Chalk Creek Stampede - Nathrop, CO

Not too bad a showing in Nathrop this time around. And finally some stellar weather and minimal winds taboot. I think more important than anything, the three of us that did just the XC on Sunday saw signs of good things to come, and some decent legs to throw around for the day. In the Pro Race, young Travis Scheefer took off quick and got himself right up there with the big dogs. Notice Dylan Stucki unable to control the adrenaline and hitting the front right away (far left). Travis on the far right.

Irwin had a good race compared to other Nathrop excursions and finished 30th out of about 45 fellas but was consistent and able to keep chugging - all good signs of the upcoming 'Summer of Jeff part 2'.

Georgia Gould did beat over half of the men's field and you can see a stellar picture of her crushing it and our buddy Jeff just behind. Little can you tell by the picture, that Georgia went by Jeff, and said to him - 'Hey, you have a nice backside, and I really dig those AO team kits'.

Tim Curry, our Jr. Team Coach, posted a 3rd place in the Short Track on Saturday, but maybe soured up the legs a bit, and Sunday didn't have his best XC race, but damn did he look good out there in his MTB skinsuit. (Check it out ladies - it's a bit see through)

As for myself, I had a good race and finished 3rd in the Cat 1 XC. My best showing at Nathrop to date and although the legs aren't going full bore, I had 'good feelings' and was "molto tranquilo" - if I may quote my favorite Italians when they feel good.

Nathrop XC

Natrhrop XC today. Normally this course just does damage to us CB folk. It's flat, it's windy, and we usually just haven't had the time racing in. This year, we have a bit of illness, and perhaps one or two sets of tired legs - in that there's been a lot of racing so far. We'll see how she pans out. I would love to see team AO finally overcome that early spring thaw and get some groovy results.

Nathrop pre-race day

As I am typing this I sit in my tent drinking chai tea and listening to the rain pour down. I will post an update each
daywith team results. Right now it is looking like the STXC and XC tracks will be super fast hardpack thanks to the rain.

Later!

Photos from Thursday night

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12 Hours of Mesa Verde

A little blood - a little carnage, but great times this past weekend in Cortez, CO - 12 hours of Mesa Verde. Jari Kirkland took first place with a smile the whole time in the Womens Solo category. Travis and Jon Brown went to defend their title in the Men's Duo, and were just 10 minutes shy taking 2nd place. Paul Pike, John Starr, and Torrey Carroll took 5th in the Men's 3/4 man, and big dog Dave Scheefer rocked out a 5th place in the Geezer Category. Scheefdog wanted to pull out 7 laps, and hot damn did he make it happen. We had stellar support from Mark O'Neill again, including a cold foot bath for Scheefdog to relieve some foot hot spots - that's some support right there!

Lots of fun with the Brick Oven/CB Builders crew just across the way, and that crew had some epic racing as well - taking out many a category with a whole bunch of different categories racing.

I broke my bike on lap 3, and was feeling stellar - but that's racing. Glad to only have a bit of a leg wound, but it's going to make a sweet scar.

It was totally awesome having one of our sponsors, Paul Pike, on board for some racing, and I'm sure he's now hooked.

It's only May - so much more racing to be had, and this was a great way to get some miles in for all. Off to Nathrop this weekend for MSC #2 or US Cup #2 for some Short Track and XC racing on a usually defeating course for us late bloomers. But I think we have some early legs coming to form this year - looking forward to having some better results than previous years.

Tour of the Gila

Check out Mountain Flyer for some photos and race banter. What a sweet time down there in Silver City, NM. A bit windy, but at least an escape to some sun, some summer, and some sick road biking!

http://www.mountainflyer.com/news.cfm - or click on the link on the right!