About damn time

Ok OK OK - I'll post something new. I have been politely asked to refresh this blog. Or the Hasleholf pics will be spread like wild fire.

The only exciting news I have, is that I've signed up for the 24hr. Worlds in Conyers GA. The event will be Oct. 6th weekend. After looking at the calendar that Saturday night is a full moon. That is always a cool thing.

After ORAMM my enthusiasm for riding hasn't been all that great. This week finally got back on the bike. Today I went out for an easy and very humid road ride. Yeah dammit a road ride.

Toby

back at it

After this sunday's showing of sub par of climbing skills.
I might need to take up the UCI sport of Cycle-ball or maybe artistic cycle dance something or another.

HBW Blog

Hey Folks not a whole lot going on except for the Kitchen remodel. Just wantd to put out a site for the Harrell's folks.

http://harrellsbicycleworld.blogspot.com/

Hit it and use it.

Toby

U-Turn

Howdey Folks - its' been a while since my last post. Many have asked and if you were wondering about the 24hr of Big Bear. I pulled a U-turn on I77 just outside of Blythwood enroute to WV. Reason - well lets just say I wasn't into it mentally 100% nor physically. With a 9+ hr. drive ahead of me and doubt lingering into my psyche, I felt it was in my best interest.

Now 12 days later looking back it's probably one of the better decisions I've made in some time. Ten 24's & 3 12 hr solos with no DNF's. That's a streak I don't want to disturb. So now refreashed with some time off the bike. I've been pondering my next adventure. Will it be Cowbell 12hr Challenge or a recon ride for Off-road Assault on Mt.Mitchell. It will be a tough decision but a long mtb ride is in my future.

Till then
Toby

12hr Tsali Report

photo courtesy of goneridng.com


May 20, 2006
12hr. of Tsali, Bryson City NC

Tsali was all the challenge I thought it would be. Running fully solo for the first time was the biggest challenge of the weekend. My fitness was great and all I had to do was stay focused and steady. I really had nothing to lose; it’s a tester for the 24 in June.

The race started with the typical LeMans run uphill about 150yd. I stayed steady and didn’t max myself out for a change, then onto the Rig for the opening 2.5 mile fire road climb. The Rig forced me to ride more aggressively than I normally race these events. Due to wet conditions it turned out to be a great move. The constant rattle of chain suck and muttered cursing filled the woods in the early laps.

Finally by lap 4ish the course began to dry out. By this time I started to notice my pace had slowed, especially on the climbs. Which by now, I was forced to walking the bigger climbs. If I kept this up I would sure to be passed by the leaders. Still I had no idea of my placing. I managed 5 laps on the 29er SS running a 32x18 before retiring it for more gears.
Stopping only at my pit for pre-made bottles of HEED and Sutained Energy mixed with flasks of hammer gel. By lap 6 I was rolling on my Sugar292. Steadily racing into the afternoon the clouds began to roll into the area. With brief flickers of lightning and rumbles of thunder, you could begin to smell to rain a coming.

Upon completion of lap 6 the Swain County Rescue Service called a halt to the race due to 60mph winds and hail storms in close proximity. This was the first chance to chat with the race leaders on the overall. It seems as though Tiny T. could be in the top five (that was my goal). This delay was about an hour forty in length, but luckily for me only about 40 minutes. This was just enough time to seize up.

Restarts SUCK and this was no exception. I managed one more lap before having to stop for lights. Soon after sunset the sky filled with clouds again. This time it brought rain heavy at times but it would remain falling till the 11th hour. It quickly turned to sticky mud that brings havoc to your drivetrain. By laps 8 or 9 this mud turned from sticky to slicky. Traction was an issue and to top it off the fog was getting heavier by the minute.

Finally lap 10 and the leaders had not passed me, this was a great sign. So I had to be on the lead lap – Yeah. Not bad for 11 hours of riding and some quick math to figure that one out. Completing the race in 10ish hours with 10 laps for 110mi. This put me about 17 minutes off the winning pace. I will settle for a third place finish. results

Thanks to all my sponsors Harrell's Bicycle World, Hammer Nutrition & Garmin
Till next time folks Happy Trails
Toby

12hr Tsali

It's official 3rd place at Tsali. Stay tuned for race report.

