Report(s)

Soooooo whats happening? Good question. The answer.....A LOT!!!! I have been a total slacker with my blog and I know that there are people who actually care what I have going on and wonder how I am doing. So to you two or three, here goes.

Lets roll things back a bit;
8/2 Wors #7 was my best showing at a WORS event to date. I took 4th at that race on my Surly which Don deemed a "boat anchor". The coarse ripped and I was so happy for Nathan G. on his first WORS win in his Elite career. Every time I would see him I would cheer him on.That was also the last race I did on a single speed. Since then I have been training and riding on a geared bike to get ready for the Chequomegon 40. My good fried/team manager Chris P. has been nice enough to let me use his Titus 29er.


After Crystal Ridge it was my time off, a whole week to be exact and no racing for three weeks....or so I thought. My week was filled with activities like walks with my two favorite ladies in the whole world, a few chill bike rides, and one long 4hr ride with my coach Joe. The next week was filled with short rides and no intensity but I could swear up and down that I was still ready to race. So we made some quick arrangements and off we went to River falls for the border battle.


8/16 WORS #8 As a last minute addition to the schedule preparation was minimal and I mean MINIMAL. Bad Idea #1 I grabbed the Titus for its first race with me aboard. The NO TUBES CROWS were still on there and rain was in the forecast so I grabbed some mud tires that I haven't ever used. Bad idea #2. We get there and fire our bodies after hibernation of a drive. I felt pretty good physically on the preride but did way too much. Also I wasn't used to the bike but didn't have a choice so I acted as if. The whole night it rained and I was in panic mode so on went the mud tires. Bad Idea #3 But what the heck. A good call up and I was rubbing shoulders with the best of them. I felt like crap on the first climb and new I was going to be in for a longgggg day. No joke as I came in 14th and feeling like the onset of death had come over me. Chalked it up as a bad day and headed home.

I want to thank the Senkerik's for putting up with Lynn, Ginger and I the whole weekend.

After that weekend the pressure was on. I had already gotten a boatload of flack from all the guys on singles, and even some geared guys. So it was time to train and get things going again. I was scheduled for a long week already but the guilt trip I put on myself made it even longer. about 5hours of saddle time longer. I was scheduled for about 14 but ended up doing 19 with some pretty hard efforts. One motor pace session with Joe and Mike and a 4.5hr solid ride at the southern Kettles with Nate. I was spent but knew it would pay off sometime down the road. My next major focus, Chequomegon.

Can't forget about the in between.
Wors#9 Reforestation Ramble.
An awesome start had me sitting 3rd or 4th wheel into the woods and I was giddy about that. I think I can credit it to the gears, with no out of control spinning to just stay in the group I was able to hold my own. Once things got going I felt confident with my riding and was sure I would be able to stay with the lead group. This was another huge goal of mine as I haven't been able to make said group yet this year. With Jesse killing it at the front and the more experienced guys pushing me to the back I was playing YOYO all day. It was just a matter of time and sure enough with about 15minutes left in the race I let a small gap open and off the back I went. So I regrouped and pushed it to the finish line seeing stars the whole way. Whew! Held onto 6th and with that star studded crowed I was pleased. Shout out to Chris P. for his finish as he has been having bad luck all year. He even had to claw his way back to the lead pack after a first lap crash. During my time with the pack he was attacking like a mad man and seemed to have great form!

Copper Harbor
A short week of work and training lead me into the Labor day weekend which I was super stoked about. I love going to Coppor Harbor and with Friday off Lynn and I were able to start our vacation early. We drove up to the MI border and Camped one night. Up early so we could take our time seeing things and stopping at random. That area is so cool and there is so much to see. Amongst our sight seeing we also saw many good people. Nate and his Family, Steve and Judy whom I met the very first year I went up there, and the whole gang from that area. It was so cool to be back. Lots of hiking, riding, eating and just plain hanging out. Ahhhh the good life.
Sunday came as it always does and I was ready to race. Not before taking a plunge into the frigid waters of lake Superior and ya it was cold. I missed out last year so I thought I had better make up and jump in twice this year. Next thing I know we are toeing the line and getting ready to go. Off we went chasing the truck up the hill and then finally we were on our own. Chris P. did his usual and I grabbed his wheel with a little gap opening between us and the rest of the field. I let him hammer for a while then took over. Before long we were by ourselves and neither of us were taking it easy on each other. As we finished up the first lap we called a truce and decided we would come in together and put the trophy in Adventure 212. In my eyes there was no other way as this was a chance for us to show people there what we do. So in we came holding each others arms aloft to signify a co victory. Good food and booze followed and a good night was had. More riding and sight seeing was in store the next day before the dreaded drive home. I would like to give shout out to my good friend Chris Z. on his 3rd place SS finish. Also, Congrats to the whole 212 team who had an awesome showing filling up the top spots and taking home some sweet awards.

