RonKo

up

2011-10-10T20:21:00.003-05:00

Nothing like a good PBR and $1 handup!

I think it helped propel me to the win in the 35+ race at Cam-Roc! Thanks super fans, including D-Pow!

3.9

2011-07-26T22:16:00.005-05:00

This little 3.9 year old rips on the 2-wheeler! No helmet, no shoes, he knows what he is doing!

Fun race weekend

2011-06-27T20:25:00.004-05:00

Horrible race at the Subaru Cup due to landing on my back twice in the first lap. But it was still a super rad time chilling with friends and cheering on the Pros.

First s-track

2011-04-12T21:35:00.003-05:00

Good little ride out to the Farm tonight. A lot of little sticks but other than that it was beautiful!

Wanted: Tough guys

2011-04-04T16:58:00.003-05:00

Wondering if this guy will be at the Cheese Ride? Not sure he or his brother can ride that far.

Consistency

2011-03-12T12:35:00.002-06:00

Need some consistency for this ride.

Help the Cause

2010-12-21T12:34:00.003-06:00

Tell the county you would like to see more trails for mountain biking at Dane county parks. They will not allow new trails unless they see a need. A few comments in the link provided would be great. Tell them Indian Lake would be a great park for mountain biking.

http://countyofdane.com/lwrd/parks/feedback.aspx

Thanks.

PM

2010-12-19T15:00:00.004-06:00

Taught the Polish Mafia how to go downhill. Great ski at Blue Mounds.

Mo Money

2010-11-12T18:50:00.004-06:00

Mo Carbon

Mo Stache

Cam- Roc

2010-10-24T22:21:00.005-05:00

Pulled into #2 and immediately saw a parking area I might not get out of with the swagger wagon, due to tons of mud. Ended up right up close next to the course. The bike was ready with the new wheels that are glued onto the rim. Tubular I think? Andy and I got to the start and we got a crappy location. When the ref said go we hardly heard him and I guess we were off. Then shortly after, I'm off the frickin bike due to a stick in the wheel. Chase like heck but I didn't really know where I was. Made some passes by taking better lines and ended up 4th. My best cross finish to date. Looking for more!

Domes

2010-10-05T12:25:00.002-05:00

Good start and led for a short time. Got shelled in the sand pit and big climb. Recovered for the last two laps and made some passes. Finished 12th. Need to avoid a 5 minute let down during the race. Thoughts on how to accomplish that?

Muir 6

2010-06-21T13:25:00.004-05:00

The start went well and after 1 11 mile lap I was in good position. Then half way through the 2nd lap I couldnt make it up the hills without a lot of leg pain. I thought I would pass out after climbing every hill, even though I wasnt breathing hard. Limped in and did one more lap and called it a day. I hope to fight another day but after Saturday the confidence is low. Congrats to Maciej for a super fast ride.

Stumpfarm 50

2010-06-08T18:57:00.003-05:00

Left the house at 6am for the 50 miler at Stumpfarm. That's to early for this cat but I knew it would be a fun day so I headed up for the makeup race after the first one was "rained" out. With lots of sand and not many rocks it was the perfect race to run the rigid Superfly. Plus, I knew that the 50 miles would only take about 3 hours.

Pre-race meeting at 9:30 with race at 10am. Had to run through a brand new trail with a couple of mud bogs and numerous roots and stumps, of course, this is the Stumpfarm. Settled in 3rd position for the first few miles. The pace was not super fast but the stumps in the single track can catch you and put you to the ground in no time. This happened right in front of me, luckily he was "ok". I lead a lot of the race and it didn't seem like anyone wanted to pace line. I tried a few hard digs but it wasn't successful with 2-3 riding my wheel. Kept the pace high the last half mile before the finish and pounded the pedals when I saw a wheel coming up along side of me. Held 2 riders off for the win. It was a great day to ride with friends on a super fun course. Next up, 6 hours of John Muir.

