Single Track & Corduroy

Boom, Chequamegon 08

2008-09-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

I love it. Its the race that tests your mind over physical strength. Its the race that you plan your season around and you hope lucks on your side. Luck plays a part each year...it either your day or its not. Simple as that. Nothing you can do about it.

Friday morning I awoke at 5:00 am and was at the start putting my bike up at the start at 5:15 am. Six rows back, best start position yet and for some reason I'm left thinking this frantic part of the race is part psych and really has no merit in where you finish.

The cannon went off at 10:00 am and we were off. Destination Mount Telemark, 40 miles out. This year was the fastest roll out yet. The leaders were clocking in at 33 + mph and I imagine I had to be somewhere in the mid to upper twenties. I hit Rosie's Field able to avoid to crashes on 77 all while feeling good about where I was at. The Birkie section came up fast and before we new it we were flying over rollers and onto the fire roads in no time.

At OO my legs were feeling great and with a full water bottle from my wife I was off hoping to dominate the second half and ride to another personal best. I was about eight minutes off of being in the top 100 and so I new I had to kick it in. Problem was the second half is the toughest part.

Onto Bodecker Rd and around the lakes I was in with a group of eight riders working a bit to gobble up riders ahead of us and spit them out on the back. Things were going smoothly as we hit the Firetower Hill. My goal was to climb on top of the bike and ride the pain down the other side. I succeeded in making the climb on my bike, but at the very top the overall fourth place chick decided to bail out and crossed my line, cutting me off and forcing me to unclip out of my pedal and peg-legging it for a split second. The minute my toe hit the ground my left calf seized up on me and cramped up.

Locked in pain, I rode my first cramp out on the other side of Firetower hill. It's interesting because once one cramp comes on, you know the rest of your body is on the edge, with all extremities ready to do the same. I knew I had the hardest section left with the major climb on the Birkie trail. I relaxed a bit hoping to avoid the cramps on the final Birkie section and having enough in the tank to finish strong. Well, it wasn't meant to be because my legs seized up on me the very next hill and I finished the final eight miles with a cramp on my right thigh, then a cramp on my right calf, then a cramp on my left thigh...well you get the picture. I had to back off big time just to have a strong finish.

In the end I bettered my best Fatty time by a minute and a half and took 227th place. I didn't reach the goal I made at the start of the season but hey...I'm already shooting for next years.

Great job to Nate for a top 500 finish in his first Fat Tire. Great ride and he sounded strong and looked strong at the finish. Great race man.

Check this out for more pics. So there it is, another great year with friends, family and an occasional post race beer! Cheers.

My structured season is done now and I've stayed off the bike for this week. Over the course of the next two months I will get on the bike when I have time but will definitely get in the gym and on the roller skis. Hey, first ski race is just over three months away. Plus Nikole and I have some projects around the house that needs our attention. Something about a baby room...

Thanks for all your support this season. Couldn't have had a season without all the encouragement.

I wonder what Deuce is doing right now...

Sturgie

Click...

2008-09-11T12:42:00.001-07:00

It's like a roller coaster. You slowly climb to the highpoint before you let loose and let all hand out. That what this weekend is. The season was hell bent on climbing to the top so that when the big one arrives you can let it loose and hang on.

Rode the course twice on labor day weekend just to mentally fine tune things. Last two weeks have been spent tapering so that when tomorrows race begins my legs are fresh and have some pop in them.

Lot of folks will be out tomorrow including Nikole who has yet to experience the fat tire. Rumor has it the Armstrong might show, although to much of the attention all predictions of his whereabouts in Hayward were retracted. Oh well...it would have made for quite a circus.

I'm ready but it all boils down to race day and who can turn the pain switch off.

See you on the flip side of the 40,

Single Swizzle,

Sturgie

Click...

2008-08-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

Redemption through practice. After my stint at Buck Hill two weeks past, I found my confidence vacillating like the Wisconsin temps. You rip off day after day, feeding the addiction and telling yourself the soul of one wins out in the end. So you tell yourself...

The Pre Fat race is just that. Its a well timed race that leaves driveling for the big one or cramming more practice just to revel in the finish. I needed a good pre fat so to permanently file away the Buck Hill as just one bad day on the bike.

From the horn at the start to rubber time pad at the finish the legs were clicking like legs that have six months of practice in them. The roll out was smooth and controlled. When we hit the gravel rode I was surprisingly 5 seconds back of the leader. Lap one through the single track was hard but by lap two I punched it a bit and the legs responded.

I would have to say that a majority of the race I found myself in no mans land with no man, or woman, around. Being alone can be good but can get lonely as quick as the pace. With four miles left I jumped on to Ryan Lee's wheel and with a group of about three we rode to a pretty solid finish.

