Bryan Fawley's Blog

UPDATES ETC.

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:10:00 +0000

Things have been crazy. Promoting, racing, working, and trying to train. Just not enough hrs. in a day....

Racing has been good. I will put a last season wrap-up in the coming week. With close to 10 wins in 2010 already, it promises to be a big year.

This weekend I am promoting to Crits in the famous FAIR PARK. This will be a great venue with lots to offer to everyone. Go to txbra.org for more details.
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Thanks for reading, Bryan

Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:53:00 +0000

TULSA TOUGH! and State Crit Weekend write ups on the way! Till then check out these cool pics!

Oh yeah, and check out those sweet new Oakley glasses!

Matrix and so on....

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:34:00 +0000

The past month has flew by! After the Ouachita Challenge I was a bit worked, but instead of taking a week off, I did the Fiesta Grand Stage race which left me flat for the next 2 weeks. The only thing holding me together was all the hard work I have been doing at the CTC (Competitive Training Center ) the past 2 months. After a week of recovery came the Matrix Crits. 2 days of 90 minute figure 8 crits that will leave your legs worked. On the 2nd day I was finally starting to get some snap in my legs and was able to stay near the front of the race. At about minute 50 the guy in front of me rolls his tubular and hits the ground. I try to ride it out into the hay bales and go for a yard sail over them. Somehow, I managed to stay in one piece and a lap later get back into the race. The race had split and after 20 minutes of all-out I got back to the front as the race came back together with 15 minutes to go. I just tried to stay near the front and save any energy for the final sprint which actually happens up the backside of the course before turns 7 & 8. Since from turn 8 there is only 150 meters to go. I pinned it with a lap to go sitting 5th wheel and through the turn 6 the sprint started, I waited till about half -way up the windy stretch and hit it just getting through turn 7 in 1st allllll outtttt. I was there 100 meters come-on and I got it! Park Place took it's 2nd win of the day. Jorge Merle won the 40+ earlier in the day. There is a cool youtube video type in: matrix 2009 bike race.

The following week I did a road race sat and mtb race Sunday. My legs were flat again! Anyway, Kevin K. won the road race, and Jason Sager should up to give a clinic at the big-ring challenge for the win. Then off to Joe Martin for 4 days of tough racing. The hill climb tt started off bad as our GC guy had a bad run and we had nobody within 45 sec of the GC. However, we went big and on the 2nd road race Virginia Park Place rider Andy McKeegan got us a podium with a good move to a late break for 3rd. I got 2nd in the field sprint for 6th. The next day was a tough crit with a steep hill that left most of the field watching. In 6th wheel with a 1/2 lap to go a guy in front of me clips a pedal and lays it across the road. Here we go.... as I ride over top of the guy and do a flip to come out with only a few stratchs. Well that wraps it up.... a little bad luck seems to be the trend. Hopefully, I can change that this weekend with 2 crits in Houston. The pics are provided by Mike Brooks @ Commiebiker. Time for new Tegaderm....

Ouachita Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:16:00 +0000

There are many ways to describe a great race: Hard, Epic, Wow, torturous, beautiful, painful, and so on...... This race was all this together.

There are 2 versions. A 60 mile and an 80 mile route that differ a lot. The 80 mile that I did was close to 70 miles of wicked single track and started with 2 miles and finished with 8 miles on gravel roads and a touch of pavement. The 60 is 40 single track and 20 miles road/ gravel section. Well, needless to say I did some homework talked to last years winner Scott Henry got the scope on course etc. Except he didn't know they cut the course 10 miles short and skipped the 2nd hardest climb on the course( 30 minutes of just tough single track climbing that rolled and rolled). So I had prepared for about 6 hrs as I start this Epic day. That definitely wasn't enough!

The raced started with 60 & 80 mile riders together. So it was hard to judge who to go with etc. So I just stayed near the front. Looking around seeing who was there. Cameron Chambers, Garth Posser, Kip Biese, and Team Ergon was there. I didn't know how everyone was riding and knew I would struggle with the distance. However, as the single track came up I grabbed the front of the race and set the pace. Quickly the race broke apart. Ergon was there with 60 and 80 mile rider, me, Kip and Raymond Hall who was doing the 60 were out in front. Then at mile 6 I slice the side wall of my tire....Sh*T....D*a* ..... Needless to say I was not happy. This early into a long race and I am already putting a tub in with a gel wrapper to hold the sidewall together. This could be a long day! Well as I am trying to navigate through riders, I mean lots of riders I am thinking up my stadegy to get back to the front. With a hole in my rear tire I was going to have to pin it up every climb and take it easy down all the downhills and for people that know me this is hard to do! So I focus picking of riders watching for any and every rock that could cause any more problems. Mile 20 I catch Stew Stafford who is doing the 60 and ended up 5th. He said I was probably 6 or 7 in the 80 miler. Then check point 1 came up and he hit the road and I hit more trail. 6 minutes back...what 6 minutes. I am like how? So I keep my head down, slowly I start to see a rider ahead. A Texas boy PACC rider was rolling. He said he was 5th, and he stuck to my wheel we were carving the single track I opened a 30 sec or so gap on him that I lost as we came to the next open section which I doubled back on where I couldn't find any taping etc. We roll up to the next turn at about mile 40 and they say 6 minutes again.....I didn't make up any time? I am hoping they are wrong.