Singletrack

2010-05-17T18:05:00.003-05:00

She rocked the trail with a little help. She said it was awesome. And I had to agree! Super stoked for more days like this.

secret trail

2010-04-14T22:07:00.008-05:00

Rode 3 laps of the south loop and the connector.

Then finished up the north loop and saw this poor coyote.

He must of got stuck in the crotch of the tree. Not me, I made it home.
The epic rips, roll everything and conquer.

h8tr 100

2010-04-13T21:21:00.004-05:00

Not much for expectations for the h8tr but I got the bike ready and headed to the race. Talked with the boys, drank some joe and suited up. Got a nice warm-up on the leadout and didnt plan to go to the front due to lack of training this spring.

Let the big dogs go and settled into a comfortable pace. Caught a few here and there and picked up a few crash victims. Pulled a lot for our main group of 4-6 and felt good. I wanted a workout so I didnt care about doing a lot of work. Caught a few on the way back to town that were dropped from the main group. Sprinted in did the miny cross course through the sand and super soggy ground. Ended up 10th. Way better than expected. Next up is balls. Should be a good workout for this.

Pulling

2010-03-26T21:38:00.000-05:00

Syd and I did a little ride. You havent "pulled" until you have pulled a big kid on a trail-a-bike for an hour.

She wanted to ride more and never complained. I was really proud of her and cannot wait to do more rides like this. Awesome!

New bike...

2010-02-20T21:19:00.006-06:00

New bike for endurance events. Thanks Vince!

Some upgrades include XO shifters, noir crank, hope seat clamp, ti candy spindles, and ti rotor bolts. Super stoked!

It will be awesome for this event.

New Bike.. Thanks JoJo

2010-01-24T16:06:00.003-06:00

Press on

2010-01-16T21:03:00.004-06:00

Got out riding between the rr tracks on a 6 inch section of hard smooth snow last night. Made it to Mazo in about an hour and then road the road back for 1:40. A great time to think with moderate temps. Went skiing with Syd today for 2:30 and came home and chilled with the kids. Decided to hit the bike again since it was supposed to be in the mid 30's. Rode for 1:30 and when I came home temp said 25°. Not terrible but not great.

And in the words of the great Robert Randolph "You would not be smiling today if you did not press on". No matter what you deal with in life the little things like riding a two wheeler make all the other things seem trivial. Smiling is all it takes. Whatever does it for you. Get your smile on! A little RR for your listening enjoyment.

2010

2010-01-14T08:51:00.003-06:00

Started the process of acquiring some parts for a new race bike (need to pull the trigger). I also posted a tentative schedule of events that I would like to do. Some of the events that are further from home I would like to team up with some friends to travel with. I have really wanted to do the Mohican 100 for a few years and I'm hoping this is the year. So if you are interested let me know. The other big event for me might be a solo 12 hour at 24/9. It should be another fun filled year with friends and hopefully my family will be able to make it to a few more events.

The winter bike is ready and a few rides will start this week. Nothing major just some time to start spinning the legs. Cant wait for spring.

BM, check it out!

2010-01-07T22:02:00.000-06:00

Hey JB

2010-01-07T17:58:00.000-06:00

To Friends..

2009-12-25T13:52:00.000-06:00

Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year!

Epic..

2009-12-24T11:01:00.001-06:00

day at the basin. For Wisconsin anyways.

Awesome snow last night, now rain. :(

Dude is ready!!

2009-12-01T22:36:00.000-06:00

My two year old thinks he will be skiing this winter. At Tyrol tonight he says "I ski daddy". Maybe he will. He is super motivated and he hasnt even seen Syd ski. Super stoked.

Looking at Blue Mounds..

2009-11-12T16:04:00.000-06:00

from the wrong point of view.

Limped home with a gash in the sidewall on the Racing Ralph via Military Ridge. It was still better than working.

Great sound

2009-10-16T22:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Blaster and CX Weekend

2009-10-16T13:13:00.001-05:00

Ready for The Blaster and Cam-Rock. It should be a "Blast"!

