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

break in routine

2008-01-31T08:02:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Nikole and I had a chance to breakaway from our regular routine of life and the extreme cold temperatures. We had an awesome weekend of spending some quality time with Shana, my favorite sister-inlaw in Arizona!

Rolling in the Sedona, sushi two nights in a row, bruschetta at Postinos, evening at the Barcelona Nightclub, hiking North Mountain and Camelback, 71 for highs, and an evening outside in a hot tub made for a busy and entertaining little get-away!

Now its back on the skis. Three weeks out till Birkie and I will be working on getting some good hard training days in! Heading north this weekend for a ski on the Birkie trail with Nate and then look forward to the pre-Birkie race the following weekend.

Cord under the boards,

Sturgie

Second night of Sushi!

Godiva & Moose

replication stamina

2008-01-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

Start of the 42 K

Last week was the Seeley Hills Classic ski race held in good'olSeeley, Wisconsin. I'm not much of a classic skier but I try to mix in a classic ski with my skate training. It breaks up the monotony of training and helps out tremendously with my cardio.

I find classic skiing hard and painful, in fact, today is the first day my thighs are not screaming at me. Classic skiing is a different technique that utilizes the same muscles in a sense but utilizes those muscle differently. On Monday after the race I struggled just to get up out of my office chair.

Friday night Adam and I drove up to Hayward and stayed at a cabin on Nelson Lake with my parents. We registered on Friday night at the Sawmill Saloon and participated in an over priced, filled your big toe pasta feed. The beer was good but the pasta left me desiring more.

Saturday brought cloudy skis and temps in the twenties. Like I said, I'm not much of a classic skier but I love to race. So it was different arriving to a race and not really rushing and hustling to get a spot at the start because I was not overly hyped about classic skiing a race.

At the start of the race I told my parents to grab a spot on the snowy knoll just after the start. Well, unannounced to me, the start didn't take us in that direction. So my parents didn't even get to the start, and the best part is I skied faster than I thought and my parents ended up missing the finish as well.

I really didn't care about my start position until I arrived at the start line. My lack of hustle got me a start in the far back of the pack. I mean I was way back. In fact, of the 300 skiers I would bet I started 273rd. None-the-less the gun sounded and we were off to a grueling 22k out and back race on the Birkie trail.

Right from the start I began picking skiers off one by one. I started so far back that no one was left to pass me and the only thing left for me to do was pass those 200 some skiers ahead of me. Most of the race I was passing skiers and skiing by myself. With about 3k from the turn around I met the leaders heading back to the finish. I figured I was about twenty minutes behind which impressed me some considering I was classic skiing.

By 15k I had lost my kick and was double polling most of the hills and flats and to make it even tougher, I could tell by the sharp pain on my arch that a blister was forming. It was a tough race but I had a blast skiing with fellow classic skiers who know what they are doing. Most of the race was spent watching the skiers around me and trying to emulate their techniques. Right or wrong it got me across the finish line at 1:29.31 with a 4:04 pace per k and an 83rd place. I'm happy with that.

After the race Adam met up with me at the trail head and we capped off the day with a ski down to mosquito brook road. Another 15k for a cool down and the day was complete. it was a fun weekend and it's always fun to go to races where you can rub shoulders with elite skiers and elite teams. The olive burger at the Sawmill Saloon that afternoon topped it all off.

We will see what the weekend brings. Looks like temps won't reach much above zero. Maybe a weekend spent in the gym will be safer on the body.

Cord under the boards,

Sturgie

anxiety + apprehension = angst

2008-01-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

The warm temperatures are not being welcomed by many who are fervently logging kilometers and gearing up for the heart of the race season. It sucks to look at the extended forecast and see temps one day in the single digits and soar into the forties by the weekend. Oh well, you train with what you are dealt with. And given our previous winters, this is nothing new.

The race season took off this past weekend like it always does with the ever so difficult and humbling Blue Hills Ascent. Being able to stay with the parents, get a good home cooked meal, and ski on the trails I grew up on conjures up memories of how far I've come and challenges me to realize where it is that I want to be.

Nikole and I loaded up the vehicle Friday night with the dogs and skis and headed north to good 'ol Bruce. With some steak and potatoes made to our liking, a small game of cribbage, and a movie we were off to a good nights rest for the race on Saturday.

Saturday morning I awoke to temps in the upper twenties and a forecast that looked and felt warm. I traveled to the trail head to register, hoping I was early enough to get a descent wave placement. Wave 4 was not bad...and was not good. I figured I would be picking my way through the field starting 30 skiers back. Oh well..

After a hearty breakfast, Nate and Karyn met us at 10:00 and we were off to the race. The race was at noon so Nate and I had a chance to ski a nice warm up and get a feel for the snow and our skies. Its always nice to race later in the day, not having to worry about rushing around and being on time for early starts. Non-the-less, noon o'clock rolled around and the race was on.

There were six waves and each wave starting one minute apart. Nate began his ascent in wave three and I was a minute later. Being the first race of the year, the Blue Hills Ascent is a tricky race in that its only 12 ks, not real technical, but every year it ends up being a painful race. The first 4 K is spent climbing. There are no big hills, just one long, never ending, continuous climb that at times you don't think your climbing but your thighs are reminding you that you have been climbing for many Ks...so it is fitting that the name of the race is the Blue Hills Ascent.

I started out strong and was feeling confidant about my conditioning. In fact, I started out too strong. By the time the trail narrowed and we entered the woods began the climb I had caught Nate. It was then that I realized my heart rate was racing and that I could not keep the pace that I had started. With the long and continuous climb I was unable to recover and ended up suffering throughout the race. It sucked not being able to get into a good rhythm and find a good pace. I had to work extra hard up the hills and I had to gasp for air so that I could recover on the down hills. Not exactly how I wanted the first race to go. It was 12ks of humility and recognition.

Nate had an awesome race and we enjoyed the great fan support. Thanks to the Bro and his girl, Nikole, Karyn, and my parents for watching us start and seeing us finish. If anything, finishing a race with your BFF is sweet as hell. Nate skied to a solid 17th place and I took the 16th spot. We also took 2nd & 3rd respectively in our age group. No money though...

Nate and I finishing stong!

This weekend I'm off to the Birkie trail to race the Seeley hills Classic race. 22K of classic skiing. I'm not big into classic skiing but we will see how the race goes. It going to be tough. I will post first thing on Monday! Thanks for continued support y'all.

Thanks to skinnyski.com for the pics (Nothing like seeing Sturgie in spandex...eh?!)

Cord under the boards,

Sturgie

Holidazed

2008-01-03T06:28:00.000-08:00

Nikole and I began our Holidazed travel last week when we bailed on Eau Claire and landed smack dab in the heart of Packer country, GB. A weekend spent with the in laws never fails in supplying the much needed entertainment, merry conversation, and a taste of Tingly family craziness.

By Monday we made our way back to EC in time for work, a quick fuel up, and back on the road and heading farther north to a blissful town called Bruce. It has been a click or two on the calendar since Nikole and I dropped in on ma and pops. Fondue, plenty of cheap wine, and some new snow boots made for a time spent with the rents a blast.

