Moab here I come!

It's official. I am registered to race my bike for freaking 24 hours in the desert.....solo, of course. Now comes the fun part.....finding some dirt cheap lodging. That is what I have on tap for tonight. There will be no bike riding today. Today is my once-a-week day off. Tomorrow, I once again, have the day off, so I am planning on another day of high quality saddle time. The weather is supposed to be a treat....25 mph S wind, with gusts to 45 mph. What's up with that?

As far as Moab....they limit the solo field to 50 riders, and it's fill'd. Here is the start list, and who's a threat.

Albert, Gary
Amrich, Jason C.
Anderson, Sloane....my Cateye teammate, got 7th at Solo World's
Baker, Jonathan A.
Baldwin, Cole
Barnum, James T.
Billy, Myron A.
Chambers, Cameron D......4th at Solo World's, was beating my at 9 Mile when I hurt myself.
Chynoweth, Mathew ......5th at Solo World's. A Cannondale Team rider. Just won the last 24 HOA event in CA
Clifford, Sean
Derrisaw, Jim
Drobnitch, Joe M.
Duke, Ben P......I think this might be the "Naked Pirate Cape Dude"
Eiland, David L
Garaffa, David W.
Geer, Drew
Golembiewski, Marty
Griffith, Josh R.
Hebenstreit, Rolf W.
Henderson, Neal A.
Hines, Kevin R.
Hughes, Tom F.
Jones, Kevin T.
Kerkove, Jeff......That's Me! Iowa represent'n. Looking for a podium!
Leonard, Tom V.
Lisonbee, Adam D.
Lugers, Brian K.
Martin, Greg
McLaughlin, Sean
Moore, Ronald K.
Neal, Michael D (The Pup)
Nelson, Blake
Newsom, Wade E.
Peduto, Tony M.
Phillips, Martin K.
Reed Melton
Ross, Nat .......Ultra fast Gary Fisher rider. I pick him to win! Nice guy too.
Ross-Bryant, Mark-O
Sachen, Zachary
Saito, Yuki
Schwarz, Steve
Strode, Scott A.
Thompson, Walker W.
Van Orman, Jared R.
Waldrup, Jon S.
Wilder, Rick K.
Willson, Kevin
Woodruff, Matt D.
Zidek, Tom J.

Those are the only ones I know. If your reading this blog, and on that list, give a shout out on the "post a comment"

O.K., time to hit up Expedia.com and find some lodging.

Jeff Kerkove said at 3:02 PM :: ::

Long live the Cheese Queen!

This is a big THANK YOU to the super nice lady, who shall go nameless, who keeps bringing me string cheese at the shop.

Oh, Chocolate Thunder just walked by the front of the shop.

Continue......The string cheese is rich and delicious. I now get my daily protein requirements.

The Cheese Queen Lives On!

Jeff Kerkove said at 5:14 PM :: ::

Nutritional Tip of the Day

I just got back from a 2 hour recovery ride/spin. We all know that recovery is key to becoming stronger. One of the best was to assure yourself that your muscles are getting what they need is to consume protein. There are all kinds of items you can eat that can give you the protein you need: chicken, fish, beans, lean meat, cheese, yogurt, etc. Protein is great! It makes you strong, plus it makes you feel full. One of the cheapest ways to get a high concetrate on protein is thru protein powders. These powders you can add to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and so on.

I have found a brand that works for me very well, plus I have a local Iowa company that sells it cheaper than any other place.....Guarenteed!

The brand is Optimum Nutrition. They offer different sizes and flavors of whey proteins. I have used the choc., strawberry, and vanila. The flavor is awesome.

Please check out the link provided for Jesup Gym. They sell dirt cheap, plus it's a local Iowa company.

http://www.jesupgym.com/optimum.htm

Jeff Kerkove said at 10:16 AM :: ::