Grafton Cx

2009-10-12T21:30:00.000-05:00

USGP Ok

2009-09-29T21:22:00.001-05:00

Need to get faster on the straights. I will be racing Masters for WCA events and I know it will be tough but I cant get much slower than this past weekend. 28th out of 80 in the 2/3 race. Not great but it leaves room for improvement.

Good times after the race with a few beers with great friends made it a super rad day!

Wishing

2009-09-16T08:23:00.001-05:00

Now is the time of year I wished I would have signed up for the Fat 40. All of my buddies heading up for fun in the Northwoods without me makes me a little sad. Maybe next year.

Cross practice tonight at Garner. Be there!

Garner Cross

2009-09-03T09:17:00.000-05:00

Started the cross season last night. I volunteered to be course designer for the Wednesday practices at Garner on the West side of Madison and we had a good showing of about 20 people. Rode hard and had a little issue with my asthma but I think it was due to not warming up properly and trying to stay with James and Lyle. Those guys are fast and they smoke me on remounting the bike. My speed is good but I need to work on remounts. Hope to see more people there on 9/9/2009.

Next up is the 6 hours of Pitch Black Single Track Friday night at Cam-Rock. Borrowed a couple of lights from Andy and Sam so I should be good to go.

Model the Fly

2009-08-18T23:07:00.000-05:00

New frame = Fly

This is the pic you asked for JC.

Staying FLY!

2009-08-04T21:59:00.000-05:00

Got a sweet hook up from a fisher bro. I know I'm stoked and it looks like the kids are as well. Just waiting for a few parts to build it up and it should be ready for the 6 hour in LaCrosse.

Levis 50

2009-07-12T21:12:00.000-05:00

Rocked up to Levis-Trow Saturday morning with my super fan folks and got ready for 50 miles of fun and pain. Some thought it would not be a long race since it was "only" 50 miles but the 50 miles at Levis seemed just as long as any other 6 hour event. The race had some of everything with flats, twisty s-track, techy downhills and some climbs. I started in about 4th position and felt ok. My legs seemed tired and I couldn't push real hard. I ended up in 3rd after 2 laps and kept riding. It seemed like I could pretty much coast in but the 4th lap was slow and I really couldn't ride real fast. On the last technical climb and descent I got caught by fourth place. I tried to up the pace but he stayed with me. I knew we had one open section before the last single track and then the finish so I sprinted the open section and recovered in the s-track and then sprinted to the finish.. Here it is.

It was a great day of riding with some awesome peeps.

Typical

2009-07-04T15:24:00.000-05:00

Rocks at BM. Full loop including overload with out and back on MR from Mt Horeb.

Feel the Fuel

2009-06-30T21:39:00.000-05:00

Started the day off right on Saturday with a cup of the Fuel. I had most of my gear packed so I had a nice morning with a drive down to brew town for the Metro 6 hour after breakfast. I got a nice pit and put up the easy up for anyone who wanted to support me for the race. The race started with a up hill ride around Russell. I was third wheel behind a Expo guy and Carlos leading down the switchbacks. Both were duo teams so I didn't care to much. The younger kid couldn't keep up with Carlos and he got all squirlly and went down in front of me. I tried to go around him in the tall grass but he feel down hill and my knee smacked him in the helmet. He said he was fine but 3 solo riders got around me so I settled in. The first solo guy past me took off and I couldn't get around the other two. When I did get around the other 2 riders I was really pressing to make up ground and I rode off trail and hit a tree. I finally settled down and started making up ground but then the rider in the lead took off again. I rode the whole race thinking I was in second but half way through the first place rider quit. Two wins in a row! I had some great support at the race from my Mom and Syd who both cheered and filled bottles. Thanks! I also wanted to give a shout out to Fuel Cafe for the great support. Look what they sent me to keep me fueled and looking good at the races.

