RED ROCK RACING

R3 has moved to Facebook

2009-11-30T11:55:00.002-07:00

Become a Fan of Red Rock Racing - go to http://www.facebook.com/ and select Red Rock Racing!!

R3 Summer BBQ and Absolute Bike Race

2009-08-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer Red Rock Racing!

The Naughton's are opening up their home for an R3 Summer BBQ Party - and your all invited!! The party is in the evening on the same day as the Absolute Bikes race at Fort Valley - so what could be better than racing in the day and partying at night? Here is the low-down:

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 22nd - Starts at 6pm
WHERE: Amber & Fig's place: 2720 W Creighton Dr. - Flagstaff
WHO: All R3 members and their families and any prospective members you may want to have come with you

*BBQ Food and Drinks will be provided by Red Rock Racing - Keg provided by PaynTake*

WHAT YOU CAN Bring: A Potluck Side dish or a Yummy Dessert!!
WHAT ELSE YOU CAN Bring: Something to sit on

We have lots to Celebrate with great accomplishments and good times racing. This is a NO buisness party, so come and just enjoy and relax after racing or riding!!

USA Cycling MTB National Championships

2009-07-24T08:37:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to Deb Martin-Wille!

2009 National Champion

Cat. 1 Cross Country 55+

Red Rock Racing Women State Champs

2009-06-17T12:01:00.022-07:00

(Red Rock Racing Women: Stephanie Hawthorne, Deb Martin-Wille, Sue Rawley, Tammy Begler, Amber Naughton, Isabella Naughton)

The women of Red Rock Racing cleaned up at the Mountain Bike Association of Arizona State Championships in Flagstaff on June 13, 2009!

The following women are the 2009 Arizona State Champions after winning both the final race in Flagstaff and the overall point series in their respective categories:

Isabella Naughton (Junior women, 1-10)
Tammy Begler (Cat. 2, 40+)
Amber Naughton (Cat. 1, 19-39)
Sue Rawley (Cat. 1, 40+)

(Women's Cat. 1 40+ Overall Series Podium: Deb Martin-Wille, 2nd, Sue Rawley, 1st, Stephanie Hawthorne, 3rd)

Additionally, Deb Martin-Wille finished second and Stephanie Hawthorne finished third in both the final race and in the overall point series in the Cat. 1, 40+ category!

What a great MBAA series and season for all the Red Rock Racing team members!

Saturday's Ride and BBQ ;)~

2009-06-01T10:35:00.008-07:00

The Beginning: Sunny - 70 - Smiles

(what a cute looking bunch!)

The Ride: R3 was in peak Season form for this ride

(Rocky Ridge -Elden - Red Onion)

Red Onion - Little Bear - Little Elden

(Some went up Elden for the MBAA Race pre-ride)

Right Before the Rain!!

Schultz was FAST and Raining - SWEEET!!!

The BBQ - Seemed a whole different day

(Stormy, Cold, Wet and still a Good Time!!)

Bella, how did you spend the day?

(Bella our U23.. U9... Star... spending time with Dad learning the joys of Big Air!)

Future Red Rock Racing?

2009 IHBC - RRR gets a 4th place in Masters

2009-05-29T19:41:00.003-07:00

click pic to enlarge the chi hit...

ilg couldn't imagine a more Happy 47th Birthday than what transpired during my 3 Days Of Fully-Differentiated Pain at last weekend's 38th-annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Omnium in my childhood h(om)e of Durango, Colorado. my own family came (first racing road trip as a New Daddy...phew!) as did my parents, sister, and my little brother's clan, each streaming in from many miles away and from various directions to cheer me on. also, hearing and seeing the support from my old friends along the 3 different courses over the 3 days reinforced the fact that Durango is still crazy over outdoor sports and the townspeople still gather, as in Europe, along the courses to cheer on the cyclists.

in the recently expanded Masters division which had a start list of 175, your feeble yoga teacher/coach managed a:

* 34th in the Road Race to Silverton (time; 2H54" including being stopped by the train on the tracks!)

* 11th in the Downtown Durango Crit (photo above by www.naggan.com

* 14th in the East Animas Time Trial (time; 41:32 from Durango to Shalona Lake)

that effort was good enough for 4th place (in the money!) and right behind my wonderful student and friend, Andrew Ferguson, with whom i stayed for part of the weekend.

i'd like to thank both John and Terry down at Cosmic for dialing in my bikes so quick and lovingly and to all my yoga and fitness students for inspiring ol' coach ilg to still get out there, toe the Start Line, throw down your best effort, and see deeper sides of yourself out there where every second counts; racing!

hope to see you in yoga soon and i'm gonna do my best to get for our club MTB ride tomorrow!

head bowed,
coach ilg

2009 Tour of the Gila

2009-05-05T10:07:00.002-07:00

Holly ass whooping! I was so out of place at the Gila. Don't get me wrong. I did enjoy myself. During the first stage I hung with the pack just fine until the last feed zone at about 62 miles. I was out of water and b-lined it to the neutral support. When I did a couple of guys attacked off the front. I never recovered to catch back on before the last climb. I rode to within 50 feet of the pack but they took the turn to the Mogollon and I just ended up picking up a few stragglers before the top. I finished 59th out of 73, 12:28 down.

Stage two had me worried. I was hoping to get to the top of the first climb with the group but I fell off with about 600 meters to go. I had questionable tactics. I rode at the back of the pack and was sawed off twice. I sprinted back on both times. This cost me at the end of the climb. I couldn't cover the last surge and fell off the back. I rode the next 63 miles by myself. I felt fine riding by myself. I made it to the finish before the 120% cut off. I finished 59th out of 68, 37:28 down.

Stage three was more rewarding. I finished 47 out of 68 in the TT, 5:55 down. I watched Lance, Levi, and others during their TT. That was cool. Man! They are fast.

Stage four was the crit. I ended up flatting with 3 laps to go. Enough said!

Stage five was great. On the way out we had 3 rollers. I tried my best to stay on with each roller. I was shelled on each. I had flashbacks of day two and I wanted to ride with the group. After each climb I put my head down and motored back on. The last roller was a categorized climb. It was a category four which was easy for the slender guys. I knew there was a 2 1/2 mile decent after the climb. This helped with my stress level because I knew I could descend faster than the group even if they were pedaling all out. I ended up hitting 55.7 MPH. We rode together until the final set of climbs and as soon as it went up I was shelled. There was 18 miles to go and I took a piss and then settle into a rhythm up the climbs. I end up finishing 59 out 62, 18:10 down. I was 57 out 62 on the final GC.

Here is what I learned. I need to be lighter, how, I don't know. I know that almost everyone in this CAT3 race raced and trains with a power meter. I need to be more attentive to my position in the group. I want to go back and try to be more competitive.

Jeremy

Club Ride Time Change; next weekend!

2009-03-21T14:25:00.003-07:00

Spring has seemingly sprung on the Saturday Morning Club Rides!
pov camera pic by ilg. yup, dat would be my thumb in lower left...

***
Hey Teammates!

just letting you know that the Saturday morning club ride has just blossomed to over 22 riders this morning
and that we're gonna switch the Start Up time at Pay n Take to 9:00 am starting next weekend...that would be Saturday, March 28.

head bowed and lets get some more RRR jerseys out there!!

coach steve ilg

R3 and the MBAA Series is Crankin'

2009-03-12T10:00:00.005-07:00

I'd like to give a shout out to Red Rock Racing - Our team is in 3rd place after three races!! Cheers to Red Rock Racing!!

Some highlights of our winning team in action:

White Tanks: Cat-1 (women) Amber Naughton 2nd; Deb Martin-Wille 1st; Sue Rawley 2nd; Stephanie Hawthorne 7th -- Cat-2 (women) Tammy Begler 5th -- Cat-2 (Men) Todd Lang 2nd; Jeremy Wilson 4th -- Juniors Bella Naughton 2nd

McDowell: Junior Bella Naughton 1st -- Cat-1 (Women) Amber Naughton 2nd; Sue Rawley 1st, Deb Martin-Wille 2nd; Stephanie Hawthorne 3rd -- Cat -1 (Male) Robert Gooch 8th -- Cat- 2 (Women) Tammy Begler 3rd -- Cat-2 (Male) Todd Lang 6th -- Marathon Ben Sullivan 3rd

Estrella: Cat-1 (Male) Robert Gooch 6th -- Junior Bella Naughton 1st -- Cat-2 (Women) Tammy Begler 2nd -- Cat-1 (Women) Amber Naughton 2nd; Sue Rawley 1st; Deb Martin-Wille 3rd; Stephanie Hawthorn 5th - with a special shout out to Stephanie for her supporting the injuried rider who was heli-vac off the course!!

other MBAA racers flying R3 colors: Chris Bossellman, Alex Alvarez, Mark Wille, Robert Naughton, Corey Coplea, Patrick and me - please let me know if I have accidentally missed some of you out there!

Thanks to Mark Wille for a great racin' buddy at Estrella - that was good fun Man - thank you!!

"There Is No Pain Like Mt. Taylor Top 20 Pain..."

2009-02-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

click to enlarge

"There Is No Pain Like Mt. Taylor Top 20 Pain..." - a sacredly withered coach moments after posting a 4:47, 16th Overall Finish at Saturday's Mt.Taylor Winter Quadrathlon.

photo by Craig Ilg.

Full story and pics coming to DIRECT LINES Subscribers!

NEWSFLASH - Coach Bludgeons To Victory; Flagstaff 10k Classic Nordic Race

2009-02-01T13:42:00.001-07:00

Flagstaff Nordic Center - Sunday, February 1, 2009

click on pics to enlarge

After 3 consecutive weekends of racing in three different winter sports, covering race distances from 10k to 42k, and canvassing 700 miles of travel, Coach cashed in on his final event before the Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathlon by repeating as Champion in the Flagstaff 10k Nordic Ski Race held today. "It must be a day for the Arizona underdogs! What next? Wait, don't tell me," said Ilg, "The Cards win the SuperBowl?" the 46 year-young Ilg smiled, shortly after collapsing on the Finish Line from his effort. Coach's effort put him 3.5 minutes in the Series lead for the Arizona Nordic State Ski Championship, the final race, a 10k Skate Race, will be held February 22nd.

"I dedicate my training for and effort of today's top step of the podium to New "old daddy's" Everywhere...and to my Beloved Partner Ananda, who might just be the most amazingly conscious new mother during the Kali Yuga...my daughter sure knew which Human Being to pick as her m(om)!...this one is for New Daddies and New M(om)mies everywhere; May we choose to accept our chi-ldren for the Gurus that they are...and use our Training wisely to keep up with their Teachings!"

- Coach Ilg, m(om)ents after tearing the lungs and legs off the field by nearly 4 minutes at the Flagstaff 10k Nordic Ski Race, event number one of two to defend Coach's hold on the Arizona State Nordic Championship title. Ilg won the race in wire-to-wire fashion, repeating his Overall Victory at the same race last year. photo of Coach and 16 month-old Dewachen by Ananda.

"I pretty much double-poled the entire course in 42 minutes of a flagellant disorder ," Ilg said, "I have a lot of domestication-of-selfish-ilg issues in my tissues right now. i needed an old fashioned self-bludgeoning. Nordic Classic is an endurance sport where i can finally unleash my upper body aggression. Today was a perfect purge."
above photo: Coach and Teresa Hunt, who also repeated as Champion. photo by Tim Allen

Coach will return to some bike riding as soon as his lats de-pump allowing his hands to fit onto the handlebars.

2009 MBAA Series

2009-01-05T23:24:00.002-07:00

RED ROCK RACER:

GREAT NEWS!
The Red Rock Racing Team will compete in the 2009 MBAA MTB Team Competition. This is a great opportunity for individuals and families to enjoy mountain biking together. The racing season starts in January and gives us all good reason to go to warmer weather and enjoy our bikes when there are feet of snow here: www.mbaa.net.

