GA Single Speed Race

March 19, 2006
Georgia State Single Speed Championships
Occone Co. Heritage Park, Farmington GA.

This race marks the official start of my '06 season. Plus it's my 1st Single Speed (SS) XC race. The course at Heritage Park was one I'm famillar with due to two previous solo 24hr races there. It's been 2 years but what could have changed. Well for one more single track and another the more single seemed to be more climbing.

Ah SS, one gear and lots of torque will get you through the 9mi. roller coaster of trails a total of three times. This was much harder than I first thaught. The pace wasn't the issue, although gapped by a timid trail hog. Whom apparently was also hard of hearing for he couldn't or wouldn't get out of the way. Until the others were out of sight and long gone. Damn this seems to happen at every race. I think I'm in need a can of attitude before each race so I will feel comfy yelling at folks to get out of my way. Or I could just go harder at the start to avoid this problem.

After the 1st lap I was mostly by myself. Most folks go to races to race and ride with others but that just dosen't work for me. It always seems that I'm riding solo. Finishing out in 12th place. Anyway the race was lots of fun and very painful at the same time. My biggest accomplishment of the race was not being passed by the pro women, which has happened before. This is usally one of my secret goals I set before each race. So from here I need to do some more work and hopefully improve.

The next event will be the South Eastern Regional XC Race Championships (SERC) in Bryson City, NC

New for the '06 season The Dakota Motel (pic), nice and comfy. Included w/ many features like a carpeted floor equipt w/ extra sleep pads, bag & leopard print pillow. Even the Rig gets to rest in the shelter. Extra amenities would be the tail gate table for food prep on the camp stove, also dubs as a foot prop when relaxing in the camp chair. Yes this is one of the better ideas I've in some time. Saving money on lodging equals more money for more races and travel.


Happy trails folks,
Toby

Ft. Yargo Recon

March 18, 2006
Ft Yargo State Park, Winder GA.

Ft. Yargo SP is the site of the Dirty Spoke 12hr. Solo race in May. Word around the campfire is that Tinker Jaurez will be in attenance for the event. Feeling I needed all the help I could get, I used this trip as a reconnaissance mission. Besides I was in town for the GA Single Speed Chamionships.

The trail is around 11mi. with about 1000' climbing per lap. Great course, well marked as I didn't take map or anything other than a spare tube kit, food, water & camera. The trail is well maintained and used by many bikers & hikers. The trail system is based on a loop around a small lake. These types of trails are very fun because of the views and it's impossible to get lost. The course has a few short steep bumps, two steady climbs of about 5min. long, lots of turns. The trail will be fast during race situations with several big ring sections. This will be a welcomed feature during a 12hr race.

The plan was two laps, 1st at sight seeing pace then the 2nd at race pace. This would be a ballpark figure on lap times. Anyway 1st. lap my left crankarm came off 5 times, due to my oversight in reassemling the cranks to the bottom bracket earlier in the week. Remember no tools w/ the exception of a micro leatherman tool equipped w/ scissors. Yeah in a pinch, small scissors can sub for a 8mm allen wrench. Once back to the truck, fixed the mechanical and back out for the 2nd lap. This one went much better. Good lap time, and no problems.

For those who don't know, I'm known as the deer whisper. Pausing for a pose with the locals.

24hr Solo Worlds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:March 14, 2006

WORLD SOLO ATHLETES CONVERGE ON HISTORIC ATLANTA OLYMPIC SITE.2006

WORLD SOLO 24 HOURS OF ADRENALIN CHAMPIONSHIPSAtlanta, GA - Twenty4 sports, the race organizer that created the 24 Hours of Adrenalin series across North America, is adding the World Solo 24 Hour Mountain Biking Championships to the site of the inaugural Olympic cross-country site for 2006. The World Solo 24 Hours of Adrenalin Championships will take place October 6th, 7th and 8th at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Ga., the site of mountain biking's debut as an Olympic sport.

On Tuesday July 30th, 1996 the first ever Olympic Cross Country Mountain Bike race took place in Conyers Georgia just outside of Atlanta. Now 10 years later in celebration of that historic cycling date, the venue will host the top solo athletes from around the world.

Last october during the annual event in Conyers I placed 4th in the solo event. So hoping this has qualified me for the '06 event. I need to do so checking up, and hopefully find a hotel room for friday night. More updates to come.

Happy Trails Folks
Toby

24hr Solo Worlds News

I can't believe what I've just heard!!! The 24hr World Solo Championships is coming to the South. This events has been held in Canada for the last 8 yrs., so this huge. I'll get more info as becomes avalible.

Toby

Spring times here

Spring is finally upon us, especially with 80* temps. After this weeks work schedule I was happy to get out on the bike for sunny riding. A trip down to Sumter to hit the killer3 loop, plus some additional riding along the palmetto trail and campbells pond. Meet up with Paul & Joe for about 2hr. ride, good steady ride. It was their 2hr. of riding and my warm-up. After splitting off I decided to go hit some hills. Oh yeah by the way I'm riding single speed today. This is the longest ride off-road on this SS, plus it's my longest since new year's day. Top that off with the temps & we have a regular recipe for a great training ride. All in all I got in 4hrs. of saddle time ~ estimated 40mi. of single speed fun.
Plans could also be in the works for a Harrell's Bicycle World team attempt at a 24hr race. The interest is there along with fitness from some teammates. Still working on some dates. Till then happy trails folks.

Toby

R I P

Recovery In Progress looking good. Last night I was able to get in 75min. of pain free riding. The back is feeling much better. Even this morning, my 6am cycle class was greeted with a renewed spirit of myself being back on the bike and teaching. Trying not to go all out, only to just turn the screws a bit. So off for a massage this afternoon and hopefully back in the saddle this weekend - till then.

Happy Trails Folks,
Toby