Challenge yourself!

I'm a big advocate of TRX (Total Resistance Exercise).  I've been using the TRX straps during my off-season training for the past 2 seasons now and believe anyone looking to take their performance to the next level (regardless of sport) needs to give it a try. 

If you want to challenge yourself and have access to the TRX straps, try this TRX metabolic workout (scroll down towards the bottom of page).  Trust me you will be exhausted by the time you are finished.  Nothing better than getting in a solid 30 min. workout. 

If you really weant to take your training to the next level, combine TRX training with a trip down to one of the Athletes' Performance facilities and work with one of the many excellent fitness specialists there.   I was hoping to get down there this past February but was unable to do so...maybe next year.

Pickett's Charge report and Video

Lots of people (over 250) showed up for the Pickett's Charge XC race on Sunday which also served as the RiverCity Oregon XC Series Final.   The trails on Sunday were quite dusty and dry which made it difficult at times to see the trail when riding behind someone.  By the end of the race everyone's face was covered in dust and it sounded like a hospital where everyone was caughing.  Good times!

Check out the race video.  This is on Funner Trail  during the first lap.  I was curretly in 4th at the time.
 
The race unfolded early with Sheppard attacking early during the start loop with myself, Ben T., Brig B., James W., and Brennan W. chasing.  Brig and Ben would each suffer a flat during the descent on the first lap.  At the bottom of the descent James, Brennan and I were joined by a charging Matt R.  We traded leads for the next 30-40  min.  before James eventually dropped back.  Matt and I continued to push the pace trying to catch Sheppard but it was too late.  We crossed the line 2.5 min behind Sheppard for 2nd and 3rd place followed by James W. a few minutes later.

Click here for full results

Next up on the calendar...

Pickett's Charge XC held in Bend, OR.  Last year this race changed courses and moved to the new trail system built by COTA (Funner and Tiddlewinks).  The new trails connect with the Wanoga Sno Park area and make for some really sweet riding.  I would have to say these two trails make for the perfect race course.  It a combination of steep technical climbs, mixed with some technical rocky descents that is all 100% singletrack.  There are also several section of "passing lanes" where riders can choose to go right or left depending on skill (one side is longer but less techy, and the other side is shorter but more techy).   Check out the Race Flyer for full details.

The weather is supposed to be perfect (high 70's).  And I'm guessing there will be an all-star lineup of local talent considering most are in town this weekend. 

I will have my helmet cam on during the race so I will have some good footage to share.  Check back on Tues as I will have updates.

Since we're on the topic of videos...

If you haven't already seen this, it's pretty entertaining and worth watching.  With the Marathon MTB World Championships this weekend in Italy, those who are attending will all be chasing rainbows (hence the colors of the World Champion stripes).
Can you name some of the famous riders who are included?  I could only name 2.

Riding trails near home - video

I haven't had the opportunity this season to ride many trails near home, so when I got the chance I chose to ride some of the local favorites; Storm King, Funner, Tiddlewinks, and COD.  Here's a taste of COD!

One more video from TSE

Here is some more video from my helmet cam during the Trans Sylvania Stage Race.
Click HERE to view it.

More footage from TSE - helmet cam style!

Check out my Helmet cam video - TSE Stage 7 from my Contour HD camera.  This footage is from the midway point during the stage.
Make sure you click on the "Fullscreen" button on the bottom right after playing video so you can get the full effect.  Enjoy!

Something new in Bend

Leave it to Bend, OR to come up with a cycling event that is different form most but seems pretty damn cool.  Check out this link for all the details...should make for some interesting action.
My cards are on Adam!
I wouldn't be surprised to see Mark Weir show up to contest for the title either; if it came down to the pint of beer to be drank he would surely have the advantage :-).

Another cool video from the TSE

This unique video was taken from Jason Sager's (TeamJamis) bike.  It's from Stage 5 and during this stage there were 4 "mini-xc's".  The total mileage of the stage was only 28 miles, and each mini-xc lasted on 2-4 miles.  In between each mini-xc we all rode at a casual pace (usual for about 4-8 miles). The mini-xc's were each extremely technical and rocky that consisted of a short climb followed by mostly descending.  Each one lasted anywhere between 6-12 minutes. 
Sager had his Go Pro camera mounted behind his seatpost and it really gives you a great perspective of the intensity of each racer behind him.  Each mini-xc start was a mass start format and it was an all out (120%) effort.

TSE Video - Stage 6

Here is a cool Video of Stage 6 from the Trans Sylvania race compliments of Colt at Cycling Dirt.