To sum things up the weekend was more than I ever expected as always, and I will definitely go back again next year. I also want to thank every one who helped me out last weekend including Lynn who did a great job of handing bottles off to the whole team. Terry, David, Dennis and Heidi for all of their super support. And last but certainly not least the Peariso's and Adventure 212. Without these guys my season probably wouldn't have been the same. I am learning so much this year and I feel like I am one step closer everyday to achieving my goal.

Everyday is an opportunity for me and I will continiue to use these opportunities to my advantage.
Be happy.
Darrin

P.S. Thanks for hanging in there as I know it was a long one. Also I will post some pics soon or you can go to our Flikr page and they will be posted in a day or so.

Credit

So I think it is about time to give credit where credit is do.

Anyone who races knows how much work it is. The weekends blend into the weeks and free time is given up. I have always had a super supporter on my side and don't even know what it is like to be on my own when it comes to a race pit crew. My girlfriend Lynn is hands down the best sideline coach/water bottle hander offer. She always keeps me filled, focused, and headed in the right direction. I try to show her how much I appreciate it but flowers, cards, and hugs can only show so much. So, I thought it was time to give her props here for everyone to see.

Lynn is always there cheering and telling me good job as she hands me a bottle. Last weekend however I was touched deeply by the reaction she gave me on my 4th lap. The look on her face and the tone of her voice was something I have never heard from anyone my whole life. She was so proud of me as I moved into the 5th position as this is something both her and I thought we wouldn't see. At least not this year. Things haven't been going so good for her as far as success goes but I always tell her that my success is hers. I truly mean this and would gladly put her up on a podium if only in my mind.

I am truly blessed to have such a great girlfriend and look forward to continuing my journey with Lynn by my side.

Also I would like to thank my sister Jamie for cheering me on this weekend and my big bro Craig for all of the tech advice and moral support he gives. They are both big supporters of team LDB.

Thanks to Team Adventure 212 for all their support, and all of the people who make the Wors events great. I am always meeting new people and I get to race with a great group as well.

Until next time

DB

Sunburst.

Last weekend I finnished Wors #6 Sunburst Showdown and have to say I had a good time. The coarse isn't the most desirable for a single speed but I made the best of it. It was very exciting to be up there with the leaders on the way out and be able to hang close throughout the whole race. Matter lead it out slow so being on a single I was very greatful. Once we hit the climb things started to sort out and I was in position, probobly about 6th wheel or so. I did my thing on the hills but struggled on the flats and the down hills when the gears would put the hammer down. That hammer I am referring to is a one Mike Phillips. I would definantly say he is back online. The challange was to claw my way back to a wheel every lap which I did for 4 of the 5 laps. Again every time the flats would string me out so the hills would get harder, (Simple gears would probobly help me out with this). So on the last lap I let too big of a gap open up and instead of trying to close it, I let it go.

I was on my own for the last lap and knew I had time on my side to lighten up the tempo and try to save my legs. Those said legs have been continiously sore for the past two races and I am trying to make that go away. All and all I was 5th on the day and am super stoked about this as I have already exceeded the goals that I have set for myself on the year.

Ok Lets try this again.

So with my lack of blogging I will try to catch everyone up.

Levis/Trow Single Speed Championship
Two weekends ago I did the Wisconsin Single Speed Championship at Levis as I was not going to miss that one. Any chance I can get to return the my native stopping grounds is an automatic. Prepared for the Big Guns show up I was ready to hang on for dear life. With that not being the case it was up to me to set the tempo. The start was like all starts should be with a slow lead out until some dude thought he would one up me. I passed him back before the single track and got into a rythm. As I was whaling the corners I could hear the group trying to form a bridge and pull me back. I realized that I don't remember the trails as great as I thought as I took a spill shortly into Yellow Jacket. I regrouped, grabbed my water bottle and pushed on. I wasn't too concerned though as I knew the climbing was yet to come. This climbing at Levis is about as technical as anything out there and I was waiting to attack. With sore legs at the start of the race I wasn't too sure what would happen but hey it was worth a shot. It went good and I think I put some time in the group. I stayed on the gas but stayed away from doing anything risky.
Going into Hermosa (after Upper Hermosa) there are alot of roots and I somehow dropped my chain. I turned into a frantic mess. Struggling for about 30 seconds or so. I had to calm myself down and then it took me about another 15 seconds to get my chain back on. Whew! Still now I was riding conservativly trying not to drop another chain. I rode like this until about Porkys Point where I just said skrew it and started to ride my style again. Luckily there would be no more chain drops for the rest of the race.
Starting my second and last lap my plan was to just keep the guys out of sight. With the Cruise control on I was able to pick up my water bottle that I dropped on the first lap, picked up and then dropped again. So as I am loo looing along I see a dude stopped on the side of the trail and who would it be but Bret S. Who was doing the 12 hr. I slowed alot for a little chat session but informed him of the situation and said goodbye. I kinda took off and realized he was going to ride with so I slowed the tempo a little again. This was super cool and him and I rode for a while. Once I hit the Upper Hermosa climb I took off again and him as I were both cheering each other on.
After the departure with Bret I pretty much just rode at a good tempo and enjoyed the awesome trails that I once got to enjoy several times a week. On my way to the finnish the excitement hit me. Another win on my Favorite trails.

