JEFF HALL MOUNTAIN BIKING

Contour Camera Set-up

2010-10-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE!!

This was a trial set-up for some test video. We use this sort of set-up on a mountain bike on the trails.

RIDERS I.wmv

2010-10-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

Owen and me out for a ride with my Dad at Murphy H.

Good Times on the Mountain Bikes.wmv

2010-10-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Out on a ride with Owen at Murphy H.

Breaking Trail in the River Bottoms

2010-01-08T13:06:00.000-08:00

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Making of a Winter Bike Trail

2010-01-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

Breaking trail for the Bloomington Ferry Bridge. Part of my 25 mile daily bike commute.

It was a cool -13 degrees on the ride in today when I left home at 4:15 AM.

2009 Chequamegon Fat Tire 40 Race

2009-09-23T23:27:00.000-07:00

Click on pictures to enlarge.
Friday night before the race, pre-ride...

10 minutes before the race and Jeff wants to check out the Garage Sale. What the??

The front pack at the turn to Rosie's Field. Maxed out at 30+ MPH.

Mile 11, a very large group.

After the Fire Tower Hill, about mile 30. The front pack has splintered at this point. Race On!!

Finish at 2:04, 4 minutes faster than 2008. 9th place, about 19.7 MPH average, race was almost 41 miles this year.
Where the heck was the mud? Flying the Hollywood jersey in the dust.

Son Owen.Joe and Tim McGrath, Tim and I were teammates back in the 80s. Riding for the Finders, Jeff rode with the Finders jersey for a year.

Jeff, Scott Hebel and Norm (Mike Hall), the Diamond Back / Summit Bike and Sport: Mountain Bike Race Team of the Early 90s.

A story from the past...Scott was part of the Diamond Back national level team and Jeff and I each received brand new Diamond Back mountain bikes as part of a regional team. Well in the summer that Jeff turned 16, Scott was living out in Colorado Springs training and racing the National Circuit. He told me, "send Jeff out and I'll show him the mountains". This was in 1992.

Well Jeff would call me every few days and tell me about the racing on the week-ends and the adventures while on training rides in the mountains. One of the training stories that I heard about, was the time they were climbing what must have been a goat trail because it was too steep to ride up. Jeff and Scott were carrying their bikes up and Scott was grabbing for a hand hold and dang near got bit by a rattlesnake. Yeah OK!

His first race was at Monarchs Pass, it was up in the clouds at over 11,000 feet. That was Jeff's first real lesson on racing at altitude, well needless to say he ran out of air that day. Each week became better as he became acclimated to the altitude. Jeff narrowly missed making the USA Jr. National Team that year in Durango, Colorado due to a mechanical misfortune.

Jeff had gone out west for 4 weeks and then I drove out there and trained and raced with those guys for the next 4&1/2 weeks. That was a real lesson on Mountain Biking. We rode on some of those"goat" trails, that I learned a few years later from some locals, they were considered too dangerous for them to ride on. GOOD TIMES!!

That is what the Chequamegon is about, past teammates, buddies, familiar names and faces that over the years have gathered in the north woods surrounding Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin. I raced the Chequamegon in 1985 - 1993. My son Chad raced the Short & Fat 4 times. My wife, Louise has raced 7 times. Jeff has raced the Short and Fat and the 40 mile, 21 times now, so you might say it has been a way of life...each fall. Crazy!!

Congrats to Jake Richards on the Short & Fat men's win. The Halls and Richards racing go back a long ways. Congrats to all the winners and competitors that accomplished their goals. Thanks Chris for your hospitality and a great place to work on Jeff's bike until the wee hours of the morning. Way to beat your goals Chris, in the Short & Fat...

Posted by MJ Hall

Cresting

2009-09-17T00:35:00.000-07:00

Click on picture to enlarge.

Chequamegon Training Ride

2009-09-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

Click on pictures to enlarge.
Pace lining on the Minnesota river trail.

Owens' new mountain bike we gave him for his 6th birthday in August.

Time to catch a speedy turtle.

High above the river valley, half way through the ride.

Hanging with Grandpa Mike after the River River.

The Fall Biking Season

2009-08-31T00:10:00.000-07:00

Click on pictures to enlarge.
DT SWISS WHEELS. Rode on them in the World Cup racing, still race on them cause they are the best.

Time to get the bikes back in shape for the fall. TUBES, EH!

The little man at speed.

He's digging the WORS series plate from the kids race at the Minnesota & Wisconsin Border Battle Race in River Falls, Wisconsin.

Ore To Shore 48 Mile Mountain Bike Race 09 / Marquette, Michigan

2009-08-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Click on pictures to enlarge.
Ishpeming to Marquette, Michigan, point to point, 48 miles.
1000 riders ready to rock and roll.

