Cycling In A Toque

IWILL Helmet Awareness

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine, Canadian cyclocross superstar Aaron Schooler is out to promote your health and the health of your family with his new ProHelmet campaign, IWILL. After his brother's tragic snowboarding accident in November, Aaron has put aside his riding aspirations and made big waves all across the country. The province of Nova Scotia, Intrawest Resorts (such as Whistler Blackcomb) and

Live.Love.Bike

2012-01-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

It's 2012! The year of the dragon! What will be your adventure this year? Ryan Van Duzer, creator of the recent internet sensation 'Shit Cyclists Say' has been out exploring the world for years. In his most recent trip, he asked people what it is in life that they love the most. Have a great day! PS...right now I am at TEAM EXERGY SPONSOR CAMP! We have been busy meeting all the new sponsors,

One Cannot Convince A Closed Mind

2012-01-24T07:00:00.001-08:00

I've come across two very interesting "lectures" these last few days. One discusses the possible birth of a new type of religion, called Atheism 2.0. With great respect for the power of religion, Atheism 2.0 suggests that the secular world make use of the invaluable mechanisms used by all of the world's religions to apply them for greater community growth and social reorganization. The second,

Songs for Others

2012-01-22T07:00:00.001-08:00

<p>&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://harrisonfulop.bandcamp.com/album/songs-for-others"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Songs for Others by Harrison Fulop&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;</p> Yes, I post a lot of electronica on this blog. Well...here is

Train like a Pro (Toque Edition)

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Last week I came across a list of tips for training like a pro. Bissell's Paul Mach and Ian Boswell came up with it while training together in California and I thought it was pretty great. But I add a few things. Enjoy and remember...when in doubt, pedal it out! Rules for Pros: - Ride by 10am. - Ride in a small group or alone. - Always train in leg warmers when its below 70 degrees. -

Ski Well Simply

2012-01-18T07:00:00.001-08:00

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://sapp-one.bandcamp.com/album/hokuto-the-beat-2009"&amp;amp;amp;gt;Hokuto the Beat 2009 by sapp-one&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;All revolutions start with an idea. A lightbulb. A flash of a better way forward. But what is it that allows certain ideas to bloom while others wilt? ......Delivery!During my ski racing days, Dad started

Laying Pipe

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

If you haven't had a chance to read the news lately, the pipeline projects in Canada are quite a big deal. Of course these issues extend beyond Canada's borders and affect peoples all over the world as precedents are set every day. Here is a fun yet at times, hard to stomach interview that perhaps illustrates just how weak the oil 'puppets' are becoming as we push deeper into the 21st century and

Driving Upward

2012-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: National GeographicWhatever you do with your time,Do it with passion and consistency, Self-confidence and focus, Self-discipline but balance, Study your art: Pupil,Respect your art: MoralityInspire those close to your heartIf you aren't making someone else's day better,What is the point?

Upward...or Outward???

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

“And though history has made us self-conscious in order to enhance our survival prospects, we still have deep impulses to erase the skull lines in our head and become immersed directly in the river. I’ve come to think that flourishing consists of putting yourself in situations in which you lose self-consciousness and become fused with other people, experiences, or tasks. It happens sometimes when

Rolling Kenda

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Since late September and the beginning of my offseason, I've been double tiring my wheelset to avoid those torrential-downpour, 20-minutes-from-home, bonked & cold, patch-kit-glue-dried-up & hitchhiking scenarios. And when you train alone you can hardly tell the difference. Yes one's average speed does go down for total moving time, but what about the opportunity cost of fixing a flat...surely

A Desert Sting

2012-01-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to spend my January days in Tucson, Arizona. The desert valley is a mecca for all types of endurance athletes: Kona triathletes, professional cyclists and really fast old guys looking for that early season edge or that perma tan...I'm never sure. The rapid shift from indoor basement training or sub-zero neoprene booty gravel rides to Playmobil toy box settings of endless blue

Team Exergy in 2012

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

The new season is rolling in and so is the equipment at the service course in Boise! With only two weeks before the team's first meet & greet camp at the end of January, my Team Exergy teammates and staff members are finalizing their individual preparations for the season. A group of us, actually six of the fifteen riders, are here in Tucson training. But with distanced homestays, we have only

Dr. Ball

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Although I did not take a class from Whitman's Dr. Ball as he had already retired, he made a special trip to talk with my roomates and I at Whitman's Tamarac House (an interest house for the outdoor/backpacking crowd). He talked about big questions, he made us think. He didn't ask us to come up with the answers right then and there but planted tiny, powerful ideas. Since that talk in 2007, I have