Half way 3hrs..., atleast I think. Then the race starts getting really hard, steep climbs, more technical single track, and I am starting to dyhydrate. Up and over the next mtn. to a checkpoint. They say 2 min to the next rider, 5 min. to the leader. Finally, I make up some time. The course continues to go up and down, long single track climb after another. Followed by switch back decents and stream crossings. I catch Garth Posser on a switch back downhill, and he says 1.5 min to the next guy. At this point I am getting pumped up, but trying not to blow up at the same time. I am just staying steady and about an hr later I catch 2nd and 3rd, kip and the ergon rider. They seem to have lost their attack and I roll by neither of them trying to stay with me. Now I am in 2nd, 2 min. down. I am pushing it now. Fighting cramps, diggging deep, hoping 1st is hurting as much. I am out of water, it seems like it's been hrs and hrs since the last check point. Finally, I see a gate...water?...nope....only to see another marshall pointing me up the next mtn saying 5 miles to the next check point. At this point, I am fighting whole leg cramps, stoping and using trees to get short 5 sec breaks. I see a rider! But, it's only the back of the 60 mile race, I guess we merged courses at the last marshall. I am begging for water...then a rider says yes I have some...I latch onto the camelback and drink till I can't breath. Then back in pursuit, I am now catching lots of traffic making it hard to stay focused, until I see I rider who looked like Cameron Chambers through some steep switch backs. I am marching on the pedals for all I am worth. It's him! I take the lead as we hit a downhill to water station! 20 miles to go, I grab a bottle a water and fill up with cytomax. Looking back watching for Cameron, I am going for what I am worth. It seems like this race is never going to end. The trails are so sweet, but I just want to be done. Finally, I see a dirt road and a course marshall. 8.5 miles to go all on dirt roads. I keep looking back not to see anyone. After 80 miles and 10,000 ft. of climbing I WIN! WOW....
I couldn't believe i battle back to win the race. Garth was 2nd 4 min back and Cameron was 3rd 9 min back.

I have a pic from mile 65 where I look like I am about to die. Then a pic of my rear wheel with the gel wrapper sticking out of the side wall. Then a sweet pic of my Lanza 21.9 lb 29er dirty.

Also, I had my 2nd set of Scrub rotors on( 90 grams for the pair) to test them in the nasty conditions and the worked flawlessly.

Pics from University Oaks Crit.

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:21:00 +0000

Here are a couple shots. Check out my SLR Cosmic Carbones. Stiff and Fast! To bad they didn't
get one of me bouncing off the ground.

Training Update: Did my first season of off the bike work with CTC (Competitive Training Center) yesterday. Combination of physical therapy and serious focused training are sure to give me that extra power later this year when the big crits roll around.

To functional strength... Well at least that how I'm dealing with all this tenderness in my gluts!

Road Racing with some Dirt!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:46:00 +0000

The past 3 weeks I have spent on the road bike. Lots of travel, lots of competition, and some great courses have made for great racing.

Lago Vista: 2 days of racing on almost the same course. This course is tough! With 2 mile false flat head wind climb with small stair steps that will leave your legs worked after 16 laps of the 4-5 mile course. DAY 1: With lots of riders starting to find form, riders from out of state doing some winter racing/ training the field 100+ makes for a hard days work. The day went crazy from the gun, breaks going then coming back. Then again. Heath Blackgrove of Hotel San Jose hit it early with Steve Tilford, Stephan & Alex of TX Tough, and Sol Frost of AustinBikes. This Break stayed away all day with Sol getting picked up with a few laps to go. Heath took the win, Stephan, Tilford, then Welch. The field sprint was for 5th. I got 2nd to Josh Carter in the field sprint for 6th. DAY 2: This day was going to be a bit different with the full Kelly Benefits Pro Team showing up. 12 Strong Riders! From the gun attack after attack, I tried to go with almost everything. After 2 hrs of non-stop attacks I was starting to feel it! At this point there was a group of 6 up the road and the sprint was for 7th. I waited to the last lap and on Loren Dodsons wheel he moved me up to the front and I finished 4th in the field sprint for 10th. Kelly Benefits went 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 11th or something close to that. Defintely a tough weekend.

Last weekend had more than just a paved road. The weekend started early Sat. morning with a 2 hr drive to the Tunis Roubaix. A 13 mile lap, 6 miles of gravel and 7 miles of pavement. Within the first 2 miles of the race everyone flated except 2 people. Seruiously it was burly! Huge gravel and no line through it. After 5 minutes or so and almost the entire field swaping wheels it was a race for 3rd, and all survial! I tip-toed through gravel for 65 mile with Nate Miller. He and I worked together on the pavement picking off riders 1 by 1. Then easy through the gravel. Then on the last lap as cramps were starting to show I attacked with 3 miles to go for 3rd and Nate finished 4th. Mitch Comardo rode away from the gun winning by 10min over 2nd. Only 10 or so riders finished this race! Then into the car for another 6 or so hrs to Rouge Roubaix where after only 3 hrs of sleep we saddled up for the 101 mile jouney over sweet rolling roads and some serious dirt roads! At mile 5 I attacked to open up my legs a bit, nothing serious and next thing you know I have 5 riders and a nice gap. Here we go! We hit the first section of dirt and its way looser than last year, almost sandy at times. Feels like lifting weights as I pedal! Then back to pavement and no sign of the peloton till mile 35 where it looks like 20 riders coming, half Metro-VW team. With only 25 riders, 11 VW riders this was going to be tough! The next dirt section would come at mile 60 and it comes with a wall of a climb, the field shatters! I am in the 2nd group of 6 and not sure how many are left behind. I chase hard with help from Matt Davis we catch the leading group of 5. Now just 11 riders and 25 miles to go. Metro-VW has 5 riders left and looks content to wait for the next section of dirt, as Matt Davis goes solo up the road with about a minute gap. Here it comes, the toughest section. Super steep rollers and fast loose decents. I get gapped on the first steep section and chase catching Travis Brandt. Matt still up the road, then Chistian Helmig and Andrew Dalheim just ahead. I push hard, just can't close the gap. Then that it, Christian and Andrew pass Matt to go 1/2. Travis will not help because of the VW rider sitting behind us, so Matt does a strong tt effort for 3rd and I finished 4th. The other metro rider was 5th. Travis 6th and another VW rider in 7th. Great ride by them! Maybe next year!