By Tuesday pm we were back in EC with the extended family celebrating Christmas for the first time in three years. It was nice to be back in our own dwelling come Christmas night! By Friday of break, Nikole had racked up plenty of hours of sleep and relaxation and was ready for a hearty ski in Birkie country.

Friday night we ventured up to Spooner, WI in the snow to spend some time with our friends Nate and Karyn. And if you are up north you must get out on the Brikie trail. So with some fresh snow, new cord under our boards, Nate and I put in a long 3 + hour ski and dialed out some 41 K of training. It seemed that everyone and their team was on the Birkie trail Saturday. Nikole and Karyn spent time at OO skiing while Nate and I made our way down to Hayward. Great day of fine tuning our skiing and thinking about the big one! Ran into him...

08 came in as fast as 07 went out. Another year of big things and great blessings has passed. Nikole and I are thankful to you, our family and friends. We are looking forward to the things in 2008 that make our life interesting enough to share with you. There will be no new years resolution here...its that same old tradition of the past that seems to have us focused on our faults...and as one biker put it, "A month later, valentines day rolls around and where are we? Wolfing down chocolates, sharing wine, petting heavily and ignoring the homeless. No thanks, I'll focus on the mental detox." Couldn't agree more...

Big race Saturday on the trails that I grew up on. Keep ya posted!

Cord under the boards for life,

Sturgie

It sure sounded better the night of!

Ahhh yes.

2007-12-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

Tune up and iron out.

2007-12-17T06:34:00.000-08:00

Pole plant, glide, reload. Pole plant, glide, reload. Balance, base and enjoyment are what I search for these days. The snow has lost its freshness and the excitement of being on the first snow has faded. Minutes are hammered out and Ks are counted up.

When I'm out on the trail I sometimes have to remind myself that its only the middle of December and I don't necessarily have to bust my balls in readying my body for the Birkie. It's a pleasant feeling knowing I can work on my cardio base, my balance, and technique. I'm always trying to find ways to mix it up with the training hoping to keep my body fresh and the enjoyment level up.

Kudos to my bro (nice pic) for making it through college! The Sturgie combo represented well at Eau Claire, eleven and a half years is not all that bad! One more UWEC alum!

Life is Good...

Life is real good...

And sometimes life can be strange...

I hope it is finding you greatful!

Ski on,

Sturgie

Conundrum

2007-12-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

co·nun·drum noun 1. A difficult problem 2. Anything that puzzles. Being on snow on the 3rd of December puzzles. Being on snow, with your race skis, is a freak of nature. It has been a long time coming for us to be on snow during the first part of December and not on your roller skis.

Lifting, running, hiking, and roller skiing has been the name of the game over the past four weeks. I'm getting used to lifting with the roid raged gentlemen at Gold's and now I'm glad that I can put away my trail running shoes.

I don't have an excuse now for not being ready for the Birkie. The snow is here, the roller skis are put away and now the hard work begins. Two weeks till race time. The Preseason Physical race in the cities will be a good judge for how my conditioning is and what I have to do.

First Christmas tree together! Highly recommend the Fraser Fur

Ski On

Sturgie

Blazin cigars

2007-11-26T11:42:00.000-08:00

You know your in Wisconsin when :
1. Beer cans come in blaze orange.
2. Your dad, because of his "attack of the heart" episode, can legally hunt from a car.
3. You put aside deer hunting so that you don't miss the Packer game.
4. Church is held on the Wednesday prior to opening deer hunting because no one will be in church come Sunday.
5. And your perfect Sunday consists of dead deer, a beer in a blaze orange can, a good ol "victory" cigar, and the Packer game on the radio.

Life is good...and I am greatful for this time!

Oh yea...less than one month before the first ski race!

Rollerski on

Sturgie

Shanghi Sturgis

2007-11-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

Nikole and I Got this nifty little doohickey thing that helps you roll sushi at home. My parents actually bought it at a booth at the Minnesota State Fair this past August. It must be the deluxe addition because the funky bandanna thingy came with it. On the box is even says "as seen on TV." As you can see, our first attempt at making our own sushi didn't quite match the "as seen on TV" sushi.

$10 if you can guess WHAT we went as for Halloween.

Anybody, anybody....

anybody..

Bueller...?..? Give up? Click here

Less than two months before the kick-off to the ski season. And its funny that as I type this right now snow is being thrown down on the ground for the first time. Last week I got my pass to workout with the roid poppin muscle men at Gold's Gym and have been logging in some miles on the bike again. Slowly I will be adding more miles on my running shoes and rollerskis. Its cold and the anticipation is on the rise...

Rollerski for life (maybe just weeks)

Sturgie

H little 2 O

2007-10-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

A hot water heater with a message!

Hunt'em Up

2007-10-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

I can hear the bullfrog calling me.

Wonder if my rope's still hanging to the tree.
Love to kick my feet 'way down the shallow water.
Shoofly, dragonfly, get back t'your mother.
Pick up a flat rock, skip it across Green River.

Take me back down where cool water flows, yeah.
Let me remember the things I learned,
Stopping at the log where catfish bite,
Walking along the river road at night,
Barefoot girls dancing in the moonlight

Written by Creedence Clearwater Revival in '69, I was able to find a version of this song performed by M. Ward that completely speaks to the most rad of souls. When the leaves are falling and the days are shorter I'm always taken back home to where the cool water flows and where I remember the things I learned.

Pheasant hunting with my brother are the things I remember and the things I learned. Now, Nikole and I have a place that will call us home, a place where new cool water will flow and where changes in the leaves will be reminders of things that we have learned together.

We hope for snow, but in the meantime we celebrate birthdays, fall colors that call us home, dogs that make us...us, and owls...

Hope this find you greatful,

Sturgie

Pill Poppin

2007-10-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

So Dad's heart attacked him. It ended up not being very serious, but non-the-less, whenever its the heart its always serious. Dad ended up spending just two days in the hospital and was released yesterday p.m. with a fixed heart. Note to all who know dad or don't know him well, two days in the hospital was two days too long.

In the end he was told he has a heart full of large and very open veins. The docs saw nothing unusual and with that nothing to be concerned about. He does, however, have to watch what he eats. The menues are going to change which means the homecookin meals will taste a bit different.

What I really learned from all of this is that I'm either getting older or my parents are getting older. My dad was sent home with some lovely, cow size pills and he will be popping them probably for the rest of his life. This morning I saw two pill organizers that I always thought were for old people. Yikes...am I or are my parents getting old?

Hope life is finding you greatfull!

Sturgie

Off Beat

2007-10-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hey you, how's it going? Me, life has been packed full of work, catching up on some personal things, and staying away from any kind of training. Nikole and I have been attending many weddings, homecomings and "ways to improve your yard" conferences. We are actually killing grass for a planned garden next spring.

After the big race I try to fit a good three to four weeks of staying off the bike. I will begin transition from the bike to the skis, only hopping that snow lands sooner than later. My biggest challenge these next few weeks is to try and find the weight room.

