GREEN EGGS AND HAMMER.

morning.

2011-07-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

There's something about mornings like these...
Seems

untitled.

2011-04-25T20:56:00.001-07:00

Saturday tour with the boss, Sunday ride with the landlord. Followed by an enjoyable Easter afternoon with Jess...Ain't nothing better.

memorial kinda day

2011-04-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

#5, tagged. To bad a pic doesn't do justice to the aesthetics of the line.

moon rise.

2011-04-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Possible the largest moon rise Jess and I had ever seen.

day trip.

2011-04-20T20:32:00.001-07:00

Met up with some midwest folk for a trip around the Porcupine Rim and then some...quite a delightful day...

roots culture connect

2011-04-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Snowboarders, young and old unite. ROOTS CULTURE CONNECT.

From the horses mouth.

"Roots Culture Connect is a realistic, unbiased, and relevant online Action Sports video magazine. Three dudes set out to create something different from the norm – something not processed, synthetic, rehashed or recycled –this is our collaboration of unusual giftedness to the outside world."

http://rootscultureconnect.com/site/

I'm looking forward to seeing its progress...check it!

woh.

2011-04-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

Even more epic? Most definitely.

springbreak

2011-04-07T20:39:00.001-07:00

Not me, but for mos jef and hatrick doyle it was a good time. Real good. Believe it or not we did in fact snowboard too.

generator with a powerhouse.

2011-04-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

It matters not where we go, nor when, my legs continue to be shred by this guide.

best mornin's ever?

2011-04-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

Potentially two of them but they continue to add up. First tracks make it so.

in memory.

2011-03-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

Simply stated, Garrett Smith, you'll be truly missed my friend.

mowed.

2011-03-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Quick to become a overnight internet success. Juan Grande does it again.

broad.

2011-03-21T20:00:00.001-07:00

mt. superior.

2011-03-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

Just another day? Nah, no such thing. One of the most prominent shots in Little Cottonwood, for pretty good reason.

PORTLANDIA.

2011-03-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

new.

2011-03-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Stem: ROVE.
Bar: Answer Pro Taper 720. And I'm using the full 720mm

Motivation? Possibly, 5th bike ride this year? I think so. Going for 6 tomorrow.

spring?

2011-03-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

It feels awfully a lot like spring out, temps rising (60?!), birds singing, this weekends time change, you know, usual spring stuff. With all that said, I'm still in winter mode. I did however work on my bike yesterday...but I also worked on my split.

Olympian.

2011-03-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

Literally on top of the valley floor, and no other tracks in sight other than my skin/boot in. Finally.

splitboard champion of the world?

2011-03-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

Nope, just of the Powderkeg. Thanks to everyone who gave support, you know who you are!

NYC.

2011-03-08T19:17:00.001-08:00

NYC can't be done in a day. Or two and a half for that matter, it was proven. I'll say though, given the time constrains we did pretty damn well, and I owe much of that to my tour guide. I look forward to seeing you again NYC, sooner rather than later.

denied.

2011-03-03T21:26:00.000-08:00

Oh well. For safety reasons we didn't make it to the top but I guess we'll at least live to slash another day. The allure of this area continues to intrigue me.

Y, updated.

2011-03-03T11:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon, after morning and afternoon warming occurred, the Y went. Crazy to think my tracks were on there from a few hours before.

Untitled from andy dorais on Vimeo.

Y

2011-03-02T19:51:00.001-08:00

Checked another off the list of "to do's" and also added to the list of beauty's. The "Y." Pretty much made the morning and rest of the day, although, work was pretty darn good. It seems to be the week for bootpacking, keeping the tradition alive again tomorrow.

sno it goes.

2011-02-28T18:43:00.000-08:00

With cycling seemingly thing of the future, my focus is now. Deep, dare I say too deep amounts of snow, trusty split and with equally excited snow junkies, the Wasatch is our canvas. Strokes were painted on a ceiling of blue and floor of white. 64 days and counting...

More of the same on the dockett, interjected with a super stoke trip to NYC with the lovely listless ...you couldn't pry this smile off my face.

One mighty fine line even on exhausted legs and sunburnt faces.

4 point.

2011-02-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

This ones up whats quickly become favorite my canyon in the area. While the areas small the peaks and terrain make up for it in a big way.

