Goodbye to Enduro Season

We've been slacking in our blog coverage this summer, but that's because most of the team has been out enduro-ing all summer!  Take a look at our new Media Coverage page for some race reports and videos that team members have been spotted in.

The Oregon Enduro Series just wrapped up in Mt. Hood and you can take a peek at the action here.  We have one more race to go, the season-ending Cascadia Dirt Cup Chuckanut Enduro which is always a blast to ride and race.

After Chuckanut, expect to see lots of cyclocross action as we count our broken parts and plan for next season!


 

BuDu XC #7 Ft. Ebey

The weather was ominous on the drive to Whidbey from Seattle but once we got to the island conditions were pretty good for the last BuDu race that counts towards series standings.  Although they got some rain the night before, trails were in great condition and everyone was looking forward to the challenging but super fun course.  To me Ft. Ebey is a great example of what a cross country race should be!

Also something to look forward to was the post-race refreshments provided by Boundary Bay!  Epic Racing had a huge turnout with both Seattle and south-enders and our Bellingham racers turning out for the event.  It was awesome to be able to catch up with and also to meet new teammates.  

Although some of us were sad to be missing the Enduro of Subdued Excitement at Chuckanut, we were easily able to console ourselves with the good weather and the post-race company.

With one more race to go at Henry's Ride, XC season is winding down for most of Epic Racing, although a few of us with be participating at the Stottlemeyer 30/60 race this weekend.  Downhill events continue, and many are also gearing up for the first Oregon Enduro race at Hood River in June.  Many of our enduro teammates are also eagerly awaiting delivery of their new Knolly Wardens.  We will have plenty of pics when they come in!

Our fearless leader Marc Garoutte has this to say about our XC efforts this year: "With the BuDu XC series point championship concluded, we have achieved 45 individual race podium awards, 71 top 5 finishes, and 119 top 10 finishes. Thats not all...an additional 13 season championship podium awards have been earned and Thomas Farmer has earned the 1st of many season Champion Titles for his efforts in the BuDu CAT 1 19-34 year old class! And the 2014 season is just getting started!!!"

Thomas Farmer

Thanks to all of our sponsors for a great XC season: Boundary Bay, Wildwater River Guides, Afford-A-Vet Animal Clinic, Chainbrew, Wolf Tooth Components, Center Cycle, Pearson Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Schwalbe, CrapPhotos, Bicycle Center, Crank Brothers, Fanatik Bike Company, Lezyne, and Mazama.

Here's our results for the day and series -- 11 top 5 series finishes this year, a great way to start off the race season.  I'm especially proud of all of our Cat 3 women and juniors -- 6 of our series podiums were from them!  Will we see any of you move up to Cat 2 next season???

Shannon Sutherland

• Cat 1
• Thomas Farmer 4th 34&under (1st in series)
• Scott Fleenor 4th 50+
• Cat 2
• Amy Josefczyk 2nd 40-49 (2nd in series)
• Anthony Barlow 9th 40-49 
• Dave Pringle 6th 40-49
• Doug DeMars 8th 40-49
• Matt Levin 4th 50+ (5th in series)
• John DeWitt 3rd 50+
• Gary Green 5th 50+
• Matt Houchens 2nd Clydesdale (2nd in series)
• Mark Thomas 3rd Clydesdale (3rd in series)
• Marc Garoutte 6th Singlespeed
• Cat 3
• Megan Koziolek 5th 13-18 (2nd in series)
• Janna Houchens 2nd 19-34 (2nd in series)
• Alicia Taggatz 3rd 19-34 (3rd in series)
• Sandra Barlow 5th 35-49 (5th in series)
• Shannon Sutherland 3rd 50+ (4th in series)
• Griffin Barlow 9th 12&Under
• Haden Mills 3rd 13-18 (2nd in series)
• Dan Wheeler 6th 19-34
• Jon Nelson 50+ (3rd in series)

NWCup #1 Dry Hill

The NW Cup DH series knows how to put on an event and this past weekend was no exception. I always have a great time whenever I head out to Dry Hill in Port Angeles and encourage everyone who hasn't tried a DH race to check it out, if not to race at least to spectate.  This being a Pro GRT stop there was quite the turnout as usual, with a big field of 15 women in both the Cat 2 and Cat 1 open divisions.  Go ladies!!!  