Rad Wanderung

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

For some of us, it's skiing. For some of us it's cycling. Whatever you do, do it with passion, exuberance and panache. Grab life by the horns and live! Move! This one goes out to Duncan Mackenzie, a ski patrol from Whistler who lost his life doing that which he loved so much. I was fortunate enough to play soccer with Duncan for two seasons in the Whistler Summer Soccer League. He was always a

La Stelvio

2011-12-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

This week the gladiators of winter descended upon the north-facing Stelvio slope in Bormio, Italy. Known as one the most dangerous courses on the circuit. Racers complete the 3.1km (2 mile) course in just 120 seconds, dropping 1000 metres (3000 feet) to reach the highest average speeds in the entire World Cup calendar of approximately 100kph (70mph). "With nearly two thousand years of history and

Surviving the Holidays

2011-12-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

Solstice

2011-12-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Stars fade. A faint ridge of black emerges against the dark blue abyss. As breakfast arrives, the details of the alpine become clear, white against warming blue.The sun's rays pop into sight, just over the snake of red tail lights. The valley's overnight chill valiantly clings to life as the air vents clear the car windscreen. The mountain, once as cold and as dark as the valley, now awakens with

Christmas Trees

2011-12-19T07:00:00.001-08:00

"If it's under the power lines, it's far game", at least that's what they say. Of course in order to justify any cut, tree density, age and projected lifespan all must be considered. Armed with old ski clothing (to fend off sap and pitch), some bungie cords and a saw, we head off into the bush for the tree. A pine will do in a pinch but a Douglas Fir is much preferred. Sifting through the

Today

2011-12-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Been reading again...this time on Coyle's Talent Code. Interesting insight from this associated NY Times article on the power of failure in the pursuit of success. Enjoy!Also, the video below is a great way to enjoy your day.

Cyclocross Winter Camp

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

One of the big talking points of the US cyclocross scene this year is the move of the National Championships to early January. I was fortunate to participate in the 2007 and 2009 Championships as a collegiate rider and by moving the race 3 weeks later there have been some major implications. I'm opening up a forum here if you would like to comment, here is a list of some of the pros and cons that

The Fjord

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

A breath-taking film of backcountry skiing on Baffin Island with Marcus Waring, one of my friends from the ski racing days. Baffin Island: A Skier's Journey EP2 [Season 2] from Jordan Manley Photography on Vimeo.Super stoked for ya Marcus!

Team Roster

2011-12-14T07:00:00.001-08:00

On Monday, USA CYCLING finally announced the teams and rosters for the 2012 North Amercian professional circuit. Although we announced our roster a few weeks ago via Peloton Magazine with this classy article, I never introduced the new riders. But since I haven't meet them yet, it would be a bit short sighted for me to try!But come the end of January, the whole team will be meeting up in Boise,

Legacy

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Although I did get my fix of Walla Walla's gravel roads and endless wheat fields these past few weeks, I didn't arrive quite soon enough. I missed out on the best time of the year...October. Why? Because that is the month that Charles Stanger finishes up his annual modifications to his infamous cyclocross courses.This year the rider-tall wheat field maze was hardly a standout feature as Charles

Family

2011-12-10T07:00:00.001-08:00

BeatColorz EP 2010 by Sapp-oneSome people say we're crazy...we take so much risk. Whether it be in training or in racing, bicycle racing is nuts. We push our bodies and more importantly our minds to new limits everyday in the hopes and blind faith that we will grow and improve as a result of those specific training stresses. But

Ski Well Simply

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Dad has been working hard these past three seasons and has quietly started a little revolution on the slopes. By focusing on basic motor movements and concepts that skiers of all ability levels can grasp, he has had great success as both a mountain guide and a ski instructor.Now in it's third edition with referrals from all of the biggest names in Whistler's rich ski history, be sure to pick up

Couse Creek

2011-12-05T20:48:00.001-08:00

Mud-smeared bartape offers the final layer of protection for the rigid, aluminum handlebar but provides little in the way of damping as the washboard and stone-littered service road descends out beyond my front wheel into oblivion. Extending away at 5...8....no now 15%, the opposing valley of Walla Walla floods my view, despite the setting sun's best efforts to curb my sight with deceiving

Holiday Wish List

2011-12-02T07:00:00.001-08:00

Before the 2011 year comes to an end, I wanted to pass along this first-class look at the Williams Wheel system that Team Exergy used in 2011. These wheels never let us down and Keith worked tirelessly to provide us with the best product. My wheels were stiff, responsive and durable without ever compensating safety. These should be at the top of the holiday wish list! Thanks Keith!Williams & Team

The Manual for Speed

2011-11-28T23:12:00.000-08:00

Insightful and provocative rhetoric spawn life to this visually-dense collection of unique perspectives captured from inside the world of elite bicycle racing; translating not only the smell of the air, the rush of the wind and the ambiance of the moment but the passion of those on both sides of the camera: a passion for excellence, peak performance and the discovery and understanding of each

Monkey-Eating Birds!