Out of the Hills

2009-06-24T21:53:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to keep riding in the heat and its going ok. I can deal with about 85° but after that it gets hard to keep the pace up for 2-3 hours. Got out tonight for 2 hours and a little over 2 last night with Andy. It seems like the animals are really coming out of the hills with this heat as I saw 2-3 dead birds, a rabbit, a snake, opossum, and 2 raccoons. Watch out when your on the road so you don't hit anything big.

First 1st

2009-06-15T21:27:00.000-05:00

What can I say but the race at John Muir went great. Sam and I left Cross Plains Saturday with the fog and rain clearing at about 9:30am. We got to the trails a little after 11 and it just stopped raining there, it rained most of the morning and the 12 hour guys were coated with thick greasy mud. I was not happy since all of the races I have done this year were wet or muddy.

Suited up and we were told to seed ourselves so I lined up in the front row with the super cool Seagal guys. I got to the front and just rode a steady pace letting the breathing fall into place. First part of the trail was fairly dry but a few minutes later it got greasy. I went down and Marc and James went pass and then James went down. So Marc and I rode away. It took me a few minutes to compose myself after the crash and Marc was kind of gapping me. I got it together and reeled him in about half way through the first lap. He asked if I wanted to lead so I went to the front and just slowly started pulling away. After that it was just ride hard and keep it upright. I ended up with 6 laps in 5:37 for my first mtb win. I didn't feel reel good after the race due to not being able to eat very much during the race, I got most of my calories from liquids. Had a few beers to celebrate and ended the night with Mexican in Whitewater with my folks and Sam. Super stoked about the day.

Over it?

2009-06-10T21:36:00.001-05:00

Not sure what happened at Wausau but I wasn't happy about my race. Had a great time camping in the rain with the usual suspects.

Maybe I can have a good race at John Muir or I might be over racing. I need a confidence boost for sure.

Tail of 2 Parks

2009-05-31T22:00:00.000-05:00

Got in some good miles over the weekend with a trip to Blue Mounds via the Military Ridge trail.

The singletrack was closed so I headed west to Govenor Dodge State Park.And rode about 7 miles of double track. The double track could be fun if more people rode bikes there and there were no horses taking dumps all over the trail.

Rode about 67 miles on the mtb on Saturday and got a good hilly ride in Sunday. Getting excited for the Wausau WORS race.

N. Kettles summary

2009-05-29T20:18:00.000-05:00

The race started well again with a longer run but same result. First to the bike and first to the singletrack. Lap 1 was good coming in 3rd. But the rains came shortly after and the Maxxis Crossmark's could not handle the greasy mud. Continued on but traction was definitely not good. After about 4 hours I was in 3rd or 4th and just completed my 5th lap. I figured I could get 3 more laps in and try to reel in a place or two but a few minutes into my 6th lap my chain breaks. I get a tool from a nice guy after about asking 15 people. Get the chain fixed and about 5 minutes later it breaks again breaking the derailleur hanger in the process. And that's the end. Walk out of the woods for almost 2 hours and finished 15th with 6 laps.

Equipment problems and trying to keep my bikes running while trying to keep the cost down is really getting to be a pain. I dont have the time and I dont know the right people to make it somewhat affordable. It would be nice to be supported enough to not have to be constantly trying to piece my bikes together with ebay deals. Three seasons on the same bike just seems to be to long or maybe I should lose the gears. A new SS should be an affordable option, right? If anything makes me quit racing it will be the cost of the equipment. Maybe I should train more and get fast. I don't know what the answer is.

StumpFarm 6 hour

2009-05-11T12:13:00.000-05:00

Arrived at the Reforestation Camp just north of Green Bay on Saturday morning 2 hours before the start of the race. I got registered and started to setup the pit area to organize our tools and food for the day. We got a nice pit spot right on course, in the pines. Rode the first section of singletrack as a warm up and made it back to the start to hear the end of the racer meeting.

