Todd Wells

The Dam

The Navajo Dam ride always tires me out. Today was a perfect day for the ride, temperatures in the mid 70s and not too much wind. There is always wind but it wasn't that bad today. Nice tailwindish at the end of the ride. Here are some shots om the day. 

The Colorado/New Mexico border. Purple Haze. There is also a dog in this area that will usually chase me if he has the chance. He must have been inside today. 

 

Then you get to this part. 

Finally, the Dam looks like this. What better spot for redneck water/motor sports then a man made lake in the middle of the desert. I've spent a little time on the reservoir and it is a lot of fun. I've even seen people fishing from the launch area just by casting out and snagging the fish, they don't even bite the bait, just hook em. 


Just below the Dam is some of the best fly fishing in the Southwest. That's what I hear and read anyway, I don't know how to fly fish. 

Here is Power's favorite store in New Mexico. Actually he was afraid to go in a few years ago because I guess he thought he was going to get beat up in his spandex. The people inside are friendly though and it's a novelty for them to see a cyclist in this area. Notice all the oil well trucks parked for lunch. It's a convenient store, liquor store, bar and restaurant all in one. THey have a Monday night football thing Meg and I have to go to sometime too.

 

This is just before you get to the motocross track in Aztec. It's a nice 4 miles of rolling downhill from here. 

Winston is going crazy right now. I just knocked the ball out of his mouth and smashed it into the TV. The screen went blue for a second but it's working again. 

I saw Luke again today for some laser action and more dry needling. I hate the zing those needles give you. They get the muscle to relax but it's pretty intense for a second. 

I just got the new Specialized seat dropper post and can't wait to get it hooked up on the Stumpjumper. Now I won't have to adjust my seat before I do a drop or jumps, just hit the lever and it's good to go. 

I wonder if it's really going to rain tomorrow.....

Cherish the Cabin

Meg and I spent the night in HB's cabin up La Plata Canyon a few nights ago. It's an hour hike in from the dirt road that goes up Kenebec Pass. With all the bears up there and hunting season going on we were worried about Winston getting eaten or shot so we decided to put some color on him, Meg too. 

He wasn't too happy about his Pepe Le Win getup but it worked out and he didn't get shot. HB had told us the cabin was Pimp but we didn't know what to expect, it was awesome. First class all the way. We had brought sleeping bags and a bunch of cooking stuff but the stove cranked so well that I didn't even zip up my bag all night. I almost locked us out when we went out to pee in the middle of the night but that was the only near hiccup. 

The views up there were amazing and the day was cloudless and 70 degrees, well maybe not up at 9,000 feet but it was pretty warm. We hiked a little past the cabin and caught this view. 

 Not bad. We slept in the next day but it was still cold when we got up since the sun doesn't come over the ridge till about 9am. We had some gluten free scones Willow made for us and set out back down the mountain to the car. Meg was trying to climb the tree when we got back to the car. 

I have been training a bunch these past few weeks. I'm hoping to log in close to 30 hours this week. Today I even did a local cross race at the Sports Club. It was the Dave Timmon's Classic and this is the 2nd time I have raced it. The course is more of a mountain bike setup than CX but it was good to get some practice in on the new TriCross at race pace on a very technical circuit. It was another 75 degree day here in D-town. 

I just got a package from Jason at Crankbrothers and now my CX rigs are totally dialed in. He even sent Meg a sweet hat she spotted at Cross Vegas. 

Got this beauty on the Bondad loop the other day. Ignacio's version of Vegas. That sign even has those super bright lights that pop in middle of the day. 

Gilby, Barthel and I played golf down at Pinon the other day. The course was in awesome shape and it was super hot out. Here's Barthel taking a stroll. 

They just got new electric carts down there and they haul. I've never driven such a fast golf cart, they're rad. You know you're lame when you're excited about a golf cart. 

So I have 3 big days of left of riding. I'm hoping to bust out a Navajo Damn loop tomorrow, we'll see. The weather is suppose to take a turn for the worse on Tuesday so tomorrow's the day. 

