Eleven Racing: February 2012

Monday, February 27, 2012

Got to love it!

Well, Yes I had to… it was necessary: I went on a "little" shopping spree two pairs of shoes S-works MTB and specialized MTB pros. Three new saddles specialized toupe expert, pro and S-works. The S-works saddle is totally carbon and weight in at 117g; I ran that same saddle one level down (the pro) last year and was absolutely in love

with it, so I had to upgrade for this year. I also got a couple of new tires S-works Renegade 29x1.8, a new seat post and some gloves specialized XC-lite. Now left with an empty wallet I think I am all set for the season.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Cannondale CAAD 10

The first bike to show up this year was my road bike, a Cannondale Caad 10 Dura-Ace; I want to thank Cannondale for such a great bike

It’s a beautiful black anodized aluminum frame with a full carbon fork and wheels, one of the lightest bike I have ever ridden just 15.9 lbs with water bottle cages and XTR mtb pedals. The ride quality is definitely different than the carbon frames I have had in the past, rough; I can feel the differences in asphalts. But man it is fast, corners beautifully, climbs like a dream, so stiff virtually no flex thanks in part to the BB30 frame and crankset. Over all a great bike in just a week I have already put 200 miles on it. Yesterday I went out on a 50mile ride thanks to my BG fit position I had no pain in my lower back, I was relax and cruised a mere 21.3 mph average for the integrity of the ride; mostly flat with rolling hills. I can t wait to get back out and start the serious training!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Specialized BG-FIT certification

Thanks to Pacific Bicycle Company for sending me to the specialized headquarters for the specialized BG-FIT certification.

It’s always fun to go down to Morgan Hill California for a week and learn so much about the bike industry. A typical day at specialized starts around 8am no kidding more than half of the company commutes on bikes it’s awesome. Sit through a few hour of class and then it’s time to ride everything shuts down "it’s the lunch ride". Everyone has an hour or more(sunny days) to go out and enjoy a long ride before returning to work until 7 at night. Last February I went to SBCU (specialized bicycle Component University) for product knowledge this time I was there to get my BG-FIT certification, lots of info dumped in such little time, I gain knowledge about bike fitting but also about the human body's anatomy and kinesiology understanding how comfort is power and speed. I brought so much knowledge back to the shop as well as my certification, my first fits went very well and I am so excited to keep helping folks through the BG-FIT system.

This was right after I got fitted to the new 2012 Venge the instructors/ the guys that fitted the Saxo Bank, Quick Step, Astana teams, as well as many other professional riders, were discussing on whether or not I should go lower (drop).

Fit finished I changed frame sizes from a 56 to a 58cm, 62cm reach with a 15cm drop although not mechanically possible on the Venge; we took out all spacers and the stem was resting on the bearings and we could only get a 13cm drop... I was very skeptical of the new changes, but the two hour ride that followed the fit was a dream, no pain or discomfort and I have now recreated that fit on all my bikes.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

2011 season recap!

Well, 2011 was my best season so far. Now, on the crest of starting the 2012 season I just wanted to do a recap of 2011

Xterra Vashon 2nd overall 1st in age group
Xterra Black Diamond 2nd overall 1st in age group
Xterra Portland 3rd overall 1st in age group
Xterra Canadian National 24th overall 11th amateur 2nd in age group
Xterra USA National 31st overall 8th amateur 1st in age group
Xterra World 135th overall 85th amateur 8th in age group

Over all a great season, I got to enjoy some awesome races and met some amazing folks here are some of my favorite memories of 2011.

Start at Worlds massive!!!

Melissa norland, I and Taylor Seavey after the awards at nationals

Mel, I, Eric, and Carrie Xterra portland

technical mtb course at Xterra Canada

John, Taylor, Mel, and myself were able to go down for a week before nationals pre-rode, relaxed and enjoy the vacation we had quite the set-up camping by the lake which led to awesome results for everyone!