2011-11-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

So if resting is the only way to get benefits out of your training, I sure hope you find something to do while resting. If you can't find something fun to do, you can always learn about stuff! Like at NOVA! Did you know the biggest eagle in the world has the body the size of a human torso! IT'S HUGE!Here is the full 1hr video if you have time! Fascinating! Watch Jungle Eagle on PBS. See more

New Roads

2011-11-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

After an absolutely fantastic autumn of riding around the roads of Whistler this past October, I headed out of town the morning of the first big snow (Nov.2). As part of my preparations of the 2012 season, I've been training consistently since September knowing that I'll need to take a break in December for some minor surgery. Instead of staying abroad as I did in 2011 when I called Portland,

Black Friday

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Mindless consumerism, shock-trooping a path forward? Is that really the answer? If you just stood in line all night for some pithy electronic product on sale, do us all a favor and refrain from providing advice on politics, economics, environmental issues or really anything else for that matter to anyone you have or ever will meet. Stop being a shocktrooper.

Toque blog comes up for air!

2011-11-23T22:02:00.000-08:00

Toque blog blasting off for 2012 ....countdown in ...3,2,1....NOW!! Tons of new content coming your way this week! Although I have been on a blogging break for the last five weeks, thanks to my committed and NEW readers, I've still be keeping the daily hits up so thank you everyone..your patience will be awarded this week.WetbanditsBlur - Song #2 (Chuckie Singapore Edit) by DJCHUCKIEFirst off...

BooYakaShaw

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

I come up with all these crazy ideas for writing when I'm out on the bike, but i can never remember any of them when I get home.Since I turn my computer back on very soon after returning from a ride, maybe computers cause writer's block? Did the global average of writer's block increase with the birth of the PC? According to my google search, it did!When in doubt, maybe we should just ask the

Digging in the archives

2011-10-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

I finally found video from Canadian Nationals! It only took me five months! Also, here are some top shots from my Team Exergy teammates throughout the year. Take a look if you missed out during the season!Canadian Criterium: Men's Race (Minute 2-5)Redlands: Stage 2 - Andres goes 3rd, misses GC by secondsSea Otter: Stage 4 - Cooke in the break!UBC Grand Prix: Carlos Wins!

Toque Torque Cycling thunders into 2012

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to introduce the new and improved look of my small but resilient coaching company.With only a handful of clients (6 to be precise), Toque Torque Cycling scored podium results in 2011 at the Collegiate National Championships and the Mt. Hood Classic!For 2012 I have expanded to offer 4 training programs and 2 team management options. So whether you are a new collegiate or U30 racer,

Racing with Asthma

2011-10-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Over the last few years I have noticed a few things about training and racing with asthma.First off, my childhood allergies have changed from once causing a stuffy nose or other symptoms to directly affecting my asthma. So in addition to mold, dust and cigarette smoke, now food allergies like peanuts and chocolate have an effect. Of course that is an easy fix, don't eat those foods! Mind you it

Snow = Turkey Time

2011-10-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

It snowed, so it must be that time againGet out and support the Whistler Mountain Ski Club...AND BUY SOME SUPER CHEAP GEAR

Finish Lines

2011-10-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Shielded by a layer of damp fog, the mountain's hillside hides the upcoming turn. Funneled by towers of emerald green, the path forward stretches out into the unknown. The ground underneath now mirrors that of the sky, my vision fading to bland shades of grey and white. A crimson fireball drives up from underneath, welling up from my quadriceps and into the pit of my chest. I attempt to exhale.

Study your Sleep

2011-10-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

Over the past few days I've returned to vacation mode after cancelling my plans to travel to Los Angeles to train at the velodrome and have found a very insightful blog discussing sleep research. Two entries I found particularly interesting were the studies that discussed:1) Alcohol consumption prior to bed (recalling my college days of course) - Slept less than when sober - Woke up more

Winter Riding

2011-10-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's week 3 of a three week block. Today is your big day with a few hard sets and then you're all done. After slogging around in the rain for three hours, your intervals are done and the cold has finally worked its way through your many layers of clothing. Now you just need to get home and out of the rain......PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTT. FLAT!A friend of mine showed me about the "Double Tire" solution

