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February 24, 2011 Great season TORO! Huge props to all the staff and everyone who came out to race. I'll definitely miss those weekends and the fact that every race was so close to home. Looking forward to next year and hoping to get more people out there to give it a shot! I35 MX put on a great course for the season finale. Track was good- had to be a lot of fun for the track rats out there, but this woods rider didn't sack up on any of the big hits. The woods were fun despite getting chopped out and rutted by the time we lined up to race. I loved the flow in the trees- nice and tight, but nothing felt unnatural. Very fun trail that I plan on sneaking back out to in the off season for some sand laps. I had a little trouble at first laying the bike down in some of the ruts, but managed to keep it all together for a third place finish. That sealed the deal on third for the season, which I am very happy with since it was my first run at TORO. It also marked the end of my "C" class days, so it was good to go out with a bang. The whole VB crew did a great job. Kiwi muscled his bike in on foot after a mechanical took him out of the rest of the race- great hustle to claim a few points and secure third for the season in +30 C! Jeremy survived a victorious night of "wizard" and came out with fourth on race day. Woody was railing around this course and barely missed second place by less than a minute. Great job, and he secured third for the season in Heavy A! The week before was our second enduro of the season- Barnwell Mountain in Gilmer, TX. This thing deserves to be renamed something like "the Juggernaut", "Great Wall", or something gnarly like "ass-kicking 2011". This race slapped me in the face, kicked me in the nuts, elbow dropped me, then choke slammed me into the dirt. Absolutely brutal. I struggled all day with the rocks, roots, and at least 8 of the biggest ass-clenching climbs I've EVER done. EVER. I was literally thrown from the bike half a dozen times in one section, stomped around like an irate 2 yr old a couple times, and then nearly blew my bike up 4 miles from the finish. Managed to limp it in without a drop of coolant left, two blown seals, and a stuck float with only nine minutes left before I would have houred out. I was the second slowest finisher of all the long course riders. And strangely enough I won my class. The only one in Open B to finish! Very pumped and I must say, I like the enduros that are so tough that finishing is a true feat. Great race to Troy and all the Row One Riders- kicked my but, but loved it! Sorry for no pictures on this one- the enduros just aren't very photogenic. We're heading to Concho this weekend for round three of the enduro series. Hoping for a better run than last year where I ran the entire thing in first gear after a mechanical. Wish us luck, and we'll see you on the trail! February 2, 2011 Cycleland 2011! Last year, as I was laying in the sand exhausted and pinned underneath my bike, I thought to myself: I'm so glad this race is only once a year and I don't have to do it again for an entire season. Well, guess which race was scheduled first when the new series was announced! For my first race in my new class, and my first attempt to complete the long course at an enduro, we were heading to Cycleland in Nacogdoches. The banquet was the night before, and what a blast! BYOB and a buffet with my VB racing crew... perfect. Knocked back a few cold beers, ate way too much, and hollered as loud as we could as Woody got his promotion to the AA Pro class. Managed to win a sweet ass Ogio backpack in the raffle, and talked Jeremy into sneaking a third dessert for me. Was great as always to get to spend some time razzing Wes McKnight and always a pleasure to have Papa Pierce in the pits for us! Overall, banquet was a huge success and everyone had a blast! Didn't sleep very well the night before the race despite drinking a few more than we should have (strangely happens every race). I credit jitters and unsure expectations for my first bout with the new class. Woke up that morning full of strange energy, chowed down, and got geared up as it started to rain again. And it kept raining all day. Anywhere else, this creates a burden- but not at Cycleland! That place is usually covered with a baby powder consistency sand, but this weekend was tacky and perfect, even for the later rows! I knew it was going to be a good day after the first transfer section. Bike and body felt great (all credit to finally hitting the gym and riding my mtb), and I knew I was going to ride well. Got the pleasure of having an entire row to ourselves (Myself, Kiwi, Jeremy, and Bloody), which is always a good time. Sadly, Bloody's bike siezed up and sent him back to the pits. Then Kiwi took a header into a tree, sending him back to the pits with a broken bike, helmet, and headache. Jeremy and I forged onward and regrouped at a few checks, then at the beginning of the final section for the long course. He was worn, but holding strong- what a great showing for his first enduro! I got the joy of looking down at my bike in time to see the rear sprocket dangling and the last bolts stripped/ bent. Tightened up the three I had left, tried to ignore the completely deflated front tire, and hit the final section with intent of doing well. Took a few spills, traded places with a few riders throughout the section, and finally managed to limp the bike into the finish after 17 more miles. Wasn't even a hundred yards later before the hub broke and the sprocket was completely dismounted! Got it to wobble all the way through the pits, loaded up, and went down to check the scores. No clue what to expect, just curious to see how it stacked up. Walked up just in time to collect my medal and mug for 2nd in Open B! WAY PUMPED! I now take back at least one or two of the nasty things I used to say about Cycleland! Now on to fix everything I tore up so I can do it again! Hammer checking out the new trailer graphics...
