Ashland Mountain Challenge 2k16

Photo credit: Called To Creation

 After traveling on Interstate 5 in triple digit heat for more hours than I'd like to remember, the thought of doing any physical activity was the last thing on my mind...However; once crossing over the Oregon boarder and into the happinin' city of Ashland, the mood quickly switched as this would be the venue for round 5 of the California Enduro Series.  Mount Ashland may provide some pretty rad skiing in the Winter, but once the snow melts and summer arrives, the trails beneath the many trees lay home to some of the best terrain for mountain biking.  Not many places consist of tight single track over tree roots and rocks while also opening up enough to gain speeds near 30+ mph as you shred through the forest.  The crew over at Ashland Mountain Adventures have made this event one of the best of the year in my opinion and with the packed classes, I bet many others agree.  As it most certainly is a blast to ride out here, it's nonetheless very physical. Between practice and race day, riders covered about 60 miles, gained 8,000 ft with 16,000 ft of elevation loss and around 4 hours of ride time on race day with 4 timed stages.  

Horn Gap was one of the rad stages we raced over the weekend, here is a group of us Santa Cruz shredders ready for some practice runs.

Saturday was go time and I was looking forward to the days' racing and feeling pretty excited after a podium result last year in the Expert field.  The Pro class was stacked with many local fast boys who know these trails like the back of their hand, making times close if you could stay on pace but also create some big gaps if you weren't feeling your best.  Detailed race reports can be pretty boring but to get to the point, my day felt pretty solid with no crashes or big mistakes..But racing is tight and I wasn't able to battle up front landing me in 22nd place after approx. 30 minutes of timed race runs.  Each event this season has been an incredible learning experience for me, and with this being my first year racing Pro, I'm pleased with the progress I've been making...Plus currently sitting 11th in points isn't too bad!  The final 2 rounds of the CA Series will be held at Northstar Ski Resort and Mammoth Mountain, where the high paced technical terrain means it's time to get comfortable with Downhill laps!

Always a big thank you to those who support me- My parents first off, the Cavaletto's at Scotts Valley Cyclesport who provide the best of race support at each of these events, Specialized Bicycles, Praxis Works, FOX, Gamut USA, SPY Optics, ODI Grips, Monster Army, Stikrd, and Krawl Clothing. 

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Through the Tape of China Peak

In the moment of the final stage with a 13th on this run// photo credit: Satchel Cronk 

June 25.2016 //  Outside of Fresno, CA, within the Sierra National Forest, lies the China Peak Ski Resort which held round 4 of the California Enduro Series.  This venue separates itself from the rest on the 7 round circuit with its laid back atmosphere of camping and beautiful scenery where nearby Hunington Lake flows into a refreshing river running alongside the campgrounds.  However; the relaxing mood felt below quickly transitions once the deep powder and rocky terrain takes over beneath your knobbies.

photo credit: Jeff Vander Stucken

  

The high temperatures, high altitude of almost 9000 feet at the peak, and 4 timed stages over the technical terrain made China Peak one of the most physically demanding race yet in my opinion.  Coming off my 7th place result at the previous round left me pretty excited to try and finish within the top 10 again.  With almost 40 very talented riders in the Pro class, I knew times were going to be very close and competitive.  I found myself struggling throughout the day physically and hovering just outside of the top 20 during the days' stages, although nailed a few decent times with a 13th and 18th on two of my runs.  Finishing 20th overall left me right in the middle of the pack and itching to get back up to pace for the remaining 3 events.  

No rock is too big nor too difficult for the Specialized Enduro to handle//photo: Satchel Cronk

Scotts Valley Cyclesport has been such a huge part in making this season possible with race support in the form of traveling , a positive presence at each event and providing advice and encouragement to be the best possible on and off the track.  Do yourself a favor if ever in the Santa Cruz area and stop by SVCS to check out what this professional yet friendly shop has to offer!

Checking out the gnar of stage 3!

Well that's a wrap, Next up will be the loamy dirt under the trees of Ashland, OR in July!

