xxc issue #2

XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO XXCMAG.COM 1

I’m happy to say- XXC #2 is done! I feel real good about this one. I liked

the first issue, and in some ways it may have been better. But I have to say

issue two is the ballz. Content just really came together for this issue. The

season is in full swing and folks are putting in huge efforts on the race

courses and on the trails. I myself have a 5 hour and a 13 hour race under

my belt already and a few hundred miles of mountain epics in. To me,

that is what mountain biking is all about. Long days in the saddle, IN the

mountains on a mountain bike!

But hey, XXC isn’t about me. It’s about you, you, that chick in the purple,

you, that guy over there with his bibs on over his T-shirt and that chick

right there. It’s about US . It’s about doing long races, logging big miles

and enjoying time in the saddle of a mountain bike.

As far as racing, XXC #2 has lots of great race coverage from Trans Iowa,

The Cape Epic (Tinker!! Can you believe it? Freaking Tinker!!), The

Cohutta 100 and more. There is also a really awesome article and some

KILLER pics from Jason Boucher (aka GNAT) from his epic adventure

on the Kokopelli Trail.

I am really thrilled to have some of Joe Foley’s portrait photos in th mag.

He captured these down at this year’s Leesburg Baker’s Dozen. If you live

here on the East coast and are close to the D.C. area you have to go check

out Joe’s exhibit at Artomatic. The show starts Friday, May 29th. And

will include the photos seen here in XXC and more. Artomatic is located

at 55 M Street SE in Washington, DC. You can get more info at

[email protected] and Joe’s blog- joefoley.blogspot.com.

As always, big thanks to the contributors for lending XXC their talents

and joining me in the spreading of the Enduro Freak Gospel. You rock!!

Also thanks to you the reader. I see the stats, I know you’re reading. I

read the e mails and appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Thank

you. I hope you keep reading, but more importantly I hope you keep

riding, racing, and putting in the miles.

Jason Mahokey

xxcmag.com

[ introduction ] [ introduction ]

“Hundie Practice” April 2009. “Hundie Practice” April 2009.

Photo by Brad Schmalzer Photo by Brad Schmalzer

http://artomatic.org/


[ contributors ]

Thanks to all the contributors of XXC #2.

Without you, none of this would be possible. Your generosity

and talents are greatly appreciated. Thanks for sharing.

Carey Lowery - careylowery.blogspot.com

Tinker Juarez & Terri Slifko - tinkerjuarez.blogspot.com

Johnny Kritzinger - dcmchromemtb.co.za

Lynda Wallenfels - 2-epic.com

Ben Welnak

Jason Boucher - gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com

Joe Foley - joefoley.blogspot.com

Tim VanGilder & Troupe Racing Co. - trouperacingco.com

Guitar Ted - g-tedproductions.blogspot.com

Joe Meiser - eojmeiser.blogspot.com

Jason Mahokey - thesoiledchamois.com

Kristin Aho

Brad Schmalzer - twenty-thirdattemptatblogging.blogspot.com

Paul Buchanan - bluecolnago.blogspot.com

Corey “Cornbread” Godfrey - cornbreadblog.blogspot.com

Tim Mullin - pbb.smugmug.com

Ben Thomson

James Mandolini - epicrides.com

Jon Pratt - mtnbiker.smugmug.com

With special thanks to Wifey, B-Man, family, Don, Aarron,

Brad, Mr. Garth Prosser, Mike Ripley, my iMac,

Dogfish Head Brewing, Victory Brewing and Sierra Nevada.

If you would like to contribute words, photos or art

to the next issue of XXC or would like advertising information

please e mail Jason Mahokey at [email protected].

2nd No More at the Cohutta 100 by Carey Lowery 03

Tinker and Johnny Take On Dr. Evil and The Cape Epic by Tinker Juarez & Johnny Kritzinger 05

2 Epic’s Whiskey 50 by Lynda Wallenfels 17

W.E.M.B.S. #1, Stump Farm 12 Hour by Ben Welnak 18

14 Hours On The Kokopelli Trail by Jason Boucher 21

Faces of Racing, The Bakers Dozen Project by Joe Foley 32

24 Hours of Andrenaline, Hurkey Creek (Solo) by Tim VanGilder & Troupe Racing 40

Trans Iowa V.5- Beyond The Rocks, Dust & Dirt by Guitar Ted 46

Recapping The Gravel Madness of Trans Iowa V.5 by Joe Meiser 53

The First Time by Jason Mahokey 58

And a bunch of other stuff in-between.

[ contents ]

http://careylowery.blogspot.com/

http://tinkerjuarez.blogspot.com/

http://www.dcmchromemtb.co.za/index.php?sectionID=2&mf=athletes_view&aID=85

http://2-epic.com/

https://gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com/

http://joefoley.blogspot.com/

http://www.trouperacingco.com/

http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/

http://eojmeiser.blogspot.com/

http://www.thesoiledchamois.com/

http://twenty-thirdattemptatblogging.blogspot.com/

http://bluecolnago.blogspot.com/

http://www.cornbreadblog.blogspot.com/

http://pbb.smugmug.com/

http://www.epicrides.com/wor/worpast.htm

http://mtnbiker.smugmug.com/


Today was the day. I would not have a better opportunity to “get the monkey off

my back.” Not wanting to be the “perennial 2nd place finisher” any longer, I was

determined to leave it all out on the trail. And so it began with the call up. I took

my usual spot several rows back.At the start, I rode fast enough to get in with a

good group of racers, but not so fast that I would blow up.

The temperature at the start was 52 degrees, but I knew it was going to be a long

hot day (the high was 88). Using a Sharpie I wrote “EAT!” on my forearm to

ensure that my nutrition plan was going to be followed.

On Brush Creek Trail, I was in a good position and was able to keep the pace up.

I could see Paula (Burks) just ahead and somewhere in front of her were Danielle

and Betsy (Shogren). Brush Creek was a hot! I was in a good rhythm and already

I knew my legs were going to be strong!

Entering Boyd Gap, I was told me that the others were just a couple minutes

ahead. On this singletrack descent there were a couple guys in front of me using

WAY too much brake, but I guess this was a good thing as it forced me to be

patient and not do anything stupid. Descending down the paved section to Old

Copper Road, I was right on Paula’s wheel and could see Betsy just ahead.

The two SLOW guys were also ahead. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, they

were probably not locals and just did not know the trail like I. But I wanted to

keep Betsy in sight so I jumped ahead of them and Paula upon entering Old

Copper Road. I was right on Betsy’s wheel when we hit the super rooty section. I

was able to get around her by going to the right.

From then on, it was a train of three: me, Paula, then Betsy. We rode this way for

the remainder of the singletrack up to the beginning of the 65 miles of gravel

road, a.k.a. “the Death March.” It was here that we caught up to Danielle. We all

rode together for the first couple minutes until Paula flatted.

As we started up a series of 3 short, but supersteep shady climbs, Betsy and

Danielle pulled away from me. I never lost sight of them and was slowly able to

reel them back in on the descents. I knew that a 5 mile flat section was fast

approaching so I started looking around for “domestiques.” You know, some big

strong guys on 29’rs. I found two and locked on tight to their wheel. I was able to

drop Danielle using this tactic. She was looking strong and I needed every

advantage to put some distance between us.

Betsy also followed suit and for a while we rode together. I thought it was pretty

ingenious of her to use a riser bar and flip it down on her 29’r to give her a

proper bike fit. When we started climbing Daly Gap, Betsy once again managed

to drop me as she went into “mountain goat” mode.

Not worrying too much, I just settled into a rhythm and let my legs and lungs

dictate the pace. After about 30 minutes, I just happened to look back and saw

Danielle. Uh, oh ... it appeared that I settled a bit too much. Luckily I was feeling

good enough to kick it up a notch and not let her catch me.

Once on top of the ridge, I put it in the big ring and hammered it to Aid Station

2 where I stopped for my Camelbak and gel flask. The stop was no longer than

30 seconds.

From there it was a short gradual climb followed by some sweet descending to

Jack’s River campground. I apologize to the driver of the truck who thought that

he was going to make a hood ornament out of me.

By now, it was starting to get HOT! But I was hydrating well and taking a

squeeze of gel every 30 minutes, so my body was feeling great. At the bottom of

the Potato Patch climb, I was able to hook up with another 29’r who seemed to

be equal to me on the climb. His name was Todd. It was great to be able to pace

up this 9 mile climb with him.

About a mile into the climb we caught up with Betsy. As I approached her, I tried

to read her body language for any indication of weakness. Her cadence seemed

to be a little slow, but it also appeared she had a 2 by 9 drivetrain. But from

Continued >

After years of finishing 2nd, Carey Lowery takes the win at the Cohutta 100 Cohutta 100 Race Report by Carey Lowery


racing against her last year, I also knew she was superfast and here I was riding

alongside her. Was it because I was better or was there something wrong with

her? I guess only time would tell.

Upon reaching the top, Betsy sped up a bit and I matched her, but ouch, it did

hurt. I passed by Bubba’s aid station

3 and when I looked back to see

where Todd and Betsy were, Betsy

was not there! Oh my goodness, now

was my chance to try to put some

distance between us.

The adrenaline kicked in and I do

believe that is the fastest I ever

climbed and descended the next 10

miles. It was super rutty up on top

and you had to be ever so focused or

you would end up cartwheeling off

the mountain.

The descent on FS 17 was super fun!

Even the short evil uphills were not

so bad. Legs were great and I happily

stood and ground up those pitches.