Congrats to FLC for winning another collegiate title. Rotem won the XC by 8 minutes, that's a beat down. 

The Dart is doing some race in Spain in two weeks against Andy Schleck up some mountain. Hopefully for him it's on the MTB. 

I wonder if Winston is having fun with Sammy right now.....

Roosting

I can't believe how busy I am these days. You would think that with out any races to pack for, travel to and from and prepare for I'd have plenty of time on my hands but that's not the case. I woke up somewhat early this morning and got out in the Gulch just before 10am. The trails were pretty loamy but were still a little slow from the rain. From there I had to race over to Luke's for some dry needling and laser treatment on my knee. I was TTing down 160 on my MTB and I just barely made it. 

The dry needling works well but gives me the biggest "zing" when my muscle grabs the needle and relaxes. Not my favorite treatment. The laser doesn't feel like anything though and I think it is really working. I have to wear goofy glasses though to block what ever ray it emits. 

Got home, Winston and I loaded up the CRF, stopped by RGPs for some Southwest fuel and headed out to HB's house to roost. We almost made it there before we got stuck in the middle of a sheep drive. 

It's nice to live someplace where this stuff is common place. Could you imagine being 1 mile from LAX and seeing something like this? Durango rocks. 

We had a killer session at the ranch, Winston didn't go on any loops but hung out with Rooster and Baxter all day. I don't think he stopped playing the entire time we were there. 1 can of Coke, 1 Snapple and 1 Sobe Power later I was buzzing on the way home. I managed to make it to the gym after dinner which i was pretty proud of since it' hard to get motivated to leave the house once it gets dark and I settle in. 

I just found out Meg and I are getting some sweet new Specialized Globe cruiser bikes. They have 8 speeds and I'm hoping I get the one with the belt drive. Right now we have one speed cruisers that we can barely pedal up the hill in front of our house. You can check them out at this link: http://www.globebikes.com/us/en/globe/GlobeBike.jsp?pid=10LIVE3 I'll get some pictures up when we get them. They have 700C wheels and should cut our ride time down to town to under 8 minutes. 

I need to get ready for bed, big day at Pinon Hills golf course tomorrow. 

I wonder how Noah's wedding is coming along....

Monday Night Football

Here is my first picture from my new camera. Meg took it while I was cutting down the final limb on this damn tree. I can't wait to get it out of my backyard. Notice that sweet ladder I bought a few months ago. It's nice and light since it's aluminum but it sure is flimsy. 

I did my first ride in the passes since the spring today. It wasn't too cold but I did bring quite a few clothes with me. I was pretty cooked at the end and it's always a block headwind the whole way back in the valley. Today was no exception. It wasn't my fastest time but it was pretty good. They're putting in some new bridge over in Silverton. 

Silverton is the picturesque mountain town. Old victorian mining town architecture, only Main St. is paved and it's surrounded on four sides by mountains. When it dumps big there in the winter you're not getting out of town for days. Pretty cool. 

After the ride I met up with Luke for some dry needling and laser work on my knee. I have been having some problems with it all year since screwing it up lifting weights this spring. I think the laser if working wonders. 

So I finally cleaned up my bike that I rode for over an hour on the rim and the thing seems totally straight. They sure do make equipment good nowadays. 

Meg and I ate at Jean Pierre last night. It was good, we had some good steaks. Then I came home and ate a Reese peanut butter crunch bar. Those things rock. 

I talked to the Dart yesterday and he said the Roc is awesome. They have been hanging out on the beach everyday and living it up. I hope I get to go next year, I love beach races. 

I wonder if I'll play Pinon or Cortez tomorrow.....

Rough Ride

Jeez I got beat up on my ride yesterday. Did the Hermosa Creek loop and about 20 minutes after I got to the good single track I flatted. No problem except for the 29er tire fits tight to the rim with a 26 tube and I pinched it putting it on. An hour and a half later Meg picked me up at the south trailhead. I've never ridden a flat that far before and it rattles the crap out of you. At least I got to get a piece of pizza at Momma's Boy in Hermosa afterward. 

