Final Post, New Blog

The Mule Blog has moved. This will be the final posting. New post will be here www.muleterro.blogspot.com. See you there!

Leverich Canyon Crank Up- LLCP for short

I think it is time to send out an update on the mountain bike race that Team Muleterro is putting on in August. The race is going to take place south of Bozeman at Leverich Canyon. The local bike club and the forest service have worked together to make this a really nice mountain biking loop. Doable for the beginner and still fun for the hardcore downhiller. The trail consists of a pretty hefty climb (just for a short while) before leveling out a little and meandering up to the top. Once at the top you get to enjoy some beautiful views of the Bridgers and the Gallatin Valley before plummeting down the downhill trail (the plummet is very short). The rest of the downhill is fun. Nice and smooth with lots of banked turns.

For our race we are planning on staging at the top on Moser Rd. To get there you drive up Hyalite and turn left on the gravel road before the campground. There are plenty of pullouts near the top for parking. We are definitely encouraging travelers and Bozemanites to come up the night before and camp out. There are two nice flat clearings with fire pits right between the uphill and downhill trails. After the race we will be able to relax, enjoy the views, and hopefully have some good eats.

If you have any questios please let us know. We will be posting more info as the date gets closer.

The Devils Slide MTB Race Report

Hi, Bill here again. Yea, I know that I am getting lazy ... this is the same blog that's on my site with some slight edits. Here is my Devils Slide Report.

Saturday morning my friend and I headed out bright and early for Lewistown Idaho. For those of you that never made the trip down highway 12 you are missing something. Absolutely beautiful. This was our 4th trip to this race venue and I was the lone mule in Idaho this weekend.

We arrived and got into one of the little cabins along the Snake River. I highly recommend this option and if you go in on it with someone it can be almost as cheap as a camping site. I called up Chad at the Red Barn Shop to see if he was coming, the weather was fabulous. Then I loaded up with Carbo Rocket and potato chips and hit the race loop.

I even had enough time out on course to talk to someone about doing the Butte 100 (Triple Ring Productions). I am happy to announce two people gave me a ‘verbal’ commitment to do it … kool!

After a restless night wondering what the heck I was doing riding a 6 hour 7,000 feet of climbing mountain bike ride before a race. It was all about relaxing and getting in some good training so I didn't sweat it too much.

The next day we all lined up and I put in a solid effort. I didn't start off with a bang like last week but instead hung back because I thought I could mark any big attacks. It was a good thing because on lap 1 I had to regroup every one twice and the leader missed some corners.

That is when I took the lead, at least for lap one so no one would stray off course. This is where my 7 lap experience paid off from the day before.

So I spun easily up the first climb feeling like a rock star. the Turner Flux that I got from Red Barn just rocketed up the thing. From the top I looked back along the ridge and there was no one for a million miles. I knew that ol Turny would completely set the downhill part of the course on fire and that it did.

I cruised to take the win. I basically was able to practice my long distance pace due to the fact that no pros showed up and everyone was so laid back. It was a good time in the sun and dirt. Although I had a strong performance on the bike by “swag grab” skills were lacking. I got picked twice and froze when I got to the table. I ended up with nutrition products …o/o

Check out the photos by Scott Trost!

Grizzly Triathlon

Grizzly Tri Race Report- by Julie Zickovich

The Grizzly Tri is know as the Montana World Championship. It is the largest triathlon in the state drawing a racer attendance of ~450. This year it filled in something like 12 hours. The race is staged on the U of M campus with the swim being held in heats in the Grizzly pool. The ride is a 20k out and back towards E. Missoula and the run is mostly on trail along the river, with one big hill.

This was my first year doing the event and was a little nervous not knowing what to expect. I think the nerves led to a weakened immune system because Friday I was achy and had a sore throat, plus my arch was sore from pulling it on a run the week before. However, once I got to the pool and started watching the heats my nerves faded a little bit and I kind of forgot about being sick. It is a really fun event with lots of spectators and other racers.

I really worked on my swim over the winter so my heat started pretty late. At noon we got in the pool and we were off. Swimming 20 laps in a pool gets pretty boring, but I drafted my other 3 lane mates and saved a lot of energy. The ride was good. Hard to settle in in only 20k. Then as I dismounted I ate it on top of my bike. The run hurt for every reason a run in a triathlon hurts plus all my other issues. I definitely lost time there. Oh well. Overall I came in 14th. 2nd in my age group and was only a minute off my goal time. Next year maybe I will try the elite heat.

