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.
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
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.
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!
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! |
RSS Feed