This past weekend life was forced into perspective for Nikole and I. For some reason my Dad's heart decided not to work right and it attacked him. He and mom were up in Hayward on Saturday and after some heavy lifting his heart got pissed at him and decided to say something about it. Mom rushed him to the Hayward band-aid hospital and after a night there, they loaded him up and sent down to Luther.

An angiogram and a stint later he is recovering and is in good hands at Luther. It was a huge scare for mom and we are glad it was just his heart warning him and not punishing him. None-the-less it is still his heart. You always hear it said, but events like this happening to your parents sure puts things into perspective! Will keep you posted...

Hope life is greatful for all of you!

Sturgie

'07 Chequammy

2007-09-18T11:58:00.001-07:00

Hey! How's it going? Me, life in the last three weeks has been about biking. Thinking about biking, being on a bike, and worrying about the 40 miler on a bike. That's what life has been like for me.

Thursday/13th - I wanted to feel like the elite riders so I decided to bail on Eau Claire and get up to my parents place in Hayward on Thursday. I Arrived at 9:15 pm just in time to eat a big steak, some potatoes, and enjoy a beer with my dad. That steak and beer would end up helping me grind it out on Saturday, for sure!

Friday/14th - Awoke to a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee. Met up with a buddy of mine, Aaron Halberg at Angry Minnow for some lunch and pre race talk. And as always, when you are in Hayward you have to stop at the local bike shops. The atmosphere around the Chequamegon race creates excitement, energy, and some anxiety. In the p.m. my mom and I rode up to Telemark to pick up my number, grab as many stickers as possible from the vendors, and see how many elite riders I could rub shoulders with. I left feeling anxious and ready for the race.

Saturday/15th - Woke at 6:30 am to temps that were colder than last years Birkie. I new from the minute I stepped out that I needed all the warm clothes I could get.
By 6:45 am I was in the start corral hoping to get a good spot for a good start to the race....NOT happening this year. Rumor had it that riders were parking their bikes at 5:00 in the morning. After getting my spot at the start I ventured back to my parents place for breakfast...knowing that with my position I would have my work cut out for me.
10:00 am the cannon goes off and game is on. Slow roll out thru town until we hit Highway 77 where the pace took off and we were pedaling towards Rosie's Field at 24 mph. Guys around me huffing and puffing and I knew that I had to hit the Birkie trail ahead of these riders who were on the verge of blowing up just 4 miles into the race.
Over the climbs and around the riders I slowly picked my way through the field. I was able to find a rider here and there who set a descent pace but it didn't take too long before I was thinking to myself that the pace was too slow and I need to push it more.

Throughout the day I kept dialing it up a notch, dialing it up again, and dialing it up yet again. The more I pushed the better I felt. And so by the time I crested Firetower I new it was my day and my race...I just needed to stay out of mechanical problems during the final 10 miles.
I really never found a group of riders to ride with during the race. Which sometimes makes for hard racing. Occasionally throughout the race I would catch a sponsored rider, draft them for a bit, and then peel off, attack and drop them.

I would glance at my watch now and then but had no real idea of the pace that I was riding at. It felt face but because I was feeling strong and not winded I thought maybe it was a slower pace. Coming off the last Birkie trail section I decided to hammer it down, gap some of the riders ahead of me, and see just how many I can take down before the finish line arrives.
In the end I had one shifting mistake required getting off my bike, peeling out my major chain suck and jumping back on which come to think about it, I think I was able to all that in one simple motion...weird.

So another Fat Tire race is in the books. I bettered my time by 7 minutes and gained over 40 places from last years. Plus I took 25th in my age out of 104. I'm very pleased with my performance and feel the hard work payed off. I also felt like I was getting closer to the best. In fact I was only 11 minutes behind Doug Swanson, two time Fat Tire Champion (he did have a bad race though). But probably the best part of the whole race is that I beat three time Tour De France Champion Greg Lamond. Now to be able to say that sounds pretty cool. The winner, Jesse Lalonde, came out of my age group and won the race on a single speed...never done before!

I've read a lot of the blogs by the professional riders and this is the part where they thank their sponsors and those who gave them money so that they can ride. So even though I'm no elite rider...yet...I must thank Nikole, Mom and Dad, the Ginder family, Felt racing (even though I bought my bike from ebay) Shimano (even though I bought your parts for my bike...on ebay), GU (even though I bought your product), Gatorade (even though...well you know what I'm going to say by now), but thanks for all your support and encouragement. Looking forward to the snow season!

My biggest fan.

Mountain Bike For Life,

Sturgie

Gearing up...or down

2007-09-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

2 days and counting. The Chequamegon Fat Tire is the race that most racers plan their season around. Its the race where condition wise you want to be peaking, your motivation tank full, and your determination on high.

The course isn't technical but the layout is grueling and tough. Your motivation is set by the previous years race, your determination requires you to push till you can taste the blood in your lungs and right when your ready to throw in the towel and work to just finish, you"tighten the screws" a bit and ride till there is nothing left in the tank, hoping that when that time comes you have crossed the finish line.

Last night Craig Manthe and I rode our last Tuesday group ride of the season using it as a tune up for this weekend. Deuce and I will be heading up tomorrow evening and I'm always looking forward to rubbing shoulders with the elite.

My riding companion.

Thanks for all your support and encouragement throughout this season. Game on, hope for a good race and I will post results first thing next week!

Fat Tire For Life

Sturgie

McMarvin

2007-09-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

Here's just a peek at what the newly weds were up to this weekend:

Minnesota State Fair on Friday. Things consumed:

2 sticks of beef jerky with a beer

1 slice of pizza

one deep fried twinkie on a stick

one deep fried snickers bar on a stick

one tub of cheese curds

one lime bar pie on a stick

2 apple freezes

1 corn on the cob
Oh yea...and my brother's girlfriend, Steph, really thought they served the milk directly from the cows utter!

Saturday Nikole and I enjoyed my parents place on the lake by relaxing and unwinding! I was able to ride the first half of the Fat Tire race course which was pretty dry despite the rain they had received. Should be a fast race...for some!

Sunday was more of the same, a whole lot of doing nothing!

Marvin chillin as well.

Monday, Nikole and I rode the 2nd half of the race course. 26 miles of dust, hills, and swearing (done by Nikole)...oh..and she managed to take her handlebars right to the ribs in which she opened up a can of whoop a@# and kicked the crap out of her bike! It was quite the sight!

Rode last night with the Tuesday night crew...you know from my previous post, the mice on roids?! Well, I won my first sprint! Yea my first ever sprint. Needless to say it was a good night and I'm feeling better about my conditioning. Only a week and a half till the race...

Single Track For Life

Sturgie

Pre Fat Race

2007-08-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Three weeks out till the season finale, the Chequamegon Fat Tire Race. So it is always fitting to see where you are at condition wise by struggling through the Seeley Pre Fat race. The course is 25 miles with a mixture of ATV trails, ski trails and some serious, technical single track that they loop you through twice. When I say technical I mean technical, tight, rocky, stumpy, full of roots single track...which was awesome

Nikole, my parents and I ran up to Seeley on Friday to register and grab an awesome fish fry at the Sawmill Saloon. I registered for the "expert" race which I often times wonder what in the world I'm doing in the expert category and this race was no different.