The womens and mens elite heats were really fun to watch. There are some very very strong Montana women out there. Good job all of you.

Thanks for reading - Julie

Barking Spider Report

Bill Martin here and posting some highlights from my own blog to update the herd on what went down last Saturday in Idaho.

No, the title has nothing to do with “farting” or the smells associated with “farting”. I have to admit, I just giggled like a 4 year old. The Barking Spider Mountain Bike Race in Nampa Idaho this weekend was on tap for me. I just posted the photos of the journey ==> go on over yonder!

I woke up bright and early to post some flyers for the Butte 100 in the most influential places, a technique perfect by the folks at Triple Ring. I filled up my bottles with some of that Carbo Rocket stuff and headed out to play.

I have to say, “whahooo, hell yea”. Thanks, Chad (Red barn Bikes owner), the Turner was a flying today. I am so glad you talked me out of that “other” bike. After a hour of playing around it was time to get serious. I arrived back to my car to see a Dirt Coalition tent being propped up behind my car. LOL … talk about irony … I was just trying to get on that squad but now I am thankful to be riding my Turner. I gave a couple ride-byes to see the one person I would be gunning for :)

So the gun went off and so did the Turner. I took the lead and sat down for a nice little race in Southern Idaho. Soon the the DC dude comes roaring past me so I attempted to grab his wheel. The dude was definitely making his big move of the day. It was all I could do to chase him down. Finally we were battling it hard and heavy. We romped up the first round of climbs and bombed the descents. We raced ourselves right past the pro group (who started a minute ahead of the cat 1s).

Soon I was off on my own and the Turner just kept flying own the trail to take first place. In the overall I placed 3rd … wrong category to take the cash though. So yea, it was a good day!

Bozeman Bike SWAP

Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club’s 2009 Bicycle Swap

April 17-18, 2009

Gallatin County Fairgrounds

Selling all types of bicycles, bike related parts, accessories, tools, clothing, bike and jogging strollers


To sell a bicycle or bike related item:

Bring it to the Gallatin County Fairgrounds on Friday, April 17 between 4-7 p.m.
Pay a $1 consignment fee per item
Tag each item with a sales invoice provided by GVBC
Experienced volunteers will be available to help appraise items
You have the opportunity to list both a full price and a discount period price (12-1 p.m.)
You must return to the swap between 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18th to find out which of your items sold and which you must retrieve

What happens if an item sells?

GVBC receives a 15% commission on all sales and we will mail you a check

What happens if an item does not sell?

· Bring your sales invoice to pick up unsold items between 1:00-2:30 p.m. the day of the Swap – Saturday April 18th.
· Items not retrieved by 2:30 p.m. Saturday will be donated to a local charity.

Buying a bicycle or bike related item:

Sale hours on Saturday April 18th
7:30-8:00 a.m. Open to GVBC members that work the Swap
8:00-9:00 a.m. Open to GVBC members only
9:00-11:45 a.m. Open to General Public
11:45-12:00 p.m. All buyers leave the buildings in preparation prior to the
discount period
12:00-1:00 pm Discount sales period

GVBC accepts cash and checks –sorry, no credit cards

How do I join GVBC?
Join at the Spring Party (check the GVBC web page for actual date)
Friday April 17th during the consignment period
Saturday morning April 18th between 7- 8:30 am
By mail to GVBC, P.O. Box 6425 Bozeman, 59771
Get a membership application from the GVBC web page:
http://bozemanbiketalk.com/GVBC/On%20line%20GVBC%20%20Membership%20Form%202008.pdf

Out-of-town sellers or sellers with more questions -- Contact Tom: tom@nrarep.com

Run to the Pub

On March 14th members of Team Muleterro ran in 317's Run to the Pub 10k and half-marathon. Jenny, Cory, Jason, and Justin ran the half marathon and Julie ran in the 10k. It was a beautiful day and what a better way to finish off a race but with a pint at the local pub. Thanks 317. Oh, and Julie thanks you too for drawing her name for the trip to Dublin in October. I guess she now has to train for a marathon.

