Knobby Side Down

TNGA (Trans North Georgia Adventure)

9/7/2020

You may have seen the Ride to the Extraordinary documentary on Amazon... well if you haven't you should look it up ( https://www.amazon.com/Ride-To-Extraordinary/dp/B07RPPNMGS). It's what got Amie, Kenny and Corianne interested in exploring the TNGA (Trans North Georgia Adventure). None of them thought it was attainable, but it wasn't off the table.... This year was a bit different for racing and events in general and the TNGA was no different. We felt as if anything that could keep us from riding happened, but we just keep training as if nothing was going on in the world so we could keep sane and keep our fitness up!

Pre-race prep:
The three of us have utilized the same coach for several years and this year was no different. Jeff Rupnow of Evolution Training Cycles planned out our season and prepared each of us for our upcoming journey. In 2019, each of us went to Tom Wiseman at Cycling Solutions for a bike fit for our 2019 adventures and continued to tweak our bikes for different styles of riding (and Kenny finally upgraded his ride). Without these two, we would not have been successful in our adventures. They were able to get us prepared mentally and physically and our bikes ready for what we were about to endure.

Amie and Kenny had done the Crusher race the year before (234 miles in less than 24 hours), but Corianne had not yet ridden for 24 hours prior to 2020. That was a major goal for her to prepare for the race along with climbing 10k feet in 100 miles. Kenny put together a training ride for the girls in mid-March (you know, around the date the world fell apart), a crazy ride that included several calls from work for both of the girls, distracting them from the goal (FINISH!). They, in spite of lots of things telling them to quit... succeeded and had a fantastic and memorable ride from Camp Tuscazoar out to Amserdam (in a neighboring county). The next step was to ride with loaded down bikes through the night. Amie had the idea to do the same route (but in reverse), starting at 7p in early June at Camp Tuascazoar. This time they invited a couple of friends to join them (Lisa & Lorena). They rode through the night and finished in about 12 or so hours. It was another ride to make memories, a rainstorm, the sunset, seeing the brilliant Strawberry Moon and riding through the night and see the sun rise again the next day! Next up was the Solstice Ride (again on loaded down bikes), a 200+ mile ride connecting the north east Ohio mountain bike trails - rain the morning of kept them from completing three of the trails but they got the rest (Austin Badger (cart paths only), Medina Trails (rode passed), Royalview, West Creek, OECR, Bedford, East Rim, Hampton Hills (only to the parking lot) down to Camp Tuscazoar. It was an amazing experience. Amie & Corianne completed in just about 24 hours, Kenny rode with the girls from Akron to Tuscazoar (this ride was on TrackLeaders, so the trio had a few friends join them along the route to cheer them on!) The crew then headed down to an ITT (individual time trial) in late July to do some climbing in the Cohuttas. They completed the Dirty 130 (130 miles and 16k of climbing) race near Reliance, TN. Kenny went for a single speed record (and almost got it!!) and the girls went to complete it! It was such a well thought out course, they started around 6a and experienced the sunrise on the first climb (10 miles and 2300 feet of climbing), rode through several amazing sites and completed in about 18 hours, Kenny was in just under 13 hours. They all learned a lot about training and the effects of caffeine. All good learning experiences preparing them for TNGA in just under 3 weeks!

Kenny surprised the girls with a blown up version of the topo map as a celebration after they officially signed up. Shortly after, Lauren (Amie's daughter) prepared a countdown for them!

This race is a bit different, it's not fast, it's not marked, it has lots of strategy attached and required a lot of research a head of time. Kenny had a friend (Chris Joyce) who had completed the route several times and had reached out to him for any advice. We weren't expecting the detailed report that Chris provided, but certainly welcomed any advice! He gave a breakdown of good places to stop, filter water, eat, sleep, etc. This information along with other research helped them to prepare their cue sheets (example to the left), a topo map with the points of interest, mileage, places for refueling, water sources, etc.

So here it goes, the reason you're reading this, to hear about their stories of TNGA! The trio started their journey to Georgia on Thursday, August 13. They needed to get to Mulberry Gap to be transported to the start by noon on Friday, August 14. Adventure 1: A bad accident on 75 south had us put the faith in GPS to get around it.... we didn't really think we were ever going to get out of Kentucky! Here are a couple of photos to re-live the experience:

They finally made the normally 9 hour drive in 13 hours to Mulberry Gap!

Cabin at Mulberry Gap for Thursday Night

Bikes getting loaded for transport to Clayton, GA

Prepping the bikes for Adventure

We got lucky, there were a couple of 15 passenger vans that ended up being full, so we got the luxury of riding in the back of a Chevy tuck with one other person for the 2 hour drive to Clayton!

The Start: August 15, 2020

The caravan to the start from Clayton, GA to somewhere on the South Carolina border

Amie, Corianne, Rik & Kenny at the start line

We made it!

no "grand depart" this year. There were several options as to not have a mass gathering of racers. You could start Friday, Saturday, Sunday or participate in the ITT version and start anytime (you just had to arrange your own shuttle to the start and get picked up from the finish)

Day One (Amie & Corianne):
We took a wrong turn around mile 5 - lesson learned...do not follow others, watch your GPS at all times! Keep looking at your map and follow that red line! In this case, we met Bo from Mississippi, we all realized about the same time we had gone about a mile ...downhill in the wrong direction. We got back to the course and realized our error (there were two roads that went left, we took the first, but wanted the second left.) Anyway, we continued on and passed quite a few people.. including the cycling Sasquatch! We passed him...and recognized him from the documentary and decided to go back and ask if we could "be paparazzi" with him. He agreed :) He was riding with a cousin and brother and law. They were looking to get farther than last time (and I think they did!) We had endless creek crossings throughout the first 75 miles.

We missed our friends back home, so often would see something that reminded us of them and call it out. This one we thought the bigger butterflys were Lisa's and the little one's were "baby Angie's"

Amie's bike. The river the gorgeous, we had to make ourselves leave and continue on!

We decided to sleep for the night around mile 80, at the base of Tray Mountain at a church that had water and a nice shelter to sleep under. Our plan for Day Two was to tackle Tray Mountain in the dark and descend Hickory Nut in into Helen in the morning.

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Bad Asphalt 4 - Sara H.

5/17/2020

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For National Bike Month, the week of May 11th marked the start of bike week in which organizations across the United States promote bicycle riding, advocacy, and coming together to enjoy the joy of bicycling.

In Cache Valley, Utah, organizations including Aggie Blue Bikes (Utah State University), Trials Cache, Bike/Ped Advisory Committee of Cache County, and local bike shops joined together to present the Bad Asphalt 4 – Cache Valley’s Solo Alleycat from May 11-15, 2020 that involved searching out and photographing items found from the manifest provided (or better yet, let’s call it a treasure map).
This model for bicycle advocacy excels in many ways –

Following guidelines from the Bear River Health Department, the event was promoted to be completed alone or with ones’ household. The treasure hunt took place during bike week allowing participants to photograph their hunt and submit on their schedule (no group ride, social distancing applied). For an added element, bonus challenges were posted each day and could count as points if participants did and documented it the same day. The treasure map (details below), was well designed to be a fun, bicycle filled adventure for all riders and families.

The ‘manifest’ or TREASURE MAP was emailed out to participants on May 8th.

This view is one of my favorites from Cache Valley. Close to home, I can ride to Green Canyon and ride the Bonneville Shoreline Trail towards Logan Canyon. This is the view looking west towards Wellsville, UT.

Bike week also involved documenting animals which is always high on my list. This little donkey here stood out.
And there’s always opportunities for a first like being shit on by a bird or dropping in at the skate park on my cervelo road bike. The scooters kids were jealous.

I came across this nice message on the Logan River Trail.

The daily challenge on May 13th was to write a bicycle haiku. I wrote mine based on my ride earlier that day.
Bike is ready, roads damp
Route is set, don’t cramp
Cool mist feels refreshing
Life is good, no stressing
Railroad tracks up ahead
Send it! The tracks said
Road rash and my pride hurt
Wish I measured that vert 🤣

No bicycles were hurt by the railroad tracks.