Bloody, Jeremy, Myself, Kiwi, and Papa Pierce checking everything over before the start...
January 24, 2011 Welcome to Thunderdome! It's going to be a great year for Vita Brevis! Racing is in full swing as we finish the TORO series and start in with the Enduro series. Hopefully we're all ready for the relentless beatdown that's sure to come! This last weekend was TORO at Bonita- a 14.5 mile loop of sand, whoops, and man-sized jumps! We had an absolute blast in practice Saturday, it was great to see everyone sending it on the jumps and pushing themselves! Pictures and results coming soon! NEW GEAR!!! VB Hoodies now available! Check the Gear page for other goodies and get your order in today!
Also, check out episode three from the guys over at Seat Time featuring a sponsor slot from VB! Brian Pierce and Jason Scmidt have teamed up and are doing some great things with http://seattime.co/ This is the best hub around for racing news, updates, cool videos, hot chicks, beer, and all things awesome! VB is proud to be a sponsor! Check out their site and come back often for their updates and weekly episodes!
January 9, 2011 Happy New Year! This year will be a blast. I've been putting the calendar together for 2011, and it will be good times for sure. Tons of racing, some great trips lined up, and some unbelievably cool new gear coming out this season! We brought in the new year with style with a gathering at Woody's place, then rocked a great camping trip up to Beaver's Bend! Hated to miss the Bowie Race, but Kiwi took care of business while we were gone! Congrats dude!
I figured with as much racing that's coming up, I better get in shape. Got together with Chris from Transitionbikes.com on a demo TransAM frame and built this beauty up:
Absolutely love it! Best do-all bike I've been on (review coming soon). Hope to get a ton of seat time and get in shape for 2011, and make a great showing at my biggest 2011 project that I'll share in another entry or two... Beaver's Bend was good times- had a great time with old friends relaxing in the woods. Cabin was awesome, and the trail we found proved to be great. My favorite riding partner and I hit the trail for a few miles:
December 30, 2010 Been a great 2010! I never thought a year could be better than 2009, but I'd say this one was a success! Hope everyone had a great Christmas. Here in Texas, weather's been good. Time to play with some guns, cut some trail, and enjoy some party time with friends. Here's a gem of my bride busting a groove atop the van... Bob Ross supervises.
December 13, 2010 TORO Race Recap- BSGP in Denton, TX! Had an absolute blast on one of the best courses I've ever ridden! It was windy, dusty, and beyond a good time. Had a great crew out there to represent VB racing, and it was my personal best race yet! Came away with a third place medal after a decent start and some good charges through the tight trees. Had a good time pitching her sideways on some hardpack corners... always a good time! Huge thanks to Celisa with G3MN3Y3 Photography for the pictures!
Above: Myself, Jeremy, and Woody doing our thing in Denton! December 2, 2010 VB is finally on Facebook! Check it out and add it to your likes!