At this point my chain was beginning

to make some noises, “I ... need ...

lube.” So at aid station 4 (mile 65) I

stopped and let them lube my chain

while I refilled and refueled.

The long flat stretch after this aid station is usually my arch enemy. Usually there

is a headwind and with the legs being heavy, I feel like I am on a treadmill:

working hard but going nowhere. But today, the legs were good. Yes, the

headwind was there but so were two more domestiques. Once again, I latched

on. They were strong and a couple times I about popped off, but I dug deep,

knowing that this was a place where I could potentially put more time on my

competition.

At this point in the race, I was beginning to realize that a win was a possibility,

However, I had no idea how far back Betsy, Danielle, and Paula were. I also

vividly remembered the sprint finish in 2007 and did not want to repeat that bit

of excitement.

Once I began to climb up Big Frog, I found my legs again and pushed it. I knew

my favorite set of rollers lay just ahead and I was ready for some fun. This

section of fireroad seemed to fly by. In years past, this was where I began to

really hurt, but today I was on fire. Everything seemed to be going perfect! I flew

down the descent into the Big Creek area, almost overcooking a couple corners,

but by now I was beginning to smell

the singletrack, even though it was

still 8-10 miles away.

Right after Big Creek there is “the

Wall,” an agonizingly steep section

that always hurts like a M-Fer. But

not today! Today I was the

conqueror, not the conquered. It was

here that I began passing some Big

Frog racers and they looked like the y

were in a world of hurt. But they

were indeed toughing it out!

After a few miles of rollers, it was

downhill time to the last bit of

singletrack. Oh, yeah! Back in my

element. At the last aid station, I

dropped my Camelbak, drank a Dr.

Pepper, grabbed a cold water bottle.

Thanks, Zeke! I leapt onto West

Fork and treated this last 10 miles

like a lap in an XC race. It made no

difference that I had already been racing for 90 miles. I asked my legs for some

speed and they responded gleefully.

I thoroughly enjoyed Quartz, Bypass, Lower Chestnut, and Thunderock. As I

dropped on down to the last bit of pavement, I said to myself, “I am going to

win!” My next thought was, “About damn time!” As I rolled across the finish

line, I looked up and saw 8:06. A PR for me. Elated, I soft-pedaled up the paved

path, cherishing the moment.

A huge congrats to Paula for pulling out a 2nd place finish and to Danielle for

3rd. It seems both these ladies had bike mechanicals but dug deep and finished

strong. And tremendous kudos to Betsy for hanging in for fourth as she was

having body mechanicals.

Carey Lowery enjoying the top spot on the women’s podium.

To read more about Carey’s adventures, check out careylowery.blogspot.com.


Tinker & Johnny Take On Dr. Evil & The Cape Epi c Inside the 2009 Cape Epic with Tinker Juarez & Johnny Kritzinger

By: Tinker Juarez and Johnny Kritzinger. With photos by: Terry Slifko


We had a great journey here to Cape Town South Africa. Here is what I ’ ve been up to to get ready for the race.

I got a short ride in yesterday after putting together my bike. Today we went up to Table Mountain and went to a loal bike shop and had some coffee. and a nice danish roll, discussed the bikes, the course, and the race.

When we headed out this morning we found out that Table Mountain was burning. We were not sure if it would be closed but headed up anyway. It was pretty smokey since it had burned through the night and over 150 homes were evacuated, but they let us ride. Shan - one of the locals knew all the trials.

What a surreal sight - you could still feel the heat from the ground and the burning scrub. From time to time you could feel the water drops from the helicopters. The wood was still smouldering and the

helicopters were flying all above. I was thinking we would go to jail today. Wow!

Back to the ride- It was a tough ride. It is steep with loose rocks, sand, and broken up roads. There are big rocks in the decent and the turns are slippery. I was really happy to have my Stan ’ s wheelset set up with my Kenda tubeless tires. It is so easy to pinchflat. I was happy to have the Scalpel - I will definitely need the full suspension for this one. For the rest of the week - I have no idea what to expect - but I am glad I brought the gear I did. Yes - this is a tougher prologue than most.

I don’t have photos of it but it looked like the sun was rising because the fire was so hot. It was a perfect beginning for the toughest mountain bike stage race in the world.

-Tinker

Table Mountain Burning Wednesday, March 18, 2009

South African sunset.


Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Cape Epic: Prologue Saturday, March 21, 2009 Start/Finish: Cape Town Distance: 17km Climbing: 650m

The Cape Epic started today with the 19 km prologue. Johnny Kritzinger, a 22 year old South African and up and coming champion, is my partner for the next 7 days. We are riding on the DCM-MonaVie-Cannondale team and had a great race today. We are in the open Men ’ s category and started somewhere around the 360 spot or something.

It was a fast and fun course with just the right amount of climbing. We lost track of the number of teams we passed and ended up with the fastest lap time for much of the day. Overall, we finished 19th. An excellent start. Johnny and I worked well together and I look forward to racing with him.

-Tinker

On the line at the 2009 Cape Epic Prologue.

In the lead at the half way mark. In the lead at the half way mark.


We started the day today at 3:45 AM and were on the road with the convoy by 4:30 AM. The stage started at Gordonís Bay. I felt normal at the start. Not tired but I knew it would be a long day in the saddle. We had a good starting position so it was a nice neutral start. Everyone was shuffling around and got into a comfortable place. The first climb was 8 miles from the start and I started having a mechanical problem. This was when I realized how technical and hard the course was going to be on the bike. The next neutral support area didn ’ t have anything that we could use. Johnny waited for me and we hammered when we could. Your mental status is so important to performance and on this first day I knew I had to get over it. After three hours of struggling I almost

Cape Epic: Stage 1 Sunday, March 22, 2009 Start/Finish: Gordonís Bay to Villiersdorp Distance: 112km Climbing: 2729m

cracked. It was just a matter now of just trying to survive the rest of the ride and finish.

We rolled across the line in 22nd place and 24th overall. Not bad after a day like today. Oh, a lesson learned today: Pick a small kid on the side of the road to do the high five with. The teenager I saw today almost knocked me off my bike!

Ben (Sonntag) and Jacques (Jansevan Rensberg) had a great day and made up some time from yesterday. They finished 10th and are in 15th place, overall. Ben said, “ It was definitely tough. It was bumpy and hot. The hardest part was after I lost my water bottle and I bonked a little. I am so happy we got a good finish. ”

Will try and post daily. I just know that if the rest of the race is like today then the Cape Epic will live up to its reputation. Untamed.

Should be better tomorrow. Good sleep will help.

-Tinker

Oh God yes! Ice me please!


Cape Epic: Stage 2 Monday, March 23, 2009 Start/Finish: Villiersdorp Distance: 110km Climbing: 1527m

Crossing the line and finishing stage 2.

Crossing the line and finishing stage 2.

After a well deserved rest it was all action again at 5 o’clock in the morning. Feeling good and keen to make up for some lost time Tinker and myself set our bottoms on our saddles for what was to be the 3rd day of the untamed African race.

The start greeted us with a fast and flat 6km section of tar. Great to get the legs warmed up and move up in something that looks like the peleton you’d see in the Tour de France. On the top of the small hill the arrows sent us right and into the mountains. This section of downhill was just crazy! What made it even harder than the tons of rocks sticking out was the enormous dust cloud that was being created by the riders. The dust made it impossible to see where you were going! A big crash in this section saw other DCM Chrome Monavie rider Jacques Janse Van Rensburg go down hard as another rider ’ s’ bike flew in- front of him!

We made it through safely and putting the hammer down to try and catch the small bunch ahead of us. Tinker was flying! I just had to keep up on the downhills, my hard tail not the best option for untamed Africa. ( I did not tell Tinker, but he had a massive rear wheel puncture when his rear tire met a sharp rock.....it used a lot of sealant but sealed perfectly!) Stan ’ s Sealant is the best invention in mountain biking!

Sitting pretty in the second big bunch of the day we were happy as our company were the two leading masters teams for the day. They did some big pulls on the flat roads and one could feel the tension build between them as the finish line drew closer with every pedal stroke.

The cooler weather definitely helped us today. The body does not fatigue as much like it does in the ridiculously hot weather like we had on stage 1. Our goal of trying to make up some lost time was a sure thing and we were feeling great as we rolled along the fast open roads towards Villiersdorp.

Like it was not hard enough forcing our bikes and bodies through the sand and undulating rocky terrain. Dr. Evil had something special for us for

the finish....a steep 5km climb to the top of a mast tower on a koppie (a small mountain/rise)! This sting in the tail sure did hurt! The climb also gave us our first sight of wild animals, weird because we had apparently rode through a private animal reserve along the route. Nonetheless we were happy to see some cows! Tinker makes an awesome cow moo and he can even make them stand up and walk out of the way.

The fast single track downhill was a real treat after the hard climb and knowing that it was only another 5km to the finish made it even better. Swooping through the vineyards and onto the tar road for the last 1km to the finish we were really happy with our 14th place on the day. A brilliant ride on anyone ’ s terms!

Our goal for the rest of the ABSA Cape Epic will be just to keep it smooth and consistent. That should see us shape up pretty well!

All in all....another great day in Africa!

- Johnny


Johnny ’ s leg gets some treatment.

Yesterday Dr. Evil hurt us. It was a mere 73 km race (short compared to the last two days) but brutal because of the hiking. It started off with a really steep climb we could ride. When you got over the climb there was a little bit of rolling stuff, but then we got to the really steep climbing. All I remember is stretching out my whole body length of the bike to push it up the loose rocks. The rest is sort of a haze since I am actually writing this on the next day (Wenesday, March 25th).