This years Pre Fat was my best by far. I took ten minutes off from my last years ride and I jumped twenty some spots to a 33rd finish. The legs feel ready and the weeks to come are meant for perfecting the psych and the condition. Thanks to my family and Nikole for the support and pre race food. Ya keep me wanting....

I'm off to meet Nikole for our 20 week sonic gram thingy at the doctor' office today. You know, he thing that takes pictures and takes a look at the little human growing in your wife's belly. We are not going to find out but I'm going to try myself to look for a little weenie. As the weeks move forward we get more excited for this! Thanks for all your support as well!

Single Swizzle

Sturgie

Who's Cup

2008-08-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

After my previous race excursion, A bike diet was in order. Sleep, weddings, and hockey was in order for the weekend.
Pre-Fat this weekend. A roll of the dice and lets see how my legs respond!

Single Swizzle

Sturgie

Buck Hill Birch Bump

2008-08-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

This past week I decided to try my luck racing one of the Minnesota State Series races that was held in Burnsville, MN. I don't know if it was a mid summer slump or just one bad race, but lets just say it didn't go very well from the start. The race was 5 laps of 2.7 miles. The first half of the race we climbed up the ski hill while the second half we zig-zaged back down the hill through tight single track, sandy switchbacks, and bumpy downhills. Mix a bad race from the get go and scorching sun baking us in the prairie grasses and you have a long day.

Its been well over a month since my last race and so my legs were rusty and my focus was off. The first two laps I was in the red, heart racing, seeing cross-eyed, and no place to recover. It sucked. By lap three I finally found a recovery pace and started to settle into a pace that would get me to the finish. The sandy sections sucked all the life out of my legs and the heat took the rest of my energies. Hard part was we hit these parts five different times.

Lap four I realized I couldn't ride fast and found it very demotivating so I put my body on cruise so I could finish for those who to watch.

All alone (photos - skinnyski.com)

Somewhat feeling better

Climbing up to the backside of the hill.

Anyhew, not sure what to make of this race. I'm going to right it off as a bad race in August. Got some time to regroup and find my game face for the upcoming Pre-Fat in two wee

Maybe I need to start commuting on the pedal bike again. That's it for now...

Single Swizzle

Sturgie

Bike'n the Break'n

2008-08-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

Last night a confidant reminded me that my last post was sometime ago. It brought to my attention two important things 1) I've been lazy and C) people actually read this! Who would of thought.

Mid-July I took a much needed break from the bike for a week and took 27 high school kids out to Boston for some mission work. I had no time to think about my absence on my bike as we hurried all week from location to location. Great kids, great times, and great work.

The following week found me on Lake Prairie with 68 kids from church. I had my share of journeys with children ranging from five to eighteen. Great adventures but by week two I needed some time away. I did escape camp and made it back to EC town for the Tuesday night ride and a Wednesday MTB ride with Nate.

The little furlough did me some good but I was concerned about what it did on my conditioning and psych. I do know that it feel during a good time as there were no important races missed and it gave me plenty of time to recover from the slack.

I've hit the trails and road during the course of the last two weeks and seem to be getting back into the swing of things. Sunday I'm heading over to this race and we will see how the comp is in MN. Hopefully the legs will respond to the efforts I will demand.

Nikole and I officially passed the first trimester mark a couple of weeks back. We heard the heart beat for the second time on Monday and continue to breath a sigh of relief. Things are continuing to grow smoothly including Nikole's belly. We went for a ride the other day and noticed that bike outfits are not meant for prego woman. Spandex and baby bellies don't go together. It was great.

I'm back now and will definitely post with frequency. I will let you know how the race went on Monday!

Single Swizzle

Sturgie

2008-07-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

I learned this weekend that being in the front doesn't mean its easier, its just that much more faster. "Goooooooooooooo" echoes in the center and we are off. My goal this race is to pedal hard, stay out of the red, and hit the single track with the leaders. I gave a couple of efforts to stay with the lead group, hit the single track in a lactic absent-mindedness and everything was a blur from there.

The first lap was a mess. Log jams, traffic, morons and stupidity. By lap two I found a grove and a clean tire with Clayton Summitt. We hammered the pedals, broke from groups, and finished just six minutes back from the winner. It's a best for me. My fitness is coming around and all I hope is to continue to improve upon it. It's a long season...

Monday was THE appointment. Nikole was anxious for this day and a bit nervous. But five minutes into our appointment, our concerns were found to be extrinsic. A heart beat of 130 beats per minute told us that all is well with the "little human" that is growing in Nikole's belly. So after meeting with the doc all is well and moving along on the prego front.