November 27, 2010 New Music worth Checking out! The Devil Wears Prada is an absolute force to be reckoned with if you're into rowdy music. They did an excellent cover of "Still Fly" that I love, and now they've cut a 5 song EP entirely devoted to zombies. It's affectionately named "Zombie" and hasn't left my CD player since I got it. My only wish is that this album would continue for another 20 tracks! Check it out and pick it up, you won't regret it!
November 25, 2010 Time for a Fall racing recap! We raced three weekends in a row leading up to Thanksgiving! Luckily, they were all close by and didn't require a lot of travelling. That always makes it a little easier, and gives the chance to invite some locals out to come see us! Huge thanks to Jesse, Celisa, Julie, Scott, Jen, Tam, Bonnie, Candice, and all the VB Racing crew for making each race such a good time! Toro: Concrete Jungle: Coolest course I've ever ridden! Woods, wide open grass track, concrete mounds, and abandoned buildings! It was like something off of zombie movie! Woody got a killer holeshot and finished 4th despite his backflip attempt into a concrete wall. Bloody's bike wouldn't cooperate, but he managed to have some fun in practice anyhow. Nick rode well and finished strong, and Kiwi battled all day and came out with third in his class! I had a botched start, but hustled my way in to 7th for the day. Had an absolute blast! Love these TORO races- we get to do as much or more racing in Saturday practice as we do on Race Day! Woody's start:
Yours truly:
After that, it was time for the RRDR Enduro out at Muenster. I was the only one racing it from our crew since everyone else was working it. Needless to say, the night before the race was a blast. Woody and Jeremy climbed some trees via four wheeler, and we got to have a nice Rogue Posse campfire session with Papa Pierce, who came all the way down from Arkansas to help out. My riding was smooth, just not fast. It was a great Sunday ride out at Muenster, but I just didn't have the pace to be competitive. Bounced my head off a tree in one section, and was wondering how bad it really was as I was seeing spots and lost my peripheral sight for a few miles. It finally eased up some, and I managed to finish. It was great having the whole crew at the gas stop and final check. Rarely do we get that kind of support in the off road racing. Was especially nice to see everyone rocking their new VB Racing Team Shirts all weekend! You guys looked great!
One week later, I'd pretty well given up on cleaning my bike and gear. We rolled into Terrel at the Pit and got our racing britches on. Jeremy, our resident motocrosser and expert wingman, decided to show up and give off road a run. He did an excellent job from start to finish, and actually ended up with third place! Now to talk him into doing the whole series... Nick rode great and finished 11th, Woody rocked it strong and took home fourth in heavy A, despite his dislike for MX tracks. Bloody's bike cooperated this race and he took home 12th. Kiwi got tangled up on the first lap and took quite the digger, losing his gas cap and destroying his helmet. Luckily he was ok except for some serious burns on his leg from the gas getting to his skin. He had to settle with a DNF, but it was good he got to walk away from it all. My race was pretty eventful. I actually started well and rode great for the entire first lap, chasing Jeremy until we hit the MX track. As we came off of there, I took a bad line in to a mud pit as a guy in front of me took a spill. I shut it down, and have never been so stuck in the mud in my entire life. It took everything I had, along with the help of four track workers and all of ten minutes to get out. By then, I was winded and the entire short course program had passed me. I almost entertained the idea of going back to the trailer until I saw the rear wheel of the next person. I got pumped up and started racing, making a lot of passes and having a great ride for the day. I ended up having an absolute blast and came home with 6th! Huge thanks to Celisa of G3MN3Y3 Photography for coming out and taking some pictures. She has a ton more on her Facebook Page! G3MN3Y3 Photography on Facebook- Go to her page and add it to your Likes!
Jeremy Pinning it:
Me again:
October 31, 2010 Happy Halloween! Hope you all had a great summer! It's been a while since I've updated the site, but I'm still here! I actually took the plunge and got married earlier this month- what an amazing day! Many pictures and info can be seen at our Wedsite. It was an amazing event, and I can't even begin to give enough credit to Candice. Following that huge day, we jetted out to Jamaica for 8 days of sunshine, cold drinks, and great food. One of the best weeks of my life, it was wonderful. I did however manage to gain 12 pounds in the course of such a great vacation. Time to shake the weight and get back to life again! Coming Up: Fall/ Winter Racing!