The daily challenge the following day was to drop off food to the Cache County Food Pantry. Thinking about how I would carry items to drop off, I decided it was a perfect opportunity to take my best friend, Molly, for a ride too. We loaded up, went to the food pantry and then to the park!

The challenge from the final day was to recreate a bicycle movie scene. Redolently, Molly participated in recreating both E.T. & Breaking Away.

Cache Valley Bike Week was a ton of fun and required little oversight or infrastructure to facilitate this kind of event, just simply providing a fun game for people to play while enjoying this bicycles. I highly recommend that bicycle advocacy groups use this events’ approach for future models.
Sara Harper

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A Few of Our Favorite Moments from 2018

12/8/2018

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Tina Wagner

It's the end of the year so it's time to reflect back on our favorite memories of the year for your entertainment - in no particular order - enjoy!

Tina and Lisa model their changing towels custom made from our team mom!

First thing I thought of was Dr. Knob's Malevolent Team Challenge and the fun summer of riding!

Jordan Boos

Kevin Burgess

Nick Barnes

Michael Canterbury

Homework and Chloe’s basketball game were the priorities for me.

Andrew Crow

Tim Shepherd

Dicky Dee

Always up to no good...especially when Annie is around.

Steve Ferguson

Scott Palmer

That one time I thought it was a good idea to race a singlespeed at the Twain Reign of Pain at Tuscazoar!

Brandon Render

The day I got Facebook!!

Kenny Kocarek

I might have bit off more than I could chew this year but completing NUE and the King of Pisgah series on a singlespeed left me feeling pretty accomplished, even got lucky and snagged a couple podium spots! All this big boy racing left me away from home and much of the team (excpet for the crazies that traveled with me! Joshua, Corianne, Amie, Brandon, Jordan, Peyton, but luckily I got to see everyone else at 331 races where I officially took over the MC duties and they put up with anything that I threw at em while I was on the bull horn! Lastly hosting two races at our home trail Camp Tuscazoar and getting to unleash the fury of the new trail I take a lot of pride in Eagle Hill! It was definitely a big year for me and I'm looking forward to staying a little more local in 2019...actually make it to some weekend Slacker rides and maybe a Slackercation and have fun on my bike instead of constantly strapping a number plate on!!!!

Cary & Andrea Wenger

Sara Harper

Riding in the Alabama sun and making my Ohio friends jealous!

Todd McMillan

2018 wasn’t all that eventful for me, but the Brown County trip and Annual Beech pool party were a lot of fun with an amazing group of people. And the season just wouldn't be complete without poison ivy from trail work at the Knob either.

With solid plans already locked in for 2019, this coming season is shaping up to be one of the best yet!

Peyton Randolph

2018 I learned pace cars are too slow.

Corianne Kocarek

To say it was a busy year is an understatement!

The snake... Snapping my chain and still finishing even though Shep rode right past me. Scoring a podium with Amie.
Completing the NUE Marathon Series (and one more for good measure) 5 nue races so I don't have to do it again! So amazing to ride in so many different states! All the amazing airbnbs along the way including the midwives house for Wilderness, the beautiful mansion for big frog. Getting to know some other frenimies at the trailer park, freaking Iron Mountain (I have some unfinished business there..I'll get my revenge in 2019!), and Carrabassett - so much fun!!
Getting my first (not by default expert podium at OMBC Camp Tuscazoar race)
Twain Reign of Pain duo race with Amie, that course it just amazing.
Riding 78 miles in 98 degrees
Slackercation in Brown county
Girls weekend at Hocking hills

Josh Kunz

Mark Beech

Getting on the podium for the first time as a grownup. My face says it all, as we would say in England, I felt like a dog with 2 dicks. I couldn’t have done it without the dream team 4King Hell. Thanks gents. #iwastheweakestlink #butapodiumisapodium

Jim Costello

TJ DuFF

The Knob Team Race was a blast and my kids got a kick out of daddy and his pink skirt lol Doug did well securing this for us and we all wore it well ✊🏻

Wayne Bowers

Here’s some of the team teaching me how to ride the corner at Tuscazoar. It was awesome!

Rodney Lucketti

Life's not always roses and PRs, here's to 2018! As a true Clevelander would say.. "maybe next year"

Luke Schar

We witnessed Keith Feeman on an E-Bike this year. Certainly a highlight for me.

Keith Feeman

The one time I rode an ebike at Vultures Knob!

Shane Vallen

My highlight was winning the Reagan Time Trial. Especially when most of my training leading up to that consisted of running lol.

Kendra Spofford

For me the highlight was definitely racing the OMBC series! However it definitely wouldn't have been as much fun without my KSD family. I feel so blessed to have you guys cheering me on and having the opportunity to cheer everyone else on as well. Sport class, I'm coming for you :)

Other highlights include, being on the first ever all girls team for the ROJR (Ride On Jeremy's Ride) 100 mile gravel race!

Raystown with my cycling mom, teresa Teresa Ladrach 😍 Where we did some awesome riding and I set a PR on hydro loop, but we also SAW A FREAKING BEAR

Finally, Brown County, which was my first trip with a big group of KSD'ers. Such an amazing weekend!!

Mike & Teresa Ladrach

Todd Davis

I only did 3 races last season but one I podiumed thanks to my awesome teammates. I do have the most fun on group rides and am looking forward to making time to do more of them. But I say that every season.

The Solstice ride I think it killed Kenny to ride most of the ride at a slower more relaxed pace and not do over 100 miles.

Dustin Clouse

Great fun early year trip to moab!

Amie Jones

2018 was another fun year of adventure for me. I set out to push myself out of my comfort zone. Earning my belt buckle for the Snake Gap Creek TT and completing the NUE Marathon series was an amazing experience. Before this year I never completed a century ride. LumberJack and a crazy road ride in OBX gave me two opportunities to mark that off my list. I loved riding the trails in so many different states and making new friends along the way.

The endless training rides with the Knobside crew was a blast...one more hill, one more mile and tons of laughs along the way.

And coaxing my little one out a few times was awesome!

Mike Jones

Interesting how time provides perspective. At the time, Big Frog 65 seemed like a terrible experience, but looking at it now, I’m pretty happy with the performance. I started cramping between 15 & 20 miles into the race. Between 30 and 40 miles, I started cramping in the quads, hamstrings, calves…quads were cramping on the climbs, and calves/hamstrings were cramping on the descents (I didn’t know it was possible to cramp coasting downhill!!). I still managed to gut it out and finish nearly an hour faster than 2017.

Oh...and each and every time I get to ride my bike with my KSD friends!

Tim Portman

My favorite memories of 2018 are all shared rides or races with our fellow KSD'ers. Starting the year off with many rides and races I haven't done prior....like the Vultures Knob fatbike and grass roots races, the Snake Gap in GA, the NEO solstice ride, Blackfork Gravel Grinder, and sharing Lisa Moledor's first experience in Brown County IN! Each one of these experiences and many races/rides I have done make me proud and happy to be a part of the Knobby Side Down Team! I learned a lot and look forward to sharing more adventures and what I've learned in 2019!

Angie Burgess

I don’t have too many memories from 2018. Took most of the year off.
I did a few rides later in the year. Rode with Amie on her first century and coaxes her across a very long bridge, did the solstice ride with so many great people, had a blast doing the Vulture’s team challenge until Kevin ruined our chance at placing higher 🙄. Was it wrong that I kept racing while Amie drove him to Statcare? 🤷🏼‍♀️ girls weekend in Hocking Hills was also great. We need more of those! Also anytime the KSD kids come to Bolivar for beer, smoked meat/crawdads and Rocky’s, it’s great!!

Lisa Costello

I'm working On my post. Looking back I am realizing how incredible my year has been and how many people have been the reason why. The places I managed to go and the things I did. I'm not sure exactly how, honestly, when I look at what my physical state was compared to now. A positive attitude and the positive people you choose to be part of your world, do indeed, make an everlasting impact.

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3rd Annual Summer Soiree!

8/5/2018

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The group drone shot! This may have been our biggest party yet! Thank you to Mark & Stella for hosting the 3rd annual summer soiree!

Kenny and Corianne came up with some awards for party-goers!

Josh received the "Iron Taint" award (an empty bottle of chamois butt'r and a VERY used pair of bibs. Josh just keeps racing...Big Frog 65, PMBR, Pisgah 111k & 55.5, Mohican 100k, Iron Mountain, Tatanka and Wilderness 101k and he's not done yet!

