Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
Report: SCPS #3 - Storm the Beach
For more info on results and pics: 10-19 SCPS #3: STORM THE BEACH: Celo Pacific: Oceanside
For more info on the series go to: SoCalCross.com
photo by: Richard Murphy
-DSheek
I am still getting the sand out of my shoes!
Sunday, October 12th, 2008
A few of us guys that headed out on Saturday morning for the Nike Trail/Sullivan Canyon in the Santa Monica mountains are adidas loyalists. We in fact brought with us our friend Dave who lives and breathes that company - being that he works for them.
Dave is new to mountain biking and bikes that have gears for that matter. So it was with much anticipation and a bit of sportswear irony that we found ourselves climbing towards the ridge crest and the famed nike missile site yesterday morning.
Yesterday it was super clear. Clear enough to see: planes landing at Ontario airport, the ocean in Long Beach, the sand of Torrance Beach and San Nicolas island - 60 miles west of the Santa Monica shoreline. I know, hard to believe.
Along the climb we said hello and were greeted by the locals. Locals with big jobs, fancy cars and homes with tv show zip codes. I found them much more friendly then the crew along the trail to lowers earlier in the week. Even for a sunset surf session.
Dave plays rugby for Los Angeles Rugby. And I am not talking about playing once in a while or just going to practice. He actually plays a lot and hits wimps like me for breakfast. I say this to share how impressed I was when he was nimbly and boldly gunning his way down Sullivan canyon on a mtb two sizes too small. Even more impressive that he was on the Outside All Day loaner bike that Andy and I use to coax our friends on to the trails.
Dave asked to borrow the bike this upcoming weekend. I think we have created a big fan.
Matt Smart
Outside All Day
Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
It’s October and Becky and I, this past weekend, both broke our PR in our favorite October races by four minutes. On Saturday morning for the Manhattan Beach 10K Run Becky ran a 49:11 with a 7:55 pace. Awesome. For Tinley I beat last years time by four minutes. It’s great to be married to a competitor.
Matt Smart
Outside All Day
Thursday, October 2nd, 2008
Last weekend I was able to enjoy a great ride through the streets of DC.
BikeDC was organized to benefit the Washington Area Bike Association, and was extremely well done. Not often are you able to ride unrestricted through Washington streets. Normally you’re dodging the overly agressive cab drivers or negotiating the huge pot holes while trying not to hit the Washington elites yelling at their interns on their blue tooths.
But not so this day. This day we had an all access pass to some of the most beautiful streets in all of Washington. And I must say it was rather gratifying having Metro PD halting some seriously ticked Washingtonians while riding down Pennsylvania Ave. It was also gratifying to be riding my brand new Specialized Hardrock Sport, despite some minor technical difficulties.
After the ride, I decided that I really need to start getting more involved with WABA. According to their web site, “the mission of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association is to create a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, and affordable transportation; advocating for better bicycling conditions and transportation choices for a healthier environment, and educating children, adults, and motorists about safe bicycling.” Not to mention the fact that on Sunday they offered a free Bike Valet service to bikers at the Crafty Bastards art festival. I’ve never valeted my bike before, but I could definitely get used to it.
Mike Lawson
District of Columbia
outsideallday.com contributor
Saturday, September 20th, 2008
Many thanks to Matt F. and Tracie S. and Matt F. at Rock N’ Road Cyclery. The above pic shows me a few hours after my late evening purchase of a Specialized Epic. Matt went out of his way to make sure I had all the info I needed to make a good decision on my new bike. And when I got down to Mission Viejo Tracie was phenomenal. When it comes to bike shop staff I have super high standards. I spent time in high school working in one and a family friend managed another. Those two experiences have left me with high expectations for service and quality gear. When I showed up Tracie was super friendly, understanding and generous with her time. And the bike was ready to go as promised. Andy B. showed up shortly after with our new Outside All Day kit and I raced back to the South Bay to ride PV. The Epic is just that. Yesterday the mail came and with it a thank you letter from Tracie for making the drive down and choosing them to purchase a bike. Wow.
Matt Smart
Outside All Day
Friday, September 19th, 2008
Southern California Prestige Series (SCPS) of Cyclocross Race #1 Starts this weekend…
The Race: The “Art of Cyclocross” Race #1
Where: Muckenthaler Cultural Center - Fullerton, CA
When: Sunday, September 21, 2008
Last year this race was a bunch of and I expect the same this year. Especially since the sport of cyclocross continues to grow. I keep hearing little buzzes within the cycling communities of mountain bike riders and road enthusiast who are going to keep their fitness up this winter by racing a little cross.
