the not so Muddy Huetter

I drove to Cour d'Alene on Sunday with Brian Williams to compete in Vertical Earth's Muddy Huetter roubaix race. We met up with Josh and Sarah and Shaun at the Vertical Earth shop for the 5 mile group ride out to the race start. The weather was acting like it was going to rain, but it ended up staying dry. The course was on mostly asphalt farm roads northwest of Cour d'Alene. There were two sections of dirt/gravel that were fairly smooth and fast. I remember two small hills on the mostly flat 10 mile circuit. Race officials changed the circuit due to a recently graded road.

I joined the A group to get additional miles (didn't really feel like driving 5 hours for a 25 mile race). There was an attack within the first .5 mile that Brian responded to. Shaun responded to the next attack and Josh and I hung with the group for several laps. The wind picked up as the race went on and portions of the circuit saw some pretty severe echelons as riders tried to stay out of the wind. After hanging in for 3 laps, there was an acceleration at the beginning of the 4th lap and I cramped up and was dropped like of box of rocks. I rode the last two laps alone. :(

Afterward, I learned that Brian attacked at the start of the 5th (last) lap and rode the last 10 miles alone for the win. The chase group that contained Josh caught up to Shaun's group for an uphill bunch sprint with Josh finishing 3rd and Shaun finishing 5th! Wow! Quite the NRO presence! Also, Sarah finished 2nd and had a great time in her first ever road race.

Thanks for all the encouragement, guys! NRO rocks!

-Joshua

Tyler Smith - NRO rider of the month

Tyler Smith is one of NRO's newest cat 3 men. 2009's Cat 4 Best All Around Rider. Incredible talent on a bike and a super nice guy.
Tyler is married and has two of the cutest little boys ever. Look for great things from Tyler in 2010!!


So, Tyler......

First time you knew you had bike fever?
"Probably the day I realized that i own more bikes than I do pairs of pants?
Most memorable ride:
"Last year, Longmire led a group of us over Holloman saddle and out Miller Creek. Perfect weather, great people, and lots of climbing."
Favorite ride:
"Jumbo saddle-Deer Creek combo"
Favorite bike:
"Since this season is still young and my new bike is still new, I have to say that I had the most fun riding my cross bike last year. Not racing, but those long, slow days on the fire roads around Missoula"
Who and/or what inspires you?:
"Group rides. I feel very lucky to be able to ride with such talented (and sometimes punishing) cyclists who also happen to be great people to spend time with."
What is something that people don't know about you?:
"I grew up in a small town named Forest in central Mississippi.

Race Calendar 2010

Thanks to Joey - we have a good race calendar started. Just click on the link located below our team picture. If you have anything you want to add let Tamara or Joey know.



NRO rider of the month...Tyler Smith. Look out! He was fast before but now he is on a new, super fast, ride. Interview to come.