RRR needs to form a 2009 MBAA team and all you need to do is:

1. Purchase your MBAA Membership online at http://www.mbaa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=28&Itemid=65 (membership $20.00 per year)

2. email me (Mark Wille) your MBAA membership # My email Flagx@msn.com

3. Review the MBAA 2009 Team Competition Rules.
http://www.mbaa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=22&Itemid=47

4. Review the MBAA 2009 Race Competition Rules.

5. Optional: Purchase a 2009 USA Cycling License (this will save you 5$ at each Race)
http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=579

As soon as I receive everyone's MBAA membership #'s I will submit our RRR team to the board at the MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA.

That's it......MORE LATER

Happy New Year!!!

Mark and Deb Wille

Schedule Below:

#1 - DNA CYCLES Whitetanks Whirlwind Saturday, January 17, 2009 White Tanks Regional
#2 -McDowell Meltdown Saturday, February 7, 2009 McDowell Regional Park
#3 - Hedgehog Hustle Saturday, February 21, 2009 Estrella Regional Park
#4 - CTS Gardner Grind Saturday, Mar. 14, 2009 Gardner Canyon
#5 - Prescott Punisher Saturday, April 4, 2009 Prescott
#6 - Mogollon Masher Saturday, May 2, 2009 Mogollon Rim
#7- Flagstaff Frenzy Sunday, May 17, 2009 Flagstaff
#8 -Flagstaff Finale Saturday, June 6, 2009 Flagstaff

Dawn to Dusk - Dec 5 2008

2008-12-15T15:00:00.006-07:00

Flagstaff Red Rock Racers,

Here are some nice Photos of The Second Annual DAWN TO DUSK Endurance Race. Big Thanks to DCB Adventures (thanks Dave) with a well organized and Totally Fun Race.

Congratulations to Chris Wilkins and Chris Boselman for there performance. Thanks Deb for laying down some fast laps.

Happy Holidays

Mark Wille

Pics From Flag Cross Series; Race #2 - Thorpe Park

2008-11-25T12:01:00.008-07:00

text and pics by coach ilg...lemme know if i messed up anybody's name or something...
enjoy and keep crankin'!! click to enlarge the Chi Hit...if you'd like me to email you the pic, hit me:
steve(at)wholisticfitness.com

you didn't realize how big Cross is in Flag, did you?
kidding...this is USA's Jonathan Page (Planet Bike) on the run-up.
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini/www.bettiniphoto.net
Superprestige #4 - Hamme Zogge, C1, Belgium, November 23, 2008
Elite Men

i just wanted to get you in the mood...

my old training partner from New Mexico; Mike Longmire paid Flag a visit for some altitude intensity before competing at Cross Natz, in Kansas City. even at 55 years young, ML can still dial up the Hurt Factor like few can! great riding and seeing you ML!

the "Run Up" in detail...

RRR Board Member Chris Wilkens NOT contemplating RRR Business...far away...and

...down to the business end of the Run Up!

...about 20 minutes into it...Ben Sullivan (behind Joth) leads Chase #3

one of my faithful HP Yoga warriors, Ben "Patki Dass" Sullivan looking strong on the "Run Up"...

...Tim "The Future" is one of the miniscule handful of creatures that can actually RIDE a cross bike all the way up the "Run Up"...consecutively!

Dewachen, my 14 month-old helped ring the Nordic Bell to inspire the tiring riders and of course, needed to inspect the "Run Up" transition...her report? "Ain't so baaad!" That's Joy, my partner and Dewa's mom, helping out.

RRR Member, Joth Jacobson, getting it done in the cold sun!

How 'bout you?!

hope to see more and more of you start coming to my classes at 5:30 pm each Tuesday and Thursday for IDEAL off season training for you at Northern Arizona Yoga Center!

Free Fall Flagstaff Cyclocross + 2009 MBAA + cosmic deal

2008-11-19T09:10:00.004-07:00

Hey all,

Flagstaff's finally getting its act together this year, thanks to the efforts and coordination of Chris Latham and a few other cyclocross addicts. We've had 2 races already this fall, with 2 more to go. Weekly practice sessions are happening on Wednesdays too.

Last weekend i organized a cyclocross race on the lower Jump trails behind buffalo park. There was a good RRR turnout and i think it was a success. Here's a little synopsis from CL himself:

Good times were once again had this past Saturday at the "Upper Greenlaw" Cyclocross course that Ben pulled together. Tim felt a little pressure from Art and in the process of putting some lead in got a flat (and broke his bike), but ended up changing it and only loosing the one spot! I think everybody except the top 5 got lapped (self included) but enjoyed the pain fest none the less. Thanks to everybody that showed up and to Dennis at the Coffee Peddler for kicking down some schwag with on short notice to support the cause, everybody has had the opportunity to walk away with something at both races.

i didn't cheat this time and did better than the week before. go figure.

i'm giving you notice: Wednesday, 4:30, cross practice at Thorpe Park.
And then Saturday:

Linden and Art will be hosting next weekends race at Thorpe Park sponsored by Absolute Bikes and New Belgium Brewing. She suggests meeting at the Basketball courts by 11:30, racing by 12. Probably a group leaving Pay n Take around 11:15. Come with some layers so you can stick around for BBQ and beverages afterwards (I heard something about "skinny tire ale" debuting at our race). Linden asks that some folks bring grillable items, I will bring some extra for those of you that would rather put a few bills in their pocket than some raw meat.

That's right, beer, meat, and bike racing. Can this be for real?

Also, for an at-your-desk adrenaline kick, check out mbaa.net, as they've posted a tentative 2009 race schedule. 2 Flagstaff races and a "Mogollon Rim" race? Looks like MBAA's figured out that there's mountain biking outside of PHX. Badass.

John at Cosmic told me to spread the word - 20-25% off Rocky Mountains right now. dang! they're a steal at that rate. And one squishy fun trailbike "Slayer" is going for 2K. The holidays are coming...treat yourself to a little sump'in-sump'in. Feeling generous? There's a 18" gray Element in there that fits me just great and is lighter than my current hardtail. 5, 10, 500 $ donations accepted to support a fast 2009. thanks y'all.

It's still riding time. get out and flog it.

peace,
-b

Sunday's BBQ Ride

2008-10-06T21:31:00.005-07:00

Sunday's Ride and BBQ was AWESOME!! Thank You to all you Red Rockers who came to the ride/bbq - what a great turn out and a beautiful fall day for both riding and eating (and drinking ;)~. It was so great to see all those kits out on the trail - at one point I looked back and Schultz was lined with 11 Red Rock riders - what a great sight. Good Times, Good People, Good Fun. Mark emailed out a ton of excellent photos - I have posted some of them below. Let's do another R3 Session - say Mid Nov or early Dec? Sedona? Leave a comment with your vote!

Red Rock Spirit

2008-09-28T22:38:00.003-07:00

The true spirit of a team like Red Rock is someone's first 100K cycling event. Or first mtb race. Or that just plain dusting off that old Bridgestone and riding to work.

My sincere congrats go out to new RRR member Josh K, who made it his summer goal to ride in the Tour de Tahoe, a 100K ride around the lake. Josh had been riding for a couple of years, but never rode more than 40 miles before this summer.

In early September, he rode it like he stole it. Great job, Josh! He'll be at the BBQ on Sunday: y'all can toast him yourself.

A Red Rock Fillet

2008-08-27T18:59:00.004-07:00

Yep. There sure was a weekend of racing here in Northern Arizona.

Here're 12 ways to make a Red Rock jersey look good:

And here's what a Red Rock jersey looks like after its been filleted open by a safety-scissor-wielding nurse after crashing at Skull Valley:

Asphalt sucks. Keep the rubber side down, y'all. congrats to all who raced at the Absolute race and the AMC in Utah.

Crazy 88

2008-07-17T11:50:00.002-07:00

Red Rockers:

Get out and ride on August 9th, when local singlespeed superendurohero Nathan puts on the Crazy 88.

Read all about it here.

You'll have to drop him a line or comment to join. It'll be worth it, guaranteed.

Use this to tune up those getaway sticks for the American Mountain Classic. A Red Rock condo, 4 days, and some crazy elevation. Mucho gusto.

peace,

-ben

Summit Center Classic Wrapup

2008-07-02T14:25:00.004-07:00

Hello Red Rockers,

i'm the new kid on the block, glad to ride with y'all. This past weekend's Summit Center Classic was a good weekend of racing, though very different than the 4-stage Memorial day extravaganza that went down last year.

Day one had a short stage up Snowbowl road, and day two was the traditional road race on Lake Mary Road.

Red Rock jerseys were few, but the team should be proud. Deborah Martin-Wille snagged down a third-place overall in the Masters' Women's category, and Mark Wille was really consistent in taking a 10th place overall in a viciously contested Masters' men category.

Gary Phillips was injured, and couldn't ride, but due to scoring problems was given 5th on the Snowbowl climb and and finished the Lake Mary Road race to be 10th overall. That's the kind of racing i want to learn to do - rest on the couch and still snag good results.

i discovered my climbing left much to be desired on Snowbowl, and got dropped on part of the long climb in the 84-mile road race. Tenacity (and a slow lead group) allowed me to bridge back to the leaders, who i eventually attacked at the bottom of the "steps" with about 10 miles to go. i caught a lone soldier out there and the two of us had a minute at the bottom of the Marshall lake climb. We needed all of it, as the lone soldier held me off for the win, and i took second only seconds ahead of the charging pack. whoa. i finished 5th overall, despite my miserable climbing skills...just gotta be a cagey sucker sometimes.

Two more hard days in the saddle down. Enjoy the long weekend and keep the rubber side down...

-Ben

Teva Mountain Games

2008-06-10T09:28:00.015-07:00

There's no event that draws more top level athletes in so many different disciplines of outdoor sports than the Teva Mountain Games in Vail, CO. If you want to be inspired to pick up a new sport or get better at the ones you already do then this is the place to be.

I'm sure the fabulously large prize purses for all the events contributes to the popularity, but Vail also offers the best of all things outdoors. If you like to climb, then this is the place for you. The trails are lush and moist, hardpacked and smooth. Gore Creek flows with abandon and the views are breathtaking.

Four Red Rock Racers made the trip for the mountain bike race. In lieu of having no semi-pro field, Gary made his debut in the Pro field racing big names like Ryan Trebon, Jay Henry, and Ned Overend. Eric Bohn raced the Sport Men, Julie Jay raced the Sport Women, and yours truly raced Single Speed. Gary also took on the road hill climb event and Eric ran the 10K on Sunday morning.

Here are some photos of our adventure.

Vail is beautiful and has epic climbing!

Riding from West Vail to pre-ride the course.
Eric, Kristen, Ara (Julie's sister), and Julie hanging out by the climbing wall where they hosted the IFSC Bouldering World Cup.
Pre-riding the course. Yes, it goes straight up the ski run.
That's Ned Overend in the red that just passed me.
Gary lines up for the Pro race.
And he's off!
Eric and Julie in the feed zone.
Eric finishes strong.
Kristen finishing (and wishing she had a 20 instead of an 18) but happy nonetheless!
Julie finishing her first XC race since college.

Eric and Skylar up on the bank above Gore Creek.
Gary takes on a wave in the very full and fast flowing Gore Creek in his little red boat.
Gary starts the Road Hill Climb up Vail Pass.
Gary and Skylar chilling in the car. Skylar is one of the best dogs I've ever traveled with.

So all in all it was a very cool weekend. Hopefully we'll see more Red Rock Racers at the 09 Games competing in all sorts of events.

Cheers!

Teammate Profile; Kent Sherman

2008-06-04T14:00:00.002-07:00

New RRR Teammate Kent Sherman looking fine atop Mt. Elbert, Colorado.

***

Hello Steve and RRR!

I’ve become interested in road cycling in the last couple of years. Last year was my first year of “serious” riding and I entered my first organized ride (Taylor House 65 miler). This year, I got out on the road bike in late February, increased my mileage steadily, and recently cranked out two 100 mile weeks. I’ve had to back off in the last couple weeks due to a strained muscle, but hopefully can bump up the mileage soon. I am primarily a road cyclist and use my mountain bike mostly for errands around town.

