USA Cycling Pro Cross-Country Tour Subaru Cup

As you all know, our very own Lisa Pierson raced the USA Cycling Pro Cross-Country Tour Subaru Cup this past season. Lisa placed third in her class and wrote about her experience in Subaru’s Drive Performance Magazine! Check out her article here: http://drive.subaru.com/onlineX_mountainBikeRace.htm

Way to go Lisa! We are so proud of you!

Chris and Jen are Boulder Bound

Chris on a sweet ride at his going away party!

This past weekend our friend and shop manager at our team sponsor Danzeisen & Quigley, Chris Arterburn and his amazing wife Jennifer Boldry headed off to a new adventure in Bolder, CO. Jennifer got a sweet new job (congrats Jen) and is living a lot closer to family (so cool!). So, this past week Chris finished packing up the house, the dogs, the cats, and don’t forget the stable of bikes and is on his way out west!

He’s got a few miles ahead of him in that mini-van. I can’t say I envy him making that drive with those companions. It’s going to be interesting for sure.

Anyhow, thank you Chris and Jen for everything you have done for this team. Not many teams have the kind of support that we all got from Chris at the shop. Jen and Chris also had a team tent set up at nearly every race and made sure to be out on the trail side cheering when they were not racing. They love cycling and it showed in everything they did for D & Q Racing.

The will surely be missed. Good luck and keep the rubber side down!

50 Rattling Miles 1/2 Marathon

Yesterday I had the opportunity to ride what I would say is the best single track I’ve ever had the pleasure to ride. I went up to VisitPA.com’s 50 Rattling Miles race. I was already in the area for a friends wedding reception and I was looking to do some riding while I was in the area. I figured this would be a great opportunity since I don’t know the trails in the area and being that this was a race, they would be well marked (and I wouldn’t be out on there by myself). I opted to do the 25 miler since I had plans to party on Saturday and didn’t think I’d be up for 50 rattling miles!

Sunday morning was rainy and overcast, and I had heard that the course was very technical and rocky. I was a little concerned since I didn’t want to get hurt – especially since this wasn’t a series points race and I was just doing it for fun. Us folks doing the 25 mile race started behind those doing the 50 miler, but it didn’t take long before I had no idea who was doing what race. The 1/2 marathon was split into 2 classes; Mens open and Womens open.

Although I had gotten pretty drunk the night before, I felt really good. My Scottish blood likes it when it’s dank and misty.

The race started with a good sustained climb and that really helped my position. I always love a good climb and even though I was running a fairly tall gear (32/18), I felt strong and never had to get off the bike as many other were. This was followed by rocks. Lots of rocks. Later I learned that section of trails is called “Rocky Ridge”. Good name! The awesome thing about these rocks were that despite the fact they were extremely technical, everything was rideable. There were some huge rock bridges that were no more then a couple big boulders with a few rocks as a ramp up. These were really fun in the rain and I decided to hike over a few rather than risk getting hurt.

As I continued to ride, I just kept feeling better. I don’t know if it was the fact I didn’t feel any pressure to do well, or if it was the beer? In fact, I did just about everything wrong the day before the race. Who knows…

At about 23 miles the two races split. We were at the top of a long climb and I was excited about the next 2 miles which I was sure would be all down hill. It didn’t disappoint. The first section of trail after the split was amazing flow of single track. Just rocky enough to keep me on my toes, but not so rocky as to slow me down. I had caught another rider just before this transition and was putting a good gap on him in the trees.

The course opened up and we were looking at a mile and a half double track down to the finish! I was spinning as fast as I could, but was no match for the kid with the gears who was determined to beat me to the finish. A little more experience racing under my belt definitely paid off in the end. We were doing about 35 mph and both of us were grinning ear-to-ear when I noticed we were heading straight for the parking lot. Knowing the race did not finish in the parking lot, I started looking for the turn and slowed down a little. My competitor kept his speed up and before he knew it blew right past the sharp turn into the chicane at the finish line. I gave a yell, but he was movin’ and had no chance of stopping.

