Trance in France

It's nearing. Two weeks till the first of six days in the Trans-Savoie enduro race in France! Pretty pumped for sure. Now's the time to get ready! Tools, parts, food, flights. Check. It seems like not too long ago when I was counting the days down and I was at 4 months till race time. LOTS of time to get ready. Like most people I left a lot to the end. Still need to find a place to sleep while in Geneva before and after the race. Still need to do a bunch. And then a whole lot I haven't even thought of yet. Oh yeah, medical insurance might be a good idea.

This is the time that the race season is starting for me. Summer has been pretty busy with work and no races have happened for me yet. There certainly has been loads of time on the bike but no racing. I miss it. Well now's the time. France in two weeks, a 24 hour the weekend after I get back, a 6 hour, and there has been talk of Fernie's Tears and Gears. Always a good time. I've been training by being on the bike and also something new. Crossfit.

Crossfit has been awesome. Working on muscles that don't regularly get used. The first week was filled with a bit of pain. But a wise person once said it'll get better if you can battle through the initial pain. That person was none other than Steph McGregor-Jones. She was right. It's been great.

This whole France race has been pretty interesting to watch develop. Many of my friends and businesses in town have helped me out a ton! You might know that I have a raffle going on and there have been some pretty awesome people to donate to that and help me get to France. That help is hugely appreciated and I thank you a lot. You can get tickets at Favorit Cycle & Ski, High Country, and Max's Place.

Giant Bikes

Gore Bike Wear

Max's Place

Cranbrook Dodge

Cranbrook Crossfit

Favorit Cycle & Ski

High Country

Tim Hortons

Canadian Rockies International Airport

Snap Magazine

Sidekick Stickers


Thanks again to everyone who has helped out. Especially the people that convinced me that it was a good idea to apply for this race in the very beginning! It's going to be awesome.

I would assume you can keep updated of racers progression through the race on the Trans-Savoie website. I am going to try to update on my Facebook page as well if I can.

Ride on!

Do I Smell Summer?!

This is the time of year that I can hardly wait for. It seems to take longer and longer to show up every year. It is finally happening once again. The snow melts to reveal the good brown stuff that has so much potential for endless summer entertainment on it. There is a new smell in the air and I'm starting to see people again that I have not seen since the fall. Testing of trails happens on the bike to see what is good to go and what should probably have a few more weeks. IT'S BIKE SEASON AGAIN!

The winter was long. Too long. I think an extra month gets tacked on every year to make it seem longer. I dislike winter. Things seem to move at a slower pace and outdoor recreating just doesn't seem as awesome. You may say, "Well J, that's just life in the Koots. Love it or leave it." And while this is true, I think I have so much fun in the summer that it gets me through the winter. But I could definitely see myself turning into a snow bird at an early age to get more sweet, sweet summer time in. Maybe winter isn't as bad as I am making it sound.

This spring has started off good. New bike, sweet Utah trip, and biking almost every day. I think it's pretty awesome how biking has so many health benefits, including mental, and it's crazy fun at the same time. What a great sport.

Racing season starts in about a month. First one is in my home town of L.A. The coulees are fast, and really fun. It should be an awesome one. I'll probably see some familiar faces and see how people weathered the winter.

This summer is sure to hold a few races, but none can be too much more exciting for me than the Trans-Savoie in France. 6 day stage race throughout the French Alps. Say what? Yeah, I think it's mostly true and definitely happening one way or another. The Alps have always had my attention but I never thought I would get to ride my bike there. Wow. It's like 140 days away or so.

This year I'll be on Giant rigs again. So good. Maestro for life. Can't go wrong with some Gore biking clothes either. They look sweet and I think I'm going on about 4 or 5 days without it stinking. If we ride in the future please let me know if I stink. You may be asking, "J, where can I get these items?" Favorit Cycles. 9th Ave. They have what you need.

Group rides are starting up again! Awesome people having fun on bikes. Sweet. There ain't too much better then riding bikes with friends.

Summer has it all. Warm temps, good people, bikes, and maybe a couple cold one's post ride. So good.

Just a FYI, I listened to 'Boy & Bear - Feeding Line' repeatedly while writing this. It's real good. Can't wait to get it on the Ipod and ride with it.

Have fun! It's summer time! Get out and see all that the Koots has to offer!