Saturday greeted us with perfect weather. Lower 70s and partly cloudy. A perfect day for the racers and spectators. Nikole was able to watch the start, go across the street for an espresso, relax in the sun and be there for the finish.

You know the Pre Fat is a popular race when you end up parking next to Jeff Hall, professional racer looking to be named to the 2008 Olympics and TJ Woodruff from Tucson, AZ. You can only imagine what I was thinking while I was putzing around with my bike next to Jeff Hall who was calm, collective and eating a bannana.

The race, in a nut shell, was fast and awesome. I felt really good throughout the race and was slowly taking down rider after rider. I was able to sit back with a couple of riders from the Cities who set a good pace and closed up gap after gap. The second round of single track was tough and I could feel my body giving out at certain points but to my surprise I was still feeling remarkably well.

Our last climb out of the single track I started to feel twinges in my legs. I thought to myself that the race better be over sooner than later because cramping was coming on. So up until now things were going smoothly until two miles out I nailed a rock and things didn't sound right after that. I ended up bending my wheel to the point that my tire was rubbing on my frame. Needless to say I rode the last two miles with my bike making a horrible noise. It felt as if I was biking with the brakes on.

Ouch..that is not what it's suppose to look like!

I only lost four spots but I was still disappointed in that I ended up having mechanical problems that in the end is costing me some cash! Oh well...I guess you'll have that whether you are in the front or in the middle of the pack. Over all it was a fun race and I am pleased with my results. I ended up in 55th place out of 105 riders. You know it...right in the middle!

On a side note...the timers were a bit confused at the finish. Nikole informed me that when Jeff Hall and TJ Woodruff came in they announced my name right after. How sweet is that I was 25 minutes behind them on the trail but they announced me as if I finished 5th. Someday...hey!

Single Track On

Sturgie

Many Asked...Few May See...

2007-08-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend we are heading up to Hayward for the Pre Fat Tire Race in beautiful downtown Seeley. Check back on Monday and I will give you the perspective of the race from the middle of the pack!

I've been training hard...Nikole has been getting ready for school to start...and we are trying to get up to Hayward as much a possible. But in the meantime...enjoy the wedding pics that so many of you wanted to see! Call us for some mojitos and pictures if you want.

Should we sign the license?

The new in-laws!

And my wonderful sister in-law!

Single Track On

Sturgie...and Nikole

It's Why We Live Here

2007-08-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Pounding out many miles and hours on the bike has been the main focus for the past two weeks. I've been concerned with getting the pedals turning over and bent on getting my legs back under me. I'm skipping the Ore To Shore race in MI this weekend. Instead I will be heading up north to Hayward to grab some miles on the single track trails up there and spend some quality time with Nate at his bachelor party.

I'm planning on racing the Pre Fat Tire race on the 24th. Hopefully by then I will have the legs back and my conditioning will be good enough to get me through the 24 miles of tight single track! Anytime you are in E.C. give me a holler and I will show you some sweet trails that we got!

Here is what I've been capturing these past few weeks! Enjoy the beauty of living up north!

What's not to like about the northwoods when you have Lowes Creek single track trails in your backyard!

New this year! Drop is larger in real life!

You can't live in E.C. and not participate in one of the four music festivals. Only problem is...if you don't like country then your up a creek. And who is Bon Jovi?

Notice his wife's underwear that he is sporting? If anything, watching stuff like this was worth the price of admission!

Mice On Roids

2007-08-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

First week on my bike consistently. Its amazing how you can be off your bike, out of your running shoes, or off your skies for a week or two and before you know it you have a lot of work ahead of you to get back to the fitness level you were weeks before.

Well, my last Tuesday group ride was the first part of June, right before our wedding. Its been a while and now I've got some work ahead of me so that by Chequamegon Fat Tire I will be ready and fast.

Every Tuesday night a group of guys gather at Spring Street Sports for a 43 mile ride. Throughout the evening there are points where sprints take place, bragging happens, and the better of the riders shine. Most guys are wanna be, middle of the pack bikers like myself. However, there are a couple riders on Tuesdays who have bragging rights, rightfully so.

Some are state champions, others are former pro riders, but most are middle of the pack riders. The evening usually goes like this: everyone hangs on throughout the first two sprints, after the third sprint riders start dropping off one by one, an hour into the ride the whole pack has blown up and the pros are out front, a few riders hanging on for dear life, and the rest are taking county roads back to Chippewa Falls, a little humiliated.

Right before I got dropped!

It basically ends up being a wild chase of cat and mouse. Middle of the pack riders, like cats, are vehemently thrashing and frothing at the mouth trying to catch the riders who never find themselves in the middle of any pack, the mice on roids.

My last group ride in June I had finally conditioned myself to the point where I was staying with the leaders and finishing, barely holding on. Last night I was chewed up and spit out the back of the group at the half way point. Tristen and Mike Johnson thought it would be fun to not let up after each sprint. So when most of us needed to recover, they thought it would be fun to pour it on. By the time I was dropped we were 26 miles into the ride and averaging 19.8 mph. Ouch!

Chasing the mice on roids.

For some reason I enjoy the pain and the humiliation of riding with the Tuesday night crew. Tuesday nights are one of those nights that I get to rub shoulders with the guys I strive to ride with. Guys who will never experience the middle of the pack and who every avid rider strives to be like! We will have to see how next Tuesday goes.

Bike On

Sturgie

And I Get Paid To Do This...?

2007-07-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

Nikole and I have been married now for one month, In fact it was one month on Monday. That's four weeks of wedding bliss and I have been gone now for two of those four weeks. Nikole is handling the dogs pretty well while I'm being her sugar daddy. Hey...someone has to bring home the paycheck.

Nikole and I did get a chance to get up north with some good friends of ours, Luke and Renae. A little biking, a little time spent on the pontoon, and a little work on the tan is what we all needed.

Coming into downtown Seeley.

Last week I took 23 high school youth up to Vermillion Lake outside Cook, MN. We were in the boonies and just outside the boundary waters. It was tough living on deluxe houseboats, on a lake, under clear skies, sleeping under the stars, and not worrying about how you smell. It was awesome.

It wasn't always so perfect. We had to sleep with some of these!

Right now I'm at Luther Park Bible Camp with 56 kids from church, hanging out having a good time and trying to get on my bike a bit.

Next week I will be intentional at getting on my bike. Its crunch time with only a month and a half until the big race. We will see...

Single Track United

Sturgie

You Asked For It

2007-07-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

For some reason many quite a few of you wanted me to post my "desperation letter." I hope you enjoy the light reading, may it bring a comical smile to your face.

Single Track On

Aaron

Dear “50 Ways to Ride the Chequamegon” essay judges,

I won’t lie…I’m a desperate young man! And who isn’t desperate as to sit down on a gorgeous summer day and spill my emotions out on a piece of paper trying to woo some stranger who will read this letter and hoping, just hoping that they will be moved so much as to cash my check so that I may obtain an ever so coveted spot in the 2007 Chequamegon Fat Tire Race.