Then this weekend was my first crit of the year. University Oaks Crit. After a hard ride Saturday, I figured my legs would be a bit tired. They were, but I had go snape still in them. With rain coming down and a bit a dirt on the course it didn't look like to much fun. From the gun, the first turn took down 3 riders. lap after lap riders went down in that turn. It was like glass, super slick. I managed to stay upright and grab all 3 primes throughout the race. I felt good with two to go. Eric Benz throws in a flyer and has a gap. 1 to go I chase hard hit the first turn and hit the pavement hard! I'm thinking seriuosly? Make it all race and now I go down? Oh well. My bike is ok, I am sore and have a couple scabs to heal up.

Next week. Fayetteville Stage Race. RR, TT, RR Should be fun. Pics are from Lago day 2.

Mas O Menos

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:42:00 +0000

Every year Texas mountain biking starts for most in the Desert @ the Mas O Menos 100K near Terlingua, TX. This fast, fun course outlined by the beautiful high desert mountains. Then highlighted by the Tres Cuevas a 20 min climb that really tests your will power on the 2nd lap of the 31 mile lap. Made extra rough by the heavy rain storms earlier in the year, then add the unseasonable heat, this was going to be tough!

It seemed every morning started at Kathy's Kosmic Cafe. A pink bus that served up some great coffee and food! Then out to the race for the pain to start. As we were lead out by Austin bike zoo
snake(check out desertsportstx.com ) for all the cool pics! I did my usual attack from the gun, immedialtly sprinting up the first hill and down the dusty fire road to the single track. As we entered the single track I was joined by Scott Henry with JT Cody and Travis Brown close behind. I attacked again opening up a gap. This single track! You can't help but smile, it rips, flows...etc. It's hard not to keep the throttle on...the faster you go the better the flow! After about 15 miles I was holding a small gap on Scott and about 30 sec. to the other 2. I slowed at the top of small hill following this 300 meter sand section that felt like you were in quick sand. I yelled to Scott lets go, as I could see JT and Travis in the distance. I hit it on the false flat climbs to open a gap again. I really needed Scott for the windy section into the climb, but took a chance and went for it. I just kept it pegged all the way to the base of the climb, hit a Gel and big drink of water and pegged it again for the $100 dollars waiting at the top of the climb from New Revolution Cycles. At this point they said there was nobody in sight so I figured I had around 2 minutes. So I rode smart all the way back to the start/ finish to start the next lap. About 6 miles into the 2nd lap I cut my rear tire on a sharp rock and battled it all the way to the finish. It would seal, unseal 4-5miles later, loose air, again and again. Thankfully I had 2 Co2's that got me around the course to the finish. Finally took this one home on the 3rd try. I was so stoked. Jt Cody came in 2nd, and Sean Sindt rounded out the podium with awesome start to his season. This desert always takes it out of you. Dehydrated and hot I was ready for the firy night to be here, and it came! After some good pizza, we arrived to the beats of the band and the fire big as ever! The night was fun!

One last stop at the pink bus in the morning before the long drive home!

Early Season and Training Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:29:00 +0000

About a month ago before embarking on a trip to the east coast for training I hit another DORBA 6hr MTB race at Erwin Park. I got the hole shot after the Le-mans start. Immediately I was challenged by Chad Haga who seemed to know the course in and out. After a back and forth battle it seemed as though I might have finally broke him, as he said nice racing with you(of sorts) as I attacked going into the next lap. But, he keep the throttle on and here he comes again. Back together! At this point I didn't know what to do, then I felt my left foot slipping a bit...Sh*t! My cleat came loose...should have used lock-tight. In panic mode I watched him ride away. When I got going again it was 1.5 min. they said. I pushed it and already a 4 hr into the race I was hurting. I some how managed to bring him back, but I was really felling tired at this point with a lot of miles still to go. Chad again turned it on! I could only watch as he rode out of sight. I battle with the cleat staying tight 2 more times and bonked big time! Chad went on to win by a big margin. I held on to 2nd because of the huge gap he and I opened battling in the early part of the race. I have some work to do after that! Great race Chad! Maybe he will start racing on the dirt more with a W on his side.

Then it was off to Clemson to do my base block. While I used to do 2-3 months of base training, now I get about 2 weeks between my cross and road season. Basically I put as many hrs as I can in 10 days. The first 4 days of riding I was joined by Jeremiah Bishop and Kelly Orr. Jeremiah who has a baby on the way and couldn't stay for the whole camp. Kelly who I just signed on the developmental squad was putting down some good riding, but also left after the 21hrs that we put in the first 4 days. This 21hrs wasn't base time either. Kelly was doing testing so this was some serious paced and sprinted riding. Along with doing the Greenville training race/ride made for a fun 4 days. After 2 days of recovery I hit 4 more days with 23 hrs of riding and lots of climbing. I did my personal biggest solo ride 120 miles, 7hrs, and 12,500 ft of climbing. 44hrs. in 10 days, thats my base!

