I know it is for me. That is why I am trying to stay still and calm. To drive back the anticipation and preserve energy for when it’s needed. The day will come and when it happens it happens with a fury. That much we know. The small print is unwritten. Pending. Details shaped by the participants.

The Guest House at Lost River and the Inn at Lost River are again offering reductions on room rates.

Come to WV, get lost (and maybe found) – one way or another something will be determined.

See you next week!

Guns, Grits, and Gravel — The Song from CycleLife USA on Vimeo.

We are putting Joe D to work:

f

Joe Watering

Escape from Caddy Shack. Hedgehog on backup vocals. John C always wears his helmet while playing guitar:

Practicing with Hedgehog

Making our mark:

Barriers

That’s a lot of tape:

The Technical Section

He left that kit in the mud pit. He’s got a lot more where that came from:

Pro Joe

The course rocks!

Yellow Tape

Darren to the rescue:

Darren to the rescue




2 wheeled ministers of fun (or pain)-   First-   Let me send out a big THANK YOU to all of you who have helped spread the word about this inaugural event going down in Lost River, WV the weekend of August 28th and 29th.   The response has been awesome.  CX is really burning like wild fire and in many ways bridging the gap between the MTB and roadie worlds. It seems to have taken hold- Not just an off season alternative- But as a real focused discipline for this new breed of racer.

We still have 6 or 7 spots open…a couple folks have wanted to ‘reserve’ a spot, as they are still building their CX rigs, unfortunately the only way to ‘reserve’ a spot is to sign up on line and lay down the dollars. Just remember- we are understanding people. We are not here to stick anyone who may have an emergency…but we gotta pay bills too.

Register Online and Learn More

So, if you, a friend (an enemy) or a fellow CX/Roadie/MTB rider are interested and still sitting on the fence, don’t get caught out.

The last few details are being buttoned up. The course just got a good soaking.  And a hit squad is fired up to give it some ride time this week – it’s gotta get rutted up to be a proper CX course!   Course designer and resident CX crusher, ‘Big’ Joe Dombrowski is out tuning up at the Tour of Utah, and laying down the thunder for Trek-Livestrong all while feeling the effects of the dramatic change in altitude…   Jeremiah ‘The’ Bishop is doing his thang and getting it dialed for the Brek Epic MTB stage race (Aug 22 – 28) … and coming straight off of a top 5 finish in the fastest ever Leadville 100. TOTAL ANIMAL…you’re doing the math right (?)…he gets off of a plane and goes straight to the camp.   And to think these guys are gonna hang out in the woods, ride around in circles holding our hands and sharing their secrets…What a killer sport!   GO RIDE!

The next race on  the MABRA calendar is the Lost River Classic on Saturday July 24th.   This will be the second edition and weekend festivities are stacking up for pain, fun, some pleasure, diversion, views, vistas and really whatever you want to make it.   We are fortunate to again have the Guest House providing lodging as well as a cyclist buffet dinner Saturday night, and breakfast and staging for the Sunday, eleven AM group ride.   The Inn at Lost River, which is part of the Lost River General Store is offering some deluxe rooms in their idyllic and relaxing B and B for a generous $80 a night to LRC participants.

On line registration closes on Wednesday the 21st.  ‘Most’ of the fields look great and we are ahead of last year.  The 3/4 and  5 men’s fields are filled.  The men’s 1/2/3  is low but I have heard from enough folks who are pledging attendance.  If it is anything close to Coppis, which by the way, was brutally hard and for my money tougher then the NRC Capitol Criterium the week prior  (MABRA racing is no joke)  the dueling will be on.

The big mystery and question mark is the women’s 1/2/3 event.  This year, prompted by popular or at least vocal appeal we are offering two separate women’s fields rather then  a single women’s open. The 3/4 is part of the MABRA women’s race series and it is shaping up nice but the 1/2/3 competitors are playing possum.  So far ZERO are competing for the $425!  I know that they must be holding out.  Hanging back planning strategy and moves.  Something.  Prove me right.   Or prove me wrong….  I’m just hoping it is a matter of last minute directionals.   If the numbers are too low it is simply logistically and economical not feasible to offer the separate fields.   It would be good if this were not the case.

I rode the course today and it hasn’t gotten any easier than last year.  It is a serious beast.  Obviously there is nowhere to hide.  Everything is on display.   A full and complete challenge.   I’ve been racing more and maybe better then last season so am looking to improve at LRC, but it is a thin and delicate line on the sharp ascents, between your max and your limit.   If you’re lucky you can shoot that gap and find a clear breathe pattern.  Maybe your muscles cooperate and a rhythm is forged……  You have a good ride.

See you in the hills.

Descent From Lost River Barn – HD With Music from Bryan Vaughan on Vimeo.

Part 2

Daniel Pasley took some great photos, did a nice write up, and the Rapha crew shot a video.

Mathias, WV from RAPHA on Vimeo.