Back with Team Exergy

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

After a hugely successful season for the team and myself, I'm happy to announce that I'm all signed up for next season. Although the official roster has yet to be released, there are some exciting changes in store for the team. I am very excited to share them with you when the time is right.For now, thanks for reading and following along. You can see a collection of my favourite images here in

Neverending Road

2011-09-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Living in Walla Walla for four years can make a cyclist a little spoiled. Void of cars, dogs, squirrels and snow, it's endless roadways carve through the rolling Palouse hills. Golden brown in the fall, the air is earthy, dry and hot, with the occasional whiff of smoke as farmers burn off harvested fields; riding on the surface of the moon. In the spring, blue meets green as the endless harvest

The Thin Blue Line

2011-09-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

Why does my eye hurt from a bike ride?Did I get a bug in my eye? No...I was riding inside today.Did I only put in one contact this morning? Nope....one...two..check.Was I squinting during my ride? No, at least I don't remember doing anything like that.Do you think it could have been the whole"sprinting in the saddle, head half-cocked, back twisted, searching for more power....searching for more

Routine? Ayurveda!

2011-09-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

Over the past 12 months as a self-coached professional, I've focused the majority of my free time to learning different methods of training. I read a vast array of medical/physiological testing studies and memorized the lessons of such popular coaches as Friel & Carmichael (who have quite different perspectives). But as my off-season continued to develop and I learned more about bike training, I

Interbike 2011

2011-09-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

WETBANDITS: “What Happens In Vegas ft. Gregor Salto” - Chuckie"CALLING ALL HANDS ON DECK...ALL EXERGY RIDERS REPORT TO VEGAS NOW...LARGE TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT THURSDAY AT MARQUEE @ COSMOPOLITANBRING YOUR SHINIEST SHOES AND ANY OTHER BLING YOU MAY OWN"Photo Courtesy of Conor Mullervy: http://conormullervy.blogspot.com/2011/09/off-season.htmlKevin, Conor, Freddie, Carlos, Andres, Sebastian, and I

Tethered

2011-09-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

White beaches & umbrella drinks, green valleys & desolate trails, glassy lakes & the call of a loon; we all work so hard for so long to get to these places, a place where we can take in the beauty, feel alive, feel closer to nature and escape for a slice of silence from our busy world of alarm clocks, text messages and advertising, advertising and more advertising!It is in these quiet,

2011 RBC Gran Fondo

2011-09-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

This race was fabulous. Absolutely fantastic. 7,000 people, with the likes of Bob Roll and Alex Steida. They had the entire Lions Gate Bridge closed down and as we went over in the opening moments of the race... the sun rose. It was beautiful! The energy of the event proved just how big cycling is here in Southwestern British Columbia post-Olympics so I am stoked to experience the day after

2011 Sprint Challenge

2011-09-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a quick visit to Quebec City. It was fabulous! Highlights of the event included enjoying buffet meals at the Chateau Frontenac in old town Quebec City, enjoying these meals in the midst of the best riders in the world, racing in a four up sprint competition in front of a very appreciative and enthusiastic crowd, great treatment and support from Canadian Cycling and the GPCQCM

Rise of the Road Warrior @Whistler Pique

2011-09-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

Great article on the battle between mountain biking and road cycling in Whistler, tips on riding safety and insight into professional racing.Thanks Vince!

Indian Summer

2011-09-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Riding bikes with Mom & Dad

Bike Chatter

2011-09-02T16:21:00.001-07:00

I got a chance to ride with my new teammate Sebastian Selas today for the first time since he joined the team for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge (in which he of course rode exceptionally well). We ventured through downtown Vancouver and out Marine drive to Horseshoe Bay, a route I have never ridden, under glorious skies and a cool breeze. It looked and felt kind of like this....As we ducked and

Routine? Or Not?

2011-09-01T07:51:00.001-07:00

Since I polished up the bike and revved up the old training machine these last few days, I've been focusing hard of re-establishing my routine. I feel it is important to establish a daily rhythm; when I stress my body with new stimuli on the bike, at least it has a routine off the bike it can relate to.One such example is breakfast. After a vacation of tasty cereal and homemade muffins, I'm back

Rest = Dilithium Crystals

2011-08-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

It's been three weeks since I completed any structured training or racing and I am in awe of the results. Back in Whistler after my first season, I was just trashed. Every day for ten days I became more fatigued as my body relaxed. The last time I'd had a "body" vacation was a three week non-road biking stretch in August 2009 right before I entered into my last year of University. Now, after

Cyclocross Bike For Sale

2011-08-29T16:39:00.001-07:00

It is almost time to go racing in the mud...do you need a bike? Well I might be able to help you out. I have 1 bike, very high end and light ready for sale at a great price. I also have a second racing bike great for entry level racers who also want to ride the road.Check out the easily downloadable powerpoint presentations via media fire (see links) and send me an email.Don't know what

Colorado St.5: And if you thought.....

