Ragnarok Racing

Mountain Biking 100 Miles: A Race Report from the High Cascades 100

2010-09-01T23:30:00.000-07:00

Tom Phillips competed and completed the High Cascades 100. He sent a really great synopsis of the race that has inspired a few of us to consider doing this race next year. 100 miles of mountain biking sounds insane but Tom's race report breaks it down in a way that makes it seem fun, doable and a pretty cool accomplishment!

"I thought I would give a quick race report on the High cascade 100 that Randy, Scott and I did last Saturday in Bend, Oregon. First of all I think it was the funnest racing event I have participated in except for Crosstoberfest. It was fun to me because of the great trails, the scenery, the support, the weather conditions and the attitudes of the other riders. The event was very well organized and had tons of support. At the finish was a full barbeque including beer that were provided.

The race consisted of 3 loops; a 42 mile loop around Mt Bachelor, the ski area and the Alpine Lakes; a 44 mile loop (they called it the epic loop) on the north side of Mt Bachelor that crossed a couple ridges and led to the base of Tumalo Falls where a 13 mile climb started an ended right at snow level and passed through incredible high alpine meadows; a third loop consisting of 13.5 miles that led towards Bend and came back. All loops began and ended at Wanoga Snow Park on Century Drive about 3 and ½ miles north of the Sun River cutoff road. There is plenty of room for camping or RV’s at this location. There were two big food/water stops and an aid station on the first two loops and one at the start of the third. You only need to provide your own food and water at the beginning of loop 1. The stops also included mechanics who lubed chains, changed flats or did whatever was needed. I had my bike lubed 4 times and drive train adjusted once.

The course consisted of about 3 and ½ - 4 miles of pavement and about 4-5 miles of unimproved dirt roads. The rest was single track in great shape that included everything from rock drops, stream crossings, switchbacks, smooth winding trails, pumice, all types of descents and climbs. The promoter advertised 12,500 feet of climbing but it really didn’t feel like it except on the Tumalo Falls climb. There were numerous fast, flowing and long descents to make up for the climbing.

The start line was quite different. It was dark at 5:15 am and was about 39 degrees. People were a bit quiet and not talking much about was ahead of them. I was stressed immediately when I discovered that my front tire was flat at the start line. I filled it and made it about 3 miles up the road before I had enough light to change. Then my big air can and valve broke. I was last place at the first turn, mile 3. Things quickly settled in after this point. It helped tremendously when the sag wagon told me not to panic in that there was 97 miles remaining. By the time I met up with Scott about two hours in, I had passed about 150 people. I thought I may be in trouble though so I started popping Endorlites that another racer recommended. Good news, they worked. Or it may have been the 6 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, one entire watermelon, two pro bars, bag of beef jerky, one gel pak, three cliff blocks, numerous cookies, bagel, several bananas and 200 ounces plus of fluid.

I thought about the race one loop at a time otherwise it was overwhelming, at least to me. I knew that if I could make it over the big climb at Tumalo Falls that I could finish the loop and then make it through the last 13 mile loop. The last loop ended up being the hardest. I feel apart with about 8 miles to go. I didn’t bonk though. I was just tired out, sore and totally done.

I think it helps to have someone you know at some of the stops or planted at various spots on the course to cheer. Lisa did this and it was always a welcome sight to see her. It is easy to drive or ride to many portions of the course.

In conclusion, this really isn’t a race unless you are attempting to be in the top 10. You have to find your rhythm and a pace that you can maintain all day. I was just “riding” on a course in beautiful country at a much lower heart rate, eating and drinking as much as I could. I think Randy was racing though. He would not talk to me at the stops and would take off without saying good-bye. We all used Camelbacks and one water bottle. The race provided water bottles pre-filled at the stops or you could fill up Camelbacks. I highly recommend this next year to anyone on the team."

Tom at the start:

Tom at mile 50 or so:

Thanks Lisa for the photos!