!

2011-02-21T21:33:00.001-08:00

It was just one of those weekends you could've drown.

STOLEN.

2011-02-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

If you happen to see this bike dear readers, please contact me. It was stolen on Tuesday of this week and has yet to come home. Again if you do happen to come across it on Ebay, KSL, Craigslist, wherever.com, please contact me at thmsbender@gmail.com. Thanks!

husky.

2011-02-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

Most likely my favorite pic of Alyeska. Jeff Bender photography.

aerials.

2011-02-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Airborne Trampoline Arena and World Cup ski aerials. Everybody's getting high.

Juan Grande Production.

2011-02-02T00:38:00.000-08:00

Edit from the days adventure. Brilliant, four thumbs up.

50th.

2011-02-02T00:29:00.000-08:00

And thats how it went. About a foot deep and clearing to bluebird. The -5 degrees didn't deter us.

provo peak mega.

2011-01-29T21:18:00.000-08:00

"Great things are done when men and mountains meet."--William Blake. How true and fitting for the day.

When the invite to Utah county came through the interwebs, the wheels started turning. The last tour south of Salt Lake was of large proportions and with Chase on point, this one would be no different. 5+ hour approach and quite possibly terrible snow? "Lets go."

The sun kept me going as windblown ice made each movement forward just as important as the last. A missed step wasn't an option and my crampons were my lifesavers. As we crested that 7ft above 11,000ft, stoked was the word. Views in 360 were mind blowing, and that I do mean literally. On descent there here was unfortunately no blower powder to speak of, but we knew that going in. Some nice spring-like turns were had on the lower flanks but nothing to write home about. Sometimes it just makes no difference.

Thanks for the mega tour, can't wait to check a few more off that list...

Moon fight.

2011-01-27T22:27:00.000-08:00

The morning walk was dominated by the moons desire to keep the sun at bay. Thankfully the sun won out awakening me and the surrounding. Easily one of my favorite runs...

wednesday night lights.

2011-01-26T20:36:00.000-08:00

Laid a mean skin track up the Brighton groomers tonight. Sometimes unnatural lighting is the only way to go...

Insert cliche blogger photo here:

darkness.

2011-01-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

Night laps. Cold, multiple tutorials, a patient professora, one continuously bum knee, and double planks. Still not sold on using two pieces of wood to get down the snow, the simplicity in one seems just fine. I'm not done yet though.

WWJJD?

2011-01-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

Well, he'd prolly not want to get involved in blurry photos such as this one, I wouldn't either. After years of seeing this guy ride lines larger than life, I finally ran into him and had a chance to say hello. "Hello" he said back at me and then we parted ways.

No, that part didn't happen but it would have been funny. We did, however, chat for a moment about all things splitboarding and while he didn't want to get out with me to lay a few turns he did allow a blurry photo. KUHL. Day complete.

JB.

2011-01-15T21:27:00.000-08:00

Yeah ya'll. JBs in the hizzy. 2 days down 2 days left. It's going to quick!

Raymond.

2011-01-10T21:07:00.001-08:00

Such a beautiful hit.

MMXI

2011-01-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

There's no way to sum up the past couple weeks. Full speed is the name of the game, whether it be going up hill, down, or anywhere in between not related to snow. I wouldn't have it any other way. Salivate over the pics, they only partially do the sights and times justice. I heart mountains and the folks within them.

slasher.

2011-01-06T21:47:00.000-08:00

Muchos gracias to Jeff for the pic. Toe slasher.

homecoming.

2010-12-28T20:30:00.000-08:00

It had been a while, longer in some cases, than I had realized. Family time, new nephews and nices, learning to XC ski, trying and failing to stay warm, sled boarding, and just plain visiting. It had been too long and fam, it was good to see you.

JB and I worked the backyard a bit, going from snow skate to snowboard eventually getting bored of our "giant" snow pile and in turn jumped onto the sled. That thing is harder to grind a rail than thought. Anyways, top quality video, epic rail slides, mind numbing crashes and one lovely slasher turn. Yip.

adict.

2010-12-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

With the sound of bombs dropping around us we rode. Nothing like an early morning laps to get the day started.

night.

