Sometimes, I just have to pinch myself. I don’t see how it continually gets better every year… I say to myself ” this was the best”. And what happens, uuhhh, it gets better. 2009 has been an amazing year, that has been built from skill, courage, speed, strength, wisdom and perseverance.  

I had a front row seat to some solid fields contending for the Stars and Bars. The Road races offered plenty of opportunities for the select, but the chosen ones would strike and leave all dazed. MAX DURTCHI thunders to a spectacular 1st place finish in the 17/18 Mens event.

Now, it’s not too often that I get excited about a criterium. But, it was meant to be that I would have a chance to watch a bit of modern day cycling history being written. The 17/18 Category was of my most interest. My wife and I walked the course as I explained what was unfolding and visited with friends. The last ten laps are when I positioned myself for the race to unfold. The last five laps proved to be an epic battle of gladiators in the arena. MAX, MORGAN and ALEX touching wheels as they hammer out of the corners wider and wider each time. No one backs down or slows. In the last lap, with two corners to go before the final drag strip, I see MAX look over his inside shoulder to check the gap. This is when I see the LIGHTENING strike twice. MAX holds off  a charging MORGAN and fading ALEX for another National Championship win. It has to be said that I also watched AUSTIN and ANDREW control, command and disrupt the chasing field, aiding in the win. The best was the group hug I was apart of at the end of the race with MAX, AUSTIN, ANDREW and Hammer guys… the girls got a kick out of that too. Sometimes, I just have to pinch myself.  

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I rolled into Lexington a day early to check out the race head quarters and also drive a couple of the race courses… find the short cuts and best parking spots. The next day was airport pick-up day, all of our riders and Mechanic (Mike Woodard) and 16 other teams were flying in for tomorrow’s check-in to race headquarters and the dorms at Kentucky University. It was during check-in that I would start to see the “first year” scenario play out. I made sure my guys were under control and then I volunteered myself to assist the promoters… my Mechanic knows why I do what I do. That evening, I was glad to the see the first Director’s meeting would happen with only a few glitches. The bottom line, the kids have no idea, they’re here to RACE their bicycles.

By the start of the first stage, Mike (arguably one of the top 10 race mechanics in the US) and I were so prepared that we are looking for things to do, the guys are rested, fed breakfast and given a race plan for the two stages on this first day. Stage 1 is a 1 mile TT, half a mile out and turn around. We had one mechanical, Jordan Campbell. Stage 2 is a 99 KM road race, we had one rider (Stephen Leece) get caught up in a crash with 20K to go, but bravely makes the time cut with a couple gears. Stage 3 was the ITT, the guys rode well, but we had another rider (Griffin Easter) get a flat half way into the 22.7 KM TT. At the end of the 3rd stage, Arizona Select Team GC 12th.

I recall thinking, “we’ve had our share of bad luck, it’s time for someone else now”. The next morning, before the most difficult Stage (113 KM of hills) of the Tour, is the only time I have to “remind” the riders of “why we are here”… “to race our bicycles”. And race their bicycles they did. These guys have earned a great deal of respect from Mike and I all week long… but most importantly, they have done it for themselves. Young men grew up that day, and that day will be with them forever. At the end of the day and 4 stages, Arizona Select is 8th in Team GC. The final stage 5 (criterium 90 minutes) was the icing on the cake, the guys rode hard, taking turns mixing it up at the sharp end of the peloton.

The ARIZONA SELECT Team was a solid 8th in Team GC out of 17 starting six man teams. A high Team GC was my major objective for the race outcome, selling the strategy to the guys was paramount at this time in their cycling experiences. The ARIZONA SELECT composite team finished with all six riders and raced against HOT TUBES, HAMMER/CMG, HPC Cycling, Florida Development, Young Medalist, Hincapie Development, Team Specialized, Borah Development, Baraboo Sharks, ISCorp Jr. Team, SC Velo (all funded junior trade teams) and four other Regional Teams. It was great watching all of the other Juniors race, particularly the South Central Regional guys with TIM REDUS and my friends from Southern California Velo… I saw a bunch of these guys race their hearts out. 285KM, 5 Stages, 4 Days.

Hats off to the race promotor, Cliff Cantrell and the Lexington cycling community’s hospitality. I am looking forward to fielding another ARIZONA SELECT Team in 2010.

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The first USAC Regional Camp on my schedule is in Lubbock, TX. I have done this camp since 1998. This is the most relaxing camp for me, Tim Reedus and David Mayor-Oakes are two major influences and partners in the Junior Development arena. A great deal of the USAC Standardized “CAMP MODEL” is born from this long established camp and staff. Tim Reedus, Camp Manager, brought together a top shelf staff. Had a creative and challenging curriculum for the riders. And a severe storm experience that will be legendary for years. Other highlights include the additional MAD SKILLS (caravan feeding, etc…) we could incorporate into the week of activities. TIM had a great bunch of riders that were eligible for the UCI RRG and Tour de l’Abitibi Teams. I watched them race their hearts out for TIM at the UCI Red River Gorge in KY. Guys like Alex Battles-Wood, Tucker Gerald, Ethan Moorhead, Alex Parks, Patrick Davis, Steve Liguori… and Cody Foster.