I rolled into the finish line to find myself alone except for Zach Adams who running the timing. I was a little surprised and even more surprised to find I was the first one across the finish line!

Next year I will definitely be doing the 50 mile race. I felt so good I considered continuing on even though I wasn’t registered, but I had plans to see Mieka Pauley that evening in the city and had a 2.5 hour drive home ahead of me.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

My buddy Pat has a great blog himself. Anyhow, he made a cool find and told me about it the other day when I ran into him at Wiss and I wanted to share it with you all here. Take a look!

Thanks!
Charles

Guy’s Neshaminy Classic Race Report

Yesterdays race at Neshaminy had a great turnout. Every class looked full of fast riders, especially the Elite men. All the best local racers showed – Aaron Snyder, Kerry Warner Jr. (who is heading to the worlds in a few weeks), Harlan Price, just to name a few. Our own Hal Batdorf was there doing his first race on his bad ass new Niner singlespeed. Larry Goats did his first Sport race thanks to missing the start of the beginner field and did very well.

It was hot, humid and really dusty as evidenced by the huge clouds of dust as each wave started off and the haze that hung over most of the course throughout the day. D and Q had a great showing with some sweet results! Great racing all.

Elite (Cat 1 & Pro) Open:
Hal Batdorf 24th

Elite (Cat 1 & Pro) Open:
Charles Kline 2nd

Sport (Cat 2) Vet 1 Men 35-39:
Larry Goats 8th

Sport (Cat 2) Vet 2 Men 40-44:
Greg Schipske 18th

Sport (Cat 2) Master 1 Men 45-49:
Mike Calfin 5th
Sven Harms 9th

Sport (Cat 2) Master 2 Men 50+:
Ed Litman 10th

Sport (Cat 2) Clydesdale Men:
John Durkin 3rd

Beginner (Cat 3) Vet 2 Men 40-44:
Chris Ballay 9th

Beginner (Cat 3) Women 2 35+:
Danielle Jubanyik 5th

One more race and the 2010 MASS will be over! It’s been a great season and I can’t wait to see you all at Bear Creek!

Bear Creek Series Race 1 – 2010

I love riding at Bear Creek. The course is very technical with a good deal of climbing; nothing like Danville, but enough to make it a challenge. The descents are super fun with lots of tricky sections. Racing here is usually only done for the MASS final, but this year they decided to hold their own series. Race 1 was also a Kenda Cup Qualifier as well as a qualifier for USA Cycling XC Nationals.

There were not as many racers as I had expected, but I met people from all over the place who had come to race. There was the girl from Colorado who was in front of me picking up her race packet. The guy I met on a funky polka dot bike from Ohio, and more then a few French speaking folks who I assume came down from Montreal area.

My race didn’t go so well. I had been feeling a bit run down all week leading into the race. My chest was tight and I figure I must have some cold or infection. As I write this, I’m still not feeling so great. I hope it’s passed for this weekends race at Neshaminy!

Anyhow, I had a great start and was holding a great position for about 3 miles at which point I expected to have settled in a bit (as is usual for me). This time I never did and I was having trouble getting my heart rate down. I was not feeling good and had no power. I had more then one friend pass me and wonder why I was dragging so far back. Thanks to some wise words from Topher Valenti as he passed, I just kept turning the pedal around unwilling to quit; which I thought about every lap.

On my third lap I started to feel a little better, but the damage was done. I was sitting in second to last place with no hope of catching the leaders. I let go and just did my best to stay safe and finish the race. As I was nearing the last couple miles of the lap, I caught a glimpse of a couple guys in my class, but they were far ahead and soon out of sight. I did my best to dig deep and before long a few friends cheering on the racers told me they were not far ahead. This, combined with clearing a nasty switchback which I usually just run to save time spurred me on. I gave it all I had and found my legs again for a bit. Before too long I saw Matt, maybe 2 miles to the finish. He was struggling and I passed him with a little speed to make sure he didn’t try and chase me. He had beat me last week, so I didn’t feel so bad. That left Joe, who I knew couldn’t be too far ahead.

