March 2012 Top Four

In somewhat chronological order, and not necessarily in order of significance, here is a rundown of the top-4 events in March which have made for a great start to the 2012 race season:

1. The Olympic Campaign officially kicks off! - A Top-10 at the US Season Opener in Texas! 

Photo Credit: Jake Orness - jakespointofview.com

2. Coming from dead last to finish on the lead lap and 5th American in the World Cup opener in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa 

Photo Credit Colin Meagher

This doesn't usually happen while racing in the US...but it's normal for the back end of a World Cup

3. ...oh yeah...getting to travel to South Africa!!!

With a stopover in Dubai! - Flight Itinerary - Seattle to Dubai (14hrs); Dubai to Durban (9hrs)

This is actually all I saw of the real Dubai...from the terminal...

The Dubai International Hotel in Terminal 3 - rest between flights

And finally to Pietermaritzburg, where the town welcomed the World Cup with a big banner downtown

Signs posted throughout town

Met up with Kona DH teammates Mitch Delfs and Connor Fearon

And super-mechanic Mathieu Dupelle

The Midlands! -The green hills of the KwaZulu-Natal province 

Gate to a private game preserve...they had some 18 spots available

4. Some great training back home in the PNW! - just as most plants grow best in their native environments, home is the best place to recharge and train between big events

Sarah and I ventured out for a weekend on the Olympic Peninsula

Checking out the trails at Dry Hill for some gravity practice

self-powered shuttle...the Entourage actually climbs pretty well...like backcountry touring on a power day

Who says XC guys only ever wear spandex?

snow and muddd

post 10,000'+ vert day - Thanks to Lars Sternberg and the Transition DH crew for letting us tag along for some runs!

Kona bikes look best when well-loved

and back to the skinny tires for the rest of the weekend

Awesome ride from Port Angeles to Cape Flattery on Hwy 112

...the end of the road to Cape Flattery

...up next...the Olympic campaign continues with World Cup #2 in Houffalize, Belgium - April 9-16...then the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, CA - April 19-22


thanks for reading