I completely agree with RRR mission and etiquette statements. I plan on submitting a clothing order to Cosmic soon. I look forward to becoming involved with RRR and getting to know members
………………Regards, Kent

***

Kent Sherman, age 56, spent most of his youth near Portland, Oregon. He earned a BS is Forest Science from Oregon State U. in 1976. The next four years consisted on odd jobs, traveling in winter, and forest fire fighting in summers. While preparing to enter graduate school, he was offered work with the U.S. Geological Survey, in Portland. He began work with the USGS in January, 1980, four months before Mt. St. Helens blew. An offer to transfer to Flagstaff in 1982 was accepted. Kent worked the next 26 years with the USGS performing water quantity and quality studies throughout northern Arizona. He retired in January, 2008. Linda and Kent were married in 1985. Their sedentary hobbies are watercolor painting and woodcarving, respectively. They have a passion for the outdoors and take at least one major hiking trip per year. Cross country skiing is a favorite winter activity. Kent has been a year-round cyclist in Flagstaff for over 25 years.

***

Welcome to RRR, Kent!
see you out on the cobbles!

WE'D LOVE TO PROFILE YOU!
send me your pic and a short piece on yourself or request an interview!

What A Difference A Week Makes...

2008-05-25T20:24:00.006-07:00

Most Noble Teammates!

ya just gotta LOVE a go(o)d spring in Flag, eh?

i took these during a cross ride up Elden yesterday (5*24*08):

...and here y'all were a mere 7 days EARLIER sweatin' in the heat of Elden!...

Kid's Race...
ready,
set...
CRASH!!!

...

Keep CRANKING The Chi!

i miss racing with you all, yet my new baby is keeping me busier and more fatigued and filled with more Sacred Joy than when i was fully sponsored! i just need you all to keep crankin' the RRR Vibe Out There! take pictures and captions of your race or training or whatever and send them to me!

the Board appreciates all of your kind words about our appearance last weekend...and, so inspired were WE by your embrace of our presence at the Start/Finish Line that we came up with a REALLY COOL idea that we are working on (along with a ton of other stuff!)...so stay tuned to this RRR Blog and contribute!!!

head bowed,

coach steve ilg
RRR Chairperson

Mountain Bike Racing is back in Flagstaff!

2008-05-22T12:36:00.020-07:00

What a grueling course: 26 miles of some of the best single track in Flag!! 3500' of Climbing, and a Down Hill section that can KICK YOUR ASS!! And now the State MBAA Series is HISTORY! What a GREAT early season. Seven Races, all over Arizona with the Final in Flagstaff. Lots of fitness and an excellent showing by Red Rock Racing, especially the expert women:

Expert Women: Sue Rawley, Deb Martin-Wille, and Stephanie Hawthorn

Robert Gooch and Mark Wille

Great to see Red Rock out there Racing!

A great time was had by all

Best part of my race!

Sunshine and Bran-muffins; Ben "Patki Dass" Sullivan Cranks To The Top Step Of The Podium at Mesa Verde!

2008-05-14T19:14:00.005-07:00

Here's "Patki*" crankin' the chi toward the top step of the podium at the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde, a mountain bike race near my childhood home of Durango, CO. Patki - who uses my training programs and local HP Yoga classes as his off-season training - just joined RRR as a Semi-Pro and are we ever stoked we got him! Congratulations Patki! here is his race report...

- coach ilg

* Patki Dass is my yoga name for Ben. it means, "Servant of Wupatki". you'll have to ask him for details.

***

Sunshine and Bran-muffins

a Race Report by Ben

There are days when things come together. And some days when things get so strange, you know it will come together, because it can’t not. Know what I mean?

This weekend was one of those times. The Mormon Sensation and I rolled up to Cortez CO to do the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde, as has been so well reported by Gnome. We went with the intention to win…but the road to DFL is paved with such intentions. Fortunately, at least one road across the res is paved with asphalt:

Res Road

We got to Cortez, set camp, and had the strangest dinner ever: Mama Rees, with the “Best Meatballs west of New York,” was a home that had been retrofitted into a restaurant. Being vegetarian, i can’t say much about the meatballs, but the pasta was cafeteria-style. However, the characters were sustaining: The drunk off-duty waitress told us to go kick some ass, and that she’d be sending us “some good vibes.” This from the place where the men’s room has a blown drag-racing engine, and the walls are papered with photos of the biggest eaters of the area.

Then we got dog food. Cause i thought Sara grabbed it, and she thought i grabbed it…and the dog was mad.

the wind blew all night, so the sleep was marginal, and the day dawned cold and raining. Fortunately, it didn’t stay that way. As Gnome as said, this was a great event - with primo trail. 99% of it was singletrack, but here’s what the road section looked like plus some of the singy:

Well, it’s a good day when you walk away with the hardware, and hear the competition shouting about insurmountable leads at 3:30. For some, it’s a job: for me, it was a pleasure. It’d been awhile since the top step.

Oh dear. This’ll be the first time some of you see me in the Red Rock Racing team kit. And yes, that’s my teammate, the Sensation, in the old kit. For those of you not from Flag, you might not know that a small town can have lots of teams, and therefore lots of drama. Red Rock’s supporting mountain bike racing right now, and i could use some no-strings support. It shouldn’t be the big deal some people make it. Maybe the 12MV can be a way to get over this.

The waiver for the 12MV had two questions: Why do you ride? and Why did you come?
In response to the former i wrote: because my bike doesn’t burn gas. I came because it was small, southwestern, and not USCF sanctioned, which means it’s cheap and simple. the award was a sweet locally-made Osprey backpack. A shout to all the volunteers and organizers. It was a top-notch event. And i learned about it on DC, like any of y’all. Thanks to Sara for the pics. and feeds. and patience. Thanks to the Sensation for the speed. and laughs. We’re already looking forward to next year.

peace.

Whiskey 50

2008-04-28T11:13:00.006-07:00

The Whiskey 50 last weekend in Prescott was quite an adventure, and I think most of us in Flag could feel that it was 3 weeks earlier than previous years. Congrats to all the Red Rock Racers I saw out there getting it done! Gary Phillips, Chris Wilkins, Joth Jacobson, Scott Bajer, Eric Bohn, and Alex Alvarez to name a few. And special thanks to Marty Coplea (aka the purple pimp) for cheering out on the course!

Last year I managed to win this race but this year I had to treat it like good training miles. This was my first time racing up from Skull Valley without going around the Peaks first, so it was harder in that regard. I finished 6th after cramping something fierce and a couple of minor crashes. Gary had a much more epic story to tell, flying off his bike on one of those tall sketchy waterbars on the descent (racers you probably know exactly which one I'm talking about, the one with the rock), and crashing so hard he knocked his headset loose. After repositioning his shifters, brake levers, etc. he had another spill, sliding down the trail on his rump and ripping his shorts. This boy is a trooper! All this happened on the first gnarley descent and he still turned left and went down to skull valley and finished the race. One thing Gary will never do is quit a race and it's inspiring because some people quit races so easily. We both were about 20 minutes slower than we were last year but half the battle with races like these are getting it done and keeping a positive outlook. That we both manged to do pretty well.

You win some and you loose some. Here is a pic from our triumphant victory in the Co-ed Duo category (against Mr and Mrs Travis Brown) at Dawn to Dusk! Thanks to Chris and Dana for taking the photo and for loading us up in their Subaru for the trip to Gallup.

And in other news it looks like Summit Center is officially off the schedule for Memorial Day weekend, so who's up for a road trip to Angel Fire for the Chile Challenge?

Red Rock at MBAA and more

2008-04-23T13:27:00.003-07:00

Hey team! I wanted to give a huge shout out to some of our team members racing in the MBAA Series. This past weekend's Prescott race saw the following R3er's on the podium - I also included everyone's current Overall standings in the MBAA Points Series:

EXPERT Women:

Sue Rawley - 3rd and 1st Overall - in Points Series (a/o Race #4)
Deb Martin-Wille - 4th and 3rd Overall
Stephanie Hawthorne - 5th and 4th Overall
Amber Naughton - 5th Overall (19-39)

(nice Red Rock podium representation - Great job!!)

Beginner Women:

Isabella Naughton - 4th Overall (0-12)

Expert Men:

Mark Wille - 5th and 8th Overall

Sport Men:

Robert Gooch - 9th Overall

Great Job to everyone for their commitment to the MBAA series and for racing strong!

ALSO, Gallup's Dawn to Dusk had a handful for Red Rockers on hand:

Men's Solo 35-44

Corey Coplea - 11th
Chris Wilkens - 17th
Chris Bosselmann - 22nd

Duo - Coed Team:

Gary and Kristen Phillips - 1st

(taking down Mr. and Mrs. Travis Brown - I believe more to come on this one)

Looks like a big group headin' to the Whiskey fitty this weekend too!!

See you there - cw

welcome to the RRR Board; Chris Wilkens!

2008-04-14T18:30:00.003-07:00

It is with great honor that we welcome Chris Wilkens to the RRR Board!

Thank you Chris for STEPPING UP and SERVING this sport that we all love so much!
May your rolled up sleeves next to us prove fruitful for all RRR Team Members!

THANK YOU and WELCOME!

The RRR Board; coach, Rob, and Chris B.

here is Chris W. cranking at the Mt. Charleston HillClimb...look, Mr. SingleSpeed found an actual chainring changer!!!

The Family: Kym, Kyler (age 5), Kyra (age 2.5) and CW.

Nova

2008-04-07T09:31:00.009-07:00

Congratulations to all the Red Rock Racers who went out there and slugged it out at the Nova National this last weekend. The weather and the course at McDowell could not have been better. Some might say it was hot, but for me it was a welcome change from the freezing cold wind that signifies spring in Flagstaff.

I signed up for the Nova Marathon to drop kick myself into getting the mileage that I’m now (very) behind on. All and all it was a good experience, and nice to get the first race of the season out of the way. I ended up second in the women’s Pro/Open field, not because I’m fit (yet) but because apparently not many other women think riding 70 miles at McDowell sounds like fun.

Me, I'm a glutton for punishment I suppose. I spent most of the winter learning to skate ski and working on yoga, now flash forward to April and I’m just now getting back on the bike. That's ok, 'cause time is on our side up here in the high country. Our season is just beginning... and it's going to be the summer of all summers here in Flagstaff. Just ask ol' Schultz Creek here. She'll tell ya...

See you next weekend at Dawn to Dusk!

The Saturday Morning Club Rides are now CRANKING!

2008-04-04T19:42:00.001-07:00

the Saturday group road rides are up in full swing.

Meet at our sponsor Pay-N-Take Downtown Market, were Paul is serving free coffee to everyone riding. Ride will depart at 9:00am and head out Lone Tree to Lake Mary Rd. The ride will make a restroom stop at the "mailboxes" and continue out towards the first "test" of the day, the steps. These short steep series of climbs will see the first pace increase. Everyone will wait a normal period of time for "dropped riders" to regroup before heading around Mormon Lake. Just before the lodge there is a mass sprint for the Mormon Lake Lodge sign. At the lodge, there is a substantial break allowing for the purchase of foodstuffs at the store, use or restrooms, and refilling of water bottles. From there the group heads back to town in a fast "race simulation fashion, with the No Passing sing just before the Lake Mary Store serving as the figurative "finish line". From this point people usually head home slower but in separate groups.

The group ride, while fast, can provide for an exciting time, and a great training effort. Myself and Rob Hastings are almost always on the rides, so if it is your first time, give one of us a shout and we will keep an eye on you. Also I usually perform a sort-of sweep at the top of the steps, so if it is your intention to do the whole ride, I can usually keep the group waiting a bit for you to regroup if you come "detached" on the steps.

If you have any questions about the ride, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

Hope to see more of you out this Sat at 9 a.m.

Good luck to everyone racing.

Gary Phillips
Sponsorship Coordinator
Red Rock Racing
www.redrockracing.org

BIKE TO WORK WEEK needs some Warriors!

2008-03-28T08:38:00.001-07:00

Flagstaff Biking Organization would like to THANK YOU for volunteering to be a Worksite Coordinator in the past. Thanks to people like you, Bike to Work Week grows every year, showing our city leaders that the biking community is strong and united.

