Win a Switchback - Extended!
July 2, 2009 | Category: Bike | by Grizzly Adam |
The contest to win a Prineton Tec Switchback 3 is ongoing - and has been extended for another week. For more details about the contest, click here. You can donate here right away. For more about Team Fatty, visit the Fat Cyclist.
Is it odd that even looking at a map with the Wasatch Classic route on it that I become somewhat emotional? I think that the route itself has come to represent what I love about the Wasatch Mountains. Their size and rugged demeanor, their accessibility and vast network of trails and roads, and their beauty and awe-inspiring majesty. And yet, the emotion I feel when gazing upon the map is not always positive. Indeed, there is fear, resentment, regret, defeat.
In other words, everything I love about the Wasatch Mountains.
Despite the welcoming accessibility of the ski resorts and the paved canyons, the mountains themselves are harsh, rocky, primitive. And to string together a tour of both the Salt Lake and the Wasatch County trail systems requires – in one way or another – a mammoth traverse of the very ceiling of the Front. And finally this year, after much humming and hawing and this and that, I was able to climb up and over Catherine’s Pass. But the time and energy spent doing so sapped any will to continue beyond that point, and so, with moderate regret, I left the Crest and the Mid Mountain trails for another day, and another attempt (soon perhaps?) and made my exit over Guardsmen Pass and back into Midway.
Really, not a bad way to spend 12 hours, 62 miles and 10,400 vertical gain.
I discovered with mild amusement that my time, distance and elevation this year were nearly identical to last year. But this year I was considerably faster, stronger, more motivated. The difference was Catherine’s Pass (and the slight re-route due to a trail closure). Going up and over the epic hike-a-bike took 4 hours. And covered 6 miles. And so what I made up for this year with improved fitness, I gave away in the slog of a lifetime up the snow-laden cirque of Dry Fork, below the solitary Sunset Peak.
And of course, 4 hours of snowy hike-a-bike gave me time to consider the options, both of the route itself, and of the potential it holds. And as I usually do during and after The Classic, I found myself questioning the route-making decisions I made, in spite of my earlier declarations of immaculate conception. However, the code has been cracked for the first time in the short, ruthless history of this ride. I knew it could be. And I am not at all surprised that it happened this year, despite the sloppy mud that wreaked a small amount of havoc on our drive trains and the lingering, refreshingly cold snow drifts that refused to let go of their wintery grasp near the top of Brighton ski resort. The faint turns in the snow above Lake Catherine were evidence of intrepid skiers also reluctant to let go of that same grasp themselves.
And so, for now anyway, the quest to complete the ride continues. Perhaps I ought to simply draw up a route that I can finish? Perhaps. However, I know I can finish the entirety of what I have created. And the ongoing quest to do so has become a lingering obsession. Something continually in the back of my mind taunting and tempting, whispering, mocking.
I feel surprisingly good right now. So much so that Monday evening I was back on the bike riding some of the same trails - The Ridge, 252, Pine Hollow. I looked with no small amount of satisfaction toward Mill Canyon Peak, across the ridge lines to Sunset Peak, and beyond, knowing that I had skittered across and around and over so much of what I was seeing. But still, that obstinate voice in the far reaching corners of my mind reminded me that there is still unfinished business when it comes to the Wasatch Classic proper.
And I intend on tinkering and thinkering about until I find a way to finish that business.
Derrick looks down on Lake Catherine
Brighton Ski resort, Wasatch Classic. 6.27.09. 5:00 PM
5 Comments | Link To This PostWasatch Spot
June 26, 2009 | Category: Wasatch | by Grizzly Adam |
The Wasatch Classic is Saturday. And while I am certain you will be in attendance, I wanted to take this opportunity to berate and cajole and manipulate any of you that are considering sleeping in on Saturday, to do otherwise.
Really, the route is spectacularly difficult, but just as rewarding. The singletrack is demanding and primitive and beautiful. The climbing relentless and constant, and the descents breathtaking and inspiring. And I don’t think I am being hyperbolic. I really don’t. The best part about this expertly designed course* is that it can be adapted to your abilities, expectations and motivations. Will anyone at long last complete the entire route? I hope so. And I hope to be one of them.
*Even if I do say so myself.
However, I did have to make a minor change to the impeccable design of this consummate route. Due to trail work that will be taking place on Trail 252, also known as Joy, that section of singletrack will be closed. I am very happy that some much needed work will be taking place in the mud bog area of 252. You all can thank URMB for the effort. And you can thank the motorbikes for the need (Harrumph!).
