Mudslinger MTB Race - 2008

A week prior, Oregon was experiencing some fabulous weather with record high temperatures and abundant sunshine. Fast forward one week, and things were a little different...

Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail could stop the members of the Collins Cycle Team from getting out and racing their hearts out at the 22nd Annual Mudslinger mountain bike race, held in Blodgett, OR, last weekend.

Racers who traveled to the event were greeted by 1" of fresh snow and big flakes dropping from the sky at the start of registration. But,the clouds blew off and the sun rays appeared to make things seem almost perfect come race time. Perfect, that is, except for the cool temperatures and ... MUD! Shortly after the race began, the foul weather returned and riders hunkered down while a heavy hailstorm pelted them repeatedly. Just the kind of weather that makes a person want to stay indoors under a blanket with a bowl of hot soup. Fortunately for racers that attended the Mudslinger, a hot bowl of soup and Great Harvest bread awaited them after the finish line.

The Collins team had a successful weekend, piloting their Specialized bikes to many top placings. Congratulations to Andrew Bennett, who stood atop the podium winning the Junior Expert category. Miriam, racing in the mud for the first time, discovered how much fun it can be, crashing, but still smiling! Chris raced on his new Specialized 29er and was impressed with its handling in the sloppy conditions.

Team Results:
Andrew Bennett: 1st - Expert Junior
Chris Brandt: 12th - Pro/Semi-Pro Men
Miriam Gillow-Wiles: 4th - Sport Women
Mike Adams: 7th - Expert 40+ Men
Justin Thayer: 7th - Singlespeed
Carl Gurney: 8th - Singlespeed

More team race photos HERE and HERE.

Ironman Arizona (Triathlon)

Collins Cycling Team was represented at the Ironman Arizona Triathlon by Eugene's very own Morgan Christensen. Though he was affected by some difficult circumstances that impacted his ability to perform to his capacity, he suffered through this terribly difficult ordeal to finish, and discover just how much mental strength and determination he possessed. Way to go, Morgan!

Here are his splits:

2.4 mile Swim 1:11:18

112 mile Bike 7:22:35

26.2 mile Run 5:54:27

Total: 14:49:20

From Morgan:
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Greetings Everyone,

This year’s Ironman Arizona was definitely the most difficult race I have ever endured—95 degrees in the shade and 20mph winds. Though coming into this event in the best shape of my life and having an obsessive compulsive approach for success, after 3hrs the severe cause of extreme conditions had begun the self-destructive process. My two goals of completing the event, and being competitive in my age group seemed to be shattered. However, in the end it was my pride that was on the line, and perhaps I should have DNF earlier as the medics told me after I took assistance. However, looking back I am glad I finished. Though I can’t say it was “so much fun”, I do think it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. Below is a rough outline about the experience for those of you who like details.

Thanks for all your encouragement. I am looking forward to doing some workouts with you very soon.--Morgan


After treading water for 20mins, the gun went off and fighting began. Getting kicked, scratched, punched, bumped, swam over, pulled down, and elbowed continually was truly intense. Never was there a time to relax during the swim. Needless to say, it was great to be out of the water and still feeling fresh.

Heading toward the transition room, it was crowded since a lot of swimmers came in around the 70-75min time. Keeping in the mind the challenges of the day, after lathering up the sun block, the bike course was next.

In the beginning, the heat wasn’t too bad, but the winds were already strong. On the 3 lap course, 2500 people were trying to negotiate lanes, making moves, avoiding drafting violations, and occasionally urinating. Using a power meter and keeping the watts controlled, the plan was to ride steady and save the legs for the run. However, after the first lap around 3plus hours into the race, cramping began, followed by feeling sick and dizzy, onto vomiting. The body was no longer taking in fluids or foods.

For the next two laps, frequent resting was needed, however, there were only limited places to rest with shade. Small shrubs helped on the side of the road, but the penalty tents for drafting worked the best. This technique helped me get to the next transition—the marathon; the segment that most people dread, the distance that destroys most folks legs, the part I love.

