Marin Bikes Blog

Marin endurance racer Yuri Hauswald recently posted up some of his travel stories with the fine folks over at Bikemonkey.net:

I know I missed the deadline on this event months ago, and we all know that Ross Schnell and Heather Irmiger have ink in new places, but I was recently sent some photos which inspired me to share a snapshot of my SSWC ‘09 experience. It was my longtime friend, and founder of Launch clothing (an edgy cycling line that melded function with fashion way before any other brands), Daniel Jaber who reminded me I should share my perspective on this two-wheeled bacchanalian circus.

I flew into Albuquerque Wednesday night and was greeted by grey skies and ominous clouds, as well as a steady drizzle that was causing flash floods in parts of New Mexico. Thursday saw Vanessa and I drive through the neopolitan desert landscape, through towns like Cuba, Ignacio, Aztec, on our way to Durango, where we landed at the “Hand Made Frame Builder Show.” The show, organized by Ecologic Events in conjunction with Passion Productions, was held in a dingy brick and mortar basement bar, one teeming with single speed fans from all over the world. The event showcased stellar local builders, such as Matt Clark of Stout Heart Cycle Company. We also ran into these dirtbags on the way out to the men’s room.

Friday’s pre-ride, with a star-studded crew that included both eventual winners, was a lung opening, lactic tasting, ass whooping experience. Don’t get me wrong, I loved every aching moment of it, as I was once again completely humbled by how much faster real pros are than me. The views from the top of Raider Ridge, which sits somewhere around 8,000 ft., were spectacular.

Friday night’s festivities, held at the end of a housing development cul-de-sac, included an epic dirt jumping contest, live bands, a track stand contest, and a piece of the “decider”–a karaoke-off between Italy, New Zealand, and Canada. (It is just this observer’s opinion, but Canada got robbed! The burly, “bear” chested Canuck belted out a version of “Kiss,” originally sung by the artist formerly known as Prince, that brought the house down and should’ve guaranteed his place as one of the final two contending countries.) Needless to say, the judges’ two favorites were New Zealand and Italy, who had some guy pretending to sing that I saw bowling at last year’s decider as a Frenchman?? I didn’t know you could gain citizenship that easily.

The King, actually Keith Darner, long time CO cycling advocate, and some crack were in the house come race day, as well as many other colorful characters.

I spent a moment of the early part of the race with eventual women’s World Champion, Heather Irmiger, who, when I asked her if she wanted a pull as we roosted out the fire road, matter of factly stated that “I’m not sure I want to go that fast….I’m not sure I want the tattoo.” She would pass me a little later on, just before the steep, two mile hike-a-bike, like I was standing still, never to be seen again.

You never know who or what you will run into on a SSWC course, so I wasn’t too surprised when I rolled by some guy pulled over on the side of the course in argyle shoe covers and penguin suit who looked to be heckling passing riders. I would later discover, just before a spectacular yard sale, front wheel endo crash, that the penguin was actually Danny Pate of Garmin Slipstream. On the final hike of the day, just before the top, was perched an Anasazi cliff dwelling, of sorts.

Some dedicated locals hauled in massive quantities of bacon, Twinkies, Ju-Ju-Bees, tequila, and a bong. Did I mention that they had some bacon?! With over 990 riders, the Anasazi oasis of nourishing replenishment eventually ran out of food.

Wonder if it had anything to do with this guy showing up?

I would eventually buzz the finish around the mid-40s, not that anybody was really counting except me, of course. I had a beer with new World Champion, Ross Schnell, who revealed that he had been riding with a crazy tech carbon/plastic cast protecting his broken wrist. If he wasn’t in that purple skinsuit, I’d have said he’s a tough guy.

The final piece of the decider would be played out under a lit outdoor basketball court that happened to be just outside the brewery where Ross and Heather got their new tattoos. New Zealand dominated Italy, and thus won the rights to next year’s SSWC–but you already know that.