Kendra is kicking butt this year at the OMBC Novice races - she just keeps winning! Kendra received the "Sandbagger" award! We're all about gender neutrality, but if Kendra were a dude, the team would have pressured her into the Sport class. Next year, Kendra, next year!

Our team prides itself on giving back to the local mountain bike community. You may not know but, team members are trail stewards at many local trails. Nick, Dusty, Teresa and Mike received the "Golden Shovel Award". Nick is the steward at Quail Hollow Park, Dusty is the steward at Medina Trails, and Teresa and Mike have donated many hours of blood, sweat and tears keeping Vultures Knob pristine! (Kevin Burgess & Amie Jones are also trail stewards for Camp Tuscazoar in Dover).

Shane received the "Having a girlfriend that he brings around Award"

Todd received the "Travel Agent Award" for planning trips - some that happen, and some that don't!

Brandon has been our King of Social Media for many years (he doesn't have any of them!) Brandon got Facebook for an award!

Lisa received the "Always a Hoot to ride with Award" (a rug with an Owl on it!) Lisa is such a positive influence to everyone on our team. Any ride Lisa is on is always a good time and includes many laughs along the way!

Luke received the "Single Speed Starter Kit" a pair of scissors for podium shorts!

Jordan got a mug with a elk with a monocle, that's as unique as his music playlist!

Scott got the "Where have you been award" ...

Todd (and Austin) received the "Stop breaking shit award" ....

TJ left before he could get his award, but it's the "Best looking posts on Strava Award"

Camp Tuscazoar got a signage makeover this year and the old signs we all made in 2014 are no longer needed! Mike & Aime got the Roost sign because that was where we first met them (trailbuilding, building the roost re-route!), Dicky got the Icky's sign...well because he can easily add D and make it Dicky's! and Angie and Kevin got the Pipestone/Pioneer Point trail because Angie used to be Cannondale Girl on Strava and Kenny and Corianne used to check out who rode at Tuscazoar and found other bad ass ladies who rode the biggest little trail in Ohio!

Keith got the "Super Mustache Award"

Jimmy got a snickers bar that said "don't eat me!" He ate it on the way home.

Mark got the "Party Award" for keeping the Slacker Crew rides going in Sara's absence!

Tim got the "Team Nutritionist Award" ..some STEAK treats!

Team manager Scarlet says "not my circus, not my monkeys!"

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What have we been up to? 1st Quarter 2018

5/1/2018

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So, we suck at updating the blog, BUT we do keep up with our Facebook and Instagram...but for those who like to read what we've been up to this quarter all in one place, this post is for you!

It's no secret, many KSD team members saw lots of screen time over the harsh Ohio winter months, some chose Trainer Road, others Zwift with some Sufferfest mixed in. Reaching those power goals means lots of hours in the pain cave. (photo above shows some motivation for Amie Jones while on the trainer!)

The harsh Ohio winter (that seemed to NEVER end), made for many trips to ride at Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park to hone in on those technical skills! (photo above Todd Davis' car and bike, we are so grateful to have this gem available so close!)

Cold, and not too deep snow made for a FUN Vulture's Knob Wish You'd Stay'd in Bed Race! Many team members braved the elements for this fun race in January!

Then came the Snake Creek Gap Time Trial in Dalton Georgia in mid-January. 11 KSD'rs traveled down to compete in the 34 mile or 50 mile options....#wedoitforthebeltbuckles! It was a balmy 23 degrees at the start, but the trail was rippin fast.

Because we were slacking on the "skirt-of-shame" challenges, we decided to award Tim Shep the "trash bag of shame" just because. He wore it almost the whole time at the brewery after the race!

We met up with all these crazy people (Mountain Bike Trailer Park)...also from Ohio! Ohio was very well represented at the Snake this year!

On January 20, we held our annual KSD Day at Ray's MTB - check out this video:

The weather gave us a break and a group of us were able to get out on some gravel in Mohican Country!

Shane showing off some of his skillz at Rays MTB!

Read here about more Snake adventures from some of our friends at Trailer Park Racing: http://dirtragmag.com/mountain-bike-trailer-park-racing-sucks/

In early, February: While most of the team is indoors on trainers Teresa and Mike stepped away from Zwift and had a good day at the Bedford Fat Bike Race with a FIRST PLACE win! First podium for the year!

Kenny and Todd slipping and sliding at Vultures Knob during the last "training race" of the year!

New colors!

So much rain made it hard to get out... We couldn't all ride together but "most" of us were able to go out and root for spring to come as soon as possible!

Seriously, MORE RAIN! ... Flooded roads were not going to deter Kenny and Mike from getting outside and enjoying the sun shine today!

Out with @thedirtline helping install new carsonite signs at #camptuscazoar, soon everyone will be able to get around with ease!

Another great weekend of #knobbysidedown adventures!

We worked hard and played hard today More trailwork at Tuscazoar. !#knobbysidedown #camptuscazoar

Knobby Side Down representing at the CAMBA meeting. Nick holds the secretary position for another term. Thanks Nick!

The pinhoti trail is in great shape and was totally worth getting up at 4am to get here early for a pre-ride before the Snake Gap TT (rescheduled from February to March...because of RAIN!)

Doing our part to bring some medal back to OHIO! Josh was 1st 50 mile SS, Corianne 2nd and Amie 3rd in women's 50 mile...one 34 mile finisher and 8 50 mile finishers!! @ Snake Time Trials (TM)

While some of @knobbysidedown was at the Snake; many team members were hard at work tearing down the rainbow bridge at @vulturesknob, @jimmy_gimp was cheering Lisa on for her first mtb ride since her accident in September, @billmickey54 was leading a crew at Lake Milton building trails, our team manager, Scarlet is training for a tough mudder this spring, and @mjones.tcty was being husband of the year by washing @amiec97 's dirty bike! Hope you all got to get out and enjoy the spring like weather!

#knobbysidedown was busy enjoying the sunshine this weekend! Riding in Amish Country, Tuscarawas, Stark and Wayne Counties and in Alabama (it was a chilly 62 degree start, we feel bad for Sara! ?) trail Workin at Lake Milton, hiking at Mohican, driving to MOAB and Planning the BEER ride! Cheers to spring!!!

Jim, Lisa & Dusty took a vacation to MOAB!

March 31: A great Saturday of riding for @knobbysidedown ... Teammates out traveling for spring break in Dupont NC, Moab UT, and Knoxville TN.... Others were local, gravel grinding in Dresden OH!

April 1: More weekend adventures from #knobbysidedown from skiing in Colorado, to rocks in Moab to fun in the sun in Florida... Then back to Ohio where Angie found the Real (creepy) Easter Bunny... And Shep found #starkparks FeLeap on the Hoover Trail! Enjoy the sunshine! Three cheers for Spring!

April 2, why, snow, why? When the trails are yucky and you can’t ride, you may as well play in the snow with the kids.

April 7: Corianne was all smiles after the 6 hours of Warrior Creek in NC!

Wayne, Tim Shep and Josh ventured to Mountwood Park in Waverly, WV to kick off the OMBC Race Season for 2018!

Josh at 6 Hours of Warrior Creek

Trails are finally starting to dry out - got a fun weeknight ride in at Vultures Knob!

Team @knobbysidedown showed up in full force for the Mohican XC race today! Jim Costello 5th in Men's Sport (Sandbagger) 40-49. Josh Kunz 2nd in Men's Pro/Expert Single Speed. Kendra Spofford 2nd in Women's Beginner Open. Kenny also brought out the cat shorts to liven the SS party!

EARTH DAY OUTSIDE! Some us of worked and some played today..one thing was obvious everyone came out of hiding today! #springishere #knobbysidedown

@knobbysidedown all ready for Big Frog ? and Cohutta on April 28!

