Kona Finish Line

The people's stories are numerous and varied. Because of the Big Island's magic, these stories seem to hover in the dense air on race morning, waiting for the next chapter to be written. The athletes are bonded by the common thread of wanting to finish but knowing they must overcome obstacles in their way.

For the pros, it may be to finish first and be crowned world champion. For the amateurs, it may be to make the podium in their age group. For most though, the story started with just making it to Kona and it's not about where they finish. The story is finishing.



Like the guy that had been trying for 16 years to qualify for Kona. He finished. Like Dave Orlowsky (above). One of the original 12 finishers in 1978. He finished another one. Weeks after signing a pro motocross contract at 16 years old, Ricky James was paralyzed in an accident. Now at the age of 20 he has returned to competitive motocross racing and decided to even give the Ironman a try. He finished.

The stories go on and on. People competing because they were told they wouldn't live long enough. Seventy year olds competing because it keeps them young. People competing in honor of lost loved ones. And so on and so on.

Whether they've finished in 9 hours or 17 hours, it doesn't matter. Crossing the finish line, at that moment, they all join a family. The family of Kona finishers. I've got to admit, it is one electrifying bundle of energy down at the finish line. It can make you cheer and shed a tear for those finishers.





The best party in the world on Ironman race day is at the finish line from 9pm until midnight. No better place to be.
I'm not aware of many of sports where the World Champion goes home to shower, eat, rest, and then comes back to cheer on the remaining finishers for 3 hours. Some of those finishers did double takes when they were given their lei's from Craig Alexander or Chrissie Wellington.




Craig Alexander, talking to the boss, helped us throw out Timex swag (t-shirts, hats, etc.)


Chrissie Wellington's enthusiasm was infectious. All smiles and excitement.


The Timex Crew


My boy Special K. He keeps the ball rolling in the right direction for Timex and deserves a lot of credit for his leadership qualities. And... he is a great friend, confidant, wing-man, jokester, and an Ironman himself (Lake Placid and Wisconsin).


The 17 hour cut-off was ended with a fire performer.

I think I have one more update to post so check back for the behind the scenes look at the awards party.

Cheers,
DJB

Kona Update 2

Hey,

I made it back to Milwaukeee after a long travel night and day. Even though I slept most of the flights, I was still exhausted and slept a solid 14 hours last night. On my flight from Honolulu to Phoenix the guy next to me kept playing elbow hockey. Both of his arms spilled over each arm rest. How rude. I wanted to smack that elbow because he was being pretty adamant about it. Note to all: when on a plane keep in your own seat zone!

Here some photos from race day. I'll post some more photos in another update so check back.

By the way, I thought I could sneak by my birthday today but thanks to my sister and co-workers for wishing me happy b-day!


This is what it looks like at 5am. It's kind of surreal in the morning calmness. Two thousand people getting ready for quite a day.


Waiting for the porta johns is a long event in itself.


Here is Macca's bike ready to go. The defending champion had to withdraw during the bike portion because his front derailleur cable broke. Bad luck or does he not have a mechanic? Note to the pro athletes: Even though I'm the Timex Team mechanic, I'd be happy to check over your bike if you want.


Timex athlete, Alex, getting on with the day.


Watching thousands of people getting on their bikes after swimming 2 miles is caotic. Wet feet and wobbly legs make for some close calls.


Former Timex athlete and friend Linsey entering the energy lab. Even though you didn't hear us through the "pain" Linsey, us Timex folks were excited to see you having such a great day to end up 5th. You rocked!


Chrissy really rocked it! She was leading the bike, lost 10 minutes with a flat tire, regained the bike lead, and ran a super fast marathon to repeat as champion.

Check back again for more photos from the rest of the trip!

DJB

Kona update 1

I'm leaving Kona today so while I'm killing some time at Lava Java I'd thought I'd start my Hawaii updates.


Of course it is obvious that when in Hawaii you go to the beach and get pummeled by waves. This is magic sands beach. Sometimes the sand disappears to expose the rocks.


LT Smooth and a hula dancer at Hugo's on the Rocks. Good food and entertainment.


The days leading up to the race are spent working on the athlete's bikes. One way to have me work on a bike is to write down what you need and tell me you love me I guess. Thanks Alex, I think?


Another way to get work done is to buy me some new board shorts. Jeeze Rachel, for some reason the shorts look big enough for both of us to fit into.


My view from my office for the week.


The Kona race bike of choice ready to rock.