Bike to Work Week is coming up May 11th-16 th, and FBO could use some help to make it happen. We would like to invite you to a special Committee formation Meeting next week:

Thursday, April 3rd, 2008, 7:00 PM at
Bigfoot Barbeque, downtown, in the basement at 120 N. Leroux.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in helping a little or a lot, please join us to form teams to work on these events:
The Worksite Challenge: package delivery, prize & coordinator volunteering,
Sunday Bike Bizarre
Recycled bike wrenching mechanics, bike donations
Setup, takedown and cleanup of the bizarre
Wednesday Bike to Breakfast: Servers from 7-9 am, delivery help
Thursday Bike to School events, breakfast servers/delivery
Thursday Bike to Movie night: Movie contest judges, staffing
Friday Bike to Potluck Cyclobration: setup and cleanup

We could especially use people who are certified to handle food, or have strong backs, willing hearts and a bit'o free time.

THANKS.
Flagstaff Biking Organization

RSVP if possible. Questions?
Contact Melissa Dunstan, Melissa@flagstaffbiking.org
or Susan Hueftle, Susan@flagstaffbiking.org; 928-853-5542

Rob Hastings
Membership Coordinator

"When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race." ~H.G. Wells

Saturday Ride Moves to 9:00 am!

2008-03-21T16:52:00.004-07:00

Most Noble Teammates!

just heard the Word;

starting tomorrow (March 22) the Saturday Ride goes off at 9:00 am!

if the skiing wasn't still so dang good, i'd even be there!

see you all on the cobbles soon,

coach

RRR Helps In The Effort To Widen LMR

2008-02-29T19:50:00.002-07:00

Dear Coach Ilg,
Your writing is poetic and lyrical and the letter looks great! Thanks
again so much for writing it. I think the support and enthusiasm of the
local cycling clubs will certainly strengthen our application.

Martin Ince
Multi-Modal Planner
Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Organization/City of Flagstaff
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

***

February 27, 2008

Mr. Kevin Burke, City Manager
City of Flagstaff
211 West Aspen Avenue
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

Mr. Burke,
I am writing in support of the City of Flagstaff’s application for an Alternative Transportation on Parks and Public Lands grant to help fund the construction of shoulders on Lake Mary Road in Flagstaff.

Red Rock Racing is Flagstaff’s native and only remaining cycling team that is 100% local-sponsored. With nearly 40 devout racing and recreational cyclists on our Team, we remain devoted to promoting a positive image of cycling to all those who interact with us. We are focused on creating the conditions necessary for riders to improve their fitness and cycling skills in a positive environment.

We use Lake Mary Road (LMR) as a precious part of our Mission Statement. LMR is to us what a yoga studio is to yogis; that slice of heavenly road is our sacred gathering place. LMR is the site of our informal training rides, regular club rides, and is the esteemed venue of the Arizona State Road Racing Championships! Each Saturday morning, our training ride attracts 10-80 cyclists given the time of season. Many cyclists travel from out of town and spend a lot of money in Flagstaff each weekend in order to partake of our LMR rides.

Adding shoulders to Lake Mary Road would be a tremendous benefit to cyclists in Flagstaff. The shoulders would significantly improve safety for the cyclists who already use Lake Mary Road, and it would allow more cyclists of all levels to use the road safely and comfortably for fun, training, and commuting. Currently, scores of cyclists that are too afraid of the shoulder-less section of LMR waste gas and increase traffic load by driving out to “the mailboxes” in order to alleviate the likelihood of car vs. bicycle accidents; an all-too-frequent effect of the current condition of LMR.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely,

Steve Ilg, Chairperson
Red Rock Racing

***

Sedona - All the Cyclist Have Gone to Sedona

2008-02-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Red Rock Racing Club Rides: Sedona: Proposed

Saturday A.M. Group Road Ride: Page Springs, Jerome, Mingus, Etc.
-Carpooling from central location in FLG-Cosmic Cycles or a coffee house
-Departure times TBA based on input

Sunday A.M. Group Dirt Ride (MTB): All the goodness Sedona has to Offer.
-Carpooling from central location in FLG-Cosmic Cycles or a coffee house
-Departure times TBA based on input
-Weather and Trail Condition Dependent

Also a few of us head down to Sedona a few times in the week, mainly the afternoon. Let me know if you are interested in carpooling.

E-mail gary at redrockracing dot org or gdp007 at yahoo dot com if interested.

Where Have All The Cyclists Gone?

2008-02-08T09:31:00.001-07:00

Our dearly beloved "Schultzy"...host to dozens and dozens of mountain bikers on any given spring, summer, and autumn day wears - in my opinion - her most beautiful, her most seductive wardrobe of all right now; in the middle of a most graceful winter...
c'mon with me my Noble Teammates, as i break trail up to the Lincoln Logs and back...

...the section just before the Aspen Roller...even three days after the storm, no outdoor athlete had even broken trail! Schultzy was a mere wrinkle beneath a heaving mass of snow...

...betcha you cannot even tell what part of Schultzy this picture was taken!

...Lincoln Logs? what Lincoln Logs?

How do you know it's winter in Flag? when it takes you 2.5 hours round trip to get from the Schultz trail head to the Lincoln Logs and back!

Get off the bike and onto the skis or snowshoes! it's BEAUTIFUL and GREAT CROSS TRAINING RIGHT NOW!

Sick Ride

2008-01-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Namaste Noble Two-Wheelin' Warriors!

i trust your off season is 'cranking' right along and you all focused on restoring some deep fiber fitness and/or working on your 'weak links' before the pre-season. it has been GREAT to see a few of you in my
HIGH PERFORMANCE YOGA
classes, yet sadly, this IDEAL training for your off season is still being ignored by most of you...just remember as i wrote in one of my first books, "you never get a second chance at your off season!"

on a different note;
though i ain't much of a 'gravity dude' on a MTB, as a former ski jumper i DO appreciate the art. a student of mine from Pasadena sent this along to me...
i figured you all might enjoy the 'ride'...

Makes Secret Trail Look Easy

head bowed,
coach ilg

***

Tap Water vs Bottled Water

2008-01-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Tap Water vs. Bottled Water
A reprint from yahoo.com news

Hi everyone, I get asked about this a lot, and just happened on a small article that touches on this briefly. I added in some notes to apply it specifically to Flagstaff.

"lug, glug, glug--that’s the sound a ginormous number of us make as we sip bottled water in our cars, at the gym, behind our desks.

The sound you DON’T hear is the thwack of 60 million bottles a day being tossed into U.S. landfills, where they can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade.

If that’s not enough to turn your conscience a brighter shade of green, add this: Producing those bottles burns through 1.5 million barrels of crude oil annually--enough fuel to keep 100,000 cars running for a year. Recycling helps but reusing is even better. Invest in a couple of portable, dishwasher-safe, stainless steel bottles like Klean Kanteens that won’t leach nasty chemicals into your water. (Don’t get into the habit of refilling the water bottle you just emptied; the polyethylene terephthalate it’s made of breaks down with multiple usings.)

4 REASONS TO TURN ON THE TAP

1. Tap water is tested daily
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, water suppliers are required to provide an annual report on the quality of your local water and to test tap water daily. By comparison, the FDA examines bottled water only weekly, and consumers can’t get the agency’s results. You can easily get the lowdown on your state’s drinking water quality at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html

City of Flagstaff provides this quarterly in the publication "Cityscape" and also provides access to all testing results and a Consumer Confidence Report on demand.

2. Tap water is a bargain
Bottled water costs about 500 times more than tap. If you’re into really fancy labels, up to 1,000 times more.

3. Tap water is a tooth saver
It has more fluoride than bottled water, which helps prevent tooth decay. (Yes, you never outgrow your need for fluoride.)

City of Flagstaff's drinking water is not fluoridated. There is some controversy involved in fluoridation of drinking water.

4. Tap water is often tasty
Some places (New York City for one) have delicious water, but if you don’t love the flavor of yours, the solution is simple: Run your tap water through a Brita or Pur filter to remove most tastes and odors. The average home filter goes for $8.99 and produces the equivalent of 300 large (16.9 ounce) bottles of water. That’s about $0.03 cents a bottle, versus the $1.25 or so you’d pay in a market. "

Most commercially available water filters/purifiers actually only treat water for "aesthetic" qualities such as taste and odor, rather than actual contaminants. Remember, lead, arsenic, and radiochem's are colorless and tasteless. A quick way to remove the chlorine taste (residual chlorine from the disinfection process) is to fill a pitcher and leave it open at room temperature overnight. As tap water reaches room temperature, the dissolved chloride ions (molecules) will naturally dissipate into the air.

I hope that helps to shed some light on this issue. Stay tuned for further posts of scientific inquiry, as it applies to our lives as cyclists. -Gary

RRR 2008 AZ STATE SERIES MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM

2008-01-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

To: All RED ROCK RACERS

From: Mark Wille (your RRR board appointed team captain for the Arizona state Mountain bike race series)

GREAT NEWS

Yes we will have a mountain bike team competing for the overall team point competition for the 2008 Arizona State Mountain Bike race series.

RRR needs to form a team. All you need to do is email me your MBAA membership # (please purchase a 2008 MBAA membership, its 20$)

Purchase your MBAA membership online at

http://www.mbaa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=28&Itemid=65

As soon as I receive everyone's MBAA membership #'s I will submit our RRR team to the board at the MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA.

That's it......MORE LATER

Happy New Year!!!

Mark and Deb Wille

RACE DATES AND VENUE

RACE SERIES 1 - January 19, 2008 - McDowell Competitive Track

RACE SERIES 2 - February 9, 2008 - White Tank Competitive Track

RACE SERIES 3 - March 1, 2008 -- Estrella Competitive Track

RACE SERIES 4 - March 15, 2008 - Gardner Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains, Sonoita, AZ

RACE SERIES 5 - April 5-6, 2008 - in conjunction with the NOVA NORBA National; McDowell Competitive Track

RACE SERIES 6 -April 19, 2008 - Prescott

RACE SERIES 7 - May 17, 2008 - final TBA

Off Season Fun and Focus...oh, and WAAAY Better Fitness!

2007-12-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

tired of leaving the high carbon footprint traveling to Sedona and even further south?

burning all that fossil fuel doesn't sit well with your spirit, does it?....i mean, really, just to train?

why not mix it up?

like Gary does! chances are, Gary is faster than you on a bike...and after an Off Season of doing my HIGH PERFORMANCE YOGA CLASSES AND some nordic skiing with me?

what?

you think he is somehow gonna be SLOWER than ever before?!!?

i think not...

and, in this case...
i happen to know...

Gary BEFORE his Skate Ski Clinic with me, and...

...Gary about 30 minutes into his Skate Ski Clinic with me...look at that weight shift! look at that Hang Arm! he's already looking like Vegaard! yeah baby!

***

"Coach, I have to warn you, I am gonna give you a big hug after this session with you! Thank you!"
- Gary Phillips, Semi-Pro MTB Racer/Board Member;RED ROCK RACING

private Nordic Ski Clinic's available, not to mention, Online Training...just email me!

Let's share some yoga and Cold Sweat together this Off-Season!!!

NOW IS THE TIME!

Om So Ti,
coach ilg

(note; coach ilg is a former Nordic U.S. Jr. National Nordic Combined Team Member and a sponsored, Multi-Overall Champion in nordic ski racing.)

Coach's Student nabs a 5th Place at Nationals!

2007-12-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

yet another National Podium for a WF Warrior! Sammy Morse, far left in Kansas City at the United States CycleCross National Championships!

El Coache,

Thought I’d pass along to you a couple pictures from my experience at Cyclocross Nationals in Kansas City. The conditions were an absolute mud and ice fest! I managed a 5th place and the last place on the podium. By the way this was predicted by student Featherman*! I made a major mistake by only taking one bike to the race, with one to go I lost two places as my poor mud and ice covered bike only had two gears left! That said I’m thrilled with the result. I must tell you WF has been an amazing part of all my preparation for my cycling, especially yoga and morning practice.

However the best part of the weekend was watching my 12 year old son take 6th in a very deep field!

Happy Holidays to you Joy and Dewa,

Sammy

* here, Sammy is referring to my Online Student Mark Featherman who placed 2nd in the PA State CycleCross Championships!