Cyclocross Training

2010-09-01T23:10:00.000-07:00

A few of us Ragnarokers signed up for 4 weeks of Cyclocross Training with Russell Stevenson and the Cycling Northwest crew (aka Aaron Mickels). The folks from Bikehugger.com came out for the final session and took some photos. Here's a link to the short but sweet story. Photo below credit belongs to Bikehugger.com and Mark V.

Tour de Fat

2010-08-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Every year New Belgium Brewery hosts the Tour de Fat in Seattle. This year's event at Gas Works Park brought out the best of all cyclists. Ragnarok teammates showed up in full force! Not hard to get a bunch of us out there given New Belgium is one of the world's greatest sponsors and the beer tastes really good too!

Olympia Traverse

2010-08-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Rich and Debbie wore the Ragnarok colors while partipating in the 1st annual Olympia Traverse. The multi-leg event started in Capitol Forest with a trail run, a mountain bike leg was up next followed by a road bike section and a paddle. Folks could do this solo or in teams. The final leg was the entire team meeting at the end of the paddle and running to the local brewery- the Fish Tale. Rich rode the mountain bike leg for his team and ended up with the fastest time of the day. Deb rode both the mountain and road bike legs for her team. Good times.

One of Many Ragnarok Wins

2010-08-08T16:53:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Randy I for getting first place in this weekend's High Cascade's 100 Miler in Bend, Oregon! Check out the coverage in Cycling News.

2010 Ragnarok Mtn Bike Race Update

2010-08-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's now August and there are only a few mountain bike races left in Washington State. To date, Ragnarok Racing has:

Participated in 14 different local races over the past 6 months.
Had 86 race finishes of which:

66 were top 10 finishes
42 top 3 finishes

Placed well in two of the local series races:

Molly Martin: 2nd Expert Women 40+ Budu Race Series and 2nd Expert Women 35+ Indie Series
Doug Graver: 2nd Expert Single Speed Indie Series and 7th Expert Men 45+ Indie Series
Paul Berkshire: 3rd Sport Men 45+ Indie Series
Lisa Miller: 7th Expert Women 35+ Indie Series
Nikole Rock: 10th Sport Women 35+ Indie Series

In addition Ragnarokers could be found in Oregon racing the 100-mile mountian bike High Cascade Challenge, getting rowdy at the Tour de Fat in Seattle, racing the first Olympia Traverse (trail run, mtn bike, road bike and paddle), and just generally out on the trails.

Click here to see a google doc that lists all the team results in the various races this season.

2010 Mountain Bike Race Results

2010-06-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

As of June 1, 2010 Ragnarok has 29 top 3 finishes in 10 races! Highlights include Molly Martin's 2nd place finish in the Budu mountain bike series; Doug Graver's 1st place at Ephrata and Whidbey Island; Elizabeth Salvo's 1st place at Fort Ebey; Nikole Rock's 1st place at Ephrata and Paul Berkshire's 1st place at the Dirty Dozen race. More recently, 12 Ragnarokers took Spokane by storm and placed well in multiple categories at the 24-hour Mountain Bike race. Joe Martin competed in the solo division, completed 13 laps and secured an 8th place in the solo men 40+ category.

Click here for results (link will take you to a Google spreadsheet). A few photos from some of the races to date:

Molly- Budu Overall Podium:

Lisa and Molly line up for the start of the Ephrata Beezley Burn

Nikole: 1st place, Debbie: 2nd place and Suzie Hodges: 3rd place at Ephrata's Beezley Burn

Sean ready to get the Whidbey Island Mudder started.

Pre-race strategizing.

Tom, Mike, Leroi, Doug and Carl Win the Combined Age 200+ Category at the 24-Hour Race in Spokane. Ross and Sean's team took 2nd!

Nikole, Debbie, Lisa, Annie and Suzie take 2nd in the 5-person all female division of the 24-hour mountain bike race.