Back in Texas for the season opener of road racing for a crit on Saturday and a road race Sunday.
After chasing a break of just a few riders almost the entire race we caught them at the line. With the perfect wheel to follow ( Will Ross) I hesited to jump and got caught watching the sprint. Somehow still getting 5th I was pretty happy considering how flat my legs were. The road race was a painful loop! With crazy wind and good hills this race shattered! I found myself alone early then finding Wally Grouda and Drew Hill. We 3 worked together. Pushing the pace we picked up and dropped off 50 riders or so. We trooped on for 60 of the 75 miles finshing 16th, 17th and 20th. I know 16th, but let me tell you if I had a power meter this day, I would have set some serious personal best marks.

Now to this past weekend. We had the the Alsatian stage race with time trial and crit on Saturday then a road race Sunday. This would be my first true TT on a TT bike and helmet etc. I definitely felt alittle weird, but was happy with my 20th place. I averaged 193Heart Rate for 21min 45 sec. for the 10 mile course. The crit was later in the evening. After lunch and coffee with new Elite Team member Loren Dodson. We headed out to the crit. Everyone seemed to be riding well. We were hitting 35+ MPH on every straight. Attack, attack, attack the race was super exciting. But, with the super high speed nothing was getting away. With 400 meters to go I was third wheel and maxed out digging deep I was in perfect postion going into the final turn. Travis Brandt leading it out for Rodney Strange and I was on his wheel. As we whipped around the turn Travis pulls out enough for Rodney to slip by then cut down on the turn. I jam the brakes and hope nobody stacks it. We all slipped by somehow. Rodney took the win, I held on for 2nd. Sitting 4th because of the points GC, I am hoping to have a better race then last week. Again a tough course, with lots of wind. I manged to break away early with just one other rider Ian Dille. He and I opened it up to 2 minutes at one point to get caught at mile 40. Once back together the race slowed a bit and on the rough road with wicked head wind Justin Wallace had a small gap, I jumped up to him and again I was off. Then joined by Russ Walker we were moving. 1.5 minutes 25 miles to go. I pushed everything I had for 15 miles, but my legs were fried. Then I sat on, encouaging Justin and Russ. I really thought we had it! But, at 5 miles to go I look back only to see the whole Super Squadra team and Pat Mccarty on the front. Needless to say, I gave it all I had! Only to finish at the back of the group in the long uphill finish.

On a positive Note, my new shoes and wheels felt awesome! Mavic really put it together this time. Shoe are super stiff, but feel like bedroom slippers and the SLR Cabones were flat out fast!

This will be a short week as I head to the desert for Mas O Menos Marathon MTB race. Should have good legs. So pretty excited to see how it goes. 5th-2 years ago, 3rd last year, this year?

Thanks for reading, Bryan

2 Days of States

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:54:00 +0000

2 weeks ago we had the finish of the cross season. On Saturday was the Age-based state cross race, where your grouped into age brackets and category doesn't matter. My age group was 23-34. I noticed a couple unfamiliar faces in the crowd. A University of Nevada Jersey(Cody Duane) and a rider from Oklahoma(Adam Mills). Let me tell you about this course. Fast, loose turns, windy, the longest sand pit ever, and lots of heat! All this and Cody Duane made this day hurt. I got off to a great start and opened a nice gap. After 4 laps I was already feeling it. I was still opening a gap except on 1 rider( Cody) By lap 5 with his sand sprinting he had caught me. I mean sprinting through the sand, as I barely jogged through it. It took all I had to close a gap he opened the next time through the sand. We were together with 2 to go.... I had to be very tactical, sprinting by right before the sand to slow him down in the sand. On the last lap again as I sprint to the sand, this time all I have just to keep him from running me over. I knew if I had the lead coming out of the sand I could hold him off, and I did. Coming out of the sand, I pinned it! All I had to open a 5 sec. gap that I held to the line. Adam finished 3rd. This was a great, well thought out course that hurt every second.

The next day was the skill-based State Championships. Rob Kane and crowd really went all out for this one! Check out you-tube videos(2009 Texas skill based championship). The course was fast, technical, and really flowed! Definitely in my top 5 ever. We had a huge field for this one. A fresh Stephan Rothe, Cody, Adam, and 35+ Champ Jeff park looked to be the contenders. From the start I grabbed the hole shot with Jeff on my wheel. Stephan, Adam, Cody all close behind. I had a big advantage being able to ride the run-up of steep loose dirt, and the technical dirt sections allowed me to open 5 seconds a lap. The race behind was super tight. Cody held on to 2nd, Adam 3rd, Jeff 4th, Stephan 5th all within 15 sec or so.

Thanks to all who made this cross season possible for many great races and crowds!

I have to head out for a ride, 6hr. write up later, Bryan

TNX!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:07:00 +0000

Snow in Dallas?

A few weeks ago many brave riders took on the elements @ TNX. The Tuesday Night Cross! Check out the awesome shots by Mike Brooks (commiebike).

I want to give a huge thanks to everyone who has raced and contributed to the race series and Children's Medical. We Raised $900 in Gifts and Donations for the Children!

This weekend is the both the Age-based and One Day State Championships. I hope to have some legs. With travel through the holidays and a very relaxed training( ping-pong and cookies) I'm sure I will be suffering.