2011-08-28T08:16:00.001-07:00

Well if you thought Stage 4 was a nail-bitting journey to Steamboat Springs with Team Exergy driving the front of the race, Stage 5 was way more epic!WOW! Reading the team's recap of the day, one in which Team Exergy was the most active it's been all week, I am just floored!Salas & Applequist driving the frontSneaking away on Rabbit Ear PassPhoto Courtesy: TeamExergy.comClick for Stage RecapStage

Colorado St.3: EXERGY CRUSH

2011-08-27T07:39:00.001-07:00

Although I'm back home in Canada resting after a long season of racing, the internet is making it easy to follow the team down at the US Pro Cycling Challenge. In case you've missed it, here is today's selection of news on the team.Article #1: Tad's Team Recap"At 40km to go, and the break under 2minutes, Team Exergy went to the front ....ultimately ending up with Fast Freddie hitting the front at

Back in the Saddle Again!

2011-08-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

Great Article today from Eric Mackenzie at the Whistler Question. Click to read!Don't miss my team at the Tour of Colorado this week. You can watch live coverage on Versus (stateside) or the Tour Tracker online (Canadian viewers). Another great source is the Manual for Speed's facebook page.Witness HeyBuckShot's artistic awesomeness NOW!Enjoy my weekly fav from the Wetblog too!Louis La Roche -

2011 Canada Track: It's a wrap

2011-08-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

I finished up my season here in Bromont, Quebec today. The only event remaining in the Elite omnium competition was the 1km TT (or kilo). This event is run with aero equipment despite its 65-70 second duration but it usually comes down to who can hurt the most. It's four lap distance includes a fast start followed by a slow death, with average speeds above thirty miles per hour.I'd need to speed

2011 Canada Track: Diggin In

2011-08-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sneaky Sound System- We Love (FireFlowerz rmx) by FireFlowerz Courtesy of WetBandits @WetblogDay 1:Back in Bromont today for another stab at track racing. After forgetting to switch my warmup gears for my race gears, (there was no warmup today because of dew so my first lap on a velodrome since last August was a racing speed in sprinting fashion = zippy do dah!) I raced the flying 250 metre (1

Elk Grove: St.1

2011-08-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

Disc Wheels & Aero HelmetsCarlos crushing it! Courtesy CyclingnewsTour of Elk Grove Prologue ResultsRide your bike!

Tuning In

2011-07-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

The last 2.5 weeks of my season are here. How can I tell?I am having strange thoughts about running, hiking and even walking! Hopefully summer is still around in Whistler in mid August. I have also been spending some time at altitude which means a lot of recovery. As a result I've had some time to stay tuned into the things I'm passionate about: coaching, training, music and big world.Recent

Altitude Adjustment

2011-07-23T19:59:00.001-07:00

Since Tuesday, Conor, Kevin and I have been enjoying our training days up at elevation in McCall, Idaho. Although it took a few days to get used to the air here at 5,000ft, we are starting to come around. We are off to Reno next week for a 1 day criterium (which is at altitude) and then to our final team race of the year at the Tour of Elk Grove in Chicago so some good training at altitude should

Boise Twilight: Gallery

2011-07-18T10:33:00.001-07:00

Check out these sweet photos from an old friend from Contech Construction (my office job last winter).THE NEW CASTELLI KITS ARE SICK!More Photos from local professional: Here

UBC Grand Prix: Alzate #1

2011-07-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Team Exergy's last chance for a stage win here at BC Superweek with the inaugural UBC Grand Prix. Wow! What an event! A great show! Photo credits go to Greg Descantes. The Wet BlogMahony & Sons put up a huge spread next to the very fast final corner 4 and the longer course allowed the riders enough time to move around and make the racing hard.Mahony & Son's VIP Tent at Corner 4From

Tour de Delta: St.3

2011-07-10T23:32:00.001-07:00

It was going to be a hard day. With Carlos in the lead by three points, we needed to get him safely to the line right behind Pinfold. Since it was an omnium, those out of the points could effectively win the race by as much time as they wanted and it wouldn't have affected the overall.During the short opening circuits in North Delta, various breakaways tried to form and although two did escape,

Tour de Delta: St.2

2011-07-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the main event of the weekend in terms of crowds down in Ladner. The guys did a great job of staging so we had a strong force at the front of the race right from the beginning.The Plan: Try to get Carlos away early. If not, get a break with two Exergy. If not, Attack attack attack. Focus on a stage win or at least move Carlos up in the overall classification, trying to get as a many