After leaving the transition, unfortunately the legs did not want to run, thus creating a long walk! I no longer liked the marathon. Running was no longer and option, shuffling was just as fast as walking but that alone caused cramping and vomiting too. As the sun went down it cooled a bit to 85 degrees and stopping was no longer an option. Finally, the end had found me. Stopping one foot before crossing the finish line, looking to the left and then to the right, a feeling of accomplishment and joy mended the once shattered goal of becoming an Ironman—I took the last step.

“In the desert, under the shrubs with the wheels of competitors rolling by was where I found what I was truly made of…”

Morgan Christensen ‘08

Getting Rolling for the Year!

The weather has been teasing us a bit, not really wanting to let it be spring (snow!), but the Collins Cycling Team has been getting out and about w/ some organized mountain bike rides, some long running workouts (for the hardcore triathlete group), as well as some long road rides. As the weather improves and the daylight continues to brighten up our evenings, we will be holding more frequent group events and this blog will get more interesting.

For now, here are some new things to come...

Mudslinger Race
It's just a few weeks now until one of the best events all year, put on by one of our sponsors, Mudslinger Events. This year is looking to be better than ever with new trail construction and a resurgence of racer interest in Oregon.

New Team Clothing
We are expecting delivery very soon, likely in the next couple weeks. Then, we'll be out wearing our latest and greatest team sponsors logos and gaining some publicity.

Group Barbeque
We have tentatively planned to have a team barbeque at the Ripley residence (Monroe) in late April. So far, it's looking like the 25th. Agenda includes team photos, good food, socializing, and more importantly... the first annual Team Only Mountain Bike Short Track race, on and around the Ripley property! Should be for an exciting event.

2008 Sponsor Logo Space Available

We are currently seeking additional sponsors for the upcoming 2008-2009 season. We offer placement of your logo prominently on our website and team clothing in exchange for a tax deductible donation. We consider ourselves ambassadors for our sponsors, and carry ourselves in a positive, responsible, and respectable manner while riding amongst our community. This is a unique opportunity to get your brand associated with a healthy and active lifestyle.

Here are some statistics:

• Our team is comprised of a core group of 15 racers and a growing number of club riders, each of which are out there training on the roads of the southern Willamette valley, obeying traffic laws, wearing helmets, and setting a good example.
  
• We're out and about on the bike anywhere from 200-700+ hours a year (each!), wearing team clothing and garnering good exposure. We're also busy travelling all over the Northwest, competing in various events on the road, mountain bike, cyclocross, and triathlon circuit.
  
• Each rider will compete in 10-30 races per year. Two of our current team members are competing at the national level of the sport and the generous support of our sponsors has been a big part of that success.
  
• This amount of exposure would give you a significant return on your minimal investment.

Your financial contribution would vary, depending upon logo size and placement on the shorts or jersey. Some spots are bigger and more visible than others. To start, we are asking for $500 per logo placement. We are also considering larger (more prominent) "Title Sponsorship" logo placement for a reasonable fee. This tax-deductible contribution will get you a spot on the clothes for 2008-2009.

If you would like to discuss this unique opportunity to gain publicity for your company at a very affordable rate, please contact Mike Ripley for more information. Phone: 541-225-7946