Mechanics Corner

Hey! Guitar Ted here with my first installment of Mechanics Corner. Today I want to focus on what I consider to be the numero- uno tool that any bicycle maintainin' foo should own. That would be a repair stand. You just have to have one of these! Doing bicycle work without one is like trying to do surgery on the floor. Not good!
Get that thang up offa da floor! Most of what needs to be routinely done on your bike will be like, oh-FIFTY times easier on a repair stand. Cleaning your bike, lubing the chain, fine tuning the shifting, and giving your bike that love it deserves and needs will become something you will want to do because of that repair stand. Plus, chicks dig it. (Unlike Jeff's tan lines!)
What I Say: Get a foldable, heighth adjustable, stable repair stand. You'll be able to take it to the races easily, and the terrain won't harsh your shred. ( old skool mtb slang!) Yeah-yeah, I hear the whinin' already! "It's too expensive!" Qwitcherbellyakin! How much did you spend on that sled of yours? You'll be taking better care of it if you get a stand. So- drop the credit card down on the counter for an Ultimate repair stand- THE BEST- bar none! Another good choice is the Park stable of repair stands.
So, gitcher self some repair stand action and get ready for some more maintenance tips real soon!

Jeff Kerkove said at 8:43 PM :: ::

GRASSHOPPER SLAYER

MY SEXY TAN LINES
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

Well, I just got back about an hour ago from a 6.5 hour road ride on my Giant XTC. I am cooked! There was a brisk NE wind at about 15 mph. This sucked during the whole ride! Going south was fun. Going west was fun. But going north and east sucked bigger than a saddle sore the size of a tennis ball. No, I have not had any saddle sores the size of tennis balls, but I bet they hurt.

My route took me mostly south and west. I rode either thru or near the towns of Dysart, Tama, Marshalltown, Grundy Center, and Dike. I took all my nutrition with me. I mixed my bottle with a high concentrate of Sustained Energy, and also filled up a zip-lock back with Perpetum to fill up bottles while on route.

The biggest pain during the ride other than the wind and the pain in my legs, was the grasshoppers. I think I ran over atleast a couple gazillon of them. I should get a sticker for my car that says "Grasshopper Slayer". It would be cool. Then i would fit in with all the hicks in these parts that run around in beat up pickups with rifles in their back windows, and stickers on their back windows that say "Deer Slayer". Sweet!

I got a chance to further along my cyclist tan. Check out my illustration above. This pretty much sums it up. And NO, chicks don't dig it.

Well, I need to recover a bit.....stretching, eating, sleeping. You know, recovery.

Make sure to look at the post below and try to control the drooling over the Giant Trance. All together now......T-R-A-N-C-E

Jeff Kerkove said at 4:54 PM :: ::

TOP SECRET! KEEP QUIET!

2005 GIANT TRANCE
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

If you have been in hiding for the last few months, I am proud to announce the NEW 2005 Giant Trance. Giant has come up with 3 new full suspension bikes with all new suspension designs. The pivots float.....it must be magic. The "Trance" is their new epic/endurance racing bike. It has 4 inches of harmonious travel front and rear.

That is about all I can let out.......Shhhhhh, my lips are sealed!

Keep at eye to MTBR.COM's interbike coverage for more pictures and info on the other new bikes Giant has coming out.

Jeff Kerkove said at 9:22 AM :: ::

Not bike related, but darn interesting.

Mount St. Helens Notice of Volcanic Unrest
September 26, 2004 3:00 P.M., PDT
U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory, Vancouver, Washington
University of Washington Dept. of Earth and Space Sciences, Seattle, Washington

Seismic activity at Mount St. Helens has changed significantly during the past 24 hours and the changes make us believe that there is an increased likelihood of a hazardous event, which warrants release of this Notice of Volcanic Unrest. The swarm of very small, shallow earthquakes (less than Magnitude 1) that began on the morning of 23 September peaked about mid-day on 24 September and slowly declined through yesterday morning. However, since then the character of the swarm has changed to include more than ten larger earthquakes (Magnitude 2-2.8), the most in a 24-hr period since the eruption of October 1986. In addition, some of the earthquakes are of a type that suggests the involvement of pressurized fluids (water and steam) or perhaps magma. The events are still occurring at shallow depths (less than one mile) below the lava dome that formed in the crater between 1980 and 1986. The cause and outcome of the earthquake swarm are uncertain at this time. Several causes are possible, but most point toward an increased probability of explosions from the lava dome if the level of current unrest continues or escalates. During such explosions the dome and crater floor are at greatest risk from ballistic projectiles, but the rim of the crater and flanks of the volcano could also be at risk. Explosions would also be expected to produce ash clouds that drift downwind at altitudes up to several thousand feet above the crater rim. Landslides and debris flows from the crater that are large enough to reach the Pumice Plain are also possible. Such events occurred at Mount St. Helens between 1989 and 1991.

We continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue additional updates as warranted, whether activity escalates or returns to background levels.

Keep up-to-date at the following link:
http://www.geophys.washington.edu/SEIS/PNSN/HELENS/

Jeff Kerkove said at 6:02 PM :: ::

Farmers and weird looks.

I headed out of town today after work with the hardtail for a 2 hour moederate tempo ride. Nothing too hard. just kept the heartrate right around 150 bpm. It's getting to that time of year again in the Midwest when the farmers are heading to their bean and corn fields with their shinny new John Deere Combines to harvest the crop which started growing in May. It's great.....a combine on the county blacktops top speed is like 18 mph. So, when you go flying by on a mountain bike, the look from the farmer is priceless. It's that look that you get when a bunch of skinny cyclist go into a buffet and out-eat the table of Fatties sitting across from you. Now that look is priceless.

Now I am doing laundry, and chowing down on a bowl of brown rice and tuna....Yumm! After that, it's time to pay bills......sigh :-(

I can't wait till the end of October, when i should start to accumulate some money instead of spending it on food, rent, and travel to races.

Oh, Giant has some new suspension designs coming out. Check out the link below to be visually over-loaded.
www.suspensionmadeharmonious.com

Since I worked all weekend, I have Tuesday off. I am going to try to get a 6-8 hour road ride in. Stay tuned for the experience.

T-minus like 22 days till 24 hours of Dust.....I mean cactus....I mean Moab.

Jeff Kerkove said at 4:46 PM :: ::

Nothing really exciting.

Not really a whole lot to write home about. Still working on getting the whole 24 hours of Moab trip lined up. This morning I went out for a 2 hour easy mountain bike spin in the sub-zero temps. Also, you will have noticed that there is going to be posts starting here soon from the great Guitar Ted. Guitar Ted is a full-time mechanic, and is going to share his tips on bike maintenace, brewing the perfect pot of coffee, and why Hippie Slick is cool. If you have questions for him, just post a reply under his posts. Stay tuned for more from Guitar Ted. He will post when he has time and/or has any bits of information to pass along.

Don't forget to fill out the polls at the bottom of the side bar yo!

Jeff Kerkove said at 8:15 AM :: ::

Mechanics Corner

Hello! I'm Guitar Ted, a bicycle mechanic. Jeff invited me to his blog to post you guys up on some mechanical info once in a while. So, while Jeff lets you in on all of the sordid details of a 24hr racer, I'll be fillin' ya in on the tech behind it all. We figured it would be a nice balance to all the mania that Jeff posts up. I mean, what's up with "naked pirate cape dude" any way!
So, I hope you'll enjoy the tips every now and again.

Guitar Ted

Jeff Kerkove said at 7:47 PM :: ::

Check it out!

I am just wasting some time before i head off to work at Europa Cycle and Ski. For the fun of it I have added links to my sponsors.....bless their hearts! I have also added a poll, which i will update every once and a while.

Time to finish off the coffee and eat the rest of my oatmeal. Enjoy!

Jeff Kerkove said at 6:45 AM :: ::

I'm sing'n in the rain.....I'm sing'n in the rain.

Actually it's more like, I'm gasping in the rain......I'm gasping in the rain. I took the mountain bike out tonight, and raged for 3 hours in the pouring rain......by myself. I got off work and it was raining, so I said "Ah what the heck." I hopped on the bike and head'd out of town. It was raining and it was super windy. The rain was just beating off my face. A semi would come by in the other lane and it was like someone was throwing rocks at me. I went as hard as I could. I am now cooked! I hope I can recover by tomorrow morning. I am not do to work till 3:00, so that means high quality saddle time.

The Moab trip is starting to take shape. Scott C., you want to go??? E-mail me or look for an e-mail soon.

Well, i am going to contiue to eat my rice and black beans. Yes, I said rice and black beans. It has everything you need....Carbs, protein, and fiber. Then it's off to bed so i can get back up tomorrow and ride.

