DBL Weekend !

Double - Race Weekend!Peak to Peak, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonsville, Mi. Saturday October 20th. elite 4th Place It's had been since 1994 since i last raced at crystal mtn. the race was cancelled after that year by management. I remember that race clearly because that was my first elite race win! I had high hopes of repeating the 1994 win but that all changed during the first lap of the 33 mile race. About half way into the first lap sitting in second place and eventually missing a turn and continuing for what seemed like a mile to a deadend with the bulk of the elite field following I realized that the few that had yeld wrong turn were correct! The next 2 1/2 of laps were full tilt chase mode to see just whom had not made the same mistake. Several riders were passed but it seemed so confussing not really knowing who was still up front. There were three to four of us for most of these last 2 laps with a little work from one rider Dan Jansen at the flat road section and part of the two track start. I eventually became frustrated in the last climb as Danjumped past me just as we hit the false flat at the top of the final ski hill climb. I desended and chased but could not regain his wheel. Not knowing were I was at the finish thinking possibly SECOND but only to find out that I was FOURTH. A tad bit confused and frustrated! The race director did his best to communicate and discuss this problem and will be comping a free entry to next years race. It was nice to return to such a great venue and ride on a trail that has not been beat down.....overridden and pre-ridden to death. Long live riding a race course that is not broken in and only ridden the day of with out an advantage for pre-riding. So what's up with all the pre-riding of the sooooo techinical iceman course???? Again and Again! Leave it alone! I remember the days when the moto ripped thru for the very first time with the leaders following. No lines, leaves and snow still covering the entire trail. The leaders were just going for it.....knowing the lead moto was their guide for the best lines cut thru the virgin leaves on the trail to the finish line!










KissCross # 4, Cannosburg Ski Area, Grand Rapids, Mi., October 21st. 5th place "A" Two days in a row of racing? Just a little build up for the upcoming iceman race and a rest weekend following. The race started fast and furious with the speedy Steve Howard gapping us over the first climb. My legs felt a tad bit tired and I settled into third place. Going into the second lap I decided to not take the option around the stream crossing and plunged down in and was able to roll in and out no problem except for the heavy foot feeling with my water logged shoes. I created a problem and i was loosing contact with second place. Lot's of fun and craziness after the race. Watching the bike toss and enjoying the flav of the day founders IPA. Thanks again Rick http://www.kisscross.com/index.htm great race course and sooooo inexpensive $15....food and brew.....I am regaining my love for the sport of Cyclocross race by race.

Sarah's Showdown, Dexter MI

Jason Lummis and Joberon visited the Glovers for a fun day of CX racing, food, beer and friends (new and old). Joberon won with 7laps completed in 36 minutes, Jason was just behind for 2nd place. Fast and furious CX racing that Jeff Wienert himself might of approved of if there was a sand section (in the works for next years Showdown). Great awards from Aberdeen Bikes in Chelsea topped of the days events.







Sarah's Showdown I won! I took my first race win in years this past Sunday at the first annual Sarah's Showdown CX event. Tom Glover and his wife Lisa hosted this "race" in honor of their beautiful newborn baby girl Sarah. They were wonderful hosts and in the end left us all hoping for a 2nd annual Sarah's Showdown. After Saturdays super secret stealthy covert Sarah's Showdown CX practice ride with my super cool mega fast friend Kelli Emmett(Giant) I was charged and ready to take down my CX nemesis. Jason Lummis! "You're going down Lummis" I yelled upon arrival early Sunday atthe Glover's. Only to learn Jason hadn't arrived yet. Oh well. Mentally Iwas there! With the smell of donuts, cider, coffee, chili, beer and other various fall eats Erin and I unloaded the machines from the car.With a fierce look in our eyes we kitted up, filled water bottles,downed some Gu's and began our pre-race warm up. I could feel Jason's presence. I knew he was lurking somewhere on the course. I started my warm-up lap eager to see what Tom had created for us. To my surprise it was a full on very challenging and fun course. He combined his property along with his parents to include all types of terrain and obstacles.Including a large log that only Gary H.(Hell'S Riders) was able to bunny hop. In addition, there were some sweet single track sections, plenty of barriers, some good rips trough the landscaping and a deck run up/down.Hilarious fun. Eventually I bumped into my arch-rival. Not a word spoken. It was all business as neither of us wanted to let little Sarah down during her first attempt at race promotion. Eventually we were ordered to stage for the start. About 25 raging cyclists stepped up to the line. First the countdown then..."GO"! We were off for seven laps of action. Tom Glover himself took the hole shot followed closely by Gary,Lummis then me. We hit the first obstacle, the log, which Gary easily bunny hopped and took over the lead. Over the deck, pass the door wall and around the garage we went. Gary still keeping the pressure on. There was a bit of a gap but thankfully the course opened up allowing me to bridge. We hit the first section of (large) planks and I was nearly there. Around some trees, many tight turns and the sidewalk leading to the basement and I had reached the front. But so had Lummis. It was on!Jason and I battled it out eventually creating a nice cushion to the others. We danced. We pranced. We pedaled our way around the rugged course in hopes of victory. Then, it happened. The kinks in Jason'sarmor began to show. With each passing lap the aroma of hot chili and the site of ice cold brew was slowing the MTB specialist. In the final two laps I took full advantage of my enemies weakness and laid down avicious assault. With one to go I put it into cruise control, leaped over the last set of barriers and through the finish line. The crowd went wild. Jason was the next to come through for second. Erin rode in ashort time later to take 1st in the woman's category. Then too, the crowd went wild. Afterwards everyone enjoyed lots of great food and drink, a hayride and even a bike weigh-in. The awards ceremony was held10 feet from the cooler and included some great swag and trophies thanks to Tom and Aberdeen Bikes. I got myself my very first wool cycling jersey! I haven't taken it off since. Thanks again to the Glover's for their hospitality and putting on a great event. Thank you Kelli and family(Plymouth Orchards) for the excellent pre-race eats and cider mill tour on Saturday. Ya gotta love fall in Michigan. Don't look now, the Iceman is a comin'... Joberon