KNOBby Side Down Racing - KSD had a great weekend of racing at the Vultures Knob Grassroots series, Tim Portman took 3rd place in sport and Steve Ferguson took 3rd place in beginner in Race #1. In another state, at the National Ultra Endurance Mountain Bike Race Series Roost Racing, LLC Cohutta 100, Kenny Kocarek took 2nd place in Single Speed and in the Big Frog 65, Joshua Xavier Kunz took 2nd in Single Speed! All other team members that raced the Big Frog PR'd the race over last year! What a fantastic weekend! #iaminfinit #swiftwicksocks #dumondetech #rideschwalbe #chooseadventure #handupgloves

More than likely we'll be horrible at updating this blog, as we enter the season you'll see us racing locally and nationally. You'll also see us at many trail days throughout the state! See you on the trails (and Facebook or Instagram!)

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KSD Favorite Moments of 2017

1/1/2018

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Kenny Kocarek

When I look back at 2017 I just think about how everyone on the team helped pushed and was supportive of me to get through a very stout schedule (for a normal guy like me) which led to qualifying for the NUE Epic series singlespeed in sixth place, earning the Breck Epic Beltbuckle, and then the cherry on top absolutely suffering and freezing with Joshua at Pisgah Double Dare! With friends like these to convince me to do stupid stuff who needs enemies! In 2018 I'm looking forward to focusing solely on the NUE Epic SS and hope to finally close up the gap between Peyton and I!

KSD Team Party at the Costello's

Breck Epic Singlespeeders crashing the Women's SS podium

Kenny & Josh - Pisgah Doubledare ... DED

Amie Jones

The countless training rides with these ladies...and many others. #accountability

Lisa, Teresa, Corianne & Amie stopping to smell the daffodils on a T-county ride!

Sharing podium and memories with BFF at the 331 Racing - Tuscazoar Twain Reign of PAIN!

Hoping the next generation will love the sport as much as I do. Pictured: Amie's daughter Lauren at Rays MTB

The mother of all...EPIC rides... Angie, Corianne, Lisa & Amie

The BRECK EPIC!

The importance of being on a team. Accountability partners for those early morning or late night workouts

At the finish line of the last day of the Breck Epic ... with FAMILY!

Brandon Render

2017 was filled with many highlights. Starting with the tours by Josh in Mohican country. Then yelling at traffic with Andy all the way to Big Frog and back. Going through a prostrate cancer scare (everything was negative). I was able to pr the Mohican 100k by 45 minutes thanks to the increased training with friends. 2018 will include the NUE 100k series with a few local races.

The haunted brewery tour in Delaware with Kenny, Josh, Corianne & Melissa

The SOCK

Tri-State 6 Hour Race

Corianne Kocarek

My first trip to Pisgah (in March), when we crossed multiple creek crossings in freezing temps.... and no one died, but we had to un-thaw at the Hub!!

Just before the start of the first stage... so many nerves! Angie, Corianne, Amie, Lisa

What an amazing support system and wonderful teammates!

The experience of a lifetime making memories I'll cherish forever! All the blood, sweat, tears and ... training rides that helped us all get through the BRECK EPIC! (3 day) :) So many nerves and a flood of emotions just thinking about it all. Especially the last day (Gold Rush), that was a freaking blast!

The second day of BRECK (Wheeler Pass) was not a day I would call fun....I missed the aid station and ran out of water...luckily Miceli felt bad for me (along with a teammate of his who did a similar thing!) and told me I needed some whiskey.

My first hundred mile mtb race! Lumberjack!

My rock waiting for me at the finish line!

Last but not least, the three hour climbing challenge at Tuscazoar...I lost count of how many times we all climbed up the old way to the roost before Lisa said, you two are crazy, I'm good?!?

Mike Ladrach

I had some great memories in 2017 with KSD. My best ever sport mountain bike finish with a 13th place at the Medina TT, I finished my first attempt at the Mohican 100k race, had some great battles at the Bedford race and did some major suffering at thetuscazoar twin rain of pain race.
I also had a blast just enjoying the company and friendship of all my KSD teammates like at the Mark beech pool party,Costello party, and the Bill Mickey try harder Christmas party.
Thanks to everyone for making it a great year!

Jim Costello

Tri-State 6 Hour Race with Brandon

Somewhere on the way to WV ....

Big Frog 65

Lisa Moledor

I am so glad that I get to hang with this amazing group of people!!! 2017 was so much fun! I got to witness the Breck Epic and some other events I might not have wanted to see- LOL. I might never be a racer, but maybe I can be a photographer & heckler? I cannot wait for 2018.

Pre-riding some of the Breck Epic Course

Summer Party at Mark Beech's ...Kenny, Josh & Mike ... this (somehow) did not kill Elton Swan...Jimmy did that later. RIP Elton.

Kendra Spofford

2017 was a great year for me too! I placed first in the beginner division at the medina time trial, was a part of the only co-ed team at the VK 24 hour race, and raced in one of the VK Grassroots race. Not too bad for my second year mountain biking! I am looking forward to more riding and racing in 2018!

Team gathering at JAFB after a Grassroots Race at Vulture's Knob

Mark Beech

Seeing the community come together to help TJ was awesome.

The mankini finally getting the respect it deserves.

Bringing sexy back... again.

Rodney Lucketti

Someday I will race enduro!

Michael Gottfried

This moment..

Which was stemmed from this moment.

Sara Harper

Had a fun ride to Tuscazoar via the Towpath with a few stops along the way.

The 2nd Annual TSR ride was quite a blast (long route riders not pictured)

I perfected my bird calling skills while snowboarding in NY with Nick, Todd & Todd! Just need that VK mask.

Luke Schar

Hearing the heckling and fireworks from the BAR at the 25 hours of VK and then seeing the pictures of it afterwards is a great memory from this year.

BAR ... Big Ass Rock shenanigans ...

Medina Time Trial River Crossing

Lisa Costello

This is my GO TO memory every time I THINK I am cold! I'm pretty sure we all nearly lost digits that day. Shane, Kenny, Corianne & Dusty

Forest Salad with Pat is another great memory! Patrick Migliozzi is full of info about woodland plants!

This was the pinnacle of mtb epic adventures! Thanks for all the support ladies! ( and gentlemen, of course) What a fun trip it was!

Bill Mickey

I had a great day with KSD at the Fundraiser for Brielle, then followed up at Lockport Brewery! I hope to ride more with you all in 2018. Always good times...

Muddy fun at Dirt Fest at Big Bear Lake

Pan Ohio Hope Ride

Josh Kunz

Todd DAvis

My best memory is of the Ride for Brielle at Tuscazoar. I didn't ride nearly enough with the team in 2017. Looking forward to more involvement in '18.

OMBC Mohican Race

Group ride at Hampton Hills

Ride for Brielle at Tuscazoar

Teresa Ladrach

I loved the Ride for Brielle but I think my favorite of the year had to be the Mohican 100k only because I never thought I complete it. If it wasn’t for a team like you I don’t think that would have been possible!! Thanks team!!

The skills clinic with Kendra was pretty epic too!!

From all of us at Knobside we want to let you know that you are awesome and have a happy new year!

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KSD Favorite Moments of 2016

12/25/2016

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Dicky Dee

So many memories are obtained through comradery in KSD. The gauntlets are thrown down and challenges are accepted. Because of this we all grow stronger in sport that we all share with great enthusiasm.

One memorable moment for me that is a trip(s) to Dalton, Ga. for the Snake Creek Gap 2x50 Time Trial. With all the interaction of fellow team mates and the joy of being around "good old southern hospitality " it was quite memorable. I forgot my helmet one day and missed the start by 1-1/2 hrs. I'll try to never do that again! Great times and thanks Dustin Clouse for the support along with many others.

Michael Canterbury & Dicky Dee @ Austin Badger Trail Opening

Shep & Dicky before the second Snake TT!

Corianne Kocarek

There are so amazing moments of 2016, the best might be strengthening the bond between all the ladies of KSD, it's such a motivating experience knowing we are all here to make each other better! And I can't forget winning my first race ever!!!

Ladies ride at Quail Hollow Park Teresa Ladrach, Amie Jones, Angie Burgess, Corianne Kocarek & Lisa Costello

Raystown Lake Trip!

Vulture's Knob Double Down Kristin Broda, Corianne, Amie Jones

Post 6 hours of Vulture's Knob Amie Jones, Lisa Costello & Corianne Kocarek

Seemed to be the unfortunate theme for many 2016 races! MUD!

