Training Log Archive: Browner

DAY 3 - UTAH MOUNTAIN BIKING TRIP

Wasatch Crest Trail. We saved the best trail for last, this one starting up at around 9500 ft at the saddle of Guardsman Pass. We took another shuttle to the start and took off on some flowy singletrack for about 15 minutes and then we hit Puke Hill - 1000ft climb on loose rock double track, switching direction twice with the steepest part at the top. I did not make it without having to stop to catch my breath but in the luxury of this not being a race I eventually rode all the way to the top. After that gaser we rode along the crest to see down both sides of the mountain, into Park City on one side, and into Cottonwood Canyon on the other. The sky was crisp blue, the trees were gold and green and there was a warm breeze all morning. Days like this don't come along that often, and we had a blast riding every second back to the hotel.

At one point there is a feature called the SPINE that is terrifying to ride for obvious reasons on account of the consequences of falling. It was very cool but I didn't ride very much of it, but next time for sure I will.

If anyone has been to Moab, I would say that this trail out ranks Porcupine Rim for me, it was that fantastic.

See Storm's log and my Facebook for photos.

C • Sounds amazing! 1

DAY 2 UTAH MOUNTAIN BIKE TRIP

Today we took a shuttle with creepy Bob to another resort to tackle the 25 mile mid-mountain trail. This is one absolutely phenomenal trail, as it contours the Wasatch mountain range around Park City at 8000ft on pure singletrack the whole way. The whole way!

With a brand new ladies saddle a little less cash in my pocket, this made a world of difference in terms of riding comfort and general bitching. I posted some pics on Facebook but they don't do the trail justice since it is constantly changing terrain and the views just can't be captured on an iPhone very well. We saw another moose on the trail, chillin out enjoying the views.

The time elapsed is 4hrs plus because we stopped a gazillion times to take photos, and for Storm to play with his GoPro, and my favourite thing to do on vacation - Alpine Picnic.

There was still lots of climbing to do, but maybe only around 1000 or 2000ft spread out. On the way back, it turned out that we could short cut out a chunk of trail and get to the beer faster if we descended an expert trail that went down right to our building. It was marked with all sorts of discouraging warnings that I reviewed very carefully before agreeing: rocks (okay), logs (no problem), berms (woohoo), hikers (as though they were inanimate objects), and steep descents (whimper - that is awfully subjective in mountain country). We did it anyway, and it was just fine, lots of fun and we ended at the base of the lodge to hurl ourselves onto pastel colored molded plastic patio chairs for a nap in the sun.

All in, if anyone comes here, do this trail first on day 1 as it is a much better warm up. Tomorrow.....puke hill and Wasatch crest.

UTAH MOUNTAIN BIKING TRIP - DAY 1

This is a very cool place, Park City Utah, despite the fact it is not nearly as charming and genuine as Moab. It is slightly ruined by an outlet mall and tons of commercial ski operations. Nevertheless, we took advantage of off season rates and found a quiet resort suite with a fire place, balcony and hot tub for $103 CDN per night. Mountain biking here has been rated gold by the IMBA, but it seems to have a low profile around town.

I may have been blinded by the cute trail name in picking our first ride - Flying Dog Trail. This route involved a 6km ride out of town to the trail head and then, well up, oh so gradually and forever up single track switchbacks with loose rocks. On this forever ride up, I learned a painful lesson about the need to pack one own's saddle when renting a bike, as well as the need to test the bike before riding up 2000ft. However, on the way up we saw a wild horse, no it's a cow, no it's a moose with white legs! Who knew there were moose in Utah?

Once we reached the peak, things turned up, as we started down. The ride down the other side was absolutely ideal, fast flowy singletrack through aspen forests and meadows. So much fun, just like the utube videos!

Maybe today was a bit much climbing for day 1 on a poorly fitted bike, and so we will weeney out and take a shuttle tomorrow to avoid a huge climb off the bat. Plus, we wouldn't want to tire out Storm's legs before the ultra this weekend.

C • Keep sharing your great stories! 8

Event: Logs Rocks and Steel
 

Logs Rocks and Steel - Wolf Course

I have been dying to do this race for ever and decided the short course solo was the one for me this year. I have been training at slow speeds all year and figured a short and fast race would give me a kick in the butt to pick it up a bit and practise fast transitions. Plus, STORM and I are off to Utah for a week of adventure. Despite all these excuses, Amber still labelled me a lazy ass, but she's one too since she entered the wolf course too.

The race was lots of fun, and all the solo ladies were really strong. I used Storm's sleek and speedy kayak and destroyed my shoulders to come in first solo lady off the paddle, but then got passed by 2 competitors on the measly 1.4k run back to the bike TA. I thought I would be able to catch up on the bike but alas lost another place out of the TA, but at least held my spot through the rest of the bike and run for 4th - i think.

Great race all in, I only wish there were more local sprints like this through the summer that i don't have to volunteer at.

C • Great Stuff! 5

Trail run around High Park

Trail run around High Park, no watch.

Lots of laps helping out with Storm the Kelso.

C • Lots of Laps 3

Quick lunch time run.

Trail run in High Park.

First time practising in a kayak in preparation for my first solo attempt at Logs Rocks and Steel in 2 weeks. Time and distance are guesses...nice to not pay attention to the details sometimes.

C • LRS eh? 1

Short trail run at Kelso.

Sausage Suit 15k Race - substance projects

I am really liking the short races that start at 1:30 in the afternoon. This one was extra fun due to the 30s lag between riders meaning less bunching and the man in the gorilla suit at the 14k hill. I was disappointed there were no sausages at the finish though. It was great to push myself to go faster than I am otherwise comfortable going. With no excuse of I "have to save my legs for later", I did indeed try my best and came in second place for ladies open. Storm also got second. The course marking is phenomenal as always.

There are awesome podium photos of us and the German Shepard puppy who filled in on the blocks for riders who went home early. I'll get Storm to post them on his AP.

C • Congrats again 7

Storm tried to kill me last night by taking me for an evening ride to the Don Valley trails with no rain gear and no lights. I fell for the idea because he promised me ice cream. The thunder and lightning was magnificent though.

I am so bored with my old training routine i am going to do some speed work this fall.

Over a 5k course:
4 x 2 min fast
1 min slow
Then
4 x 1 min fast
30 s slow

Cycle to and from work

Quick lunchtime run around UofT. Those frosh games are absolutely silly!

Albion singletrack. No clue on time.