2009 Ice Man

The traveling circus ventured north this weekend with three goals in mind. Spread the gospel of Swiftwick Socks, take several pictures, and bring my body to the brink of lactic acid induced death using the big ring.

This is how the weekend unfolded:

#1 I went to the expo with a backpack full of schwag looking to introduce unsuspecting racer heads to American made socks that hug your feet and kiss your toes. The requirements for scoring a pair of socks? You either needed to be someone influential in the cycling community, wearing a tuxedo jersey or not walking around with a chip on your shoulder. Mission accomplished.

#2 Several pictures of sport, expert and Pros. If you use them for web and print purposes kindly donate what you think they are worth to Pretty Lake Vacation Camp.

#3 Over the past seven attempts at an Ice Man podium I have stood on the start line in freezing rain, wind and inches of snow.

The 20^th anniversary of the Ice Man Cometh Challenge brought balmy temps, sunshine and screaming fast course conditions.

The 20^th Anniversary of the Ice Man Challenge started with 2 miles of pavement quickly funneling into two track compressing 200 plus ego crazed big ring raging expert racers into a pile up of bikes, bodies and broken podium dreams. I made my way around the pile up and settled uncomfortably into the top 30 speed freaks knowing full well I would not be staying long.

The rest of the race was routine. Push it on the flats, take chances in the single-track, get dropped on the hills, repeat. I worked with Mike Woods for the first few miles which was enjoyable but just as history repeats itself; I popped and settled into a grimacing state of enjoyment.

Williamsburg road, which is the half way point, felt like comfort food to my soul when I saw familiar faces, some cheering my name, others just being jealous of my socks and arm warmers. Had I only ridden 16 miles?

Just like stubborn leaves in November, I hung on for as long as I could before falling apart. I left the remnants of this year’s fitness on the “Three Sisters”, my pride on “the wall” and my soul still lays in the fetal position sucking his thumb on “wood chip hill.”

I finished in just under 2 hours, good enough for an elbow rubbing sprint for 20^th, a fake smile and a desire to come back next year.

Tyler "My teeth will kill you if my speed does not do it first" Sarasin
Jason "Sign of the Devil" Imhoff strikes again
Eric "I will help you kick someone's Ass" Patterson of D2 Racing
Bill "I am so pro I am raging" Gallagher
Reid "The One Speed Bearded Legend" Arnott
Brent Harris , on a fixed gear.That is right, Brent Harris rode a FIXED GEAR, worthy of two pictures in this hard core scrapbook.

love dan

The Sponsor Shuffle

I am happy to welcome a new supporter to the Traveling Circus.

Head Sweats have been keeping the stingy salty mess out of my eyes all summer and you should join the cool kid club and get you some.





The Ice Man is looming, 2010 multi sport schedules are being posted and the trails are still snow free.

Life is good

PS: Watch for me at the Ice Man swinging the Swiftwick Schwag Hammer. I will have samples, brochures and products to view. Stop by to talk about dry feet and "Doing What Moves You."



love dan

Thanks H1N1

The swing flu scored me a long weekend.

Time to ride.

North Face is at Team Active. Go get you some

END OF SEASON SALE!!!!!!!!!!!! All my extra goods must go to make room for new toys.

love dan

Double Trouble

The last two weeks have been a hot mess of Ice Man pre-riding, Cyclocross Racing, Parent Teacher Conferences, sponsor hunting, ebay prepping and concert going.
The whirlwind has left me out of breath with unanswered questions:

1. Why does my brain think cyclocross if fun when my legs tell me it is not?
2. Who will support the Traveling Circus in 2010?
3. Is Nutella good for you?

Click on the following and they will take over your screen.








Rick Plite and Mr. Hall put together a hectic painful event and left me wanting more. Race Report? It is best described HERE.
Dork Factor
Newest Supporter
Top Priority

Cyclocross: It hurts and I suck at it, but I cannot stop.

love dan

My chamois is soaked and toes are tingling from the brisk temps. Stores are putting out Christmas decor and the trails are slick with soggy dead leaves.

Summer has past.
1. The Traveling Circus is combining forces with the clan of Bunker Hill to pre-ride the Ice Man course next weekend.
2. Mad props to Bill G for scoring a well deserved W.

love dan

Dunes Duathlon

2009 Multi Sport Season Over.

The Saugatuck Dunes Duathlon is a well run event with 5 sandy hilly Toe stubbing rooted miles of trail running followed by 18 big ring miles with some long gradual climbs and tight switchbacks.

I wrapped things up in 1 hour and 26 minutes, good for tired legs, 33rd overall and 1st place in my age group.

It has been a season of improvement, tough races and good times. Now it is time to put the wet suit, vaseline between my toes and transition times behind me and focus on my knobby tire exploits.
Next Up is the Boyne State Championships which I will use as a measuring stick for my cross country racing legs. I have not gone after it solely on the bike since May and the bumps of Boyne city tend to bring out the best and the worst of every athlete.