Kisscross #3 Freeemont Mi

John Meyers:

This past saturday I participated in Kisscross race series #3 up in Freemont, Michigan and placed 5th overall (podium & cash) in the "A" race. http://www.kisscross.com/index.htm Thanks goes out to Rick Plite and the great sponsors. The post race food was great. The course was awesome. The drive up was great with a couple buddies. The 6-pack beer trade for the ride up was a great way to share part of the fall day up north.
The "A" race had an all time high number of entrants (28) racing with the first ever cash pursue for the top 7 finishers. The race consisted of 9 laps around a hilly fast course. The race started fast with a 6 man split just after the first hill climb. I was able to tuck-in and stay in the group and take the lead for the second lap until a young priority rider put a small move in just after the asphalt pull that I had taken. I had rolled to the back of the pace line and missed the three wheels that jump away. I sat in 4th or 5th for most of the race with a 10 - 12 second gap from the three leaders. Lot's of pavement and flat fast section with a crazy steep hike a bike section. I am very happy with my result and looking forward to both the peak to peak race on saturday and Kisscross #4 on sunday. Again the "q" ti 29er and the stans wheels are working flawlessly.

Stony Creek CX

Joberon and Jason Lummis attended the CX race at Stony Creek Metro park put on By Tailwind Ent. and sponsored by Paint Creek Bicycles.
Joe raced the "A" race and Jason raced in the Master 35+. Joe ended up 15th and Jason 6th for their forst cross race/practice of the year.

Joe out of the barriers:



Jason in line:









Joberon report:
Stony Creek CX I wonder if Jeff Weinert(Giant) thought there would be people swimming and laying on beach towels course side as he came up with the torturous Stony Creek CX layout. Each season I try to get a couple cross races in. They are excellent training and super intense. The last time I attended the Stony event there was snow and ice everywhere. The beach was frozen and rideable and there wasn't much post race hangin' out. Things were a tad different this time around. I had the steel Quiring 29er all laced up with some skinny cross tires and a rigid fork thanks to my buddy Keith and Paint Creek Bikes. I did a couple warm up laps and tried out the barriers. It wasn't pretty but enough to get by. I wasn't feeling too spunky but I figured most weren't due to the heat. I managed to get into the second row which resulted in a pretty good start. The bike was like a rocket on the pavement and through the first bit of grass. Up, down, left turn, right turn. BRAKES! Turn again. Up. Down. I was hovering in the top 10 when we hit the first, and only, set of barriers. Not too shabby. Then I came upon a volleyball court. What is this?! Dismount-run-jump back on. That hurt. Back on the bike I was trying to get comfortable. When suddenly, I came across another sand volleyball court. Wait! Was it the same one? This time I managed to ride through. Cool! I looked up the course and saw the leaders fading away. I also saw THE BEACH OF DOOM looming ahead. Unrideable(unless you're Christian Tanguy-American Cycle and Fitness) loose HOT sand. I made a weak attempt at running this section. Behind me I could hear guys gaining. Back onto the grass and on my bike I pedaled my way through to start lap two. Ouch! Each lap that ticked by was like another punch to the gut. About halfway through the 60 minute race I was blown. Riders would pass and I couldn't respond. I tried to find a comfortable pace so I could finish and not get injured on the barriers or rolling around on the beach. I did finish. 15th out of 20ish. Not too good. The ice cold Bell's Oberon as I crossed the line...VERY GOOD. In the end the bike was awesome, the course was super tough but sweet and the day was just perfect. A great way to officially say goodbye to summer. Thank you Robert and Tailwind, Keith and Paint Creek Bicycles for supplying us all with great racing action and superb post race recovery food and beverages. Joberon

Kisscross #2

John Meyers attended the CX race this past saturday in Lansing finishing 3rd in the A race.