Jeff Kerkove said at 6:22 PM :: ::

24 Hours of Moab.....going to happen?

ARCH
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

Well, it looks like the 24 hours of Moab is going to happen. I was contacted by Cateye today, and they are going to help out with the entry fee. Also, Cateye is requesting that the Enduro Team come out on the Tuesday before the race to do some testing of there new lights. I wishI could give you more info on the lights, but the only thing they would tell me is that they are super cool, and that there is noting else like in on the market. They said it makes the NiteRider, and Light & Motion lights look like a cigarette lighter. I can't wait.

Today, I went out to the Greenbelt for a little off-road fury. That section of single track is super fast. It's big ring the whole way through. There is a bit a sand that slows you down, but hey, it's train'n for Moab.

Time to elevate the legs, guzzle some H2O, and get ready for work.

Jeff Kerkove said at 11:26 AM :: ::

It's a sad day.

It's a very sad day. Why? Because it's the last day of summer.......Tear. Only about 2 more months till the frozen tundra takes over the midwest, and we don't see green grass again till April. Oh well. We'll survive.

Yesterday, I went out for a 50 mile road ride on the "other bike." The "other bike" is my road bike. I don't talk about the road too much, cause the road is the devil. It's the passage to the dark side. The world would be a happier place if everybody had a serving of single track to go with their servings of fruits and vegetables. The ride yesterday was tough. I was by myself, and there was like a 25 mph south wind. My ride started with 25 miles of wind at my back, then 25 miles of wind in my grill. I was close to 30 mph with the wind at my back, but coming back I was havng a hard time keeping it at 19 mph. It hurt. It was good climbing simulation, since we have no hills in this state.

This morning, I walked to the shop from my apartment.....YES, I walked. It's like 5 miles, and it took me 1.5 hours. I got to the shop and did some work on my NRS Air which has been hang'n out since World's. I clean'd it some more and gave it some love. After that, I rode the bike back to the apartment, and eat some grub. Now, I am just hang'n out till I go out and ride around before the group ride. I think tonight I might show up on my "other bike." Cause, if Super Dave shows up, we are all in a world of hurt. No, No, No, Don't Hurt Us Dave!!!!

Stay posted.

Jeff Kerkove said at 12:52 PM :: ::

Are you trying to catch air?

Cave Catching Air?
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

Scott Cave, is this you? You know you need to get both tires off the ground for it to be "cool". Oh yeah, I remember, you not longer catch "fat air" after you near death experience coming down the so called "solo loop" at World's.

"Hey guys, check this out, you can jump the water bars covered with logs. Don't worry, you front wheel won't get caught in between them. Just watch as I do it. Wahooooooo!"

Jeff Kerkove said at 5:06 PM :: ::

Craving of the moment

MMMMM....P.B.
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

Right now, I am craving P.B. If I had a jar sitting here right now, I would be shoveling it it by the spoon full. NOT GOOD! So, I will just sit and look at this picture and drool all over the keyboard to my G5.

As Homer Simpson would say:
"Mmmmmmmmm Peeeanut Buuuuuutter."

Jeff Kerkove said at 6:10 PM :: ::

What I did today.

5:30 AM: fell out of bed and quickly crawl'd to the coffee machine

5:30-6:30 AM: surf'd the net and drank an entire pot of the black goodness

6:30-6:45 AM: pack'd up the car with the Giant XtC hardtail and cycling gear and headed off to Sugarbottom Rec. Area down by Iowa City

7:30 AM: arrived at Sugarbottom, changed, applied mucho amounts of chamois butter, hopped on bike

7:50 AM-12:45 PM: Turned out laps on the 10 mile course as fast as I possibly could, and still be able to physically drive the car home. I think I did 7 laps, but whose keeping track.

12:45-2:15: Changed clothes and drove home.

2:15: Unpacked

2:30: took a cold shower....it's hot in Iowa today....85 degrees

Now: Enjoying chicken breast and nuked potato, while typing this blog.

Jeff Kerkove said at 1:38 PM :: ::

What? Where? Why? How about Iowa? You ate what?

2005 Single Speed World Championships in Pennsylvania. Talk about an exotic location. Why not just have it in Delaware. Or Guam. Or Hati. O.K., I guess Penn. isn't that bad.

Check it out!
http://www.sswc05.com/

Jeff Kerkove said at 7:34 PM :: ::

Cross'd up yo!

