Race 2 – 2012 Charlotte Winter Short Track Series

Race 2 – 2012 Charlotte Winter Short Track Series

ByMike Byrd

Sunday, February 5, 2012 was Race #4 of the Charlotte Winter Short Track Mountain Bike Series. It rained all day Saturday so all the racers were expecting a wet/muddy course. But once again, that wasn’t the case. The course was in great shape and lap times were consistent with the previous weeks.

I was feeling pretty good after riding Brushy Mtn. 3 times on Friday with Mike L. During my warm-up my legs felt pretty good and the temperature was perfect for racing. I even took my leg warmers off.

Leadville 100 Race Report by Mark Odendahl

Leadville 100 Race Report by Mark Odendahl

ByMike Byrd

The LT100 is a 100+ mile long (more on that in a minute) bike race that starts at an altitude of 10,200 ft above sea level in downtown Leadville and travels out into the Rockies and up to 12,544 ft. There are more than 14,000 feet of total elevation gain on a course that is about 80% rough fire road/double track, 18% pavement and 2% singletrack. It has 3 huge climbs and about a dozen smaller ones. Entry is by lottery – 1500 get in and reportedly over 10,000 entered the lottery to try after last year’s movie. What makes it special is that the entire field starts at once on the out and back course – Tour de France pros and amateurs alike all race together.

2012 Brushy Mountain Training Ride 5

2012 Brushy Mountain Training Ride 5

ByMike Byrd

4/4/12    Andy and I made it up to Brushy Mountain yesterday.  It was my 5th time to Brushy this season.  It’s always fun to start the season of with a bunch of trips to Brushy to get into shape.  I set a PR on the last trip and this weeks trip was just a steady state ride, especially with a VO2 test on Friday and the 6 Hours of Warrior Creek on Saturday.

What is Keirin Racing

What is Keirin Racing

ByMike Byrd

A keirin race is a mass-start race with 6-9[citation needed] sprinters riders and a paced start. Riders draw lots to determine starting positions and start as the pacer (usually a motorcycle, a derny, or a tandem bicycle) approaches. The riders are required to remain behind the pacer, which starts at the deliberately slow speed of about 25 km/h, gradually increases in speed and leaves the track approximately 600–700 meters before the end, at a speed of about 50 km/h. The first cyclist to finish the race is the winner (sometimes finishing at 70 km/h). Keirin races are about 2 kilometers in length (eight laps on a 250m track, six laps on a 333m track, and five laps on a 400m track).

Race 2 – 2011 Charlotte Winter Short Track Series

Race 2 – 2011 Charlotte Winter Short Track Series

ByMike Byrd

This past Sunday was the second race of the Charlotte Mountain Bike Winter Series. I was hoping for a better result than I had the  previous weekend. The weather was colder but it was dry (finally) all week. I got to the course around 10 to watch Lexi (Jasen Taylor’s  little girl) while he raced. Watching them race got me a little excited to get going and the good news is that the riders were staying  dry and mud free.

Race 1 – 2011 Charlotte Winter Short Track Series

Race 1 – 2011 Charlotte Winter Short Track Series

ByMike Byrd

Hard to believe that the 2011 season has started. Even more scary is that I have no miles on my legs this year. I adopted a puppy (Ryder) in November and then the temps went south – WAY south. It’s been 10-15 degrees below normal here in Charlotte, NC. So needless to say, before Sunday’s mountain bike race, I had only two days on the road and a few cyclocross races in December for training.

The United States Military and Its Role in Protecting American Values

The United States Military and Its Role in Protecting American Values

ByMike Byrd

As someone with a keen interest in military history, I find the role of the United States military in protecting American values to be both fascinating and inspiring. Throughout its long and storied history, the US military has been a vital force in safeguarding the freedoms, democracy, and human rights that are essential to the American way of life.

The Founding Fathers and the Birth of the United States

The Founding Fathers and the Birth of the United States

ByMike Byrd

The Founding Fathers of the United States of America played a pivotal role in the creation and establishment of the United States. These Founding Fathers were a group of influential individuals who had a vision for a new nation. They were leaders of the American Revolutionary War and were largely responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. The Founding Fathers were a diverse group of individuals with different political views, religious beliefs, and backgrounds.

Notable Great American Patriots

Notable Great American Patriots

ByMike Byrd

The United States of America is home to some of the most patriotic people in the world. From the nation’s founding fathers to modern-day activists, many individuals have given their time, energy, and lives to the cause of freedom and justice. These individuals, often referred to as “American Patriots,” are celebrated for their courage and dedication to the ideals of America. This article will explore some of the greatest American Patriots throughout history, from the Revolutionary War to the modern day.