Toby

Ready to race

For the first time in awhile,I'm feeling good about my fitness, truely ready to race. Goal for this weekends 12hr is to go non stop. The real trick will be to do this without a support crew. Call it a personal challenge. After seeing Rob L run completely solo at 24HOA in Conyers last Oct. I was truely impressed to see him finish 2nd overall solo. If successful after Tsali this should build great confidence for June's 24hr solo.

Happy Trails Folks
Toby

Prep Time

Short post for now, just trying to get things in line for the 12hr at Tsali this weekend. Fitness is coming around, after two centuries in the past two weekends. Shocking the system into endurance mode. Weather is looking good for Sat. but rainy through the week. I'm sure this will bring out the mountain enduros. The rest of this week should be easy trying to recover and hopefully have fresh legs for sat.

Toby

First Shop Ride

Not a whole lot going on. Race plans have changed, in that I will not be going to the dirty spoke 12hr this weekend in GA. Didn't feel as though I was ready. So now I'm just trying to ramp up my endurance in hopes of being ready for 12hr. Of Tsali (5/20). Trying to get in as much saddle time as possible.

Last night was my first Harrells shop ride of the season. It was as hard as expected - plenty of animals (J) out on the road. I must have missed the normal warmup, by the time I joined the group (Damon, Selix, Jaime, Chris) - our warmup consisted of rollers up Kennerly rd. @ 22mph. Not little chain ring needed. This is good, go ahead and set in the fatigue before the real accelerations start.

Once the shop group showed @ like 6:45 it was go time, mainly from the initial warmup group. Apparently I missed the memo on the early attack at Kennerly rd, so Peter and I had to chase the fast group down. I still haven't figured out - Is it harder to chase down a group of fast riders or go with them at the initial attack?

So about 3mi. Later we caught back up. Just a few baby chunks to show for the effort, but a great interval. This would happen once more on the ride back towards Shady Grove rd. Dropped of the back but fought my way back to the group with Gabe this time. Stick a fork in me cause I'm done. Good thing its mostly down hill back on Kennerly. So by the last big hill on Kennerly I just sat up and took it easy back to Harbison SP. These two a days can really put the hurt on ya.

P.S. - I'll weight my 1994 steel DeRosa this weekend, so you fellas with the 16lbs bikes can feel better about dropping me on the hills.

Happy trails folks
Toby

Harbison XC

April 23, 2006
"Race to the River" presented by Friends of Harbison SF
Harbison State Forest, Irmo SC

The annual "Race to the River" @ Harbison was a great outing for "Team Harrell's Bicycle World". The team managed 4 of the top 5 spots in Expert & 3 of the top 4 in the Sport field. Even taking overall victory in both fields (Russ - expert / Monty - sport). So overall a good showing for the only local XC race in the midlands. There was a 7 rider field for the experts. Harrell's riders made up 60% of the field, and it was expected to be a conservative start.

Except I was ready to go and stretch the group out. So I gassed it from the start and had the field all stretched out. I'm usually on the other end of this train in most cases, but it felt great being in the front and pushing the pace. In past races I've been stuck in traffic and gaped right away and that wasn't going to happen again. So by the first major hill (the switchback), only Russ (closet trainer) and Gary (Charleston guy) were in tow. I needed to catch my breath. So Russ & Gary took over the lead. Russ immediately started to hit the gas on the switchback then into spider woman trail.

Spider Woman is the most technically challenging trail Harbison SP has to offer the local mountain biker. This short but difficult trail is very reminiscent of Pisgah area riding. This was defiantly going to be the deciding factor of the race. Plus the experts had to complete two passes of Spider Woman. I was told later that this was where Russ dropped the hammer on the rest of the field to seal the deal for victory.