And so I’m just one of those desperate wanna be great riders hoping that you, the person reading this, might shed one tear and will cash my check when all is said in done. Oh, but I’m not the only one who has everything riding on this letter. There are fifteen of my closest family members who are anxiously waiting July 15th!

You see…the Fat Tire has become a tradition for my family. On Thursday, fifteen Ginders and Sturgis’ will descend upon Hayward. We will gather at our hobins (that’s part cabin and part home on Nelson Lake) for some beer and then head up to the Sawmill for more beers and burgers. On Friday we will travel to Telemark Lodge for more beers, gaze at all the bikers, help me grab as many stickers as I can get from the vendors, and then they will patiently await and watch as I collect my racing number!

On Saturday everyone arrives at the hobin for an early breakfast, 7:00 am right when I head into town to get a spot for my bike. By 8:00 am all bets are finally. That’s right! The pot will be set with about $50 in it with four categories to wager (overall place, age place, overall time, and pace time). By 9:00 am everyone is on main street cheering on the little bikers while sipping on their coffees from Backroads Coffee Shop. By 10:00 am they are in awe watching the racers, including myself, fly down Main Street.

By 10:10 they are back in their cars and off to OO where hopefully, and I mean hopefully, dad can pull off a switcher rue with my water bottles. We have yet to make a successful exchange in the last four years. My brother grabs some video, my aunts ohhh and ahhh over the handsome 40 somethings in spandex. And just like that they are back in the cars and off to Telemark.

At Telemark my aunts continue to lust after the bikers, my parents have a cold beer and a hug awaiting for me, and my brother wishes he was me! By 4:30 pm that afternoon, we are sitting at Coop’s pizza talking about the day, the race, all in the company of our loved ones.

So you see, its not so much about me anymore as it is about the fifteen family members who have a lot riding on your decision! THEY hope you are wooed and THEY hope you cash my check.

Sincerely,

Aaron Sturgis (or should I say the Ginders and the Sturgis’)

P.S. I forgot, by 7:00 we are all on the pontoon catching some crappies and bluegills, sipping on a cold one, and finishing up an ever-so-perfect day!

50 Ways

2007-07-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

Remember my "feel sorry for me" post a few months back over not getting into the Chequamegon Fat Tire Race? Remember how I ranted about being in the middle of the pack and not being that racer who automatically gets a spot in the coveted race? Well step aside you sponsored riders because Sturgie just received, hot off the press, fresh out of the mail, one of 50 coveted complimentary RESERVED entries for the race!

A sight for sore eyes!

How, you ask? Well, it wasn't because I've been blazing up a storm at the local races and standing on the podiums and it for sure isn't because I for some reason got picked up by a sponsor which would guarentee me a spot. Its because I was desperate rider and decided to write a desperate letter.

The officials at the race headquarters give 50 lucky riders who were denied entry in the preliminary lottery pick a chance to write an essay, a poem, a song, or whatever a person can think of that will woo the officials in giving you a coveted spot.

After some desperate typing and with some major wooing, I sent my letter only hoping that I may be one of the lucky ones. Well, they were wooed and granted me one of the 50 reserved spots. So all of this just to say, GAME ON, I'm in, and back on the bike with a renewed motivation.

If you want, I can post the desperation letter...its quite commical and paints a wonderful picture as to how important this race is!

Off to the single tracks,

Sturgie

Wedded And Full of Bliss

2007-07-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Keeping things in perspective

This past two weeks have been a blurr. Life has been packed full with family, friends and marriage! Nikole and I tied the knot on the 23rd and have been going ever since. Its just today that we both realized life is back to some normality!

Just a quick catch up. I did not race in the Phillips WORS race the week before the wedding, Nikole's sister from AZ, Shana, hung out with us for a whole week, and Nikole said yes to letting me be her husband!

Its been a fun ride and its sweet to actually have a sister-in-law now!

Check out my pecs in that wet suit!

These are the only bikes I've been on the last two weeks!

As for the biking...yea...I need to get back on the saddle and get back into shape. The next three weeks are packed tight with trips, camps, and relaxation. Hopefully I can squeeze in some ride time between all of that. My next big race will be Ore To Shore in Michigan on the 11th of August!

Oh yea...I sent in my letter to the Fat Tire headquarters. There are handing out 50 reserved spots for the race for the best essays! Pray that my essay woos them into giving me a spot in the sacred race!

Book mark my blog and check back often. I will posting more in the coming days/weeks!

Ride On

Sturgie

Little Play Time

2007-06-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

Nikole and I have ten days and its been a wonderful and adventuresome six months. If you are married you may have experienced this already and if you are someday to get married you may get to experiance this!

A wise man (Dad) told Nikole and I in January "focus on what you are doing and not so much on how you are doing it." Good advice to two young and sometimes naive individuals who are beginning a life together. Planning a wedding oten time can blurr what is important and you can lose sight on what it is you, as a couple, embarking on.

And so with ten days left our lives have been crazy hectic. Planning a wedding is a full time job and at times it can test your relationship well before you are even married. For the last two weeks our afternoons and evenings have been spent meeting with caterers, cake bakers, and County Court House Clerks trying not to make a mistake on our marriage license. Its great but Nikole and I definitely needed some play time.

I've been inconsistent on my bikes the past two weeks. I've been able to ride about three to four days a week. My last race was a month ago and I'm chomping at the bit to get on a race course soon.

Nikole on the other hand has not been able to get on her bikes at all this year. The one time we did try we ran into mechanical problems ten minutes into the ride. So on Saturday, the first of the many nice days in a row, we got out in the afternoon to just play. We biked a good twenty miles on some county roads south of E.C. It was a great time of exercise, laughter, and light conversation. If anything, it was a time spent with each other and not with someone who is asking for money for our wedding day!

We have ten days left till our wedding and I'm found a conundrum. Nikole is very concerned that I don't hurt myself biking in the next couple of days. Its a concern that is appropriate seeing that I can be quite reckless on my mountain bike. But...

This Sunday there is an awesome WORS (Wisconsin Off-Road Series) race in Phillips, WI. I WANT TO RACE IT. But my mom and Nikole think it may be a bad idea. Last thing we need are wedding pictures with a groom and a broken leg or a scabbed up face for that matter. Either way...the race is a fun race and besides my dad said he would like to spend fathers day watching is son play in the woods.

What ya think...We'll see what happens. Either way we look forward to seeing all of you soon and we are blessed to have the support from our friends and family. I will keep you posted as to how the race went...or...maybe not!

Life after a long ride

Bike On

Sturgie

There's A Reason We Are Guys

2007-05-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I definitely stayed off my bike! I did not train. I did not watch what I ate. And I did not race. This last weekend was "the" bachelor party planned by none other than the best man, my brother, Adam. You give a college student reins over planning a party and you are in for a treat. So enjoy the pics. Let the faces tell the story because if we told the story we might be in trouble.

Yea...that's my brother, the BM.

Why in the hell are we smoking these anyway...

Good 'ol Reverend Dad...need I say more!

Releasing the evenings fluids off of the pier.

Figuring out what just happened in the last 4 hours.