I also convinced a few of our single-crown teammates to check out a race here and everyone came away wishing for more race time -- some of our newbies even came away with podium spots in Cat 3!

We spent lots of time with the Knolly Nation race team (lots of us are co-sponsored with Knolly this year), and although I can't wait for my new Knolly Warden (enduro!!!) I was definitely jealous of all the new Knolly Podiums I saw. Very tempting...

Scott Wipperman, Cat 3 50+

Marc Garoutte, Cat 3 40-49 

Good times!

BuDu XC Race #6 360 Park

Kudos to BuDu Racing and the trail builders at 360 Park for one of the best race courses this season!  I for one loved the trails this time -- lots of fun jumpy sections and switchbacks made for laps that provided downhill payoff for the short uphill sections.  More like this please! 

Jason Konieczka (photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Lots of smiles too for the gorgeous weather!  Epic Racing was the last team left at the race as we stayed a while longer to hang out and enjoy the sun.  Although some PNW natives thought it was a bit warm, I thought the temps were ideal.  Should have carried a bit more water though!

Josh Viborel-Baker (photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Also, first timer Alex Weinert brought a bunch of Crush Kids Cancer Swag and his two sons and competed after doing a 5,000ft hill workout the day before on his road bike.

Dave Pringle's wife Monica Carrillo jumped right into her 1st mountain bike race and put in a solid 4th place finish.  Our ladies team is growing and having a lot of fun this year!

Team Results:

• Cat 1
• Thomas Farmer 1st 34 & Under
• Jason Konieczka 6th 35-49
• Cat 2
• Amy Josefczyk 2nd 40-49
• Dave Pringle 7th 40-49
• Anthony Barlow 9th 40-49
• Matt Levin 8th 50+
• Matt Houchens 3rd Clydesdale
• Mark Thomas 4th Clydesdale
• Josh Viborel-Baker 8th Singlespeed
• Marc Garoutte 9th Singlespeed
• Cat 3
• Megan Koziolek 3rd 13-18
• Janna Houchens 2nd 19-34
• Sandra Barlow 5th 35-49
• Monica Carrillo 4th 50+
• Shannon Sutherland 5th 50+
• Haden Mills 2nd 13-18
• Alex Weinert 11th 35-49
• Jon Nelson 5th 50+

Congrats to our podium finishers! 

Thanks also to Sandra Barlow and the Barlow family for providing lunch and thanks to our great sponsors!  Our team has been getting prepared for Enduro and downhill season with some goodies from Schwalbe Tires and Wolf Tooth Components!  

Cat 3 19-34 Podium (Photo by Amy Josefczyk)

Cat 3 13-18 Podium (Photo by Amy Josefczyk)

Cat 2 40-49 Podium (Photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Cat 2 Clydesdale Podium (Photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Weekend Race Report: BuDu XC #5 and Dry Hill Shuttle

This weekend was a busy one for Epic Racing.  I was tempted away from XC for a day of trail maintenance and DH shuttling at the Dry Hill NW Cup venue in Port Angeles.  Many of us are co-sponsored with Knolly Bikes and our Knolly team organizer generously arranged for some trail work and shuttle time to exercise some of the brand new Podiums.  It was a great day with lots of smiles for the near perfect trail conditions!  

Dry Hill (photo by George Smilov)

In contrast to the smiles was the toughness of this weekend's BuDu XC race #5 at Lord Hill Trails in Snohomish as seen by Thomas Farmer en route to his 4th place finish.

Thomas Farmer (photo by Northwest Adventuring)

Thomas received a moral boost in the form of a brief ride-a-long from Joshua Viborel-Baker at the start of the third lap.  This initiated a second wind that sustained Thomas through to the finish line! Thanks Josh!

Other Highlights of the Day

Tracey Koziolek
(photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Tracey Koziolek decided to get in on the racing action too.  This was her race debut and boy she picked quite the course for it!  Although it was a tough one I hear she is already looking forward to the next.

Janna Houchens, head down and determined, powered up the final steep and rocky ascent to the finish line.  She crossed the finish line with a big smile on her face.  It may have been because she had so much fun or simply that her race was finally over!

Griffin Barlow being the young family man that he is, opted to take in the sights and sounds mid-race whilst waiting to join his mom, Sandra Barlow, as she passed by on her lap.

