Epic in Tiger Camp!

Today was the 7th day here at Tiger Camp in South Carolina. I hit 30 hrs for 6 days of riding. Yeah, 30 hrs. it's my biggest week ever, but that not the sick part. The sick part is the rides we are doing.

2 Days ago we did Z's Torture Loop. A 45 mile MTB ride ALL Trail with 7000+ feet of climbing. Ouch! Since Z was on a single speed(wow) and Jeremiah was in 1 gear, I decided I wouldn't leave my big ring of 42 teeth. Lots of bar-end climbing out of the saddle. This was 5 hrs of awesome single track and was well worth the pain. As the after ride festivities BBQ of burgers, chili, brauts, and other tasty treats was great.

As I was having a beverage I said to Jeremiah we should hit the mountains tomorrow. I had a climbing loop I new I really shouldn't do, but always wanted to hit. So of course the climbing specialist was ready to go. The next morning Scott our host took us to the base of the mountains to shorten the ride to a reasonable time. I started off a bit spirited going a bit hard a payed dearly as Jeremiah treated the first 35 miles a time trail up hill. After the continental divide climb, we headed up the treacherous 215 climb. 1hr. 15 min later I got to the top 5340feet!!!!
I felt like a truck ran over man legs! But, after chasing cars down the decent, and a stop for goodies at the store I got my second wind. As we rolled our way back home. 95 miles and 10 grand in climbing later I was toast!

Check out jeremiahbishop.com for another version of Tiger camp and some cool pics of the great views from high on the mountains.

Today was a tough rolling road ride through valleys and wind. I will take a rest day and the hit it for 3 more days of pain. Talk to you then. Bryan

A New Jersey/ A New Year!

It's been to long since my last post and a lot has happened. I will try to give you the short version.

Three weeks ago were two cross races in Houston. Both were super sweet courses. The Alkek race was at the Velodrome. I managed to do over a 150 barriers. The Second day was wide open with a sweet single track section. This was probably one of funniest weekends of cross I've done. Of course winning both also helps.

After a week that included racing the Dirt Derby and some cross specific training, I headed to San Antonio for the State Cross race. Nervously headed into the weekend knowing the Texas cross legend Will Black would be in town, and all the hype surrounded the race. The course was Technical with a 20 step bridge crossing, barriers, and sweet fast off camber. The gun went off..... Will and I went lap for lap. I attacked a couple times getting a small gap, but with a long pavement section, and Will's power, it was always hard to maintain the gap. It came down to a hectic sprint. I jumped at 150 meters from second wheel and Will gave me room to celebrate. This was an awesome races from the course, spectators, and supporters. thanks to everyone for cheering me to my New 2008 Texas State Cross Jersey. The Victory also gave me the points championship!

The next day was my last cross race of the year. It was super fast, tricky course. I went on for the victory with Joel Trinty a road teammate in 2nd.

After a couple days a sweet mountain biking in Austin, then 2 days in Dallas gave me a 17 hr. mtb week. Then I hit the road for my first true base.

I am writing from Central, SC just a couple minutes from Clemson, SC. This is Tiger Camp! I meet Jeremiah bishop, Andy Mckeegan, and Jeff shock yesterday for the first ride of the camp. This Turned out to be more than just a ride. After a few wrong turns, and close to 10,ooo Feet of climbing, I hit 120 miles! My biggest ride ever. Sick! Now, I am headed out again.....I'll let you know how the pain is stacking up, Bryan

New Year/ Year's End

Sorry for the Delay. I finished off my visit east and headed back to Texas to finish off my year in the Big- D!

After a sweet 4 hr mtb ride New Year's Eve with friends. Hitting one of my personal favorites, the Boulder trail. Then I headed back into town to watch the Redskins beat Dallas! To the playoffs, go Skins! Then came New Year's for a long night of fun and Dancing.

Now, back to work as I prepare for the last two weeks of Texas cross while trying to balance some big rides for base. I headed down to Bicycle Sport Shop to check with Mike as he dials in my bikes. I feel sore today, and a bit nervous for the weekend. I have to win 3 of the next 4 races to take the Texas Cup Jersey. I am headed to Houston this weekend to battle with Mitch and Company.

As it is the end of the year, I want to THANK all of my sponsors and supporters for the continuous motivation and support. Every year I continue to make improvements and progress in the sport of cycling. Getting Results only possible with the support of everyone! Thank you!

Here are few shots from my favorite races this year: Courtesy of Commiebiker & Glennon Simmons.

Happy New Year! Bryan