24 Hour of Utah... The Run

What is this? This a race where a team or solo run/walk/hike for 24 hours. Only one team member is on the course at a time. The course in this race is a 5.37 mile lap through some very scenic sites surrounding Moab,Utah.

2010 Race Schedule

View 2010 Race Schedule in a larger map

Here is the projected race schedule for the season! Each pin has the race details.

Let's see how it goes.

Snowshoeing in the Gulch

Today, we decided to take it easy but wanted to be outside! So, we got our snowshoes and headed to a local gulch system! We took lunch and the hiking stove!

Enjoy the video.

Powder day at Purgatory

With totally coolness; my company allows Paid Time Off to ski on days that are remarkable. After receiving 2 to 3 feet of new snow in South West Durango Friday seemed to be the perfect day to take off!

Tyler decided to venture in the deep powder; Brianna, she decided to pass up the opportunity for a later date.

The skiing was unbelievable and presented new challenges!

Sunday in the Back Country

Today, a buddy took me under his wing to show me the basics of back country skiing.

Thanks again Walker!!

Let me provide a summary for those of you not familiar with back country skiing. At least this has been my organic definition as I am new to the sport!!

Back Country Skiing: Skiing without paying any money to ski, skiing without seeing another human except for your buddies, being outdoors in the blissful and peaceful wilderness, and finally, skiing the "white gold" deep powder. Oh did I also mention getting sun burned, so you also can work on your tan!

Enjoy the Video.

Andrews Lake Snowshoeing

We decided to snowshoe around Andrews Lake. Andrews is north of Durango about 4 miles south of Molas Pass. It was a typical beautiful CO day, sunny, lots of good snow, and actually warm while snowshoeing.

We started from parking just off of 550, traveled past the Lake and climbed to 11,200 feet to rest at a nice vista.


View Larger Map

Enjoy the video.

Purgatory Ski Resort

Dad, Tyler, Brianna and I visited Purgatory Ski Resort on 30December09.

Have fun with the video!

Mercury Christmas Party

My employer, Mercury Payment System, provides a Christmas party each year.

Oh, the joys of these parties. Who did what, with who, where, and wow. All of the fun things people due under the influence of some bubblies.

Here we are before the party.



See how lucky I am!!

A taste of Night Riding...

I went out to fight the "skin-walkers" solo around 7pm. It was a bit chilly, 35 degrees and it seemed darker than usual. I jammed to the tunes from my iPod to drown out my fears of blood-thirsty coyotes or other sharp-toothed mammals looming in the dark. All was good until Michael Jackson's thriller song kicked in...(I had a buddy tell me the "skin-walkers" come out after 7! eep.)

I had borrowed different night riding lights from a buddy to compare the difference to what I already own. The differences: First, I had two lights this time, one mounted to my helmet with a second on the handlebars. My original setup only had a helmet light. I think I like this dual light setup and will have two lights for next years 24 hours of Moab.

I just took a few minutes of the video from the entire ride( I don't want to you to die of boredom so don't expect anything thrilling). When your watching the video, the camera is mounted behind my helmet light (you will notice the off/on green light). Take note of the two lights moving around and some of the few snow spots on the ground!!

Winter swimming: Form drills.

We re-started our swim training; however, we are focusing initially on swimming drills. The below video focuses on 5 basic form drills. Over the next month we will focus on more advanced drills. (stand by for those videos!)

I plan on working on form once a week while slowly increasing our distance. Early spring we will work in our speed training.

I took the drills from the Total Immersion philosophy. Feel free to check out the site: www.totalimmersion.net

Drill 1
Float on your back, head back, water-line along the side of the goggles, chest and hips up, and a smooth yet quiet kick.

Drill 2 (also called the "Sweet Spot")
Here it is important to turn the body as one unit keeping the knuckles on the hip and at waterline,one goggle partially submerged with a smooth kick, and continuous breathing.

Drill 3 ("Sweet Spot" with extending arm)
Same as drill 2 except for extending your arm keeping the arm below water at approximately 3-4:30 and midline.

Drill 4 (also called the "Fish")
Start on your back, move to Sweet Spot, but this time turn your head underwater while kicking smoothly. When breath is required roll back to the sweet spot. This underwater head position is also the same position when doing the crawl.