Anthony Barlow spent his first mucky lap plotting and scheming his way out of a second.  He pleaded for a refund of half his entry fee to call it a day but the timing staff, though amused, were not interested in the offer.  Always the showmen, Anthony appeared to reserve his finish line encore - popping a wheelie across the finish line.

Anthony Barlow (photo by Thomas Farmer)

Marc Garoutte gave a valiant effort with singlespeed versus hill.  Having conquered 1,600ft of elevation at Lord Hill, Marc is now that much stronger and ready to take on the next venue.

Chip Richardson made an appearance at this close to home venue, appearing at the tent only minutes before his start.  Deciding he had had enough mud in the face, he installed one of Marc Garoutte’s awesome front fenders.  With the zip tie antennae left intact he worked his way to the start line to bump shoulders with his competition.

Dave Savory also makes his return to the race scene after a string of setbacks over the past several months.  Jumping right in to the fray with the Expert class he finished up all three laps with a smile.  Welcome back Dave!

Thanks once again to all of our sponsors including Chainbrew, Wildwater River Guides, Wolf Tooth Components, Center Cycle, Pearson Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Schwalbe Tires, Bicycle Centre, Crank Brothers, CrapPhotos, Fanatik Bike Company, Lezyne, Mazama, and Boundary Bay Brewing Company.  Our Crank Brother's mud shedding pedals came in handy during this race and our Chainbrew chain lube will be used quite a bit post cleanup!

Cat 3 Ladies (photo by Full Suspension Studio)

Dave Savory (photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Chip Richardson (photo by Northwest Adventuring)

Mark Thomas and Cat 2 Clydesdale Podium (photo by Epic Racing)

Team Results for the day:

• Cat 1
• Thomas Farmer 4th 34 & Under (currently 1st in series)
• Chip Richardson 14th 35-49
• Dave Savory 16th 35-49
• Cat 2
• Anthony Barlow 9th 40-49
• Matt Levin 10th 50+
• Mark Thomas 2nd Clydesdale
• Marc Garoutte 8th Single speed
• Cat 3 
• Megan Koziolek 2nd 13-18
• Janna Houchens 2nd 19-34
• Alicia Taggatz 3rd 19-34
• Tracey Koziolek 4th 19-34
• Sandra Barlow 5th 35-49
• Shannon Sutherland 3rd  50+
• Justin Hamilton 7th 12 & under
• Griffin Barlow 8th 12 & under
• Haden Mills 2nd 13-18
• Dan Wheeler 6th 19-34
• Jon Nelson 7th 50+

2014 Epic Racing Cycling Team Charity Updates

2014 Epic Racing Cycling Team Charity Updates

 Epic Racing with the continued generous support of Afford-A-Vet Animal Clinic debut the New Crush Kids Cancer pop up canopy at the BuDu Lord Hill Race. 

Alex Weinert (the main force behind crushkidscancer.org) was scheduled to swing by and meet more of the team and take that canopy home.  This canopy will be used by the Crush Kids’ Cancer Cycling Team (the roadies).  Alex got held up and could not attend but has promised to attend and compete at the next race at 360 Park.

Speaking of Crush Kids Cancer, our team fund raising efforts so far in 2014 have totaled $411.03.  If you have not heard what they are working towards and what our contributions have done please read this short article https://giveto.seattlechildrens.org/impact/turning-the-tables-on-cancer?srctid=1&erid=232821&trid=70f87b2c-915a-42ed-b955-bda7486ede18

We have taken 5% of the 2014 team kit sales, accepted donations, and been selling Slop Shields (fork mounted front fenders) at each of the BuDu races.  Hopefully if the race day weather begins to improve we can organize bake sales, beverage and snack sales, ect… to raise additional money.  The team donation to Seattle Children’s Hospital to fund pediatric cancer research and treatment trials will correspond with the Crush Kids Cancer Cycling Team annual Seattle to Portland bike ride.  I know a lot of us will be racing on that weekend but if you are riding the STP get on board with these folks.  You will get access to private catered lunches, massages, and other perks along your journey while you raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer treatment.

Other charity work we have done as a team for our fellow teammates has been happening as well.   

We have provided a kind of scholarship opportunity to some of the kids on the team to enable them to participate in the BuDu races.  We, as a team, have covered entry fees, provided jerseys, assisted with bike purchases, maintenance, and upgrades to keep these young legs spinning pedals and producing smiles. 

