The Silverman reviews are in!

Silverman is the best run and most challenging multi-sport endurance event on the planet.  That may be a grand statement but, Silverman backs it up.  In so many events the athlete's are so much chattel.  Go here, moo....go there, moo...Silverman treats the athlete's like athletes - individuals who have sacrificed in pursuit of a major goal who are about to attempt something rare and spectacular.  At Silverman you are special - and it feels good.  Furthermore Silverman treats fans, family and volunteers to an engaging and entertaining sometimes gut wrenching celebration of human spirit and extraordinary endurance. Race director Frank Lowery could run a school for race directors.  Every turn is flagged, every aid station well stocked and staffed by enthusiastic volunteers, every detail managed - nothing is left to chance except the athlete's ability to finish one of the worlds most grueling and relentless courses.

Sponsors get a high end audience, athletes get the challenge of their lives, Henderson gets a world class athletic event (that the world has yet to discover), volunteers get inspired and amazed and the sport of Triathlon gets elevated another notch by the professionalism, competitiveness and shear love of sport that Silverman creates.  Truly a unique happening even in this crazy sport we all love.

You can race the other-man races but you haven't met your greatest adventure until you've raced Silverman.

Cycling Rites Of Passage - How many have you had?

Bicycling.com is a great site with great articles advice and tips.  I read it, you should too.  This blog posting is really funny if your a cyclist.  I can't say I've done all of these rites but more than half.

Cycling Rites Of Passage

Climb to Kaiser

I had to dig deep on this one friends. A 155+ mile round trip journey from Clovis Ca. (500ft elevation) to the top of Kaiser Pass at the top of the Sierra's (9100+ft elevation) the "Climb to Kaiser" includes 14,000ft of climbing, panoramic vista's and multiple climate zones.

Most of the climbing is done in the first 83 miles of the ride. It is brutal, grinding, relentless uphill pedaling. From flat and fast to a grueling 18% incline, mile after mile after mile of uphill push. This ride is truly an extreme endurance event but, it attracts all ages and skill levels.

In it's 33rd year the "CTK" is an annual right of passage for those of us who believe "seeing what we're made of" is both challenge and fulfilment.

A new record was set this year; 8:04 destroying the previous best of 8:23. By contrast my effort took 16:10. I thought I missed the (5pm) cutoff at Kaiser Pass but was very relieved to learn I made it with nearly 30 min to spare. I make no excuses for my time. I achieved my goal - I finished.

The ride back was something I won't soon forget. 73+ miles of downhill. It was late afternoon by the time I hit Hwy168. Traffic was nearly non-existent and I let my trusty black Cervelo stretch it's legs. Tucked in aero position I bested 45+ mph in spots. My Garmin 205 finally petered out at 10:02 at 103 miles. After dutifully displaying my single digit pace for much of the ride it just couldn't go on.

Once we'd cleared the final mandatory check point at the top of Auberry Rd, 3 of us grouped up and flew the 25 miles alternately passing and being passed to the Millerton Store water stop. Rarely does one get to go so fast, smile so much and feel so free.

The Coup d'grace was the welcoming committee cheering and ringing cowbells as we pulled into the finish area. I was overwhelmed by relief and success. I must admit I nearly cried. I love riding my bike but, I was so glad to get off just then.

Want to see more? Take a look at a slide show of riders

Still want more? Get a break down of the route

Want to know if you have what it takes? I'll see you there next year.

Dick & Ricky Hoyt - The Most Inspirational Team Ever!

These guys were on my mind on a recent long run. If you have never seen them and heard their story - take a few minutes and be inspired.

Silverman Full & Half Distance Triathlon 2008

Here is an overview of the 2008 Silverman Triathlon from 6am until midnight Nov 9th. We had a huge storm front move thru at the swim start and gale force winds all afternoon. Look for Ian from UK, Chezie being helped out of the water after 2.4 grueling miles, the warriors who did this course on prosthetics and hand cycles and all the awesome volunteers who make this event possible.
I finished my 1.2 mi swim, 56 mi bike and 13.1 mi run in 6:36, 44 min faster than last year, 3rd in my age group.
Thank You Frank & Meg Lowery for the love of the sport and your attention to details. Silverman is the Gold Standard of triathlon events. Forget the Iron go for Silver!