My bike and I jet up to Portland for the second USAC Camp. I camped out in Jacob Rathe’s room for a couple nights… Thanks JAY and MEL. The Forrest Grove Camp is a first time event. JIM Anderson, Camp Manager, bravely embraces the task of coordinating the many duties and responsibilities for a safe and successful experience. He’s pretty good at it… he happened to have been promoting a very cool Criterium in downtown Portland, the weekend before the start of his Regional Camp. JIM’s expert attention to detail helped shape the camp with legendary staff like Russell Cree, Phil Sanders, Jeff/Jeannette Rose, and Butch Martin. The dorms at Pacific University were an amazing highlight, along with the weather and good roads. My ultimate goal at this camp, was to implement and assist the new staff with the USAC Standardized Camp Model. To help make the field testing protocol uniform and therefore fair for the athletes attending all the camps. For a first year USAC Regional Camp, this went fantastic. I met some new friends and I look forward to being asked back to build on the experience. Some notable riders to keep an eye on – Andrew Bennett, Kristo Jorgenson, Willy Zellmer, Joe Prettyman, Phelan Kostur, Colby WaitMolyneu, and Christina Norwich.

The final Regional Camp is awaiting my arrival in Flagstaff, AZ. I have been asked to attend this camp since 2004 by Barney King, Camp Manager. Barney King is one of the THREE major influences on my coaching experiences and success, and he always has fresh pretzels waiting for me. The Flagstaff Regional camp has a rich legacy and is regarded as the most competitive, attracting some very gifted riders from the entire western US. On the opening evening of the camp, it became apparent, during the introduction, that most of the riders had specific goals, “I want to make the TEAM and learn some skills”. The only minor challenge of the camp was the fact that the primary road we have used for years, was closed for renovation. As Barney said, “it made us think outside the box”. We had an outstanding camp and a very deep quality rider pool. As Barney will direct the National Junior Team, I have been able to direct the Arizona Select Team at the UCI Tour de l’Abitibi in Quebec, Canada 5 times and the 2009 UCI Red River Gorge Junior Elite. Some awesome talent from the camp included – Ian Moir, Connor McCutcheon, Connor Oleary, Tanner Putt, Griffin Easter, Ryan Morgan, Steve Leece, Erik Volotzky, (TJ)Taylor Eisenhart, and Ivie Crawford.

Next stop, National Camp in Colorado Springs, CO. Oct. 8-12, 09. It will be a short drive. But I plan on bringing it. See you guys and gals there.

FYI  http://velonews.com/article/93993/not-all-us-rider-development-is-taught-in-belgium

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It was during one of the evening presentations when Grant contributed his input to the conversation with a single word that instantly grabbed me to the core, it was “HUMILITY”. The conversation was about “what are the ingredients of a good rider and teammate?”. At this point of the camp, Grant had already earned his 1st place GC status with his results in the field testing ITTs. At the conclusion of the camp, Grant was invited to race with the Arizona Select Team at the prestigious UCI Tour de l’Abitibi.

Grant was training in preparation for the Tour, when on an early morning session of intervals, on a familiar road, he has his head dropped down after an interval… Grant crashes into the back of a trailer truck parked on the shoulder of the road. Grant was care flighted to the hospital were after three days of intensive strives to save his life, his parents had to make the decision. I drove down to Tempe, AZ. for the funeral, were I met the entire DAVIS Family. I was instantly introduced to the foundation of what contributed to such a gifted young bicycle rider, son, brother, student, friend and amazing human.

During one of my 2009 USAC Regional Camps (Portland) I get an email from STU DAVIS. He shares a letter that Grant has written with me. I almost fall out of the chair I’m sitting in… because the night before, I had shared Grant’s story (as I often do) as a life lesson during the evening presentation. The letter is filled with color that paints a picture of a young star that will shine with me forever. Allow me to share this representation of HONOR in the PELOTON.

“DON, I am submitting my results in the hope that I can upgrade from 4 to 3. My results are attached. However, in the Superior Road Stage Race, a Cat 3 rider was drafting off of me for minutes at a time, and at one point, I let him go through and was intentionally in part of his slipstream, but for no more than 10 seconds, and further away than about two meters, as the UCI rule book says is allowed. This did not effect the outcome of the race, but I wondered if I should not be awarded the points from that race.”

Grant Davis / Southwest Hand Cycling Team

A ghost bike was erected at the site in memory of STUART GRANT DAVIS November 8, 1989-July 3, 2006.