Cape Epic: Stage 3 Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Start/Finish: Villiersdorp to Greyton Distance: 73km Climbing: 1976m

We actually did quite well. We were riding with Christoff (Sauser) and Burry (Stander) and the rest of the top ten but they literally walked away from us during the hike a bike section. When we got to the top we took in the amazing view. You could see the whole valley. South Africa is amazingly beautiful and this is such an awesome way to see it.

Most of the ride was just sitting in a really fast bunch of riders flying along. The last 10K had a lot of really steep ride able climbs and then there was some really fast single track descents through some orchards. Then 3km of fast, fast downhill straight to the finish. We were unbelievably happy to see the finish. We had a good ride. Finished 14th but decided not to sprint for 12th place since we all finished in a big group.

-Tinker


The last downhill at the end of the Stage 4

Cape Epic: Stage 4 Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Start/Finish: Greyton Distance: 114km Climbing: 2202m

Today looked like it would be the end of our race. I took a bad line and there was a 5 foot across ditch with vertical walls that was about 4 feet deep. The ditch was next to the fire road we were turning on to. I was committed to save a bad crash since I was coming down the hill about 30 mph so I had no choice... I jumped it. My front wheel just cleared but the back wheel hit the brim and stopped me. It was unbelievable- the tubeless tire was still on and intact, even after I jumped on it. But I thought the race was over with.

At that point, I put a tube in, and we watched as all the people were passing us. We were on a flat road and people were grouped up and we lost any hope of finishing as well as we had in the last few days. The wheel and tire worked, so we made our way to the neutral support zone. We just wanted to finish so we went carefully and luckily it wasn ’ t too rocky and when we made it to the neutral zone, the leaders and our teammates were there. We expected Brandon (Stewart) because we had just passed Max (Knox). Max and Brandon were working with Christoff and Burry hoping to help them finish and keep them in good time. Max and Brandon, after all, are just riding and using this as a training for the Sea Otter next month.

Anyway, Christoff gave me a wheel and we were set. We later got another flat on Christoff ’ s wheel and when I was fixing it I found a gel pack inside the tire and a plug. He had used a

gel pack and plug to repair a tear and left it in there!! Ha!

Johnny and I were in about 40th position or back further. I was not telling him but was thinking in my head that this was a good effort to get to this spot in the standings and we needed to get it back. Maybe he just knew it but somehow we had to make up a lot of time. I put the hammer down and Johnny kept up. I depended on him to be there and I knew he could do it. We slowly passed team after team. We passed at least 18 teams and finished 18th today and 15th overall. We really put it together and kept back in the game. Anything can happen in this race. So, it was a great day. For the disaster it could have been, we had a great day.

I feel like every day has been tougher than the last, but thank God we have an excellent Physio and motor home. I would be dead if I didn ’ t have the luxuries! I am tired but I came into today with power. Different from the last couple of days, which is a good sign. We will focus on pacing ourselves and staying consistent.

- Tinker

Incredible scenery of the Western Cape, South Africa


Another fun day in Africa.

For a race like this you need three main things: 1) Dependable equipment; 2) your state of mind (positive attitude); and 3) fitness. Not necessarily in that order. State of mind is the most important.

Johnny needs a set of shocks, too. A hard-tail is so much lighter and easier going up hills and stuff, but the full suspension bike is worth the weight. Johnny said that the first 5 k was the most fun and even though they made a big deal about it, the UFO climb did not seem that bad. The last 5 K sucked. After the last water point there was a hell of a climb and we were out of water, hot, and tired. I don ’ t know where the route profile was tracking, but the little blip on the profile did not predict what we rode on.

My outlook was a little different. Today was not such a great day for me. I felt really tired most of the ride. This morning I felt nervous and tired. Somehow my legs didn ’ t have anything and they felt like cement. We started in a big group and my legs felt really heavy. I was getting dropped on the UFO climb but it was so early and I knew I couldn ’ t give up. It was only an hour into the ride. But I realized I had to think positive. I rode through it and I started feeling better. When I started feeling better and hung with the group, I focused on not doing too much pushing and hung on. I felt better enough to give me enough confidence to push a little harder and stick it together. The group stayed together and I remembered all the guys were tired too. We ended with a strong finish, in 12th place.

I am not even thinking about tomorrow yet. For now I need to rest, get cleaned up, and nurse this golf ball size lump on my shin where a rock hit me. In this race you go through hard days. I gave a lot of effort yesterday and paid the price today. Sometimes you really have to dig deep and today was one of those times. Rest for now.

- Tinker

Cape Epic: Stage 5 Thursday, March 26, 2009 Start/Finish: Greyton to Oak Valley Distance: 111km Climbing: 2233m

Johnny looking a bit tired.


Today was a good day in the office. What a beautiful office, too! The course was filled with lots of single track, rocky descents, and it was quite technical. I love fun single track and gives you time to enjoy the ride, just cruising along and enjoying the race. There was a super rocky decent. I went slow like a grandpa and didn ’ t care. I couldn ’ t afford a flat- too early in the race for that right now.

We had a fast group of guys and we tried everything to stay with them. The two guys that got away finished really well. They stood away and we were not able to catch them. The two Trek Check guys were with us for a little while but they had a flat and bike issues or they would have finished ahead of us. That is the way biking goes. Sometimes you get luckier than others. My Scalpel was working excellent, thanks to Leroy from Tiger Cycles. The shifting was excellent. The Gore cables are so nice - thank you Gore for your sponsorship. The cables are nice to work on, too. They have a Teflon sheath and work great.

Cape Epic: Stage 6 Friday, March 27, 2009 Start/Finish: Oak Valley Distance: 86km Climbing: 1546m

Tinker and Johnny puttng the hammer down.

At the end, Johnny went ahead of the two MTN guys and I was behind them. Then one of them slipped a gear and I was able to get past. His partner slowed down to wait so I got past him, too. Johnny and I finished 8th place today. We are reported as me being the Top American with my South African partner Johnny Kritzinger in 14th place overall.

What a difference good rest means. I even got up before the daily 5:00 AM horn blaring the wake up call. I am racing a lot harder than I anticipated before coming to this race. My intention was to take it easy and use it for the season training, but Johnny is super strong and doesnít even seem tired after 6 days of this grueling punishment. But we are having a great race, and we made it to the last day within the top 15 - an excellent finish for a race like this.

Tomorrow is the last day and we will be finished. The week has flown by and it hardly seems like we rode as much or as hard as we have. I have already decided to return to South Africa to race again soon. Like I already said, this is an awesome way to see this beautiful country.

- Tinker


We made it! And what a great feeling it is to finish the race and have it done. There are so many things can go wrong and we did have our share of challenges, but we did great. This race is different - no laps to get back to the pit and get the bike worked on - so you had to be prepared for the worst and this track really beat it out of you and the bike. Winning this race to me was crossing that finish line each day and getting that finisher’s t-shirt at the end.

I met Johnny the day before the race. We never rode together before but I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. You need a good partner to finish a race like this as well as we did. And Johnny was the best and I know he will continue to be among the best racers in the world for some time. Keep an eye out for him on the DCM Chrome team in the future.

The track really challenged us because of how tough it was on the bike. I know this is a lousy excuse but the mechanicals set us back. But that is part of racing and how this game is played. We did the best we could but I really wanted to do better for Johnny. He will be there soon enough. The best thing about it is we learned from each other and had a great time.

South Africa MTB racing is way bigger than I anticipated. Before we went, I pictured SA as a quiet part of the world, with some good racers, especially since Christoph Sauser and Jock Boyer have adopted the area as home. What I didn ’ t imagine is that it is every bit and more of an involved cycling community with a huge following than we have seen here in the US in a long time. There were thousands of

Cape Epic: Stage 7 Saturday, March 28, 2009 Start/Finish: Oak Valley to Lourensford Distance: 60km Climbing: 1760m

Continued >

Johnny and Tinker at the end of the 2009 Cape Epic.


of spectators at every race. At least 20,000 were at the final stage, helicopters with cameras everywhere, motorcycles with cameras everywhere, and television coverage multiple times per day. I can’t say I’ve seen that in a long time. It is right up there with the racing scene in Europe. It was so nice to see SA as being right up there, particularly in the XC enduro scene.

Last weekend they had a national championship race with an impressive list of racers. This weekend they will host the first UCI World Cup race in SA. I look forward to seeing the DCM Chrome team on the podium. DCM is sponsoring the World Cup series, proving that the passion for cycling and desire to reach out to the international arena is very well established. I guess what I am trying to say is that this race woke me up and the rest of the world watch out. South Africa cyclists are here to stay.

The stage is a blur now, so I’m not going into details, but it was another day riding my bike with a bunch of friends in one of the

most beautiful parts of the earth. A good day in the office. I heard that this event was the counterpart of the Tour de France of MTB. There is no doubt in my mind that it earns every bit of respect and more. It was awesome. Many many thanks and congratulations to the race organizers, our team, Kandice and Cisca for supporting us, without Ian and DCM Chrome I couldn ’ t have been there and I am extremely grateful for this, Leroy for the mechanical support, MonaVie and Cannnondale for supporting our trip and the awesome bikes. The Scalpel bikes held up awesome - perfect for a course like this, Kenda tires for keeping us with the rubber side down - this was the toughest terrain I’ve race in and the tires made it easy, oh and of course, my family - Joshua and Terri and Tracy - it was awesome having family there with the cowbells, wearing the jerseys, being at the finish line every day, and good food. It would have been hard being away from home for so long without you.