Settling into my own pace staying hydrated and fueled with Hammer gel. Patience paid off, it took me about an hour to make up the minute gap on second place. Now into second place all I wanted was to stay here. Happy that Russ was winning, I had no desire to chase him down. Knowing that my family and friends were all waiting at the finish was inspiring to keep the pace going and challenge myself to keep racing up to the line.

Next race is 4/30 in Clemson SC, for the 4th stop of the South Eastern Regional Championship Series. So hopefully the rain will hold off for the event because it's nothing but red clay in the town of orange.

Till then folks happy trails,
Toby

30th B-Day

Howdey folks ,
It's the day "tiny-T" turns three-O as of 6:00a.m. I celebrated with my 6am cycle class. The 8 folks who showed this morning were treated with a standing climb that lasted 30 minutes. This topped thier standing record set back 11/25/05 of 22 minutes. Great effort put forward, so now they have new bragging rights, and I got a great workout. Where else can you get in a standing effort of that duration. Just wanted to share that with ya. Gotta get to work now.

Toby

Out riding

Finally a somewhat normal weekend for riding. Normal being riding both saturday & sunday two hours or more. {Yippy for me;~) } Saturday was a typical 2hr. stroll through Harbison forrest on the geared bike. This ride was a prep for next weekends race @ Harbison. Speaking of race - Harbison XC race 4/23/06 next sunday races start at 10am and go through 12ish. Come out and support your local trails.

Yesterday, I got out on the hybird bike for some 2hr. of paved/dirt mix riding. This has turned out to be my favorite type of riding lately. The hybird is basicly a road bike with wider tires. This makes for more resistance on the pavement, with some more comfort and control in the dirt. Great training tool if you find yourself in a crunch for time to train. On this bike I find myself exploring more, seeking out the rougher roads and hitting any dirt road I come across. I've even dubbed the bike "Detour" this seems to be an appropriate name. Every ride seems to make a detour to less traveled places.

Happy Trails Folks,
Toby

Personal inspiration for training

Needing some personal inspiration for training, I pulled up an old race report from last years 24hr Big Bear race. Since now I have this blog thing I though I would share with whom ever is out there. This type of motivation can go a long way.

June 18-19, 2005
Big Bear Campground, Hazelton WV
24 hours of Big Bear (Granny Gear)

It has been a slow season thus far with a sideline injury for a couple of months this spring, and not being able to race the two pre-season 12 hour races originally planned, put a damper on the beginning of the season. Thursday, June 16th we headed up to Big Bear, West Virginia which was surprisingly only a 7 hour drive from Columbia.

On Friday (E&I) went to the race site, and I was able to reconnect with an old friend, Cameron Chambers from Great Bend Kansas that I first met in British Columbia for the Worlds and have since kept in touch. We pre-rode the course together and noticed that there were plenty of slick rock gardens, slow grinding climbs (1630'+ climbing per lap) and high speed descents on the 12.19 mile course. In addition to the challenging course there were several pro riders registered for the solo division including: Cameron Chambers (Gary Fisher/Subaru) who recently won the 24 hour National Solo Championships, Mark Hendershot (Santa Cruz/Syndicate) and last years winner and local rider Ernesto Marenchin (SpeedGoat/Asylum). These three riders finished in the top ten at the 2004 World Solo Championships. Along with a handful of other riders that were also World Solo Qualifiers like Jonathon Kinding and Steve Schwartz, the competition was going to be tough, but a real chance to prove myself.

HIGH NOON

Calmly lining up for the start, ready for another 24hr. beat down. Ready or not it's time to run. The opening LeMans run (sprint) is never a favorite of any rider, especially in carbon fiber sole shoes. I lost about five minutes on the first lap getting stuck behind the overzealous team riders bottle necking at the start of the single track. I was able to elbow my way through some team riders and passed about 30 more on the trail. Running on pure adrenaline and way above my lactate threshold, I managed to make my way up to around 25th overall by the end of lap one. Ten minutes off the solo pace, I began to settle into my own pace and prepare for a long day and night in the saddle.