Yesterday marked the beginning of Nikole's second trimester. Its getting a bit more real and because of it I'm buying up all the bike parts on eBay that I can before the "little human" comes along and steals our money and attention. I say that with love ya know!

Till next race...Single Swizzle

Sturgie

Guzzlin

2008-07-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

Early this spring I turned my old bike into my commuter bike. Its fun thinking about the gas I'm saving with every trip to work and back. But when you factor in the amount of errands that Nikole and I seem to do in a day, I was putting 20 miles or so on my commuter bike. And then I would jump on my other bike and spend another three hours pedaling.

Yesterday gas jumped to $4.07 here in EC so Nikole and I got a great idea...lets get a hog. So we got a NEW bike, a 1980 Honda Express. If the wind is at my back I can barely top 30 mph. Basket in the front and an attached milk basket on the back. Doesn't get any better than that...or does it? 112 miles to the gallon. Hell yea!

I'm curious to know how much we will save this summer and fall ridin around on the new toy.

Last week I put some much needed miles on both bikes and I'm continuing the same routine this week. Today its off to pre-ride the race course for this weekends race. I'm hoping that I figure out the start this weekend and can put together a solid race.

Nikole and I are one week out from the end of our first trimester and five days out from hearing our baby's heartbeat. Her morning sickness has faded some and she seems to be having more energy and less vomit these days. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we near our first exciting doctors visit.

We are off to my parent's place on the lake this weekend. We will ride a bit, rest a bit, enjoy some food a lot, and rest some more. I will keep you posted next week on the visit and race.

Have a great 4th!

Single Swizzle

Aaron

Little of this little of that...

2008-06-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

Life has been moving fast and the summer months dart effortlessly along. "Living in the moment with the friends I love" is one way these months need to be habituated. Breaking up my bike practice is a key to keeping me from drifting into a dotty state of mind.

A sixty miler on Tuesday and swift trail ride yesterday opens the soul and readies the legs for this and this one too. The great experiences of Wisconsin right out my backdoor.

The void between practice days was spent celebrating our 1st anniversary. It was a good celebration! A trip to my parents place on the lake indulging in some summer rest and relaxation is a great place to celebrate. Its been a great first year of marriage and we count our blessings each and everyday. Now we are counting down the days till we hear our baby's heart beat. Our baby is no longer considered an embryo but is now our little fetus. Oh yea...and on a side note, last week seemed to be Nikole's worst week for morning sickness. Well, its butt hole was forming and a friend of ours plainly stated, "that's why she felt crappy!" Who would of thought...

Sunday we connected with some friends of ours at the Jack Johnson concert! If you look at he pic above you will notice we ended up just feet from Jack. On our way into the concert he made an unannounced visit at the "Get-Out-And-Vote" booth and sang a couple songs. Pretty sweet if I may add!

Race Saturday - I keep you posted on Monday.

Single Swizzle Ya'll

Sturgie

Dearth Vader (yea thats DEARTH)

2008-06-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Life has been honey since my last insertion of randomness. After the Big Ring Classic I've managed, accidentally or not, to take a breather from training. My motivation has been in dearth lately and I have only been able to muster an oh so little amount of trail time over the past week.

In this case, the medication for the lacking comes in the form of bygone days that seem so near. Nate landed the perfect summer job teaching summer school in the Eau Claire school district. The practice rides got a well timed and much needed booster shot! We will bushwhack when we can and add tread to the summer asphalt on Tuesdays. Its easier to train and throw bull with a friend than with the voices in your head when your alone.

We are officially 10 weeks into the "parents to be" episode. We had our first appointment back on June 2nd. No real biggie other than deciding if we go the doctor route or midwife route. The coin is still spinning on the table for that decision. July 7th, though, is a day of days for us as we will listen for the heartbeat and get a better idea of how our pregnancy is going!

We are nearing the end of our first trimester and Nikole can't wait. To tell you that it has been a cakewalk for her would be comically mendacious. Not dive into great detail, but let's just say Nikole doesn't think she will be able to eat movie style buttery popcorn again and the budget theater does not want her back. Most of the time what goes in feels like its going to come back out shortly and when in theaters, it seems to.

As a husband I don't try to grin and bear it...instead I'm trying the sympathy pains. I tell her that I'm feeling fat and my ankles are the size of grapefruit. I sometimes will feel nauseous with her and I will easily need to take a four hour nap. The first tri is fun...yippee! But in all seriousness, keep us in your prayers as we come to an end of the first twelve weeks. We are hopefully and blessed!

Up next is Levis Trow 100 on the 28th.