Tis the season my friends. Cyclocross season is soon to be in full-on mud fling'n mode. Guess what......Iowa has a series. All together now.....Hell Yeah! On a personal note, these races kick major booty! They don't hurt one bit.......unless you fall on one of the barriers.

Our great friend down Des Moines, Godfather Marco, has put together a great series with a great cause. Check out the schedule and make sure to get Cross'd Up in 2004.

SERIES CALENDAR
Survivorcross Saturday, 10/2 4:30pm Union Park, DSM
The Morning After Sunday, 10/3 10:00am Ewing Park, DSM
PsychoCx TBD TBD Bettendorf, IA
State Championship Sunday, 10/24 11:00am Woodland Park, Newton
Southsider Cx Sunday, 11/14 10:00am Ewing Park, DSM
Iron Maiden of Cross Sunday, 12/5 10:00am Woodland Park, Newton

QUESTIONS ABOUT RACES?
The Dons of the Cross Mafia
Godfather O-Dawg: Rob Versteegh
Don Paul: Paul Jensen
Godfather Marco: Marco Hollander 515-883-2722 or marcthollander@crosspaths.net.
www.dmbikeracing.com
http://www.bikeiowa.com (this website has 99% of the info.)

GET INVOLVED YO!!!!!

On a personal note I think a sound system should be put up on all the courses and Metallica and Beastie Boys should be raging in the speakers. What's better than rage'n music, mud, barriers, and a 200 heartrate.........that's what I thought!

Jeff Kerkove said at 6:00 AM :: ::

This is how I get my Whistler Fix.

I want to go back to Whistler. But, I can't. So I sit and watch the live feed. Check out the link provided. It's in real time, and if your lucky you might catch some bloody carnage on the freeride park.

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/cams/?image=streaming

Jeff Kerkove said at 6:17 PM :: ::

Rants galore!

Ok, here I go. Time for me to make some remarks about life in genral in Waterloo/Cedar Falls.

RANT 1 : The LIVESTRONG yellow bands were cool. They still are cool if you know what they stand for. People are wearing them that don't even know what they stand for. We had them at Europa Cycle and Ski for a while, but they didn't last long. It's getting to the point where people are buying them because they are"trendy". Next thing you know they will be selling the at the Gap, American Eagle, or even Abercrombie......all to gether now 1, 2, 3....UUUUGGGHH! The best was one of my co-workers was working and a little girl came into the shop and asked "Do you have any of those yellow charm bracelets?" After that, he no longer wears his.
(Just a note: I know MOST of you wear these bands for the purpose intended,and I tip my hat to you, but most of the people are wearing them because Sally has one, or Bob has one, or the cool guy on the football team has one. That's not cool!)

RANT 2: Minnesota got a ton of rain the other day. In return the Cedar River floods and continues to flood as it flows south to Waterloo/Cedar Falls. As posted earlier this week I was pumped cause the trails had been under water since May. Well, they are going to be back under water in about a day or so. Damn!

RANT 3: To all of you that have your bikes worked on by the service department of your local bike shop.....NOW is the time to get those bikes in for year end tune-ups or overhauls. The season is drawing to an end and the service dept. at most shops can have your bike back to you in 24 hours. So what are you waiting for.

RANT 4: The 2005 Cannondale catalog is out. Nothing jaw dropping for '05. Y-A-W-N. But check out what Trek has!

RANT 5: Why is it that gas in the midwest is like $1.67 and when I was in the pacific northwest for World's it was like $2.10?

For my ride today, i went out on the mnt bike and just rode. No structure. No intervals. No set time limit. Just plain ole fashion dirt ride'n. The season is just about over for 2004. About a month left.

That's all I have right now.

Jeff Kerkove said at 10:26 AM :: ::

Visually stimulating.

KERKOVE-MEDIA
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

Other than riding my bike for insane amounts of miles, I also do freelance graphic design. So, if you need anything design'd such as a logo, t-shirt, poster, cycling team kits, ads, etc., just drop me a line via e-mail and we'll chat.

Jeff Kerkove said at 8:54 PM :: ::

70% Chance of Rain...

RAINY-DAY
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

they weren't kid'n. I think I should have checked out the local radar before I headed out, but oh well.