Getting ready for paintballing...

Man on a mission...

Really don't know what's going on here...

Where do we put the paint balls?

Paintball some...replenish fluids some...

Some replenish more than others...

Took one to the face.

Halberg showing off his manliness...

Great bunch of guys having a great guy weekend!

One last pic.

Four Weeks Left

Sturgie

Gotta Love the Cable

2007-05-24T09:13:00.001-07:00

Wow, its been awhile, but not without a good reason. Nikole and our wedding day is just around the corner and so it seems like every moment of free time that we have is spent meeting and planning. In fact, we are hearing it from our dogs and the lack of trail time they have been getting. Four weeks and counting.

My bike time has not been slighted however. Three weeks ago I was battling a cold that kept me off the bike but since then my training has not suffered a whole lot. 6-10 hours a week on the bike has been pretty good when compared to the years past. But now I'm itching more and more to get into the competitive mode and hit the trails.

My only race so far was the Durand Road Race in April. I like being on the road bike but I live to be in the forests peddling my scrawny ass around trees and rocks. There's something about mountain biking and I can't put my finger on it, but give me a single track and I will take it any day.

This last weekend Nate, BJ, and I went north for an early season MTB race in good 'ol Cable, WI. The Cable Off-Road Classic is tough race because for most local racers it is their first. Its a tough 23 mile point-to-point race from Lakewoods Resort to downtown Cable. For us it was our first MTB race of the season and it proved to be yet another tough season opener.

The early morning greeted us with sun, a few clouds, and some warmth. My dad, Nate, and his fiance, Karyn ventured into the Sawmill Saloon at 8:15 to grab some coffee and scones, best pre-race food money can buy. And 45 minutes later we were heading up to Cable in a torential down pour. Spirits were low as we made our way to Cable. Last year we raced in rain and 34 degrees. This year it wasn't 34 degrees but it sure was raining. But by the time we made it to the start the rain was done and our bikes were dry.

Nate's pre-race routine...

The Cable Off Road is an interesting start. There are 400 racers jockeying for position before we hit the single track. And so 400 of us have only 1.4 miles to figure out where we are in the pack, where we want to be, and how do we get there in only 1.4 miles. And as usual, when we do get to the single track we bottle neck and usually come to a complete stop. The start was great and before I new it BJ, Nate and I were stopped at the single track waiting our turn to begin the toughest part of the race.

The course was fast and with the 15 minutes of rain, firmed things up and kept the dust down. After hitting the single track I was off and racing really strong. Before long I was working with three of riders, including Michelle Flanagan-Hagg (second place female). Coming out of the first major section of single track I felt good and ready to make some moves. I broke away from Michelle and Todd Troskey. My bike was running well and my legs felt strong.

At mile 13 we entered into another long stretch of single track which usually will separate most riders. By mile 16 you start to lose your mental concentration and your cat-like reflexes slow to the point where fun single track becomes nerve wracking. And sure enough, at mile 17 I miss judged a sharp turn on a single track down hill and went over my handle bars. It happened so fast that before I knew it I was under my bike with my left foot still clipped into my peddle, eating dirt and leaves. I must say, performing an endo like that takes your confidence away and humbles you. The only support I got was from the rider behind me who bellowed as he flew by "dude you all right?"

I was alright. My bike made it out of the crash and so did my body. By then Michelle caught me and we worked with each other to catch the riders who previously passed. We rode to the finish together grabing four more spots before we crossed the finish line. Nice job Michelle on a second place finish. I finished just under two hours, 78th place, which I'm pleased with. Nate and BJ came across together not far behind allowing us to share a well deserved beer together.

Nice durt mustach, if I may say so!

Thanks again to T Dubs and Ma Wells who caught the finish. Karyn, thanks again for the support and picture taking. See you all in the middle!

Bike On

Sturgie

On Your Left

2007-04-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

When you race, whether it be skiing, biking or swimming, people who pass you will tell you what side they are passing you. I think its to make for an easy pass and to be as safe as possible. I hate it. In the middle of the pack I get people yelling at me all the time "on your left" or "on your right." It pisses me off because its one more person forcing me to stay in the middle of the pack.

Saturday, Nate and I decided to jump start the bike season by heading down to Durand for the annual Durand Road Race. Nate told me its an easy lap race and is only 13 some miles. I said "sweet, let's do it." This was my first road race so on Thursday evening I decided to jump online and get more info about the race, like when is registration, how much is the race, and what is road racing all about? Nate failed to notice that our race is two laps around a 13 mile loop. So our first race is going to be 27 miles long on a tough and windy course. I was thanking Nate on he way down for this wonderful 27 miles of pain that he talked me into doing!

Un-announced to me, road races are way different than mountain bike racing. Its the same atmosphere but different mind-set and looks. The first thing I learned was that you need a license to race. What the heaven, a license? Second, there is a limit on how many riders can race. And third, everyone who shows up looks like they are a professional and are fast.

Looking professional and fast!

Road races are broken down in categories, CAT 1,2,3 are pros. CAT 3 and 4 are semi-pros if you will. Because it was my first road race and my first race of the year, Nate and I decided we begin the race in the middle of the pack by riding CAT 5, all 42 riders.

CAT 5 crew and I ended up front for some reason.

The pros took off and in seconds they were out of eye sight. Group after group left and within 10 minutes it was our turn. Nothing fancy, just the 5 second warning then "go."

From the start Nate and I found ourselves out front and in the lead pack of nine to eleven riders. At first I thought this is not good, I need to be further back conserving energy and staying safe. But the course was so windy that you needed to be up front and tight with the riders wheel in front of you just so you can draft and get some pull from them.

The course was rolling with two big cimbs at miles 8 and 9. I lost the pack at the second big climb but worked with Nate and another rider to catch the pack again and settle in. coming through the first lap we had a tail wind and the group managed a 33 mph speed. I could feel us separating more and more from the rest of the riders.

The second lap was much like the first. Careful riding and tricky positioning was the key to stay out of the cross winds. With four miles to go Dan Berhow and Nick Vetter attacked and broke away from the lead pack and put an end to the friendly riding. I finished 9th overall. Nate ended up dropping back a couple of seconds and mustered out a top fifteen finish.

Not bad for a rider who typically is in the middle of the pack. Well, actually I was in the front of the pack of CAT 5 which was in the middle of the pack at the Durand Road Race. Great day for a race and nice job Nate. Thanks Amy and Carin for the shouts and encouragement!

The next race on the calendar is the Cable Off Road Classic in May. I will be ready for a good hard mountain bike race. I mean...it can't be harder than Saturday, right?

Bike On

Sturgie

Cacoon

2007-04-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

The past week has been great for all those who enjoy warmer weather. It has especially been great to get out of the house and gather some fresh air. Bout time though. I was off to a decent spring on my bike till winter finally hit WI with dusting of snow and 20 degree weather in April. Either way, the sun is out, the right spring like temps are here and I already have a wonderful tan line!

After getting some solid hours on my road bike by myself, Nate decided to come up for the weekend and get a ride on before he hooked back up with his fiance. So on Saturday we hit the county roads north of Chippewa Falls. We were under some great sunny skies with a little breeze that made for a perfect ride. Two hours on a bike with Nate makes for a perfect train.