Team Collins Racing Results : 2006-2007

Chris Brandt (Age 34)
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2007:
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CX: (Elite)
4th OBRA best overall rider CX Elite
1st Eugene CX short series CX Elite
1st Psycho CX series Elite
3rd Hood River CX Classic Elite
8th Kruger’s Crossing CX Elite
12th Oregon State Championships Elite
44th US Grand Prix #6, PDX, UCI Elite
54th US Grand Prix #5, PDX, UCI Elite
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MTB: (Pro)
5th Scotty Graham Mt. Hood Pro
6th Bear Springs MTB Pro
7th State Games of Oregon Pro
8th Pickett’s Charge Pro
9th Oakridge Fat Tire Festival Pro
11th Horning’s Hideout Pro
12th Cascade Chain Breaker Pro
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ROAD: (Cat. 2)
3rd Eugene Twilight Crit Cat 1-2
6th Eugene TT series Cat 1-2
13th Salem-Fairview RR Cat 1-2
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2006:
====================
CX: (Elite)
3rd OBRA best overall rider CX Elite
1st Eugene CX series Elite
1st Battle at Barlow CX Elite
3rd Fox Hollow Gran Prix CX Elite
4th Hood River CX Classic Elite
6th Oregon State Championships Elite
6th Estacada CX Crusade Elite
10th Overall CX Crusade series Elite
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MTB: (Pro/Semi-pro)
2nd Return on the Jedi Pro
4th Falls City Firecracker Pro
4th Test of Endurance 50 mile Semi-Pro
5th Oakridge Fat Tire Festival Semi-pro
5th Cascade Chain Breaker Semi-pro
17th NMBS Snowmass, CO Semi-pro
24th NMBS Brian Head, UT Semi-pro
(altitude is rough living at 400’!)
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ROAD: (Cat. 2)
3rd Eugene TT series, Cat 1-2
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2005:
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CX: (Elite)
2nd OBRA best overall rider CX Elite
5th Overall CX Crusade series Elite
6th Oregon State Championships Elite

Andrew Bennett (Age 15)
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2007:
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CX: (Junior men)
1^st Jr. Eugene Short CX series
1^st Jr. Psycho Cross series
1^st Jr. Fox Hollow Gran Prix
1^st Jr. Jingle Cross
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MTB: (Junior Sport class)
2^nd Jr. Oakridge Super-D
3^rd Jr. OBRA State Championships XC
3^rd Jr. OBRA State Championships Super-D
3^rd Jr. Falls City Firecracker
4^th Jr. Oakridge Fat Tire Festival
4^th Jr. Cascade Chainbreaker
5^th Jr. Pickett’s Charge
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ROAD: (Junior men)
1^st Jr. Cherry Pie RR
1^st Jr. Larch Mt. Hillclimb
1^st Jr. Eugene Criterium series
3^rd Jr. OBRA State Championships 20k TT
3^rd Jr. OBRA State Championships Hillclimb TT
4^th Jr. OBRA State Championships Criterium
====================
2006:
====================
MTB: (Beginner class)
1^st Jr. Oakridge FTF Super-D
2^nd Jr. Oakridge Fat Tire Festival
2^nd Jr. Mudslinger
4^th Jr. Cascade Chainbreaker

Miriam Gillow-Wiles (Age 29)
====================
2007:
====================
CX: (Cat. B Women)
3^rd Fox Hollow Gran Prix
3^rd Psycho Cross series
5^th Winter Cross
22^nd CX Crusade, Astoria
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MTB: (Beginner Women)
1^st State Games of Oregon, Mt. Hood
1^st Scotty Graham Memorial, Mt. Hood
1^st Portland Short Track series overall
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ROAD: (Cat. 4 Women)
3^rd OSU Decker Summit Collegiate RR
4^th WWU Collegiate RR
4^th MSU Collegiate Criterium
4^th Salem-Fairview Circuit race
5^th OSU Collegiate Criterium
5^th PIR Circuit race
7^th WWU Collegiate Criterium
8^th MSU Collegiate RR
12^th Mt. Tabor Circuit race
14^th Jack Frost TT
15^th Cherry Pie RR
Finisher Collegiate National Championships (crash/bike damage)
====================
2006:
====================
ROAD: (Cat. 4 Women)
2^nd OBRA State Championships Points, Track
3^rd High Desert Omnium Criterium
3^rd Swan Island Criterium
4^th Alpenrose Series, Track