***

The above two cyclists can only train with me via my DVD's,books, and Online Training...YOU can train directly with me two times per week at the:
Northern Arizona Yoga Center

what are you WAITING FOR? your OFF SEASON is running out! NOW IS THE TIME TO GET TO CLASS!

other students who you may recognize; Andy Hampsten, Penny Davidson, Sara Ballantyne, Ned Overend, Nelson Vails, Scott Berryman, Ron Jones, Michael Secrest, Brian Smallwood, and MANY MORE! let's SWEAT TOGETHER!

Winter Training Needs To Begin NOW!

2007-11-21T07:50:00.001-07:00

Hey RRR Teammates! don't be hiding your face from me this off season! come once or twice per week to my HIGH PERFORMANCE YOGA CLASS - the same class that has produced Olympic, National, and State Champions since 1985 - and find out for yourself what your RRR Teammate Chris found out last night;

Namaste coach - wow - that was an amazing yoga session - you are truly talented and thank you for encouraging me to take part - kym and i had a great time and look forward to continuing our new tuesday evening yoga time together. oh, is it normal not to be able to get out of bed the next day after your yoga sessions - j/k, but man my cells ar very open right now ;). chris and kym

Each Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm!

For a complete class schedule: visit
Northern Arizona Yoga Center

Train With Coach In The Winter Time and Kickass On The Bike Come SpringTime!

c'mon! other cyclists from other teams are being trained by me...where are YOU?!

head bowed and ready to Serve,
coach ilg, ryt/uscf/cpt

RRR wakes up for DAWN TO DUSK; Dec. 1

2007-11-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

TO ALL RED ROCK RACER TEAM MEMBERS.
FROM MARK AND DEB WILLE.

I JUST RECEIVED A RETURN CALL FROM THE RACE PROMOTER DAVID BENJIES, AT DCB ADVENTURES AND HAVE AN INVITE FROM HIM.

WE HAVE SECURED A 40X30 TEAM AREA AT THE DAWN TO DUSK RACE VENUE ON SAT DEC 1ST. SEE

FOR INFO:
DAWN TO DUSK

DAVE INVITES RED ROCK RACERS TO PARTICIPATE. OR AT LEAST COME DOWN, RIDE, PARTY, AND CHEER ON OTHERS ON OUR TEAM.

DEB AND I ARE IN THE DUO COMPETITION. WE HOPE OTHER RRR WILL RACE. WE WILL SET UP OUR POP UP TRAILER ON FRIDAY AFTER NOON. THE RRR BANNER WILL BE FLYING.

OUR BEST TO ALL

MARK AND DEB WILLE.

OH, AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL RED ROCK RACERS WHO REPRESENTED AT THE EL TOUR DE TUCSON THIS PAST WEEKEND.

Camp Verde to Pine and Back!

2007-10-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Teammates,

Jeremy Wilson just sent this in...
i'm outta town, so join Jeremy and spin the cranks a few times for me!
namaste,
coach ilg

***
"8 AM Sunday, 11/4 ride from the Starbuck's parking lot in Camp Verde to Pine. There is more parking in the McDonald's parking lot if that suits people. Expect close to 90 miles with around 8000 feet of climbing."

PINES TO THE MINES!

2007-10-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hey Team!
it's coach and baby Dewa here!

wanted to let you know:
if you want to do Pines to Mines, the registration is available at PaynTake.

i hear that Brinkman's holding the entries down to 50, so scoot down there pronto and try to get in!

having said that:
no Pines again for ilg (i STILL haven't done that race!).
need to keep ramping up my running and besides, cycling keeps me too far
from Joy and Dewa these days. both, by the way, are doing just GREAT!
and THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR WELL WISHES!

ran with the Kachina Spirits up Humphreys today!
GORGEOUS SUMMIT! Lockett Meadow is AFLAME!!! GET UP TO THE IB QUICK! NOW IS THE TIME!

oh, and get your butt to yoga and may your Training be Blessed,

el coache

photo: yup, it finally happened - ilg at age 45 has finally traded water bottles for baby bottles! Dewachen Catherine Ilg born within the yogi's Hour of God (4:24am) on the auspicious date of 9/11! another Healer in the family!

Of Broken Nipples, Thirsty Ghost Realms, and Ever Heightening RRR Team CHI!

2007-08-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

"DAD GUM IT ALL ANYWAY!!"

above photo; Saturday...apres suffering:
your Chairperson stares down the nipple-less feeder tube of my camelback that reduced me to a quivering quad-mire of dazed, dehydrated confusion. while attempting to drink during Lap One of Saturday's ABSOLUTE BIKE's MTB race, i tore the nipple off the feeder tube. More waterless than watercress, yet not willing to listen to Common Sense, i kept the throttle down and my heart rate up. surely, i thought, i could produce some yogic tricks to outwit the impending massive bonk which accompanies severe dehydration under duress. Hell, i figured, i used to climb the Big Walls of Yosemite with no more water than could fit on my swollen tongue!

Well, my Noble Friends, there is a reason why most Yoga Teachers limit their Practice to the inside of nicely incensed yoga studios and far, far away from the brutal Bardo of endurance racing! For alas, like the total nerd which is ilg, no magical yogic powers could be summoned and ilg thus suffered one hellacious bonk. not just one, but several of my inner realities combusted and collided straight into Lap Three (aka; Trail of Tears). it was on that technical traverse section, last lap, whereupon i shape shifted unwillingly into a ghostly apparition (perhaps you saw me?)...cross-eyed, blubbering, and infirm. Fed up with my invalid status and worried for my safety and coherency for my very pregnant Joy at home; i graced myself my first DNF in quite a number of years, and in the process felt very, well...grown up! oh good Lord Awlmighty, don't tell me i'm becoming more...gr..gr...GROWN UP!??!! aaaaaargh!

Oh well, there is comfort in knowing some things never change like the outdoor racing maxim: Expect the Unexpected!

coach ilg reminds the reader at this point:
do NOT - EVER - let me catch YOU trying to race 33 miles without water! i will personally kick your arse if you try such stupidity!

***
Namaste Most Noble RRR Teammates!
First of all, THANKS to Kristen for that wonderful Team Email today and great photos/results from all of you Two Wheeling Warriors that stepped up to the Start Line on Saturday! Start and Finish Lines come in ALL SORTS of forms for each of us; the important thing is not the outer podium (although, getting onto those ARE rather nice!), but rather our unique, inner podiums. Just toeing the Start Line - be it a Saturday morning club ride or a brutal MTB race - is where the real inner value begins! it was "Absolutely" GREAT to see all those RRR kits out there on Saturday! EACH WEEKEND CLUB RIDE can be the same way! the power of a club lies in its consistency to represent! all momentum for our future depends upon YOU getting out there in your RRR Kit and REPRESENTING!

Secondly, a deeeeeep wave of gratitude to Mark and Deb Wille for throwing open the doors of their beautiful home for our Team Party! How fun was that!?

Although i wanted more of you to be there as i announced the general 2008 Team Structure that your Board has been pouring over for the past several months, you will each have a chance to learn more in the near future.

Special thanks to Board Members; Chris "Check-My-New-Sweetass-S'Works-Frame-That-I-Got-For-$30-Damn-Bucks-Because-I-Toed-The-Start-Line" Bosselman, Rob "Getting-It-Done" Hastings, and the ever-crankin' couple of Gary and K (above) for all their work in producing the Party.

It is with deep honor that feeble ilg Serves this Board
and this great, fast, friendly Team
that remains
FLAG's ONLY NATIVE CYCLING RACE TEAM!

As the Board heads into our most time and effort intensive part of the year for doing Team stuff,
know that your sweat, spirit, and most of all your SUPPORT is what will fuel our work for RRR.

Promise Coach that you will watch for and OPEN your RRR Emails coming up, okay?
We need your active support to keep RRR growing into the Structure that i outlined at the Party...

Keep crankin' and i'll see you at the Start Line...

head bowed,

coach ilg

12hrs of the Peaks

2007-08-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Team: Chris Wilkens here. Those of you who are frequent checkers (and readers) of the email realm may already be familiar with who I am. That’s me there at the very bottom of the last two R3 Team Updates (very cool to have team updates I might add) – the one duly noted as the team’s Single Speed expert. Please don’t let the title fool ya - I am by no means an expert (at anything really)! But enough about me! I wanted to pass along my report on this past weekends S.S.S.S.S.S. – O! (loosely translated to Super Sweet solo single speed shred-off) aka 12hrs of the Peaks. For you’s all scratching your head and wondering what is he talking about, here were the details:

The 12hr race course:
lap one: schultz creek trail, sunset trail, red onion, elden lookout road, sunset trail, little bear, little elden, schultz.
lap two: fort valley connector, 164B, western most fort valley, pipeline, lower motto, fort valley connector.
lap three: schultz creek trail, little gnarly, lower brookbank, rocky ridge.
Finish one set, do it again and so on…

What a great event all around: from the free beer/music at registration, to a 6am race start (which by the way was the first time in my six years living in Flg I have ever seen Schultz trailhead at that time of day – it’s cold, even in the summer), to cranking the pedals around and around and around for 12hrs – well 8hrs in my case, great people (cyclists as a species are good eggs, but something about reducing life down to one gear just elevates the good nature of said cyclists), and all this just out our back door – sweet flag livin’ for sure!

For me I have come to realize that I really enjoy the idea of riding my bike for long periods of time - just my body and mind seem to deviate from their original plans some where along 6.5+hrs into a ride; thus reducing me to spend the next hours debating the pros and cons of my life's current state of affairs. So, the race results: http://www.meandrosco.blogspot.com/ that's me in slot 15. I set out to do lap 4 (the climb-a-thon lap) and played leap frog with a guy biking up Elden in what looked to be parachute pants stolen from David Lee Roths gym locker back in the Jump days of Van Halen's mega success and realized the pain was just not worth the humiliation of watching my current lack of riding ability. So called it a day on lap 4 (3/4 up Elden) and enjoyed the smooth flow of some icy cold PBRs back at the p. lot. End result - sign me up for the next one - I'm in!

There are two more events in the SSSSSSS-O:
Race two: absolute bikes old fashion mountain bike race.

Race three: elden lookout road single speed hill climb Sunday, September 2 high noon. from where the dirt turns to pavement all the way to the towers near the sunset trailhead. mass start.

thanks for reading and hope to see you all at Fort Valley on Saturday (with a much more reasonable start time!), chris

Summit Center

2007-06-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to everyone who raced in the Summit Center Classic this weekend! In today's paper four Red Rock Racers are named as local riders finishing in the top 3. Way to go Red Rock!

Official Red Rock Racing GC results:

Cat 3 men
Gabe Keck – 6th
Gary Phillips – 23rd

Cat 5 Men
Karl Granoth – 3rd
Jesse Rens – 13th
Rob Hastings – 16th

Cat 4 Men
Jeremy Wilson – 3rd
Todd Lang – 12th
Bob Verderame – 19th
Chris Wilkens – 22nd

Masters Men 45+
Mark Wille – 8th

Cat 4 Women
Sue Rawley – 13th

Cat 3 Women
Kristen Hayden – 2nd

Masters Women 45+
Deb Martin-Wille – 2nd

Great job!

Thank You!

2007-04-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

Most Noble RRR Teammates and Sponsors...

thank you so much for your attendance and smiles at our Kit Pick Up last night.

thank you Dennis for keeping the shop open late!

thank you Board Members for putting in the long nights...

may the tailwinds be abundant in your riding and may all your miles be Blessed with Sacred Sweat
in your beautiful new RRR kit! ain't they great?!

stay tuned for more; the years ahead shine with a reborn RRR; Flags ONLY Native, Homegrown and STAYING That Way Racing Team!

proud of you all and see you soon out on the trails and 'cobbles'...

head bowed,

coach steve ilg
RRR Chair

From The Chair; Missive #1

2007-02-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

RRR’s new Chairperson, Steve “Coach” Ilg, flying the RRR colors while cranking to a 3rd consecutive Title at this years Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathlon in Grants, New Mexico. Coach, who also won the Flagstaff Winter Triathlon, is committed to bringing a dynamic energy of communication and CHI to RRR this season!

