I don't know what city I'm in
But there's no where I'd rather be
I said I'm gonna go home a star
Instead I went home broke and tired

Now I'm subtle
Subtle like a T-Rex
And I haven't even started yet
One week on the road
One week and I'm already wrecked-Murder City Devils

Well it’s been sometime since my last blog!  Not much to report on the racing side, but personally it’s been a busy year.  My wife and I purchased a duplex and closed 11 days leading into Sea Otter, leaving me pinned with domestic duties, while trying to keep the racing tight.  Fail on the racing side, but it was a huge step for us and a milestone in my 35 years I’ve been on this rock, so it was easy to take the loss with bigger things in the mix.  Plus I could put on my team manager “hat” and rely on the solid squad we have with us this year, including Monique Mata, Brendon Davids, Cody Phillips and Eric Bostrom, all of whom can throw down and represent!

Now I’ve embarked on a 3 week road trip with the team that started June 16th in Colorado Springs for the 3rd round of the Pro XCT.

Monique Mata flew the flag and did us proud taking her second podium in the series with a strong second to Luna’s Katerina Nash. Pua now leads the Pro XCT series, while also leading the Pro UET (Ultra Endurance Tour).  As I have said before, she has to be one of the most versatile females in the sport right now.  Way to go girl!

 If not for a freak rain storm and some issues (that all riders faced) the outcome may have netted her first Pro XCT win as she and Katerina were locked mono e mono heading out into the second lap before the skies opened up.  But that’s racing, and that’s how the chips fell on the day!

I blew my race while leading, cutting a tire sidewall and then pulling a rookie move trying to get it to seal without putting a tube in first.  The end result was a botched tire change, a search for some additional track side air and a 8th place to show for it!

 Monday after the race we did a recovery ride in the "Springs" and hooked up with Cafe Velo, a new Specialized dealer that is friends of Pua's.  After some good food and beer  and a much needed chill ride, it was time to head north to Park City.

We pulled into Park City a few days later, where I have to say are some of the best trails I’ve ever ridden.  While I don’t get around much, the trail network here blows my dust bowl So. Cal fire roads I have access to, so this place is at the top of my list forsure.

Sunday we head up to Sun Valley to prep for June 30th’s Pro UET where Monique looks to wrap up her second Pro UET title, while Eboz (Eric Bostrom) try’s to close the gap to first place, held by eternal mtb legend Tinker Juarez.

Then one week later we all suit up and take on the US Nationals at Sun Valley Idaho, where I Monique, Eboz, Cody Phillips try and lock down some stars and bars if we can!

Man, its been only one week on the road and I’m already wrecked!!

 

Till next time,
Enjoy the ride.
The Red cowboy