One person who I know for sure that is extra excited is our very own Andy B. I have constructed him a bike from left over parts and the man is taking to course for the first race Sunday morning.
Location/Directions: 1201 W. Malvern Avenue Fullerton, CA 92833. The center is located one block west of Euclid, two and a half miles north of the Riverside Freeway (#91).
Registration: Pre-register at www.sportsbaseonline.com. Prestige Series season discount passes available on line. Online registration closes Thursday Sept 18th at 9:00PM (Pacific).
Race day registration: Opens at 8:30am and closes 15 minutes before each race category start.
Juniors (10-18 yrs of age) race FREE with a valid USA Cycling license, or $10 with purchase of a one-day license. Juniors pay regular entry fee for category races if NOT entering Junior race. • Additional race entries are $5.00 per race after higher entry fee is paid. • The Non-Competitive Fun Race entry is $5.00 (FREE if additional race), and does not require a license. • $5.00 late fee for race day entries, or postmarks after Wednesday Sept 17th. A USA Cycling license is required for competitive categories and can be purchased at the race or online at: www.USACycling.org (annual license only). Annual license fee is $60 ($30 for Juniors) and expires on 12/31/08. One-day license fee is $10 and available at pre-registration and race day registration. Event held under USA Cycling Permit. USA Cycling/USCF rules apply. Event held rain or shine; no refunds.
Course: The “Art of Cyclocross” is held on the grounds of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center. Known primarily for art exhibitions, theater performances, and musical concerts, the Muckenthaler mansion and theater are located within 8 acres of parkland just a mile west of downtown Fullerton. Racers will speed up and down green hillsides, through groves of trees, and past rows of palms and the historic 1924 Italianate Muckenthaler mansion.
Background Information: The Muckenthaler home was built by Walter and Adella Muckenthaler in 1924 on eight acres located atop a hill just west of downtown Fullerton. Designed by architect Frank Benchley, the Italian Renaissance-style structure is reminiscent of buildings constructed for San Diego’s 1915 Exposition in Balboa Park. The 18-room mansion was donated to the city in 1965 by Harold Muckenthaler who wished to see his childhood home used as a cultural center for the public to enjoy. Today the Muckenthaler Cultural Center hosts 5-10 art exhibitions each year in galleries housed on two floors of the mansion. The Center offers art classes for children and adults. The amphitheater is home to the Muckenthaler Repertory Theater Company, which performs plays and offers conservatory classes for students.
For More information go to www.socalcross.org
-DSheek
I can’t wait!
Sunday, September 14th, 2008
SCPS #3: STORM THE BEACH
Race Report:
SCPS #3 - Storm the Beach
Individual Results:
soon choncho!
Team Results:
Photos:
Join the SOCAL Prestige Series Photo Group on FLICKR: http://www.flickr.com/groups/socalcross/pool/
There is a photo contest each week and prizes to match!
All photos by: Eric Colton and Richard Murphy
Saturday, August 30th, 2008
Unofficial results of the top 6 in each division from the 33rd Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race presented by Honolua Surf Co. thanks to Dan Dixon over at Paddleboard.com.
Unlimited:
1. Chad Carvin
2. Kyle Powers
3. George Plsek
4. John Engel
5. Keoni Watson
6. Jay Miller
Stock:
1. Mike Carr
2. Brian Szymanski
3. Tito Bourget
4. Brian Spear
5. Bert Charlton
6. Steve Reinsch
Women:
1. Jo Ambrosi
2. Cori Raffaelli
3. Jane Cairns
4. Shannon Delaney
5. Edessa Foster
Matt Smart
Outside All Day
Saturday, August 30th, 2008
My buddy Todd Saunders just reminded me that next weekend is the FLATWATER 200m sprints in Long Beach, CA. Joe Bark will be providing boards in the stock classes so feel free to come on down and checkout paddleboarding for the very first time.
FLATWATER 200m PaddleBoard Sprints
SEPT 7th, Long Beach Marine Stadium
DIVISIONS: Junior Lifeguard, Men, Women, and Stand Up divisions
BOARDS PROVIDED in stock classes, BYOBoards for Unlimited board divisions
$25 JG, $45 Adult
7AM check in, 8AM race start.
To Register click here.
Paddleboard site: Paddleboard.com
Joe Bark’s Site: BarkOcean.com
A fun day will be had by all.
Matt Smart
Outside All Day
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
American Mountain Classic Announces “Gas Relief” Entry Fee Incentive Program
Press Release
July 29, 2008:
Sho-Air Internationalis pleased to announce a “Go-Green” entry fee incentive/relief program for all
competitors in the American Mountain Classic Stage Race in Brian Head, UT set to run August 21-24.