Happy New Years, Bryan

Dusting!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 21:42:00 +0000

Dusting is referring to me opening my computer and getting the dust off the keyboard. I have my first weekend off in quite some time, and want to reflect on all the racing in the past month.

I finished the lonestar cyclocross series put on by Pirate Race Productions. Winning 4or 4 that I raced of the 5 race series was enough to win the overall series Jersey. Stack put on awesome events! Go to dirtderby.com to check out all the action.

After finishing the series Saturday, I headed to Smithville, Tx where the rumors were true! I had an awesome opportunity to race against one of greatest cyclist ever Lance(7 time) Armstrong. From the start I got the holeshot and after 2 miles it was me, Lance, and Scott Henry in the lead group. I attacked on the only downhill into the finish at the end of the first lap. I got a gap of maybe 10 seconds, but I looked back and Lance looked as if he was on a 250cc dirt bike flying right up to my wheel. As we started the 2nd lap Lance let me lead and as we topped Fat Chucks( a loose climb) he attacked. Ouch! I was feeling the cross race at this point! Scott goes by and responds to Lances attack. It takes 3 miles of single track to get back to the lead group, but as soon as I do we hit the next fire road and that was it for me. Damage control. Lance rides off, out of sight he rides to victory alone for the next 1.5 laps. Scott rode strong to second, and I rode in for third. Enough for the Fall series overall victory. Despite what I've heard, Lance was friendly, and fun to race with. An opportunity I never thought I would have.

24 HRS. What was I thinking... Well honestly, I had an awesome experience in my first attempt to race 24hrs. I was riding possibly the best I have ever ridden. I made it 12 hrs and 17 laps. before knee tendentious flared up and I couldn't pedal anymore. Not sure what caused it, but I am still battling the aftermath. But, for 16 of the 17 laps my lap time were almost identical, I felt like a machine. The 17th lap I had to walk the uphills so it threw off that lap time. I tried a few times to ride again, but my knee was toast. Thanks to John Kendall and support crew. I had everything I needed to win the race. I will give it another run again!

Last weekend I wasn't sure if I should race, but I gave it a try. While nursing my knee a bit, My old roommate Andrew Dahlheim came out to make sure I would have to work for a win. He was flying and went wheel to wheel both days of racing. I got him on Saturday by 10 seconds on the last lap. Then on Sunday he made me pay on a hilly course to beat me in a sprint by a few feet. Congrats to Andrew on his signing a pro contract a will go to Italy in Feb.

The last thing, and the most rewarding is the TNX. Tuesday Night Cross the Myself and Dallas Bike Works have been putting on every Tuesday Night under the lights. Go to dallasbikeworks.com to check out the flyer. It is awesome putting together this event. Watching people smile, suffer, and get dirty on occasion. We have awesome sponsors that allow us to have tons of primes and prizes. We have also raise almost 400 dollars for Childrens Medical Center.

Look for a link to donate and our own coffee blend Off The Front coming soon!

Happy Holidays! Bryan

Cross Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:50:00 +0000

It's that time of year! The night falls earlier every day, and the nights get cooler and then almost cold. Oh yeah, it's cross weather!

Did my first cross race of the year( Lonestarcyclocross.com ) race #1. Was a great balance of speed and skill that flowed perfect! Jeff Park gave more pressure than I wanted for the first 5 laps and after getting a small gap through the sand I held it to the end. Kevin Koen came back from a early mechanical to fill the final podium spot. This is going to be a great cross season as new faces will appear.

The next morning was the state road race, after being postponed from the hurricane weeks earlier. This was going to be a tough, rolling 86 miles. The race was furious from the start. Attack after attack, there always seemed to be the super squadra team controlling the race. Late in the race there were 2 riders up the road digging deep. With 1:15 gap and 10 miles to go. The field was splitting over and over. Down to 5 miles they were right there, I attacked trying to get the field motivated. The field now from 40 to only about 15 riders left, the gap was maybe 20 sec. with 2 miles to go. Nobody goes. Guess were sprinting for third today. This is one of the hardest finishes I have done. A big roller than 150 meters to go. I tried to wait as long as possible to jump. A little to late as finished 3rd in the field sprint. After 4th was relegated to 7th for crossing the yellow at 300 meters I was now in 4th. I would have been stoked for 5th. Sorry to Scott Henry who should of been 4th. Wheeler of Super Squadra Won, Korinth was 2nd, Phil was 3rd also of super squadra. That wraps up the road season!

On another note, In the last month or so: I won Downer's Grove cat 2 Nat. crit, Won 2 regional mtb races, had a strong ride at HHH in a break for 98 of 100 miles, and starting a weekly cross series in Dallas that will hopefully spur up cross lovers in DFW.

Pics: One is in the HHH crit, the other is the Dirt Derby run-up under the lights!

Run through the sand and keep chain clean! Thanks for reading, Bryan

Back in Texas.....

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:26:00 +0000

After almost a month of racing and training on the east coast, I'm back at Dallas Bike Works putting in as many hrs as possible. I have to say I was a bit over trained the whole time. It's just hard to not ride when your in the mountains, the trees and mud calling you every day. I managed to get two 3rd place finishes in super-d and thats what I brought back to Texas.

As a worked my way back to Dallas, I stopped in my homeland of West Virginia. Did a couple sweet rides with friends, talked some smack, and caught up old times. It was a good way to break up the 30 hr drive back.

I got back just in time to race the Texas age-based crit Championships. I had a good ride and with the help of teammate Derek Taber I got the W. Then on Sunday I won the field sprint which was good for 2nd as Erick Benz soloed the last lap for the win.