Tour de Delta: St.1

2011-07-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight the 2011 Tour de Delta started in Vancouver, BC. Team Exergy has seven riders and we were looking to starting this three day omnium competition off on the right foot.The four corner course included a long uphill section, offset with a fast downhill corner 1. After many attacks in the first twenty minutes, Andres Diaz pounced away from the field with Marsh Cooper (KBS), Ryan Anderson (

Coming Home

2011-07-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

I've been home in British Columbia for ten days now and it has been a very relaxing and fun break from racing. Starting with a trip to Vancouver Island to visit Grandma, Granny and Papa Jack (whom I'd hadn't seen in over a year and a half due to school and racing), I took a few days off after nationals to enjoy some cookies and desserts! Of course the old island highway was just too good to pass

2011 Canada Criterium: SUCCESS!

2011-06-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Fresh Beats from My Personal DJ's THE WETBANDITS @ The WETBLOG: Makes you fast!Wow! What an amazing day! I built my bike this morning and went for a great ride around the boardwalk of Burlington, Ontario, looking out across Lake Superior. It was absolutely fantastic to be back on my own machine (lost it during air transit this week and borrowed a Felt F3 for yesterday's road race - Thanks FELT

Tulsa Tough: St.3 Leadout TRAIN!

2011-06-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my Team Exergy teammates and I kitted up for our last day in Oklahoma. We didn't talk about the race too much before hand, the plan was already set. We had already discussed where we could improve and we all understood it was a matter of getting it done. So with a steep climb crowded with drunk and rowdy spectators we headed off into the heat of the Oklahoma afternoon (100 degrees and

Tulsa Tough: St.1 CrashFEST!

2011-06-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

If you got a chance to watch the race online, I hope you were sitting down because that was about as hairy as it gets.The thunderstorm delay was very appropriate. The first few laps were very slippery. Essentially one crash per lap for the first 20 laps. It dried throughout the race and breakaway of the day didn't get away until 50 minutes into the race. In the finale, (with Quinn out from a

Tulsa Tough: Inbound!

2011-06-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Wetbandits! Pryda - Mirage by Eric Prydz Official Tulsa Tough! Three days of travel and we are here! Big money! Time to crush it with two new Team Exergy riders: Conner and Kevin Mullervy! Welcome to Team Exergy!Event GuideLive Stream: Friday 9pm CST, Saturday 9pm CST, Sunday 4pm CSTQuinn and I traveled for three days in the Volvo early this week. Highlights include a museum of the DOGS OF

Philadelphia International: Exergy goes big

2011-06-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Philly 1 Philly 2Philly 3 Philly 4Philly 5 Philly 6Philly 7WE ABSOLUTELY CRUSHED IT OUT THERE!My job was to help keep Freddie safe as we approached the Manayunk. I did it absolutely perfect twice = first wheel into the Manayunk! I started crambing on the 7th big lap but a massive bottle of Hammer Endurolytes from Remi helped me get back in the groove.

The Legend of Jim Thorpe

2011-05-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

Travel days can be long, hot, and torturous or short, easy and mentally refreshing. I've spent plenty of time in vans throughout my athletic career so day-long travel days aren't anything new and I've actually started to really enjoy them. Like the skill of napping, the skill of zoning-out is critical to survival on the road.When I started traveling, the van involved a 12 hr haul from the west

2011 US Pro: Caravan Car

2011-05-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

This week I am in Greenville, South Carolina helping my teammates compete at the US PRO National Championships. Well actually, I haven't been able to give up all of my time as I have been completing my preparations for the Philadelphia Invitational on June 5th but I did get a chance to ride in the car with Team Exergy Director Sportif Tad Hamilton during Monday's 5hr National Road Championship.

Wilmington Grand Prix: FIRST PRO PODIUM!!!!

2011-05-24T08:14:00.001-07:00

BAM! I did it! I grabbed my first NRC podium as a professional! So stoked!This year the Wilmington Grand Prix expanded from a prestigious & punishing one day criterium to a multi-day omnium featuring the classic stages of the Tour de Pont. Fresh off of a one week vacation, I was very excited to go for big results despite facing 6-man teams from UnitedHealthCare, Kelly Benefit Strategies and Kenda

Wilmington Grand Prix: Inbound!

