The season is not over yet! Just received an email today that Sonya and I get the opportunity to team up again in a stage race for the Claro Brasil Ride! Yes, this is a 6 day stage race is in Brazil....AWESOME! After the move tomorrow, it is back on the training plan.....core work and miles on the bike.
Back on the bike today after 3 days of standing on my feet at Interbike....and then 2 days in the Ergon van to get home. Wow, that is worse on the body than actually racing hard. I felt like I was drag'n a ball and chain all over the rocky terrain in the Fort Collins foothills. Not to mention I was hitting just about every bad line there could be.
On the plus side, I got to get some testing time on the new GS1 grip that will be coming out in 2011. The GS1 is a long distance race grip. Think of it as a comfort version of the GX1. Weighing in at 158 grams 145 grams for the pair, they are on par with the GX1's for weight....which are 132 grams a set.
After spending about 1.5 hours on the GS1 today, I have a feeling this grip will surpass the GX1 in rider/race usage. Overall, it is so much softer than the 'xc race' oriented GX1. While each model has its specific usage, the GS1 will be a hit with racers and non-racers alike. Plus, the price point is the same.....at $39.95
Training continues to be minimal for the next week or so. I found a place to move into today. It is as close to the mountains as you can get with out actually being in the mountains. Access to trails is literally around the block. A huge score for the price!
Got to keep on honing the fitness. Possible one last big race coming in the next month or so. Details to come if it materializes!
Super duper fast post. Interbike rocked this year! Ergon is big....and getting bigger! Good times during the show....as well as after. Kind'a sucks that Interbike is leaving Vegas....but we'll see if that really happens, as a lot of retailers and industry folks are bummed on the move.
Now spending the next few days finalizing a move into a new house/condo/apartment/cardboard box. Talk about stressful!
Well, the drive to Interbike could have gone better....but it could have been 1,000 times worse. After about 8 hours of solid driving, the Ergon sprinter van was loosing power. Pedal to the floor, the van would only hit 60 mph. So, after driving through the 100 miles of nothingness between Green River, UT and Salina, UT we pulled into Salina, UT to let the car sit for a few minutes to see if that would cure the lose of power issue. Well, we started down the road again only to have the engine suffer a power lose and the engine light come on. U-Turn. So, back to Salina, UT we went. We stopped to get the issues checked out.
Yuki waiting on the van to be fixed.
Well after about 2 hours, the mechanic figured out the 'turbo' part that connects to the engine was cracked. That means new part. New part for Mercedes Benz turbo diesel engine means it gets in on Tuesday! We spent the night in Salina, UT....then got a ride to Richfield, UT where we rented a 15 passenger cargo van. Then we drove back to Salina and loaded all the gear in the Ergon sprinter van into the rental van. Now we are back on the road.
We are back on the plan. Not due into Las Vegas until Sunday....so we stopped to ride the chunky and ledgey trails of the Gooseberry Mesa.
Yuki rides the ledge.
I am the lead rider....Yuki follows with the Epic Cam HD
Yuki demonstrates that only in UT can you ride up a steep rock face
Ah yes. Las Vegas, NV. Most likely the least bike friendly city in all America....or close to it. But yet, the bike industry is in the process of taking over the city for a week.
Out the door later this afternoon on a 9 day work road trip to Las Vegas for Interbike. Going to be a big show for Ergon as we have a lot of new products and a new inhouse brand called PHORM to unleash to the masses. Yep, PHORM. A name that I came up with after a little brainstorming. Yeah, go me!
While this is a work trip, there is some playing. Riding in the St George, UT area on the way out. Then during the show myself and other members to Team Topeak-Ergon are going to leading some rides with SRAM at Outdoor Demo. Lastly, you like adult beverages? Then swing by the Ergon booth early in the week to get a VIP ticket to guarantee a beverage at the Ergon Cabaret. No ticket, no beverage. Details are here.
More to come from the road as internet access allows.