Joe Martin solo-ing at the 24-hour mountain bike race in Spokane.

2009 CROSS NATIONALS FLASHBACK!

2010-05-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

It's probably safe to say that most of us on Ragnarok were pretty tired after a busy 2009 season. 2009 featured Ragnarok Racers racing more than 155 cyclocross races and over 125 mountain bike races. One highlight of 2009 was the Cyclocross National Championship Races in Bend, Oregon. Six racers were joined by many supportive teammates for four days worth of exciting but cold cross racing. I think it's safe to say most of us are planning a return trip in 2010.

A few photos from the week:

Mike lined up, ready to race!

Debbie navigating a turn on the icy course:

Tom staying upright on the ice.

Rich leading a group.

Doug's race face in full effect.

Leroi lookin' strong.

The whole gang taking some well-deserved time for fun and beers!

Cross 2009 In Review

2009-12-31T18:27:00.000-08:00

Although a bit shaky at times, a bit fuzzy and not always so clear, here's a homemade mini-movie of Ragnarok's 2009 Cyclocross Race season.

Some highlights from 2009

2009-12-31T17:30:00.000-08:00

Here's a little slideshow of the Ragnarok Racing team's 2009 adventures. This shows just a teeny tiny bit of what we do all year long- ride and race our bikes! Thanks to Joe Martin for a few of the photos featured in the slideshow.

2009 Cyclocross Season Update

2009-12-21T22:11:00.000-08:00

Well, obviously we have all been riding our bikes and haven't found time to update this blog but now that Cross is over, we'll try to update it with various snapshots and stories from the season. A great resource for cross race updates is Cyclocross Magazine where our own Leroi Smith writes great reviews of each Seattle Cyclocross series race. Check them out here.

For now, let's give a shout out to our team mates who survived another brutal but fun Cross season. Below are Seattle Cyclocross Series Results. Top 10 finishers in bold

Women 3

Nikole Rock tied for 7th overall

Master Women 1/2/3

Debbie Driver 4th overall
Moe Moffett 7th overall
Elizabeth Salvo 10th overall
Lisa Miller 11th overall

Master Men 3 35+

Ross Copeland 6th overall
Nathan Kiger 17th overall

Master Men 3 45+

Paul Berkshire 32nd overall

Master Men 1/2 35+

Tom Phillips 5th overall
Doug Graver 9th overall
Leroi Smith 11th overall
Rich Blanco 18th overall

Single Speed

Mike Rolcik 43rd overall

We have to give some serious props to Sean Heflen who started the season on fire! He was improving greatly with each race as evidenced by his 13th finish in the first race, 11th finish in the second race and 2nd place finish in his third race. Unfotunately, Sean had a little bit of an accident at Steilacoom and is now on the road to recovery.

This year featured a new series, the MFG Series, and a few Ragnarokers participated and did well in that series too (this list only shows those that finished in the top 40 overall): TOP 10 FINISHERS in bold

Doug Graver- 2nd place Cat 1/2 Master Men 45+
Nathan Kiger- 5th place Cat 3 Master Men 35+
Leroi Smith- 21st place Cat 3 Master Men 35+
Moe Moffet- 27th place Cat 3 Women
Ross Copeland- 40th place Cat 3 Master Men 35+
Paul Berkshire- 33rd place Cat 3 Master Men 45+

A few shots from the past season (more to come!):

Crosstoberfest 2009- Good Times... EVEN MORE FUN STUFF!

2009-10-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

Ragnarok Racing, with support from Second Ascent, New Belgium, Wiley X and Nuun, hosted the 3rd annual Crosstoberfest race. Technically, this was the 6th annual event but the first three races took place at Fort Worden in Port Townsend and were affectionately known as "Tour de Tunnel". But, enough history. October 3rd started a bit chilly with racers wondering if the sun or rain would win the weather fight. As the day progressed, the rain stayed away and the sun made appearances every now and again. The course took advantage of all that North SeaTac had to offer and featured the stair run-up, a sandy downhill U-turn to a fairly steep, long run-up, some tight turns in the infield, a couple quick short up hills, a few long straight aways and a lot of bumpy grass field riding.