In light of the recent escalating prices at the gas pump and the slowing economy, event title sponsor Sho- Air International is extending a rebate incentive program to all currently registered riders, plus any new rider who sign up for the event.
“Its no secret that prices at the pump and the sluggish economy makes traveling to the races more taxing on the wallet these days” reflects Sho-Air’s marketing director Ty Kady. “As a result of early entry’s exceeding expectations for an inaugural event, we want to give back to the person who wanted to race in America’s most prestigious MTB Stage Race, but was feeling the pinch in their pocket book. We hope that the $50 rebate can be spent towards gas or some other event related costs. We are also encouraging people to car pool with a friend, hence why we created a “buddy” rebate program for new registrants that sign up with a friend. Remember to Go-Green when ever possible!”
Effective July 29 through August 19th all currently registered athletes that get a new registrant to sign up for the American Mountain Classic will receive $50 refund on their entry fee, along with the new rider. Additionally any new rider who signs themselves and a friend up, who are not currently registered for the event, will each receive a $50 rebate off each their entry after proof of purchase.
To be eligible for the “Gas Relief” incentive program, all athletes must sign up on Sports Base Online at
the following link-https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?item_id=2346.
Upon completing registration, all registrants who qualify should contact Ty Kady with their entry receipt
for a rebate access code. Ty can be reached at Ty@shoair.com or 800-227-9111.
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
Greetings readers! When I left you last the wife and I were perched at the foot of what can only be described as a hellish staircase carved into the side of Apu Salkantay, just a few hundred yards from the pass. To this point in our journey we’d mostly escaped the symptoms of altitude sickness but for a few slight headaches. As we edged up this last stretch of incline I began to feel a bit light headed and woozy, a condition that I leveraged into even more frequent rest stops than before. I could see several trekkers atop the pass whooping and celebrating having conquered the switchbacks. This being a family website I will not repeat here the bitter and ugly thoughts I directed toward them and their merriment as Kayte and I proceeded at our injured snail’s pace. Alfredo was especially helpful at these moments, urging us on with visions of a delicious lunch and the promise that within minutes our uphill portion of the day would be concluded. We reached the top just after noon - some five hours after we’d departed camp. At the pass our group performed the time honored Andean tradition of rock stacking, an offering to the local mountain gods for our safe journeys. We then commenced with the time honored obnoxious American tradition of posing boastfully next to the signs marking the altitude. The sense of accomplishment didn’t sink in until much later in the day, partly owing to my woozy head and associated desire to get downhill ASAP.
Once we began to move down I allowed myself a smile at the thought that we’d made it past the toughest section of the trek. A few minutes later these smiling thoughts had bloomed into full blown hubris and a sense of invincibility. I began to entertain wild fantasies of besting Kilimanjaro and the Himalaya. Everest, I reflected, was no match for a man of my superior talents and endurance. And then just as these rapturous visions reached a crescendo with me imagining myself on the cover of Outside Magazine making a zoolander face under a headline reading “Andersen declares his next climb will be a volcano on the planet Mercury”…. I fell. Yes, that’s right, I fell hard and fast on the easiest breeziest=2 0little sloped trail, my body collapsing into an asymmetrical pile of limbs and trekking poles. After it was established that I hadn’t sustained any major injuries outside of a few scrapes we all had a good belly laugh at my atrocious sense of balance. Naturally I blamed the altitude sickness. No one bought it.
This little portion of the trek was, to these eyes, the most beautiful - no small feat during a week in which we regularly gasped due to sheer sensory overload. We were winding down through a long valley dotted with grazing sheep and granite boulders the size of houses. The valley floor was still and green, shielded from wind, as though God had scooped and then set apart this secret paradise out from the moist crust of the earth. The colors and vegetation reminded us of the great rift valley in Kenya, a place that Kayte and I have never forgotten. I promptly christened it “the valley at the end of the world” and made a mental note to amend my last will and testament so that my ashes may be scattered in this place when I die. We ate lunch next to a small stream, spooning soup and swiveling our heads around in wonderment, drinking in the fire of the blue sky and the smooth curvature of the valley walls. After a while we set out again, walking by a pair of wild horses drinking from a stream oblivious to us awestruck wanderers. The radical shifts in topography and vegetation that can take place inside just a few hours on this trek are truly extraordinary. At the end of the valley at the end of the world lay, shrouded in green mist, the beginning of the rainforest. Considering that we began the day alpine hiking above the tree line, it was borderline disorienting to be stumbling into a jungle scarcely seven hours later. We hugged a mountain wall as we continued our steady descent, with camp still four hours away. Orchids of differing colors began appearing beside us on the trail. I told Alfredo that one purple and yellow flower combo was hereby to be called the Laker flower. He returned a blank stare.