Since I have raced at the camp before I wasn't real nervous about the course. The race started with a 50 yard run and I got to my bike quickly and went to the front. I wasn't trying to push the pace but just get out quick and stay steady. After the first section of singletrack Chris P. came around me and I rode with him for a short while. He slowly started to pull away and I told myself its a long race let him go. Continued on and 1 other rider came around me but he was definitely not making me work to stay with him so I stuck with him until Mike C. and another rider came to the front. We ended dropping one rider by the end of the first lap. Mike and I rode together with the 1 other rider until he surged ahead. It didn't last long and Mike and I dropped him shortly after that. We thought we were then in 2nd and 3rd but after we finished our 3rd lap we realized Chris was riding in a team. So Mike and I are in the lead riding strong and staying together for almost the whole race. Mike gaped me on our 8th lap, I drank some Red Jak energy and started to feel better. Towards the end of the lap I could see Mike and started to hammer. I came up short by 100 feet. We had 43 minutes remaining to complete another lap but we called a truece. In hindsight I should have done another lap. It was a great race and ride. Super pumped about the 6 hour scene and can't wait to ride the Northern Kettles race.

Kettles Ride for Saturday

2009-05-01T09:07:00.001-05:00

Who is in for a long Kettles ride tomorrow (May 2nd)? The plan is to be riding by 930 and ride blue- connector- emma- connector-blue. Then refill bottles and do the same loop again. Let me know if you would like to do all or part of the ride. I will be leaving home around 8am. Hope to see you there.

In other news I built the kids a sandbox and now a feel like Bob Villa. Not really, but it was fun and it turned out well. Now we have the little plastic tugboat sandbox for sale with a bunch of other crap at the annual C-Plains rummage sales. Nothing like filling the town with a bunch of people looking to get stuff for free. Oh wait, that sounds like us.

Gear

2009-04-22T21:48:00.000-05:00

I have been hitting up 25.5 latley and truly digging it. There have been a few modifications to improve flow on the south loop and its real nice. Its still a slower trail compared to S. kettles but its fun and close to home so I can ride my bike there. Twin six has allowed me to race with them this year, so I just got some super sweet duds like the Metal jersey.

I didnt get a H8ter report out but it was a good early season race. I stayed in the chase group and pushed the pace for 80% of the race, then my stomach got funky. I think it was from a strong bottle of Gatorade or not enough water. Oh well. I felt strong so that is good. The after party was super fun as usual with the whole crew back at it. I won some sweet prints from JL and a limited edition T6 H8ter shirt. Rad!

Getting pumped about racing WEMS this year. A little nervous since I only did 1 six hour event ever. But it should work out fine. Also, getting stoked for potential mtb trails at Elver park in the city of Madison. This would be a great edition to have close by. Check out the CORP site for more details. There is a meeting on 4/23 at Badger Prarie to discuss.

25.5

2009-04-09T21:32:00.000-05:00

First singletrack ride of the year. Awesome!

Gettin ready to H8!

Power workout

2009-03-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hit up M-Ridge and a climb up to Brigham. It got sloppy by the end of the ride. Getting ready for a big ride today.

Badger Trail fun

2009-03-23T07:25:00.000-05:00

Rode through Belliville and into the tunnel of H8. First I had to get by satan who was trying to burn the trail and anyone on it.

The tunnel only has ice for about 100 yards and then its rideable.

This is the view from the South end.

I also rode Tunnel Rd which would make for a great turnaround and a nice climb if it where to be included in the race.

Spare change

2009-03-20T23:30:00.000-05:00

So when the week was done it was time for a ride. Eli has been sick so I almost didnt go but Christy said I should, so I did. Not a ton of motivation but I did get out for some climbs. Christy always wants me to ride and I really appreciate that. Since I had a couple of 20 spots in my back pocket I helped this poor sap. Just like obama would like.

Then I hit the first few rollers on Barlow.Then the wall of Alpe de Barlow.It was the first time up Barlow this year and it didnt seem to bad. Maybe I wasnt riding hard enough. No riding tomorrow since we will be helping Christy's brother Aaron moving into his new house. Sunday Iam hoping to get out the h8ter trail for some recon.