Over ~~150~~ 200 riders came out to play at Crosstoberfest and the competition was intense in quite a few races. Want to know how your favorite racers did? Check out results here.

Crosstoberfest fans will immediately notice no relay race results. The relay race takes place after the last race of the day and features teams of 3 racers, most dressed in costume, attempting to walk away with nothing more than the honor and bragging rights of participating in the relay. This year Superman, a bunch of old ladies, a scary Skeletor like skeleton, Peppermint Patty, the Mario Brothers and Princess, some "mis-behavin' ladies" as well as Pirate-Beer "ladies" and a few others battled for the "win". The race started with a 3-legged race between riders 2 and 3 with rider 1 waiting for their team to finish before they could jump on the course. Rider 1 did one lap of the course, came screaming back to the New Belgium Beer Garden and had to make a critical choice that impacted the rest of the race: Chug a delicious New Belgium Beer or do 20 push-ups. The crowd provided a good dose of support for whichever the racer chose and only when they accomplished the task could the next rider head out for their race lap. Despite one challenging incident, participants had an awesome time.

The race also featured the New Belguim Beer Garden which was stocked with a variety of delicious New Belgium Beer including the seasonal Hoptober, grass-roots prizes in the form of homemade cookies for Juniors, New Belgium beer for seniors and homemade team CD's featuring our favorite "get psyched to race" songs. Thanks to Steve for bringing out the burgers and other treats and to all of those who volunteered their time. Ann proudly shows off her podium prizes. Photo of Ann and of New Belgium bike by Camille Terhune/Karen Kimmel.

Photos & video below provided by some cool racers and fans:

Crosstoberfest Video from Camille Terhune (Valley Athletic Club racer extraordinaire) - click on HD to make it pretty. It might be better to click on the link above as the video gets cut off on this blog and the "blog master" is not technically skilled enough to fix it!

A new definition of "helmet hair". Photo by Camille Terhune/Karen Kimmel

Approaching the run-up. Photo by Camille Terhune/Karen Kimmel

Tandem Takes North SeaTac! Photo by Rbergeron

Which is your favorite? Photo by Rbergeron

Joe Martin having way too much fun! Photo by Josh Schmidt

One of the run-ups. Photo by Josh Schmidt

Here's a great video by "Dessa":

Crosstoberfest 2009 from Dessa on Vimeo

Another video- first try at the video-making thing for Double D...

Wow- yet another awesome video by "rbergeron". This one is set to yodelling music- uber appropriate!

Crosstoberfest T-Shirts!

2009-09-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

Did you hear? The first 150 people to register get a free t-shirt?

Head on down to Second Ascent in Ballard and pre-register soon before t-shirts are gone.

*T-shirts available day of race (which, if you forgot is October 3).

Crosstober Flash Back to 1994 and 1996

2009-09-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

This year's Crosstoberfest is in some ways a return to a classic venue. Thanks to ASC, we've had one Cross race there this season and thanks to DocKore and Wick, we've all been out there for a few races here and there lately. Yet, I wager not many folks out there in the Cross community know the historic significance of this park.

Not so long ago in 1994 and in 1996, North SeaTac Park hosted the US National Cyclocross Championships. I know, I know some of you hard-core "mature" racers out there either raced these race and others of you showed up with cowbells and galoshes to witness the greatness that is a national championship. I admit, , that I did not know about cyclocross in 1994 and so am among the least qualified to write a flash back to 1994 and 1996- BUT, I did some digging and found some interesting facts (well, facts until someone else in the know chimes in):