Oh, where to start with this one. Long races often lead to long race reports. Lets start with the event details: 10 PM start time, one single 125 mile loop, 4 aid stations, 20,000 ft of climbing. Got it? Good.
A 10 pm start time means a 9 PM pre-race meeting at Absolute Bikes. Shawn, gives roughly 50 racers knuckle-heads the details of 'what to do' and 'what not to do' while in the Colorado back country for the next 14-19 hours.
Looking at the start list I had a good idea of who to keep an eye on....plus, you always have a few sleepers to count on. Past race finishers and rookies with a proven track record to go fast at the long distance had me with a list of about 6 guys. Personally, I feel this is an event were those with past event knowledge have a huge jump on the others in the field. So, with that in mind, I was in no hurry at the start. I rolled out of town and towards the Colorado Trail at a perceived exertion that was about a 3 or 4 on a scale of 1-10. As we rolled out a group of about 4 guys went off the front. They didn't get far....as they dangled about 500 yards in front of us.
We hit the Colorado Trail and began the 2 hour push to the 1st aid station. I kept my pace smooth, steady, light, and safe. I took no risks on this section which is known to take a few riders and bikes down. By the end of this section I rolled into the 1st aid station about 30 seconds after the leaders, Kevin Thomas and Cameron Brenneman. I knew of Cameron and his strong track record as a mountain bike racer.....Kevin I was unsure of. While they filled their hydration bladders, I filled 2 bottles and left the aid station before they did. This year I raced light. No pack. With the aid stations and my nutrition and clothing needs, I was able to jump from aid station to aid station with no extra weight.
I left the aid station and began the ride up to the Alpine Tunnel (11,500 ft). I was shortly joined by Kevin. We exchanged names and chatted a bit. He was on a singlespeed....and moving along at a good clip. As we pedaled up the railroad grade road we saw Cameron coming up behind us. I increased my effort a bit...but not much. With in about 20 minutes I was alone. No lights in any direction other than the ones I had on my bike. It was roughly 2 AM.....and I was warm under the crisp clear night (little frost on the ground, but the warmest VT125 I have raced) when I began the hike over the tunnel. I had along warmer cloves and skull cap, but never put them on all race. Once at the top I looked down to see the lights of Cameron and Kevin. I descended down the back side to the west side of the Alpine Tunnel. From here it was up to Tomichi Pass.
The climb up to Tomichi Pass is a jeep road. Said jeep road is steep, loose, and full of baseball size rocks. With good legs you can clean it. Heading up to the pass I was caught by Cameron. He was flying and looking strong. I let him go, as I was not going to push that hard this early. Now in 2nd place, I hit the top of Tomichi Pass which then put us into a short descent on a dirt road to the hard right turn onto Canyon Creek Trail. This is the beginning of a looooong hike-a-bike.....almost a 1 hour hike to 12,500 ft. As I pushed up the trail I was looking for Cameron's head lamp up the trail....but never could see it. It was very well that his pace had him hidden from my perspective. Shortly into the climb, I had the beginning of what would become a 3 hour 'black' moment. I couldn't eat, drink, and was lacking energy and power. I struggle to lift my bikes over the rocks. My bike felt like it was 50lbs....even though it was only 25 lbs. As I struggled up the climb, I was caught by Kevin Thomas and his singlespeed. We chatted briefly about the temps and he keep going. His hike-a-bike speed was out of this world....or else I was crawling that slow. Wasn't long he was at the top....and on his way down the back side. When I reached the top I could see his lights down below on the long singletrack descent to aid station 3....which was run by Dave Wiens. Shortly before the 3 aid station I caught back up to Kevin. We pulled into aid station 3 to a unprepared aid station team. They didn't expect us this soon. I asked Dave if we were in 2nd and 3rd. He said we were the first ones in. What happened to Cameron? We would later find out he missed the Canyon Creek Trail to the hike-a-bike turn off and lost over an hour to us. I filled my bottles and grabbed some food and left to climb Old Monarch Pass Rd. Still in my 'dark' slump, I ticked over the pedals as best I could with no sign of Kevin behind me. The sun was also now starting to come up.....as I could see the black silhouette of the mountains and pines. About 60% up the dirt road climb he passed and dropped me like I wasn't even there. WOW!