New Gear!
June 17, 2010 Trainrobbers enduro almost killed us all. Brutal heat, humidity, and an awesome trail all combined for a great race- a true enduro- where just finishing is an accomplishment. We had a great time, sweating it out Saturday night over some cold beers before we got up Sunday and took off for our ride. I don't remember much of the ride, just that there was a lot of off-camber, roacks, roots, and some of the longest climbs I've ever done. Tight trees demanded a lot of stamina in some of the sections, and I spent most of the second half just trying to keep some sort of forward momentum. It was brutal. Nick and I both finished strong in Heavy C, but apparently no one else in our class made it to the finish line. I wound up winning and nick took second- pretty strange to take home a trophy after being in survival mode for most of the race! Our boy Woody raced the long course and finiched well, taking second for the event. However, the heat got him pretty bad and we spent the afternoon in the ER and stayed the night in Arkadelphia while he recovered. Definitely a memorable race, and I'm glad it's only once a year!
June 9, 2010 Here it is! I finally got around to posting up some bike setup tips for the Enduro rig. There is no substitute for having a well prepared machine in any kind of racing, especially enduros and trail riding. I've built two of these so far, a 2004 WR250F a few years back, and this one- my 2007 KTM 450XC. I love this kind of riding, and really enjoy these bikes when they're set up properly. These are my personal preferences I thought I'd share for anyone wanting to give this kind of racing a try:
I for one begin with a focus on dependability. Nothing feels worse than having a mechanical failure end your race or ride. I start off with a solid bike purposefully manufactured for this kind of riding. I prefer the electric start and off-road transmissions, as well as the power delivery of the trail bikes vs the mx'ers. For instance, many motocross bikes are hard hitting 4 speed bikes with kickstart only. Great for the track, but can be a lot of work in the woods- heat issues, stalling, etc. My KTM is a 6 speed, where first is tractor like and super low, and sixth gear is an all out 70+ mph speedfest. A good platform goes a lot further than money spent on aftermarket goodies! Speaking of aftermarket goodies, I'm a big fan. My brother's shop (www.funwheels82.com) is a Parts Unlimited/ Tucker Rocky Dealer, and they have access to everything I need. I started off first by going through the bike searching for any cracks or stress marks since I bought it used. The first thing on order was a bolt kit, which is one of the most useful things I've ever purchased. I replaced several, then went after the internal integrity of the bike. I had the valves adjusted, replaced any worn o-rings, gaskets, or seals I could find, then had all the fluids flushed and changed. This is par for the course with used bikes. I like to start off on a good foot knowing that the bike itself will work. Priority number one is gear. You have to take care of yourself first! Wear a GOOD helmet, goggles, gloves, boots, and whatever body armor you prefer. I keep an entire room full of gear for my different rides and seasons. I also highly recommend a neck brace. There are several inexpensive options out there, and everyone that owns one has a story of when it saved them. I for one have avoided serious injury at least four times thanks to my neck brace. I'll do another entry that covers gear soon. The next step is what I call armoring. It involves anything I can do to prevent problems on the trail such as overheating, busted radiator, bent parts, broken fingers, blown seals, etc.
The next phase is to optimize the bike for my personal preferences. I'm really picky about my controls and ergonomics, so that's the first thing. Then I tackle the parts that make the bike work better in my region and the terrain I ride/ race on.