Chippewa Valley Fire Cracker
Another RR style mtb race. Fun but challanging on a single speed. I picked my gear and had an idea of what I needed to do. I was swarmed on the start but that was to be expected. I hung in there and started my claw back. Working with Ted Hanes the first couple of laps we were making ground. We shook a few others and then it was just Ted and I and he took control. With a few attacks I was able to manage I hoped to hang on to the end. Finnishing up the second to last lap we pickup up Bender. The three of us rode for a while until Ted had to stop and add some air. Down to Le Hoover and I. We rode for a while with me on his wheel as a little chatting took place. I figured he was still strong but wanted to share the workload to the finnish. As I took over I kept the tempo up and started to drop him. So I let up and explained that we could just ride together. Continued on about the same till the end where I made a sprint for line. 6th on the day and I was happy.

Good Times
Darrin

New Team Same O'll Me

So by now everyone keeping up with me already knows I am riding for a new team. That team is Adventure 212/Specialized and I couldn't be more excited. The story behind the selection is simple but yet with a purpose. The team is stacked with good people that have plenty of experience racing and have been riding for longer than I have.

I am not going to be a drag on my new teammates but rather be another team member that is capable to do things on my own while taking advice/direction if it is offered. I can't wait to spend time with my new crew and get some quality saddle time racing and riding.

So thanks to Adventure 212 for having me and I look forward to the good times ahead. Also thanks to Joe Ciesinski (my coach) for all of the hard work he does and for putting in a good word with Mike P.

Woohoo

DB

W.O.W.!!!!!!!!

That W.O.W. stands for Weekend Of Wors. The Subaru Cup proved to be just what I needed to get me back into the swing of things. The weekend started on Friday as I somehow got the day off of work. Lynn and I worked all morning getting stuff ready for a full weekend of racing and once Jamie got into town we finished up and headed out.

(Pre Ride) On our way to the race the darkness set in and the rain fell hard. I was really worried about the course being closed and me not being able to check things out. As we get there I noticed people riding the course and found things to be open and ridable. There were muddy spots but for the most part everything was in good shape. My reconnaissance assured me that my gear selection was good but I was concerned that my small blocks wouldn't be enough. I called it good and headed to our hotel to clean up and get ready for Saturday.

(Cross Country Race)So as a new jack I am constantly learning, making an ass of myself, learning, and well learning. With that being said I think I am finally starting to get the hang of these long Wors elite races. Add to that the fact that I am a climber, and can hold my own in the technical spots, this race was calling my name. As I was warming up I ran into Chris Peariso from Adventure 212. He informed me that I had made the cut and I would be riding for Adventure 212/Specialized. To Clear things up, I have been working on getting on a team for a while now and with a few good words put in for me by good people I finally made a connection with Ad. 212. After the Nine Mile race I worked up the gumption to ask Chris and the rest just took a little time.

With a very late call up my start position was less than desirable. I wasn't too worried though as I knew that if I put the work in on this course it would pay off. Don shouted GOOO and we took off. I settled in and slowly started to make my way through the crowd. I knew the lead pack was going to be long gone but I could still catch some of the others ahead of me. I kept the intensity for the first three laps making my way to 6th. Once I put in a good time gap between us I did my best to save my legs for the Sunday races. I was super stoked when I came across the Finnish line knowing that all of my hard work was beginning to pay off. It was also great to have Lynn and Jamie there cheering me on the whole way.

Sunday (Super D)

Another new experience as I showed up to Mount Morris for the WORS Super D. My legs felt great and my mind was in a good state. I got to ride the course two times before the race and knew if I held composer it would be a good one. The pro's lined up and took off and we were up next. I lined my bike up front and hoped the run would be a good one. Another Gooo and off we went. 3rd to my bike I was slowed by the guy who's bike was behind me which put me towards the back of the pack. I was a little worried but didn't want to put too much pressure on this race as this is when silly mistakes happen. Working our way down the course I was patient in hopes there would be time to pass. A few lucky passes and I was second in the group. I waited until the open to make my last pass as I knew there was plenty of work ahead to attack. I stomped on the peddles, opened a gap and didn't let up till the line. AWESOME!!! What an adrenaline rush!