So, instead of dropping down 252 we will have to settle for yet another incredible descent, one that we would have only done half of in the original route. But now, well, now we get to enjoy the entirety of Tibble. I once descended Tibble, knowing full well that with my car parked at the summit of the Alpine Loop, meant I had to then turn around and climb back up Tibble. Which back then, was no easy task for me. And frankly, today, would be no easy task either. The point is that that is how undeniably awesome the Tibble Fork descent is. Trust me.
And lest you think I am being hyperbolic once again, there are some people who have even called the trail “the best place in the world.”
In other words, I’d say the trade off is going to be well worth the miles that I cut out of the route. Doing so felt a lot like editing a film. There are shots and moments and lines of dialogue that are just amazing, and yet, do nothing for the story or the film. And so you leave them on the cutting room floor. So to speak. Because nowadays in this age of computers and “digital film” it’s just a matter of hitting the delete key. But apparently back in the stone age they actually cut film with razor blades and scissors and left it on the floor. How barbaric. Where was I? Oh right…
The course is still undoubtedly incredible. And only because the Wasatch is so overtly so. In fact, if you come away from the Classic with impressions to the contrary then I will hand you my bike. Yours to keep. Forever. I can do this because “my bike” is not my bike, but rather a loaner I have been riding all summer as I impatiently wait for a frame from a bike company that shall remain unnamed. (psst, it’s Gary Fisher)
Oh, and hello Keith. I am just joking about giving away your bike!
So, head over to the Wasatch Classic blog and read up on the event. Linked there are the route sheet and GPS file for the course. Download those, mark your map, load up your GPS and your backpack and bring your legs, – you’ll need them. Because the course is awesome.
Did I mention that?
The contest to win a Princeton Tec lighting system continues through July 5. You can donate here, and read the details of the contest here.
It’s not a race.
But then, it always turns out to be one. At least initially. But really, it’s not a race.
I am speaking of course about the Friday morning Alpine Loop* road rides that are becoming a well ingrained tradition this summer. Last week the pace was supposed to be mellow, it was after all, Fatty’s birthday ride. But as we entered into the sweeping switchbacks of American Fork Canyon I just could not help myself, and off I went.
* I always carry my camera on the Loop, and yet I almost never take any photos. That is, of course, because in order to so I’d either have to stop or slow down. And doing so would mean those behind me would catch up, and those with or in front of me would disappear. And so, the camera stays put because the ride is just to intense to bother with photos. But, really, it’s not a race!
Eventually I found myself with Rick and Brad. We were nearing the summit of the loop and foolishly I decided I to attack the unsuspecting, obviously worn out and suffering duo. And so, while exclaiming “why the hell not!” I attacked ferociously. A relentless, barbaric, explosive outburst of power and speed and grace. A surprise attack that would have made any moment in any Grand Tour look pale in comparison. I was beyond certain that Brad and Rick were left behind in a dizzying display of bewilderment and awe. I turned my head, only slightly, to witness for myself the damage I had caused.
They were both an inch off my wheel.
@#$^&*#!
I held on as long as I could before blowing up spectacularly. I had flashbacks to Sundance, when on yet another paved road (with brad on my wheel) I started throwing up violently. This time I held it in – but just barely. As Brad rode by me he said, “dude you wanna attack on the next corner”. And with that, he and Rick vanished up the road, leaving me gasping for air and seeing double.
I quickly and vividly learned just “why the hell not“.
And yet, I loved the effort and the attempt. A year ago I did not have either the mental or the physical strength to even pretend to attack riders like Rick and Brad. Or anyone else for that matter. Just being up the hill with them was something I was reveling in. It was an exciting thing to have the bike respond to the urging on of the legs, and even more so that the legs responded to the mind. The human body is an amazing machine, able to to become more efficient, more fit, more enjoyable to use. I admit that last summer I wondered if I’d ever be able to ride aggressively again. I wondered even If I’d ever even want to. The answer of course is evident by the summer that I am having thus far.
While my eyes were still bleeding, and my legs still throbbing at the summit of the Loop, Rick casually said, without any sense of how I was feeling, or the effort It took for me to “attack” the way I did, “I liked the pace today, nice and mellow.”
Indeed.
(@#$#$%^%^!)
But then…it’s not a race.
Right?
4 Comments | Link To This PostThe American Mountain Classic has been canceled.
Which means that I now have a gaping hole staring blankly back at me. To be honest, I had fears about the Classic being shelved. The interest this year seemed absurdly low, but I figured that as the summer progressed, so would the number of registered riders. And now I find myself disappointed, and having to wait yet another year to do that elusive stage race. The Colorado Trail Race may very well be that first foray into multi-day bikepacking, despite my plan to ease into the pool with at least one formal stage race. But perhaps that is for the better?
But for the time being I am asking: “Now what?”