Babaganoosh -

Sturgie

WORS #3 Big Ring Classic

2008-06-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Rusty

WORS (Wisconsin Off-Road Series) races are always tough races, and Wausau's Big Ring Classic was no different. It seems that the competition at these particular ones are always a step up from the norm. I especially hate the starts. They are extremely fast, hectic, chaotic, physical, and did I mention extremely fast.

Sunday was my first WORS race and the starts haven't changed. If anything they have gotten more frantic. I had jitters at the start and my only ambition was to make it out of the start alive. A mile into the race I found a pace suitable that would allow me to race full steam and yet avoid a bonk. This particular course is fast and riding in 80 degree weather for the first time I new I would balancing between cramping and bonking.

Lap one allowed me to get a feel for the course. I hung on with a guy from Team Polska and Allterra Coffee. We traded pulls and were gaining on riders through the single track sections.

Lap two was spent dialing in on the riders in front, weaving through traffic, and not bonking. The single track sections during lap two became more complicated. But I managed to hold my own, passing more riders than having riders pass me. That, for me, a middle of the pack racer, is key!

By lap three many riders, including my team mate BJ, were falling victim to flat tires in the rock garden section. I was finding it harder to pedal over the rocks and longer to recover. About midway through lap three I began to feel the twinges in my legs. Knowing that the cramps were beginning to set in, I backed off, willing to give in a little to have strong finish!

The finish line couldn't come any sooner. I rode to a 51st place finish, my best in a WORS race so far. But for some reason I believe I can do better. That will have to wait till the next one! I's also noting that I out sprinted a gentleman at the finish who was riding on a single speed bike (no gears to shift in and out of). Come to find out it probably wasn't a classy move to out sprint a single speeder! Thanks for the heads up BJ (single speeder himself)!

Thanks to my super fan, Nikole, for the water bottle exchanges and to the "rents" and in-laws for the personal cheering section. Hope you enjoyed watching the race and seeing me in my outlandish spandex outfit. Attractive eh...?

Single Swizzle

Sturgie

Bandwagon

2008-05-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

Our Memorial weekend was fairly laid back and spent catching up on some much needed R&R. We spent the time lakeside at my parents place simply chillaxin and sleeping. Days, let a lone weekends like that are far and few between for us. I did get out and rode some sweet single track around the Mosquito Brook trail head. But with this type of weekend, 25 miles of biking is too much.

It's been back on the bike and getting into the groove of practice this week. The Big Ring Classic is on the tap for this weekend. Its the first WORS race of the year for me and it will guarantee to be a fast and tough race.

Nikole and I decided to jump on the kid bandwagon (seeing as all our friends are either newlyweds or new parents) and before we new it a little handy prego test told us that we are pregnant....I mean Nikole is pregnant. It's early, two months to be exact, but we are excited and prayerful that all things work out just fine. We were planning for this and now we have January 13th pegged as the date for the arrival of our little human!

Off to the races...literally and figuratively!

Single Swizzle

Sturgie

CORC

2008-05-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

I liken the first mountain bike race of the season to those oh so painful moments in life like a continuous bee sting from a trapped bee in your bike helmet. Or a lodged pebble in your carbon soled bike shoe. Those are just some of the pains that I can assimilate to the Cable Off Road Classic.

Kent McDaniel and I loaded the car at 6:30 am on Saturday and were off to Cable for the mountain bike season opener for the both of us. Two hours later we are registering, picking up our numbers and BS'ing with Flug over our pasty white legs and our unpracticed equipment.

A quick warm-up on the roll-out portion of the course and we were ready to go. This race had a first for me. As riders were loading the start area there were to sections, the preferred start area (reserved for those who ride professionally and ride fast) and a section for the rest. I rode into the later section and was jockeying for position when a race officially pulled me from the start and said my race number had me starting in the preferred start. Holy sh#t! Because of last years race I qualified for a preferred start. Hell yea...

I try to give perspective and stories from the middle of the pack. But Saturday I was starting at the front. My handle bars we rubbing up with the likes of him, this guy, and not to mention them. The moment didn't last long because before we knew it we were off and the leaders put the hammer down and were soon off the front leaving all of us wannabes wondering what just happened.

We hit the single track a mile and a half down the road and things settled down pretty quick from there. A bunch of us jockeyed for positioning and took turns pulling from time to time. And over the course of 23 miles I dropped some riders, picked up others, and rode a lone as well.

Bj caught me about 10 miles into the race and we ended up riding another five miles together until he caught some bad luck on a hill and got behind some riders! I couldn't remember the course from years past and so most of the time I didn't know exactly what mile I was at and where I was at.

You can always expect pain for the first race of the season. My legs screamed at me at times and I could taste blood in the back of my throat at others. I found myself having to sit up and recover more than I would want, but I also had to remind myself that it WAS only the first race!