We have another annual Epic Racing Tradition coming up soon and need a lot of volunteers to pull off. 

The annual Kids Ride out at Henry’s Ridge in Maple Valley is planned for Sunday June 15^th (Fathers Day).  The purpose of this event is to make a fun mountain bike day for the young ones on the team and in the surrounding neighborhoods that embrace the booming Mountain Bike culture that exists in the King County Open Space lands surrounding their communities.  In our 1^st year we have 4 kids attend and they had a lot of fun.  Last year we had somewhere around 30 kids and again everyone had a great time.  At the conclusion of the event we held a raffle that consisted of a bunch of team member donated bike swag and Afford-A-Vet donated pet items.  The grand prize was the Specialized Hard Rock bike generously donated by our Sponsors Center Cycle and Afford-A-Vet Animal Clinic.

This year we expect the number of kids to continue to increase and we will need more volunteers and more donations to be given away as prizes to the kids.  Also, this year will hold the 1^st Strider Bike World Championship XC race for the wee kids.  Contact Shannon Sutherland who is coordinating this event.  To see more photos of last years event click on this link  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.350615268394840.1073741843.260091464113888&type=3

BuDu XC Race #4 King County Soaring Eagle Trails

Although the weather up until race time looked threatening, the end of the day saw blue skies for the final Cat 2 races.  Trails were still muddy from the recent rains but overall much more passable that the last race at Port Gamble.  From my perspective it was just muddy enough to provide a good challenge while not being a complete slog-fest.  At least that's how it felt by the time Cat 2 races rolled around - the Cat 3 and Cat 1 races probably plowed the mud out of the way for us!

Thanks once again to all of our sponsors including Chainbrew, Wildwater River Guides, Wolf Tooth Components, Center Cycle, Pearson Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Schwalbe Tires, Bicycle Centre, Crank Brothers, CrapPhotos, Fanatik Bike Company, Lezyne, Mazama, and Boundary Bay Brewing Company.

Cat 2 Start (photo by Jason Balajadia)

Haden Mills on the way to his first place finish (photo by Full Suspension Studios) 

Thomas Farmer getting a little air on his 29er (photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Cat 2 40-49 Podium Finishers (photo by Marc Steingrebe)

Cat 3 19-34 Podium Finishers (photo by Marc Garoutte)

Here's our team results for the day -- congrats to our 6 podium finishers and to Mark Garoutte for edging out teammate and "youngster" Josh Viborel-Baker by a spot in the Singlespeed category!

• Cat 1
• Thomas Farmer 1st 34 & Under (currently 1st in series)
• Cat 2
• Amy Josefczyk 3rd 40-49  (currently 1st in series)
• Anthony Barlow 8th 40-49
• Matt Levin 10th 50+
• Matt Houchens 4th Clydesdale
• Mark Thomas 5th Clydesdale
• Marc Garoutte 7th Singlespeed
• Josh Viborel-Baker 8th Singlespeed
• Cat 3 
• Megan Koziolek 3rd 13-18
• Janna Houchens 2nd 19-34
• Alicia Taggatz 3rd 19-34
• Shannon Sutherland 6th  50+
• Haden Mills 1st 13-18
• Dan Wheeler 9th 19-34
• Jon Nelson 7th 50+

Laura Ogden and Liv/Giant present: The 3F's: Fit, Form, Function

Ladies, come Join EPIC Racing Cycling Team Pro Enduro Racer Laura Ogden for some basics and to see what Liv/giant USA has to offer. There will be more events centered around riding and skills development too.  Join our Facebook event!

Laura also has more events throughout the spring and summer -- if you want to learn more about bike maintenance or try out a group ride check these out!