Drill 5 ("Sweet Spot/Extended Arm" then underwater switch)
Basically, the same as drill 3 but performing a underwater switch of arms then back to the "Sweet Spot".

Enjoy the video of Tyler learning the drills.

Cruising November 7th

Today, we woke up and Brianna, Rebecca and I did a 5k near the hospital. It was Brianna's first race and did outstanding. We took no pictures!

After we got home, Rebecca and I took the cruisers out and headed downtown to a ski swap meet. I needed a new pair of AT Boots, Tyler needed a helmet and goggles.

Chica got to sit in the front basket!



Beautiful day in Durango.

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.

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!

More Durango bouldering

Tyler and I went out today while the girls stayed home. We found a new problem to work on that presented an acceptable challenge!

Action shot as Tyler reaches for an opposing force hand hold.


The initial aspect requires the use of a reverse ledge to create an opposing force while positioning your left foot on a decent hold. This then leads into two more holds for the hands which are again opposing forces to keep your Center of Gravity (CG) close to the boulder face.

Blah, blah blah, I could continue on about bouldering buzz words; however, it was a good project. I would rate the crux (the most difficult move of a route on a boulder) of this route a 5.9.


Short video.



Tyler will get this next time we go out. It is one of those things you try, try, and try again, then the next time you attempt it, it will be easy!

Rebecca the Boulder

Rebecca wanted to enjoy on the fun; purchased some shoes and a chalk bag!

She has nice balance and finesse to her movement!




Now, I had to purchase a crash pad!

Sailing Hawks - Bouldering

I have been itching to get the opportunity to boulder again. After the 24 Hours of Moab, I am going to occupy the rest of the fall with climbing. Hopefully, we can even schedule a trip to Moab.

Bouldering is the act of climbing large rocks(boulders) without ropes or harnesses. There are rating systems used to rate the various routes of a climb. We are focused on the V0.

We went this weekend and purchased climbing shoes and chalk bags! We visited two climbing areas near Durango: Turtle Lake and Sailing Hawks. I was very impressed with the kid's initial ability to climb and focus while under some fearful situations. The kids were exposed to the "Oh Shit" feeling. This is the feeling when you get high enough you cannot come down, but instead have to continue climbing up and conquer the boulder. This typically requires extreme focus. Forgetting the fear of falling and instead focusing all brain energy on the basics of the climb.


Some videos I created.



Another video:



Below Tyler climbs on a warm-up boulder. It is a fairly simple traverse.

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Brianna doing the same. Take note of my height. I am standing 6ft tall. The boulder was approximately 20 ft.(click for larger image)

Brianna keeping her hips near the boulder and her legs and arm as straight as possible.

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Tyler poses while resting his forearms.

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Brianna preparing to conquer a climb.

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R.S.S.N.R

Rigid Single Speed Night Riding in the gulch!

I was eager to try out my new Lights in Motion 200L head lamp for some mountain bike night riding; stupidly, I also decided to ride the rigid single speed.

The experience was a blend of emotions...

Remember as a kid, your first time in Disney World and riding Space Mountain? You start off in a dark chamber, lots of blinky lights, as you prepared yourself to be launched into a dark abyss of gravity defying thrills?

Remember, your first time parking the car with the high school girlfriend in a dark area. It was dark, not sure what your getting into...

Both of these emotions can be mixed into one sweet elixir" "Mountain bike night riding."

I started off unsure what to expect, I climbed Horse Gulch road focusing on a circle of light 15 feet in front of my 29inch wheel. Everything outside the light's diameter was dark. I contemplated on the light; would this be similar to the light I will see at the moment of death? I can hear voices saying "Don't follow the light", fortunately this time, this light will keep me safe!

I continued riding, the air was cool and it felt good. I approached the meadow and scanned the helmet light across the dark abyss. To my surprise, and off in an unknown distance, I saw eyes. A couple little eyes, but one set in particular caught my attention. They were much larger than the rest. Possibly a bear or mountain lion. From this point forward every 30 seconds I would grunt loudly to hopefully scare off anything considering me a tasty evening snack.

After awhile, I calmed down, and rode on silently. I let go of any concerns of being torn apart by a nasty saber tooth tiger and become one with the night. I heard the bugs, felt the cool breeze, saw the stars, and barely heard my wheels quietly rolling on the single track. I felt as if I was supposed to be there. I stopped at one point to turn off my head light and just listened. It was very calming....