In 1994 and 1996, the US National Cyclocross Championships took place at North SeaTac Park
In '96 here was some hub-bub in the cross media about a hoped for battle between Dale Knapp and Craig Undem (those names sound familiar?)
Speaking of names, Dan Norton crushed his category taking first in Master's Men 45+ in '96. Selected results here. Tim Rutledge did the NW proud too!
In '96 racers had to deal with true Northwest Cross weather; rain and 45 degrees makes for one muddy, slippery, wet, cold race. Bring it.
The 1996 race was Allison Dunlap's fourth cross race and she finished third. I recognize a couple other women on these results: Beth Lyndon-Griffith and Ann Knapp to be specific!
Jonathan Page won the Junior men's under-23 title in 1996.
If music were played during the 1996 race, we'd all be listening to No Diggity, The Crossroads, the Macerena and California Love. Some might say these tunes would have been a step up from 1994's I Swear (All 4 One) and Ace of Base classics All That She Wants, The Sign and Don't Turn Around.

If you have photos and/or stories about some old school racing at North Seatac, either post them on the comments or just post a note that you want to post them and we'll be in touch.

Crosstoberfest 2009

2009-09-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

Tell your friends and family. Get your costume ready!! Crosstoberfest is back for another go.

When -- October 3rd (It's a Saturday)

Where -- North Seatac - expect another awesome course with some Ragnarok style at the venue that has been called the best 'cross course in the country.

What -- Your normal awesome racing PLUS the now famous costume relay race.

Details -- All the important details will available at our team website, here or on the Seattle Cyclocross forum.

Day of Race Schedule -- We will use the same start schedule we used last year. PLEASE TAKE NOTE: this is not the same schedule that SCX uses. We really don't want you to miss your start.

Visions of Crosstoberfests Past

2009-09-15T12:50:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Joe Martin for the following photos!

Mountain Bike Race Season Wrap Up

2009-09-09T22:23:00.001-07:00

Ragnarok Racing finished the 2009 mountain bike season with some impressive finishes. Having braved an upgrade from Sport to Expert, Lisa Miller jumped on the long-race band-wagon at Leavenworth. At the end of the season she ended up securing second place in Expert Women 35+ for the series. Doug Graver was another stand out with a first place overall finish for Single Speed men. Oh who could forget Mike Rolcik's first place in the Expert Men 35-44 category? Great job! And Mike better watch his back next year because Sean Heflen placed 3rd overall in the same category.

Our English-lad Keith even managed to make a few appearances this season. Come back and ride with us Keith!

Here's a run-down of the Ragnarok series placements:
1 Doug Graver Expert Single Speed Men and Women
1 Mike Rolcik Expert Men 35-44
2 Lisa Miller Expert Women 35+
3 Sean Heflen Expert Men 35-44
4 Debbie Driver Sport Women 35+
5 Melissa Moffet Sport Women 35+
6 Elizabeth Salvo Single Speed Sport Men and Women
8 Leroi Smith Expert Men 35-44
9 Tom Phillips Expert Men 45+
11 Kristen Cruipi Sport Women 35+
12 Nikole Rock Sport Women 35+
16 Paul Berkshire Sport Men 45+
19 Nathan Kiger Expert Men 35-44
23 Rich Blanco Expert Men 35-44
24 Hunter Graver Junior Boys 11-14
25 Scott Keiper Expert Men 35-44
55 Ross Copeland Expert Men 35-44
62 Keith Dilly Sport Men 35-44

Ragnarok hosted the final race in the series. Here are some shots from that race as well as the whole series.

Sean and Mike on the New Belgium podium:

Elizabeth after picking up the course tape:

Cyclocross Kick Off Race

2009-09-09T21:02:00.001-07:00

A small group of Ragnarokers braved potential early-season rain to participate in the annual Labor Day Cross Race hosted by ASC Racing. This year's race took place at North SeaTac Park, home to previous national cyclocross championship races. The course was fast, the weather perfect for cross and the run-up burned! The race featured a tough stair climb run-up, some fast single track, a few quick hills and lots of tight turns.