Spring temps

2009-03-15T21:29:00.001-05:00

With the wonderful weather and great temps you know spring has arrived when you see these and these tools getting out. The best is middle age guy with sweet bike and matching everything and real nice hair like Blogo with no helmet. They were all out there today, including me. Rode some good hills including Blue Mounds. Syd and I also did some shreding in the morning out at the Basin. She is getting good and I think she will really be able to tear it up next year with a little more strength. I few shots starting the climb up BM.

Into the Mist

2009-03-10T20:48:00.000-05:00

Got out for a short ride before any serious rain or wind. The mist and fog made for some really cool sights through the hills and valleys. Looks like tomorrow is a rest day with windchills around 0°F. I really need to get some 3+ hour rides in soon. The plan for the year is to race WEMS and maybe a few WORS. I really do not feel motivated to race WORS this year. I have been racing WORS for 8 years and I think its time to switch it up a little. I hope some of the boys ( you know who you are)will join in the fun. After a mid year break I plan to race a full schedule of cross. Looking forward to getting some riding in MO in a few weeks. Who is in?

NO, NO, no

2009-03-06T21:54:00.000-06:00

NO gloves
NO booties
2 days in a row. Life is good.

Get some new threads

Looks like I will be working on the bikes this weekend instead of riding due to the forcasted rain. Oh well, the bikes need some care.

Marx

2009-03-03T21:07:00.000-06:00

Wisconsin's capital of Socialism

Got out for 2 hours tonight knowing the temps will be on the rise and riding more will be as well. Still trying to decide what races to do this year. Time to think I guess.

Just a Little Ice

2009-02-23T18:15:00.000-06:00

Go

2009-02-19T21:34:00.000-06:00

Its a go. Plans are being made for laying tracks in the dirt.

Get out

2009-02-16T19:06:00.000-06:00

I have been getting out and riding for the last month now and not complaining but with this coming I really need to go someplace. Repeat after me. Lets go ride in Fruita! That sounds nice doesnt it? I want to go in March who is coming with?

Caution

2009-02-15T11:45:00.000-06:00

Got out early like 7:30am Saturday due to a full day of family fun planned. With the 1.5 inches Friday night it made for a fun and interesting ride. Got out to the Military ridge where a fall on the ice promted a photo. Then a saw an unlucky driver had a date with the ditch.
It was a great morning for a ride and I hope to get some trails built in this area off of Timber lane.
Christy, Syd and I went skiing at Tyrol in the evening. Christy hadn't seen Syd ski since she was on the bunnyhill and she was shocked at how good she has gotten. It was a great day. Today the plan is to ride a few hours and then plan a trip out West.

By the Light

2009-02-06T08:52:00.000-06:00

Riding by the light of the moon last night. Got out with a little daylight and ended the ride by moon light for 1.5 hours. It was great being out. If its around 20°F I will ride every night after work for 1-1.5 hours. Should be getting out this weekend for some bigger miles with temps in the 40s. Hope to ride with him.

Weekend

2009-02-01T22:06:00.000-06:00

Good weekend with 3 hours ride time Saturday and some skiing with Syd at night. She is getting good and mastering most runs at Tyrol. Sunday got out for 2 hours. Rides were solid with some climbing and pushing into the wind. Can't complain with 30's for temps. Got to pack the camera for some good shots of the wonderful scenary in western Dane this time of year. You can really see the lay of the land with all the snow and no leaves. Hopefully the snow melts and we get no more snow. One can only dream!

Bricks

2009-01-30T21:54:00.001-06:00

I feel its time to start riding and since I dont have a trainer anymore that means its time to ride outside. The light is good until 5:30 or later so thats good but the temps are a little tough. I got out for 1.5 hours last night and it was good until the last ten minutes. BAM!!! Who knows what its like to pedal with bricks for feet? The pain of thawing sucked but the ride was worth it. This weekend looks good for riding. Get on it while you can.

Testing

2009-01-27T18:42:00.001-06:00

1,2,3

Yes it works?