Monday, October 26, 2009

24 Hours of Moab

Nothing is a total failure; and all education has a cost are my life's mantra. Learning about the various aspects of the race I believe require a couple iterations to really learn the basics. Furthermore, I believe you will learn new things each year.

What did we learn? First, I am thankful for the friends and family that decided to help support the race. We learned that the race is not only about the racers but very much the support staff. There are a variety of roles that are required outside the racers to make this successful. Rather than go into the details, I will summarize that the race support of a team needs to have some management and defined roles. Second, the various training, equipment, food, and patterns of behavior for the racers are more clearly defined.

The bottom line, I cannot wait until next year! Check out some of the pictures below!

Below the entire crew; my cool company Mercury Payment System sponsored our team and we in return broadcast our name. We also considered how Mercury Payment System could involve the merchants at the event to help land strategic accounts elsewhere. We even made the company blog!

Here is the link to the company's blog. http://mindset.mercurypay.com/?p=306

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Notice how my head is hanging a little lower. This was after the majority of the climbing and i was resting my lower back.

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Tyler, looking like a pro whipping around the corner.

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This is after the same climb, Tyler looking strong.

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If you click to get the larger image, look closely at the loose sand. This can be brutal while on the bike. The route was a combination of hard pack and suddenly you hit deep soft sand. Maintaining balance in the sand while pedaling was something new for Tyler and I. Yes, this was some pro chick in front of me, I had to pass her! and I did :)

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The race was a La Mans start. This is where everyone starts at a start line and runs to the bikes!





In conclusion of the year...


I want to thank everyone for their good attitudes and team spirit!

Tyler, honestly, you totally made me proud this year. Starting from the early years Xterras to finishing up the season with your first endurance race. Your dedication of learning all aspects of training from open water swimming to mental endurance when the things become cold, dark, and tiring brought many hidden tears to my eyes. All season long you you held a dedication not common amongst teenagers: waking up early to trail run, swim during my lunches and bike ride during the workdays and weekends. Finally, the endurance training rides started when you were in High School; maintaining all A's, taking college classes as a Junior, having girlfriends, yet you still trained. You are totally awesome and you are just planting the seeds to your opportunities of the future! The world is your oyster.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Moab - warmup.

This weekend we drove to Moab, UT to complete a practice run before the big race this coming weekend, 10 and 11th of October.


It was a bit of an adventure; I missed a turn and ended up adding 2 hours to my overall drive. :) But, we got to see the beautiful country on the way to Telluride!


We ended up camping in the Sand Flats east of Moab. It was a bit crowded for my personal taste, but the accessibility and cost was worth it!


Part of the goals this weekend were as follows:


1) Sucessfully pull a pop-top camper to Moab via our Jeep.

2) Setup the camper.

3) Spend the night in the camper.

4) Pre-Ride the 24 hours Moab route before the race!


Well, all was accomplished except for #4. We did however ride on the Slick Rock trail near our camp site.


We will just have to adapt for the race; I am sure we will be fine.


Below, my three children. Aren't their faces beautiful!?


Edward Abbey would roll over in his grave seeing the cars out here! Beautiful sunset with the clouds.

Inside our new home!

Didn't Rebecca tell you we sold our townhome and downgraded?

Our camp spot. Ryan from work is in the background; it is also his red Jeep. We took both cars. The Jeep pulled the pop-up camper and the Element carried the bikes.


We were chased out of Moab early due to some approaching storms! Here we are getting out of dodge!




Next week, here we come!