I've had the pleasure to help out Dave Orlowsky. While not a champion athlete at Kona (actually everyone is a champion who finishes this race), he does hold a notable distinction in Ironman's history. Dave was one of the original guys to do the very first race in 1978 and after 30 years decided to do another one. Dave is a retired Milwaukee police officer and trained his butt off to try this silly little thing again called a triathlon that started here 30 years ago. Back then he borrowed a Sears Free-Spirit bike and used some cut-off jeans to bike and run in. Ouch! For his 2nd Ironman he had the latest technical clothing and a Cervelo carbon bicycle. What an evolution in technology.

HAWAII TIME

ALOHA TO ALL! HAWAII IS GOING WELL. HOT AND HUMID. FUN TIMES, FUN TIMES.

WISH SOME OF YOU WERE HERE WITH ME (N.Y.?)

DJB

Back from Vegas-Heading to Hawaii

Well hello,

The latest update to be had is that I got back from the bike show in Vegas last Friday night. Although I was gone almost a week, it seemed to fly by. I headed out a few days early and spent some time at the Dirt Demo with the guys and Julie from Placid Planet Bicycles ( the shop I used to work at). It was nice to see them and do some test riding with Bill and Kenny. Thanks for letting me crash with you Bill (I mean sleep on the couch at their hotel. Not literally crash a bike or something).

Monday night we went to a Cirque de Soleil show. This is my second show I've seen and it an amazing performance to behold.

The rest of the week was "meet and greet" with our sponsors of Team Type 1 and also to see about some potential new sponsors from within the bike industry. Lots of walking around and looking at new stuff too. Got to catch up with a bunch a friends from within the bike world as this is where everyone comes together at one time every year. I'm actually amazed that I've met some really great people in my line of work. Makes me appreciate what I do.


Kenny trying out an electric bike. He probably had fun until his friends saw him on it.


The Fizik booth had some incredible gelato!


The Kona Hei Hei 2 9. My favorite bike of the test rides.


The bike with the longest model name. Also from Kona.


A real grocery loader upper. Again from Kona. Known as the Ute. I want one!


Another important bike from Kona known as the Africa Bike. These bikes are donated to parts of Africa in which they make a huge difference especially for health care workers. It allows them to travel a greater distance and see more people on a daily basis. Riding a bicycle is four times faster than walking. Using a bicycle helps a person carry five times the amount they could while walking.


Inside the Venetian. One of the large shopping and places to stay in Vegas.


This performer stands completely still. Still as a statue. If you leave a tip at her feet she may give you a little subtle wave and wink. Curious little kids usually get wide eyed when they investigate the statue only to have it wave at them then go completely still again.

In a couple of days I'm heading out to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for the Ironman World Championships. I'm looking forward to Friday night around dinner time to stick my toes in the sand and listen to the waves crash on shore. Ah yes, working for a living. Wish me safe travels!

Aloha,
DOUG

Schuler's new bike - thank you!

Schuler got a new mountain bike. I may appreciate this more than him. Now I don't have to worry about fixing the old GT Zaskar with the triple triangle anymore.

Cheers,
DJB

You Tube Findings

Man! YouTube can waste a lot of time.

I don't even recall why I went to the site in the first place. Found some good RHCP videos. I like band's commentary and what Flea and John say is interesting. The comments about The Clash and Van Halen are spot on. Who knows why we like certain things? Sometimes you just know when something is honest and has integrity behind it. John Frusciante plays the songs a little different than the album versions. Just goes to show how music, aka Rock n Roll, can be played different. It's not set in stone. Rather, it's how you feel about it.

The last 3 Chili Pepper's album have been on constant rotation on my i-pod. I keep going back to them and find stuff to listen too. I have a friend who says they are not like they used to be. That is true. They improved. THe early stuff was something different that was important but they've grown in a way to compliment each other. The Chili Peppers could not be anyone else but these four (even thought they've tried with Dave Navarro).

Back from the South

Quick update! Returned from South Carolina and Pennsylvania via New Jersey mid-week last week. Not much to blab about I guess. Seemed like a lot of driving for 3 races but then again I'm so tired of driving around in the van that if I had to drive somewhere right now over 3 hours I might scream.

I spent all weekend excepting the fact that it was going to rain all weekend. I ended up doing some work in the shop and planning the upcoming work week. At this point we are looking toward next season and our plan of attack for the annual bike industry show in Las Vegas coming up next week. There's always fun involved with a lot of work too, especially the walking and standing under the fluorescent glow of a massive convention hall. Meet and greet baby!