That's a fast looking rider, you think?

We made mention that when training by yourself, emotionally and mentally it is tough. But when your on your bike or skis with your friends the pain is way more bearable. Speaking of friends, Tuesday was my first group ride of the season with the guys from Spring Street Sports. Wouldn't you know the night that I decided to ride, the big rigs showed up and basically pushed a tempo that resembled much of a mid season ride. My ride ended early with BJ, Kevin, and Pat. We couldn't muster up enough to catch the group that was relentless on keeping it balls-to-the-wall tempo.

Saturday will be the first race of the season. Nate and I will be heading down to Durand for an early season race. It's a tough one with climbs galore but it will be a great test to see where I'm at with my conditioning. Keep you posted with results.

The winter hair had to come off...its game time...sort of!

Bike On!

Sturgie

Not The End of The World

2007-04-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

I have never won a race. The best I've done was 2nd place in my age group in a local cross country ski race when I was a sophomore in high school. There were four individuals in the 16-18 age category, but none-the-less second has been my best.

I don't ride for a team. I don't get my bikes, skies, clothes, and lodging from money that sponsors me. When I'm at a race, everything you see came out of my pocket. I don't have a web page dedicated to my training, racing, and life. You just get this blog. Someday, just maybe, you will get a perspective from the lead pack. But for now, enjoy the view from the middle.

And so be it. I knew it was going to happen sooner than later. I met people who have had it happen to them. I was lucky for four straight years, but this year my luck ran out. Today I received the dreaded "failure to be picked for the Chequamegon Fat Tire Race" letter. Yes, that awkward letter telling me that because I'm not the greatest biker ever, my name wasn't drawn for this years running of the Fat Tire.

So, this September 15th, on one of the last days of summer, as bikers line up at 6:00 am for the best position and as the experts gather, already in the lead, I will not be in the middle of the pack. I will not be making sure my GUTM packs are taped onto the stem of my bike. I will not be comparing myself to the biker next to me. And I will not be drooling over the pros lined up 100 ft away from me. No, I will be at OO patiently waiting to see what the lead pack looks like.

I often wonder what it's like to have a race organization beg you to ride their race. What's it like to have a person in a yellow "race official" bib guarding your position at the starting line. I fantasize about a day where my effort pays off, even if its just for that one race, where I don't have to dread this day.

As the lump in my throat grew I thought, "its not the end of the world." And Nikole reassured me that its not the end of the world by the fact that she was going to be unable to make the race this year. Her take is that if I don't get picked then this is the year.

So, as I write this the light rain will soon be turning to snow. Life is good, and its not the end of the world. Right?

Bike On,

Sturgie

CTY Rd. I

2007-03-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

I got a call from my buddy Nate Wells the other day wanting to talk about buddy stuff. I always enjoy getting a call from my buddy Nate. We enjoy the same things, have a lot in common, and we both can never sit still.

I guess you could say I got Nate into cross country skiing, he got me into road biking, and we both got each other into mountain biking. and so through the course of our buddy conversation Nate wanted to know if I was going to do any of upcoming Wisconsin Series road races. Now this means one of two things; Nate is itching to get back into competitive riding or Nate has been riding for the last four weeks and wants to kick his buddies ass. My hunch is that it is the latter.

And so I knew it was time to get busy training. Friday I went on my first 2+ hour ride and payed for it. Saturday I decided to kayak the Eau Claire river. The trip was relaxing when I wasn't in the mild class 3 rapids with 45 degree water temps all while in a 13 ft kayak. In the end I was able to stay dry and enjoyed more than my previous trip (see previous post).

Monday came and along with it came another 80 degree day. I couldn't handle being in the office anymore knowing that Nate would be riding while I sat on my butt. So I hammered out another 40 miles in 2 1/2 hours. You don't get too many perfect days in the spring were the sun is warm and the wind is fairly calm.

When you ride in the middle of the pack, training takes on a whole new meaning. I train to become better but the more I train the more I want to be the best in the next race. For the pros, I have a hunch that they train so that they can stay the best. A 2+ hour ride is tough for a guy who always finds himself in the middle! I sometimes lose sight of why I'm on my bike. I lose a bit of perspective when my drive to be better becomes my sole motivation.

During the 82nd mile that I was logging in on my bike over the weekend, I found myself out on CTY Rd. I approaching a bit of history in my life. On my right side was my families farm. I mean, its not in the family anymore (it was sold some years ago), but I still consider it our families farm.

It is dwelling where my family roots in America began. It is where my Grandmother was born and raised. It was where my Grandfather, whom I never met, helped his in laws with the chores, it is where my mother learned how to milk cows and throw hay. My training, my passion to become better, brought me back to my roots.

And as the 82nd mile came and left, I was peddling my training back into perspective. I train not to become the greatest. I because there is an unexplainable passion that is deep within me. Its the same passion that brought my family to a farm nestled beneath the rolling hills on CTY Rd. I. Its the same passion that brought my grandparents together nearly a hundred years ago. And its the same passion that still tells me it is our farm!

Nate...its on!

Sturgie

You'll have that...

2007-03-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

The first week of spring. I'm slowly getting my MTB built and have finished getting my road bike tuned up for some spring riding. So in the meantime I figured it would be a great day for a Kayak jaunt down Otter Creek, catch the Eau Claire river, and then onto the Chippewa to finish at Hobbs Ice Arena. I figured two hours on the creek/river and be home in time for supper at 7:00. Yea...

My brother drove me so that I could put on Otter Creek below Kohl's. Things were looking up for a great afternoon on the river, 55 degree temps, fairly high river, fast currents, and not a cloud in the sky. Adam drove off and I was soon paddling down the mighty Otter Creek...well not really mighty.

It was only 1 mile into the trip, literally, one mile, when I came into a wind fall that landed across the creek. Now you must understand Otter Creek is not really meant for a 13' kayak. And so being pushed into the fallen tree sideways, with a brisk current, it didn't take long, maybe a blink of an eye, and I was upside down in freezing cold water checking out the bottom of the creek.

This is what happens when you float the Otter Creek in a 13 ' kayak

I had to pull my spray skirt off, swim out from under the tree, and proceed to run down the creek trying to catch my paddle. It was cold, it was wet, and it was a blast. I thought it was going to be a simple trip so I had phone, wallet, and camera with me. They got soaked and are still drying out today!

After gathering everything, I managed to finish the trip in 3 hours. A little longer than I thought. I got out of the river at the Archery Park off of 53 seeing as it was 7:30 and the sun had well gone under. I walked my cold, soaked butt home, threw my clothes off and stood in the shower for a good half hour.

I think I'm going to ride tomorrow instead. Needless to say, I'm about giving perspective from the middle of the pack. In most races you will see me somewhere in the middle, but for right now how about a perspective from the bottom of Otter Creek!

Kayak On,

Sturgie

Garage

2007-03-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

The ski season was miserable...have I mentioned that yet? In fact it was so bad that I ended up dropping a whopping $45 on wax. Now if you know me you know that $45 is unimaginable. I easily drop $300 plus on wax in a season. So needless to say, this ski season was easy on the pocket book!

