12 Hours of Temecula 2009 was definitely a race to respect, have fun, and chill with the homies. Team Atomic Burrito (Juan, Davo and The Rookie) didn't do to shabby considering we were 40 something out 50 something at Rim Nordic, this time we ended up in the middle pack 20's out of 48 at Temecula! yes! not to shabby'. Our secret weapon riders (Sean, Jason and Justin) did a tremendous job doing under one hour laps hitting a solid 11th place! - my hats off to you guys.

THE COURSE! Start’s off with a fast low gear straight away for about two miles, you begin a long medium level climb to the top and when you think your done another extra steep climb awaits your sweat, tears and in some cases frustration. You then make way through a rocky section risking bike and limb weeding out the DH guys from the XC guys -it quite hilarious! An aid station greets you at the summit with cool drink and a pat in the back an indicator that the worst is yet to come or has just passed. You then descend hard into the mountain ridges trying to avoid powdery sand, stones and other down riders while keeping your own machine away from the magnet edges. The XC guys shine once they have tumbled down the mountain and make a fast break into what I call the fun single track section of woops, jumps and lose turns. At this point you begin telling yourself its time to put in some real leg work and you do' dropping riders left and right not counting the respected solo riders of course. Aghhh' the finish is near but one more sketchy climb stands between refreshments and a comfy lawn chair, you peddle hard hoping no one is in your line and walla!!! You sprint in for a few hundred yards tag your anxious team mate and the cycle continues...

I want to thank our six racers (Team "Atomic Burrito" Juan, Davo, The Rookie" - Team "Wolverine" (Sean, Jason, Justin) for coming out and making this a fun event for me and the rest of us if it wasn't for you guys I wouldn't have had the motivation to push hard each lap. Special thanks goes out to my flower DAISY for making us our recovery drinks and keeping our times, your cheering helped us too baby. Another thanks goes out to RAY for setting us up with our PMBC tent, energy drugs and night riding tools and clothing -thanks homie. Finally a big thank you goes to our half time heroes Jayo, baby Jack and the misses for a tasty surprise In & Out lunch- Great timing you guys!

Last night I was out at an event that celebrates the union of two people. As great as the evening was, I was thinking of my riding and how it suffered due to the pressures of work and the kid sport activities. I then realized that if I make it home I should go for a ride tomorrow.

I awake and contemplate where to ride, I mentally go through my catalog of rides that are left after the fire, and even though my riding has been limited, nothing got me motivated. At this point I looked at my bikes for some inspiration, next thing I’m doing is changing out my wheels for road wheels! Yes, people! Road wheels!

So I venture off into the concrete jungle and with no plan of where to go then I spot Santa Anita Ave. (Chantry Flat Rd./Winter Creek for you Dirt Junkies) in the corner of my eye. I try my best to stay off the roads of death and make my way to Santa Anita Ave.

I start making my way up and I start to feel at home with spinning wheels against gravity, I stop for a moment of silence for Mr. Squirrel. I get to the gate and surprisingly it is open to public traffic (need to plan a Winter Creek ride soon), so I keep spinning and a big grin comes on to my face. I feel at home in the hills, dirt or asphalt it felt good to be there and smell the Manzanita and other shrubs our mountains grow. Unfortunately, Stoner only made it to the main turn off that overlooks the SGV, memories were stirred, I’ve been busted by cops, had countless dates and many other blurry memories I dare not mention on the site.

After some time of enjoying my impromptu quest, a song came on the headphones – “Vapor Trail” by The Crystal Method, which was my ticket to ride. Now the next best thing to MTBing, is descending winding roads on an MTB with street tires, pushing corners at 30mph at 45 degree angles is some serious shite. Around the last turn I had to brake hard, two deer standing in the road on purpose blocking me and giving me looks like “what holmes, you wants us to move? This is our barrio.”. Then came the half mile long 40mph descent of Santa Anita – scary, but a rush none the less.

Then I made my way home.