Tom "Chopper" Phillips set the course on fire with his fast paced first place win in the Master Men 1/2 45+ category. Sean "Sparkles" Heflen schooled the competition in the Master Men 3 35+ category. Mike "The Boy" Rolcik raced a great race and walked away with a 5th place in the Master Men 1/2 45+ category. Nathan Kiger got 11th in Master men 3 35+, Paul Berkshire 16th in Master Men 3 45+, Debbie Driver 11th in Cat 3 women and Lisa Miller 13th in Cat 3 Women.

Paul at the top of the run-up
Originally uploaded by Ragnarok
Racing

Paul at the top of the run-up

TEAM

2009-09-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

Introducing the 2010 Ragnarokers in no particular order: (SCROLL DOWN FOR TEAM DOGS!)-

Welcome New Ragnarokers: Jamie Stralka, Matt Clark, Joe Martin, Molly Martin, Dan Wren, Wyatt Wren!

Joe Martin, 43, aka "Chili Pepper", Tacoma WA native but now living the good life in Redmond, WA.

Years Racing: 12 years

Mountain Bike Category: Expert

Cyclocross Category: Masters 3
Favorite get psyched to race song: Bad Day by Daniel Powter

Favoarite off-bike activity: Nerding around on my computers

Favorite New Belgium Beer or any beverage that you enjoy: 2° Below

Random Notes: Joe races so Joe can eat…lots and lots!

Molly Martin, whose age is either 10 ½ or 42 depending on your view, is originally from Macon, GA but (lucky for us) moved to WA at age 4. She is living the good life with Joe in Redmond these days.

Years Racing: Just starting her third year of racing

Mountain Bike Race Category: Expert Race

Cyclocross Race Category: Cat 3

Favorite off-bike activity: Snuggling with her dog or riding her horse

Favorite get psyched to race song: Bad Day by Daniel Powter

Fav orite New Belgium Beer: Other Beverage in Molly's case: Barqs root BEER

Random notes: Molly races so her husbands recounting of the course on the drive home actually makes sense to her. Molly's goal in 2010 is to get closer to the fast Expert girls in Mt biking and to upgrade in Cross. She joined Ragnarok because she looks good in Pink and wanted to be called a Ragnahottie.

Elizabeth Salvo, 48, originally from Needham, MA now a Bellevue, WA resident

Years Racing: racing mtb since 2003 and raced on the road from 2002 to 2004

Mountain Bike Race Class: Single Speed

Cyclocross Race Class: Masters or 3s

Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Skiing with my kids

Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Ummmm…..don’t have one.

Favorite New Belgium Beer: Two Below

Random Notes: “I love racing because I am concentrating so hard on not falling off of my bicycle that I never realize that I am actually exercising!”

Leroi Smith, aka “The King”, Olympia, WA native but Seattle, WA resident.
Years Racing: When Leroi was in middle school he and his best friend used to race BMX bikes between their houses (about 6 miles). They’d each start at the same time (by ending a phone call), using the same route and see where they met. Perhaps that's why Leroi has an aversion to single-speeds. He returned to his racing roots nine years ago when he started racing mountain bikes.

Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert 35-45 i

Cyclocross Race Class: Master B 35+

Favorite off-bike activity: If there is fresh powder you’ll find Leroi snowboarding on some unnamed (well named by him) run semi-inbounds at any number of ski areas in the greater northwest. If there is no snow and there is good breeze, then look for him out sailing small boats. If there is no snow, no wind and no biking, his favorite activity is sitting on his ass in front of the TV.
‘
Favorite pre-race get-psyched band: System of a Down. According to Leroi, “if that can't get your blood flowing, you should see a doctor.”

Favorite New Belgium beer: Leroi provides us a tried and true cliche; “the one in my hand is my favorite.” If he had to choose he enjoys Skinny Dip in the summer, gravitating to 1554 or Abbey as the temperature comes down. Although he’s heard they have some new brews out that he’s yet to try. Perhaps a new favorite will be revealed this year?

