And you thought Watts and HR were important numbers...

Imagine yourself 3 hours into a 6 hour race. At this point your legs are fatigued, breathing is about 10 minutes behind you trying to catch up. You have been training for this race for several months now but something is still not right...

Scroll through the stats on your bike computer and see that your average wattage is right on par for an ultra-endurance race. Even your heart rate has not crossed the Zone 4 line. You reach into your jersey pocket to take in some food, gels, chews... whatever you can get your hands on. Still, your body seems to be shutting down on you. Caloric intake gets you no where, easing off the pace and focusing on breathing doesn't help either. All you crave is water. As you continue, a different type of sweat develops from your pores. At this point, vision becomes blurred and dark. It is too late to adjust and continue.

Most of us train with the intention of racing within a set guideline of numbers pertaining to our power output, heart rate, calorie intake, etc. It is a pretty easy routine to get dialed in throughout the season. Luckily, with this routine our body will typically react consistently and rarely will you be caught off-guard by any abnormalities. There is a small group of racers (however an rapidly increasing number now) that have one very important number to focus on: Blood Glucose Level.

The above scenario is an all too frequent situation that a Diabetic racer must face (more specifically a Type 1 Diabetic). Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in the U.S. Studies show that by 2050, 1 in 3 Americans will be diabetic if we continue to promote the "Super-Size Me" lifestyle the majority of Americans live by everyday. While these factors will most likely inflict a Type 2 disease upon most Americans, which is maintained by taking a pill to help the body utilize insulin created by the body to manage Glucose levels. The last thing we want is the future of Americans to be dependent on medications to survive. Type 2 Diabetes by definition is simply the body's inability to properly use insulin created by the pancreas to manage blood sugar levels. This type of disease is generally acquired from personal dietary habits (extreme high-sugar content intake) and genetic history. With an adjustment to dietary habits, Type 2 diabetes can be avoided and in many cases reversed through proper nutrition and exercise.

The less frequent yet more deadly version is Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas in the body completely shuts down and can no longer produce insulin. Those affected must inject themselves with insulin through syringes, pens, or monitors with catheters attached to the body. Most injections are as frequent as eating and drinking. The most important factor pertaining to the onset of Type 1 diabetes is that it is not genetic nor is it acquired from lifestyle habits. It can happen to virtually anyone, whether a finely tuned athlete or your average Joe, and at this point there is no cure.

My wife Danielle is a Type 1 Diabetic. She was diagnosed shortly after we were married in August of 2005. Although she lives a very healthy lifestyle and is able to manage her sugar levels well, it is always a concern for her when riding and racing. Diabetic shock or coma can occur at anytime. A Diabetic shock can occur even while sleeping as the body falls below a stable blood sugar level (usually below 50). The average person maintains a stable blood sugar level between 82-110mg/dl. A Diabetic Coma can occur when a blood sugar level reaches an extremely high level.

There are plenty of great organizations that help promote awareness for Diabetes around the U.S. One group that I especially admire is Team Type 1, a U.S based cycling team whose racers are comprised of those struggling with Type 1 Diabetes. From amateur to a pro-level cycling roster, they work together to prove that this disease will not win in its effort to deter them from achieving their goals. Daniel Schneider  a rider on the TT1 Elite mens cycling team wrote a short blog regarding his experience during last weekends Mead-Roubaix in Boulder, CO. Check it out by clicking on his name above. You can also check out Team Type 1 by clicking on their name above as well.

As for me, Type 2 diabetes is pretty dominant in my Native American family background. Luckily, through cycling and nutrition, I have been able to prevent the disease from affecting my life so far. But even without being formally diagnosed I have come close to experiencing some of the effects of the disease. On several occasions I have tested my blood sugar levels at times when energy levels had drastically decreased and the "shaky" feeling set in. This usually had my sugar levels down to about 58-64 mg/dl. I must say, it is a feeling unlike any type of "bonking" on the bike you will ever experience.