Brandon Render

2016 started off riding the gravel roads of mohican/amish country followed by beers at Millersburg Brewing Company. Next I made my first of two trips to Rothrock State Park. This was one of those trips that I never would have made without the team. The climbs were long and the downhills were steep and rocky. Never would I have thought I could ride those trails, but I did and it was awesome. Next the Mohican 100, the after party was better than the race, enough said. Next was the 112 mile NEO Solstice Ride ,great ride, coolriver soak, then beers with good friends. The tri-state six hour series was cut short due to weather. The races were tough but fun was had by all. The final big experience for the year was when Melissa and I made the trip to Georgia for the Fools Gold 100k. Other memorable experiences include my first race at Vultures Knob and besting my PR at Mohican by 11 minutes. 2016 was a very memorable year for me. It was the first year I participated on a mountain bike team and I found myself having much more fun riding with great friends being pushed to my limits. I am looking forward to much of the same for 2017. Cheers!

Brandon after a Tri-State 6 hour race

Jim Costello, Brandon Render, Shane Vallen & Kenny Kocarek before the OMBC Finale at Mohican

During a gravel road ride in Mohican country

After a spring ride at Rothrock State Forest

Jim Costello

Andrew Crow, Kenny Kocarek, Jim Costello

It was a fun 2016. One of the top 5 moments on a bike for me has to be when the Pisgah 111 KSD group rode together from aid station 1 through 2. From the nervousness the day before, to the elation of the finish. Epic!

Another in the Top 5 is Mohican with Judson and Bob.

And then there was this (Big Bear Ultra). Weather was insane, but the company was great.

Kenny Kocarek

Kenny at a Tri-State 6 hour race

My year started off with the goal to do more endurance races geared and local races on a singlespeed..when I couldn't get my geared bike back from repair in time for Big Frog I was forced to do it on my SS and surprisingly survived so I sold my geared bike and dedicated the year to SS. It was fun taking on all the challenges that it created! Speaking of challenges I joined the 331 Racing Crew and learned how hard it is behind the scenes of a race, putting on a race was easily just as challenging and time consuming as racing the event. I'm looking forward to 2017 and hitting some different endurance events and help other teammates achieve their goals, and having a blast with all my bro's and broette's!

Rody & Kenny "behind the scenes" at the Sippo Park short track race

At the end of the year party!

Josh Kunz

Getting shwasted at the first snake and busting a glass drinking quila with TShep . Playing turn down for what at full blast in family diner after snake 2.. pisgah 111 pre. Arrive and go straight to Farlow gap in the rain. And the hellacious heat at the solstice ride. Is that a run on sentence.

Judson Linder

2016 was a fun year for me in my cycling world as I cut back a little in my motorcycling world and therefore had more time to bicycle! I am nowhere as serious as most of the KSD racing peeps are as I mostly just ride because I enjoy it and enjoy the feeling it gives me! I throw a race or two in as time allows or I get pressured into one, like the Mohican 100! I will say that was the toughest outing for me yet, and I have to thank Jim Costello for helping me get through it, and pressuring me into it! Another race that comes to mind is the Sippo Lake shorttrack. I borrowed Bill Mickey SS because my bike was down for repairs and proceeded to flip (otb) bigger than shit going into the first corner and then come back for a second place finish! Later on in the year I decided to try a cyclocross race because Bob Hodge convinced me they were fun, (I soon found out that cx races were taboo for KSD'rs) but after the first one I had so much fun I decided to race the whole series and ended up taking top honors in the Cat5 division! I was shocked to say the least! Aside from the racing, the KSD crew is a great bunch of people to be associated with and ride with and I look forward to see where 2017 takes me with them!

michael Gottfried

Vulture's Knob world cup race

Poaching the KSD tent multiple times throughout the race season because I'm 1 of like 2 guys that race on an 8 man team.

Rodney Lucketti

This year was dedicated to Bikes, Beers, Dirt, and Friends! I decided that I since didn't have a winter training plan and summer was fast approaching that this would be a year of fun, no pressure (do as I please) riding. So, all summer long I celebrated the earth making 50 laps around the sun with me on it! Crab Leg Tuesdays @ Niko's after Royalview trail was the most savory. The most memorable of my highlights of 2016 albeit solo was my impromptu trip to Pisgah to get a taste of what NC. is all about.

The "Big Rock" in Dupont state forest has some exquisite views.

the elusive crab leg special on Tuesday night

Hanging out at the coolest bike shop ever, Squatch Bikes & Brews!

Rodney at the Vulture's Knob Endo Enduro

Mark Beech

I didn't race this year but during my slow recovery from surgery all I could think about was Wednesday night group rides. When I made it back they didn't disappoint.

KImberly Leard

It was so nice getting to meet everyone this year. Perhaps I can be more of a member next year. It was awesome to win a race my favorite was the one at VK where I rode as Theresa, Since I want to be her when I grow up anyways. My favorite was the trip to Seven Springs, even though it wasn't a race. And the laughs I get from people's posts!

Sara Harper, Todd McMillan, Rodney Lucketti, Tim Portman, Kimberly Leard @Seven Springs

Amie Jones

Achieving goals and overcoming fears, the support from this team is amazing. #mohican100k

Seeing LJ take an interest in MTB this year has been great.

Bill Mickey

My top 3 favorite times this year with KSD were at the Big Frog 65 battling it out with Josh and Kenny, then 6 Hours of Brady's Run fun, then Raystown!!! Great year with great people!

Shane Vallen

My year started off, as it always does, with trying to improve over the previous year’s performance. My expectations were high to say the least because for the first time I had done off-season training that actually involved biking and not just weight lifting. I would have to say as a whole this year was my best year ever on a bike. Not only was I able to keep up with the fast guys for once but I was able to win my first race as well as podium at a few as well. My favorite memory of the year was Raystown. This was my first trip out there and it did not disappoint. Riding with everyone, creating a new game (which I unfortunately lost in the first round to a worthy adversary - link here for video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWpVSiNPLJ4) and just hanging out with everyone.

This year has had its ups but has also had its downs, which is why I’m so thankful to be a part of such a great group of people. We push each other, we support each other, we laugh and we pick up each other when we fall because at some point we all do. We are a family and this is why I love to ride. I can’t wait for 2017 and the new challenges and adventures that will come.

Shane & Josh at East Rim (Josh's first ride back since his shoulder injury)

@ the Beech's pool party!

Andrew Crow

This year I chose to compete less than in prior years and just have fun riding. I completed the 50 mile Snake Creek Gap TT earning my awesome belt buckle, which is always more fun than can be described. I also attended the Big Bear Lake Enduro with Jim. I placed in the top 10 in Sport on a XC bike with a dropper post. This just went to show how fitness plays a major role in this format of racing as I was beating guys with real “Enduro” bikes. I plan to do more of the WV Enduros in 2017 as well, such a fun format with races timed by experts!

My favorite race/weekend of the year was definitely the Pisgah 111k. That is absolutely the most brutal race that I have ever done! I think I blocked most of the race out of my memory, but the three highlights were: Kenny beating me down a couple of the fun downhills (he later learned droppers don’t make you invincible), being chased by a wombat pushing my bike up to Pilot (I really was chased by something though there was nobody there to confirm…) and trying to keep up with Dusty after being told that we still had almost 4 hours left after the last aid station (he did manage to prove the aid station attendant wrong by pulling us to the finish in under 2 hrs!).

After much cajoling by Kenny, I converted my Air9 to single speed. I enjoy it so much that I sold my carbon full suspension and plan to SS everything in 2017! I have also really enjoyed all the gravel road adventure that we went on this year. The scenery is great, the climbs are always tough and company outstanding! #memories

The start to the #brocation trip to Pisgah! What followed can't be described! Wow!

Only 50 miles to go - Snake Gap #2!!!! — with Andrew Crow, Dustin Clouse, Peyton Randolph, Jeff Rupnow and Kenny Kocarek.