2010-12-20T20:33:00.000-08:00

Ever had that sinking feeling internally when something totally out of your control is about to happen? I know the feeling and not that I enjoy it, it just seems to happen.

Night tends to play tricks on you especially when solo. You think you hear things and think you see things that aren't really there. At one point on the return trip of this evenings solo mission, my mind roaming elsewhere, and my headlamp, which is nearly useless from the amount of snow falling, caught glimpse of something. Enter that sinking feeling. That glimpse came in the shape of a beady eye which immediately lead to a second. This was a ways off but it was moving at me, quickly. On my snowboard I would of at least had a chance to get away but these skis (day 2 learning on 2 planks) locked me to the ground. It was time to fight and by fight I mean figure out the best way not to be eaten. Not knowing what kind of creature this might be I thought of the worst, a wolverine. This is no joke. After watching a show about them on PBS I was stoked and completely frightened I might see one. How lucky was I?

Well, lucky. 10 feet and still approaching I finally catch a glimpse through the dropping flakes of snow. Lab, tan lab. He still came at me but instead of death I received a welcome giant hug, shying away from the kiss. I returned the hug and after a second I regained and continued down, passing the owner a moment later around the bend. The perfect way to end a pretty damn good day, not eaten.

back.

2010-12-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome. Its been quite a while since the last post that was pasted here. I feel a hiatus was needed and its been a great time of reflection.

Why'm I back? Blogs are dead you say? Well dear reader I'm back because I can. I enjoy posting my thoughts, ideas, adventures, and things that I find generally kuhl. That and I've missed writing, its a nice release.

We'll see where this goes, I've got ideas and its time to implement. Cheers.

2010-09-18T22:21:00.001-07:00

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Time out.

2010-07-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

For the time being anyways. Got some reassessing to do. Don't worry though, I'll be back, maybe.

The Legendary Roots Crew

2010-07-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

Posts have been slow...enjoi newer music in the mean time.

The Roots - Dear God 2.0 by Rockerfeller333

up and over.

2010-07-11T21:34:00.001-07:00

Rode a new route this eve. Up Mill Creek, hit a left onto dirt up Elbow fork and then over Lambs pass. Brakes were scrubbing speed all the way down Lambs trail as I don't think it was built for bikes. I'm pissed I forgot the camera, maybe one of these days I'll get a legit phone that'll do it all... views were just fabulous.

All Summer.

2010-07-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

Seems like a fitting song to end the day. Kid Cudi, Rostam Batmanglij and Bethany Cosentino-ALL SUMMER.

Kid Cudi, Rostam Batmanglij & Bethany Cosentino - All Summer by Hypetrak

DEER VALLEY.

2010-07-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

Money bags.

Photo by James Naus

overlook.

2010-07-09T18:11:00.001-07:00

Looking out over Kimball Junction.

consistant?

2010-07-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

We're going to at least try to keep this spot going with a daily pic. Hopefully I'm still able to use this rad plate...

lazy.

2010-07-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

Pics are easier than text. In no particular order. Jackson hole, a cloudy Grand Teton, pops, a KUHL plus Quinn crest tour and others...

ICUP?

2010-06-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

With race day canceled up in Deer Valley, its been a pretty lazy one. Thoughts swirled about riding to make up for the missed race but motivation was low with the cool weather and rain. So I did very little in terms of anything.

So instead of racing today, we'll race at Deer Valley on Wednesday. Can't wait, as the course is another good one in the grander scheme of things.

Maybe tomorrow the weather will motivate me to get out and ride...

ICUP Draper

2010-06-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

RAD. Taylor Foss photography.

MID WEEK.

2010-06-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

In a strange turn of events at the Mid Week Race Series I ended up winning. I guarantee, had the lead 3 not taken a wrong turn, it wouldn't have happened. What an odd race but and incredible track. Can't wait for more.

super epic?

2010-06-07T21:01:00.000-07:00

KDAY and his snow drift was the inspiration. The route wasn't known until his post but after the images and text I was sold. My mind made up, a gorgeous Saturday and Quinn to motivate, we began.

I usually think of an epic day around 5 hours but this one lasted 8.5. Hot temps, longs climbs, traverses, snowshoeing, hike a bikes, multiple slides down snow covered slopes, incredible views, 1 plane crash, a giant snow drift (although when KDAY was there it was bigger), cold and hot all wrapped into the most incredible ride yet. Can't wait for more...