http://perfect-timing.org/results/2009/runtothepub/index.html

Blue Mountain to Canyonlands Triathlon

Team Muleterro headed to Monticello Utah for the Blue Mountain to Canyonlands triathlon (and to spend a few days in the sun doing some mountain biking). The ladies swept the women's field and came in with 1st (Amy Chuichiolo from GAS), 2nd (Jenny Zickovich) and 3rd (Julie Zickovich) overall. Amy and Jenny were very strong on the skate ski and on the steep gravelly downhill hairpin turns on the bike course. In the men's field Erik was strong on the bike and finished 3rd in his age group, and Jason (off the couch) finished 3rd in his age group. Cory was strong and finished right behind Erik. The group enjoyed the rest of the day drinking beer and eating pizza in the brewery in Dolores CO. The next day we woke to sun and warmth and headed back to Moab for some biking. We had a great day riding across the rock and sand and admiring and photographing all the views of Poison Spider trail and finished it off with a traumatizing or exhilarating experience in the Portal (depending on who you talk to).

All in all the trip was a success lots of good biking, racing, and socializing with old friends. We will be headed back again next year.

Feathers and Fins

Jenny, Cory, Erik, Julie, and Jason all headed to Harriman State Park this past Saturday to compete in the first annual Feathers and Fins ski race. The day was sunny and warm but the snow still cold. A perfect day for a race. Julie and Erik competed in the 10k, one lap around the Park and finished 1st and 2nd respectively. Erik could have won but broke his pole at the 5k mark. Jenny and Cory competed in the 20k and Jenny finished a very strong first. Jason took a different route and did the 14k on classic skis (1st time). Oh did I mention a 14k wasn't one of the distances. But he had a great time. This race proved that mules really can ski!

Harriman State Park put this race on really well with lots of support and a really nice course. Did I mention good prizes! Hopefully in the future the size of the race will grow. The mules will be there again.

http://www.islandparknews.com/atf.php?sid=5944&current_edition=2009-02-27

Make Tracks for Trails- GVLT

Some of the Mules will be heading to Bohart Cross Country Ski Ranch this Saturday for the Gallatin Valley Land Trust's largest fundraiser. The Land Trust is an amazing non-profit that is responsible for a lot of the open space and trails around Bozeman that we use for training and/or fun. We expect good skiing, good food, and good people. It should be a wonderful day!!!
http://www.gvlt.org/

Chris Malloy represent Team Muleterro

Bozeman's Chris Malloy will be representing Team Muleterro in the Hill Country 600 on March 14-15. http://www.raceacrossoregon.com/hillcountry. Chris is an avid recumbent rider and is hosting the Dinosaur Trail 500 this June. www.dinosaurtrail500.com. Good luck Chris!! Fuel the Mule.

Leverich Canyon Crank Up

Mark your calendars. Team Muleterro is putting on a mountain bike race. The Leverich Canyon Crank Up will be held on August 29th. Stay tuned for more details...

Montana wins Portland

Bozeman's own Lisa Curry kicked some major ___ this past weekend in Portland. Other Montana players were also there representing their home state well. Good job all of you. Check out this montana cyclocross link for pictures and results.

http://montanacyclocross.blogspot.com/

It's ski season

http://www.bsfnordic.com/news/

As the season comes to a close

First of all thank you MBRA and all of the Montana Teams for putting on such a great cross season!!! Just wait for Mule Cross next year!

Now just a short re-cap of the past few weeks. We have been slacking on the website.

Montana Velo ‘Cross Helena High
This venue proved that you can have a cyclocross race anywhere. The whole race was confined into one city block on the grounds of Helena High. The flights and flights of stairs forced everybody to use their skills when mounting and dismounting. E- Rock, Hard Core Cory, Rich, Bill, and Julie represented Team Muleterro at this race. Bill gets credit for the athlete of the day since he raced hard and placed really well despite feeling really terrible and having mechanical issues.

Bobcat Classic
The closest thing to a true cyclocross race this year! Mud was like snot! Cory’s form looked fantastic! Sten pushed hard in masters A and seemed to have a great time. Julie took 10$ preem.