Random Notes: “I love cyclocross for two reasons:
1) Where else can you experience so much sweet pain, frustration, exhilaration, sweet pain, exhaustion, elation, sweet pain, camaraderie and brutality all in the span of 45 minutes?
2) The community of 'crossers is so much fun to hang around.”

Tom Phillips aka “Chopper”, 48, an Oregon transplant but long time Seattlite

Years Racing: 10

Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert

Cyclocross Race Class: Master A

Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Lounging in the Fat-Boy

Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: AC/DC

Favorite New Belgium Beer: Mothership Wit

Ross Copeland, 41, Our international team member: Originally from Sanquhar Scotland, now a Seattlite.

Years racing: 3
Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert

Cyclocross Race Class: Cat 3 Masters

Favorite off bike activity: Ross enjoys quiet nights by the fire with his dogs and a book also exploring the pacific northwest

Pre-race song: Remind-Orbital or open up-Leftfield

Favorite New Belgium beer: All of them.

Random Notes: “I ride because it keeps me off the rum and is safer than under water knifefighting. My fav course is Winthrop my fav Ragnaroker is Padden (the dog) .I think I prefer Cyclocross over Mountain (still trying to decide)”

Kristen Crupi, 42 (but her brain thinks she’s 25 and she’s not ready to disabuse it of that notion), born in Appleton, WI but fully transformed to a Seattlite.

Years Racing: 7

Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport

Cyclocross Race Class: Master Women / Cat 3

Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Jumping out of airplanes (they are not perfectly good)

Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: She couldn’t pick just one... some of my favorites... Lose Yourself (Eminem), Liberate (Disturbed), Guerilla Radio (Rage Against the Machine), and almost anything by System of a Down

Favorite New Belgium Beer: In the winter, it's gotta be 2 Below, but I love me a Skinny Dip in the summer.

Lisa Miller, aka Cookie, 41, an Oregon transplant but true-blue Seattlite by now.

Home Town Salem, Oregon – also the home of the state Capital, Jon Heder (Napolian Dynomite) – he was Lisa’s neighbor and his Dad her family doctor, and Jerry Brudos (serial killer) – grew up next door to my mother and took my aunt out on a date, known for keeping the breasts of his victims in the refer.
Years Racing: 1 year really racing, but 8 years riding as fast as she can around a marked course

Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert

Cyclocross Race Class: Cat 3, where my a$$ will be handed to me

Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Besides the bike, Lisa loves to run, cross country ski, and spend time with her super cool book club. Sitting on the front porch with a bottle of wine watching the cyclist ride by is pretty high on the list too.

Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Born to Be Alive by Patrick Hernandez

Favorite New Belgium Beer: Mothership Wit – as described on the BeerAdvocate: “Very pale, light straw color, fairly cloudy but still lets a lot of light through. Puffy head with good retention and lacing” – “no wonder I like it – IT IS ME! And did I mention it’s organic?”

Random Notes: “I love my team because being on Ragnarök is like going back to high school; we are all wearing spandex and it doesn’t matter if you have crappy hair because so does everyone else – there is safety and comfort in numbers. And it never fails after a hard race a trusty teammate will be at the finish with a frosty New Belgium beer as my reward.

Doug Graver, 45, Snohomish, WA

Years Racing: 16

Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert (single speed for the last two seasons)

Cyclocross Race Class: Master’s 1/2 40-44

Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Elk hunting with bow and drinking beer.

Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Pretty much any song by TOOL

Favorite New Belgium Beer: Doug is partial to TRIPEL aka three sisters

Random Notes:“I’m a dad first and a small business owner too. Nothing that comes easy means as much as those things I have to work hard for, hence the reason I race bikes.

People always mix me up with Tom while racing. I only introduce myself as Tom when I’ve pulled a doinker move and crashed in front of a stranger. I wonder if any of them yell “go Doug” when he rides by?