2011-05-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

My Next Race: The Wilmington Grand Prix! Expanded from 1 day criterium race, this NRC omnium event will feature full squads from UHC, Kelly Benefit Strategies and Team Type 1 Development. Chris Hong and I will be out for blood this week. It starts with a 5km undulating time trial in the heart of Wilmington. There are single lane roads, half lane roads, cobblestones, fast corners and hopefully

Mid-Season Break @Northeast

2011-05-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Expressway Mix Pt.3 by Russ Chimes Courtesy of the Wetbandits! Northampton, Massachusetts is rad! If you ride bikes, definitely bring one if you find yourself heading to the east for business. The staff members at the local shops were great and helped me clean my bike after two long days of travel, so a big thanks to Competitive Edge Ski & Bike and the Noho Bike shop! There is something to be

Oh look...I found Baltimore!

2011-05-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Just finished my travel up to Northampton, Massachusetts. Feels great to finally arrive! So I guess that means I am officially on vacation for one week...but I am in one of the country's cycling meccas. Good thing I ride bikes! Time to explore on two wheels....

St.7 @Sandy Springs

2011-05-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

We rolled into town yesterday evening quite late but thanks to some adrenaline carry over from the race in Dilworth, the drive was smooth sailing. In the morning we went out for a spin of the legs and found the annual Mother's Day festival in the town of Gunwoody. I found two extremely cool booths: a glass art and a photography exhibit. Here are link to the booths and there are photos below.

St.6 @Dilworth

2011-05-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

BAM! I got legs! FINALLY! Two Prime sprints and time at the front of the race. It was a hectic day with a very slow bottom corner followed by a long uphill drag to the line but the power is coming and I am feeling very confident on the tires and wheels. THE LOW DOWN:I awoke to the forward surge of the parking brake. The car felt hot and stuffy, I guess that's what compression tights do to you

St.5 @Spartenburg

2011-05-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Chromeo - Hot Mess (Ride The Universe Remix) by Ride The UniverseWetbandits: May 7th 2011Check out Dilworth tonight at 4pm (EST) LIVE VIDEO FEEDWe drove up to Spartenburg yesterday during our second of two rest days. The historic post-race festivities in Walterboro (some bike riders lit the hotel roof on fire last year due to an unexpected beer+fireworks combination), didn't occur this year for

St.4 @ Walterboro

2011-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Very fast course! Very dark...see the picture here of the back straight away. After numerous attempts by various smaller teams, it seemed apparent by lap 20 of the scheduled 37 laps that the midnight crit would end in a bunch kick. The front half of the course was bumpy, tight and twisty with 3 sweeping corners leading to the back straightaway. And it was very difficult to stay near the front

St.3: Beaufort Criterium Recap

2011-05-04T06:29:00.000-07:00

Awesome ride for the team! Tight, dark and well-attended dog fight in beautiful Beaufort. Team Exergy worked very well as a unit tonight and after Carlos jumped in the break of the day, Barley and Ben prepared for the final laps to set up their teammate and Speedweek Points Leader for the finish. The goods:Windy day with a strong headwind along the sweeping left mainstraight away. Turn 1, goes

St.2 @Roswell Criterium Recap

2011-05-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

(Written in 3rd Person for the Team Website)Day 2 at Speedweek: Pretty solid day in the office for Team Exergy. Carlos finished 3rd and Barley 4th in the bunch finish, landing our first team podium of the week. United Healthcare controlled the race from start to finish and then led it out over the final 6 laps to propel their two finishers to the top two steps of the podium.How it played out:

St.1 @Athens Twilight Recap

2011-05-01T12:42:00.001-07:00

Grid QualifierMultiple ScenesThe Wind BlowsI try to finish ahead of the pack after a mechanical dropped by a lap with 1.5laps remainingRace Recap: Tons of People! 35,000 people! It was like a formula 1 race but with no runoff areas! I got the call up, so did Remi. Halfway through the 2nd lap, Carlos was already in front of me though and soon up the road in a two man breakaway with Pista Palace

SpeedWeek 2011 (NRC)

2011-04-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Summer it up with the Wetblog:(Davali): DLCRANK THE VOLUME cause it is time for the Biggest Show in U.S. Biking. It's time for Athens Twilight! This race is insane! Website LIVE VIDEO FEED (Racing starts 8.45pm EST)

FULL GAS

2011-04-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Aretha Franklin - A Deeper Love (Trick Folexxx Remix) by Trick FolexxxThis week Carlos and I traveled to Speedweek in Georgia. On our way, we stopped in Sayre, Arkansas and saw some Zebras. Then to Huntsville to dodge some tornadoes, now we are here in Athens, GA for one of the biggest races of the year. The saying "Full Gas" usually means....absolutely everything you have....ride totally

Traveling with the Wind

2011-04-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Preamble:Since our altitude training camp in Santa Fe, NM, my teammate Carlos Alzate and I drove across the southern United States to the Southeast Criterium series opener in Athens Twilight. We traveled through Arkansas and stayed two nights in Huntsville, Alabama with former professional cyclist Matt Winstead; little did we know that the 2nd most deadly bout of tornadoes the Southeast United

Reflections upon Moving Forward

2011-04-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest parts of the pro athlete life that I have recently experienced is the battled against just simply going a little nuts. During "recovery" time (ie: lying down as much as possible), there is a lot of time to think, a lot of time that you need to fill. Our the past two weeks on the road, after a birthday present from my brother, I have been able to get back to reading the Wall

Santa Fe Camp: EXHALE!!!!!!