The pictures are provided by trailwatch.net and Denton Chronicle. Thanks for reading, Bryan

Tour De Burg!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:18:00 +0000

After a long 18 hr drive I arrived with time to spare before the prologue. This was no ordinary spin around the park. It was a 1200ft climb up and a sweet descent back to the bottom. I finished second to Harlan Price who had a good gap for the win. Dinner, catching up with all the east coast characters, and enjoying a couple beers capped the night.

The next day I was sore already from the 1200 ft. climb and still had 35,000 ft. of climbing to go! I had a huge mechanical on the first stage leaving me walking in carbon shoes for 6 miles which lead to the worst blisters I have ever encountered. The tour was TOUGH!!!! Painful!!! but I still can't wait to next year. I will hopefully improve on my 3 stage victories. Sam Korber took home the yellow jersey, followed by Dirty D, and CHEF Thomas Jenkins. Also, props to Chris Scott my host, and Carp who finished out the podium.

I will write more after the Norba in NY and hopefully acquire some pics of the tour. For now here are pics in my new kits. Park Place Lexus and Orbea who I will finish out the year with. Pics from MIKE Brooks. Thanks for reading, Bryan

Racing, Racin, Raced! To another Jersey!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Fri, 23 May 2008 23:27:00 +0000

Over the past few weeks I have traveled every weekend. I hit 2 mountain bike races and a stage race on the road. On top of the racing, travel, and training. I have been putting in part time hrs. at Dallas Bike Works. I forgot how hard being on your feet is.

Well the big news for this blog is the Texas State XC Championship this past week that I WON> This will be my 4th state championship jersey. Definitely the hardest one to win. It's not a one race deal. It takes an entire series, 3 months. I finished it last week by winning in Eldorado, TX. 5 hrs away. I sealed the deal on a super technical course that my Orbea OIZ ripped over. I won 5 of 6 races and one third for the series title. I have great pics in blue from a preride, and the race in my TX Tough Jersey. Courtesy of KARMABIKE. Also, congrats to Raymond Hall and Matt Gordon for taking 2nd and 3rd in the series, both flying the red Trek Colors.

In the week between the mt. bike races I hit the Joe Martin stage race. 3 tough days, and an uphill time trial. The time trial stated everything off. After a bad climb I was put into a working seat to support Carlos and Tristan who both were in top 10 GC. As the weekend past, I worked hard to keep races together for our GC men who are both also great sprinters. Carlos rode like an animal soloing 20 miles on the 3rd stage and putting us in the hunt for the overall. The crit was last. Again things played out well and a split formed putting 8 up the road. Carlos won the overall. Tristan finished top 10, and everyone rode well.

This weekend is the big STATE Crit Championship on Memorial Day. First, we will race tom. and sunday in a couple tuner up crits and hopefully have a chance at some wins.

Thanks to everyone who waits around for my blogs, my new site will be up soon. Also, thanks to all my sponsors who helped me achieve another title and continue to work toward my goals.

Ride hard and enjoy the long weekend! Bryan

A whole lot to Follow!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:19:00 +0000

It's been more than a month since the last post. In every day I have found opportunity, results, and a little extra motivation.

My training has been average to better than average considering the amount of traveling going on. I went to California for NMBS #1 a month ago. Getting 3rd in Super-D, and 18th in Short track.
The following week to NMBS #2 in Arizona. Finishing 20th overall in the stage race of 90+ riders.
Then I had a week back in Texas before getting on a plane out to Sea Otter. After 3 long days of catching up with sponsors and some sweet racing! The courses were great, but my legs felt hollow!

I managed to get 4th in the Super-D for a solid result.

Back to Texas for a TMBRA race at Comfort. The course was in awesome shape, and as always is one of the tougher courses in Texas. On my new ORBEA OIZ a 26 wheel full suspension. I had a strong ride over the technical rocks to take the victory over another Orbea rider in second, Billy Kurtz. Then Scott Henry in 3rd, Mitch Comardo with a strong 4th, Raymond Hall for 5th.

Now I have been preparing for another TMBRA race this weekend in Houston, then will head up to Joe Martin Stage race for 4 days of tough racing.

Sorry No pics, Mike was not at comfort.

More Details soon. Enjoy the weather....heat on the way!

Thanks for reading, Bryan

Waco Wonderland!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:14:00 +0000

On Sunday was the Bicycles Outback Blowout. A great name for a great course that leaves your legs blown out! This Course in Cameron Park wasn't the toughest I've races there, but never the less I am always completely trashed afterwards. With around 860 feet of climbing a lap and a super sweet single track you can't relax for a second.

I'm not going to lie. I was tired at the start of this race. With SXSW festival going on last week, and getting a bit lost on a mtb spin Friday that turned into 3 hrs. in 95 degrees and only one bottle of water. I felt a bit empty. Then on the pre ride Saturday I felt OK and was getting the flow of the course. But when I woke up Sunday I felt like crap.

After a big breakfast we headed to the course. It is great the way they have everything set up. It made the race feel more like a big race venue and people where every where. After chatting it up, cheering some of my sport friends on a tough climb, and a warm-up it was time to race. With a short pavement loop that shot into tight single track the start of the race was very important.