- Tinker

Tinker, Joshua and Elmo head home.

Cape Epic: Stage 7 continued:


This was a really fun weekend! Dave (Harris) and I raced the Whiskey 50 on Saturday and rode the

Prescott Monstercross on Sunday. Dave spent most of Saturday chasing me and I spent all of Sunday

chasing him…I was kinda blown on Sunday.

On Saturday I raced geared women and Dave raced SS. We all started in one big pack though. The start

was very Trans Rockies like with the big pack start on pavement. Having survived 14 of those starts and

another 7 similar starts at BC Bike race I am a pro. It was plenty rough and the guys were trying to push

me around.

Dave and I started near each other but it was such a big rough start we lost each other quickly. I g ot

ahead of him on the first paved climb and right before the single track started he darted in front o f me.

Then we were rolling through the trees climbing this fabulous switch back climb - beautiful - in a l ine of

guys and I was right on Dave’s wheel. It was making me laugh and chirp and shout out “whee!”. It is

really comfortable being on his wheel after all the stage racing we have done.

The climbing got steep and loose andI dropped to the granny riding it, and Dave was off his SS walki ng.

We lost each other then cause I was racing (ain’t no waiting for your BF!) On the 50 mile course th ere is

a long out and back section. I was about 2 minutes up from the turn around about to hit the 3k climb

when I saw Dave so figured out I had about a 3 minute lead on him. I was pretty sure he would catch me

on the climb.

Then Mike Hogan (Titus-Chipolte) came up by me riding smooth and fast and I hopped on his wheel. Mike set a furious pace and pulled me up the climb so fast I never did see Dave.

At Aid Station 3 I had to drop off Mike as I needed water and when I started back off again I had p retty

much blown up and wove up the rest of the climb seeing stars!! After that was a big single track des cent

which I rode like a beginner cause I was so blown! Near the bottom of the descent I hear this voice “hey

nutter”- Dave had caught me on the descent on his SS!!

I let him by and he disappears off quickly. A couple of hundred yards later the trail ends and we ar e on

the 2 miles of gradual downhill pavement to the finish. Dave is about 200 yards in front of me.

When I hit the pavement a motorcycle cop pulls up beside me and asks if I am 1st place woman! I had a

police escort with flashing lights to the finish line!! I pop into my big chain ring and catch Dave in short

order. He jumps on my wheel.

So I roll in up to the finish line with my police escort in front and my boyfriend on my wheel. The cop

toots his horn and they announce first place woman is finishing and the crowd cheers. How cool was

that?? It was really cool for me. It made me laugh out loud and smile really big. Background pic: Lynda finds a new way to pimp one of her sponsors. Background pic: Lynda finds a new way to pimp one of her sponsors.

Whiskey 50 2 EPIC’S

Lynda Wallenfels recaps her Whiskey 50 win.


Coverage and photos by Ben Welnak

The words of the day for the first race of the Wisconsin

Endurance Mountain Bike Series (www.wemseries.com)

were cold and wet. The Stump Farm race is always a good,

fun, and fast course. However, after a three day stretch of

clear skies and 70 degree weather (Friday was 73 degrees), a

cold front was predicted. Unlike usual forecasts, this one was

correct. The temperature dropped steadily throughout

Friday night as the rain started to fall. As of 7am on

Saturday, it was 43 degrees, with a “feel like” temperature of

35. Can you say epic?

The 12 hour race was set to begin at 8am. The real soaking

rain held off and the sponge-like sandy ground of the Stump

Farm course proved to soak up the rain that did fall. It was a

go. Too bad the registration process was slow… the race was

delayed 15 minutes. It was a welcomed extra few minutes, as

many seemed to be moving slower than normal due to the

cold, rainy weather.

As with all WEMS races, the race begins with a le mans style

start. A total of 27 solo 12 hour riders toed the line, 20

geared and 7 singlespeed, ready to tackle the 9 mile laps. The

course was not very technical, consisting of about half grassy

cross country ski trails and half twisty singletrack, with only

a few minor climbs. The run at the gun was only about 50

yards, so the start was fast and furious.

Several very strong local riders were off to push through the

first race jitters, early season legs, and Wisconsin spring

weather. The favorites on the day at the start seemed to be a

highly motivated Chris Strout out of the Chicago area and

northern Wisconsinites Justin Lund and Chris Schotz.

Strout has become a contender on the national 24 hour

scene and notched 2 second place finishes in WEMS in 2008.

Schotz and Lund finished first and second respectively in the

2008 12 hour series standings.

After the quick run to the bikes, there was a long, straight

lead out before hitting the twisting, sandy singletrack. It

didn’t take long for the mud, dirt, and water to fly as the

leaders took to the front on the grassy service road lead out.

Strout was on the lead from the start. Schotz and Lund fell

off the pace from lap one. It’s was not Lund’s day as he

continued to slow and finished 11 laps. Dark horse, Mark

Burkholz, riding a singlespeed, held Strout’s wheel until

slowing in laps 5 and 6, allowing Strout to open up a 3

minute lead.

As the morning progressed, the steady mist subsided and the

course began to dry nicely, proving to become tacky enough

to rail the corners in the singletrack and hard enough on the

ski trails to roll easily. Two areas of the ski trails didn’t dry

out, at all. They became treacherous mud pits that proved to

be more like quicksand as the day went on. Nicely travel

ruts were the only way to safely navigate these pits. By the

last lap, an 8 inch deep, one wheel rut was the only way

through the second pit. The temperature continued to hang

in the upper 40’s. In these cool temperatures, it was

important to really focus on getting fluids, because

impending dehydration is not as obvious as regular summer

conditions.

Continued >

Rider: Ben Welnak

Photographer: Mrs. Ben

http://wemseries.com/

The pits are a very important aspect of long lap style races. The races are not won

in the pits but can be lost in the pits. Roll and go pits are essential to finish near

the top and it proved to be true for this race. Burkholz continued to ride strong,

turning in a 41 minute lap 7, bettering Strout’s 45 minute lap 7. He now had a one

minute lead on Strout. After lap 8 they were even. Strout gained another 5

minutes over laps 9 and 10.

Burkholz appeared to continue the roll and go pit strategy and picked up another 4

minutes on lap 11. At this point in the race, the gears that Strout was cranking on

his Siren Song 55 proved to be too much for Burkholz’s singlespeed. Strout

finished up with a winning 16 laps in 11 hours 42 minutes and 52 seconds.

Burkholz had an impressive ride, challenging both the geared and singlespeed

riders, winning the singlespeed category with 16 laps in 11 hours, 53 minutes, and

5 seconds.

The Wisconsin race scene is strong and well rounded. WEMS puts on 9 races, each

containing 3, 6, and 12 hour races, including duo and team formats for the 6 and 12

hour races, respectively. The race at Levis-Trow, one of IMBA’s epic rides, is a 25,

50, 100 mile format. Also, new this year, is the 12 Hours of Pitchblack Singletrack.

The 12 hour race will run from 8pm to 8am, the 6 hour from 8pm to 2am, and the 3

hour from 8pm until 11pm.

The Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS – www.wors.org), which has been a staple

on the Wisconsin scene for several years, has 12 races on tap and caters to all skill

levels.

After a long, cold winter, the Wisconsin racing season is finally underway!

Get out and ride.



http://princetontec.com/


Jason Boucher takes an epic journey along the Kokopelli Trail and rediscovers the beauty of the desert.

Words & Images by: Jason Boucher Gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com

Words & Images by: Jason Boucher Gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com


I’ve been enamored with the desert for as long as I can remember. I can’t recall

where this love for the south west began. Back in December on a flight to Asia, I

read one of Evertt Ruess’ books. Evertt’s ramblings, writing and art really got me

fired up to experience the desert again. My last real experience there was 16 years

ago when I ended my Alaska to Utah bicycle adventure tour. I love the desert. You

can experience and see whatever you want to in the desert. If it remoteness you

seek, it’s easy to be alone. If it is simplistic beauty you wish to see, all you have to do

is open your eyes. If it is grand and majestic views you seek, look up or look down.

For me, I went to the desert to re energize my mind and body and ride big miles. I

love the desert.

Sixteen years ago, I finished my Alaska to Utah bicycle adventure with a solo run of

the Kokopelli. At the time I was riding a modified mountain bike frame with front

and rear panniers. I walked a good portion of the upward pointed parts of the trail.

This time I planned to do it differently as I believed sixteen years of product

development was at my side.

If you are not familiar with the Kokopelli Trail, it is a 130 or so mile trail linking

Fruita, Colorado with Moab, Utah. Many folks break the trip into 4 or 5 days. I

intended to do it in 2 days. Both the start and the finish of the Kokopelli is epic

desert single track, some of the best in the country if I don’t say so myself. The

middle is a combination of desert road. It has it all, a perfect test for mind and body

as well as equipment. I chose to ride my Salsa Big Mama full suspension bike to give

me the most options and the most comfort, quite different than my choice of 26”

rigid hard tail 16 years ago.

Looking back and comparing my 1st attempt to this one, it was clear that the two

experiences would vary widely. In my first attempt, I hit the trail in Fruita with

several thousand miles under my legs carrying way more equipment than I needed,

not surprising considering I was on my own for the prior 3 months. This time, I flew

into GJ with minimal gear, a full suspension 29er and not that many miles on my

legs after our long and hard winter here in MN. It would be a true test. I couldn’t

wait to begin.