Hola Teammates!
My name is Steve “Coach” Ilg, your new RRR Chairperson. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of you out on the ’cobbles’ and ponderosa singletrack over the last couple of seasons. I deeply look forward to meeting the rest of you!

I’ll say it up front; I am not a cycling-specific athlete. I’m a 45-year young warrior just doing my best to stay fit. Since the eighties, I’ve used competitive cycling as a training vehicle toward multisport events and more importantly as a wonderful form of spiritual growth in tune with my understanding and practice of yoga. My highest results in cycling comes from a coach, not athlete. I am devoted however, to being a "coach that does," and once managed to attain a Cat 2 license (for about thirty seconds) and still maintain a feeble grip on an Expert MTB license (thanks in large part to riding MTB's again under the svelte fitness of RRR teammate Bob Verderame...that cat dances on a MTB like few i've ever seen). My deepest memories have been as a Tour of the Gila Champion, New Mexico Road Race Series State Champion, a New Mexico State MTB Medalist, and course records in the Furnace Creek 508 Ultra. However, I have had the deep honor to be the strength and conditioning coach of Team 7-Eleven back in the Boulder, Colorado golden years when names like Grewal, Hampsten, and Phinney were tearing up the Euro peletons when tearing up the Euro peletons was NOT something that we Americans did!

It’s from that experience that I am delighted to function as your new Chairperson for RRR. I was attracted to the low-key nature and tawny enthusiasm of this team while suffering like a dog during the Saturday Morning Club Rides a few years ago. I wanted to be a part of a low-pressure Team that honestly loved to do one thing; ride bikes. All kinds of bikes at all kinds of intensities.

That perhaps, defines the hallmark nature of a RRR Racer; it ain’t so much about winning, it’s about cultivating the good qualities within ourselves that seem to spring forward whenever we pedal our bikes through this amazingly beautiful land.

WHY SO LONG WITHOUT CONTACT?
I wanted to wait to speak to you all after I had a few Board Meetings under my belt, since all this fancy-smancy Board Meeting stuff is utterly new to me.

Okay kids, I realize by now, many of you may think that the RRR Board is actually just a semi-fictitious bunch of curmudgeons that excels in Consciously Engaged Procrastination.

Let me set the record straight; each of you should be very, very proud of the current RRR Board. Sure, I know well enough all the gossiping and insipid morale that has been the state of things up until now.

However, I don’t give a you know what about all that.

Here is what matters; the furthest thing your Board is, is Bored. We’ve had a LOT to do since I accepted this “utterly thankless, time consuming, and painful” position a few short while ago. Like the other Members of your board, I have already lost several hundred dollars of my time during seemingly endlessly linked Friday Nights huddled about in various Flagstaff nests with the other Board Members doing our best to get this amazing and STILL THE ONLY LOCAL HOMEGROWN FLAGSTAFF CYCLING TEAM up toward where we started and where we belong:
The Podium.

MISSION CONTROL; WE HAVE LIFT OFF!
Let me proudly state that our Team is now CRANKING! We’ve got a super strong Tier System to focus our racers, we’ve got Team Meet-and-Greet events slated, our totally stylin’ new kits will be here soon, and we’ve got all our racing and event promotion dialed in. In a few short months, this new RRR Board has done a 180 in engaged stance; we are completely devoted to securing strength and endurance for this amazingly refreshing cycling team that NEVER TURNS ANY RACER AWAY!!! RRR all-ways has been,
And all-ways shall remain, “all inclusive.”

We have a TON of forward, upward energy to climb the mountains before us. Good thing everyone on the Board are altitude trained, cuz we are focused on nothing else than Going Higher with this Team.

HOMEWORK, ALREADY?!? OH GEEZ, COACH…

I am all about the “Practice”
And
I am all about Communication.

So, your new “El Presidente” has a couple of homework assignments for each of you;

1) go to the RedRockRacing.org website (GREAT JOB, KRISTEN!) and STUDY, yes, I said STUDY all the newly updated items such as our killer new Tier System, Race Reimbursement Formula, our Junior Development Program, etc.! Remember; Practiced Communication and responsibility! It is up to YOU to know by heart how to get reimbursed for your races, what qualifies as a “race”, and other particulars. With a USCF Coach sitting as your Chairperson, do not think for one second that I will tolerate lack of responsibility among our racers. If I would tolerate such lazy mindedness, I would be doing great disservice to your spirit, both as an athlete and as a human being. Also; Update your Bio! C'mon, we want to MEET and get to know you! Don't be shy!

2) Visit and contribute to the RRR Team Blog! This Blog is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a constant and needed source of Team news and exciting energy. As the new racing season begins to yawn wide open, let your RRR Brothers and Sisters read about your event, your training, what you’ve been doing. We need some spiritual glue for our Team right now, and the only way to create such bondage among each other is to live your Training and Racing out loud! Don’t just huddle in anonymity! Take a flier off the front, baby! Then tell us about it; training or racing! Let’s see you Represent!

3) Embrace the new Energies of Flag’s Native Cycling Team we ROCK among the Red Rocks! Ride happy, ride strong, and speak true.

Let’s do this thang!

May your training be strong and sincere and may all your headwinds be brief,

Om so ti,

Coach ilg, ryt/uscf/cpt

2006-12-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

One more el Tour picture...

Here are Chris and Carolyn Latham on the tandem at el Tour. They look good on that set of wheels!

2006-12-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

El Tour de Tucson results and pictures:

It's been over a month ago, but 6 Red Rock Racers (that I know of) finished the 109 mile el Tour de Tuscon in November. (Sorry I couldn't find any pics of Guillermo or the Lathams)

Fastest RRRacer was Guillermo Cortes in 4:52:28. I never saw him! Nice time!

The tandem team of Chris Latham and Carolyn Maul-Latham was next at 5:37:44. It was good to see those two speeding along on a tandem!

Deb Martin-Wille had an awesome race, getting her Platinum time (under 6 hours) in 5:39:17. Deb found some fast guys and appently did most of the work pulling them along!

Sue Rawley came in at 6:30:36. That is exactly 5 hours longer than Sue's ideal (and typical) ride.

Mark Wille finished in 6:45:07.
Rumor has it that Mark had at least 2 flats along the way, maybe more?!

Sedona High School to the top of Mingus Mt.

2006-10-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone or those of you who read the blogs. If anyone is interested in riding on Sunday during this winter I was thinking about starting a ride from Sedona High School. It would start at 9AM on Sunday. We would ride on 89A to Cottonwood, up to Jerome and then to the top of Mingus Mt. When passing through Cottonwood we can take Mingus Extension road to Old Jerome Hwy and a couple of side streets back to 89A. That way we will stay off of 89A through town. At the top of the mountain there is the state camp ground "Potato Patch." If anyone wanted to fill their bottles up can do so at the camp ground. The ride will be around 78 miles with over 5100 ft. of climbing with most of the climbing up Mingus Mt. If anyone wants to ride send me an email at jw15923@nahealth.com or jwakrunner@hotmail.com. I will be there this Sunday, 10/29. If I get a couple of people that show up on a regular basis then more people will know how to get through town without taking 89A. This will be a great training ride for everyone.

Steve "Coach" Ilg Scores his 4th Victory

2006-10-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

Backdropped by colored aspens, our seemingly ageless RRR Team Yoga Teacher, Steve "Coach" Ilg scored his 4th victory of the season for Red Rock Racing as he ran and mountain biked to a new Course Record in last Saturday's "Gaspin In The Aspen" mountain duathlon at the Flagstaff Nordic Center. Ilg covered the 15-kilometer run/bike/run course in 58 minutes. Coach plans to re-sign with RRR for 2007!

NOTE:
RRR Team Members get discounts off each off Coach's acclaimed classes. Come and find out for yourself just how your Training can benefit from Coach's guidance! Many cyclists would do much better by reducing their on-bike training during the Off Season and rejuvenate, balance, and empower their bodies through High Performance Yoga® in preparation for the long In Season. photo - www.MyRacePics.com

September Kids Ride

2006-08-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

From Chris Latham...

Parents,

I had scheduled this Sunday for the next kids ride but I am going to take advantage of the three day weekend and move this one to Monday in hopes of getting more participation. We will meet for this ride at the Ponderosa Trails Park Ramada at 9 AM on Monday the 4th. If your bike needs any work please come by 8:30 or so and I will help you with it.

To get to the park take the first possible right off Lake Mary Rd. and then teh first possible left at Wild West. The park is small but on your right about 2 blocks in. We will go from there to Fort Tuthill most of the kids will stay on urban trail and more advanced ones will do the Soldiers Trail loop and then return to the park. Most will be back be 10:30 or some (the advanced group) soon after.

I will have to bring waivers for everybody to sign so as to remove liability from ride leaders and the Red Rock Racing or Flagstaff Biking so please accompany the kids when you arrive. We will talk more when we meet. Thanks for your support and See you Monday!

Chris Latham
H 213-0120
M 520-237-8714

Whirled Championships of AZ

2006-08-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

From Gary...

Whirled Championships of AZ

The 2006 Whirled Championships of AZ - 4 Stage Mountain Bike Race # What: Whirled Championships of Arizona - FREE and limited to 75 people but that is only if the USFS is counting.

This is a 4 stage and timed event that will bring out your epicrider developed expertise: including but not limited to reading, route finding, mountain bike skills, fitness, navigating trails, communicating with alien creatures (including but not limited to people, horses, dogs, lizards and snakes) Expect GC times to be 15-25 hours, a course with 70% (or more) single-track, 15,000+ feet of climbing/descending, and cool awards like these. Three classes: boy, girl and onespeeder.

# When: Sept 2, 3 and 4, 2006 (Labor day weekend); Pre-race meeting and stage 1 at 8:00AM on Saturday, Sept. 2nd. Expect stage 1 to be an approximately two hour "time-trial".

Stage 2 will also be held Saturday, Sept. 2nd, but later in the day at 5:00PM - bring your night-riding lights/gear. Stage 3 and 4 on Sunday and Monday (labor day).

# Where: Flagstaff, Arizona, USA, Earth; pre-race meeting and first stage on Sept. 2nd at 8:00am at Shultz Creek Trailhead. Stage 2 on Saturday, Sept. 2nd at 5:00PM also at Schultz Creek Trailhead (bring night-riding lights/gear). Stage 3 and 4 starts to be determined.

# Huh?: All stage maps, profiles and directions will be posted here by August 2006.

Get the Stage Maps here:
http://www.juniper-solutions.com/epicrider/Whirled/2006/maps.html

Pictures from Park City, UT and Sonoma, CA

2006-08-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures that Scott Edwards and I took at the Park City NORBA National and the USA MTB National Championships in Sonoma, CA.

Click HERE for a whole bunch more!

Kristen Yoder

2006-07-05T23:23:00.000-07:00

This post doesn’t have to do with cycling or racing as much as it does with the amazing people that we get to know along the way. The entire outdoors community encountered a terrible tragedy when we lost a brother and sister that, to those of us who knew them, were beautiful beyond compare.

Most of us have at one time or another had amazing people come into our lives and change us for the better. One of those amazing people in my life was Kristen Yoder, who was killed with her brother Dustin while climbing in Peru at the young age of 21. Dustin was 23 and had just graduated from NAU in December. Kristen was going to graduate in spring 2007. I didn’t know Dustin as well, but I knew him well enough to know that he was remarkable, and the two of them were as tight as tight could be. They were beautiful, generous people who embraced life.

Kristen lived in our house at 302 N. Agassiz last year, until May when she moved out just before leaving for this trip to Peru. If you didn’t hear the story, we had been told by our property manager that our lease was not going to be renewed, and since Kristen was going to be out of the country, she moved out with the intention of moving back in the fall if we found another house. We ended up keeping our current house and Kristen’s room was waiting for her when she got back. We were looking forward to feeling the daily effects of her warm personality again.