The gun goes off, Trek/ VW guys Raymond Hall, Matt Gordon, Scott Henry followed by Local Matt Googe lead out around the pavement. We are flying, I am geared out. As we near the single track I I stand up and came around to get into dirt first. I set the pace super high, pushing it out of every corner, up every hill. Raymond sitting tough on my wheel with a small chase group of Matt, Matt, and Scott. I attack going into a tight section and get a small gap over Raymond, then attack again on a tough climb near the end of lap 1. I go through start with 45 seconds over Raymond. Then Matt and Matt just 15 seconds behind him. Scott flatted.

I was nervous, my legs didn't feel to hot. Raymond looked strong and I know local Matt Googe is a strong closer after 2 years ago he caught me on the last lap here. I kept it steady. Trying to keep the pace high, but not over shoot any corners. Going into the last lap I extended my lead to 1 min or so. Keep it together I said to myself as I was hitting a lot of lap traffic, then hit a tree with my shoulder taking a little dirt sample. As the battle grew behind me, I extended my lead to win my first time in Cameron Park. Raymond held on for 2nd, Matt Gordon was 3rd, Matt Googe 4th, and Billy kurtz 5th.

It was a great race, with great organization. Thanks to all who made it possible. I have off weekend, then out to Cali and Arizona for the first 2 National Races. Have a great Easter!
Bryan

Roubaix'ssssss

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 02:42:00 +0000

Last weekend was epic. I'm not just talking about the races either. The weekend started of with a early morning drive to College Station for the Tunis Roubaix. 6- 11 mile laps with a 4 mile gravel section each lap. I have ridden many dirt roads, so I was not to worried after preparing w/ 25c tires that were the thickest you could find and latex tubes. Confidant my CR1 would rip through the rough roads with no problem. The race started like a mountain bike race, fast & furious as the road turned gravel 400 meters from the start. Barry & Jeff suffered flats in the first lap. Carlos was off the front most of the day forcing everyone else to chase. Except lap three where somehow the team missed Stefan and Willis go off the front forcing me and Dan to chase maxed out for 5 miles. Going into the last lap Carlos was again off the front, Dan and I were covering anything that moved, and Tristan waited patiently for the long uphill sprint finish. Stefan drove the pace with no help for the last 4 miles catching Carlos with 1k to go. Then Dan launched a huge attack. Perfect! Then lone star chases, it all comes back together w/ 500 meters to go. 200 meters Willis goes and I am on his wheel and Tristan on my wheel. I jump then Tristan. Tristan wins, I got 2nd, Carlos was 5th, and Dan was 7th. A great ride for the team in a very tough race.

Now the first race was over, I new that we had a 5-6 hr drive to Baton Rouge, LA. This is where the trip gets tough. The battery died and wasn't keeping charge to well. So we stop in Houston for dinner and to change out the battery. It take about 2 hrs longer than planed to get all the accomplished. Then hours later about 2 am till we get to bed. After 3 hrs of sleep it's tough to get going, but we do. Not realizing how far it was to the actual race we were running late. As we are running to Registration 16 minutes before the start my legs felt heavy and my head felt like a brick was sitting on it! Off we go as we made the start of the Rouge Roubaix a 106 mile road/ gravel road race. It was seriously 30 degrees at the start as Carlos, Barry, Tristan, and myself took off. Freezing, shaking, and just damn cold I went off the front once the race opened up with 2 guys for 15 miles. Now warmed up, we got caught on the first of 3 gravel sections. As we approached mile 60 and the 2nd gravel section. A 1 mile dirt climb with a Benjamin prime at the top. You actually had to grab it from the guys hand while sprinting up hill in loose gravel. It was awesome. I was second wheel then third wheel as it got steep. Christian Helmig had a 10 meter gap as we got close to the top, then it was Tristan then me. I could see the gut on the right side of the road. I yelled at Tristan to go, he couldn't I gave it all I had to just get passed Christian to snatch the Bill from the guys hand. The effort broke the field to pieces. But, after the raod section there were 45 or so left of the 100+ starters. The last section was around mile 75 and it was serious. Steep climbs, loose gravel and braking bumps that will make any handlebar come loose. I was a little to far back as we started up the first gravel climb. So steep and loose people were off walking. As I weaved through everyone slowly bridging to the lead group of 11. The race was shattered! Tristan, Carlos, and myself made the break total 3 of 12 w/ 1 guy off the front.
Barry just missed the group, getting caught up in the walkers. The guy off the front somehow stayed away clear to the finish. Carlos won the field sprint for 2nd, I got 6th and Tristan 10th. I was in the hurt locker for the last 10 miles of the race, but this race was one of the coolest most beautiful races I've done. Definitely look forward to next year.

After a quick meal on the run, we were back on the road. Thinking we might get home at a decent hour I was wrong. Not sure weather it was something that hit it, or the pressure from the rack on top flexed the door. The driver side window exploded! Glass all over the place, luckily no one got hurt. After a quick stop to clean out glass, then a 15 miles or so to be one with nature, we stop at Wal-mart for some card board and Duck Tape. We managed to make the strongest window ever made. Now a total of 2 or so hrs. behind, Tristan had to play the roll of rear view mirror for Barry as he couldn't see out the window. We stopped in Houston for some super tasty food at the Bayou City Grill. Then back on the road. Now, I got to play the stressful roll of rear view mirror. We finished to weekend at 1 am. Ouch!

Tyler and Andrew are heeling slowly, but hopefully will be back soon. Everyone else is starting to come to form. I am headed to Waco for the Bicycles Outback Blowout mountain bike race, the rest of the Team headed to Fayetteville for stage race. Good luck to them and safe travel to all. Till next week, Bryan

Lago to Bar-H!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:18:00 +0000

The Past weekend was a challenge that not only put my legs to test, but my versatility. I had planned to Race Lago Vista Day 1( 80 mile road circuit race), then drive 5 hrs North to Bar-H Ranch to race( 25 or so mile MTB race).