I rode to the finish in 1:55.08 and to a 64th place. Only 15 minutes behind the leaders (that's an eternity in race time). But none-the-less it made for an improvement from last years.

I rode through the finish and straight to my car with no time to stick around and reminisce about the race with the others. I jumped in my car with my race outfit still on and just over two hours later I was sitting in the gymnasium of UWEC watching Nikole get her Masters. Sunday we threw a wonderful celebration in her honor and our amazing friends and family were able to celebrate with her. Thanks to all of you for being there! By Sunday evening we were crashed on the couch and wondering where the weekend went.

Next up is the WORS Big Ring Classic on June 1st in Wausau. Never raced this one so we will see how it goes! Off to Hayward for the extended weekend of single track and road riding. Keep rid'in...

Single Swizzle

Sturgie

uhhhhrrr

2008-05-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

No matter where I ride or the route that I take for practice, pedaling monotonously a round the countryside can not hide the banal weather. Spring rides bring cloudiness, wind, or sun with wind. Very few days can be found absolute!

My days on the bike are blended. I finish the day thirsting for the next ride. Sunday I squeezed in a ride. An hour is not enough but I rode on my own volition. This weekend I will be hitting the single track trails of Cable. The off-road classic typically brings cold and rain that will challenge even the best conditioned rider. Oh boy oh boy oh boy! Stoked to be riding in the woods doesn't give justice to how I feel! Stay tuned...

On Saturday morning, 12:13 am to be exact, our good friends Luke and Renee became parents of healthy and beautiful Kailer Horton Barth. We are all happy for the both of you!

This Saturday Nikole will be grabbing her Master Degree at UWEC. She has put a ton of work into this degree and she deserves it. She's my rock star. I know I know...she walks on Saturday and I'm racing instead. I got an ear full from my mom already. I will make it up to her on Sunday when we party it up with our friends and relatives.

Till Saturday, Single Swizzle

Sturgie

Saddle Care

2008-05-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

I fancy...

Days come and go. Pedals revolve at an endless orbit. My pasty white Wisco legs are twittering for that first single track race. Flirt with the dirt, occasionally crossing the line and finding amorousness with it!

It's coming.

Single Swizzle,

Sturgie

Flipitty Flop

2008-04-29T05:58:00.001-07:00

Flip-and-flop. The newly white, pasty, shaved legs struggle with the weather. One day they are free of hair and out turning in the sun. The next they are covered under layers of clothing. It sucks and yet these few days past have reminded me that the Wisco winter still has its grips on us.

My legs are screaming for sun, legs twittering, and fingers tapping. Two weeks till I flirt with dirt!

Out,

Sturgie

Durand Durand

2008-04-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

The anxiety of the mind as to whether your ready or not can keep a rider awake during the nights. The Durand Road Race can be just that. Its the first race of the season and the weather is typically horrendous. But on Saturday, the rain and wind held off to make this first race goodish.

This years race had some attacks but no real threats that made us worry. From the get-go, our hibernated legs twitched at the need to test our conditions. But for the most part, I either led or sat comfortably at the front of the pack. On the first lap the hills came and I was able to climb my way to the lead as we crested each hill. The pack would string out and then yo-yo back to about 15 riders. This would happen throughout the course of race with some attacks here and there that carried no burden of worry.

By our last climb and with 2 miles left, the pace picked up and I felt the urge to bust out but knew that I needed to position myself for a top five finish. We turned on to the last 1000 meters of the race and and Mark Long decided to attack. I was able to fend off the attack and stick to his wheel. 500 meters left and I looked back to find that we created a 10 second gap from the field. It was just Mark and I. In the end he won the sprint and I coasted to a disputed 2nd place.

I raced it better than I could have imagined. Typically I only place within my age group, but to place 2nd in the overall field is quite a confidence booster if I may say. I'm stronger this spring but still have a ways to go. Next up will be the Cable Off-Road classic in may.

After her run race on Saturday, Nikole joined me at the road race to give some much needed encouragement. The fun of having her on the side of the road throughout the course is a great boost. Thanks hun for the pics and support...your a rockstar!

Saddle Sage,

Sturgie

Racing Practice...

2008-04-17T11:16:00.001-07:00

Growing up I couldn't articulate the feeling the I got jumping on my bike and riding through the random thoughts of a random forest in northern Wisco. The thoughts bring back the moments of bliss as the cool air whispers in and out of my brain box. I can't wait, just like the scrawny kid peddling nervously along side the Chippewa river years back.

It was a hard-bitten ride on Tuesday with wind gusts of 35 mph. Eight of us braved it and I hopelessly hung on wanting to find the reliance before I kick start the year.