MURS.

2010-05-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna send this one out to Tolbert. Dude if I would have know you were a hip hop head too...

MURS "can it be(half a million dollars and 18 months later)." I missed MURS a few weeks ago here in SLC and I'm kicking myself for it. A conscience rapper, literally, and one that isn't your run of the mill rhyme sayer...

Murs - New Music - More Music Videos

LOOK 986 redux.

2010-05-16T17:17:00.001-07:00

Some more pics for you tech geeks out there. This bike not only turns heads but its got serious huevos to back it up. Get one.

iCUP #4 sundance.

2010-05-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

Some days things just don't go your way. Case in point, an 11th place finish when you're gunning for a top 5.

Things I took from this race; the new hard tail ripped even though the rider didn't, the personalized number plate, the KUHLmog, incredible views and day, and one hell of a track.

And of course to put the final touches on this post would have been pictures but I just decided to delete them all. Sweet.

BEACHWOOD BLASTER.

2010-05-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

A closet cleaning lead to a wonderful find. This jersey always brings back fond memories, not only of the race win, but also of the fine folks behind it. Probably the part I miss most of Wisco...

Toro Bravo.

2010-05-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

I currently have 2 kits that I wear. One from my respective employer and the other from the KUHLest team around.

When I received this gift from my friend Jazy in Guam I couldn't resist. It doesn't go so well with my KUHL blue shorts but the jersey is one of a kind none the less. Plus the fact that I'm the only one in the U.S. wearing one makes it all the better. Thanks for the rad jersey Jazy and yes its true I do love Guam!

May day?

2010-05-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

I came across these photos from last weekend. We laid some extra fresh tracks that fine day and frankly it was one of the better snowshoes completed on that cold, deep, 1st of May.

e

LOOK 986.

2010-05-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

Without further a due, I present to you dear reader, my new whip. With a number of miles already ridden I can say this is one of my favorite bikes yet. This thing's snappier than a snapping turtle and lighter than anything I've ridden before.

Specs to come, as things, namely wheels/tyres will change. Lovin' it so far though and can be more grateful for the opportunity to ride such a rad bicicletta.

Neglected...

2010-04-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

...this blog has been, and might be for a while pending time. The past weeks have blown by, racing, riding, "training" and enjoying new company. All in that order, or not.

The second Icup down in the desert was a good one, ended 5th. Interesting course and super nice weather. I nearly fainted on my marathon car ride home, but nothing a little sugar couldn't fix.

Since then dirt riding has been the key to ease my soul. Trail rides couldn't be better.

Finally I'd like to give a glimpse of my new whip...with more details to come. Its gonna be hot and unique... hopefully she'll be rideable this week.

unreal.

2010-03-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

I completed my first trainer ride since March(?) of last year this evening. Does that make me serious, or seriously lame?

I swore an oath with myself that I wouldn't ride indoors at all this year but with this cold still lingering, a race this weekend and some interesting weather out, my normal outdoor workouts have been put on hold with the fear of making this cold not go away. I figure in a controlled environment no harm can be done.

On another note, training with power is interesting. Judging by tonight's hour of power session things are looking pretty good, maybe better than ever. Does that make me fast? Prolly not, I'm just happy that I'm not getting slowing...

down but not out.

2010-03-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

A sore throat and stuffed nostrils late Thursday led to the cancellation of our weekend desert singletrack vacation. Seriously bummed but the desert isn't going anywhere...

Babe and I made the best of it with some legit lounging, a fair amount of clothes shopping, a fancy haircut, small amount of pedaling, registering for official Utah licenses, putting a new 20spd gruppo on the bike and a bit of general cleanup all around, and none of it in that order. You know things you do when your sick so that when your not you can ride your bike.

What am I most excited about? Well, other than babe being so rad, and the hair cut looking so phresh, its the 20spd. Maybe a pic and more on that in a bit, the bike looks good and feels fast, now if the rider could just get well...

I'm irked this head cold happened but alas, it did. My hope is that it doesn't affect things to much for next weekends race down south. Icup numero dos. Fingers crossed...

Sunday Jam.