So next time you cruise by that aid station to stock up on some extra calories to get you through the finish, think about what it would be like to also stop and have to inject a shot of insulin just so your body could do something with those gels. Heart Rates fall back with rest and breathing, higher Watts will push you further and faster, but a BGL reading needs the most attention.

Thanks for reading and helping to spread the awareness of Diabetes.
TMP

Vail Valley Mountain Bike Association - an IMBA affiliate

Just a quick note here until further information and structure is available: Through a collective effort, Eagle County cyclists have created the Vail Valley Mountain Bike Association. This will be the Valley's first IMBA affiliated mountain bike advocacy group and through this partnership, we will be able to work directly with the International Mountain Bike Association based out of Boulder, CO. IMBA's presence in the land management negotiation process has been monumental in establishing sustainable trail access around the world. Now, the Vail Valley will be able to more effectively work with land managers and organizations to help work side by side with the Hidden Gems initiative in an effort to help keep access to bikes on our public lands.

More than just a legal resource, VVMBA will also host dedicated trail work days and open the possibility to build more sustainable trails in the Vail Valley. Please show your support and become a member today. You can sign up at Mountain Pedaler in Eagle, as well as Moontime Cyclery and The Kind Bikes in Edwards. The initial year long membership fee will be $20 for an individual and $30 for a family.

Happy Trails!
TMP

The Future of Women's Cycling

As I sit in Yeti's Grind on my day off enjoying a delicious roast from City on a Hill Coffee and a huge bacon and egg burrito topped with salsa, I begin to think about a comment my little sister wrote on my Facebook page the other day. In her best effort to get me to come back home and express how much she misses Danielle and I, she mentioned that "Cierra Thinks you should come back home, have a baby, teach me how to ride on a bike on the mountains, you look better WITH glasses, come to Disney with us this April, and a lot more". While the first two "thinks" I bet will not happen anytime soon, the third stuck out in my mind and brought back some memories from my family's last visit to Eagle.


A few years ago, my family was out when we used to live in Vail and everyone rented bikes. At the time, I was not into racing yet and leisurely rides down the bike path were on tap for the afternoon. While my little brother about 13 at the time could ride any grade we took him on, I felt bad for my little sister who just wanted to ride with her big brother, but due to her lack of riding experience and steep hills could not follow us. Two years later they returned to Colorado and we rented bikes again. What a difference... my little sister was fearless when it came to any obstacles in her path. We went over to the bike "skills" park by the Eagle ice rink and she was so excited to ride over logs, rock gardens, and go over the jumps with way more speed than I am sure she was intending to give. My little brother on the other hand, now struggled with the technical riding skills attempting to "jump" with my sisters 20 inch mountain bike and nearly lost his 'boys' on a hard landing.


The thought of teaching my sister to ride and race a mountain bike made me think about girls and women in our sport of cycling and how strong of a field we have today. More importantly, I would like to commend some of these women for being outstanding role models for girls in an age where public controversy seems to be the norm among teenage celebrity figures. 


Three names come to mind: Emily Batty, Heather Irmiger, and Rebecca Rusch. Click on any of their names to check out their personal websites to learn more about them. While each of these athletes have very unique and different personalities, they all have a common goal. To become the BEST at what they do, to win races, have fun, live an active healthy lifestyle, and most of all promote and expand the influence of women's cycling.


A year or two ago I read a story in BIKE magazine, an issue that was dedicated to women in cycling. This is where I introduced to Emily Batty, a promising young rider from Ontario, Canada who despite the common notion that mountain biking is a dirty sport, she takes pride in still being "a girl" on the bike by wearing makeup and jewelry while racing. Now, her white necklace she wears to every race is somewhat iconic with her image (pictured right). To add to that appeal, she still maintains that hometown girl attitude and, along with hectic training and racing schedule she still manages to make time for her husband and pro racer, Adam Morka. Lesson #1 to live by: Do what you love and be yourself. 