Saturday I will fit in the first race of the season. Yesterdays race is gone and I hope only to conjugate on what I did the previous.

Until then - asphalt for now,

Sturgie

speedy

2008-04-11T09:59:00.001-07:00

I've been on the bike because the the body is ready and willing. But first you must clear out the webs and get the bike ready. After the much needed honeymoon I've been focused on spinning the wheels and building a base on the bike.

I've noticed that my rides are smoother and much longer in the early part of this season compared to the seasons past. I credit the fact that I was on snow for a good three and a half months and am entering this bike season in pretty good shape. My legs are stronger and I'm focused on the races ahead.

Last week put in nine hours on the bike which included the first Tuesday night ride of the season. The body is getting used to the saddle time and hopefully by the Durand Road Race I'm able to feel strong and confident.

This week I hit a couple of things put a damper on my training. I had to serve on jury duty for the first time and wouldn't you know it I got picked for what was supposed to be a two day trial that ended up being three days. It was interesting and educational and yet I don't want to do it again. If you are curious just go here. And the rain/snow/sleet/freeing rain/30 degree weather is not helping. Oh well you roll with what is dealt.

Aaron

blissful week

2008-03-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Before this sentence was fully written Carlos Zambrano threw the first pitch, opening up the Brewers 2008 season...oops...I didn't even finish and Ricky Weeks struck out. So its opening day, last day of March, and we are in the middle of our spring snow storm. Oh well..

Much has happened in the past two weeks and I just wanted to let everyone know of the wonderful honeymoon that we embarked on two weeks ago. And so writing about our time in Mexico is hard when it is 30 and snowing.

I won't bother you with the details but will highlight some of our experiences in Los Cabos. Enjoy:

Most adventurous time: zip-lining over nine hundred yards, 300 feet up across a canyon. It was intense and at times breath taking. We went across 8 different zip lines that varied in length and height.

By the time we were done we were dirty, tired of the massive wind, and each had one major grundy.

Most fascinating thing we did: we jumped on this rubber raft with twin 250 horse-power boat motors, sat saddle back on this raft, and ventured deep into the Pacific ocean looking for whales. After an hour of up and down motion in 9 foot swells trying to look for blow holes, we found two Hump Back whales 200 feet from the shore.
It was amazing to see these massive creatures hanging out and feeding just feet from our little dingy.

Most dangerous thing we did: while swimming one day I got attacked by a puffer fish. It was a hearty fight but in the end it got my ankle and I got him. Well not really. What really happened was that I got caught in an undertow and ended up tumbling head over heels and banged my ankle on the ocean floor. The puffer fish was already dead and washed up on the beach. I like my first story though.

The sunsets and sunrises were beautiful and breath taking even though we only took in one sun set and one sunrise!

2nd most adventurous time: we did spend two nights out on the town of Los Cabos. There was a fair share of college students on spring break but it wasn't out of control. So for two nights we managed to stay out past midnight. One night we found an Irish pub in Mexico and celebrated St. Patrick's Day. They were actually serving Heineken and Guinness FREE of charge. Pretty sweet set up. We also visited the must Cabo Wabo and notorious Squid Row. I'm pretty prideful to say we closed down Cabo Wabo one night, Nikole's Birthday night! Hell yea.
(I coughed through a Cuban cigar one evening as well)

It was my first time at an all-inclusive resort. So needless to say, by the time we left we were tired of buffets, Corona, and fruity drinks. We were not tired of 80 degree weather, the beach, bartering with the sellers, and just plain lazy people for 7 days. It was a wonderful honeymoon and we spent some wonderful, quality time with no dogs and just each other.

So now we are back to reality and I'm back on my bike. Look forward to keeping you posted as the race season quickly approaches!

Ciao

Sturgie (& Nikole)

show your teeth....

2008-03-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

....and extract some fear!

Saturday Nikole and I came home to feathers all over our dinning room, bird crap on the wall and a live Finch hanging from the mouth of Chessie (aka Killer). It was quite the entertainment seeing the smallest of our three dogs with feathers sticking out of her mouth. One quick command and she spat the confused bird out of her mouth and scampered outside.

After some concern for the bird (Nikole swore it had a broken leg but I disagreed with her) we finally contacted White Manor which takes wounded animals of all kinds so to nurse them back to health. The Bird managed to escape from the shoebox we had placed it in and after another brief and chaotic episode of "the bird flying around our house, pooping, while three dogs salivating at the mouths and chasing it," I managed to get it back into the shoe box and to Pet Food Plus for rescue.

I enjoyed my week off of training and now I am really finding the itch for the bike season. I keep reminding myself to be patient because not only is the season long but it looks like we will have snow for quite some time. I'm slowly making the transition from skis to the bike. I've been getting out on the ski trial about 3 times a week and enjoying some great winter/spring skiing.