“You can experience and see whatever you want

to in the desert.”

Continued >

Photo: Gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com


I rolled out of the hotel parking lot alone, in the dark and with a lot of

gear. While I’ve been riding with lots of stuff mounted to my bike,

this was the first time this year I would have ALL my stuff including

my 5 liters of water, 2 days of food, small parts for repair, and safety &

survival gear. It was a slow first 7 miles of pavement to the trailhead.

As I entered the trail network, I made the commitment to deal with

whatever comes my way. Within minutes, I knew my ride would be

epic as the first photo I took of the blooming desert in the morning

sun set the tone.

Over the last few years, I’ve been to Fruita several times and I’ve

ridden the start of the Kokopelli more than once. This time though it

was different. No car at the trail head. No extra bike or wheels in the

car. No place to shower and eat that night. Nope, I was on my own. It

was in these first few miles of trail that I realized and experienced all

the things that I wanted to experience. I was alone. I was in a

beautiful and big place. This is why I was here. I was in a true test of

my mind, body and equipment. My choices would dictate my results.

Independence.

About 60 or so miles in I would reach that critical point on any

personal journey and challenge. Should I continue on? Should I set

up camp here? As I looked around I knew I should move on. It was

windy. It looked like rain. I had no shelter. I needed to keep rolling.

I pressed on. It was here that I decided to make my two day journey a

one day journey. It was easier to keep riding than to stop, set up and

sleep in a windy & rainy desert. Now, my thoughts turned to my body

and my psyche, “Can I make it?”

Continued >

“Within minutes, I knew my ride would be epic as the

first photo I took of the blooming desert in the

morning sun set the tone.”

The desert in full bloom.



“I was in a true test of my mind, body and equipment. My choices would dictate my results. Independence.”



As I pushed on, it became more apparent that I made a good decision. I’m not

suggesting always choosing to move on is the best thing, but for me and the

equipment I had, I know pressing on was a good choice. On one of the middle

sections, the brutal wind made riding almost impossible. It took me almost 2

hours to go 10 miles. Sand and wind pounded my face. At times I had to walk

through deep sand. As I looked toward the direction I needed to go, it was clear

in the skies that that rain and potentially severe weather were in my future. I

liked my odds of finishing more if I pressed on and got closer to a paved

highway. Then it happened.

Rain. Wind. Hail. Crap! I was 6.5 miles from pavement. As I sat on the ground

protecting my back pack from the rain and scurried to get my rainfly on my

Continued >

pack and my rain jacket on myself, a group of 6 cyclists rode by. They were the

only cyclists I saw on my entire journey. Their words had meaning too.

One of the guys asked me “Where are you headed?”

“Moab.”

Another quickly added “Shit, that’s 7 more hours from here.”

“Yep and I’ve been out here for 8 already!” and I pedaled off.

I quickly warmed up and thankfully, the rain didn’t last that long. The brutal and

biting wind remained, but the rain had actually made the soft desert sand faster.

I covered the next 6 miles quickly and found myself on Highway 128.

Ahh….Pavement!



Photo: G natlikesbikes.w ordpress.com

Taking time to capture the beauty of the desert.




The second I hit the pavement, I reached for my Starbuck’s Doubleshot that I’d

been saving for that moment. I often save little things like this for interim goals.

After about 1/2 mile of paved joy I turned up the trail again and rode the Yellow

Jacket section. Another 8.5 miles later I dropped in on Dewey Bridge. It was

here I would filter water from the Colorado River and make my final pivotal

decision.

It was at Dewey Bridge that I decided to not continue on the Kokopelli. It was

windy. It was cold. It was raining. I did not want to be stuck in the next section

with severe weather. I decided to ride the road into town. It would be about 30

miles of pavement followed by several more miles to the camping area where I

planned on meeting friends.

Those final miles on the pavement were brutal. The wind was blowing up the

valley and at times I was pedaling down hill at less than 5 mph. The rain finally

broke and sun started shining. As the sun was setting, Moab was around the next

corner. The sky lit up with amazing beauty and color. I had made it.

While I did not actually ride the entire Kokopelli, I did manage to put in 125

miles in almost 14 hours of straight pedaling. I had accomplished everything I

wanted to accomplish. I had seen all that I wanted to see. I realized how small I

am and we are as humans. I had proved to myself that big miles and big things

are possible.

I love the desert.



“I had seen all that I wanted to see. I realized how small I am

and we are as humans. I had proved to myself that big miles

and big things are possible.... I love the desert.”

For more on Jason’s Kokopelli adventure check out Gnatlikesbikes.wordpress.com and the XXCmag.com blog.


Continued >

http://www.mudslingerevents.com/high-cascades-100/


It seems there are more and more endurance events to pick from these days, and that

rocks! I mean you have your 12 and 24 hour lap races, the NUE 100 mile series, and ton

of low key and underground events, and now on August 23rd, Mudslinger Events is

hosting the High Cascades 100 in beautiful Bend, Oregon.

The 100 mile loop will be an incredible 80% SINGLE TRACK! That’s a serious amount of

dirt. There will be fully stocked aid stations with drinks, food, gel and gear. Not to

mention catered Mexican food and beverages from Deschutes Brewing to warm your

muscles up after the race. Whether you’re racing to win or just to finish good times are

guaranteed!

Registration is now open and the field is limited to 200 racers so go to

www.mudslingerevents.com today for more information and stay tuned to XXC and

XXCmag.com for more on the High Cascades 100.

Photos by: Ben Thompson

“9-13 hrs of pure fun that you can dream

about on the best the West has to offer.”

“9-13 hrs of pure fun that you can dream

about on the best the West has to offer.”

http://www.mudslingerevents.com/high-cascades-100/


To contribute to XXC or for advertising information contact XXC at [email protected].

xxcmag.com

Photo: Jason Mahokey Photo: Jason Mahokey

Rider: Don Powers Rider: Don Powers

Location: Laurel Highlands, PA Location: Laurel Highlands, PA


xxcmag.com

To submit your favorite trail contact XXC at [email protected].

Photo: Ben Welnak

Trail: Colorado Trail, south of Denver trailhead

favorites Photo: Ben Welnak

Trail: Colorado Trail, south of Denver trailhead

favorites


How did I get into this whole 24 hour thing? I’ve wondered this many times during training those long hours on the bike, taking the long route home instead of going straight back for dinner, or setting up the lights to ride in the dark when it would be too easy to ride procrastinate and train later.

While I’m somewhat new to the 24’s, it’s not new to my team,

Troupe Racing Co.. One rider, Randy Profeta, is a long time 24 hour

racer and has competed in the World Solo’s and finished 2nd in his

class. Other team-mates have gone solo many times and have been

on mixed teams for years. Going into this race, I had a wealth of

information to draw on. Plus, I had done my homework in the form

of a solid winter/spring base phase, built some intensity with early

season races, and rehearsed my nutrition. I felt that I had prepared

the best I could for this race at this time of the season.

The venue for this round of the 24 Hours of Adrenaline was Hurkey

Creek campground, in Idyllwild. 24 HOA has a long history of racing

at this venue and the course is a local favorite. It’s considered

elevation and takes us up from the desert scrub and dusty trails at sea

level to pine trees, creeks and mountain meadows. There are a few

fire-road sections, but overall the course is rolling single track, fun

twisty downhills, and a few technical climbs.

We arrived early on Saturday morning while other team-mates

arrived on Friday to set up on our campsites which were along the

course. We had reserved 3 premium spots on the final paved road as

it winds through the campground. This area would serve myself,

Damon Mann who was also riding solo, Troupe’s 5 woman team that

was entered in the 5 person open class, and Kevin Akerman who was

racing in the solo 8 hour event.

Continued >


Continued >

Race prep consisted of the usual. We had plenty of time, and I took some pride in

getting number plates on bikes, light mounts in place and checking air pressures.

For this event, I chose my new Blur XC, and my Superlight as a second bike. After

that, I moved on to nutrition and gave those that were helping run our team

support some info on what I would want. Pretty straight forward there: I ran on

Hammer H.E.E.D., Sustained Energy and Hammer Gel, with the random “real”

food item every so often. Once everyone on the team was set and bikes were ready,

there was nothing left to do but check in at the timing station and take our places

at the start.

Before we knew it, we were off and running - literally. 24 HOA gets the event going

with a 1/4 mile run around the campground. Being a solo, this is nothing more

then a jog while the team riders sprint for position to beat the traffic on the first

climb.

I opted to pace with one of the riders of our women’s team for the first lap. I had

raced this event last year, but Michelle had not. She was uncertain of the course

and I thought it would be nice to have some company for lap. We made our way

quickly through traffic until we reached the first downhill section, aptly titled “The

Exfoliator” where we were separated. Soon after Michelle came on the radio saying

she had crashed, but was ok. Luckily Kevin wasn’t too far back and stopped to get

her back up and rolling.

I shifted into the middle ring and settled into my pace. My plan was to be a bit

conservative in the early hours and not back down over night. Still, I felt like I was

cruising. I thought many times of how I rode this course last year, and many times

had to walk the climbs. This year was different. I was comfortably climbing

everything, working though the tricky technical spots, and flowing through all the

single track. In short, I was having a great time.

“My plan was to be a bit conservative in the early hours and

not back down over night.”

“My plan was to be a bit conservative in the early hours and

not back down over night.”