As I left the single track to make the grassy climb before the descent to the lodge and the final gravel road to the finish I found him, pushing his bike up the hill. I had made that climb the two previous laps despite feeling like crap. This time was no different. As I passed Joe he cursed me out! Ha! It was awesome and probably the only time I smiled all day! Well, that’s not totally true… Harlin’s sister had been hula-hooping at the top of that climb all day and cheering us all on! I am pretty sure I smiled at her each time I made that climb (no doubt with her help).

Joe was not having it and ran the rest of the way, got on his bike and chased me down with some serious fury. We were neck and neck at the bottom of the hill and he was literally growling! Yeah Joe!!! We raced each other like that until we were both dying and with a good 200 yards left to go we both slowed. I was sure he had it, as I was spent, but just as quickly I got another flush of energy and with a shout to Joe, “I’m not giving it up!” I pedaled on. Joe did his best to chase me, but he wasn’t as lucky. It was for sure one of the most exciting and challenging finishes I ever had, despite both of us not feeling so great about our times. Joe is a good friend and a great competitor!

I ended up in 6th place. Ed Bush took 1st putting down some sick lap times! I only wish I could have hung with him a little longer. He has amazing handling skills and I have a lot I can learn from watching him race.

The next Bear Creek race is a few weeks away and I’m looking forward to it already!

Midnight in Milford Mills at Marsh Creek Race Report

If the theme of the day for last weeks race at Fairhill Race was hot, hot hot! Than the theme of last nights race was hot as Hell, which is fitting for a night race at the full moon. Temps during the day were about 100 deg. and it didn’t cool down much at night. Actually the light breeze we had all day was gone when the sun started to drop making for some seriously swampy weather.

The course was in fantastic shape thanks to the hard work of the folks at TBR and it was fast despite the darkness. They made some really nice changes from last years course, removing a long loose gravel climb, and replacing it with a great set of switchbacks that made the same climb – equally as hard.

The single speeders of D&Q were the only ones crazy enough to do this race and here is how we finished:

Expert (Cat 1) Singlespeed Open:
Charles Kline (5th)

Sport (Cat 2) Singlespeed Open:
Geoff Shute (2nd)
Aaron Shute (9th)

Good job all!

Fairhill Race Report

The theme of the day at the Fairhill Race was hot hot hot! We were all extremely grateful to the race promoters for adding extra water stops and to the volunteers for standing out in the heat to throw the cold water on our heads as we passed! It made all the difference. The course itself was in great shape despite the rain we got earlier in the week. Of course the creek crossings had a bit of mud but the rest of the course was dry, fast, and, as always, fun! Best news of all – no injuries this year (crowd cheers)!

D and Q racers had some top notch results. Highlights include Hal Batdorf and Larry Goats, who won the Singlespeed Endurance and Beginner (Cat 3) Vet 1 Men 35-39 classes respectively as well as Geoff Shute and Shaun Kennedy who took 2nd in the Sport (Cat 2) Singlespeed Open and Sport (Cat 2) Clydesdale Men classes respectively. Charles Kline took 3rd in the Expert (Cat 1) Singlespeed Open class and Lauren Yakovich took 2nd in the Sport (Cat 2) Women 1 19-34 class. Not to put too fine a point on it, that is six D and Q racers on the podium! Nice job everyone!

And now for the race results (drum roll please…) :