I figure that when the temp hits 40 I will hit the road on my bike. In the meantime its spinning at the gym and on my bike trainer in the living room. My first road race is just over a month, April 19th.

Thanks for all your kind thoughts and words of congratulations over the past two weeks. I'm over my Birkie depression and am thinking spring and all that we can do when the snow is gone!

Cord under the boards (for a bit longer)

Sturgie

come out from the world...

2008-02-25T18:06:00.000-08:00

...and into the BIRKIE.

An athlete is as good as the heart that is inside of them. No matter how good I ski or how perfect it may be, my heart that is inside me is constantly looking for the "next fresh fix." My heart is constantly inspired by those who have mastered the art of cross country skiing. Ivan Babikovs' tiring yet amazing sprint at 51 k or Zack Simmons near back to back Birkie Champions are my fixes that leave me wanting to wake up tomorrow and improve upon what I did today!

To race the Birkie and all those around me is after all why I ski. I don't ski the Birkie because I love nature and the beauty around me. Maybe someday I will realize what a gift it is to be on God's playground. No, I ski the Birkie because the climbs, the twists, the heart rate, the wax, the stories, the friendships, and the yearning for perfection are what gets under my skin.

And as soon as I finish the race, the Birkie is calling me back for more. And when the Birkie "starts talking to you, calling you back, you'd best shut up and listen."

Nikole dropped Adam, Nate and I off at McNaught road just 2k away from the start. Its always the perfect warm-up and you feel a little bit like a great skier when you are warming-up with the elites. The start was bumped back ten minutes due to the congestion and overwhelming number of skiers. None-the-less by 8:30 the elites were off and by 8:40 the gun sounded and I was skiing the race that had been calling me back for months.

Elite climbing the powerlines

I hit the powerlines with the cheers from my family and Nikole. The first half of the race I skied it fairly calm and collective trying not to spend to much to early. My goal for the first 23k was to come out onto Double O feeling good with plenty in the tank to get me to the finish. Not only did I feel good but I got to see some good friends from college, Coutrney& Lindsey sitting on top of a hill around a fire cheering us on. After a water bottle exchange with Nikole I jumped in a group of 20 skiers and poured it on for the next 15k.

I came out of the woods and on to Mosquito Brook road, 38k into the race, feeling strong and knowing I was on a sub three hour race pace. Nikole once again made a perfect bottle exchange and after grabbing some fuel at the food station I was ready for the climbs.

HWY 77 hill came and slowly I conquered it. By the top I could feel the cramps coming on, starting at the top of my thigh and rippling and twinging to the bottom. The pack I was skiing in shrunk and yet I had enough to hang on. At Duffy road I was greeted with cheers from the Halberg clan who never fail to give encouragement to all who have bonked and think they are in hell.

I hit Lake Hayward with 2k to go and pulled every ounce of energy that I had left just to hold on to the pack in front of me. Main street couldn't come soon enough, but when it did, the excitement and the smiling faces from my wife, friends, and family made it all worth the pain!

Powerlines, first water bottle exchange, my main support, and a finish for the screen!

I skied the 2008 Birkie in 2:52:07, a PR by 1 minute. I skied to a 514th place and was embraced my those who have supported me throughout the year. It was good! No, it was awesome. And yet no matter how awesome I raced it, it still was not enough. And since Saturday I have already started searching for a better plan, a better training year, searching for that better Birkie time. Don't get me wrong, I will enjoy this one as we did both at the bon fire that evening and at Sawmill Saloon that night.

Five months of training, three pairs of skis, and countless hours of waxing brings this ski season to a close. I'm constantly in awe at those who made this season worth the hours. Nate, who's persistence helped him ski to his best Birkie ever, 3 hours and ten minutes. Adam, a shot a Yager and a beer later on Lake Hayward, skied to his worst Birkie ever and yet had a blast. The camaraderie and sharing of the stories at the Halberg's (Thanks Hank, Jim, Aaron, Carl, Mark, and Sarah)! It's through this that the Birkie calls me back. And its through this that I seek perfection.

I'm your average racer who brings stories from the middle of the pack. My passion is to be great, but in the meantime enjoy the view from the middle.

Cord under the Boards,

Sturgie

B-I-R-K-I-E

2008-02-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

This week leading up to the Saturday conjures up the many years of Birkie preparation. The years spent thinking the more pasta I ate the better I would ski. The year I thought just eating salads would do me well. The year I thought that no time spent on skis would be alright. The year I skied a sub three hour race. Or the year I skied my first Korteloppet and took 5th FROM THE LAST!