It’s been said by someone that 24 hour racing is 50% mental,

and staying positive is critical. I believe this was one of the

reasons I was feeling good. Even though I was taking this race

serious (it was one of my “A” races for the spring season), I

made an effort to chat as I rode through the check points, or

wave to those who cheered in the campgrounds, and even holler

back at the party that always gathers on the final short technical

descent. This group is at the race every year. They hang out and

cheer for and heckle every rider long into the night. Their

enthusiasm makes that one of the best portions of the course.

You find little things that have some sort entertainment during

these races. At one point, I jumped on with a few team riders

that were battling it out. As we rotated through a pace-line I

found myself pulling them back into the campground and into

the timing station. As one of the riders went to sprint past me to

the finish of his lap, the other stopped him and pointed out that

I was a solo rider, and that I had “earned it” ñ the right to lead

them into the finish/timing station. It’s little moments like that

that are really unique. Even though these events are supported

financially by the team’s, many times its the solos that make it

special and are respected out on course.

The miles went by through the day and into the evening. I had

stopped at our pit station occasionally to change gear or grab a

quick bite to eat. But overall, my plan was working. I was not

stopping, my pace was good, and nutrition was doing what it

was supposed to.

“Even though these events are supported

financially by the teams, many times

it’s the solos that make it special and are

respected out on course.”

Continued >


Around 10 PM, the temperature started to drop. Having learned a lesson from last

year, I knew that a damp and sweaty base layer is certain death. I pulled in and

immediately changed clothing and put on a long sleeve base, long sleeve jersey, dry

bibs and leg warmers, and my Hincapie jacket. I also grabbed my helmet that was

set up with lights, mounted my bar light and was off again with a pop-tart in hand.

Temperature continued to drop from daytime highs of upper 50’s to the high 20’s. It

was no longer cool - it was cold. Water left outside in our pit had started to freeze.

My bottles were now H.E.E.D. slurpees. Staying moving was critical. If I kept riding,

I was comfortable, but any stop would bring on almost instant hypothermia and

uncontrollable shivering. I felt great despite these conditions, and the number of

riders on the course was beginning to thin out.

At 4:30 AM, I pulled into the timing station and did some investigating. I was

sitting in 3rd at this point, and only 3 solos were still on course fighting out the

cold. I had 3 laps on the rider in 4th, who last came though hours earlier. I decided

that it was time for a break. I headed back to the pits, changed clothes, and sat down

in the comfort of the RV for 1 hour. This gave me some time to eat and close my

eyes for just a few minutes. At 5:50 AM, I was back on the bike and feeling great.

Continued >


Solo Male Podium: Tim VanGilder 3rd, Taylor Lideen 1st, and Cryil Jay-Rayon 2nd.

Morning laps at Hurkey are beautiful. Riding through

Johnson’s Meadow was nothing short of epic. The cold

temperatures had left a layer of white frost on everything

and the trees and bushed seemed to sparkle in the

morning light.

As I came into the timing station, I was relieved to see

that I was still sitting in 3rd. As long as I was logging in

laps, I would not be caught by the rider in 4th - or anyone

else for that matter.

By 11 am, It was mathematically impossible to catch 2nd

place, or for me to be caught by any rider behind me. So,

despite feeling pretty good and still having some gas in

the tank, I decided to finish the race and officially log my

last lap. I took my time and counted my last lap as a

personal victory lap. I thanked the volunteers at the check

points, and event stopped to to take a few photos along

the way.

I was stoked - I had made the podium in one of the races

that I had always wanted to do well in. Back at our

campsites, we popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

Our women’s team had taken 6th against teams of all

strong male riders, and Damon had rode his way up to

4th in the solo.


Trans Iowa V5, the fifth running of the ultra endurance cycling event run

around on Iowa’s back roads, is over. The reports are coming in from the event’s

participants, and in all I would have to say it was a grand success. The question

that many outside the circle of “gravel culture” may have is, “Why?” Actually,

that is a great question, and one that is still being answered.

Known to racers as “TI”, “The Trans-Iowa”, or as something that haunts their

unconscious mind until they tame the beast, Trans Iowa has been something of

a cult. It seems to be a passion that is hard to explain to others unless they have

been bitten by the bug that infects the soul of any who dare to toe the line at the

late spring event.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the running of T.I.V5 and perhaps you will

see a hint of just what it is about this event that elicits such a passionate outflow

of training effort, determination during the event, and praise of the event and

fellow participants afterwards.

The technical hard data on this event barely scratches the surface of what takes

place out there during a Trans Iowa, but it is important to realize what the

challenge is that is faced by anyone that pulls up behind “The Dirty Blue Box” at

4am on Saturday morning. Trans Iowa V5 was a 314 mile long modified loop

course run out of and back in to Williamsburg, Iowa. Along the way each rider

had to navigate themselves using cue cards provided at the start and at each

checkpoint for the following sector of the loop. No one knew where they were

going until the evening before when they received the cues for the first 40 miles

in to check point #1 at Washington, Iowa.

So, you show up for a 300 plus mile event, and you do not know the course, or

exactly where you are going. It is discovered along the way. Faith or craziness?

The course must be completed within 34 hours and each checkpoint has time

cutoffs. Riders often do not have time for anything other than a quick stop to

refuel or exchange clothing layers. Checkpoints are at convenience stores, and

convenience stores are on the route, but the riders must use their own judgment

to resupply or not. No services are supplied by the race promoters.

The roads are mostly crushed limestone and are dotted with sections called “B-

Maintenance” roads that are usually nothing more than a dirt slot graded into

Iowa’s rich soil. Hills and flats intermix to create a mosaic of pain that many

riders find not only a great challenge, but a surprising and intoxicating mix.

“There are plenty of races out there anyone can finish, it is nice to have some out there like TI to keep posers like me in their place.”

-Jim McGuire, 5 time Trans Iowa participant.

Continued > The scene at the start. Photo by: Corey “Cornbread” Godfrey


This year saw 52 participants take the rolling controlled start at 4am Saturday,

May 2nd under starlit skies. The opening salvos of the event were rather flat or

gently rolling hills. Iowa has a reputation for being somewhat of a flat state, but

that notion would soon be laid to rest not long after Checkpoint #1 had been

passed.

At about mile 65, the riders turned north at a town named North English where

the big, incessant rollers started in earnest. The grade is steep, and one hill

follows another with no respite. The roads were also interspersed with several of

the infamous B Maintenance sectors that give one a feeling of remoteness and a

hint of what our predecessors had to deal with in their Conestoga wagons 175

years ago. Although mud was at a minimum, the rutted, uneven surface of some

of the B roads was difficult enough to force riders to walk the climbs.

Added to any Trans Iowa event is the wild card of weather. Sometimes the

weather is such a factor that it precludes the possibility of any finishers at all,

(Trans Iowa V2), or severely limits the amount of finishers and truncates the

planned course (Trans Iowa V4). This year the weather was a benign factor for

the most part with the exception of a stiff afternoon breeze on Saturday that

happened to coincide with the riders traveling the part of the loop that caused

this wind to be at their faces. The resulting mix of headwind, bright sunlight,

hills, loose gravel, and B Maintenance roads was too much for a great part of the

field. Only 25 riders would leave Checkpoint #2 due to others missing the time

cut off, or DNF-ing before reaching it. The weather had its say in Trans Iowa V5,

albeit in a subtle way.

Continued >

“I honestly don’t know how many people could have finished this entire ride alone.

I’m pretty sure there’s no way I could have.” - Ben Shockey, fixed gear rider. 11th overall.


Matt Braun goes down on a B road. Photo by: Corey “Cornbread” Godfrey

Continued >


Leaving Checkpoint #2 after 151 miles of the course was not an easy decision

for some. Over half the course remained, and now it was going on into the dark

of night on massive hills, B roads, and more gravel than you can imagine. For a

few, the night time was a nightmare.

Some pulled the plug, some wretched and vomited, some pedaled in a zombie-

like haze to the beat of some voodoo playing in their minds. Whatever demons

the racers dealt with, we can not totally fathom. However; the results of the pain

and misery were evident upon the faces of the competitors as I observed them

coming in to Checkpoint #3. Dave Pramann looked like he had aged ten years

in the space of 65 miles. Charlie Farrow, whose body shut down on him in-

between Checkpoint #2 and #3 limped in and hit the convenience store for

much needed fluids and calories. Tim Ek was drenched in sweat and moving

gingerly. It was plain that the pain cave had been visited somewhere along the

way.

Now moving on into the depths of early Sunday morning, the final 15 riders left

in the event forged on in whatever way that they could, relying on each others

company to continue on in what would otherwise be a futile attempt to finish

the last leg of Trans Iowa V5.

Continued >

“Bravo for creating, developing, and continually enhancing such a masterpiece that is the Trans-Iowa. I have been around cycling for 30 years and the Trans-Iowa is to my mind the most incredible citizen’s event in USA cycling”

- Charlie Farrow, 6th place finisher of TI V5

Charlie Farrow trying to recover from severe digestion issues coming into Checkpoint #3. Photo by: Paul Buchanan


Matt Gersib basks in the glow of TI V5. Photo by: Guitar Ted Matt Gersib basks in the glow of TI V5. Photo by: Guitar Ted

“I’m still a bit unglued mentally from it, actually... but in a good way.”

-Matt Gersib, 8th overall, TI V5


The final leg was done by the first three finishers in just under 25 hours. Which

was an incredible feat considering the toughness of this particular course. Joe

Meiser took the finish line first with Dave Pramann and Tim Ek having made a

gentleman’s agreement on the road to tie for 2nd out of respect for their helping

each other along the way, both physically by drafting and mentally by just being

there.