Enough of the philosophical discussion! The bottom line, it as great fun and training for the 24 hour Moab race coming up in October!

Helmet light, Battery pack, and Camel Back. The light runs 10 hours at low setting and 5 hours at high setting.

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The Rigid Single Speed, Kona 2-9 Unit

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The happy mountain biker (me) after the ride and displaying the gear!

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Rigid Single Speed Night Riding in the gulch!

24 Moab Training

Tyler and I are entering the 24 Hour Moab with two other riders from Mercury. I am thinking we will be "Team Mercury". The basics of the race; your team completes as many 15 mile laps as possible within a 24 hour period. This means night riding!

Below is our schedule of training to handle the event.

Tuesday - Faster anaerobic pace for 15 miles on our geared racing bikes.
Wednesday - Slower strength single speed riding 15 miles.
Thursday - 15-20 miles easy ride on geared racing bikes.

The above is fairly static from week to week leading to the race. Saturdays however, slowly increment to increase our endurance (time in the saddle, and overall miles)

Saturday - Every Saturday we do 15 mile laps in our local trail system called Horse Gulch. This last Saturday we completed 3 laps of 15 miles for 4 hours and 45 minutes in the saddle and a total of 45 miles. Next Saturday we are doing 4 laps. I pyramid this until we do 5 laps, then drop back down to 2 laps for a recover and continue to build back up until the race day.

The Saturday route consists- Sonic TH, Horse Gulch rd, Meadow, Telegraph, Sidewinder, Cowboy, SouthRim, Carbon, River Trail, Sonic TH.

The highlight of the trip is climbing over telegraph (which is always a nice challenge to conquer on any ride) The first 1.6 miles is the steepest aspect of the route (1000 ft of elevation in the first 1.6 miles) and the last 100 yards is a ball breaking climb to a nice overlook.

This last Saturday I felt weak from the beginning; however, Tyler, was a hammer, he cleared Telegraph on laps 2 and 3! I was thrilled with his performance!

One day very soon, I will eating the dust from his rear tire.

Engineer Mountain - dos - Mercury hike!

Today some brave souls from Mercury Payment Systems decided to summit Engineer mountain.

The Mercury staff: Fred Hutt, Jim Mackay, Rebecca and and "one co-worker extraordinaire, Jerry Bevington who was about a mile behind waving furiously from below". The image below we begin the ascent. The hike from the parking lot to the base took 52 minutes.

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Jim showing Mercury agility as he powers up the mountain. Notice the clouds swirling!

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After another 54 minutes from the base, we arrive at the cloud surrounded summit. Even though the 360 degree view was not there it felt good to be on top of Engineer. Notice, our marketing guru, ready to climb another 3000 ft while styling a Mercury hat! In reality, Fred would be the only one able to continue another 3k.

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We decided to descend a bit and find a nice overlook on Engineer to eat lunch and yes, we fed some of the local begging mammals living on the mountain.

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Overall, a great trip. The trip was approximately 4 hours including our lunch on Engineer.
The clouds were looming with rain; however, only a few drops were felt and it was a very pleasant hike and climb. We did have a guest star pass by us on our descent to the cars. Matt Taylor was powering up the trail on his mountain bike! It was a true Mercury moment.

Thank you Fred for showing my wife some basic climbing up and down the crux! And Rebecca kicked arse climbing over some sketchy and exposed areas while the wind was harsh.


Go Mercury.

Lime Mesa - dos in 2009

Since Lime Mesa is a fun, easy, high-country hike we took the parents to the route on Sunday. Here we stand right before entering the Weminuche Wilderness. Be sure to click on any image for the larger pic.

On the way to the look out is a very clear glacier lake. Tyler caught me on camera.

Dave, trekking up the route. If there were mountain lions nearby he may have been our bait.

But thankfully, there was a herd of free range sheep moving through the high-country. I am sure the mountain lions were focused on those meals.


Two more glacier lakes, Ruby and Emerald from the look out. I really want to camp out at Emerald (the lake to the right)

And of course the short video of the event. The wind was amazing. You will notice us talking but all you hear is whooosh. I am really considering buying a HD video camera.





Next weekend, Tyler and I need to get back into a serious routine preparing for a mountain bike endurance race. The 2009 24 hours at Moab. We have roughly 2 months before the race. Stand by for pics and our training schedule.