With failures like Lindsay Lohan and others in the spotlight for my sister to look up to, I think about the positive influence girls like Emily Batty can have on our youth. So by all means Cierra, next time you stop out here in Colorado I will definitely teach you to ride on the mountains! Until then, look up to this girl ---->

To me, Heather Irmiger is a perfect example of a healthy lifestyle. If you follow her on Twitter @irmigrrr, you will regularly see her post some pictures of a new ultra-healthy dish she has prepared for herself and husband Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski. She believes in well-balanced, organic nutrition and it shows in her results. 2009 SingleSpeed World Champion and countless podium finishes in the UCI World Cup field, will make anyone shift to her diet. Still don't believe me?? Just check out her photoshoot for this years Cyclepassion calendar. Google it... Here is a good story about the couple that made it to USA Today in their bids to race for the Team USA at the Beijing Olympic Games: MTB Couple Lesson #2 to live by: Take care of your body, eat well, and stay active.

Last but not least, we come to the current 2 time Leadville Trail 100 winner and 2009 24 Solo World Champion, Rebecca Rusch. Commonly known as "The Queen of Pain", Rebecca rides at a whole new level when it comes to ultra-endurance races. At 42 years old this year, it is no easy feat to put your body into the pain that she can mentally get through. She is a role model for all women young and experienced, proving that no matter what age you can still be at the top. Racers like her, Dave Wiens, and Ned Overend continue to push the bar higher, showing everyone that experience outweighs age in the sport of cycling. Rebecca is pictured here below: (Congratulations to Rebecca on her latest win at the 24 Hours of Argentina this past weekend) Lesson #3 to live by: Aim high and set goals, only after this can you unlock your true potential.

All three of these women I find particularly important in my wife Danielle's aspirations to become a strong racer. Her struggles with Type 1 Diabetes help fuel a desire to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as prove that even with a life long disease, you can still achieve your goals. I thank you Danielle; for your determination, dedication, and companionship in our common interest in the sport of cycling.

I know there are countless other women who have contributed to the rise of womens cycling and I thank you all. We continue to see more and more amazing events every year such as the Beti Bike Bash in Denver. The Beti Bike Bash, in its second year is a women's only race/festival. Another great thing to see is cash purses for pros that match the mens fields. The Whiskey Off-Road for example, a race that Danielle and I will be attending/racing in April is evenly splitting a $20,000 purse for the mens and womens pro field. Sadly, this was not a common thing in the past. The future of womens cycling is moving in the right direction for sure... are you going to be a part of it??

TMP

What is Bach Builders?

Now I cannot say that I know much about the construction business, but I do know a bit about customer service. And I do have quite an eye for finding great customer service. This was apparent when I was first introduced to Fran and Dave Bach. Fran and Dave are the proud owners of Bach Builders: General Contracting. They are also the foundation (or basement in building terms) of the Bach Builders MTB Race Team. I have only known Fran and Dave since October but instantly I could see the passion for their work and commitment to their business. As a local independent contractor, their work is not just another "job", rather it is a work of art. Their dedication to their business, family, friends and teammates is what sets them apart from the rest.

What I like most about Bach Builders is the fact that the business is based on a local, family oriented environment. Beginning the partnership in 1990, the two brothers have had success after success in all facets of the remodeling niche. Based out of Boulder, CO you can call or email them and generally Fran will pick up the phone or respond to your email quickly. This isn't your regional cookie cutter contracting company that will "get you in touch" with a local sub-contractor to start your next job. Fran and Dave are with you from start to finish, and will do everything in their power to make sure you have 100% satisfaction with your job. In a constantly changing industry were customer service seems to dwindle in an effort to pump out mass business, Bach Builders will offer you outstanding service at a price that works for you.

Here are just a few examples of their work:

So if you are in the market to remodel your current home whether it be a kitchen, bathroom, deck, or even an addition, feel free to contact Fran or Dave Bach at 303.442.0254 today! By supporting your local independent business, you are supporting your community and local athletes.

Winter riding in Fruita...

