XTERRA World, 20th anniversary

The calm before the storm, 800 racers will be on the beach tomorrow 9 am sharp to see the 20th anniversary of Xterra go off.  Excited for my buddy Roy who has overcome a kidney transplant to be at the start line! Same goes for Dave Desantis, Xterra warrior 2015 overcoming cancer who will be on the beach, all smiles when the gun goes off.  If that's not motivation to get out there, what is I wonder.  I sure will keep these two inspiring men in the back of my mind when the going gets though.  Condition for the race are shaping nicely with some hot weather in reserve.  I also want to wish all the best to my usual suspect, GL 72 year strong, his son Patrick.  Retired Commander Alan Moore(go navy) and his daughter Allison.  The kind of friendship that I forged with theses people all the way back to my first Xterra in 2011 in Saipan and their family will last a lifetime. As for me I hope for a good race, seem that the broken foot earlier this year should have appeased the Xterra gods but who knows.  Join me on the start line #572 in your program and follow tweeter @chuck98 where my wife will keep up to date.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Scouting Report, Maui World bike course

Started this morning with the gang as we progressed on the course, I ended up riding with Roy and Erin.  Have to admit the course had a chance to dry so it was in much better shape.  The addition this year is what I call the great wall of China.  A steep old golf cart path who gets you to the lake.  Now further down the path we have a huge puddle of mud and water, frankly I'm unsure that it can dry before race day but who knows.  No major surprises this year, the course is fairly similar than last year.  All we need is Mother Nature to be nice.... Mind you we have high surf advisory for race day so that could make things interesting to say the least ( do I hear duathlon? Likely not but I can dream!) as for the steed and I we have forged bond through lava rock and with Roy's help, the front fork is dialed in. What's in store tomorrow? Open water swim clinic and practicing some ins and outs in high surf courtesy of Ben and Jacqui.  Stay tuned for more updates, happy trails! 

Carpe Diem

Tale from the Trail, Maui style!

After arriving Saturday night in Maui, Sunday was marked with a easy run and a pool work out.It was time to built the steed in order to go out and ride a bit.  Fast forward today as Roy and I, sporting his Donate Life kit were out to see a bit of the course.  Only the lower loop at the start was open, with mix of ups and downs and some technical single track. Add a wet muddy terrain and that's what we were dealing with. The course should be dry as long as there is a few days of sun. This being so early in the week, no need to hit the panic button just yet.  We than headed over to DT Fleming beach, and for once, the waves weren't so gigantic! (Again early in the week and wave advisory for Wednesday) After practicing some ins and outs it was time to pack it for lunch.  The usual suspects are arriving tomorrow for the most part and Wednesday the course should be fully open as the Xterra Crew is working round the clock to make this 20th anniversary a success. Stay tuned for the scouting report.  Happy Trails!

Carpe Diem

New Stable, new Steed...I FELT it

I am proud to announce that I have a new stable to call home.  Dandy Horse Cycle in Burnaby has been kind enough to bring me on board as one of their riders.  This family business is exactly what I was looking for.  Attention to details, great customer service and one of the best mechanic in the business ( Yes that's you Jason) made this a no brainier.  In addition I have been fortunate through the shop to get on with FELT bicycles for my new racing mountain bike which I will use in Maui for the Xterra World Championship in 3 weeks. Let's take a look at this new racing steed.

The Bike: Felt Nine 1 2016 hard tail 29 er

The Set up:

This racing machine comes with a full carbon frame seat post and handle bar.  Full SRAM XO groupo and XO breaking system with a 1x11 drive train and SRAM fork lock out.  Rock shock racing CIS fork with through axle at the front and rear.  Complemented with DT Swiss X1800 and Schwalbe Racing Ralph on at tubless set up.  This machine is part mountain goat part pure breed and has a faster acceleration than a Tesla.  At 21 lbs on an XL frame it makes it the perfect weapon for any serious XC racers. With a wicked black finish and accented with some red trims, this beauty is also stealthy.  My first ride today FELT amazing so stay tuned for more news and more posts leading up to Maui.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem