The Flag2GC 2009 event will go down in the books as one of the more warmer compared to years past. While not blazing heat, 86 degrees is too warm with the sun beating down on you is too warm for the likes of most. Arizona’s monsoon season has been non-existent and I was sure that I would see atleast some sprinkles in Flagstaff and or the Grand Canyon. Nope. Not a drop. Not a cloud in the sky. Oh wait… there were those pesky forest fires! Yup, forest fires during the mountain bike race. Awesome. The forest service had identified some lightening cause fires near Wing Mountain (the start of the race) and near the south rim of the Grand Canyon. They made the decision to manage these fires vs attack them to put them out. This made for a smokey ride part of the way. So, I digress, there were a few clouds….of smoke.
Leg 1
The race started at 7:00am and we were off. The temperature was in the low to mid 60’s - perfect for riding. Due to the fires, the first leg to SAG1 was altered a bit. 8 miles to the east which gave the entire ride course a total of 72 miles. You should have seen the faces of the newbies (first time riders - or “New Blood” as the Dirtybottom Girls coined it) when they announced the distance 15 minutes before the race start. Awesome! The reroute was unfortunate because it took out a sweet downhill single track through the forest section. Instead, we got a major uphill then a monster downhill on a forest service road. I checked my odometer and noticed a sustained 39mph. Terrifying and Thrilling at the same time. I was not certain my 9 year old bike would stay together but alas, I made it. Ironically, just as I crested at the hill, Slayer was the next six songs and played during the down hill. My heart is racing right now just thinking about it.
Kudos to the Dirtybottom Girls, the northern Arizona Marine League Charities group, and all other support staff for producing an incredible spread of food and drinks for the riders. Totally Awesome!
Leg2
Just before you are thrusted out on to the Mars lunar landscape of miles and miles on the indian reservation, you come down over a lava rock landscape, approximately 5 miles. Three weeks prior I had dislocated my shoulder in Sedonna plus I noticed the night before that my bike had a crack in the rear triangle so I was not up for killing this downhill. Lets not forget that lava rocks are pretty sharp so the penalty for failure can be brutal. If at the very least, you will get a flat if you choose to burn down it. So, I got past that and moved out onto the Indian reservation. Not exactly sure how many miles it was to SAG2 but for some reason this year it didn’t seem to take that long. It was very windy and smoke from the forest fires was pretty thick and strong. By the way, SWANKY - Southwest Area Nissan Klub did a great job of maning the course turns. These folks were hanging out in the most desolate and isolated places on the course. You really had nothing to fear if you got hurt or concerned over water supplies. Swanky was there if you needed them.
Leg3
This leg begins the great challenge of riding uphill towards the south rim of the Grand Canyon. I’m sure I will be corrected but the mileage seems like nearly 20 miles. It is a long haul. The sun is directly over head. At the time of arrival at SAG2, its close to lunchtime and you have been burning many calories at this point. Gotta eat something. Another great spread of food and drink. While I was able to get a PB&J sandwich down, I just remember feeling sick to my stomach the rest of the way to the finish. Riding nutrition is sneaky thing and will get you if you are not paying enough attention to your intake vs calorie burn. The trail going forward is a double track with lots of silky fine dry clay sand. It sucks the energy right out of you. Oh yeah, don’t forget….you’re riding uphill. You are treated to this torture or fun til SAG3.
Leg4 - Final stage
So we are only talking about 3 to 5 miles to the finish from SAG3 but you are pretty wiped. I remember approaching SAG3 and they had this cheering squad there that made you think you had finished the race. Not quite but it was refreshing to hear their screams and encouragement. Good Times! I think at this point it was hour number 6 for me. I certainly was not in the first pack of riders but I wasn’t in the last pack either. Right in the middle. Thanks to the SAG3 team for the refill on water. Still feeling sick, I think I averaged like 7 to 9 mph. A lot slower than my initial 14mph avg during Leg1 and Leg2. Didn’t care. Just wanted to finish. And so I did. At 2pm, I crossed the finish line. 7 hours and 72 miles of butt pounding epic ride.
The finish line
What a great party. 11 kegs of New Belgium brew. The US Marine Corp had 4 piping hot showers - not kidding. The USMC was also cooking up a fajita dinner - a fine meal after such long ride. Its really quite comical to see riders cross the finish line, put their bike, helmet and gear down and then proceed directly for the beer taps. A few people just left their bikes near the taps all afternoon and into the evening. As the sun set, the camp fires were started as the temps started to drop.
I don’t recall excatly how much money was raised for the Northern Arizona Toys for Tots charity but it should be noted that all of the energies going into this event are tied directly back to them. Hopefully this year’s event donations will put smiles on the faces of those kids who need it most.
You can bet that I will be back next year!
Check out some pictures of the event: http://flag2gc2009.shutterfly.com
It is so worth the trip. Plan for half a day and get up there early. There are quite a few trails up in Sedona and the technical offerings have a wide range. Challenges in July/August include heat and Monsoon rains/storms. The views are phenomenal. Check it out! Get out and ride!
No, this is not the latest excretion from Klien, instead, this arrived in the early 90’s….according to its owner. I saw this in the back of a pickup just as I was finishing my ride on Pemberton. It certainly caught my eye enough to peak my curiosity and talk to the dude who owns it. The front fork and wheel have been replaced since the bike was made. The owner said that the rear triangle will not accommodate a disc-break add on but other than that, he loves the bike. He said that it handles really well. I asked him if the bike “wraps” while torking during hill climbs and he said it was a sturdy as ever. Anywho. A cool bike!
Don’t Laugh. Yes, I know. Limp Bizkit is on my list. Even if you feel that Limp Bizkit has no business being on a playlist with the likes of Anthrax, Firehose, Rage Against the Machine, or VooDoo Glowskulls - just hear me out (or read this blog….out). There is a time and a place for certain music and when you are in a knarly hill climb, you need something that is going to distract your mind from the pain you are inflicting onto yourself. Limp Bizkit along with many other bands, serves this purpose well. While mountain biking provides much joy, it is actually work. The romance quickly fades after 2 minutes in the saddle and the rider realizes that they need to commit to the ride. They either make the commitment and let the music guide them through to their goal…..the finish line -or- they go back to their vehicle, proceed home to their computer and promptly post a craigslist ad. So, here goes…..
Intro Limp Bizkit Three Dollar Bill Y’All
Pollution Limp Bizkit Three Dollar Bill Y’All
yul brynner was a skinhead The Toy Dolls On Stage In Stuttgart
BYOB System Of A Down Mesmerize
Insubordination Voodoo Glow Skulls Who Is, This Is
The Band Geek Mafia Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
Brodie Johnson Weekend Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
Welcome to Planet Motherfucker/Psychoholic Slag White Zombie La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1
Knuckle Duster (Radio 1-A) White Zombie La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1
Jet Pilot System of a Down Toxicity
bitten by a bed bug The Toy Dolls
Monkey Wrench Foo Fighters The Colour and the Shape
Shoot the Moon Voodoo Glow Skulls Firme
Chic ‘n’ Stu System of a Down Steal This Album!
Date Rape Sublime 40 Oz. to Freedom
Charlie Brown Voodoo Glow Skulls Firme
Boom! System of a Down Steal This Album!
Bleed Soulfly Soulfly
Superbeast Rob Zombie Hellbilly Deluxe
Prison Song System of a Down Toxicity
This Is the New Shit Marilyn Manson Matrix Reloaded: The Album Disc 1
Kids of the K-Hole NOFX Punk-O-Rama, Vol. 4
Natural Joe Primus Antipop
Needles System of a Down Toxicity
Calm Like a Bomb Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
The Red and the Black fIREHOSE Live Totem Pole
Vicinity of Obscenity System of a Down Hypnotize
Gangster Warsaw Hors G’lore
Take On Me Reel Big Fish Baseketball Soundtrack
Dragula [Si Non Oscillas, Noli Tintinnare Mix] Rob Zombie American Made Music to Strip By
A.D.D. System of a Down Steal This Album!
i’m a telly addict The Toy Dolls??????
Hit a Guy With Glasses Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
Jocks From Hell Voodoo Glow Skulls Firme
Roll Right Rage Against the Machine Evil Empire
Chop Suey! System of a Down Toxicity
Chateau Rob Dougan Matrix Reloaded: The Album Disc 2
Mr. Clean Millencolin Punk-O-Rama, Vol. 4
One More Time Korn Untouchables
Cigaro System of a down Mesmerize
Killing in the Name Rage Against the Machine Rage Against the Machine
Take the Power Back Rage Against the Machine Rage Against the Machine
bless you my son The Toy Dolls
Given Up Linkin Park Minutes to Midnight
Pictures System of a Down Steal This Album!
My Own Summer (Shove It) Deftones Around the Fur
Mona Lisa Overdrive Juno Reactor Matrix Reloaded: The Album Disc 2
Born as Ghosts Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
Violent Pornography System Of A Down Mesmerize
Hopeless Romantic Bouncing Souls Punk-O-Rama, Vol. 4
I Shot the Sheriff Voodoo Glow Skulls Symbolic
Nada en la Cabeza Voodoo Glow Skulls Steady As She Goes
Shimmy System of a Down Toxicity
My Name Is Mud Primus Pork Soda
Down Rodeo Rage Against the Machine Evil Empire
Revolver Rage Against the Machine Evil Empire
U-Fig System of a Down Hypnotize
Pipeline Anthrax Attack of the Killer B’s
Black Sunshine White Zombie La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1
Guerrilla Radio Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
Delinquent Song Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
F**k the System System of a Down Steal This Album!
Feel Good Inc. Gorillaz Demon Days
All My Life Foo Fighters One by One
Snap Decision (At Rope’s End) New Bomb Turks Punk-O-Rama, Vol. 4
Stealing Society System of a Down Hypnotize
Dog Pile Voodoo Glow Skulls Who Is, This Is
They Always Come Back Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
The Death Of Barry The Roofer With Vertigo The Toy Dolls Our Last Album?
This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I’m On This Song System Of A Down Mesmerize
Lacquer Head Primus Antipop
Know Your Enemy Rage Against the Machine Rage Against the Machine
Hieroglyphics Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
Misunderstood Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
Stranded in the Jungle Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
I-E-A-I-A-I-O System of a Down Steal This Album!
Bleed It Out Linkin Park Minutes to Midnight
Papa (Intro) Authority Zero A Passage in Time
A Passage in Time Authority Zero A Passage in Time
Cheap Guy Voodoo Glow Skulls Who Is, This Is
cloughy is a bootboy The Toy Dolls
keith’s a thief The Toy Dolls
The Will the Message Bombshell Rocks Punk-O-Rama, Vol. 4
Bullet in the Head Rage Against the Machine Rage Against the Machine
Alone I Break Korn Untouchables
El Coo Cooi Voodoo Glow Skulls Firme
my baby is a battleaxe The Toy Dolls
Yo No Tengo Tiempo (Para Ti) Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
Mic Check Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
Rock Is Dead Marilyn Manson Matrix
Human Piñata Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
Counterfeit Limp Bizkit Three Dollar Bill Y’All
Maria Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
John the Fisherman Primus Frizzle Fry [Bonus Track]
Cochino Voodoo Glow Skulls Adicción, Tradición, Revolución
The Rockafeller Skank Fatboy Slim You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby
One Big Crunch White Zombie La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1
Grindhouse (A Go Go) White Zombie La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1
Snakecharmer Rage Against the Machine Evil Empire
Bossman Voodoo Glow Skulls Who Is, This Is
Testify Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
One More Minute Authority Zero A Passage in Time
Sleep Now in the Fire Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
Root Deftones Adrenaline
Día de los Muertos Voodoo Glow Skulls Adicción, Tradición, Revolución
Milk (Ode to Billy) Anthrax Attack of the Killer B’s
Electric Head, Pt. 2 (The Ecstasy) White Zombie Astro-Creep: 2000
Born of a Broken Man Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
Silencer Voodoo Glow Skulls Symbolic
Bounce System of a Down Toxicity
Voice of the Voiceless Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
Vietnow Rage Against the Machine Evil Empire
Method to This Madness Voodoo Glow Skulls Firme
dig that groove baby The Toy Dolls
Thunder Kiss ‘65 White Zombie La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1
Drunk Tank Voodoo Glow Skulls Firme
Fat Randy Voodoo Glow Skulls Firme
teenager in love The Toy Dolls
Leech [Demo Version] Limp Bizkit Three Dollar Bill Y’All
New Millennium Homes Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
Deer Dance System of a Down Toxicity
Think the World All Punk-O-Rama, Vol. 4
Ashes in the Fall Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
Empty Bottles Voodoo Glow Skulls Firme
War Within a Breath Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles
the ashbrooke launderette The Toy Dolls
People of the Sun Rage Against the Machine Evil Empire
Low Foo Fighters One by One
Freeballin Voodoo Glow Skulls Baile de Los Locos
Electric Uncle Sam Primus Antipop
Construction Voodoo Glow Skulls Firme
Super-Charger Heaven White Zombie Astro-Creep: 2000
Bulls on Parade Rage Against the Machine Evil Empire
Symptomatic Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
Adicción, Tradición, Revolución Voodoo Glow Skulls Adicción, Tradición, Revolución
Tire Me Rage Against the Machine Evil Empire
Clunk Limp Bizkit Three Dollar Bill Y’All
tommy kowey’s car The Toy Dolls
Love Letter Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
Walkin’ Frustration Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia
Without a Face Rage Against the Machine Evil Empire
Lazy Sunday Afternoon The Toy Dolls
Wake Up Rage Against the Machine Matrix
Orlando’s Not Here Voodoo Glow Skulls Symbolic
Bombtrack Rage Against the Machine Rage Against the Machine
Stuck Limp Bizkit Three Dollar Bill Y’All
Cosmic Monsters Inc. White Zombie La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1
High Society Voodoo Glow Skulls Steady As She Goes
one more megabyte The Toy Dolls
Sophisticated Bitch fIREHOSE Live Totem Pole
The Kids Will Have to Pay Voodoo Glow Skulls Baile de Los Locos
Revolution, Pt. 2 fIREHOSE Live Totem Pole
Bastard Music Voodoo Glow Skulls Adicción, Tradición, Revolución
Slack Motherfucker fIREHOSE Live Totem Pole
What Gets Heard fIREHOSE Live Totem Pole
Mannequin fIREHOSE Live Totem Pole
The Edison LTD is made by German bike manufacturer Bionicon ( www.bionicon.com ). I had a chance to roll this beautiful bike around Prescott a few months back during a demo. It was a lightyears contrast to the 2001 Trek Fuel90 that I have been riding (and continue to do so). What is so cool about this bike is its ability to adapt its geomety on the fly. Literally, by the touch of a button on the bar, this bike goes from a downhill racer to a cross-country cruiser. I highly recommend checking this bike out. You can even give it a spin at Cactus Cycles in Ahwatukee - they rent the Bionicon bikes in addition to a few others. Check out Bionicon if nothing else but for the difference in engineering of mountain bikes. Its pretty cool!
There is one road in to McDowell Mountain Park…..Fountain Hills Blvd. Just a quick heads up that MCSO is cracking down on speeding on this road. There are many cyclists using this stretch of highway and the posted speed ranges between 35 and 45 mph. For safety, ADOT recently widened the road for the cyclists and now MCSO is adding to that safety getting people to slow down. No jokes here. I noticed many drivers recieving tickets last Saturday and figured the rest of you tread heads could use the tip.
Is long distance mountain biking your thing? You may want to checkout www.flag2GC.com. I have done this ride for 3 years now and it is absolutely an epic journey on a mountain bike. We meet up Friday night at the starting point and camp out. Your guest will drive your vehicle and gear up to the end camp or the ride organizers will UHaul your shat there for you. Imagine riding from near SnowBowl in Flagstaff Arizona all the way to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Aweseome. 65 Miles. You traverse down through the forest near the San Francisco Peaks where you end up at SAG 1. The USMC is there doing a fantastic refueling station for you and your bike. Then its off to the reservation. I like to think of this section as a Mars Lunar Landscape. Its quite desolate and mind freaky but you gotta ride through it. You end up after this section at SAG2. Another USMC sponsored refueling station. Now the tough part. The last section of the ride. Its a gradual up hill climb for about 20 miles. There is a SAG3 stop in the middle. However, August 8th is right in the middle of the Monsoon season for Arizona. Its not a question of if but when will it rain. Your nice dry trail will become muddy unless you book some ass and get to the end camp up at the South Rim. But never fear. There is loads of support at the tail end of the trail. The Nissan Xterra club is there driving up and down the trail looking for riders who are stranded or are just “done”. Somebody has brought some kegs of tasty beverage and its on ice. The USMC is cooking up some awesome fajitas. They are also running some hot, yes hot, showers. How awesome is that. Your camping stuff is there and you need to set it up. On Sunday morning, the USMC does you one more favor and provides you with a hot breakfast. Again, AWESOME. By the way, all the monies raised benefit the Northern Arizona Toys for Tots program. The ride benefits your health. Everyone wins.
The ride is August 8th (Saturday). Registration opens May 26th and is operated via snail mail only so gotta act fast. Registration is limited due to insurance limitations so there is a cut off on the number of riders. $100 for riders. $20 for guests. Have some extra cash for a great raffle. Tons of prizes and cool ones too.
