12 Hours of Weaverville MTB Race

May 24, 2008 - Weaverville, CA.

Three members of the Collins team headed down to Northern California for what has been touted as one of the most "fun" endurance MTB events in the region. For this event, racers are tested on an approximately 12 mile loop doing multiple laps for 12 hours, each lap climbing 3 miles and 2,200'. Racers have the option to pair up in groups, spreading the load, or race solo. We all chose SOLO. Sound like fun?

The course: Map

Chris Brandt, Mike Adams, and Mike Ripley were looking forward to some warm weather for once and a nice opportunity to try their hand at some longer distance bike racing. Historically, the weather has been pretty hot this time of year. As luck may have it (Ripley curse?), the weather took a turn for the worse three days before race day. Guess what??? RAIN (and MUD) again! The question became not necessarily "how long will the body hold up", but how long will the "BIKE" hold up?

We all like to tell our long winded "battle stories", and not everyone wants to (or has the time to?) read them. But the short story is, it WAS indeed a lot of FUN and Collins was represented well, getting some podium time and some great sponsor exposure at our team tent.

Final results:
Chris Brandt - 4th place Pro (6 laps in 7:58:33)
Mike Adams - 2nd place Expert 40+ (6 laps in 9:31:51)
Mike Ripley - 7th place Expert 40+ (5 laps in 7:45:21)

Official results here.

Mike Adams full report here.
Chris Brandt full report here.

Elevation profile (click it):

Bear Springs Trap MTB Race - Maupin, OR

Amazing course, and amazing weather. Great day for mountain bike racing!

This year, the race was postponed one month due to excessive snowpack from our productive winter. Two weeks prior to the race, the promotors had to use a snow mobile to get around the course. Fortunately, due to warmer weather and much hand labor, the snow melted from the course just in time, and those areas that it hadn't quite disappeared were shallow enough to navigate. With that snow melt came an accompanying new race challenge... high water! Portions of the course that were formerly rideable were submerged and required some soggy foot hike-a-bike. The promotors had placed some "stepping stone" wood rounds for people to walk on, but they floated away. (Walking on them was like stepping on a turtle's back.) A great way to cool off the feet on this hot race day!

Chris Brandt was looking forward to having a good race for once and was called up to the front row at the start. This enabled him to get a great start position heading into the first narrow off-road section and help with staying ahead when the pack got strung out. Things were looking good after the first half hour until he broke a pedal on a big rock and was forced to (yet again) drop out. This course is way too rough to survive 2 more hours pedalling with one foot clipped in, not to mention the risk of damaging a knee. So, instead, he went back to the car, grabbed the camera, and worked his way backwards on the course to take pictures.

Bear Springs is notorious for poor course markings. Though things were improved this year, Miriam managed to take a wrong turn and wandered around about 15 minutes before finding the course again. Rather than dropping out, she made the best of it and got a good training ride in, completing the race in 8th place. Balancing a full course load at the University of Oregon, as well as working 25-30 hours a week leaves little time to ride her bike during the week. Finishing an epic mountain bike race in 2:45 is quite an accomplishment, considering that she is rarely able to get 2-3 hours of training time in during the week, if that. Seeing as she graduates after this term, look out for her. She's really gonna be FAST once she actually has time to ride!

Carl Gurney showed us once again how tough of a man he is, riding his rigid forked singlespeed bike through the rough bumps to finish highest within the team and 6th on the day. What is his secret? The beard?

Mike Adams and Mike Ripley battled it out on their Specialized Epics in the Expert category. Mike A. seemed to be having the upper hand until he burped the air out of his tire and was forced to make a repair. Ripley didn't let a few weeks off the bike keep him from putting the hammer down and used his long legs to advantage during the high water hike-a-bike sections. Unfortunately that loss of fitness crept up on him and Adams got the upper hand in the end.

Justin Heide broke his racing legs in for the season and managed to break a smile late in the suffering. Must not have been too bad!

Results:

Carl Gurney: 6th - Singlespeed
Miriam Gillow-Wiles: 8th - Sport Women

Mike Adams: 8th - Expert Men 40+

Mike Ripley: 10th - Expert Men 40+

Justin Heide: 25th - Sport Men

Chris Brandt: dnf - Pro

Coming up next... 12 hours of Weaverville. Chris, Mike, and Mike are each racing solo... for 12 hours!?! Should be fun! Who will have the wildest story??? The most cramps??? Flat tires??? Stay tuned...

Cascade Chainbreaker MTB Race - Bend, OR

Andrew Bennett on the top step of the podium again!

Several members of the Collins team headed over to Bend for the classic Chainbreaker mountain bike race on Mother's Day. Some mothers were there as well, to help out, watch, and spend some fun family time after the event. The Chainbreaker is one of the best run events in the Oregon series and spectators were treated to views of the racers at least 5-6 times per lap.

Each year, the course changes a bit and new obstacles get introduced. This year had a few extra rocks to dodge, as well as some looser corners to navigate. Aside from a couple mechanical setbacks and a small handful of crashes, it was a success for the team.

Even though the past winter produced record snowpack levels, it didn't seem to make it any less dustier, and most finishers could be found hacking and coughing. This common reward for Bend racers is often referred to as the "black lung". With sunny skies and the temperatures on the rise, it was a good race to utilize one of our team sponsor's products, Elete, which can really help prevent cramping. If you haven't tried it yet, we highly recommend it!

Team results:
Andrew Bennett: 1st - Junior Men
Miriam Gillow-Wiles: 7th - Sport Women
Justin Thayer: 11th - Singlespeed
Carl Gurney: 12th - Expert Men (on a singlespeed)
Jeff Bennett: 12th - Beginner Men 40+
Mike Adams: 15th - Expert Men 40+
Chris Brandt: dnf - Pro Men (brake mechanical)

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:
---------------------

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