Well, I can say that despite getting some record snowfall in Vail and Beaver Creek, we have had some pretty awesome weather just west of the resorts. Mild temps have allowed me to get out and ride the road bike a bit. Went out one afternoon down to Dotsero until I got a flat on the way back. Just so happens at that time the sun decides to duck behind the clouds and the temp starts falling. Unfortunately I did not have a spare tube with me so I had to call someone to pick me up. Lesson learned - Don't ride off with a tire that already has a patch holding the sidewall together.

Sports Garage and Bach Builders hosted a movie night in Boulder last weekend. It was a great evening with a little food and drink before hand, then we got to watch the "Ride the Divide" film in the "garage" at the bike shop. One of our team sponsors Infinit Nutrition was in the house talking about race fuel and endurance riding. Thank you to them for supporting us and handing out some free samples as well. For those of you that don't know about Infinit, check them out. They are the official liquid supplier of the Boulder based Garmin-Cervelo pro road team as well as a direct sponsor of Bach Builders rider Josh Tostado - our current 24 Solo National Champion and 6 time Breckenridge 100 winner. Josh was also in the house meeting attendees and answering endurance racing questions. I got some good feedback and information from him for my upcoming season, and I am really looking forward to training and racing with him this year.

This past Tuesday I decided to take a day off of work and take advantage of some late winter sun in Fruita. Forecast was a high of 56 degrees, perfect for the Western Colorado desert as the sun gave me a 67 degree temp all day long. It was time to get me some good base miles started on the mountain bike so I was able to meet up with Karen Jarchow (who was just given her formal acceptance onto the Honey Stinger "Hive" grassroots team). We started off with a fast paced lap of Rustler's Loop, and after 5 minutes we were already grinning from ear to ear! Loma's fast and swooping singletrack never gets old and the trails were running dry to our surprise. After Rustler's we headed up Mary's to take a lap around Horse Thief loop. Other than the usual wet spots through the hike-a-bike section of HT, everything was running dry as well. By the time we climbed up and out of Horse Thief Bench I decided it was time to stop by the car and get some sunblock on, Yes, in March! Grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed back out to run a Mary's Loop then we ducked down into Steve's loop for some scenic Colorado River Rim riding. By 4:30 we were pretty spent and decided to call it a day. 32 miles of riding on March 1st, less than 2 hours from home was more than I could ask for.

My Dogma membership finishes up this month so I will be taking full advantage of Curt Nash's circuit training classes and Jake Wells' interval sessions. I can feel the Spring air right around the corner so we will be riding in no time! Coming up will be my revised race schedule as several races have changed.

TMP

Frozen Bikes and Frozen Burritos!

This is going to be amazing!!!

Just released, in conjunction with the Vail Valley Foundation and Teva, the ultra popular Teva Mountain Games will now be coming to Vail in the winter as well! In 2012, they will host the first Teva Mountain Games Winter edition complete with nordic events, snow biking, ice climbing and more. Better learn to skate ski quick! Check out more here: TEVAMTNGAMES

The Teva Mountain Games has always had a close spot in my heart since I first raced the mountain bike race back in 2007. The games are essentially what brought back my passion for mountain bike racing and where my future goals lie now. I still remember lining up, butterflies rolling in the stomach before the countdown to the start. One minute to the start, we all received a wicked hail storm from the snow Gods reminding us that this is Colorado, and any weather is possible. As we took off, I got dropped immediately from the beginner group. My lungs were burning and I was gasping for air 45 seconds into the race. At that point I realized... it's a whole new ball game out here in Colorado. Add that to being a little hungover from the Teva Mountain Ball the night before and also trying to learn how to use clipless pedals for the first time in a race. We'll just say that Onza Alley destroyed me and it would take 2 years for me to force myself into using clipless pedals again. Luckily, that suffering led to a determination to get better, stronger, and faster rather than pushing me away from cycling.

So I went to the post office today to find a nice little EVOL care package in the mail for me!

