Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Steamboat Stinger 2012


I was blessed to be able to make the trek out to Steamboat this summer to make a visit to Moots and race the 2012 Steamboat Stinger. Even though it was only the second year of the event, the race sold out within a matter of hours. There were about 400 total riders some of which did the full event (two 26-mile laps), others participated in the duo category, each doing 1 lap. Additionally, 300 runners raced the marathon the next day (some people who are totally crazy did both the 52-mile ride and the 26.2-mile marathon). I was proud to finish the 52-mile race in 5:29. Perhaps I'll be back next year to see if I can improve my time!

All in all, it was a quick trip to Steamboat, but well worth it as I was able to tour the Moots factory and spend some time with some of the great employees at the factory and after the race. It ended up raining Friday night before the race and we woke up Saturday morning to some fairly steady rain. However, the clouds parted and the rain gave way to some great sticky singletrack. Below are some pics of my adventure to the the factory that makes the best handbuilt bikes ever and the Steamboat Stinger mountain bike race.


Moots showroom above the factory in Steamboat Springs, CO
where the magic happens 
Moots uses only the finest quality US made titanium tubing
stock YBBs hanging and ready to be finished
finished frames with the coveted yellow handbuilt tag ready to be boxed 
some very lucky future Moots owners
a view of the Moots headquarters 

finished in 5:29 sporting the brand new kit!
beat up from the feet up after 50+ miles of singletrack!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Breckenridge (Aug 2012)

Don't bother me while I'm driving!
Pilot & Co-pilot
Finally!
Relaxing at a coffee shop in Fruita, CO

Ride 1: Peaks Trail from Breckenridge to Frisco and back

Ride 2: Tiger Road (jeep trail) Colorado Trail Recon


Our turnaround point - Tiger Road (jeep trail)

Ride 3: Colorado Trail, Red Trail, Blair Witch


The start of the Colorado Trail from Tiger Road (jeep trail)
Red Trail behind me heading towards Keystone
Crested Butte friend Erik came over to do some riding - bottom of the Red Trail

Ride 4: Boreas Pass, Baker's Tank, Aspen Valley, Blue River Trail


View of Breckenridge Ski Area from Boreas Pass Road 
Baker's Tank Trail 
Aspen Valley Trail

Refueling Time!