowly losing confidence in the DK200 right now and racing all together with all this damn training and no racing, but went ahead and ordered in some Ritchey SpeedMax tires. Maybe this will boost my confidence for the DK200.

P.S. 4 1/2 weeks till the DK200 so go ride!

5K

2008-04-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Well this weekend despite having to work everyday I was able to sneak in a 5K run on saturday. The run was the 3rd annual John Blaufuss Memorial Run/Walk. All the proceeds went to scholarships for ESU. Anyway, I finished a decent 6th(23 minutes and some change) for only running twice this week and other than that I haven't ran since mid-February.

Other than that no news except Lelan finished a preview of the Dirty Kanza 200 that we did a couple weeks ago. Check it out The video does not do the hills or amazing scenery justice for what they will be like come May 31.

The picture is tiny but I am on the far left in the grey shirt w/a black beanie on.

Rainy Days

2008-04-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

After 3 straight days of beautiful riding weather today it spit rain throughout the day giving me the chance to lace back up my running shoes for a amazing run through the rain and puddles. Anyway this is my first blog so I will try to keep this thing as up to date as possible, which shouldnt be to hard because who does homework when there are so many fun things on the internet to do?

Just to catch you up on what I have been up to 2 weeks ago matt, tim, dusty, and me all went down to the Ouachita Challenge in Arkansas. To say the least I had the time of my life! At about mile 40 sometime I realized I had been smiling none stop like a little kid because of the experience this race gave me to relax with friends and just enjoy some amazing trail(even though it was under water in some spots). Long story short I finished a respectable(or atleast thats what I like to tell myself) 60th out of 172 along with matt 4th, tim 33rd. and dusty 37th.

Tim Dusty and Matt after a preride on saturday

Me post race