Expert (Cat 1) Vet 1 Men 35-39

Chris Arterburn: 8th

Expert (Cat 1) Singlespeed Open

Charles Kline: 3rd

Elite (Cat 1 & Pro) Women

Jennifer Boldry: 6th

Sport (Cat 2) Senior 1 Men 19-29

Joe Tabor: 13th

Sport (Cat 2) Master 1 Men 45-49

Sven harms: 18th

Sport (Cat 2) Master 2 Men 50+

Ed Litman: 14th

Sport (Cat 2) Singlespeed Open

Geoff Shute: 2nd

Aaron Shute: 19th

Sport (Cat 2) Clydesdale Men

Shaun Kennedy: 2nd

Sport (Cat 2) Women 1 19-34

Lauren Yakovich: 3rd

Beginner (Cat 3) Vet 1 Men 35-39

Larry Goats: 1st

Beginner (Cat 3) Master 1 Men 45-49

Max Kline: 12th

Endurance Singlespeed

Hal Batdorf: 1st

Brad Clarke: 11th

Novice Men

Dan Tabor: 14th

As you all know by now, I am leaving for Boulder in two weeks so Fairhill was my last MASS series race and this is my last race report. I am hopeful that one of you will pick up the race report mantle and keep the blog updated with race results as well. It has been an honor and a pleasure to race on the same team with all of you. Keep riding, racing, and having fun.

Summer Sizzler Race Report

Thanks to all the hard work put in by Team D&Q, the Summer Sizzler was a resounding success. We had a record number of racers and for the first time ever, broke even.

Not surprisingly, the members of Team D&Q not only volunteered their time to make sure the race ran smoothly, but also showed up on the start line and raced their hearts out. This group of racers epitomizes all that is good and fun about mountain bike racing. Thanks for all you give to each other and the sport!

Everyone raced hard and placed well. Among the highlights of the day, Jim Wileczek rocked the Expert Vet 2 class, taking 2nd while setting the fastest Team D&Q time (27.44). John Durkin and Shaun Kennedy filled out the podium in the Sport Clydesdale class taking 1st and 2nd respectively. Lauren Yakovich took 3rd in her second race ever and first sport race. Geoff Shute, back from many months of running, took 3rd in Sport Singlespeed Open. Vince Van Nostrand and Larry Goats continued to dominate the Beginner Senior 2 and Vet 1 classes, both taking 2nd in their respective divisions.

Without further ado, complete race results are as follows:

Division: Expert (Cat 1) Vet 2 Men 40-44

Jim Wileczek: 2nd place

Division: Expert (Cat 1) Singlespeed Open

Hal Batdorf: 7th

Division: Sport (Cat 2) Senior 1 Men 19-29

Dan Batdorf: 5th
Joe Tabor: 9th

Division: Sport (Cat 2) Vet 2 Men 40-44

Scott Samoyan: 5th
Greg Schipske: 19th

Division: Sport (Cat 2) Master 1 Men 45-49

Mike Calfin: 6th
Sven Harms: 12th

Division: Sport (Cat 2) Master 2 Men 50+

Ed Litman: 12th

Division: Sport (Cat 2) Singlespeed Open

Geoff Shute: 3rd
Aaron Shute: 15th

Division: Sport (Cat 2) Clydesdale Men

John Durkin: 1st
Shaun Kennedy: 2nd

Division: Sport (Cat 2) Women 1 19-34

Lauren Yakovich: 3rd

Division: Beginner (Cat 3) Senior 1 Men 19-29

Dave Angel: 4th
Dan Tabor: 6th

Division: Beginner (Cat 3) Senior 2 Men 30-34

Vince Van Nostrand: 2nd
Chris Stoop: 6th
Brian Macapagal: 10th
Jovian Yoh: 14th

Division: Beginner (Cat 3) Vet 1 Men 35-39

Larry Goats: 2nd

Division: Beginner (Cat 3) Vet 2 Men 40-44

Chris Ballay: 4th

Division: Beginner (Cat 3) Women 2 35+

Danielle Jubanyik: 8th

See you all next week at the famous Trail Spinners Fairhill Classic. In the meantime, ride safe and have fun!

Long Pine Classic Race Results

Results for the Long Pine Classic race are in and the singlespeeds have it! Thanks Geoff, Aaron, and Charles for spending your holiday on the race course representing D&Q!

Geoff Shute placed 9th in the sport singlespeed class and Charles Kline placed 4th in the expert singlespeed class. Nice racing guys!

Of course the renowned D&Q Summer Sizzler is this weekend and we are looking to see everyone! If you aren’t racing, come on out and volunteer or cheer your teammates to victory! As Charles mentioned, we would like to get a team picture taken so let’s plan to gather at the registration tent at 8:00am.We will make quick work of it.

In the meantime, ride safe and have fun!