Trans Iowa is a bit unique in its own way when you think about how it breaks a

person down. The obvious thing is the physical part. The brutality of 300 plus

miles of Iowa back roads is not to be taken lightly. However; the mental and

emotional part is even more shocking, really. Grown men crying as they sit on

the ground at the finish line. Freely given and accepted hugs, handshakes, and

words flow amongst competitors and promoters alike. Alliances made upon the

road become life-long friendships. It is hard not to feel it well up inside of me

even now as I type out this story. Trans Iowa is like that. It gets into you, it

breaks you down in my opinion.

So, what is it that gets into you and why? How can it really be explained to those

that have not taken on such a challenge? I am sure this bit of writing falls very

short of the mark in regards to answering those questions. I just know that it

even has gotten into me, as a promoter/organizer. I can’t tell you how many

times I have sworn off ever doing another Trans Iowa event, but somehow the

“itch” comes back, and I am not satisfied until I have scratched it. Not just a little

bit either, but maybe until it is bleeding. I think that the 15 finishers of Trans

Iowa V5 would agree, and that many of the folks that fell short of the challenge

would not only agree, but say, “Hell yeah!” Let’s do this again!

I think maybe it is all summed up in this quote from Ben Shockey: “…thanks

doesn’t seem to cut it but it’s all I’ve got right now. You allow us...encourage us to

chase a dream no matter how crazy it may seem to others”.

That is what motivates me and keeps myself and David Pals doing this year after

year. It is why folks come back and do this event year after year, and why new

folks come to throw down what they’ve got in the face of this huge challenge that

we craft for them. It isn’t for everyone, but it is definitely a life changing

experience that all of us involved with Trans Iowa can attest to.

Even though T.I.V5 has just been completed, a T.I.V6 is already in the works.

Look for updates on this event at www.transiowa.blogspot.com

Photo by: Guitar Ted


Photo by: Joe Meiser


Continued >

It is inevitable, every time it comes up that I am planning to ride in the Trans

Iowa I am asked; “How do you train for that?” The short answer is this, “I ride

my bicycle,” “a lot”. I’ve never put together a structured training plan for the

Trans Iowa. My training for Trans Iowa includes commuting through a

Minnesota winter, pushing through the sub-zero temperatures and then putting

in long hours and higher intensity when early spring arrives in March and

April. With the race being 2 weeks later this year I had the opportunity to use

The Ragnarok, another great gravel event, as a training race to gauge where my

fitness was at for Trans Iowa.

TIV5 was my 3rd attempt and second finish at the famed Trans Iowa put on by

the dynamic duo of Guitar Ted and David Pals. These fine gentlemen spend

100’s of hours planning, route finding, driving, stuffing bags, and coordinating

volunteers to put on a legendary event. When I think about the Trans Iowa I

imagine a cyclist 100 years from now pouring over routes, photos, and cue

sheets. Talking about the nature of the event, the intensity of the routes, and the

tenacity of the competitors.

I hadn’t been thinking about the race until the week leading up to the prior, so

when the week started so did my focused planning of figuring out gear,

clothing, and nutrition. My bike had to be prepped and my bags packed. With

a busy week this all happened Thursday night before the event. I wasn’t too

worried as I’d danced before and new the steps needed to be prepared and get

me through. Experience can be both a blessing and a curse. I was humbled by

last year’s mistakes that put me out of the race and wanted to prove I could

finish again.

Williamsburg, Iowa was home base to this year’s race, a quaint small town with

not a whole lot going on the surface. My friend Charles Parsons and I arrived

mid-afternoon, got checked into the hotel, and met up with family and friends.

We then decided on finding dinner prior to the pre-race meeting. Our options

were pizza, or the bar. We chose the bar based on the New Belgium on tap.

After beers, fried chicken, and French fries we hurried to the pre-race meeting

arriving a few minutes late. Photo by: Corey “Cornbread” Godfrey

The pre-race meeting and “words of wisdom” from Guitar Ted.

“We then decided on finding dinner prior to the pre-race meeting. Our options were

pizza, or the bar. We chose the bar based on the New Belgium on tap.”

Pramann, Tim Ek, and Corey Godfrey caught us, but. we had already refueled.

They came in like a storm, Ek Saying “Let’s go, Let’s go”. I hurried to get my

pack on and get on the bike. All but, Godfrey rolled out of North English in a

hurry leaving him behind to fend for himself. I felt bad, but not bad enough to

stop. Godfrey was Ek and Pramann’s responsibility if anyone’s. A race is a race.

GT has written that he asked me about a downed tree here. I don’t remember

the conversation, or a tree. This is an indicator of the state of mind I was in

during the race. Post race, two weeks later my brother and I were talking about

our experiences at the event. It was only then that we realized that the “tree” I

had mentioned was actually Charly Tri. Who had destroyed his derailleur on a

minimum maintenance road.

The “Iron Men of Minnesota” settled into a brisk pace together. Charlie and

Dave were riding especially strong. Dave is incredibly smooth and powerful on a

bike. Charlie is aggressive. I’d ridden with both of them at last year’s Almanzo

and new that this would be the winning group. Their experience, strength, and

wisdom are intimidating. Tim Ek was struggling, but riding strong. He had

closed the gap on the chase group after flatting early in the event, prior to

checkpoint 1. When he and Dave caught Charlie and I, Tim had been chasing

for 80 miles.

Mid-day as the sun was high and temps were warmer I was struggling physically

and mentally. My legs felt strong, but my stomach, head, and shoulders were

weak. My stomach was churning. I’d later find out it was the pre-race fried

chicken and french fries. I had a slight headache from the constant wind, sun,

and heat. My shoulders ached from miles of fighting the headwinds. I hoped my

body and mind would hold out for a finish at this point. Surveying the

competition I thought Charlie and Dave would be crossing the line together.

This would be my lowest point during the race.

The “IMOM” reached the second checkpoint at mid-day 2:30-3:00 (ish). We

took a long rest, filling bottles, eating solid food, reapplying chamois cream, etc...

Jason Novak rolled in solo. The 5th Minnesotan had battled the afternoon’s

headwind to mile 150 mostly solo. After an ample break at the gas station the

“IMOM” headed for the hills.


Race packets and words of wisdom from the promoters in tow it was time to get

as much rest as possible. The bike was prepped, gear and nutrition was packed,

and clothing was laid out. I climbed into bed just before 9PM for what would

be a short night’s sleep. A 2AM wakeup was unexpected and left me inside my

head for 30 minutes in a silent dark room so as not to wake my brother who

also rode. There I laid, half-awake, dreaming of possible race scenarios until

the alarm went off at 2:30. Breakfast of coffee and granola was comforting in

the early morning. It helped ease me out of bed, into my cold freshly creamed

chamois and onto my bike for a ride to the start line.

I can’t think of any other races that start, or have finished in cemeteries. It

seems the promoters have a penchant for irony, or at least the depths of physical

and mental pain that Trans Iowa can put a rider through. This years start line

was calm and jovial. With temps in the mid-40’s we were cracking jokes and

making introductions up until the pre-start meeting. Guitar Ted and David

Pals packed into the official pace car of Trans Iowa, an early 90’s Honda Civic

Wagon, otherwise known as the Dirty Blue Box and the race began.

The race started out comfortably. We rolled out nice and easy following GT

until he pulled off the front and the race was on. The group immediately began

to splinter as the pace ramped up to a roughly 17+ mph average for the first 40

miles. A group of 20+ riders formed the lead group. The list included the usual

suspects, nearly all the Lincolnites, The Madison Contingent, da Minnesotans,

and several others whom I have yet to be formally introduced.

We reached the 1st checkpoint 40 miles in unscathed. We had ridden through

several pig farms and watched an incredible sunrise as we headed southeast.

Charlie Farrow was second into the checkpoint. He quickly grabbed his cue

sheets and scrambled back onto the road. I chased him and several others

including Gorilla, Parsons, Tri, Vargas chased and caught us. Like many others

we got lost headed out of town, but quickly regained direction.

Once out on the open road and on route the lead group started working

together. Some say that Charlie Farrow and myself began to attack off the front.

I was surprised and disappointed that the group had splintered. As we gapped

the field, Charlie inquired of my comfort level with our pace and I inquired the

same with him. It was agreed that we were both very comfortable and decided

we would go on and work together. An agreement was made to roll off the front

when you no longer wanted to pull. This would keep the other rider from

worrying about having to pull through.

Charlie and I stopped for a refuel in North English. It was here that Dave

“...gas station fodder can be misleading and dangerous...”

Continued >


Just short of 200 the tenacious Charlie Farrow fell from the lead group. He had

apparently been battling stomach problems from consumables at checkpoint 2.

Not surprising, gas station fodder can be misleading and dangerous. Tim

attempted to reattach him to the group with no success while Dave and I soft

pedaled to wait for them.

I remember what it felt like to break the 200 mile barrier in TIv3. It was an

overwhelming feeling, or I was exhausted. Either way, I knew that if I made it to

200 I would finish the race. I won’t say it’s easy after 200, but there is a certain

euphoria that comes at this point.

At this point Dave, Tim, and I had the

wind at our backs and 20 miles to

checkpoint #3, the final checkpoint.

We were in beautiful country and the

sun was low in the western sky. As we

headed north, uphill, and past horse

farms I noted how absolutely

beautiful it was. Dave, described it

perfectly saying “What a bucolic

setting”.