Tim Shepherd

My best memories (and worst) are from the 2016 Snake Time Trials. Started the first trip by getting locked IN Josh's house. Then, I left my bike outside the hotel room the night before the race. My roommate Dusty discovers it's not in the room around 3AM. I told him, no worries, try to get some sleep. He said I was snoring within 5 minutes. Found my bike in the morning hanging out in the Kocarek's room. Needless to say, I earned the skirt of shame on the trip. And, I got to pass Kenny in the first Snake...he had a flat...then got to enjoy him behind me for a serene 1/4 mile until he decided to pass. The second Snake I was a little under the weather, and Dicky Dee said he would ride with me. That lasted until every man, woman and child had passed us within 2 miles! So, Dicky took off. I later caught and passed both Dicky and Dusty...yes, they were fixing a flat. Just a little more. I had to fight off the sweeps in the middle of the race, and thought about quitting after 33 miles, but I didn't want to be seen dragged in by a bus or van. Now my best memory on a bike...as I turned the last corner before the finish line, my nine KSD team members were cheering me in like I was the winner. Josh (my Zaxby's buddy) immediately has a beer ready for me, and Corianne asks what else I need. I replied: warmth, so she got me to the tents with heaters inside. So many more memories, but this is already too long! See you in '17. Happy Holidays!

Prime example of Tim Shepherd NOT keeping it KNOBby Side Down Racing - KSD :) PS - Tim takes the funniest photos.

The best part of being last is the great reception at the finish line from my KSD brothers and sisters. It's really what got me through...there was no way I was quitting knowing you guys we're waiting for me...shepherd

Michael Canterbury

The goals I had established for 2016 were not as monumental as others. The primary goal was to complete the Snake Creek Gap TT series and earn a coveted 34-mile buckle. The reduction in the quantity of events required for 2016 made this objective possible. Did I go into the first race fully prepared? No! However, we learn best from our mistakes and I believe the experiences and people we encounter in those moments makes all the difference in the world. This group helps to make the most grueling and painful experiences enjoyable. It might not always seem that way at the moment in which your body feels like it is going shut down, but the encouragement offered goes a long way. Everyone in this group promotes a significant amount of support to make us all better, both physically and mentally. That kind of camaraderie is hard to come by these days in our digital social society. I am very thankful to be welcomed into this group as if I were family.

The second goal for the year was to learn how to ride a rigid single speed and have fun with it. If the gearing isn’t set right, it certainly does require a bit more effort in the climbing department. However, this has been another experience that has shown me that we can do a lot more if we focus our minds on the task at hand. I’ve been motivated by the achievements of others and the feats they have accomplished on their SS bikes in 2016. I intend to continue to follow their lead and improve my own abilities little by little next year.

Thanks for all the great memories this year. It has been a blast.

Corianne Kocarek, Josh Kunz, Michael Canterbury @Snake Creek TT Finale (temp at start 23 degrees)

Teresa Ladrach

Having some of the best dirt divas ever ask me to ride the Team Challenge with them. BOOBS forever!!! And just having the best friends ever to ride and laugh with and kick me in the ass when needed!

Teresa Ladrach & Kristin Broda... And who can forget the snow and "tacky" conditions at Mountwood!

That one time we thought it would be a good idea to ride in the rain from Niles to Geneva-on-the-Lake! Corianne Kocarek, Amie Jones, Lisa Costello, Teresa Ladrach & Julie!

Amie Jones, Teresa Ladrach, Lisa Costello, Corianne Kocarek & Angie Burgess @Group Ride at Camp Tuscazoar

Mike Jones

avorite memory from 2016 was definitely finishing the Mohican 100k. I felt like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders as I neared the finish after dropping out the prior year. Next year, my goal is to crush some PR's on the 100k and a solid performance at the Breck 3-day.

Mike, Lauren & Amie at the 331 Sippo Lake Short Track Race

Mike & Amie at the finish of the Mohican 100k!!

Mike @ 6 hours of Brady's Run

Amie & Mike at the start of the Mohican 100k

Ian Giebeler

2016.... I remember it like it was yesterday. (This will be funnier in a few days.) Shane talked me into riding with him and sold me his first Mtn bike. Little did I know the great group of people I was going to begin meeting. I had fun learning the basics and incorporating my road biking knowledge onto the trails. Once I learned what Strava was, nothing else really mattered. So far my introduction to mountain biking has been an awesome one and I look forward to setting goals for 2017 and putting my first number plate on the front of my bike, representing my new friends at #ksd

Ian Giebeler, Lisa Costello, Jim Costello, Shane Vallen @Quail Hollow Park

James Votaw

My favorite memory from a very sparse season was Bradys run 6 hour race. Keith Feeman was my partner and it was my 1st event being part of this Awesome team. We also put up the new tent at a race for the 1st time. I met a bunch of new people and the comraderie was great. I look forward to a much more active racing season in 2017. Thanks for your support and understanding of my work situation in 2016.

@ Six Hours of Brady's Run

@ Medina TT

Mike Ladrach

My favorite racing memory of the year where I only participated in a few events was the Sippo short track race. It was a great event that would not have happened without the work done by KSD. It was an extremely hot day but you can't beat the excitement of racing combined with the support of the KSD family yelling for the most part encouraging cheers as you would race past the crowd each lap.
My favorite non race memory would be the Ohio rogues raid raystown festival. Another event held in the sweltering heat. Great memories were made on and off the bike probably the most I laughed all year. I really enjoyed ridding with everyone especially the ladies of KSD they are such a fun bunch. We even stopped for a swim on hydro loop to cool down.
Thanks for a great year of riding and friendship!

Lisa Costello

2016 Did NOT start off as I would have liked. My goal was to complete the Snake Gap TT series with Corianne. I trained hard and pushed myself, despite the hip pain I was having. Mountain bikers are driven, stubborn individuals who can suffer well. I went into the first race not sure if I would finish given my issues. I will spare you the details, but I had been dealing with them for 2 years to one degree or the other. I made it through with Corianne's support the whole way. Thank you Corianne. I've never been STOPPED by my physical limitations. Work around your injuries and meet your goal. I have always been able to. Not this time. I could barely walk at the end. I returned for the second one as support for my awesome team!! I am currently working around my injuries with Physical therapy and a lot of knowledge that I didn't have prior. I fully intend to complete the Breck. My favorite memories are all the fun times on and off the bike. The camaraderie that has come from all of our adventures together is a precious part of my world. Thank you to each and every person who has encouraged, supported, listened to me babble and made me laugh! I love you all. Here's to an outstanding 2017!!!!

Ladies before the OMBC Race at Mountwood, WV Addie, Lauren, Amie, Corianne, Angie & Lisa

Angie, Dicky, Corianne & Lisa Following Amie around the Mohican 100k!

Pre-BEER Ride photo at Birdfish Brewing

Lisa & Corianne finishing Snake Creek Gap TT #1

Spencer Dilyard

Remember when Shane took a swim at Medina?

Next time someone says to just go for it, use about half the speed you think you need. Not pictured, me laying face down in the creek 6 feet down from where my bike is. (Shane)

VK Enduro - Fun between stages! Spencer, Todd, Jimmy, Rodney, Tim

Todd McMillan

Most memorable for me would be the trip to Seven Springs and learning just how to let the bike take up the terrain. The NEO Solstice ride where I rode the most trail miles ever for me and lived to tell about it. :-) The trip to Snowshoe and the cabin in the backwoods of EBF! The trip to Brown County with 4 of us stuffed into a single! And finally the VK enduro. All spent with great friends that add to each experience. Looking forward to more in '17 after ski season!

NEO Solstice ride! Fun day riding 80+ miles with these dudes! (We made it to 4 of the 5 neo mtb trails via bike and hike or towpath) Shane, Todd, Tim, Todd & Corianne

VK World Cup Race

Mega Caverns trip - March Todd & Rodney

Todd Davis, Rodney & Todd McMillan - Sippo Lake Short Track Race

Tim Portman

I’ve had a tremendously fun year shared doing what I love to do with people that brighten that experience. There are many memories from this year that I think of fondly but there are a few that stick out. The first that comes to mind is the comradery that has developed between myself, Shane, and Tom. Each ride, race, or challenge has each of us taking a spot at the front (within the three of us), but how close each of us are, and the challenges each of us have come up with over a cold beverage afterward is what has made it so much fun! The second is setting goals to better myself, working toward them, and realizing these goals, sometimes even crushing them! I’ve been fortunate to improve my times and fitness on the bike this year and I can attribute that to the knowledge shared with “my favorite people.” Adventures shared at ultra-endurance races, riding in the mega caverns, as of this year riding a downhill/enduro bike at 2 different downhill resorts, 331 and OMBC races, and the impromptu and planned group rides often with reminiscing afterward! KSD and the many friends of KSD have been very welcoming and I’m fortunate to be a part of this family!