2014 Echo Red 2 Red- Chilly! MARCH 1st, 2014- Lee Bauck and me (Leslie Copper) watched the weather all week waiting and hoping for 60 degrees and sun! When we arrived on Friday for the pre-ride it was 50 degrees and felt a little warm.  Would it last? The forecast was for a cold front to move in and drop the temperature in to the 20's for race day. The pre-ride was uneventful with the exception of seeing about 6 people on the sides of the trail with flat tires- one person reported this was her 3rd flat in less than 2 miles. The goat heads were really bad this year. I pulled 3 goat heads out of my tires at the end of the day and let the Stan's goo in the tires do it's job! Plugged the holes right up. We added some extra Stan's that night!  Race day brought the predicted cold temperature of 28 degrees with threats of snow and about 1/2 of the riders stayed home- wimps! The trick was staying warm while waiting for the race to start. Once racing it was actually not too bad.  Lee started his first CAT 1 race- 32 miles with a time of 2:41. He placed 19th out of 31 riders.  The old ladies wimped out and only 3 of the 6 registered riders showed up.  Leslie placed second with a time of 2:31 for 26.5 miles.  Lee at the start of Echo Red 2 Red Lee at finish of race! Might be Leslie in turquoise in middle of picture???? 2nd place cowbell and a beer for Leslie!

BuDu XC Race #3 Port Gamble Trails

Epic Racing ventured out to the Kitsap Peninsula for the latest BuDu series round at the Port Gamble Trails.  Rainy weather made for some extremely muddy conditions which challenged all of the racers but nevertheless provided for a good time and extra stories after the race.  Sandra Barlow provided a St. Paddy's day themed Irish Stew and to-die-for chocolate cupcakes that were the hit of the entire race!

 (photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Cat 3 racers started off the day with Shannon Sutherland racing on a feather light single speed anniversary gift from her hubby! Here she is powering through the speed-sucking mud at the finish.  The course ended in a field that provided a long muddy section that destroyed your momentum just before the finish.  Dan Wheeler, Jon Nelson, and Justin Hamilton also braved the mud for Epic Racing in Cat 3 as well.

Janna Houchens was excited to podium with 3rd place in Cat 3 19-34, contributing to a family podium sweep as her husband Matt also placed in Cat 2.

(photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Haden Mills also proudly finished 2nd in Cat 3 13-18!  Great job Haden!

(photo by Full Suspension Studios)

The Cat 1 classes started next, with Chip Richardson, Jason Konieczka, Thomas Farmer, and Doug DeMars all competing in their various divisions.  Chip Richardson capitalized on the fact that the experts made two passes through the event venue by requesting bratwurst and cupcake hand ups at each lap.

(photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Last up were the Cat 2 riders with Anthony Barlow, Matt Houchens, Matt Levin, Dave Pringle, Scott Wipperman, Marc Garoutte, and Amy Josefczyk getting a little break from the rain but not the mud as the course was pretty well churned up by that time.

(photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Anthony Barlow provided some St. Patrick's Day spirit and hoped for the luck of the Irish on his laps.

(photo by Full Suspension Studios)

 Mark Garoutte here looks pretty clean on his lap through the venue.  He currently sits at fifth place in the Cat 2 single speed category standings.

(photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Matt Houchens here is celebrating 3rd in Cat 2 Clydesdales and the second half of his family podium sweep -- great job Houchens!  Congrats also to Matt Levin who finished 11th after upgrading from Cat 3 to a very competitive Cat2 50+ category.

(photo by Janna Houchens)

Here's a list of our finishers for the day. Congrats to our 4 podium finishers, and let me know in the comments if I missed anyone!

• Cat 1
• Thomas Farmer 4th 34 & Under
• Jason Konieczka 5th 35-49
• Chip Richardson 10th 35-49
• Cat 2
• Amy Josefczyk 3rd 40-49
• Anthony Barlow 7th 40-49
• Dave Pringle 8th 40-49
• Matt Levin 11th 50+
• Matt Houchens 3rd Clydesdales
• Marc Garoutte 8th SS
• Cat 3
• Shannon Southerland 4th 50+
• Janna Houchens 3rd 19-34
• Justin Hamilton 9th 12&under
• Haden Mills 2nd 13-18
• Dan Wheeler 6th 19-34
• Jon Nelson 6th 50+

(photo by Full Suspension Studios)

Thanks to all of our sponsors for a great day of racing, including Chainbrew, Wildwater River Guides, Wolf Tooth Components, Center Cycle, Pearson Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Schwalbe Tires, Bicycle Center, Crank Brothers, CrapPhotos, Fanatik Bike Company, Lezyne, Mazama, and Boundary Bay Brewing Company.

A final shot out to Afford-A-Vet Animal Clinic who provides our cozy tent!

(photo by Full Suspension Studios)