Monday, June 30, 2014

2014 Durango Dirty Century

The Durango Dirty Century is never an easy ride and this year proved it once again. My goal was to go under 13 hours but it wasn't to be. I knew my legs were tired from all of riding I have been indulging in. When It's a nice blue bird day in the San Juan's you have to get out and enjoy it. I have completed this route before on the single speed and on a true fat bike. I picked my Kokopelli 29 plus bike setup for this ride. I rode smooth and took in the views while suffering at the same time. I ended up riding with Aaron Boatman for most of the ride after leaving Hermosa Creek TH and some dude named Tony from Durango. Solid riders for sure.

The full rigid bike was rough on me especially in the last 20 miles. I ended up puncturing the front tire in the creek bed and fortunately I had my tire plugs with me and it held immediately. This was my first time to use a tire plug and I was happy with the results. And like a knucklehead I couldn't find my C02 cartridges. Cat Morrison rolled up and was kind enough to lend me hers. Thanks Cat!!! I had a hand pump but the C02 is much quicker. The tire held and I took it easy on the remainder of the course to finish at 9.30pm at the Junction Creek TH. I had also lost my two water bottles in the last section of trail. That sucks but I knew I was close to the finish and ate two gel packs to get some liquid. Cat was two minutes in front of me and was at the TH waiting. We rolled into town together just in time to order a burger and a beer and hang with other DDC finishers and laugh at what we just endured. Endurance riders are the best. I was beat.

Total time: 14 hours 22 minutes.


Blackhawk Pass

Aaron Boatman on Blachawk




Up toward Kenebec Pass
The Kokopelli rig took a beating

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

June Riding

I haven't posted anything in a few weeks as not much has been going on but riding bikes. I did a photo shoot with Osprey packs recently which was cool. I should be in there 2015 publication.

No racing for me since the 12 Hours of Messy Verde but next on tap is the Durango Dirty Century this next weekend. I'm still on the fence of riding the 100 or 85 mile version. I guess I'll decide once I'm up there and need to make that decision. Just like my decision to ride the single speed or the 29 plus bike. Gears are nice and as of late I'm really liking the 29 plus bike. Otherwise my ride plans are as follows:
  • VR135 on July 13th
  • 24 Hours in the Sage August 23rd
  • Vapor Trail 125 in Salida on September 7th
  • Rico 100 September 20
  • Dolores 100 in October
  • Moab Trail Marathon November 8th

Here are some pics to enjoy from my high country riding this past month. Enjoy!

Osprey packs photo shoot at Ryman Creek.