With the race briskly under way, the next task was to get fluids and calories down and keep the tank topped off. The opening laps were taking around ~1:30 to complete. The bottles of Accelerade were only lasting about :30 min. I should have communicated this to Erin (pit crew/wife) earlier; but caught up in the race I failed to. I was stopping midway during the laps at the hydration tents to refill my bottles. Most 24 hour races have 45 to 60 minute lap times, but since this loop was longer and more technical than other races I have done in the past I needed to carry twice the amount of fluids & food with me, which is something we learned after a few laps. Grabbing up calories and additional fluids at the start of every lap would be my saving grace. This was actually one of the first races I was able to eat and drink the whole race, without feeling sick, but some other riders were not as lucky.

LIGHTS ON

There is no way to fully prepare yourself for the night laps at a 24hr. race, but this is when I am usually able to make up time on the rest of the field. I was using NiteRider lights on my helmet and handlebar. Luckily Mark Roberts let me borrow his helmet light and I was greatly appreciative, without it we would have had trouble keeping enough batteries charged to make it all the way through the night hours. I moved up from 6th place to 4th place overnight with only one 27 minute break to change my wet clothing I was able to gain a good bit of time on the rest of the field. I had one trip over the handlebars at about 2 a.m. and got an up-close look at West Virginia’s soil composition. Fatigue was starting to settle in, especially in my hands and back, so I slowed the pace a little bit to prevent any injuries, and decided to just keep to forward momentum.

SUNRISE

The sunrise is always a welcome event in a 24hr. race. I was so happy it was up; although I unconsciously decided to take a quick cat nap while riding. Yeah this is a real talent I have not mastered. Quickly realizing I was fading I had to snap back into it. There were only 6 more hours to go. Stopping for a brief moment to scarf down a greasy blueberry muffin and a red bull for breakfast, I was feeling much better. I began to fill a bit rejuvenated and tried to hold the wheels of passing team riders for some pick ups in my pace. This helped me lap some other solo riders, which would give me a little assurance for the closing hours of the race.

CLOSING HOURS

Upon completion of my 11th lap, Erin informed me that Chambers and Hendershot had decided not to complete any more laps. This would put me in third if I would complete two more laps with out getting passed by another solo rider - sounds simple. With my overall goal of standing on the podium in my grasp I had to go for it, so with more food and calories I was back out on course. Trying to hold pace as best as I could. If you can't ride it - walk it, just keep moving - this was my motto for the last four hours. On the last lap the top four places wound up joining up together out on the trail all separated by a lap per position. So the final positions had been set in stone, but we all had to still finish the course. It was evident that the terrain and sheer mileage of the last 24 hours had taken a toll on all of us. We all were reduced to walking and cursing every hill the trail had left to throw at us. It was finally over - 3rd place, 13 laps, 160 mi. with 22,000' climbing for the completion of my 9th 24 hour solo mountain bike race.

I would like to thank all the folks who helped me throughout the race and before the race ever started. With non stop support from family and friends alike. For my sponsors Harrell's Bicycle World, Raleigh Bicycles, and The Tack Room - THANKS for believing in me. Until next time, it's time for some rest.

Later, Toby

Spring X-Training

{Holly tries to help me with a water damaged floor}

Not a whole lot of riding going on this spring thus far. Due to the recent kitchen remoldeling project. Most all cyclist spend endless amounts of time indoors. The winters are spend waiting on spring and weather changes. Well I'm no different, except now that spring is here along with daylight savings time I've been helping remodel our 70's kitchen. So as for long rides and most of your weekend consumed on the bike - hopefully later.

With a 12hr. solo event in early May, I hope the fitness comes quickly. Speaking from experience, a 12hr. solo attempt while not in great shape will whoop ya bad. Luckily I was able to get out early Sunday a.m. and squeeze in a 3hr. road ride with some hills. For those whom are located around the Cayce area, take a venture out towards Calhoun Co. Excellent roads with low traffic and plenty of hills.

Hills outside Cayce SC

Happy trails folks
Toby

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM

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