We reached Traer, Iowa; Checkpoint 3

at dusk after riding blazingly fast

Ridge Road. Checkpoint 3 looked

familiar and then it came to me. I had

met Chris Plesko here during TIv3.

He was nursing a flat tire mid-day and

munching some pizza as Brian Dukek

and I rolled in that year. Tim, Dave,

and I were happy for another long

break, it had been 70 miles since

checkpoint 2, the sun was getting low,

the miles in the saddle were wearing on us, and we were hungry. I went straight

for the sausage pizza, a 12oz. Coke, and a 2-pack of Reese’s Cups along with 4

bottles of water.

With the Pizza, Coke, Reese’s, and a Swiss Cake Roll I had carried from

checkpoint 2 gone I prepared for the last 96 miles of the race. I filled my bag

and water bottles adding the last of my nutrition mix to the bottles and handing

off excess food and water for the next racers through. I wouldn’t need them. I

then attended to my shorts applying cold chamois cream for the last time.

Finally, I suited up for night knowing that I wouldn’t want to stop to put on

clothes. Continued >

Meiser, Pramann, and Ek ready to leave Checkpoint #3 for the finish.

Photo by Paul Buchanan

After comments from the volunteers that we were flying and a few fingers pointed

my way by my comrades I thought it fitting to suggest we soft pedal the first 20 of

the last 96 miles. Tim & Dave both agreed and we were on our way in the final

minutes of daylight.

I don’t remember the first 40 of the final 96 and the last 60 weren’t my finest

hour(s). Somewhere around 11:30 we rode by a farmer mowing his lawn. I thought

“that’s crazy” and then realized the irony in that statement. I was getting tired. Tim

was getting stronger. Dave seemed to be unwavering in his strength.

As we bumped along Ridge Road again I was having trouble focusing, staying

awake, and losing motivation. I needed

something for inspiration. I considered

singing, eating more Clif Bloks, and

finally settled upon a goal of being the

first finisher under 24 hours. Tim, Dave,

and I were 60 miles out at this point and

had over 4 hours to break the sub-24

barrier. I asked if they were interested in

setting the goal. I’m not sure what there

response was, but in my mind it was “Yes,

absolutely!” So, I set the pace.

We were making good time and cruising

briskly as Guitar Ted and Dave Pals

passed us shortly after the goal was set. I

was looking forward to that next left

turn, off Ridge Road, hopefully onto

something smoother. Then it happened.

Tim made the suggestion that we form

what Dave has coined “The Devils Pact”.

That is, decide the race here and ride in

together. I was prepared for a finish line

battle I hadn’t even considered this scenario. I had actually been agonizing over

my plot for the breakaway. Would I break early and ride in solo, or wait until the

home stretch to jump, risking a 2nd or 3rd place in a sprint finish. Here was Tim

and Dave offering me the win and negotiating 2nd. I didn’t know what to say. I

know I didn’t say much, but believe me I was greateful. I was at a loss for words. It

didn’t start to sink in until Tim said “Joe, how does it feel to win TransIowa?”

With a pact made we set a comfortable pace for the last 60 miles. We were on track

for the sub-24 finish, sitting up and talking, enjoying an incredible night with a

bright moon.


As the final miles deteriorated on the odometer so did I. First to go was my

ability to hold a straight line. As I read the cue sheets I started drifting towards

the ditches. Fortunately Dave and Tim were there to call it out along with the

soft apron on the dirt roads. Next to go was my navigational ability. A gross

error was made and we missed the right onto 16th avenue. adding significant

mileage and eliminating our chances at that sub-24hr finish. I even broke down

and called Guitar Ted at this point asking in my most polite 3am voice “Could

we get some clarification on the cue sheets here”. Here’s a side note. Never

upset a race promoter, don’t be an ungrateful ass, get invited back. Tim became

our eyes at this point, taking over navigation from here on in. I might still be in

Iowa if not for Tim, Thank You! Finally to go was my eyesight. I stopped being

able to read altogether I’d look down at the cue sheets and just see the glare on

the bag. I gave up reading at this point, trusting Tim to get us in. Mentally, I

was a wreck, physically my body still felt strong.

As we approached the final 10 miles Tim came alive igniting what little energy

was left in the group. The lights of the Williamsburg outlet malls came into

view as did the faint glow of the Motel 8. Cheeseburgers were discussed, the

finish line was near, our success at finishing was celebrated, and our plans for

crossing the finish line were arranged.

Guitar Ted and Dave Pals picked a perfect road for a glorious finish. B-Road PP

was an absolute mess. Muddy as the pig’s pen we’d seen earlier in the race and

rutted badly. We would have to pick our way through the mud towards the final

100 meters with a small group of congratulatory spectators cheering us with

yells and cowbells as our headlights came into sight. The final meters were a

blur as were the first few minutes at the finish. There were handshakes, hugs,

some near crying, and the incredible feeling of having won the TransIowa.

I figured we’d come in to a quiet checkpoint and be congratulated by GT and

DP. It was great to have so many faces greeting us at the finish especially my

brother Mike and John Gorilla. Thank you guys for being there to literally pick

me up and dust me off. Next year I hope you’ll both be crossing that line, with

me in front of you, of course.

Before getting to chilled I was whisked to the hotel by my “team managers”

towards a hot shower. I slowly found my gear tub and picked through it looking

for clean warm clothing and the coffee I had stashed at 3am Saturday morning.

I hobbled into the bathroom and loaded the coffee maker, slowly stripped the

encrusted clothing I was wearing and began to assess the physical damage as I

took a long hot shower. I was sun burned, wind chapped, chafed, and sore all

over.

People are starting to ask me if I’ll be on the line next year and oddly enough

with each recovering day my answer trends closer to... Maybe.

“The final meters were a blur as were the first few minutes at the finish. There were handshakes,

hugs, some near crying, and the incredible feeling of having won the Trans Iowa.”

Photo by: Guitar Ted


It only takes one race to become an endurance racer. Maybe it was a Solo 12 or

24 hour race? Maybe it was a 50 or 100 mile race? It doesn’t matter. The

moment you take your place on the start line you enter the world of endurance

racing. You may want to try to UN do it. You can’t. You’re in. You’re done.

Innocence lost. Welcome.

Like many other “first times” in life, it probably didn’t go as you imagined. It

surely hurt and no doubt you made some mistakes. Yet through the pain,

embarrassing moments, tears, and telling yourself that “this is just wrong!”,

you find yourself wanting to do it again. Monday morning you head back to

work, sore and hobbled, but with a smug satisfaction of having just spent a

weekend pushing yourself physically and mentally in a way that in all

likelihood 99.9% of your coworkers did not. You sit down at your desk, try to

find a position that doesn’t irritate your saddle sores, turn on your computer

and eagerly head to Bikereg or Ride424 to find the next event. “The next time

will be easier” you say as you type in the last digits of your credit card, “surely

it gets easier... right?”.

A month or so ago I raced Solo at the Leesburg Bakers Dozen. Over the years

I’ve lost track of the number of Solo events I’ve done, but I never tire of

pushing myself and watching others do the same. This year I shared my pit

with my friend Brad. I’m not gonna lie, I took some perverse pleasure in

watching Brad take on his first Solo. It was fun to watch him push himself

beyond the pain of a 2 hour XC race, to see him ride through the suffering and

put in a solid 15 laps of racing. But the best part of all was not more than a few

hours after the race when we sat in our hotel room talking about what races we

were going to do next. Well done Brad. See you at the Mohican 100.

Do you remember the first time?

Photo by Tim Mullin.

XXC SEASON ONE: ISSUE TWO XXCMAG.COM 59 Photos by: Ben Thompson


On May 15th 500 people showed up in

Pittsburgh to join in East End Brewing’s

2009 Keg Ride. The crowd of two

wheeled beer lovers followed 3 bike

pulled half barrels of East End Pedal Pale

to the OTB (Over The Bar) Bicycle Cafe

on Pittsburgh’s south side. Not sure if the

7 mile journey qualifies as an endurance

event, although I’d have to think the folks

who were pulling on those barrels would

beg to differ, but it sure looked like fun!

Check out eastendbrewing.com for more

on the Keg Ride and on their fine craft

brewed beers.

The Keg Ride 2009 Bikes & Beer in The Streets of Pittsburgh.

By

Jason Mahokey

http://eastendbrewing.com/node/9


“The great thing about mountain biking, as

with cross, is that your result in every race is

limited purely by your own ability to push

yourself. There isn’t any of that trying to make

a break at the wrong time, or chasing down a

break without any help, only to have other guys

blow past you in the sprint. There is just you,

and your willingness to push yourself. There is

a little of knowing when to go hard versus when

to rest, which is something I’m still learning,

but that comes with time.”

-Aaron Shelmire

A little while back my friend and Pro Bikes teammate

Aaron was thinking out loud about mountain bike

racing on his blog. He wrote some words that stuck

with me and I’d like to share...

Nice words Aaron, and very true. I find that with each

mile I ride I learn a little more about our sport and myself.

Sadly with each passing season I also forget a little more.

Of course, maybe it’s the “forgetting” that keeps me

coming back?

Thanks so much for reading. Stay tuned in the coming

months for issue #3 of XXC. Good luck at the races or

on your next epic adventure.

Jason Mahokey

XXC Magazine

Photo: Ben Welnak Photo: Ben Welnak

http://mtbshelmire.blogspot.com/

xxc issue #2

Documents

contributors of xxc

brad schmalzer xxc season

lending xxc

xxc isnt

contributors thanks

big thanks

brad schmalzer photo

jason mahokey