2010-03-21T19:03:00.001-07:00

Ali named the ride and brought along the music blend. In what turned out to be a Shoreline kinda weekend, trail was ridden nearly all the way to City Creek. Shorts were the attire of choice, finally.

Dirt rides have never been so fun.

South Ogden Saturday.

2010-03-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

Some new trails called. With Pantone, Krusemark and Bingham as my guides we rode. Numb fingers and a cold wind made the start eye watering tough but as the sun shown layers were shed.

There's nothing better than mountain biking on real mountains.

"if you build a berm I will destroy it."

2010-03-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

You nailed it KDAY. While the whole video is the best part the end makes it...

seriously?

2010-03-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

Cycling headlines today read that the two Polish brother that went one and two in the U-23 Cyclocross World championships tested positive for EPO.

Really folks, what made these two idiots think they would get away with doping? What makes any doper think they will get away with doping? Especially if you go one, two in the biggest race of the year?

I've had enough of this stupidity...

BARMITTS redux.

2010-03-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

I've spoke about them before, barmitts that is. I'm not honestly sure how in winters past I've made it through.

With the warmer temps we've been seeing I actually removed them from my trusty steed but today I was wishing for them again. I really do heart Barmitts. And new for this winters season, mitts for the mtb...if you're in an area that drops to cold in the winter, seriously pick up a set for you ripper, you won't regret it.

Note: That 29er in the photo has been retired...to pops.

Fully suspended.

2010-03-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

One other thing to note from the weekend is that the new bike was so superb. Full suspension is no longer anything to scoff at. Also the wheel/tyre combo was brilliant.

I heart full suspension and tubulars...now that's not to say I wouldn't ride a hardtail (with tubulars of course)...

RED ROCK RAMPAGE #1

2010-03-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

First race of the year went off in a hurry over the past weekend. Traveled a few hours south to St. George Utah for the first stop in the Intermountain Cup Series. Fridays preride in shorts and a jersey with other KUHL mates had me smiling from ear to ear. There's something about desert single track, the views and oh wait, yeah, the mtbin.'

As with any race you always think about how you could've done better here or raced harder there. This is the case...7th on the day, but was hoping for a little better. Not far off from the front, but I want the front.

TOP 10:

1, Burke Swindelhurst (Team Give) 1.43.46
2, Alex Grant (Cannondale) 1.44.06
3, Bart Gillespie (Cannondale) 1.44.21
4, Rob Squire (Jamis) 1.44.59
5, Chris Holley (Gray Fisher 29er Crew) 1.45.59
6, Jason Sager (Jamis)
7, Tom Bender (Kuhl Mountain Team)
8, Scott Allen (Canyon Cycles)
9, Jake Pantone (Edge)
10, Rich Abbott (Revolution/Peak Fasteners

One month and we're back at it. Time to get some more riding and fine tuning in...

process.

2010-02-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

There's something about the tubular gluing process. The prep, different gluing stages and the mounting finale. It's hard to pinpoint why but I've got a love for it...

Saturday beatdown.

2010-02-28T20:37:00.000-08:00

On myself that is. Pictures never do anything justice but just about midway up this gentle 30 minute climb this sucker punches you in the chest and makes you hurt. So, 4 times just below LT up this 30 minute climb, throw this brute in the middle to spike the HR into berserkerdom, and you've got yourself a receipt for hurt. Towards the end of my ride I was nearly seeing stars...I love days that just turn you inside out.

courtesy.

2010-02-27T13:17:00.000-08:00

With temps reaching the higher 50s today it seems like everyone, runners and cyclists alike came out of the woodwork. I'm all for people getting out and exercising (except running) but really whats with cyclilsts that can't acknowledge fellow cyclists?

I'm pretty much cooler than the next guy but I can still lift my hand and give a slight gesture at everyone even the kid with his seat to low and ripping his jeans on his chain rings. What I've resorted to now is that any cyclist that doesn't at least gesture back, hand wave or nod, I yell at them. What I say depends on how I'm feeling but mostly I just give some sarcastic remark...

A little courtesy ya'll, it goes a long way.

night.

2010-02-26T20:13:00.001-08:00

Caught this last night...frankly it was much better in person.

Proto.

2010-02-26T20:11:00.000-08:00

I love coming home to find packages, especially when those packages are prototype tyres...mmmm...if you only new what was inside...