I I got out Saturday morning just as the Pemberton trail head opened (6am). The weather was fantastic and I could easily tolerate 51 more Saturdays just like it.
The McDowell Mountain Park rangers/maintenance staff are performing trail maintenance on the Pemberton trail near the Dixie Mine Trail. Going clockwise on Pemberton, this is the part that heads due west. It is not crazy technical but technical somewhat. Rains in the past 12 months have washed away quite a bit of sediment revealing plenty of large rocks. The maintenance on the trail is rerouting you around this rocky path. This will speed things up a bit on the bike but removes a section of technicality for this trail. This isn’t good or bad but remains to be seen how it will make people feel about the popular trail.
The 12 Hours of Pain and Purpose, which took place this past Saturday in Tempe, was a great success according to event organizers.
Over 170 racers participated, up from 114 in 2008, and raised an estimated $3,000 to $4,000 dollars for the Sydney Hudson Foundation.
“The weather was incredible, warm 75 degrees and sunny with a light cloud cover keeping the athletes cool enough from the afternoon sun,” Said race organizer Timothy Bolen. “Perfect racing conditions.”
The race featured teams and solo male and female riders who biked on a 7.5 mile loop for 12 hours. Several teams including teams from Bicycle Haus, Luna Chixs, Landis Racing Team, BFC Racing Team, World Motors/Schampa and of course Team Fat Tire participated.
The competition for the male solo group title was fierce. Nationally ranked Kimo Seymour and Taylor Lindeen battled it out for a majority of the race. Seymour, last years winner, led Lindeen by 5 minutes after the first 6 hours. After 11 hours Seymour expanded his lead over Lindeen to 13 minutes. In the final hour Lindeen realized that Seymour’s lead was insurmountable and bowed out. Lindeen finished at 22 laps for a total of 165 miles ridden. Seymour won with 24 laps for 180 miles, an average of 15 miles per hour.
The female solo race was dominated by Windy Marks. She finished with an impressive 19 laps for 142.5 miles. Her closest competitor was Laurel Arnst who finished with 17 laps for 127.5 miles.
The event was held in memory of Sydney Hudson and the proceeds went to the Sydney Hudson Foundation. The foundation provides services and equipment to special needs children and their families.
In honor of Sydney all awards were presented by her older sister Taylor and a video about the foundation was shown to all racers.
The 2009 event was a great success but 2010 looks like it will be even better.
“The great news is we expect double the attendance next year. We should expect close to 400 riders next year,” Said Bolen.
Have you ever done anything for 12 hours? How about something that causes you pain?
That’s exactly what the almost 200 participants in the 12 Hours of Pain and Purpose mountain bike challenge will do this Saturday at Papago Park in Tempe. Don’t call them masochist though, the event is all for a good cause.
Participants will ride a 7.5 mile loop, which covers the board walk along the Tempe Town Lake north sideth rough the outer most trails of Papago and back, from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. The race consists of Solo, Duo and four man teams along with two corporate teams.
The race format is simple. Riders must complete their 7.5 mile lap, return and change riders every lap throughout the entire 12 hours. When a rider can no longer continue that rider must remain out of the race from that point forward. The remaining riders must remain in their original riding order and continue on without that team member.
Of the almost 200 participants 25 will ride the course solo for the entire 12 hours. One of those riders is Kimo Seymour the defending 12 Hours of Pain and Purpose champion. Kimo has competed with the worlds best as he went head to head with Lance Armstrong this past August in the Leadville 100 in Colorado.
The purpose of the pain is to benefit a great cause. All proceeds from the event go to the Sydney Hudson Foundation, an organization that provides services to help special needs kids stay active and develop a love for sports.
“The entire event was created for my niece, Sydney Hudson, who passed away just two and half
short years ago on her 10th birthday. The non-profit organization, the Sydney Hudson Foudation, the event supports was founded by Sydney’s parents; Jeff & Julie Hudson,” said event coordinator Timothy Bolen. “They are two of the most incredible parents and individuals you will ever
have the pleasure to know.”
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I I got out Saturday morning just as the Pemberton trail head opened (6am). The weather was fantastic and I could easily tolerate 51 more Saturdays just like it. 
The 12 Hours of Pain and Purpose, which took place this past Saturday in Tempe, was a great success according to event organizers. 
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