(Short Track)

Here we go again! As I was warming up Chris rode by me and told me "fasten my seat belt, we're going for a ride" . So that was my plan as I have never done a short track race. My legs still felt great and this time my call up was much better as I was at the front of the line. I slid over to let Ronsta in which put me on the very outside. Not sure what was going to happen I was willing to push my body to the limits while keeping things safe. After the 2nd lap I found myself in the 6th position hanging on to the back. The accelerations got harder and I was definitely at my limit. Hanging on there was no place for me to do work so I just settled in. Nate went down on one of the laps and I had to work pretty hard to close the gap. As the big dogs fought it out in the front I actually felt ok and planned to pull up a couple of spots but missed all opportunities. Another gap opened up 3rd wheel and Tristan responded. I couldn't find it in me to get around T.J. who didn't respond to the acceleration. It was down to T.J. and I and wanted to at least do a little work for him as he did a lot of work at the front. With two laps left I tried to get around him several times but every time he would accelerate. Down to the last lap and things went about the same as the two before, I just couldn't get around. As we come to the last few corners I got excited, saw some light and smashed my peddles. I squeaked by at the last second and as soon as I crossed the line I had second thoughts. I went to cool down and worried about my last move. Did I make a newbie mistake? I made my way around to where Chris was and immediately asked him what he thought. He didn't seem to worried but I knew I had to talk to T.J. After cooling down I was at the car getting changed and cleaned up T.J. walked by and congratulated me on my finnish. He explained to me that he had burped air out of his tire so the only time he could accelerate was on the open smooth stuff. That made sense of things and with his good attitude it made me not too worried about my new guy mistake.

Over all the weekend was awesome! I get to cross a few goals off my list and had all sorts of friends and family there to cheer me on. Honestly without all of the support I get from everyone there would be no opportunity to do what I do.

To sum things up;

Cross country 6th

Super D 7th

Short Track 4th

Over all

Subaru Cup 5th

A special thanks to Lynn for all her hard work to keep me going. Also thanks to all my fans for cheering so loud especially Jamie, Terry, David, Dennis and Heidi. Honestly the fans make the races.

Till Next Time.......

Recap

Ok, so by now you all know how bad I suck at blogging. No need to dig any further as I will finally fill in some blanks.
Without the help of Lynn, and now her Parents Terry and David I would be like a lost little puppy dog trying to find home. Honestly things have seemed to be a little over whelming. Its not like I am the only person in the world who is trying to be successful and at the same time trying to juggle life. Oh yeah. Iknow what it is. Sometimes I just think tooooooooooo Much! So moving forward.
Things have been going otherwise ok. My race season is getting started, summer is getting closer (not sure what ma nature is up too) and every day I wake up is another day to do what I do with people that I love.

Now for the race recap:

Crystal Lake Classic

For starters I went bust on my gear ratio. For me 34.16 is pretty damn hefty but I was hell bent. There were so many flats and the hills were short. My plan was to make my ground on the open track and it might have just worked if it wasn't for a few mishaps. An early crash shook me up while trashing my rear wheel and knocking loose my crank arm(?). I was quick to get up and once I made sure no one was seriosly hurt, and my bike would still go I was off. Passing masses of people I think I made my way back up to 20th or so until I noticed my crank arm comming off. I rode it out as long as I could but ended up DNF and with a one legged peddle back to the first aid tent to get my wounds adressed my day was done. I would have to say It seemed like it would've been a fun race.:) I did however still have a good weekend thanks to Lynn, Terry and David. These three have really been doin alot of work to keep me rolling.

Big Ring Classic

Another weekend of open trail, great singletrack, and good people. I can say that after only three races I am getting the hang of this racing style more and more while learning something new everytime Don Yells GOOOO!!!! Tacticly probobly not my best race ever but I'm new and still learning. I had a good start and positioned myself well with a group of five with all of us gunning for 8th. I did way too much work early, and with a singlspeed on that coarse this is not what you would want to be saying. After I settled in things were going well but I wasn't sure how long I would be able to hold the open trail accelerations for. Its hard work with one gear and I would string myself out pretty good but each time my recovery seemed to get weaker. I held on until the first hill climb on the last lap and then I popped bad. With the white lights flashing in my eyes I would grind through the next couple of hills, hit up some gu and take in some fluids. The hurt was on as I made my way through the last lap with my head down. I made it and some how held of Joe Curtes and the rest of the guys that were chasin him down. What a race!

To sum things up.

• I have the Best Girl Friend in the world!
• Ridding with my big Bro is still great.
• With out all of the help I get I wouldn't be very good.
• Learning, Learning, Learning isn't life great!

Thanks to every one who helps me with everything from a simple cheer to alot of TLC. I would put names down but there would be so many I would run out of space.

Pics to follow