   

  Always a big thank you to those who support me: Specialized Bicycles, SV Cyclesport, Praxis Works, Gamut USA, Krawl Clothing, FOX, Spy Optic, ODI Grips, Stikrd, and Monster Army!

Kickin It Into Gear!

                  

The 2016 Enduro Season is finally underway! After completing the first three rounds of the California Enduro Series, it's safe to say that the Pro class is no joke.  I came into the first round in Fontana, CA feeling pretty confident in my preparation but quickly learned that unless you're feeling 100%, it becomes quite difficult to throw down competitive times.  Landing a 22nd place result was a little disappointing but fueled the motivation to improve my weaknesses.

                           

Being comfortable and confident is key..Luckily with some great support from Specialized this year, I never have to second guess my equipment and apparel.  As seen on the left, Specialized's Ambush helmet, 2FO ClipLite shoes and Enduro jersey/short offer maximum protection and comfort, not to forget style as well!

Next up was round 2 in the mountains of Reno, NV.  The Peavine Mountain range provided a mix of both technical and flat out pedal stages where fitness and few mistakes would be important.  After 6 race stages and 30 miles, I landed a 23rd with crashes on 2 of my runs.  Learning to balance speed and pushing the limits while avoiding mistakes is something that the experienced riders have mastered..Each time lining up against the clock has provided constant opportunities to learn these skills and I know before long I will be battling among the top guys. 

This past weekend hosted round 3 in the hills of Salinas, CA.  Toro Park and the local CCCX races is where I first began racing mountain bikes, so I was pretty excited to compete on familiar trails.  Coming into this race, I was hoping to break past my struggles and become competitive within the top 20.  After 4 stages I ended up 7th place in the Pro class which was a pretty surreal feeling, while also getting a 5th on the final stage!  Clocking times within a few seconds of the leaders showed that the preparation during the week is finally paying off.  After my last two mediocre results and trying to fit in quality training in between work and school, 7th felt great and left me more stoked than ever for the upcoming races and working to stay up in the mix! 

My S-Works 650B Enduro has blown me away with its capabilities, mashing downhill like a DH bike while still being able to push it up climbs.  Beyond thankful to have such great support from Scotts Valley Cyclesport and their help in making this bike possible.  Since riding Specialized bikes since the beginning, it was the obvious choice choosing the Enduro as my race weapon and continue having such a quality bike beneath me.  New product from Praxis Works with their carbon C32 wheels and Lyft cranks have been a great addition to keeping my custom build of only high end components.  Gamut's trail guide, bars, and stem linked up to ODI's Elite grips keep things comfortable up front while the FOX 36 fork and Float X2 rear shock make every section of terrain smooth and stable.  Shred Ready!

Thanks for reading! -Nicky D

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Sponsors: Scotts Valley CycleSport, Specialized Bicycles, Praxis Works, Gamut USA, Stikrd, Monster Army, Krawl Loco Clothing, SPY Optics, FOX, ODI Grips. 

Photos courtesy of: Called To Creation, Satchel Cronk, and Mary DiNapoli

Calm before the storm..

XC Grinding at Fort Ord

As these winter months sneak on by and the upcoming season of enduro racing grows nearer, the thoughts of battling against the clock again raises that excitement to keep hammering down in preparation.  Switching things up a bit this year to help improve, I've been spending the past few months in the gym with Ryan over at SLV fitness.  With years of downhill racing under his belt and a wealth of knowledge for proper workouts to benefit specific athletes such as bikers, my body has been feeling healthier and stronger than ever which was an area I previously skipped over for the most part.  

Pre race chattin with good friend  Dillon Santos

What better way to test your fitness than to enter the deep pain cave of cross country racing!  Always a good time out at the CCCX races with the quick group of lycra warriors and being put in the hurt locker for 25 miles.. 

Trying to pound out the seat time with this being the final month before the California Enduro Series starts April 1st down south in Fontana... which will be my first Pro race! Looking forward to competing against fellow riding buddies as well as those professionals I've looked up to.  

New S-Works 650b Enduro for 2016!

Beyond stoked on how my new bike turned out, feeling right at home on it which hopefully will turn into quick times down the trail! Factree looking build thanks to SV Cyclesport, Specialized, Praxis Works, Gamut USA, FOX, and ODI grips. 