So...I ordered my new wheels. Well, soon the wheels will be on but for now I have my new frame. So here is the bike that you can catch me on in the middle of the pack this summer.

RXC Team: Felt Superlight XC Series Easton Scandium, with Carbon Fiber Seat Stays, Integrated Cane Creek Head Set and it weighs in at a scrawny 2.86 lbs!

Most of the components will come from my former race bike with the exception of the new 2007 XTR components. My motto is that I may not be fast but at least I look fast...somewhat.

The temps for this week will be in favor of a biker. Which is good considering all my cronies and fiance are all in warm weather this spring break.

Bike On!

Sturgie

Three's Company

2007-03-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

This last week has been a week of adjusting and preparing. The weather is getting pretty sweet in E.C. With a week of 40 degree + weather the snow levels have gone from 12" to 6" in a matter of days. And as I write this the red stuff on the thermometer is nearing 52 degrees.

My motivation for skinny skiing after the Birkie basically falls off the radar. The weeks after the Birkie are filled with work, eating food that I would not necessarily eat during the season, and an occasional ski with Nikole. Its a time where my brain can relax and my body can enjoy exercise a little bit differently.

So with the lull in training, my mom thought it would be a good idea to tell Nikole about this dog that was being given away. For those who do not know, I already have a dog and Nikole has a dog as well. Two dogs is enough, right? Well not for Nikole and me. After caring and mature conversations about getting a third dog, which only lasted ten minutes for Nikole (which she dominated), we found ourselves heading up to Philips, WI to pick -up what is now our third dog. Yea...you heard right, welcome little and energetic Chessie, a Vizsla with some sas.

Chessie is settling in quite well and is finding her place. Deuce doesn't care, Stella wants to play but is scared to, and Chessie just wants to be on our laps. We are officially "that couple" with "those dogs."

So if two dogs kept us busy, now three keeps us on our toes. Its a nice change from skiing to biking by hiking through the beautiful E.C. trails along Eau Claire Country Club with three dogs. So with rain in the forecast I plan to hang the skis up for the season and get my bikes of the trainer.

Hike On

Sturgie

Birkie or Bust

2007-03-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

After the Chequamegon Fat Tire I usually need a break from training. I tend to take a couple months off and it usually ends up being a couple too many. And as soon as the snow flies I bring out the running shoes and anticipate the first snow storm that will being the first ski. This year was different.

After the Fat Tire I kept my road bike out and logged in a couple of hours here and there and before I knew it I was biking well into November, something that was new for me. I also ran across a kick butt deal on a pair of Marwe roller skis on Ebay. And so I had a wonderful transition from the bike to the snow...oh wait...that transition period, yea, that ended up being four months instead of what use to be the typical two and half months.

I was stoked for the cross country ski season. I logged many hours on both my MTB and my road bike. I even managed some great roller ski workouts later in the fall and was raring to go come snow time. And so November passed with a small snow storm that left 8" of wet stuff that was gone by deer season. December came and so did the rain. Christmas was brown and the new year was brought in with a mix of rain and snow. Great...eight weeks till Birkie and I have yet to get on snow.

We eventually got our snow on January 15th and by the 24th we actually had poor skiing. But I was skiing and by then I had spent so much energy watching the weather and thinking I could control it that I lost all motivation what-so-ever to train and before I knew it I wasn't looking forward to the Birkie. Weird feelings to not be looking forward to Birkie time.

And so last weekend was Birkie weekend. On the Wednesday before the race it looked as if it were going to be a bust. 50 degree weather and rain! But by Friday the call had been made. The elite would competitively race while the remaining 5,000+ would ski the Birkie non-competitively and untimed. I was bummed and yet in the back of my mind I jumping up and down.

And so here is your perspective from the middle of the pack. Man was it a blast. I skied with Aaron Halberg, Hank, Sarah, and Kevin Westlund. Kevin is my mentor and its because of him I'm the skier that I am today. Aaron, Sarah, and Hank are all friends who encourage each other, give a little competitive trash talking here and there...but most importantly they are there to make the sport what it is.

And so we all skied together. Talking, laughing, and having a great time. Was was great to ski the Birkie and finish with the people who care for you and the sport of cross country skiing. I admire those people, my friends. For it is in them that find encouragement and dedication! Kevin passed on the passion for skiing that I have today. And it is because of this passion that I someday yearn to have the perspective from the elite wave. I strive for that Birkie race day when I will have that perspective. Till then, enjoy the view from the middle of the pack...with friends!

Ski on

Sturgie

Three time Olympian, 1998 Birkie winner, and former professional Mountain Biker Carl Swenson wanting his picture with me.

Saturday Night post race party at the Sawmill! Two suave dudes with their fiances!

Sunday took the dogs out on the lake for a post Birkie ski! Wouldn't you know it...night after the Birkie Hayward gets hit with 10" of snow!Taking time out from wedding planning to do a little R & R on the skinny skis!

Hey hun...V1 or V2

2007-02-28T12:03:00.000-08:00

So the Birkie is done! And wouldn't you know, the day after the Birkie not only does Hayward get pounded with a storm, but so does Eau Claire. I left last Wednesday for Hayward thinking that with the 50 degree weather I was going to come back home on Sunday, build up my new MTB and head out on the roads for some long rides. Man was I wrong.

But I'm still thankful for snow...even as I write this we are on the verge of getting dumped on again. After the Birkie is a time when I can get out on the skis and enjoy the trails a little bit more. The days last longer, the temps are warmer, and the skiing is a little more relaxing.

Last night Nikole and I got out on a pretty sweet hour + ski. I arrived early and was able to ski for about an hour before she arrived. It was a blessing to be on the trails with her, hopefully helping her to enjoy cross country skiing a little bit more. After working on our V1 and V2 techniques (trust me, V1 & V2 are just big words for us skiers) we found ourselves enjoying the evening under the lights and the 32 degree weather.

(Nikole working on here V2)

4-5 inches of base!

I guess I will have to keep out the bike trainer and the skies after all.

Ski on!

Sturgie

Caught

2007-02-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

That would be Deuce...I know...

Where Otter Creek meets the Eau Claire

It's amazing how caught up you can become in your surroundings when you are away. Meaning? Take a break...get away...enjoy life outside of your normal routines! Away from work, away from the city, away from it all can really leave you caught. This past week was a blast. I got caught!

On Wednesday I drove up into what is often called "up north" to spend time with myself, my parents, my dogs, my Fiance, and my family. A weekend of skiing, fun, and connecting, and most importantly a weekend of being caught.

Today I was released and back to work. But not without enthusiasm around the 12" of snow dumped in E.C. over the weekend. I was able to ski Tower Ridge with my race skis. Something that I haven't been able to do in a couple of years, that is ski with my good skies.

Later I took my dogs, Deuce and Stella on a hike along the Eau Claire rive and over a couple of hills on the Golf course. It was a day where being released wasn't all that bad!

Ski on...for a couple of weeks at least.

Sturgie