2011-04-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Plaza! @ Santa Fe (360' click to expand!)Training at altitude has been pretty wicked hard but the legs are coming around. Even on the easy days it has been hard to breath but that's all part of it, 7,000 ft is high! After a rest day on Thursday, we ventured up the local climb on Friday (4,000 ft) to the ski resort. If you ever visit Santa Fe, it is definitely a road that you'll need to

Santa Fe Camp: INHALE!!!!!!

2011-04-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

Check this out!We just showed up in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Monday. The rest of the Exergy crew is arriving tomorrow and I can already feel the elevation. Training tips for moving to elevation:1) Sleep: sleep as much as you can. Sleep is very important in managing your hormone balances which promote healthy weight management.2) Hydration: your body will dry out, thickening your blood. You may

Old Pueblo Grand Prix

2011-04-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Kolombo - NYE djset by kolombo BAM! A real cactus! Had never seen one before, they are tall.We arrived in Tucson last night after a long but comfortable drive from Moab. Our homestay is amazing, with a pool and everything so I'm looking forward to many ice baths/cannonballs as it looks like the 95 degree forecast will make for a warm weekend.This morning we showed up in town early for one

MOAB!

2011-04-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

St. Germain & Eerik - pont des arts (FRW Lounge Master edit 2010) by FRW (Chill Rhythms)The drive to Moab was quick and awesome! I have never been to this part of the world. Lots of very very cool mountains, felt like I was in a Playmobil set. Quinn’s mom welcomed us into her amazing home and treated us to some very delicious meals. Of course we took advantage of our trip for a stop at the

Dinosaurs!!

2011-04-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

After scoping the dino museum near our homestay on our drive last Friday, a trip to check out some bones stacked up there at #1 on the list of things to do post race. I’ve seen dino mock-ups before but never a full skeleton so I wasn’t going to waste this chance, besides we are going to Moab later in the week so I might as well get ready to see lots of dinos! Lesson 1) Dino poop is heavy.Lesson 2

Tour de Depot

2011-04-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

Highbloo - Time To Change Pt 2 (Surfing Leons Remix) preview by lektroluvrecords Wetblog: Highblood - Time To Change Pt 2 (Surfing Leons Remix) preview bylektroluvrecordsThe OMEGA HIT SQUAD convened this weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. With most of the team heading down to Laguna Seca for the Sea Otter Classic next weekend, Quinn, Chris and I traveled to Utah to represent Exergy at the

Sponsorship Appreciation

2011-04-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, my 2011 audio sponsors released their latest mix, just in time for my 26th birthday and the Tour of the Depot today! Thanks for the rad set guys....bringing back the good memories from 2010. See whats all up here! Download free here NOW!In other sponsor news, sometimes they ask us to wear sweet gear and ride the best equipment in the world.Which is pretty much quite fantastic!

Redlands 2011

2011-04-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

It was hard! Team Exergy rode really well and scared people. We are not a bunch of push-overs.We are here to stay.Rock on Garth......TT Prologue ReconJosh (Williams Cycling), our super mechanic who knows nothing other than how to work really hardInside the team tent at the TT Prologue...and so it begins!95'F and 5km uphill makes for some discomfort...especially after a late winter up North. Good

San Dimas 2011

2011-03-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

The San Dimas stage race has been around for a long time and now features as the final warmup race leading up to the National Racing Calendar (NRC) opener in Redlands in early April. The day before the race we went for an opener ride around the Rose Bowl. Definitely cool. Day 1 featured a 13 minute uphill time trial. The road was really twisty which made it a pretty fun event for how painful it

San Dimas: Boom!

2011-03-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Batta Bing Batta BOOM!Matt Cooke crushes the first stage at San Dimas, finishing second and promptly placing EXERGY ON THE MAP!Andres went 10th and Kai 18th. Three in the top twenty! Not bad.Today's 134km road race should be fast and animated. The last month has been busy in Boise as the team has readied for these first few big races. So now that racing is under way, there's more blogging on the