I know it may seem overwhelming at first, but keep in mind it's taken me 6 months to get this bike to where it is now. One of the biggest strenths to have in weekend warrior racing is the ability to prioritize and budget. Pick and choose what is most important to you, and enjoy the ride. After all, what fun is it to have the coolest bike and not be able to afford the gas to go ride? Keep that spending in check and under control. Most of the bling parts and replacement bits I buy are to replace things I've broken on rides. Keep your priorities straight- gear and personal protection first, dependability second, performance after that. Now get out and ride! June 1, 2010 Race season is here! I'm almost halfway through the Texas Enduro Series, and having a blast! I'm preparing for the next round of the Texas State Championship Enduro Circuit to be held in Arkansas. Our own Brian Pierce's Dad is part of the host club for this race, dubbed the Trainrobber's Enduro. It was my favorite a few years ago when I tried it, and I'm looking forward to it this year. It will be a beatdown for sure! As far as recap, I picked up a 2007 KTM 450XC for this season and promptly went to work on it- I'm looking forward to doing a bike setup entry for this style of racing soon! I hustled to get it ready for the first round of our series, but found out the hard way that I'm not the greatest wrench when it comes to transmission internals. On a rough hillclimb in Blackwell, TX, I took a spill at the 5-mile mark and quickly found out the bike was stuck in first gear. Being as stubborn as I am, I ran the bike in first gear for the remaining 51 miles and finished the race. The next round was much better- it took place in west Texas in the Caprock Canyon State Park. This was the site of my first enduro a few years back, where I struggled and actually fainted while on the bike. I was much more prepared this time, and managed to finish without too much difficulty and feel good about my ride. From there I went to Kilgore, TX for the Lone Star National Enduro. I rode better than before and finished strong just ahead of midpack. It was awesome to see what some of the pros could do on a bike out there. The course was fast and brutal, just how West Texas should be. I learned first hand about "slappers"- the hard mesquite branches on the trail that feel like you're being beatin with bamboo rods. My next race was the Cycleland Enduro, a favorite among other racers. It's a private trail that will definitely test anyone who rides it. It's in Nacogdoches, TX and is exactly what you'd expect for the region- sand, sand, trees, sand, and a few more tight trees. It was a tough race with no time to relax for the entire day- full throttle start to finish. I fought through, wore myself out, and carried a great pace. Wasn't sure how anyone else did, but I knew I'd hustled, so I checked results before we left- 3rd Place in Open C! Somehow that little trophy made all the terrible things I did to my body and bike worth it! Huge thanks to Wes McKnight for his hospitality and letting us get rowdy at his place the night before- You're the man! Come back soon for more and an enduro bike setup guide! my poor KTM after a mudbath earlier this season:
April 5, 2010 Apologies for taking so long to update! Been a nutty first quarter to say the least. Race season is under way, and I'm steadily getting my butt kicked. Trying to get faster, hoping for some good races in May and June. I've also been hitting the drawing board for a new shirt design- It's going to be a great looking logo shirt that I plan to stock for a while. I took some time testing different shirt chassis to get the right fit and look. I've finally found it, and the design is near finished. To all my Colorado people- you are sorely missed! But the new Texas life is shaping up nicely as the compound comes together. We should get the rough cut in on the pump track and enduro loop any day now! In other news, one of our Vita Brevis Angels has started a new venture! Our own Celisa Meals is taking her photography to a new level! I'm proud to introduce you to her new identity- G3M-N-3Y3. Enjoy the photos and check out her fan page on facebook!
(That's me on the new toy!) January 29, 2010 We're all moved and set up! It was especially nice to have an entire week of sunny 60 degree weather right away! I've been steadily filling sticker orders and doing rough designs on 2010 shirts. There should be some great stuff coming out later this season, so save your money and buy all of it! The new race operation is coming together quite nicely too. With the lack of Supermoto here in Texas, we're going to dive back in to the Texas State Enduro Championship. I love this format of racing, and the crew that I race with is an absolute blast. I'm planning to race the entire series, as well as supplement some of the Oklahoma Supermoto and possibly sneak up to Colorado for a round or two of the Supermoto5280 Series. For more info on the Enduro Circuit, visit http://www.tscec.org/
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Nick's "I don't wanna" face
At least it was a pretty nice hospital- and close enough that Woody didn't die
Kodak moment
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