MBRA Cyclocross #7
Course was supposed to be muddy but ended up not too bad. The toiletswere a mile away and that was the big news. The main feature of thecourse was a irrigation ditch run where we went down into the ditchand up the other side. Pretty cool. Some really great competition came from Vertical Earth out of Washington I believe or maybe Idaho.

http://usacycling.org/results/index.php?permit=2008-2775
http://www.gascyclingteam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151:gas-riders-rock-missoula&catid=44:cx&Itemid=5
We met with team GAS at a Chinese restaurant and had a great banquet after.

Five Valley ‘Cross
The course was fast and fun. We met at the brewery fordinner after (funny that is all I remember, the food). We all met JimBrowns family.https://www.usacycling.org/results/index.php?permit=2008-2707
http://www.gascyclingteam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149:3-wins-for-gas-in-helena&catid=44:cx&Itemid=5

Muleterro headed to Kalispell for a double header . Oh, no we were one seat short in the van. We shared a lawn share in the back with the dogs. The weekend was beautiful and a dip in the hot tub was wonderful at Erik's brothers.

Herron Park
One of the best venues of the season!!! Drank beer with Missoula girls after the race. Were they hung over the next day?

Woodland Park
A long, long lap with not much forgiveness!!! If not for our religious beliefs about working on sat and sun we could have pushed harder and taken all top spots.

These fall races have been preseason warm-ups, as we will all be traveling to Peru for the upcoming road race season.

Mud Blood and Beer, Ohh WTF, and O/E

Team Muleterro Wins Hellgate Duathlon

Ben, Cory, Rich, Sten, Julie, Jen, and myself attended the 2008 Hellgate Duathlon in the Nine Mile Valley just outside Frenchtown Montana last Sunday October 19th. Cory and Rich registered as soloists while Ben and I signed up as a team (results). Sten committed himself to our sucess in the support department. Julie and Jen did extra recon to place themselfs in support positions as well.  The race was on!

Mule Train as we called ourselves took the overall win with an expert plan. Ben knew that I like to hunt down competators so he placed me right within view of all the leaders.  I put the pedal to the metal and handed off Ben a small advantage and he took it home for the overall win. We just missed the record time on a course that was slated to not be in the best of conditions for a record.  Next year ... we will see!

The real studs (can mules be studs?) are Cory and Rich who comming off a extreemly tough cross race the day before went out solo.  According to the results (dont know how accruate they are) Cory placed 3rd in his division and 25th overall while Rich pulled off a 7th in his cat and 42nd overall (results).

Jim and Rich at Rolling Thunder

Mule Crossing

Mule of the Week and Standings

Julie gets mule of the week due to her great form and for the simple fact that she has the best placing in todays release of the MBRA Cross Series Standings at 4th.  Julie posted a second at this weekends Big Sky Cross race in cold conditions. Check out the vids by the Stenster (or at least stensters camera)

New fowl Rich seen above lead out Muler ERock over the barriers but later was punished for his fine efforts with a flat.  Lesson learned is to have someone or at least a set of wheels in the in the pit area. I should of had my wheels waiting! Oh well.

In the Cat 4 standings we have Cory in 7th but was unable to make it to Big Sky due to a freak snow event here in Montana last weekend.  Erik showed up with massive atempts to stay warm and put in a 9th place for the race while in the standings is right behind Corey in 8th.

In the Master (or ... Gentlemans Group) Sten took it out strong and captured a second place which puts him in at 6th in the series.  Sten started out in front of myself as I took my usual back seat to the pelaton with my bucket of pop corn and Milk Duds. Soon I started feeling a little randy and worked my way up to 5th in the Mens A group.

This weekend is the Rolling Thunder as well as the Helgate Duathalon.  Stay tuned for last Sundays frolicks in the snow and Mule Cross. For me, back to the grind with a cross race tonight in Missoula.  Bill out!

Corey and Julie In 4th Place

I just got my hooves on the latest MBRA Cross Standings and our founding muler Cory is in 4th place (cat 4)! Check it out here!  

Also in a 4th place position is Julie which has a tough 9 women division. She also posted a 4th place this last weekend. Results here!

In 11th place for Cat 4 we have Erik (ERock) but with performances like last weekend should be movin on up.

In Cat 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/etc.  we have Me in 14th place far behind phenom John Curry.

In the "out to pasture" category we have Sten comming in at 8th in the Master A category. Rumors have it that he has committed to suffer big time this weekend at the two Bozeman cross races.  See you there! Bill out .....