I’ve been told I look like Lance Armstrong. I wish I were half as fast!
I’m the only original member of Ragnarok racing left. This is a great team with a zest for life and racing. Cheers!”

Paul Berkshire, 49, Port Townsend, WA

Years Racing: 5

Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport 45+

Cyclocross Race Class: Master 3 45+

Random Notes: “My strategy in racing is to start fast and kick and claw my way to the rear. I look forward to carpooling with Dan and Randy to the AARP meetings in a couple of years.”

Nikole Rock, 39, Originally from Coco Solo, Panama but another Seattlite on the team

Years Racing: 4
Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport

Cyclocross Race Class: Women 4

Favorite Off-Bike Activity: Nikole digs digging in the dirt and making things grow, She likes picking up rocks wherever she goes and making something out of nothing.. and she LOVEs to check out the world w/ my best dog friend Finn.

Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: Brick House

Favorite New Belgium Beer: Can there really be only one?

Random Notes: “Thank God for Ragnarok - the best beer drinking.. I mean bike racing bunch of people I've ever met.”

Scott Keiper, 37, originally from Evergreen, CO but (you guessed it) now a Seattle resident.

Years Racing: damm near half of them

Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert

Cyclocross Race Class: Thriller 3

Favorite Off-Bike Activity: food, beer, skiing, technology, photos

Favorite Pre-Race Get Psyched Song or Band: most songs by Social D and Tubthumping of course.

Favorite New Belgium Beer: Full..okay Trel

Mike Rolcik, aka “The Boy”, 40, Kirkland, WA

Years racing: 11

Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert

Cyclocross class: Master 1/2 and Singlespeed

Favorite off bike activity: Jazzercise

Favorite pre race band: Slayer

Favorite New Belgium Beer: Abbey

Random Notes: “I feel that I lead by example. I’m so fast that other people try to be like me and be fast. And although they’ll never be as fast as me, at least they try and that makes them better.”

Rich Blanco, aka Richie Rich, aka El Diablo Blanco, aka Whitey, 42, Olympia, WA

Years Racing: 16

Mountain Bike Race Class: Expert

Cyclocross Class: Master 1-2

Favorite off-bike activity: hiking, snowshoeing and hanging with my dog and my Debbie

Favorite pre race band or song: Crystal Method, Chemical Brothers, other club music

Favorite New Belgium Beer: Two Below

Random Notes: “Even though I will ultimately fail at this, my life goal is to be half the man Mike Rolcik is.”

Debbie Driver, aka Double D, 40, Olympia, WA

Years Racing: 6

Mountain Bike Race Class: Sport

Cyclocross Class: Women 3 (but barely)

Favorite off-bike activity: hiking, snowshoeing and hanging with my dog and my Richie. Also reading and hanging with my awesome nieces and nephew.

Favorite pre-race band or song: “Disco Science” by Mirwais (seen Snatch? Then you’ll know this), Chemical Bros, Fat Boy Slim

Favorite New Belgium Beer: Two Below

Random Notes: “My family and non-cycling friends think I’m nuts for doing Cyclocross. Luckily, everyone on Ragnarok is a bit nutty so I think I fit in just fine.”

Keith Dilly

Melissa "Mo" Moffett, 39, Seattle, WA

Mtn Bike Category: SPORT

Cross Cateogory: Most likely Master's Women 3

Favorite get psyched to race song: Blister in the Sun (Violent Femmes) and Paper Planes (MIA)

Favorite New Belgium beer: Mo asked that I choose one for her. I imagine that is because there are just too many good ones to choose from. We'll just say, it's all good!

Random Notes: Mo started racing cross because it looked fun and thought it might be easier on the knees than running. Little did she realize she was signing up for a different kind of running- the kind where you run, uphill, carrying your bike!

Sean Hefflen

Randy Iddings

Matt Clark

TEAM DOGS WOOF!

Porter

Murphy, aka Commander

Sadie and Pete (Ross's cool pups)