331 Racing Medina Time Trail

331 Vulture's Knob Enduro

Tom Weaver

As we began 2016 I only knew several members of KSD in passing. I am thankful for the many friendships that have grown through the year and look forward to many more in the coming seasons. My favorite memories include the Wednesday Night Group Rides from Spin Bike Shop in Medina where we punished each other (or at least you punished me) and then sharing stories afterward over a beer and a dog, my first Mohican 100k, my first sport podium, my first sport win and my first season in CX battling with Judson. Thank you to all of you for a great year!

Medina Time Trial - Tom on the top step!

Scott Palmer

A hectic work schedule, injuries, and recurring wheel issues made this an interesting year for sure. This, plus being one of the Southernmost members made it difficult to participate with the team as much as I would have hoped, including the annual trip to Raystown. But looking back on it all in preperation for this, it really was an awesome year. The annual Mega Cavern trip, the mudfests at VK and Medina, Shenanigans in the woods with Dicky Dee at the Chestnut 6hrs, My first podium in a couple years at Medina, Learning that fatties can fly too, Sneaking up to Medina for a WNGR, Incredible new sponsors, and an awesome end of the year bash. I can't believe we're entering season 6 already. I still remember the humble beginnings pounding beers at the finish line of the Mayhem. We've come a long way, and there is still no other band of hooligans I'd rather associate with. The new friends I've made, and the support they offer, is second to none. I can't believe what I've been talked into/encouraged to do already. From my first Mohican 100, to a 6-hr race or two, to Breckenridge, 2017 is shaping up to be "Epic" for sure!

Enjoying the Mega Caverns!

Third place podium!!

We love entertaining the folks at Infinit with our creative names of our custom mixes!

Fatties can fly too!

Scott sprinting to the finish of the Medina TT

Hand up gloves getting us through all the crazy weather in Ohio!

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Absolute Black Oval Chainrings Review

10/16/2016

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KnobbySide Down had a great opportunity this season to be ambassadors for Absolute BLACK Oval chainrings. Many on the team tried the oval rings out ..because why not, if we didn't like them they'd replace them with a round ring. If you read a lot of reviews there are a lot of common themes so we decided to ride on them all season (if we liked them, spoiler alert....we did) and give a compilation of short reviews based on our experiences this season, and here they are!

Kenny Kocarek Review:

I started off pretty skeptical about the Absolute Black oval, but decided to give it a try on my single speed, it definitely started off feeling goofy and it seemed to feel the oval but after about five minutes it all went away. Just like they said my pedal stroke felt smoother and I notice the advantage of the oval most on gradual to steep climbs and technical areas of the trail. Slower cadence it is awesome and if I get hung up in a technical area and find myself track standing or fighting the trail I just have to concentrate on pushing down and it is a lot easier to get the momentum going again. I never notice the ovality feel unless my cadence goes really high like 110+ but that could be some of my own personal form issues spinning that fast. Overall I recommend it and will continue to use it!

Josh Kunz Review:

I love my oval ring. I run it on my singlespeed air9. I've ridden it on long 100 mile rides xc races and gravel roads. The biggest help I find from it are on the long gradual climbs.

Rich Doubledee Review:
Application
Bike: Trek Procaliber 9.9
Pros: None noticed yet. May be a good ring for "mashers".
Cons: Noticed bobbing in bike at high cadence.
Note: Giving some time to this ring to before switching back to the regular 32 tooth ring in order to give fair comparison.

Todd Davis Review:

I have noticed that my climbing has improved since installing the 32T Absolute Black Oval chainring on my Trek Procaliber soon after I received it in March. I was concerned about switching from the 3x9 setup on my old bike to this new 1x11 Sram GX drive. I immediately felt stronger climbing and very early in the season I proved it by clearing every climb for the first time in a race at Mohican State Park. I am looking forward to conquering the climbs of Mohican again in the final race of the season in October. The ring appears to be wearing well and I have not had any drivetrain issues so far this season.

Andrew Crow Review:

Had it on the Jet9
Mainly running on the Air9 SS
Been running them since late April
Notice less fatigue, especially on the SS with the low climbing cadence. Not really noticeable rest of the time.
Wanted an 88mm bcd ring for the xtr race crank, but they don't make it.
I have another gripe also... They need to make non-Narrow Wide Single speed cog so they can have a full size run.

Rodney Lucketti Review:

I don't have much time on the Oval but the one thing I did notice on a rocky climb at a point when my pedals were at the hardest part of the stroke the bike stalled and as I was thinking "oh crap this is going to take a monumental effort to get over this rock" with some mental focus and minimal effort the top of the pedal stroke magically continued forward so I could them mash down and keep moving forward. I almost jumped off the bike in disbelief. That right there is a good enough reason for me to keep using one.

Jim Costello Review:

I’ve been using the Spiderless Cinch Oval Ring on my Santa Cruz 5010 since June and can’t complain. I feel it makes a significant difference when I’m climbing short, punchy climbs. With the stock ring, it seemed like I would have to stand and mash more whereas the Oval lets me put down more consistent power throughout my pedal stroke.

Another positive is chain retention. During an enduro riding the stock ring, I dropped the chain twice within 20 yards on a not so rough section throwing off all of my timing. Since changing over, not one problem. Even on severe terrain.

I can’t wait to put one on my XC bike.

Scott Palmer:
Awesome weekend of riding! Mounted my Absolute Black oval ring on Friday and man what a difference. Really smooths out the pedal stroke, especially on the climbs.

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Cutest Couples of KSD

9/4/2016

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Many members on our team ride and race with their significant others, while this is not extensive, these are the one's we've captured this year. Many times we have "competitions" for KSD's cutest couple. It's been passed around quite a few times.

Amie & Mike Jones (Raystown)

Andrea & Cary Wenger

Kenny & Corianne Kocarek

Kevin & Angie Burgess

Nick Barnes & Sara Harper

Teresa & Mike Ladrach

Jim & Lisa Costello

Matt & Kristen Broda

That random time at Mohican when Kenny, Corianne, Lisa, Jim, Mike & Amie all dressed alike!

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If It Doesn't Challenge You It Wont Change You - Amie Jones

8/31/2016

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In 2015 I had my first experience with the Mohican 100. I had heard about the 100 before and I was excited for the opportunity to go and cheer on my husband as well as the rest of my Knobby Side Down teammates. I brought my dad along with me that day. We had a great time watching everyone from start to finish. At one point in time my dad said to me, "I suppose you will do this crazy race next year". After observing many riders come through the aid stations with the look of pain and fatigue on their faces I said, "no, this type of race is not my thing". Also, in the back of my mind I thought I am not physically fit to even consider doing something like this.

As the year went on I thought more and more about doing that race. Yes, initially I remember seeing the faces of riders that were mentally beat down and physically fatigued, but the more I thought about it there was a ton of excitement associated with the race. Several people were also very high spirited and had a real sense of accomplishment as they rolled through the aid stations and across the finish line.

In late fall I broke the news to my husband that I was contemplating the race. Initially he looked at me like I was crazy, which is a fair assessment. After some discussion he said if I wanted to do it he would support me and help me train. I am pretty sure he thought this might be another one of my hair brained ideas that I would possibly forget about after a few weeks.

I am not a strong rider. I have come a long way over the last few years, but I knew if I wanted to finish this race I would need to really need to step things up and I would have to mentally commit - all in 100%.

Over the winter word was out that I was contemplating doing the race for the first time. At first there was fear, "OMG they are really going to think I am crazy?" But with this team, crazy is normal. I had a few initial conversations with some of the ladies on the team (Angie, Corianne and Lisa) about doing the race and my excitement grew. By the beginning of the year I was set on doing the race. I was also celebrating a milestone birthday in 2016, which gave me more motivation to prove to myself, you can do this.

