PCT - Boreal to Downieville

40 Miles of the PCT.
We try to make a go at this ride once a year late in the season when you won't bother anybody. It is an epic ride that usually involves bad weather. This year the trail had perfect traction because it was frozen rock solid. The average temperature all day was probably 20 degrees. It took three days for my finger tips to thaw. And I'm not kidding.

The Hogan Trail

Down Stockton way, a few MTB folks made themselves some hot, rocky, technical singletrack. Luckily it is close to a nice looking lake so you can take a dip if need be, but please don't forget LOTS of water. Also it looks like you only have to turn around when you are halfway exhausted, which means for a pretty long ride if you're up for it.

Henry Coe

NorCal MTB singletrack.

I ventured deep up a windy road until I finally arrived at Henry Coe Headquarters. Having no idea where to ride, I whipped out my blackberry and did a Google search. I saw something about a couple of trail names and started out with a few hours and no extra calories to burn. Next time I think I'll tag along with somebody who know the way mo' better.

I did enjoy Middle Ridge Trail quite a bit! But there was an awful lot of fireroads and no bike signs. Whatever, still nice to ride single track all over Northern California.

1980's - Growing up in spandex and thumb shifters

My first road race was on a 1979 Peugot with friction shifters and toe clips.  I was 9 years old.  Lucky for me the Red Zinger Mini Classic was based in my home town of Boulder, CO.  I've still got a giant box of medals, ribbons, and trophies from all those podium finishes.

Thankfully, my dad was cool enough to take us to Moab, UT year after year in the early days. Here is a picture of me on a sweet vintage Specialized Rockhopper (equipped with U-Brakes!).

All the early riding led to early Mt. Bike racing too.  I was featured on the cover of Mountain Bike Action in May 1992 while racing the Grundig NORBA Nationals at Park City, UT the year before. At the time I was on the Fat City Cycles "Grass Roots" team.

So, that early exposure has lead to a life of passion for two wheels.  Here is me in the high Sierra Nevada on a 2006 Specialized Stumpy.

And it will continue to the next generation.  This is my son Cooper riding his red Specialized Hot Rock with no training wheels at 3 years old!

2008 Season - Still racing and riding...

4th Place - Downieville Classic Sport X-Country
5th Place - Prairie City Race Series Expert
9th Place - Napa Valley Dirt Classic Sport
Top 10 - Golden State Criterium Cat 5
Top 10 - Folsom Criterium Cat 5
Top 10 - Folsom South Canal Time Trial Open