We didn’t know Kristen at all when she moved in last May, but she came highly recommended from a friend who was moving out. Throughout the course of the year Gary and I got to know her well and were confident that we had made a good choice. We got to know all of her friends and family, including her father, Ken, who is one of the most interesting, successful, and genuine people I have ever met. Kristen proved to be a person who was young, full of energy, and eternally happy. I loved being around her, and she challenged me because as I got to know her I had to accept on a deeper level that her happiness was genuine; never forced or put on for show. I have a tendency to be sort of jaded towards the kind of optimism that Kristen possessed, but over time she wore both me and Gary down and we embraced her for who she truly was, a person overjoyed with life.

In my 25 years I have met few people who were so happy to be alive, or who deserved to live so much. I’ve never known someone who was so happy-go-lucky on a day in, day out basis, without condition or remorse. She never stressed, got angry, or treated people harshly. She was generous on a level that I have yet to understand. She had all the gear and material possessions that the world could afford her but valued her friends and family above anything else in her life. I saw more of her friends drive her car than I saw her drive it. She didn’t care. She wanted to be there for people when they needed it.

Kristen didn’t waste a minute of any day. She embraced life. She was always on the go with a huge smile on her face. She had more friends than I could keep track of. She was overjoyed with this trip to Peru and in the final weeks would talk about it all the time. We would stretch and do yoga together in the living room and she would tell me about the training she was doing for this trip. She had more experience with the outdoors and with mountaineering that most people twice her age. I know that with the combined experience of her brother and Brennan Larson that their group had to have used caution and digression. We still don’t know what happened to them or how they ended up in that crevasse. We also don’t know what the actual cause of death was. All I know is that Kristen and Dustin were not careless or inexperienced people, and they absolutely wanted to live.

Regardless, I MISS that girl so much. Every memory of her makes me smile or laugh out loud; just the way she could shrug off trivial things and focus on what makes life really valuable. It saddens me greatly that I will never see her again. She had her priorities straight, even at the young age of 21. If I had the privilege to see her grow older I know she would be even more remarkable as time went on. And the same goes for her brother, Dustin, who was equally as admirable. I had looked forward to knowing Kristen for many years to come, and I feel cheated that I have been deprived of such a solid friendship in my life. I know I can’t even contemplate the grief that her father must be feeling, and my heart goes out to him and to every other person in Flagstaff and Tucson whose lives they touched.

We can’t forget people like Kristen and Dustin Yoder. We must live every day of our lives aware of the fact that this life is so short and it can be taken from us at any time without notice. We have to treat the ones we love with kindness and respect, and be compassionate to others as to not live with any regrets. Kristen had no regrets. She made no apologies because she was completely true to who she was in every action. She loved actively and tirelessly. That is the only way to be.

MTB Videos - Whiskey 2006 & 24HITOP

2006-06-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Vlad has made some awesome videos from The 2006 Whiskey Off-Road and the 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo. I noticed a lot of RRR'ers in the Whiskey video (Gary, Kristen and a few others). Check them out at www.vladfoto.com (fixed link) ... go to "index" and then "video". Enjoy!

COACH ILG NAILS FIRST VICTORY OF SEASON FOR HIS NEW TEAM & does it in true "Mountain Yogi" Fashion!

2006-06-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Coach Ilg racing for his new team; Red Rock Racers, manufactured a scintillating victory in hellishly hot conditions at the 26-mile, 5,800' Bill McLain Memorial Sandia Crest HillClimb last weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

photos by: by Heidi Snell/Visual Escapes Photography

"While cranking up the long hot climb and knowing the entire peleton was right behind me, i kept recalling my training efforts on Snowbowl Road and my favorite long mountain bike climbs in Flag like "Weenie Walk," "Waterline," and "Little Bear." Coach - who teaches High Performance Yoga® here in Flag on Wednesday evenings (see PDF Flyer on main RRR website) is shown above midway through the tormentingly long climb that finishes at 10,500'. "I knew i had to do my best to dismantle the legs and lungs of the peleton before the real steep climbing began, so, i did my best to launch a Lance Armstrong like attack on the very first hill of the course!...i drew one young guy from Gerolsteiner with me who was a climbing specialist...i pulled the hardest over the 11 mile "lead up climbs" of Tijeras Canyon" to the Ski Road proper. It was typically brutal New Mexican stuff; wind roaring in your face, road debris,...and the heat! Jesus!! The peleton was only about 1 minute, 30 seconds down from our two man break when we took the left hand turn onto the Ski Road. From this left hand turn, it's relentless; 15-miles of narrow road climbing up to the summit...classic, classic climbing! Once the really steep climbing began, i could not handle the pace of my breakaway companion, so i wished him luck and went within myself. I used yogic breathing and meditations to just do my best to keep racing and not just surviving."

Coach Ilg flying the RRR colors at the Finish Line! First Place in 40+, 4th Overall in Cat.4!

"I was able to get to within 6 miles of the Finish Line before i was caught and dropped all too easily by a young kid that fly up to me from the energy saving speed of the peleton. There was no way i could handle his pace, either. He was too fresh and i too worked from my long breakaway efforts in the wind. Not longer then 5 minutes later, i heard a heaving behind me and saw yet another kid had bridged to my wheel from the peleton chomping its way up the mountain behind me.

I was getting really hot, tired, and pissed off by now;

"Are you a Cat 4?" I growled at him through the sting of my sweat soaked eyes...

Breathing, gasping, gasping...then, "Uhhh, yeah..." followed by more breathing, breathing, gasping...

"Can you take a pull then, please?" I asked rather politely, I thought.

Not what he wanted to hear. I guess I had been the carrot dangling in front of him this whole race and now he figured he would just take his Easy Boy Recliner position and suck my draft for a few miles.

Not.

So, I did a little out of the saddle squirt away from him, making him chase me down.
He evidently got the point,
"Okay, okay...let's work together," was all he gasped.

For the next 3 miles we did just that. I gained my second companion in suffering for the day, as we began to chip away at the tremendous mountain. Our chipping away felt a bit like chopping down a Flagstaff Ponderosa with a Boy Scout Hatchet, yet, the miles eventually passed though the pain never stopped. I learned he was 24 years old, from my hometown of Durango, Colorado via Michigan, i think. We kept in-couraging each other as we stood, sat, and spun our way up the ever-increasing altitude and steepness of the mountain.

Within 2.5 miles of the Finish Line, i had to work through a rather tough "spot of bother," as Paul Sherwyn might put it. I couldn't hang and lost the kid's wheel. Fuck. And I say that with full yogic compassion for myself. It was all i could do to watch his young calves dance upon the pedals away from me...leaving me to my own Inner Practice of breath and posture and positive Self Talk to limit any more attacks from behind. As Roger Federer would say in his French Open Finals loss to the clay-court phenom, Nadal; "I was not able to come up with the shots, so I do not have to worry about it." In other words, a champion learns to stay in the moment and not waste precious energy over what did not work. That is what I now had to do; just keep a'goin, keep a'goin, keep a'goin as the Mountain Paiutes would say.

Fortunately, I was able to keep a'goin at a high enough average speed (around 8.5 mph) to thwart any more young guns blasting my rear end from behind. The Finish Line arrived and I crossed it, chalking up a 40+ Victory for Red Rock Racing and a 4th Overall in the Cat.4 Division.

This beautiful race, now named for Bill McClain, the Team Director of New Mexico VeloSport (NMVS), should be on your Race Calendar next season. Bill McClain, God Bless His Soul, was the man who invited me to race for NMVS when i lived in Rio Rancho, New Mexico working on my book, THE WINTER ATHLETE. I think Bill was in Heaven on that day two weekends ago, cool and happy as a cucumber, and maybe even smiling as he watched me power up the mountain climb now named in his honor.

I devote my victory to my new team in Flagstaff; Red Rock Racing, and i devote my effort on that day to Bill McClain's Warrior Spirit who sang through my sweat and who will always be near to my heart.

May all Beings everywhere realized the precious nature of being Brave and Elegant in that what they do...and, what they encounter during their EarthDance.

See you in yoga class,

Namaste,

coach ilg

ps: you can enjoy the world acclaimed online journal of Coach Ilg at: DIRECT LINES and have unconditional access to nearly 2,000 articles by Coach on all topics of body/mind/spiritual fitness...

Coach Ilg's blog;
Direct Lines can be found at: http://www.wholisticfitness.com/

Pictures from Summit Center Classic

2006-06-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

More pics can be found HERE

Gabe shares some knowledge with the boys before the Williams stage.

Jen, Sue and Kristen

Ty and Zach had a photo finish at the Crit

Ty and Zach with their "Game-face" on

RRR Team Potluck

2006-05-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings Teammates!

Since we're all going to be together this next Sunday afternoon at Buffulo Park for team photos, it seems like a good idea to try and make a party of it. So, bring your potluck dishes on, as well as your favorite frosty beverages (cans, no glass), and we'll have a good ol' time. If you can bring non food items such as coolers, ice, paper plates, etc., please email me at gabekeck@hotmail.com, and I'll try and coordinate these non-consumable goods. We'll have 3 picnic tables there, but if you want to be assured of a comfortable spot to lounge, bring a lawn chair or two.
Families of racers, especially the kids, are encouraged to attend. I'll proudly be displaying my own newborn daughter Leah. She was born Saturday at 9:30 pm. She weighted 7lb12oz, and was almost 22 inches long. She is perfect.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Gabe

5/21 Kids Ride Change

2006-05-15T23:01:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to update the kids ride schedule considering the recent announcement of Red Rock Racing team photo this coming weekend. To consolidate things a bit, rather than ride at Campbell Mesa on Sunday the 21st we will ride at Buffalo Park from 2-4 PM. The team picture will follow at 4. This serves a second purpose as well, on June 10th Flag Velo will be hosting a kids race at Buffalo park for ages 6-13. I would like our kids to be comfortable on the course and will encourage their participation in that event. This will be the second in a three race series they will host. The first event is May 28th at NAU, flyer for that race is here...

http://www.summitcenterclassic.com/images/SSC2006_Kids_Race_Flyer.pdf

The first course can be pre-ridden in the hour before the race which starts at 3 PM. These changes will impact our June ride date, I will post that as it nears.

Hope to see you all out there Sunday,

Chris

TEAM PHOTO scheduled for May 21 at 4PM

2006-05-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

Everyone should have gotten this via e-mail, but if not, here it is!
--------------------

It's time to take our annual 2006 team photo. We have reserved the
ramada at Buffalo Park to take a (hopefully) professional-looking photo
with good light. The photo we took at the last team meeting was so
yellow because of the lighting that it was beyond repair. So we are
opting for an outside photo this time.

Meet at 4:00PM on May 21 at Buffalo Park. Plan on being there about 30
to 45 minutes. We encourage everyone to ride there but if you drive be
sure to bring your team kit (jersey and shorts). If you don't have team
shorts, wear black ones.

Our clothing reorder not be here in time, so if you are a new member
and/or need to borrow a jersey, please let us know as soon as you can
so we can arrange to bring one for you.

Sponsors are welcome to participate in this photo.

Show your team spirit and plan on being there for this photo. We
appreciate it.

Kristen

Fontana NORBA Nat. & Bikejournal

2006-05-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Fontana, NORBA National was an awesome event. Great venue, great weather and great racing. Here is a quick RRR summary....

Ian Delaney competed in the Jr. Expert Cross Country event. They started off with the Pro Men and raced the same # of laps for about 30 grueling miles. Ian raced a strong race and achieved his goal of qualifying for the National Championships by finishing in the top 10. Congrats, Ian!

Tyler competed in the 11-12 Junior XC, 14 and under Mountain Cross and Downhill events. Due to a scoring "error" (long story), he did not qualify for the finals in the Mountain Cross. But, Team Big Bear did step up and offered him free entry to the next event. Ty took 1st in the XC event, and took 4th place in the downhill on a hardtail bike. I was just an "athletic supporter" this weekend - chauffer, wrench, team manager, photographer and "feed zone guy". Great times!

- More pictures from the Fontana event can be found HERE.

Dara Marks-Marino had a great showing in the Woman's Pro division. She placed 6th in the XC and 7th in the Short Track. Read more about her experiences HERE.