If you have not tried an EVOL burrito yet, get out to your local grocer and get some! These things are amazing. Great taste, a huge variety of flavors, and best of all they are all natural. Based out of Boulder, CO (seems like where all the good stuff comes from), this company is moving fast in an upward direction. Starting with just some simple burritos, they are expanding to wraps and bowls as well. Check them out here: All Natural Goodness

Moving Forward in 2011...

Welcome back everyone, it has been awhile. I hope everyone's holiday season was good, mine was well, busy to say the least. During the 3 weeks surrounding Christmas and the New Year I went and worked 22 out of 23 days. Not necessarily long days but enough to feel like the work never stopped. New Year's Eve this year was brutally cold at a whopping -10 degrees outside. Danielle and I went to the new Yeti's Grind location in the Solaris building at Vail for a little while and we finished the night at Pazzo's to watch the ball drop a second time. If you haven't been to the new Yeti's location check it out! Amesome layout and design with some great woodwork done by Jake Wells and Courtney Gregory.

Winter training is in full swing now with a steady mix of home trainer sessions, weight training at Dogma and a weekly computrainer session at Dogma with Jake Wells and crew. The legs definitely feel like they are getting stronger, as last Saturday I took a full day out in Vail on the skis and the tree runs never got the best of me. What a beautiful day it was with sunny blue skies and mild temps with no wind. Here is a picture of the conditions just before we dropped into the Minturn Mile to finish the day.

Everything has been coming together nicely for the 2011 MTB race season. Just got our new kits designs a couple weeks ago and while I cannot show them yet since they are in "proof" form, off to Sugoi to get made, I will say as soon as I get my finished product I will post pics right away. I am sure glad to be going back into the good ole' Black, Red, and White color scheme again. My new S-Works shoes came in along with the new tires I ordered through Specialized. What a difference going to a carbon sole, no more wasted power on the pedals. Plus, the BOA Lacing System fits like a glove.

I only have a few more things to order for the race season and I will be fully stocked. Two of those items I am super excited to try are the new 2011 Ergon GS Series grips (pictured left), and my new Stan's Crest Wheelset. The new GS Series grips by Ergon with add to their already  proven race line-up, as a marathon friendly grip. These new grips will feature 3 distinct rubber compounds to give the rider differing densities to work with on those ultra-endurance races and rides. All this while keeping weight to a minimum. The GS series offers the standard no bar end design as well as 3 types of bar end models ranging from Carbon to a composite setup with rubber inserts for added grip. Another new product being added to the Ergon lineup is a full set of gloves designed to work seamlessly with their grips. HUGE Thank You to Ergon International for making Bach Builders one of their Ergon Factory Racing Team's for the 2011 season!

From Stan's No Tubes, another Bach Builders sponsor company, I ordered a new Crest rim based wheelset to lighten things up a bit and strengthen my tubeless tire setup. I have been using Stan's tubeless conversion rim strips for the past season and they have worked fantastic. Just be sure you buy tires with some stronger sidewalls and beads. The new Crest rim is built at a fly weight while giving the rider a 21mm rim width to improve tire traction with wider tires. Throwing in this wheelset with my new S-Works tires and the race rig should be down below 23 lbs, which to me is pretty light for a strong full suspension ride. Using the Stan's ZTR hubs I am able to keep the 15mm front thru axle and 12mm rear thru axle setups on my Yeti ASR Carbon.

It sounds like several people from Eagle County are heading to Tuscon, AZ to race in the 24 Hours of Old Pueblo in February. Good luck to all you racers, I am jealous of some good mid-February riding.

For some racers looking for sponsorship this season, check out Honey Stinger's new grassroots program called "The Hive". It is good to see companies that support racing and the growth of mountain biking promote programs such as this. With the program, you will be entitled to product and merchandise discounts. Just another great way to take your racing to the next level.

Another shout out has to go to Primal Wear as they have just signed on as a gold sponsor of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. They have just committed to providing $300K worth of custom cycling apparel to the program over the next 3 years. Read more about it here: 300K to NICA