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I was not disappointed when the Friday ITT rolled around. I ran into over half a dozen riders that had ridden with me on the ARIZONA SELECT Team, in Quebec, Canada. In particular, was Evan Huffman, Chase Pinkham, Ryan Zupko, Andrew Jorgenson, Nick Keller and others, all Cat. 2s now. One of my main objectives though, was to observe and assist one of my newest riders, STEPHEN LEECE, in a tough 17-18 category. Stephen had a fair ITT, but I was expecting better. When he rolled across the line and found me for a debriefing, I was glad that I had brought spare wheels with me… this is when we find 30 lbs psi in the rear sew up. This becomes a key factor for Stephen’s GC standing.

The Saturday road race was epic and tragic at the same time. One junior (ALEXANDER KUSYTYK) rider told me, “I have had my worst day on the bike to my best day on the bike”. This statement reflects the stories of 875 riders competing this week end. I put wheels into the 17-18 follow vehicle for Stephen and gave him a few words to carry with him, as I headed up to the feed zone. Stephen rode with his competition, and then decided to ride away to a solo 1st place finish and time bonus. Somewhere around here is where I have a blonde moment and lose my mobile phone.

Sunday brings light to an awesome criterium course in a great Old Town Square. For a moment you think “I could live here, but then you remember 120 degrees”. Stephen rolls into the criterium 1st in GC. We discuss that “this is a good thing” considering the dynamics of the competition and course. Stephen’s crit finish was another small factor that affected the overall results. Stephen earned 2nd in the 7-18 GC, but what impresses me is what Stephen wants to know about “what do to, to be better”. The experiences of the weekend will be for a life time, the results are a validation of commitment and dedication.    

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On Friday, the marine layer finally burnt off for a spectacular afternoon spent on the bike doing a pre-ride on the Skills and TT courses. That evening was the traditional camp staff meeting with Dominic Galenti and Katie where we discussed details over dinner. This is where I find out there are 45 participants for the camp.

The San Dimas Community Hospital was a gracious host supplying a classroom and staging area for the group rides. Special Thanks to DR. Demy. Dominic recruited a top notch dependable experienced volunteer staff for group ride leaders and food coordination. Katie, Jim, Betty, Dave, Will, Shannon and others were critical in the overall success of the camp. JEREMIAH WISCOVITCH (Rock Racing) and EVAN HUFFMAN (08 JR. Nat. Road Champ.) were awesome ride ambassadors as I recommended the junior riders to pick their brains about racing and such during the weekend.

The SCNCA camp’s agenda included three class room presentations, two on bike skills sessions, obstacle course timed, two group rides, ITT 2K 2 repeats, Q-A session and rider certificates. For such a large group of junior riders with varied skills, experience and expectations the camp went amazingly well. I only wish that I had three more days to share more specific information. I fully expect several CA. State Junior Champions to emerge from this camp. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next USAC Junior National Champion attended this 09 SCNCA Camp.  

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On my 5 AM drive home, I reflected on the information absorbed. The discussion on the Skills Set Model was one of my favorites… of course. I am going to refine the Regional Camp skill set model to include some of the new skills mentioned during the meeting. This Skill Set foundation will offer the Junior athlete the tools needed to be successful at NRC and UCI events.

Some other important topics discussed was the Field Testing protocol, which allows us to test a large group of Junior riders and track their progress. We confirmed the 2009 Regional and National Camp dates. We discussed a plan for creating composite teams from the Regional camps to attend a couple UCI events, the Red River Gorge in Kentucky and the Tour de l’Abitibi in Quebec, Canada. The 2009 l’Abitibi race will be a Nations Cup event, only for National Teams. Finally, the USA Cycling Junior National Road race is still being bid on by a couple promoters. The leading bid may be in Bend, Oregon, on July 28-1, 2009. July will be a busy time for our Elite Juniors and Team Directors / Coaches coordinating travel between events. Giddy up!

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The up coming USAC Camp Manager’s will be a time for us to gather data and iron out some final details for the fast approaching 2009 cycling season. Some key issues on the table will be introducing a couple new Camp Managers to the program, setting dates for the Regional Camps, determining qualifying races for selection to the National Team and Worlds Team consideration. I will be very excited to discuss two paramount issues, the 09 UCI Tour de l’Abitibi will be strictly a Nations Cup event (meaning only National Teams participate) and the USA will host a major UCI Junior event. The Tour of the Red River Gorge will be rated a 2.1 by the UCI, similar to the Tour de l’Abitibi. This UCI event will be a great opportunity for many more deserving junior riders to get an International experience in our back yard without the stresses of International travel and expenses.

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The 3rd Annual SCNCA Junior Road camp is posted on the SCNCA site. The camp’s agenda will be geared to the young rider wanting to have a successful race experience in Europe. The 08 SCNCA camp was attended by 35 junior cyclists. Last year riders Scotty Tickemyer, Ryan Cleveland, Josh Courtney, Derek Courtney, Patrick Torres and Dominic Galenti had very successful seasons and are ready to excel in their next levels. The camp will also invite and address the needs of the younger riders ages 11-14, which has proved to be very competitive also. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if a few of the ROCK RACING PROS went on one of the group rides with us again this year.  

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