Justin Thayer (Age 37)
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2007:
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CX: (Masters A)
3rd Overall - Eugene Short CX Series
3rd Fox Hollow Grand Prix
1st Psycho Cross Race #1
2nd Psycho Cross Race #2
1st Overall – Psycho Cross Series
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MTB: (Expert 19-39)
11th State Championships Ashland, OR
9th Falls City Firecracker
9th Oakridge Fat Tire Festival
7th Overall – Oregon XC Classics Series
====================
2006:
====================
CX: (Masters B)
4th Eugene Short CX Series (Single Speed)
3rd Eugene Short CX Series (Single Speed)
2nd Overall – Eugene Short CX Series (Single Speed)
6th Fox Hollow Grand Prix
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MTB: (Sport 19-39)
3rd Pickett’s Charge
1st Outback Challenge
3rd Oakridge Fat Tire Festival
3rd Falls City Firecracker
1st Overall – 2006 Oregon Mountain Bike Series
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Scott Metzler (Age 47)
====================
2007:
====================
CX: (Masters C)
2^nd Fox Hollow Grand Prix #1
7^th Eugene Short CX Series #1
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MTB: (Sport Men 40+)
16^th Cascade Cream Puff 100 Miler
8^th Mudslinger
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ROAD: (Cat 4)
11^th Eugene Time Trial Series #1
8^th Eugene Time Trial Series #2
8^th Eugene Time Trial Series #4
17^th Jack Frost Time Trial
====================
2006:
====================
CX: (Class C)
2^nd Eugene Short Course #1
5^th Eugene Short Course #2
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ROAD: (Masters 40+)
4^th Eugene Time Trial Series #1
4^th Eugene Time Trial Series #3
4^th Eugene Time Trial Series #4
6^th Cherry Pie RR
10^th Banana Belt RR #2

Megan Banks (Age 41)
====================
2007:
====================
ROAD: (Master's women)
1st Coburg 15 mile Time Trial, April 3
1st Coburg 15 mile Time Trial, April 24 (1st overall series)
2nd Eugene Womens Criterium B race
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TRIATHLON: (Master's women)
1st Portland olympic triathon
1st Deschutes Dash olympic triathlon
3rd Get Set Tri olympic triathlon
1st DAC Indoor sprint triathlon
1st Triangle Lake sprint triathlon
====================
2006:
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TRIATHLON: (Master's women)
1st (women overall), Beaver Freezer sprint triathlon
3rd Blue Lake olympic distance triathlon
3rd Pacific Crest 1/2 Ironman
1st Beaver Fever duathlon
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ROAD: (Master's women)
1st OBRA 41k state time trial championship
1st Coburg 15 mile time trial, April 11
1st Coburg 15 mile time trial, April 25
1st Eugene Hill Climb (1st series overall)
1st Coburg Long Days Night 23 mile time trial, July 11
1st Coburg Long Days Night 23 mile time trial, July 25
2nd place OBRA team time trial state championship

Michael Adams (Age 40)
====================
2007:
====================
MTB: (Expert Open)
1st 12 Hours of Willamette Pass
18th Cascade Creampuff 100
11th Horning’s Hustle
12th Fat Tire Festival
13th Test of Endurance 50
13th Pickets Charge
25th Spring Thaw
23rd Bear Springs Trap
24th Mudslinger
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ROAD: (Cat. 5)
61st Kings Valley Road Race
====================
2006:
====================
MTB: (Sport Open)
1st 12 hours of Willamette Pass
2nd Fat Tire Festival
4th Scotty Graham Memorial
5th Return on the Jedi
8th Falls City Firecracker
8th Shiloh Super Sunday
10th Test of Endurance 50
12th Cascade Chainbreaker
13th Race at Reheers
17th Pickets Charge
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ROAD: (Cat. 5)
41st Willamette Valley Classic Stage 1
39th Willamette Valley Classic Stage 2
43rd Willamette Valley Classic Stage 3
41st Willamette Valley Classic GC