This is the week that gets you excited for the Birkie. It's your season coming to fruition. all the hard work and pain this season was for this race. Knowing that thousands of skiers will descend upon Hayward from all over the world. My family has already started to place bets on how Adam and I will ski. The plans are set as to where we will eat our pasta the night before and before we know Saturday will be here and I will be on the trail, balls-to-the-wall, thinking about the beer at the finish line.

I'm excited. I feel 100%. By the 40k mark my body will want to quite but my passion, intensity , and mind will not allow for it. I've put hours in on the trail and now is the time to ski within myself. I'm off to Hayward tonight and what better motivation, if you need any, than to rub shoulders with the elite prior to Saturday. I will keep you all posted soon!

Last week I skied the Rib Lake Hinder Binder. I needed a good race to gain the confidance that I lost when I got sick. 22k of solid skiing on some pretty sweet trails was what I needed. I felt awesome and skied away from many skiers in a pack that I was skiing in. I raced to an 11th place over all and finished 2nd in my age. Not bad.

Talk to you all on the otherside of the Birkie! Thanks to many for your support and encouragement!

Cord under the boards! (especially this weekend)

Sturgie

Pre Birkie '08

2008-02-15T13:16:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was the annual Pre Birkie Ski Race always held two weeks prior to the actual Birkie. It's a race that typically draws 700+ skiers. It is a race that is a good inidcation as to whether or not you've done enough and/or what you need to cram into your training the next few weeks to be ready for the Birkie. If nothing else it is a race where you run into some familiar faces and friends.

Adam and I stayed ANOTHER night at the Kling cabin in Spooner. Thanks to Nate and Karyn for the hospitality. A wonderful pre-race dinner, a good game of cribbage, and a good nights sleep is what I needed. For two weeks now I was still fighting the cold and could not shake it no matter how many remedies I tried. So how the race was going to go I couldn't tell you.

We awoke to temps in the 20s and cloudy skies. Met up with my parents a Coop's restaraunt for a good hearty meal two hours prior to the race. After some coffee talk and our share of trips to the bathroom we were off to the start on Lake Hayward. The Pre Birkie goes from lake Hayward to highway OO. We race the opposite direction of the Birkie. Some think this race is easy, some think its hard, and others think, "oh well."

The start on the lake was sketchy. There was only about two inches of snow on the lake with an attempt at it being groomed. With everyone warming up on the lake it ended up ruining what trail was on the lake. And before you new it you could not get a pole or an edge on the ice. But at the gun we were off and struggling to hold on across the lake. Needless to say it felt good to hit the trail!

I had a good start and was feeling pretty good until our first big climb up the back side of bitch hill. Then things seemed to unravel from there. Nate caught me on the next up hill and was looking strong and ready to dominate. However, coming out of the woods at Mosquito Brook Rd Nate tried to grab a GU and ended up sliding on his butt, busting a pole in the process. Five minutes later we was back in the race with another pole that he grabed at a food station.

I felt good in parts of the race but also felt bad in most of the race. Go figure. I caught people on the hills but had them ski away from me on the flats and down hills. I felt like I had no gas in the tank to keep up the pace. I struggled to hold my own.

I finished in an hour thirty minutes and placed 137 and Nat skied his way back to finish a minute behind. Adam skied a very conservative race and came in at an hour forty-three. Good times by all!

This past week I was still not feeling good. So on Monday I decided to take a trip to the good 'ol doctor. After some painless minutes in his office I found out I had a sinus infection and was given some stuff to try and knock it out. By Tuesday on the trail I felt back to normal! So here's to hoping that we are ready for the Birkie!

Birkie for life,

Sturgie

convinicing yourself you've done enough

2008-02-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

I felt it Thursday morning. That ever so dreaded tickle in the back of the throat. I lied to myself that it was just the cold air, the hours on the skis, and the dry air. But it came from the back of my head and landed right smack dab between my eyes and my nose. The cold was in full force by Thursday pm and I knew I was doomed.

Friday I sat my butt on the couch and downed ginger and green tea cup after cup. I tossed and turned on Friday night and hoped it was just in my head. Nate and I began skiing on Saturday at the powerlines on the Birkie trail. It was suppose to be a long day of training. By the time I climbed the first hill I knew I wasn't going to make it 49k.

9k into the ski I had to turn back and call it quits. I drove home bruised and worried. Have I done enough this year to this point so that I can bounce back. Time will tell. Sunday I stayed in bed and downed some over-the-counter medication and actually got a good nights sleep. My alinings fell on what was to be my first weekend of a structured three weeks of training. No worries...better to be sick now than on the day of the Birkie!

Cord under the boards,

Sturgie