I also have to get together some of the stuff we need to ship to Hawaii for Ironman Worlds this week. All my mechanic stuff and the whole Timex expo has to be shipped on a boat which takes awhile so we plan ahead. At last count I think we have at least 14 athletes qualify. I can't wait for Hawaii. Got some special plans this year while I'm there.

The other thing I've spent doing this rainy weekend (in addition to cleaning the bathroom in the apartment) is sitting in the coffee shop. I think I should go home now.

Cheers,
DJB

Olympics over

What am I going to do. The Olympics are over.

I just finished watching the closing ceremonies and looking back at all those memorable moments (Michael Phelps, Bolt, Shawn Johson, Natasia Liukin, Walsh and May (best event) Mens’ volleyball and so on). I’ve loved the whole Olympic thing since I was a kid. It’s one of those rare events where the whole world is paying attention and participating in the spirit of good sportsmanship and understanding. If only the world could maintain that for longer than 17 days. The world needs the Olympic spirit if only for those two weeks to remind us of what could be.

I recently returned from Utah a few days ago. Besides the team’s great results, good natured ribbing, and scenic mountain biking, I’ll remember Park City as a place where I watched some of those Olympic moments with our own multicultural team. and with a roomful of strangers glued to the television at the bar. Erupting in screams as Phelps wins another gold! (Team Type 1 had two guys from the team competing for their respective countries in Beijing).


Chris Davidson and I worked as the mechanics for the race. It was great to work with him again. The job goes smoothly working with guys like Chris Davidson and Eric Jellum. Chris lives in Salt Lake City and knows the trails in Park City. Although I only got in two good rides it was worth the effort. Good views, good times! Hard to breathe though at that altitude. I could only go one speed. Slow!










Ran into Sima and her husband Cory at the downtown Salt Lake City Crit. It’s always nice to catch up with people you haven’t seen in awhile. We shared some laughs when she was on Colavita/Cooking Light. She hasn’t changed. Still a bunch of laughs.


Stephanie was our liason when the team was in Taiwan earlier this year. She is going to school in California now and decided to come see us. She told me in Taiwan I was too serious so I had to convince her that I just tend to concentrate really hard. Ha!


Driving around the country the last 4 seasons I’ve noticed more wind-farms being erected. If you ever see those blades being transported on the highways they are huge.


For all you mountain bikers out there… When traveling on I-80 through Wyoming look for the rest stop with Abe’s bust (it’s a little East of Laramie. Exit 323. Continental Divide.) Two minutes off the interstate is a mountain bike trailhead for the Medicine Bow National Forest. Camping too! See the pictures below for the perfect place to stretch the legs a little.







The car trailer blew a tire on I-80 near Ashland, Nebraska. Of course you’ve never heard of Ashland, NE. Was fortunate to drive the car to the next exit to find a place that could mount a new tire on the rim. When it came time to pay the lady, she informed me that they only take cash. I only had the company credit card. When I offered to leave her my card while I went to find an ATM she politely said that wouldn’t be necessary. She was on her way home anyways and could just follow me to the truck stop where there was an ATM. I must admit it looked a little odd handing this woman $92 at the lunch counter of Cabby’s Truck Stop. While waiting for her husband to mount a new tire, I learned that she has a vegetable garden at her house that grows enough vegetables for the whole town to use. I asked her how the tomatoes were and she said, “perfect!” We also lamented about the fact the some of the bean farmers in the area were going to have to spray their bean crops because something was getting at the leaves. Either a bug or maybe a virus. They weren’t quite sure yet and I didn’t have a clue either. I suggested maybe get some ladybugs because that’s about all I know about gardening. She agreed that was probably a good idea.

I’m leaving in a few days for South Carolina. US PRO Championships in Greenville, SC. After that, Univest Grand Prix somewhere in Pennsylvania.

Cheers,
DJB

Driving to Utah

Hello,

I'm driving to Utah tomorrow for Tour of Utah next week. I'll try and catch up along the way. Staying in Park City and Chris Davidson assures me that we will be taking advantage of any free time for some sweet mountain biking.


Everytime I go by this spot along Lake Michigan near downtown Milwaukee, I remember Keith Meyer commenting, "this reminds me of the carribean Doug!"


Eric and I riding in Bend, OR with hosts Cheryl and Matt (taking picture).


One of the views while mountain biking in Bend, OR a few weeks ago.



KEEP ON RIDING!

Cheers,
DOUG