KissCross #2, Adado Park, Lansing Michigan #2,




3rd. place "A" race!

This past weekend was filled with opportunities to race close to home in the Third Coast Metro Trek in Kalamazoo, KissCross in Lansing and Pando up in GrandRapids. I had this superman thought that I might be able to do all of them but settle on just one race the Kisscross #2 in Lansing. http://www.kisscross.com/index.htm With a bad sprained ankle from the previous Sunday I changed plans from doing the Adventure race in Kalamazoo due to potential for hazardous terrain and instead settle on the cx race with limited running and dismounting. The race started very well with Don Cameron drilling for the first lap with myself and Brett Robinson in tow. Don rolled thru a couple turns and I jumped up ahead to lead a lap. During the next couple laps I sat behind but during the dismounting I was beginning to feel my ankle and that began to concern me so I began to drift off the back. Don and Brett had a close battle the entire race with Brett jump out for the win at the top of the bridge. Maybe someone has a pair of trick carbon sew-ups and dugast tires they are not using for a few weeks. I heard they are fast and light!Lot's of fun and an easy drive over and back. Thanks Rick! I am Looking forward to Freemont in two weeks! Have fun if I do not see you at Stoner Mike, Joe and Jason!

Resurrection Of the Pando XC

Joberon and Jason Lummis meet up for the ride over to GR for the Pando XC race. It was an excellent day with great temps for a short lap Ski hill race. The Elite class did 7 laps and averaged around 16.5 minutes per lap. The start of each lap had a 125' climb up the hill with the finish a top the hill.

Joberon:
Pando What an excellent race venue. I couldn't remember if I had raced there before. Jason and I decided Saturday we'd head out Sunday morning for some new trail action. Upon arrival I noticed a couple of familiar things, the cool little lodge and a ski hill start baby! Even after a warm up lap the only thing I could recall was the ski hill start. I believe the only other time I had been there the course set up was quite different. Not to mention it was a downpour. Not a huge Elite field but enough guns to make things interesting. With Dan Jansen(Niner) and Nate Versluis(Founders) running dinner plate sized gearing(only 1 for the Nate-man) I knew 7 challenging laps were ahead of me. GO! We were off and headed immediately up the ski hill. So cool! Crested the top and eventually made a left into the first bit of single track. I was happy to be up in the top 3. Out of the single track, down a hill, up a hill, more single track, more climbing...more climbing. There goes Nate running by me on a steep loose uphill. More fun single track, some fast open two track and, of course, more climbing. I did my best to hang with Nate and Dan. They have that place dialed and they were all business. Eventually it was just the 3 of us and I kept having to bridge after the single track. On lap 5 they started yo yo-ing me and each time they'd wick up the pace. Going into lap 6 they were cresting the ski hill and I was at the bottom. Not good. I spent lap 6 trying to regain my composure and just turn over a decent lap. The final lap went better as my legs and lungs were cooperating. I put my head down and started the chase. I saw Nate once or twice through the woods but no Dan. With a couple miles to go on an open section I shifted into a dinner plate gear and picked up the pace. Suddenly I spotted Nate sidelined sipping a beer. Kidding. His chain fell off. He must have mis-shifted or something. I kept the pace up as the blonde afro'd man yelled "Joberonnnnn". I was scared for my life. Through more single track and back onto some open two track and up the ski hill for the final time. Yup, a "mountain top" finish at Pando. I shifted into every gear searching for the something to keep the raging beer bikin' man at a safe distance. In the end I crossed just in front of "The Farmer" for 2nd place. Super Dan Jansen had a great ride and took the win. Another great day of racing and weather. By the way, I did eventually see Nate sipping a beer. I would like to dedicate my race to the family and friends of Joey Guckian. My thoughts and Prayers are with you. Joey was killed in a motorcycle accident last Thursday. Joey, I'm down here pedalin' hard for ya buddy! Thanks for reading,Joe











Jason:

Joe and I arrived at Pando with plenty of time to register and pre ride the course. We both commented on how slow we felt on the pre ride. The start was straight up the 125' ski slope and with locals Dan Jansen and Nate "the Farmer" Versluis pounding the pace for the start, We headed into the 7 laps full on. Joe and I where sitting in 3rd and 4th Place with the Gietz and Kyle Stange attached as well. Some where in the 1st 2 laps we lost Kyle. The Gietz and I where finding it hard to stay with the other 3 and we faded out. Joberon kept hanging on for another lap or 2. After the 3rd lap I would see the 3 ahead on a few spots that helped keep me motivated to keep pushing. I was not spinning my way around this hilly course, I just mashed every hill
. Hoping my legs would loosen up a little. I lost count around 4 laps and had to ask everytime up the ski hill how many where left, finally someone said last lap...... Day over 4th place and a few bucks for gas $$. The course was fast and fun!
Next race Stoner Crik CX, I heard Joberon found a half barrel of Oberon for the race !