The downhill began to take a toll with camp still two hours to go. It was at this point that our knee joints began to feel gelatinous. As a child I remember reading with genuine puzzlement the stories in Exodus of the Israelites repeatedly turning upon Moses after he led them out of Egypt. Now that I reflect upon Alfredo’s wild swings in popularity with our group I think I understand the phenomenon much better. He was our hero after he got us to the pass but here we were the very same day, our legs aching and rubbery, questioning loudly if perhaps there was a more direct route to camp that he’d overlooked. Al fredo, to his great credit, took our fatigue induced moodiness with good humor, always replying with a smile and the maddeningly vague assurance “almost there”. Day two spanned eleven hours when all was said and done. Camp was a little ranch in the middle of a jungle clearing. Chickens, puppies and small children all took turns chasing one another over the grounds as twilight turned to dark. Our hosts sold us water and we sat quietly drinking, envying the poetry of this simple life. We ate and then slept, knowing that morning would bring with it a soreness unequaled by any other in our lives thus far.
Truth be told, the morning was creaky but not as bad as expected. Alfredo enticed us to arise early with a vicious lie: he said that today would be mostly a leisurely stroll along a broad flat path running parallel to a river. He later added that by flat he meant “peruvian flat” a linguistic distinction that did not amuse us. The trail did hug the river, but it was a rollercoaster of hills, up and down and there were constant muddy stretches to negotiate. It was much easier than days one and two and yet still it challenged us psychologically, mostly because we kept waiting for the promised wide and flat part. At times the trail would snake so that it lay just next to the river and you’d feel the wind coming a cross the water, cool on your face, the view clear of trees so that you could look forever into emerald hills without the slightest blemish of civilization. Then the trail would move back into the thicker, hotter jungle, and biting flies would circle your face, impervious to your feverish swats and you’d yearn for a long soak in deet jello. I have a feeling that last sentence won’t quite make the Peruvian Tourism Ministry’s official brochure. Just a hunch. Alfredo shamed us successfully by mentioning casually that the kids we met at camp walk to school along the very same trail, three hours each way, EVERY DAY. During one of our forays into the dense foliage a striking blue brown butterfly came swooping down and landed on the bill of my hat, refusing to move for several minutes. I took off my hat and took pictures of it at point blank range and still it just posed and stared, shimmering under the flash. We quickly became fond of this butterfly and were very sad to see it depart, flapping its way back into the impenetrable green. Near the end of the day we came to the beginning of a small town, with tiny houses set twenty and thirty yards apart. We passed by a hotly contested pickup soccer game, the locals blurring back and forth in bright jerseys, shouting at one another in clipped spanish. We were mesmerized, staying to watch until night threatened to swallow our path to camp in darkness.
The fourth day saw us weave through still more small villages and towns, the sights and sounds of which were nearly as captivating as the natural wonders we’d passed earlier in the trek. We saw a man and his son skinning a cow right by the road, a quasi Abrahamic image I won’t soon forget. The animal lay prone on its back, its blood fresh as they peeled, with great skill, long strips of its flesh until only meat remained. Alfredo was quick to remark that these people were careful not to waste any part of the cow, even down to the jawbone. Whether that’s true or not, it does seem that there’s something more honorable in being so intimately involved in the preparation of one’s sustenance. In the West our eating is so far removed from the animal itself, its as though all meat falls mysteriously from the sky into the grocery store freezer like manna from heaven. We stopped at some hot springs, nature’s jacuzzi, and soaked for an hour or so. This marked our first shower in four days not counting haphazard baby wipe baths in the tent. I felt like a new man afterwards, and looked like one too thanks to the new beard wrapped around my face. The beard, by the way, got mixed reviews. Kayte liked it but one of our fellow trekkers told me it made me look like George Michael, which I found horrifying. When, in the face of my visibly hurt feelings, she did not withdraw the comparison I vowed to be rid of the beard just as soon as we returned to civilization. That night we camped in a small town who’s name escapes me, the hard work of the trek now behind us. The train on to Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu were still waiting for us, we were excited to see them with our souls so refreshed by the countryside, and the beautiful people of Peru. We lay awake in our tent, listening to the moths fly blind into the nylon, wondering… Would the famed lost city of the Incas hold up to the hype? Time would tell.
(to be continued)
Click here to read part 1 of Trekking in Peru.
Ross Anderson
outsideallday.com Contributor
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