I guess I learned one thing while in Whistler, B.C.....Ride in the rain or don't ride at all. I hopped on the moutnain bike this morning and no more than 15 minutes into my easy sub-120 bpm recovery ride, the skies opened up. In no more than 3 minutes I was soaked to the bone. The good thing was that in Iowa during the summer when it rains, you don't freeze like out west in the higher elevations. So, i just sucked it up and finished out the ride. No harm done. Just wet clothes, and weird looks from the folks in their cars.

Hope there is no rain tomorrow.

On another note....How about that baseball player that chucked a folding chair into the crowd. What is baseball turning into, the WWF? I think the next time I am having a bad race I will remove my seat and seatpost and go try to stab a spectator.....yeah right!

Jeff Kerkove said at 1:03 PM :: ::

Ouch! That hurts and burns!

What a ride on Tuesday. I went out at 3:00 with the hardtail and hit the county road with the fatty-boom-batty tires. It was typical September Iowa weather.....91 degrees, 90% humidity, and a 15-25 mph south wind. I started by heading towards Dysart, Iowa, which is 20 miles south of Waterloo. I felt pretty good, since the route is rolling hills, plus figure in the headwind. I made it down with no problems and the return trip was a blast with the tail wind.

I got back into Cedar Falls around 5:30 and decided to head to the road group ride. There was only like 6 of us that showed, but everyone that was there was fast. We started by heading west on the Time Trial course just west on the UNI campus. The pace was pretty hard: 23 mph. Figure in the cross wind, and the already 50 miles I had on my legs and you have "cooked turkey". Need less to say, I only made it about 10 miles into the group ride. I did my last pull at 25 mph, and next up to pull was Super Dave Kruger. Dave is 50 and Dave is fast as all get out! As I pulled off, he went tothe front and pumped up the pace by about 3 mph hour. I went to the back to sit in, but it didn't last long. I was gritting my teeth, and trying to block out the burn and pain that was over taking my legs but I couldn't. Thanks to Dave, I got shot out the back. I turned around and rode home with my tail hanging between my legs.

Thanks Dave! Or should I say Super Dave?

If it stopps raining, I am going to head out on the road for a bit of recovery work. Thursday looks to be a hilly gravel grinder.

Time to ride. Have you pedaled your bike today?

Jeff Kerkove said at 7:57 AM :: ::

The single track is back!

Yipeeeeeee! The single track located within the Waterloo/Cedar Falls metro area is now rideable!!! 99% of the trails here in town have been either underwater, covered in sand, or littered with logs since the floods of May. Must be all those college mnt bike punks out there doing their part to help with trail work.......Yeah right!

Anyway, I took the hardtail out for 3 hours tonight and did intervals through the trails. I felt pretty good, since only about 8 days ago I just rode myself into the ground for 24 straight hours. Tomorrow is Tuesday, and that means one thing......Group ride. I think I will show and try to do my part to make the group bleed out their eye sockets.

I see where Nat Ross is going to announce a big endurance race at Interbike. He said that there is about $30,000 on the line, and that the pain and suffering will be worth every penny. Nat is a good guy. I am sure he wouldn't put us in harms way. Once again.....Yeah right!

Ok, I need to elevated the legs so I can put in a good effort on the bike tomorrow.

Out!

Jeff Kerkove said at 5:11 PM :: ::

Just about recovered.

Well, I am just about ready to start training again. I have been riding very easy for the last few days. No rides longer that 1.5 hours. Legs feel pretty good, they just burn a bit when you start to push a big gear, or climb a hill. Other than that, the only things that are still a bit sore or raw are my sit bones, and the palms of my hands. I figure I will take it easy for a few more days than try to rage again at the Tuesday night road group ride....on my mnt bike of course.

Looks like I have 2 more endurance races for 2004. I plan on hit'n up the 12 hour race in Franklin, WI which is part of the WEMS series, and then after that it's off to the 24 Hour of Moab. We'll just have to see how my "funds" hold up for the next few months.

Time to get ready for work. I hope everybody is enjoying the "Nude Dude" from World's. I wonder how his "bits" are holding up?

Keep on Rage'n!

Jeff Kerkove said at 9:12 AM :: ::

We've got shrinkage.

Feel'n the Breeze
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

Ok, this looks to be one of the side effects when your head goes bad in a 24 hour race. This guy passed me on my last lap wearing nothing but a black pirate cape. A lot of people didn't believe me.....well, here is the proof!