Frostbike.

2010-02-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

Rewinding a bit. Last weekend, my fast coworker Turbo and I flew our way to Minnesota to Quality's Frostbike. For those unfamiliar, Quality is probably the worlds largest distributor of bike components. That place shows it and radiates awesomeness. If you ever have the chance to go, take it. An incredible facility, great people and a company that really loves the environment and bikes. Bravo to you Quality.

I took a couple pics. One of the sign, a number during the show, and one...

...of Turbo and I posing with Mr. Quality Bicycle Products himself. I made sure this photo was just a bit blurry for everyone.

california.

2010-02-17T19:58:00.001-08:00

I've always found tech articles very interesting. Even more so when they go behind the scenes a bit and give a bit of insight into the design/engineering process.

This one hit me and was one I though would be cool to share.

Development at its best and it turns out to be one incredibly light frame.

Cervelo.Vroomen.White.Design. Project California.

A reason to go back.

2010-02-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

Interesting and very cool.

RAY's.

contact_take 2.

2010-02-14T18:57:00.001-08:00

So, pedals are a huge and important part of the power transfer to the bike. When you have the best pedals, such as the LOOK Quartz, it would make sense to pursue the best shoes.

I've also been very fortunate with another new sponsor that frankly, when paired with the LOOK Quartz pedals, makes sure no power is lost.

I developed a relationship with fine Aussies at BONT shoes towards the end of last year and with well over a thousand miles in, these I can easily say that these are the best shoes I've ever worn.

Straight from BONT's website:

"The Bont mtb-one shoe is of a handmade carbon composite monocoque construction.

With its carbon composite construction, 4.4 mm stack height and Bont’s proprietary heat moldable resin for fit customization, the Bont mtb-one shoe is undoubtedly one of the best mtb shoes currently available.

The mtb-one has been designed to maintain class leading stiffness for power transfer, yet with a built in roll factor to allow for times when walking & running of the bike is needed. In addition, the mtb-one has been designed with rubber protectors and grips in high-density rubber and are replaceable.

The mtb-one is available in stock colours of black in Matt Microfiber or Pink Shiny Microfiber upper. (Full range of colours available in Shiny Microfiber as special order)"

Lightest, stiffest and when molded to your foot the most comfortable shoe ever.

Questions? You know where to direct them, my secretary. More on these throughout the year...

contact_take 1.

2010-02-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

Contact. In reference here directly to the points of my body that contact the parts of my bike. This also is in reference to the gear that contacts my body personally. I've come to be very particular about those points as I do spend a fair number of hours riding, sometimes, no mostly, just around in circles.

These points have to be the utmost important and comfortable because the repetitive motion that cycling is. This title contact, is going to happen in a few parts but to begin I would like to talk specifically about pedals. New pedals.

The past year I've frankly hated the pedals I've been using. Lets call them brand CB. Last year alone I broke two sets of pedals, replaced cleats 5 times and had to rebuild the pedals that didn't brake 3 times. Now I really do like to maintain my gear but really, all in one year? That really pisses me off. With that said all the work that I did do on the pedals they still performed like hell, sloppy and with more float than I could shake a stick at. Brand CB sorry, but your pedals are crap to me.

Enter 2010. A really cool new team/personal sponsor has stepped up for the year to supply us with pedals. And ones that really work at that. Spread the word folks, LOOK Quartz mtb pedals are really going to change the way your contact with your bike happens.
Lighter, stronger, less maintenance, and simply engaging to look, I'm over the top at the feel and incredible support they are giving us. This is a well thought out pedal and one that will last season upon season.

Questions? Hit me up at the races or via email about these beauts. I'm pretty much over the top with this new pedal to stomp on!

saturday.

2010-02-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

It might look a bit dreary but that's certainly not the case. A solo mission with a bit of rain and snow flurry's thrown in for good measure. Climbing kept the smile on my face.

finally.

2010-02-07T20:48:00.001-08:00

Got the new bike out on some trail. Unreal it was.

Ridin.

2010-02-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

That's been Saturday tradition. With a little later start, I met with Ali and we started south. Still not having that typical arsenal of routes I normally store in my back pocket, resorting to local knowledge has made the rides much more fun. Frankly, I'm impressed that the valley really isn't that limiting in terms of routes to take.