On another note, Bikejournal.com is a great free website tool to log and track your rides. We have set up a Red Rock Racking "Club" on the site. When you sign up, be sure and select your 'Club Affiliation' - "Red Rock Racing" and you will be in. You can view what your fellow teammates are doing and help us reach our team mileage goals. It is a fun way to track your rides and maybe motivate us to get out there and log some miles. If you have any questions, shoot me an email at mcoplea@cox.net.

La Vuelta de Bisbee

2006-05-07T22:45:00.000-07:00

The quaint little town of Bisbee, Arizona hosted the 28th annual La Vuelta de Bisbee this past weekend. This race is known by most roadies (including myself) as one of the best classic stage races in the Southwest. There are three categories at the "Vuelta"; A (Pro, Cat.1 or 2), B ( Masters 30 + and above cat. 4), and C (Women). As you can see not the easiest race to get into if you not really fast, old, or female. Last year was my first time to get in and I realized that that is part of what makes it such an outstanding event. You go to Bisbee to race with friends and can pretty much rest assured that there will be no crashes or ignorant hostility in the peloton. This race is also really well run (thus the 28th years) and brings out some of the best competition in the SW. Red Rock Racing was well represented again this year by Eric Neat, John Sawasky, and Myself. We missed Gabe and wish him a speedy return to the races.
The action started Friday night with the 2.8 mile prologue through old town Bisbee then climbs 837 ft. up to Mule Pass. There was quite a head wind for this event so no records were broken but none the less some fast times were posted. Doug Loveday (Grand Canyon Racing) broke the record on this day last year and went on to win the event overall (2005). His time of 11:31 was only good enough for third this year. The major news of the race was Mark Aasmundstad (also GCR) won the prolouge beating Doug by 10 seconds. Eric led RRR in 16th (out of 101) 1:06 behind Mark, John in 21st and I in 24th 1:15 back. Saturday's Sulphur Springs road race (46+ flat miles) was a pack finish with no change in overall standing but again Mark got a time bonus for 3rd in the stage. Saturday evening is the almost flat (400 ft gain) Warren Time Trial, 7 mile out (tailwind downhill) and back (up an into the wind). This stage really mixed things up and was the turning point for my overall race. I pulled out a seventh place (37 sec's behind Doug's winning time) which moved me up into 13th overall. John dropped to 23rd and Eric to 35th G.C. 2:54 back. Mark was second and held G.C. lead. Sunday's Tombstone Road Race is the real deciding point of the race, flat for 52+ miles and then climb for 6 miles with one short decent thrown in. The three of us all struggled to stay with the lead group of about 15 that started the climb up Mule Pass again. John was the most successful at that endeavor and pulled of 13th while Eric and I were 17th and 18th respectively. I lost almost 2 minutes to the winner (Mark!) but settled into 14th G.C. John finished 16th and Eric 19th in the G.C. Mark won overall with Doug a close second! Hats off to the whole Grand Canyon team who worked extremely hard and controlled every minute of this classic event. RRR had three in the top 20 out of 95 finishers which is quite an accomplishment in my book. Flagstaff was well represented in every category as Drew Miller finished a close second in the A (Pro) race and Dara MarksMarino 5th in the C (Women's) event. Thanks to everybody from Flagstaff (13+ competitors) that made the trip up and made it a weekend to remember!

New Crit Ride

2006-05-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

From Rob Hastings...

I wanted to invite all the cat 4 and 5 riders to a new crit ride every Thursday at 5pm at Fort Tuthill. This will be a Crit only for Cat 4 and 5 riders, so if you're intimidated by the Wednesday Crit, this will suit you well.

Rob Hastings - eco_nerd@hotmail.com

RRR Group MTB Ride - Thursday's 5:30 PM @ Schultz

2006-04-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

From Scott Edwards...

Weekly RRR Group MTB Ride

Thursdays - meet at 5:30 PM at the Schultz Trailhead. Route(s) will be determined by who shows up - all abilities welcome. Myself and a few others will be there starting tomorrow, 4/27/06.

Scott (SEdwards@uesaz.com)

4/23 Kids Ride

2006-04-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

From Chris Latham...

Parents and others interested,While a bit windy today it was still quite a nice day for a mountain bike ride. The trees usually provide a nice shelter on days like this one. I just wanted to remind all of you that did not make it about the schedule ahead in hopes that ample notice will help more people make it. The next ride is scheduled for Mother's Day which I know may be a bit of a conflict but consider these points: for the at home mom a couple quiet hours may be a nice gift, and mom is also more than welcome to come along, most any mom should be able to hang with these 5-7 year olds.

I am planning to do two kids rides in May because of Bike to Work (and school) Week. Those would be Sunday the 14th at Ft Tuthill playground and Sunday the 21st at Campbell Mesa Trailhead both from 12 to 2. I will not ask for RSVP or anything but I would really love to see your kids out there. I will be doing presentations at schools that week and spreading the word as well.

After that week the schedule will likely look like this; June 11th, July 2nd, August 6th, September 3rd, October 15th, November 19th, December 10th. Locations and other details will be released in the weeks prior. Remember there will be kids of all ages and stages. Please make sure to bring kids with bikes, helmets, and water at the very least. Other accessories like gloves, bike shorts, and eye protection are also highly recommended. I can help provide any of these things and more if you let me know what you might need. My home # is 213-0120 if you have questions and my cell # is 520-237-8714 if you have any problems finding us that day.

If you know any other interested kids or parents please forward this to them and put them in contact with me so I can keep them posted. Also, if you have any feedback on the dates or times feel free to voice that, I have done the best I can to consider everybodies schedules and such. I would also be interested to hear any ride recommendations as we will try to do a different one every month.

Hope to see you all there next month, Chris Latham, Red Rock Racing

New Sunday Group Ride, May 7th @ 9AM

2006-04-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

There will be a new road group ride starting Sunday, May 7, at 9:00am.
Meet at Late for the Train on N. San Francisco.

This will be an all-levels ride. It will not be an exclusive Lake Mary ride like the Saturday group ride, instead going out 180 north, 89 north, and any destination the group agrees to at that time. Distance and intensity of the ride to be determined by the group prior to leaving. Since we will be riding on roads without the benefit of an enormous shoulder like Lake Mary, obeying the law is imperative (one or two abreast, no echelons, etc).

Any questions contact Rob Hastings at 779-7061 or at eco_nerd@hotmail.com.

Sat Hill Climb Ride - 4/8/06, Meet @ Sedona High School

2006-04-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

From - Jeremy Wilson...

Hey everyone,

If anyone is interested in doing some climbing there will be some people leaving Sedona High School at 7:45-8:00 AM Saturday. We will riding from the high school to the top of Mingus and back. Total trip will be around 70 miles. Everyone is welcome and speeds will vary. For you Flagstaff people it will not be that cold. Expect morning temps at the start of the ride to be around 40 to 45 degrees. The winds will not pick up until later in the morning (usually). Expect temps to be around 70 or higher at the end of the ride. Vest or jacket for the descent.

Sorry about the short notice.

Contact: jwakrunner@hotmail.com

MBAA #3 - White Tanks Pics & 24HITOP Video

2006-04-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

A great day of racing yesterday out at the White Tanks. Here are a few pictures from the race. More pictures can be found HERE.

Also, some great video footage of the 24 Hrs in the Old Pueblo at http://www.vladfoto.com/main.php Click 'Index' and then 'Video'.

BTW - if you would like me to post any of your pictures for you, just email them to mcoplea@cox.net.

Jen hitting the trailhead with the pack

Ian sprinting off the start line

Jen, Ian and Eric (I forgot Ian's dog's name)

CCRR, Mystery RRR Pic, Nova D.C. & White Tanks Race

2006-03-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Red Rock Racing junior 1-2 punch was at it again last weekend at the Colossal Cave Road Race. The race course started off with a long-fast decent, followed by some rollers and finished off with a climb up to the finish. Tyler came in 1st and Zach was close behind to take 2nd in the 10-12 category. Wohoo!! Complete results from the event and photos can be found at http://presteza.homestead.com/ .

I found this great picture of a RRR racer in the 24hr of the Old Pueblo at http://masonibas.com/ . Anyone know who it is?? (BTW - I changed the settings on the blog so that you do not have to be a member to post a comment. Just click on the "Comments" link below any post to reply.)

I know that several RRR racers competed in the Nova Desert Classic last weekend and they did very well. Results can be found at - http://www.teambigbear.com/results.php . Congrats to all that competed! Hopefully some of them will post up their experience from the event. (Jen???)

Tyler and I will be heading out to the White Tanks this Friday to camp out the night before the MBAA #3 race. We will have a "Team Area" set up for everyone. If anyone cares to join us, look for the RRR banner! I will have fresh Late for the Train coffee (RRR Roast, of course) brewed up for everyone in the AM!

RRR Juniors take 1st & 2nd at AZ Time Trial #3

2006-03-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend at the AZ Time Trail #3, two Red Rock Racing Juniors took 1st and 2nd in the 10-12 category. Zach Edwards took 1st and Tyler Coplea was 17 seconds behind him to take 2nd place.

Congradulations to both Zach and Tyler!!

24 Hours in the Old Pueblo

2006-03-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

First, I have to say that this event is one of the best this state has to offer. Organizer Todd Sadow has this thing dialed in, and the weather this year - although cool on Friday - was just primo for fast paced riding. Tinker Juarez was appropriately honored throughout the event, including a dinner dedicated to him on Friday night. Although we didn't attend, we could hear the cheers from the expo area as various friends/family spoke on Tinker's behalf. Word is he is stepping up the endurance effort for a shot at RAAM this summer. Good luck Mr. Glutton for Punishment. You have to think that Juarez will do well though. I've been in the same 24 hour race as him 3x now, and the guy is nothing but fast, friendly, and you can just tell that he enjoys the life he's living. Red Rock Racers were representing Flagstaff well, with Mark Wille's team definately in charge of their category. I think they finished 2nd in the Men's 4-Open, averaging around 1:10 per lap. I was part of a mens 4-Open category, albeit with 3 amigos who flew in from out of state. One was in shape to ride, one was in shape to ride some and drink beer, and the third was in shape to drink beer and talk about riding. So we were nowhere near the podium, but we had a great time drinking IPA, eating cheap burritos, and sipping good coffee - while turning in a mixed-bag of lap times. The track was sick-fast. Even the often talked about "bitches" were just high-speed bumps on an otherwise rocket-fast track. Some of the singletrack was as hard as pavement, and the washes were dry and easy to cross as long as you were back off the saddle. Our Friday pre-ride expunged almost all of the mechanical issues for the weekend on one lap of the 15 mile or so loop. Three flats and a loose headset were the extent of it for our "sturdy" team of 4. The Lemans start was a riot with, what....something like 400 riders "running" down a dirt road. Our first rider was off fast,but he walked back to the starthouse 20 minutes later with a broken valve on his tubeless setup. I changed into the riding duds, grabbed the brain bucket, and started the first lap :35 or so minutes behind the last person out of the Lemans start. That was just great for my morale- and my heart rate was pegged in about the first 40 seconds because of it. Well I finally started catching riders over the last 3 miles of the course. The great part was, everyone I was coming up on thought I was in first place - lapping them - so I used that to my advantage to get around the masses up the climb before the drop to the starthouse. The lap time was estimated at around 1:04, so that was not too bad for an old guy. I ran into the Red Rock Racers from Sinagua High during the night laps. I have to say that either Sinagua High or RRR have got to have a fundraiser to get Matt Boness a good light. The kid is a pretty fast rider, but I was able to reel him in after his 10+ minute head start at night because he was throwing down a headlight that was yellower than that of an old flashlight. I think these guys finished in the top 1/3 of teams though - nice job for sure.

Congrats to Wille's team and to the Sinagua High racers. The new RRR KIT got a lot of compliments from other teams. Its classy, cool and the quality of the clothing is great. LOVE the Castelli shorts.

Red Rock Racing Team Blog

2006-03-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

We are just getting this blog going for the Red Rock Racing team. This blog is for all team members to use to post ride or race stories, pictures, experiences, thoughts or anything else that you may like to share. Keep in mind that your posts will be read by adults, children and sponsors. Please make sure the content is appropriate. We look forward to your contributions on our team blog!

Please check back soon for updates and more info.