Here is a picture from HWY 574 on the Aztec loop. Not sure if you can make out the sign, U-betcha. 

I've been logging in some  miles lately and feeling like I'm getting physically fit too. I can now do all of the following with out getting sore, or too sore: ride the bike, run, lift weights, play 18 holes walking and dirt bike. This is pretty good since when I try to do any of the above other then riding during the season I am sore for at least a week. 

Rude, Gilby, Barthel and I played out at Dalton the other day. It was touch and go weather for most of the day but cleared up at the end. We even had this rainbow at one point. 

I have also been playing up at Hilcrest a bit but they are so unfriendly up there. I have never been to a golf course that was less friendly then there. I don't know what the deal is but I guess it's been like that forever there. 

Finally got my new camera back from Las Vegas. I had left it someplace and they just sent it back to me. I don't think it works as well as my old one but it's water and dust proof so maybe it will last more then one year. 

The whole team wrapped up the season in the south of France at Roc d'Azur this weekend. I wish I could have been there but that's a lot more travel after coming back here for Vegas. It looks and sounds like it is awesome there, maybe next year. 

I wonder what the Darts' doing right now......

Healthy

Meg's feeling much better today. It didn't start off good though since she decided not to sleep last night for some reason. 

Man the Conan O'brien show has been good. He has this banter going with the mayor of Newark, N.J.. He has been ripping on Newark everyday and it's hilarious. 

The garage sale was a success today. I made some room in the garage. I am still trying to get rid of this bike:

a GTXC XL frame and some GT skinsuits. 

I banged out a few hours on the MTB and then Winston and I did some running in slime gulch. It was a nice warm day with plenty of sunshine. The past few days have been wet, windy and overcast so it was a nice change. 

Meg and I hiking Perin's Peak the other day. The colors were going off. 

Winston got to play with Gus, Buddy, Fee, Ed, Bella and Pokey. It was a big day for the little guy. 

I wonder how the truck's first oil change is going to go tomorrow.....

Pro's Garage Sale

It's that time of year again. We're having our 4th or 5th annual Pro's Garage sale this Tuesday at my house between 3pm and 6pm. Come check out the schwag from all the local pros. 

I'm back in training mode, did a good Bayfield/Ignacio loop today. Avoided the rain for the most part but did have to throw the jacket on twice and got some wet feet too. The new cross bikes are awesome. I have to say one of the coolest things on the bike are the TRP brakes. They are so easy to set and adjust, way better then the Empella frog legs. Especially since the new Zipp rims are much wider then traditional rims so the brakes require adjustment when swapping from race to training wheels. 

Today I glued up some new Specialized prototype tubular cross tires. I will probably be racing them at some events so keep your eyes open for a new tread pattern out there. They are on a FMB casing which I like better then the Dugast. It comes pre sealed and the base tape seems to be stuck on better. 

Meg and I had our 6th anniversary today. We were planning a hiking trip up to HB's cabin in La Plata canyon but Meg has been feeling under the weather the last few days. She spent the day in bed and I spent the day on the bike, at the dog park with Winston and cleaning up the garage. It still needs a lot of work. 

I'm switching up my cross schedule a little bit this year and will be racing the Ice Man MTB race in Michigan the first week of November. I'm looking forward to doing another MTB race after having some bad luck at World Cup finals. The race is suppose to be really fast and fun. This year I think there are 4,500 people doing it. It's no S.A. Cape Argus which has 30,000 people that compete but it's the biggest race I will have ever lined up in. 

I saw Tad and Rude tonight, they had just finished up some golf at the Crest. Tad has been getting ready for the nordic season by roller skiing/skating. He roller skates for 3 hours a day, that is brutal. I'm glad I don't do that sport. Maybe he should head over to Silverton because I heard they got 7 inches of snow today. I guess I won't be doing the Molas/Cascade ride this week. 