Eventually that southern route we started on, turned diagonal putting us at the mouth of Little Cottonwood. We split at this point, Ali rode away mumbling something about stopping on the way home for a 50 piece chicken McNugget for $10, I thought it sounded good but wanted to be able to finish the ride first...

South I continued eventually making my way, albeit slowly, up Suncrest. I'd been partially up this climb once while getting lost on the way home from work and it wasn't any less steep than I remember. At the top I flipped it and basically rode a dead straight north route home. The high 40s temps and 4.5 hours made for a pretty good day of riding.

Below is near the top of Suncrest. Not the best picture but none the less...

Hip hop.

2010-02-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

Lyrics Born kept my Friday night entertaining. That dude put on an insanely good show, one that I almost missed...

Diavolo

2010-02-05T18:48:00.000-08:00

Imagine the advantage this would have given on the Worlds course in Tabor!

2010-02-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

Whose updating this thing? Boring...

measured in feet.

2010-01-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

In other news, since January 18th (that's a pretty good day by the way) the mountains east of SLC are reporting in some areas 80+ inches of snow. That's a ridiculous amount by the way. I ought to get some snowboarding done.

The valley on the other hand, has received negative snowfall and the little that has fallen has melted right away. Slightly wet roads on the morning ride in lead to warm and dry roads on the way home.

I still can't believe the amount of precip that's come down, that's a lot of snow folks.

vid.

2010-01-26T20:46:00.000-08:00

I'm in this vid, I'm on shredders right, next to those people.

whip.

2010-01-26T20:43:00.000-08:00

before the Olympics.

2010-01-26T20:34:00.000-08:00

Super good snowboarders stopped in Park City this past weekend to fine tune their skills. We watched...in jaw-dropping awe. Shaun White will win Gold.

To bad I deleted all the photos, it would have made for a better post.

a fury.

2010-01-16T18:44:00.000-08:00

This past week has been. The time has seemingly flown by with family in town, work insanity and of course bike riding. A shred sess today, even with the very lacking snow, was a good refresher with my bro. Snowboard trips will never be the same now that the trip is no longer a trip for me but a daily view.

Tomorrow, bike time, and a whole lot of, whats the word? Oh yeah, pixel pounding.

5 hours.

2010-01-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

That's was the ride duration was today. Wasn't expecting that, not in January, not in 30 degree temps, not with roughly 15 people, and not feeling to damn bad all things considered.

MTBin' tomorrow? Maybe, can't really see why not. Racing only a short month and a half away...

BLACKSTAR.

2010-01-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

There was a point when I listened to nothing but MOS DEF and TALIB KWELI's BLACKSTAR album. Years later I still wish they would do it again.

Favorite song off that album? Check here: RESPIRATION.

Might Mos does it good with guest KWELI (also check the hints of COMMON) above but its hard to top the BLACKSTAR combo.

city lights.

2010-01-04T20:04:00.001-08:00

A New Years Day late night hike up Dry Creek brought these views. SLC had a simmering glow that radiated into an incredible night view. What really took me the most was the dull roar that came from the city below. What a night scene. Credit to Amelia for the rad pics using our handmade snow tripod.

Flying...

2010-01-04T19:48:00.000-08:00

..time that is.

A whirlwind tour was had. From SLC to Vegas to MKE to Madison to the 'Hurst and back while stopping in Dallas, TX before finally landing back in SLC. A whirlwind tour indeed. That was all before New Years.

A Persian dance party followed, New Years day trail riding, snowmobile trail riding and snowshoe/snowboarding has filled the void since our return. And now its Monday bordering on Tuesday.

Two, count 'em two decent pics from Sundays snowshoe up, shred down session. I might have even gotten a bit of sun tan as the day was pretty spectacular.

The new year brings us into official bike season. The shred has just begun but gotta get these ol' legs back in spinning motion. A change of landscape has brought new goals, and with new goals brings focus. It's on like donkey kong.

P.S. A late Happy Holidays to all.

can't get enough.

2009-12-21T20:52:00.000-08:00

I still wonder every time I listen. I think to myself, "how has this not gotten tired?" Even after years and years I still listen nearly everyday and if I'm not listening I'm running the words thru my head of at least one song...serenade your ears...