  

Best way to take a break from daily riding, enjoying the beautiful views with my even more beautiful girlfriend :)

Well until next time, catch ya on the trail and say hi at any races! 

-Nicky D

instagram: @nickyd358 

twitter: @nickyd358

That's a Wrap 2015!

Figured it was about time to get this blog back up and running after quite the hiatus! 2015 brought forth a great deal of experiences that will be hard to forget.  Starting off the season consisted of a last minute trip to SoCal with my good buddy Dillon to try out my first Expert/Cat 1 Enduro race in the hills of Temecula, CA.  After many miles, little sleep, and a load of good times finishing 2nd, I could tell this was going to be an exciting year of competition.  To avoid boring race reports and details...I couldn't be more stoked on how I was able to push beyond past limits, avoid injuries, and continue to realize that racing bicycles with the surrounding friends and opportunities is truly what my passion has become.  Achieving podium results in the California Enduro Series, SoCal Enduro, Oregon Enduro, Northstar at Tahoe Downhill, and the Sea Otter Classic DH showed that hard work will always pay off which fuels my motivation in preparing myself the best I can for taking on Professional racing in 2016.  Thanks for reading and catch ya on the trail!

Can't forget the massive thanks to those who supported me..Shoutout to my family and close friends, Scotts Valley Cyclesport, Valhalla Builders, Specialized Bicycles, Gamut USA, SPY Optics, Monster Army, Krawl Loco Clothing, Ryno Power, and SRAM. 

Looking back on this 2014 season brings quite the list of highlights.  With this being my second year really focusing on mountain biking since primarily Moto racing, my goal was to compete in as many different type of events and podium them all in Cat 2 in order to prepare myself and gain knowledge in becoming a well rounded, strong competitor.  As the season ended, consisting of 3 different series, many long race weekends, plus 7-10 hour work days over summer to riding in the evening, I managed to complete what I set out to do taking series wins in XC, Downhill, and Enduro.  Being able to win all 5 California Enduro rounds that consisted of all new circumstances to me was no doubt a pleasant surprise. Although some were quick to say that I should have raced expert with my comparable times, it was important to me to prove that I was ready.  Northstar DH racing and CCCX XC events kept me on my toes for fitness and skill all season which definitely helped my Enduro strength. Winning both those series for my first time gave me the confidence I needed to make the transition to Expert/Cat 1 for 2015. 

So many great people who helped make this year of traveling possible and I can only grow more excited about making the best of the upcoming new year.  From my parents to SV Cylesport for financial and bike support to the amazing hookups from Monster Army, SPY Optics, Schwalbe Tires, Gamut USA, SRAM, Leatt, Bell Helmets, VP Pedals, and Verasty Clothing.

Battleborn Enduro

Last Friday morning began the road trip from the cool and secluded Santa Cruz Mountains out to the very warm, rocky and dry Reno, NV high desert for round one of the California Enduro Series.  This would be my first big enduro style event and I was ready for the challenge.  Pre riding the course seemed like smart preparation for race day so we took off into the mountains; 4 stages of timed descents, 25 miles of transfer riding and race runs, 6,000 feet of climbing.  The terrain was nothing I've ridden before as living in Santa Cruz makes for smooth, loamy and tree covered single track through the woods. 

Four hours later, sweat dripping, and water deprived, every segment of the course had been covered and I was ready for race day.  

My weapon of choice was the 2014 Specialized Enduro Expert 29er for its great combination of climbing and downhill capabilities. With my background in XC and DH, I felt right at home on the bike and this style of racing.  Each of the 4 stages went great for me and I was very happy with my riding and staying smooth.  This gave me the Win in Sport Men (19-34) which I am so excited with being one of the youngest at 19 yrs old. 

Next up will be round 1 of the Northstar DH Series this weekend and the second CA Enduro race in China Peak, CA.  Thankful to those who support me such as Mom/Dad, SV Cyclesport, Monster Army, SPY Opitcs, Sram, Synch Bands, Leatt, Gamut USA, and Schwalbe Tires.