Sundays are the best day to train on the road. There are hardly any cars and no one seems to be in a hurry. I bet that is the day with the least traffic accidents. I know it's the day I get honked at the least.

One more Cross Vegas photo. Black and white, so classic. 

 

I wonder if it's going to rain again tomorrow.....

Durango

It's been so long since I've updated this blog that the posting template has changed. I don't remember what I talked about last but I'll go with Cross Vegas. Cross Vegas was hard, as always. There's a lot of drafting but that thick grass just takes it out of me. There are minimal corners for recovery so it's a lot like racing a crit but with just a few guys. Here's a shot of the new ride. 

Usually I bunny hop these barriers but this year I didn't have a chance to practice before the race and didn't want to look like a dork and crash. 

I had good form but that didn't translate into a good result, one of these years I'm going to have a good Vegas. The party after the race was good though. I even managed to loose my new camera I bought 2 days before. 

I spent some serious time in Sin City because, Meg, Willow, Heather and I went stuck around for the Britney Spears concert on Sunday night. I also got to see my old friend that I went to the UofA with, Dave. 

Britney concert was cool, only my 2nd concert ever. There was some guy dressed up like that flight attendant in her "Toxic" video and he was just a fan. Best costume of the night though. Porter from Specialized set us up with Britney's bodyguard and he got us right next to the stage. Pretty cool. 

It was really nice to get back to Durango after being gone for a month and flying around the world. Winston remembered me which is what I was most worried about since I hadn't seen him in so long. We've been hiking and running. He's faster when it's cool out since he doesn't over heat so fast. I started riding again and have been hitting the gym too. I'm so sore from all my new activities that I have to lower myself down into the chair with my hands. 

The golf game has been coming around too, I've been playing with Rude, Barthel and Tad. I even have some idea where the ball is going to go when I hit it. Most of the time. 

I wonder when my hamstrings are going to stretch again.....

Vegas

I watched "The Hangover" three times on the flight from Europe to the U.S., well parts of it at least. That movie has to be one of my new favorites. I've seen it a few times already but when you're heading to Vegas, it's like watching the Tour before you go on a ride. 

The World Cup finals party was awesome. Susi, the Dart and I wore our sweet bathrobes from the hotel out to the party. It was at a disco right next to the course and it was packed! There had to be thousands of people in there and it was about 100 degrees. We hit the dance floor hard and I think I lost about ten lbs in water weight. Best WC party I've ever been to. I was so sore the next day from dancing(if u can call it that), best core work out of season. 

Now I'm in Vegas trying to get on U.S. time. It's always hard the first few days back but with the dull light in the casinos, no open windows and the perfumed/smoke filled air pumped in the buildings it's extra hard. I did make it out for an urban ride, checked out the CX course venue and did some laundry about a K off the strip. That was interesting. The best thing I heard in the hour I was sitting in the laundromat was "Woman, I work hard for my money and you spending it all on laundry". Way more entertaining then washing it in the tub in my room. Speaking of bathrooms, it's so nice to have a shower that doesn't require flooding the room every time I use it. 

I also hit the pool here at the Palazzo for a little while today. It is about 100 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Great weather for sitting at the pool but a little hot for racing. Gotta get use to the dry air too. Not much moisture here in the desert. 

I will say the one good thing about jet lag going from East to West is not being hungry during the day since my body thinks it's night time. Maybe I can loose some weight. 

I wonder if Winston is getting sad since Meg started packing....

Season Over

The season is officially kicked. Didn't end it on a high note the way I hoped but that's the way it goes, I guess. Bad luck today ended my hopes of a good finish. Had to pull the plug on the 2nd lap. Odds are if I'm feeling good something will go wrong. 

Tomorrow I'm off to Vegas for the bike show. Hoping I don't have jet lag for too long next week. Tonight is the big end of the season party and everyone is amped for it. I have a feeling I'm going to be suffering tomorrow.

I wonder what Winstons' doing today......