At the top of the climb is Monarch Pass...and the Crest Trail. I reached the aid station with no sign of Kevin. Aid station members said he left 7 minutes prior to my arrival! All racers had drop bags here, so I grabbed fresh bottles, got rid of the lights, stripped off the layers of warm clothing, and grabbed the iPod. I jumped on the bike and began the slow chase until my body would get its second wind. While I was still in my slump, the sun, which was now up was helping my mojo. I was beginning to eat and drink again without feeling like barfing it back up. The later half of the Crest Trail I was back to going a little bit faster. I began my chase of Kevin.
Next up was a loop on Stavation Creek which had an sick singletrack descent.....then a stupid hard climb back to the top. I ended up catching Kevin at the end of the descent. I started the climb out of Starvation Creek......only to have Kevin catch me....then drop me while I suffered to turn over my SRAM XX 26x36. He just stood and powered away from me. At the top of the climb was aid station 4 again. I refreshed my bottles....as Kevin did also. Kevin left before I did. I took off for the Silver Creek trail after Kevin.
The remaining course favored me and my geared bike. It was mostly all downhill and/or rolling. At the end of Silver Creek is the final aid station before hitting the Rainbow Trail. As I pulled into the final aid station, Kevin was there filling his hydration pack. I filled my bottles for the final 16 miles. Kevin and I would start the Rainbow Trail together. Kevin actually gapped me after about 5 minutes of riding together. He cleaned a section...when I stumbled and had to dismount and run. I was now back in chasing mode. I could see him ever once in a while.....but had a heck of a time bridging up to his wheel! In the final mile of singletrack I finally got Kevin back in sight...which is what I needed with the 7 mile road descent to the finish line. Kevin dropped out of the single track about 30 seconds before I did. Once I hit the road, I locked out the Rotwild FS bike and chased him down. Unable to pedal on the downhill paved road, Kevin was in an aero tuck. Me, I had 20 gears to choose from. It didn't take long to catch and pass him. I would pull away from Kevin and put 3 minutes into him as I would go on to take the overall win and set a new course record at the 2010 Vapor Trail 125. My finishing time was 14 hours and 26 minutes. The 3rd place rider would come in about 1 hour later. No doubt in my mind Kevin (2008 winner and former record holder) was the strongest on the day....but the singlespeed limited him in some aspects. Really bummed for him, but we all chose our equipment prior to starting. Can't image what time he could turned on a geared bike!
Here is the race bike just after 14+ hours of racing. Also, for those tracking the race at home and your concerns about the tracking quality during the event....my tracking issue was most likely caused by having the SPOT zip tied to my down tube under the water bottle.
Overall during the entire race I estimate I spent about 10 minutes total stopped. This was to refill bottles at the aid stations and to strip on my lights and warm clothes at Monarch Pass.
The race effort of the 2010 season. Or, at least I think it is. Giving the Vapor Trail 125 another go. For me, this is one of the top events of the season. How could it not be with one single loop that is 125 miles and gives you 20,000 ft of climbing. It's a 'true' mountain bike race which includes everything that encompasses this sport: singletrack, fireroads, hike-a-bikes, treeline, long days in the saddle, and night riding. For 2010, there will be LIVE tracking similar to that used at the Colorado Trail Race. Looks to be about 50 racers this year....which is a good number considering how difficult and remote the event it. Unsure if all racers will have a SPOT tracking device....guess we will see come race evening.
Too bad it will be in the wee hours of the morning when most racers get up here. Frozen digits are pretty much a given at 12,500 ft at 2-3 AM.
The race begins at 10 PM on Saturday....and will take riders 14-18 hours to complete. Unlike last year, I am going in well rested. Every little ounce of strength is needed to have a good and enjoyable time on this brutal course. Crossing fingers for good weather this year. So far, the weather is looking good for the race days.
Jones Pass, it sits just southwest of the Winter Park area. It's not a super popular ride....at least I think it is not, but a few folks get up there during the snow free months. For me, this was the first time to get up to the pass.....then hook onto the Continental Divide Trail. You start at about 10,500 ft from the parking lot, then climb up to 12,500 ft via a jeep road. Once to the top of the pass, you take a sharp left onto the CDT and you then traverse the spine of the Rocky Mountains. Both Sonya and Yuki joined me on the free ride Friday. No training today. Just riding and lots of photos and videos. When you are up here, you need to look around...not at a HR monitor.
Ride the divide.
The trail flows like a ribbon over the mountains.
Not much grows up here.
This video will give you a better sense of what this ride is like. Not much room for error in a few spots. The views? Speechless.
All photos from the ride posted here. These photos where taken by Sonya and Yuki
A lot of rest and recovery leading up to next weekends Vapor Trail 125. The Vapor Trail goes down in my book and the 2 greatest event I do all year. The Colorado Trail Race takes the top spot....then the Vapor Trail....then the Breck-Epic Stage Race. Yes, the Vapor Trail is 125 miles....and a very hard 125 miles at that. Throw in 20,000 ft of climbing and you have a very solid night and day on the bike.
Today was a drill-n-chill singlespeed session. Mucho respect to those that ride the SS full time. Better you than me.
SSing in slooooooooow-mo.
Looking forward to Friday, as a few of us are heading up to 12,500 ft for a nice little adventure ride. Video to follow!
2005 Results
12 Hr Sugar Creek :: 2nd
12 Hr of Metro :: 1st
12 Hr of Thunder :: 2nd
12 Hr of Winter :: 3rd
24 Hr of 9 Mile :: DNF
24 Hr of 7 Oaks :: 1st
24 Hr in Japan :: 1st
2004 Results
Stump Farm 12 Hr :: 2nd
24 Hr of Rapelje :: 1st
12 Hr Nationals :: 3rd
24 Hr of 9 Mile :: 10th
24 Hr Solo World :: 12th
24 Hr of Moab :: DNF
Bio
NAME: Jeff Kerkove
NICKNAME: Mr. 24
COUNTRY: USA (Colorado)
TEAM:Topeak-Ergon DOB: 2.7.1978
HEIGHT: 6 ft.
WEIGHT: 165 lbs.
RACE CATEGORIES:
Pro (XC & Endurance) Click for full Bio
Back on the bike today after 3 days of standing on my feet at Interbike....and then 2 days in the Ergon van to get home. Wow, that is worse on the body than actually racing hard. I felt like I was drag'n a ball and chain all over the rocky terrain in the Fort Collins foothills. Not to mention I was hitting just about every bad line there could be.
On the plus side, I got to get some testing time on the new GS1 grip that will be coming out in 2011. The GS1 is a long distance race grip. Think of it as a comfort version of the GX1. Weighing in at 
After spending about 1.5 hours on the GS1 today, I have a feeling this grip will surpass the GX1 in rider/race usage. Overall, it is so much softer than the 'xc race' oriented GX1. While each model has its specific usage, the GS1 will be a hit with racers and non-racers alike. Plus, the price point is the same.....at $39.95
We are back on the plan. Not due into Las Vegas until Sunday....so we stopped to ride the chunky and ledgey trails of the Gooseberry Mesa.
What a way to end a day!
A 10 pm start time means a 9 PM pre-race meeting at Absolute Bikes. Shawn, gives roughly 50 
Here is the race bike just after 14+ hours of racing. Also, for those tracking the race at home and your concerns about the tracking quality during the event....my tracking issue was most likely caused by having the SPOT zip tied to my down tube under the water bottle.
Heart rate and elevation data off the Suunto T6
Too bad it will be in the wee hours of the morning when most racers get up here. Frozen digits are pretty much a given at 12,500 ft at 2-3 AM.
Ride the divide.
The trail flows like a ribbon over the mountains.