I had The Park City Point to Point as a “wait and see how the AMC goes” race. Now? Well now it is a forgone conclusion. I am in for the PCPP. No question. And in fact the course overview looks fantastic. All the best trails Park City has to offer? Like the E100 was, the PCPP is an easy choice. Especially now. And so maybe that will suffice in filling the gap left open by the AMC. But I’d still love to do something long and competitive in July. But the calendar is dolefully empty. Or, at least,nothing stands out as being both accessible and practical.
However, with the PCPP and now Brad’s announcement of the Gooseberry Epic, September just became amazing. Toss in the Sundance 12 and you have an enormous month of racing. Which ought to be the perfect lead-in for the 24 hours of Moab. And of course this year the question floating around in my ever-warping brain is whether or not race that solo. For as many times as I have sworn never to race solo there ever again, I have also reneged on that promise, only to entertain the dark and evil and seductive thoughts of once again, foolishly and delusionally embarking on that solitary hamster wheel known as Behind the Rocks.
Alas, I am getting ahead of myself.
I can’t help but feel like the rug has been swept out from under my wheels. I was rather looking forward to the AMC. I would lull myself to sleep at night with apparitions of stage wins, leader’s jerseys and podium finishes. I suppose that those finishes will remain phantasms, at least for now. But they will easily adapt themselves to the Park City PP. And anything else I decide to do. That is, delusions of grandeur, being the delusions they are, are easily and readily embedded onto whatever version of reality I am currently pursuing.
Which reminds me: I am going to need to be extra delusional if I have any expectations of finishing the entire Wasatch Classic. 90 miles and 20k of vertical gain? Delusional indeed. Who designed that monstrosity anyway?
5 Comments | Link To This Post
The rain has fallen intermittently this week. Sometimes in violent outbursts, and other times as a lazy drizzle. There have been pockets of vibrant sunshine, the light breaking through the clouds causing the still wet grass and trees to twinkle and glisten. Surrounding the valley have been constant and threatening storms, deep and purple.
The riding has been excellent.
Trails that are so often rutted and dusty this time of year are tight and smooth. The scorching heat of summer has been stayed and delayed. It will come, and most likely with a vengeance. But right now life is gray and moderate and pleasant. The rain and the muted sun are bringing out the flowers and the color. The green is rich and resounding, a deep and stark background to the intensity of the flowers.
The summer heat is approaching. And I will welcome it when it arrives. I love the long and hot days of July and August. But for now I am embracing the wet and damp of this years rainy season – such as it is here in Utah.
Fight Cancer. Win a Switchback 3.
June 16, 2009 | Category: Outdoor | by Grizzly Adam |
I am excited to announce that I have teamed up with Princeton Tec, who have been a lighting sponsor of mine for the last few years, to help raise money for the Team Fatty Livestrong Challenge. The formula is simple: Every $5 you donate earns you one raffle ticket. Donating is extremely easy and secure. But before I get into explaining how to donate, I wanted to share a few thoughts on why you should consider putting a little money into fighting cancer.
Cancer sucks.
Need I say anymore? I didn’t think so. Now, what is it exactly that Princeton Tec has given me, to give to you? An excellent question. Your donation to the Livestrong Challenge will enter you in a drawing for a chance to win a superb lighting package – whether you are racing in a solo or team 24, commuting to work, or just out for a night ride with locals, these lights will meet your needs. I have been using Princeton Tec lights for the last several years and I love them. I really do. And if you win these lights, you will also love them as I love them.
What you can win:
- Switchback 3
Corona Extreme
Apex Headlamp
RF6 Rear Flasher
So, not only will you get a sweet set up for your bike, but the Apex headlamp will be perfect for your crew chief wrenching on your bike at 3AM. Don’t have a crew chief? You will now. If you add it all up, you are getting nearly $600 worth of lights. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Want to know more about the lights? Click over to Princeton Tec’s website and read up on the goods.
Here’s how to donate: Visit my Livestrong Challenge page. Enter the dollar amount you wish to contribute (remember, every $5 buys you one chance to win), and then click the “continue” button. Enter your payment information and viola! It’s that easy. Help Team Fatty become a part of Livestrong history as we try and raise the most money any LS team has ever raised. And more importantly, let’s help kick the crap out of cancer, because as we all know; cancer sucks.
One final note. Justin Kline is the man at Princeton Tec who made this happen. Currently he is riding his bike across the country in the Tour Divide race. You can follow his progress here. Send him all the good vibes you can muster, as I am sure that the days are going to get lonely out on the divide.
And that reminds me. The contest to win the lighting package will continue until July 5th, 2009.
4 Comments | Link To This Post-
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