Thanks to Chuck Jacobs for the picture. Check out his site. He was at Whistler wrenching for 24 Hour World Solo racer Scott Cave.

http://chuckjacobs.blogspot.com/

Jeff Kerkove said at 6:12 AM :: ::

The Grand Finale

The Grand Finale
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

Thank you, good night, drive home safely.
This is it! This is the finish....Can't wait til next year!

Jeff Kerkove said at 7:06 AM :: ::

1/2 Way Home Food

1/2 Way Home Food
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

This is at about midnight. I normally take in my warm meal at the 1/2 way point and change clothes. Here I am shoveling in some pasta topped with crushed Pringles......Mmmmmmmm!

Jeff Kerkove said at 7:04 AM :: ::

The Call Up

The Call Up
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

Every rider in the Solo World's race was called to the start line. I was number 35, so I hard a good starting spot.....2nd row, right behind Tinker and Nat

Jeff Kerkove said at 7:02 AM :: ::

The Pit

Pit Area
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

No, this isn't the mosh pit. This was "home" for the duration of the race. 10 ft x 10 ft is all the room you got.

Jeff Kerkove said at 7:00 AM :: ::

Cateye Rider on Podium

Womens Podium
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

Congrats to Cateye Enduro team rider Lou Kobin. She raged to 3rd place overall. Lou is the second person from the left.

Go Lou Go!

Jeff Kerkove said at 6:58 AM :: ::

Scott Cave Rage'n

SCOTT CAVE
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

This is Scott....Scott is from Minnesota....Scott is fast...Scott likes Espresso.....LOTS of Espresso....Ride Scott Ride!

Jeff Kerkove said at 6:57 AM :: ::

Steep Bridge at World Solo

Climbing at World's
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

This is the steep little bridge that we had to climb to get out of the river bottom at the begining of the laps.

Jeff Kerkove said at 6:47 AM :: ::

Sweet Single Track at Solo World's

Sweet Single Track
Originally uploaded by kerkovej.

This is the single track that makes the suffering worth it!

Jeff Kerkove said at 6:44 AM :: ::

Observations from World's

BEST THING ABOUT WHISTLER: There are a million coffee shops all within walking distance

WORST THING ABOUT WHISTLER: It's a 2 day drive from Iowa :-(

MOST POPULAR BIKE: If it has 8 inches of travel front and rear, and can catch fat-air, that is the most popular bike......DH rules in Whistler!

WORST MOMENT DURING THE RACE: Getting passed on my last lap by a rider wearing nothing but a pirate flag with skull and cross bones like a cape.....That is all he was wearing!

BEST MOMENT OF THE RACE: finishing of course!

MOST COMMON SWEAR WORD: F_ck!.....Coming from Solo riders climbing at the start of the Solo loop.

HIGHEST GUST OF WIND: It's not really wind, but it was the "swoooosh" made when Chris Eatough and Andreas Heastler lapping me going like mach 4

COOLEST GUY AT THE WHOLE EVENT: Crazy Larry.....those of you who were there know what I am talking about!

NUMBER OF TIMES I SAW THE TOP OF BLACKCOMB MTN DURING THE TRIP: Once....It was either cloudy or low fog the duration of the trip

FUNNIEST THING I SAW: Downhillers bloody carnage at the moutain bike park

WORST PART OF TRIP: Driving through Seattle and Vancouver, BC....no wonder the suicide rate is high in the NW

NUMBER OF ESPRESSO'S CONSUMED BY SCOTT CAVE IN 3 DAYS: 64 atleast!

BEST PART OF THE 4 STAR HOTEL: Unlimited Starbucks in the rooms and free slippers

NUMBER OF STARBUCKS PER SQUARE MILE IN WASHINGTON STATE: 4

COOLEST HAIRCUT: Event photographer Roman Roth's dreads

TINKER'S BODY FAT: - 0.0000089%......I think?

WORST PART ABOUT GOING TO WORLD'S: I missed the 24 Hour race at Boone.......:-(


Ok, that is it for now!

Jeff Kerkove said at 2:16 PM :: ::

World's Wrap-up.....finally!

Well, I am back. Sorry, but I had problems in Canada trying to do the audio blog, so here is a wrap up of the trip and race.