After a crazy Friday night, I'm not talking about out on the town! I unfortunately had to pick up my teammate Andrew Dalheim from the hospital after hitting a dear @ 35 MPH. He came out hobblin like Spiegel from the Lord of the Rings. But, now is almost ready to ride. I think he said maybe by Monday.

The next morning I wake up and Hop A LONG ( Andrews new nickname) Drove out to Lago Vista. After a team meeting the race was on the way. I had to be patient! I had good legs and had to wait for the right moment. Team Mate Brian Sheedy with constant reminder WAIT! The Race slowly feel apart down to 30 then 20 in the lead group. We had 4 of 20. Tyler Jewell, Sheedy, Surfer, and myself. Then the attacks came down to 12 riders and 3 to go. I still had Tyler until the last lap. Then I found myslf alone and nobody willing to help me chase back an escaped Matt Ankey, and Steve Tilford. Then Scott Veggieburg slipped of the front. I guess I would be sprinting for 4th. As we rolled down the finishing hill I waited to jump last up the steep finishing hill to grab 4th.

After a quick wrap up/ shower/ and recovery drink. I was on the road, and headed north of Fort Worth where Toby and Christina Smith were hosting a huge group to great food and shelter. After a quick night of sleep, definitely to short! I prepared for the MTB race. I was sore, tired, and my bike felt weird. After a good warm-up I started to feel a little better. With a stacked field and tired legs, I was Nervous.

The Gun goes off, Raymond Hall leads it out. I was second wheel, then Helmig, then Henry. I attacked up a 5 min. rolling climb. It was Raymond who was glued to my wheel He and I opened a gap over the rest. For 2 laps we battled back and forth. Going into the last lap, I attacked into a head wind( oh yeah it's was humid 95% and 30 mph winds) opening a small gap and kept the pressure on. I slowly built a comfortable gap to 2.5 min. Then Raymond came in 2nd, Helmig a close 3rd, and Nathan Winkleman closing strong for 4th.

It was tough, painful, but definitely worth the extra effort. As I called the team to let them know of the victory, then a second dose of bad news came. Tyler Jewell hit a dear while racing Sunday. He is up and moving, but will definitely have some time down. TO SPEEDY RECOVERY TO BOTH MY TEAMMATES!!!! To everyone else keep your head up and keep the rubber side down.

Thanks for reading, Bryan

Pics from Terlingua!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:19:00 +0000

A little podium and a little party! How we do it in TX!

All photos from Terlingua property of Mike Gladu.

Hittin It!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:07:00 +0000

There has been some serious miles thrown down so far this year. After a week of recovery after the huge block on the east coast I continued to slog in some hrs. I have been getting around 20 hrs a week with races, definitely due for another recovery week soon.

I have had great legs despite not doing any interval work yet. I can't wait to see what's in store for this year.

So I have hit 2 weekends of road and 1 mt bike race in the past 3 weeks. While the team hasn't taken advantage of the road yet the TX TOUGH/ Hotel San Jose team is transforming as one and will soon be back on top! We all are working hard and moving into a team house together. Should make for great team work later.

While the Mas O Menos Mt bike race went well I didn't pull of the W. I did however control the race only to come up short bonking with just a few miles to go. From 1st to third. Losing to Jason Sager and Evan Plews both of Portland, OR. After a night at the bomb fire I forgot all about the hard loss.

This weekend I will be hitting a road/ mt. combo for a serious challenge. I will have pics and a good story next week. Till then, Bryan

Camp Complete! First of 08.....

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:06:00 +0000

I headed back to Texas early last week after wrapping up Tiger Camp. This was my first year to do the Tiger Camp, I have always heard rumors, pain, and stories from this place. So of course it was only fitting that I join in.

I met Jeremiah and his wife Erin ( master chef of the first week) in Clemson, SC. The camp started off huge and the meals were the same. For the first week I ate so many awesome meals from chef Erin that I didn't lose a pound.

After the first week and a couple days down the camp zoomed back up to speed. As Jeremiah and I did a 2 up battle every day against the elements. Epic, painful, suffering, my legs were trashed! In 12 days, 9 days of riding I hit 43 hrs. Definitely, my biggest block to date.

NOW, I am back in Austin and just finished my first road race of 08. Tiger Camp was already kicking in. I have great legs, but my snap isn't quit there yet. So I played work horse. The team missed the move in the crit, but we took 4th, and 5th in the field sprint. The next day was a close to 90 mile road race w/ 3 laps. A sick 8 mile section every lap kept it fun, not to mention the mile climb to the finish every lap. With the uphill finish I worked all day to keep Andrew and Tristan our best uphill finishers out of the mix. So I would go off the front and make others chase. Or sit on the front going hard enough to keep anyone from attacking. It is safe to say I am felling strong and can't wait to later this year. We had Dan Opdyke finish 2nd, Tristan and Andrew had good rides finishing 7th, and 8th.

UP NEXT, I am headed to Terlingua way out west Texas for a 100k MTB race. The past 2 years I had great rides only to finish ok after battling dehydration. Hopefully this year will go better. With a stacked field it is going to be a fun one!

Off to test my Terlingua set-up. Till next week, Bryan

Epic in Tiger Camp!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 04:04:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bryan Fawley) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:42:00 +0000

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