Lisa, Corianne, Me after a training ride in Funk Bottoms

Let the training begin... I had to put the miles in so I could make sure I could get across the finish line. As many of the other team members do, there were endless miles on the indoor trainer over the winter months, thank you Sufferfest and Trainer Road. There were countless mornings of getting up way too early in the morning to be the first one to get that training ride complete and uploaded to Strava in for the day. It seemed at times that Lisa Costello, Michael Canterbury and I had an unofficial early morning competition going on. In reality that is just when it fit into our family and work schedules for the day. Then there were the countless rides outdoors as the Ohio winter and spring weather would allow. Mike and I are lucky enough to have the hills of T-County all around us so he made sure I did my fair share of miles outside. At the end of February, I did the Funk Bottom Gravel Grind ride hosted by Josh Kunz. It was a good test to see where I was at physically. It was awesome!

February Funk bottoms adventure!

The closer it came to race day the more nervous and excited I became. Shout out to my KSD team mates in that last month. The ladies kept me energized with their encouraging text messages. Mike started helping me look at some of my training rides as well as times for some of the women that did the race in previous years. We really started talking about what goals I should set for my times. This is the first I really thought about my time seriously. Up to that point my goal was to just get across the line, I figured I'm not fast so who cares about my time. He stressed the importance of setting some basic goals for my time to keep me motivated during the race. Kenny and Corianne Kocarek as well as Kevin Burgess sent me sample spreadsheets that they had used in the past to set targets for the race. Kenny analyzed my Strava rides and gave me some overall averages based on my previous ride data. The spreadsheet that Tim Portman created with target times based on your overall goal was just what I needed. Over those final weeks leading up to the race I set my target times. My excitement grew even more.

How about that nutrition? Ugg...race day nutrition...this is something I had been putting off, which I know is the worst thing you can do before a big race. I had tried different foods during training rides over the winter and spring. I found things my body would tolerate. My big issue is that generally I have NO desire to eat while I am riding. I like to drink plenty of fluids, but the thought of eating any type of food makes me sick, especially on longer rides. I was getting pretty nervous about what to do for race day. Some of the team members were using Infinit Nutrition, so I checked it out. I answered the questions online, a few days later my first custom order came in and I had the opportunity to try it out on a few long rides before the race. My body responded quite well. I know you should not try new things like this a few weeks before a big race, but it all worked out. It was just what I needed. #IAMINFINIT

These gravel road climbs seem pretty easy in the Jeep! :)

The day before.... I was so pumped and excited for the race. Mentally I was all in and I felt pretty confident with my fitness level as well. Mike and I took the day off of work. We headed over to Loudonville and drove all the roads that were on the race course. I had ridden the trails (except for Mohican Wilderness), so this was the last piece of the puzzle for the race. As we drove through town where the race would begin I remember the excitement from the start of the race last year. I thought to myself, last year I was a spectator, this year I am really going to be part of this! Later that evening we hooked up with some of our teammates for dinner. It was just what I needed to shake off those last minute race jitters. At dinner Lisa and Corianne laid out what I call "Operation Jones" (AKA do anything to get Amie across the finish line). They planned to be at each of the aid stations and they were going to be at the finish line with me. I couldn't have come up with a better plan myself!

Flexing my split times!

RACE DAY IS HERE! As I was getting ready in the morning I was so set on making sure I hit my target times at the aid stations. My times may not be fast like others, but they are my goals and it is what I needed to keep me motivated. I pondered where to stash the split times so I could make sure I stayed on track. I had a card all folded up ready to go in my jersey pocket, then I came up with it. I approached Mike with a Sharpie and I told him to scribble my split times on my right bicep. At any point in time in the race I could glance at my arm and see my split times. Yep, he gave me the puzzled look I had expected but he proceeded to help me out.

As Mike and I drove to the race we gave each other the last minute pep talks. He then told me that he was going to do the race with me. Up to this point in time I was mentally prepared to just do this myself. At first it made me a little more nervous. I knew I would hold him back, but honestly I was so reassured to know we would be doing this together and I would have someone out there with me.

When we got into town, we hooked up with the rest of the KSD crew. I was once again relaxed to see some of my KSD ladies. Angie Burgess, Corianne Kocarek and Lisa Costello gave me the last minute pep talk and high fives that I needed.

Getting to the starting line was a bit of a whirlwind. So much excitement was going on. I really could not believe that this was really going to happen. All of the training and preparation came down to this. I remember standing beside Mike at the starting line filling up with an amazing amount of emotion. The race began and it was everything I had anticipated and more. I loved every minute of it.

Pschyed up at the start line with our Hand-up gloves!

Before the covered bridge in State Park

I rolled in to Aid Station 1 (Mile 20), it was the biggest whirlwind. As we approached I felt pretty good. I was excited to see the KSD support team. Corianne, Lisa, Angie and Pat were all there. All I can remember is rolling in, someone grabbed my Camelback, water bottle and bike. I went to the bathroom and when I came back everything was topped off and I was ready to go again. They gave me some words of encouragement and shoved me out on the trail again. They gave Mike and I some pointers so we could get in and out of Aid Station 2 quickly. That one is off limits to spectators. They did not want us to spend too much time lingering there and lose our momentum. As I left the station I glanced over at my arm and I came through 15 minutes ahead of my target time.

Aid Station 2 (Mile 34), yep encountered some weird, I mean unique, riders there. Riders around us were starting to drop out of the race. We got in and out quickly. I was keeping a close eye on my target times and I was just a few minutes over my target time. I started to get anxious about staying on track. I knew I was losing ground with my time and I still had the hardest part of the race ahead of me. All I could think of is I have to get through Mohican Wilderness. This was the one part of the race I had heard so much about but I had not had the opportunity to pre-ride. Kenny was kind enough to email me a summary of the wilderness a few days prior to the race. By the time I got there I could only remember something about a round building with a coned shaped roof being close to the end. I kept looking for that #$%& building…it was there.

Aid Station 3 (Mile 46), my girls were there again to greet me and get me in and out. Just what I needed, some familiar faces. I was still feeling pretty good but my time had slipped more. I was 15 minutes over my target time, which left me feeling frustrated. I left the aid station with the support of the KSD girls (and Pat). Shortly after Aid Station 3 Mike was starting to suffer. This is the part of the race that really messes with your mind. I knew that each time he stopped to wait for me it was taking a toll on him. It is so important to keep moving. I told him to just go. I really wanted to finish the race together but I knew he needed to keep moving.

Aid Station 5 (Mile 56), based on the advice of my team mates, I rolled right through. No stopping for this one. Stopping this late in the race for a breather would just mess with my mind. All I could think of was getting across that finish line. I kept looking at my time. Why was my times so important to me? Because those were the goals I had set for myself for that day and I needed to hit them. As I rolled through Station 5, I noticed I had made up some ground and I was back on track.

Mike and I at the finish line!!

And now for the moment I had day dreamed about for months. THE FINISH LINE! It was all I had hoped for and more. As I got closer I could hear the music blaring. My Knobby Side Down team mates were screaming as I rolled down the hill to the home stretch. I was greeted with hugs and high fives after I crossed the line. It sounds cheesy but it was truly a fairy tale ending for me.

PS – I beat my goal by 25 minutes.

Corianne, Lisa, Me, Angie They all rode from aid station to aid station, then from aid station 5 to the finish to cheer me on.

A little love from my daughter, Lauren

This day was all about goals and sharing in the moment with my KSD team mates. A few days after the race I asked my team mates about their goals that they had for the day. We all have them. They are different things for different people.

Michael Gottfried – Top 40 finish and a completion time of 8:30 for the 100 mile
Kenny Kocarek – Under 6 hours on the SS and not have complete body failure trying to do so
Vanessa Marts – Faster than last year – she beat her time by 30 minutes
Tim Shepherd – 8 hours 12 minutes for the 100k
Jim Costello – He climbed all the roads (last year he did not) and he did not doubt his abilities to ride a bike after Wilderness (last year he did)
Tim Portman – Goal finish under 8 hours – finished in 6:31!! He also climbed the majority of the roads and everything in the state park. Most importantly he felt better and had more fun than in the past.
Kevin Burgess – Goal 8 hours – beat it by 20 minutes and finished 2 hours faster than last year
Rodney Lucketti – His goal was to show up this year, he did not. #wheresrodney #epicfail

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