Myself and my pit crew of one, my Mom, left Monday morning and made the drive to Whsitler in 2 days. We made it to about Butte, MT on the first day and slept at a rest stop along I-90. My Mom slept in the car, and I slept under a picnic shelter in my sleeping bag. After sleeping for about 5 hours we hopped back in the car and drove the rest of the way to Whsitler. We arrived on Tuesday evening at about 5:00 p.m. local time. Note to all people ever planning on driving to Whistler.....The traffic in Seattle and Vancouver sucks!!!!! Why would anyone live in Seattle when there is 4 lanes of traffic going each way, and it's bumper to bumper at a whopping 25 mph? In Vancouver, the traffic isn't as bad, but the road signs are about the size of a cereal box....try reading that at 55 mph. Oh well, we made it, and that is all that counts.

I had two days to chill out in Whistler before the race. It was typical NW weather.....drizzle, rain, 50 degrees, etc, etc. Both days I took one easy lap on the race course checking out the technical sections. I rode with Twin Cities riders Scott Cave (elite racer) and Chuck Jacobs (wrench). Scott was here last year, so I just followed him to get a feel for the course. This course rocks! The only other course that I have ridden that I can compare it to is Snowshoe, WV. Lots of rocks, roots, and long steep climbs. The course start/finish is located about mid-mountain. The course starts by screaming down hill to the bottom of the mountain (lots-o-speed, about 30 plus mph!). After you get to the bottom there is a river crossing followed by gravel double track to the next climb. After the climb you get your first taste of Whsitler single track. This was fun...lots of rocks! After the single track it was more rolling double track. Next up was a section of single track with tons on roots and rocks. This was the stuff you see in the magazines! Out of the single track was was more double track and easy single track. Next up was first big climb. It was long steep and rocky. It was about like the Manhandler climb at Afton Alps, but about 4 times as long, and you had to pick a line through the rocks. Once to the top, you screamed downhill to the start of the Solo Worlds loop. This started with a long climb again! Just like Afton's Manhandler....grass, steep, and looooong! Once to the top you got to descend through the nasty single track. There were lots of roots, rocks, and large drop offs. Out of the single track it was fire road back to the start/finish. Lap length for the Solo World riders were right around 11 miles or so.

I went into this race with a few goals.....8th place or better, don't kill my body, don't kill my bike, and don't kill anyone else. I was the 35 rider called to the start line out of like 178. I had a good spot for the run. The gun went off at noon and the fun began! I was in the top 1/4 when I got to my bike. The first few laps were pretty fast, but not crazy fast. I just kept a good consistant pace. There were a ton of guys that went nutz off the start and it came back to haunt them later on.

It only took 4 laps for Chris Eatough and Adreas Heastler to lap me......A. Heastler ended up dropping out about 30 min. later. It wasn't till later that Tinker and the other big names caught up. When I was ca ught by Tinker and Nat Ross, we were about 9 hours into the race. When they caught me, I hopped on the train and sucked wheel. I hung with them for about 40 min. through the single track. I was felt good riding with them and the pace was comfortable. It wasn't until we got to the first big climb that I realized my problem for this race. They dropped me like a bad habit! There was NO way that I was going to be able to climb at that pace and survive to the ended. So I just kept my pace for the rest of the race. I didn't worry about different riders pasing me. I just went as hard as I could to be consistant and make sure that I had enough juice to finish

Each lap I stopped for Hammer products and hydration. My pit stops were in the 15-20 second range, with one 15 min stop at night for Ramen and a change of clothes. Other than that, I kept moving forward.

In the long run I ended up 12th overall in the Elite category. Not to shaby. I am ready for next year, I just need to work on the climbing aspect of the race, cause that is what doomed me in the end. Most of the guys that beat me, didn't out race me.......they out climbed me! Everything work perfect. I didn't have one bike or equipment problem. I lubed the chain once during the whole race and that was it!.


Thanks to everyone for the help!
- Mom for the pit help and gas in the car.....vaaaroooooom!
- Rick (Sloanne's wrench) for switching batteries every lap
- Cateye and sponsors for the gear!!
- Eldon at Meyer's Bike Shop in Algona, Iowa for entry fee help
- All of you that donated funds ove the website.....you know who you are!

I will be back next year......and I will be on the podium!

Look for pictures in the coming days and more updates from the race.

Jeff Kerkove said at 1:11 PM :: ::