Showing off the Hollywood / Silver Cycling colors before the race.

A very large pack in the early stages. The winds were gusty and nobody wanted to venture out alone into the crosswind.

9th place on the day, 48 miles in 2:34

We stopped and visited with Gary Crandall at the new Chequamegon Headquarters in Cable, Wisconsin. Stop in and check it out.

A Week in July 09

2009-07-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

Buck Hill, Thursday Nite Penn Cycle Mountain Bike Races / A great time. Thanks Penn Cycle!!

Owen & Ava

Wisconsin

Friday, July 17, 2009

103 mile ride on the back roads of Wisconsin, mid 50s temp, rain and wind out of the north, it felt like September. Good ride on the cross bike. 5.25 hours. Some motorpacing included, my dad rode his motorcycle for support.

The 40

2008-09-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

In the midwest all you need to say is the 40, and mountain bikers know what race that is. Of course almost every year a big name racer will come and see what the fuss is all about. In the past we have had a couple of Tour de France racers win it and a number of top national pro mt bikers have a go, so I wonder who might make the trip this year. Maybe Lance maybe someone else, we'll wait and see.

This year has been a way different season for me as I chose not to race much. Before the 40 I only did one race and it was a very short race at Buck Hill. My "training" this year has been riding to and from work, which is about 50 miles a day, but it is not the training I am used to. When I ride to work it is usually pretty hard and steady on a cross bike, so if there was a race that would fit that type of riding, the 40 would be it. The other thing against me is I am on my feet all day at work, so I was not sure if they would feel tired in a race. Well, anyways, I wanted to head up to Hayward to give it a shot.

Lots of rain fell over Wisconsin in the days leading up to race day, so I was really liking that. The course is never muddy for the front racers, but lots of big water holes make it interesting at 20-25 mph. You have a split second to decide to bomb the middle hoping it is not 2 feet deep or you must pick a side, some sides will slow you down so good luck choosing. I think the rain helped the usually dry, sandy trails become very fast and packed down, thus the faster times. I also love the mud and rain during a race so I was pumped.

I went up Friday afternoon with pops and my family to Melissa's aunts' "cabin" about a half hour from Hayward. Arrived about 7 and had a great supper and I got to sleep at a pretty good time. Woke up Saturday to gray skies but no rain yet. I ate, packed, and headed to the start. The nerves started to kick in a bit as I started to see all the fast guys, man what an atmosphere with 1800 bikers and a huge crowd waiting to wish us well on our adventure to Cable.

This year the road section was very fast with a group of about 25 of us breaking from the main pack before we hit the dirt. I think it made it safer for the 4 wheelers to stay close to us with high speeds to string out the pack. The legs felt great so I was happy with that and was looking to sit in for a bit and get warmed up. The pace was fast but nothing to worry about as guys would take shots on making a break but as we reached the trail head at 'OO', the pack was still 15 strong and I wasn't liking that. The pace always picks up a few miles after 'OO', which is about the half way point. As we hit Janet gravel Road a few more attacks were under way as one racer got a little gap. The next turn off the road is always a place for the riders feeling good to have a go. I must have felt good because I went and it stuck. Passing the other racer I built a gap and kept pushing it to try to get out of sight. It is a bit tricky in that section of the race as there is a long rocky down hill, big mud holes, and some short steep climbs. Once I got that gap I went into "ride to work mode", and road hard. I felt great but I had no idea what I would feel like in 15 miles so I tried not to kill myself. Now being by myself for the last 15 miles and only about 6 to go I thought "Could this really be happening?" Just then I heard the 4 wheeler coming and a lone rider, ah shit! Not knowing who it was I thought "just stay with him and see what happens in the end." He came fast so at first I thought he was going to leave me for the wolves, but I dug deep and hug on. The surge got me going as I felt pretty good and got back in front as he sat on me. The pace was still fast and I felt good so the plan was to take him in the woods with 2 to go. Push it, push it, damn who is this guy? Here we go-the last climb, there he goes-the winner-NO! Man who is this guy? I gave it all on the last climb, but could not get back on. Well, here comes the finish bowl with thousands of people screaming and second place on the day, not bad. Wow what a day! By the way it was the 2007 U.S. national champ and the 2nd place finisher at worlds for cyclo-cross, Jonathan Page. I will be back one year from now for another crack at the 40.

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2008 in Pictures

2008-09-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

1 Hour till blast off.
Warp speed on the pavement. The turn to Rosies Field. The front pack. Check out Tilford on the right and the Eppen tandem in the blue.

Mile 11, still a large group, maybe 18 riders. Jeff is on far left just coming into view, in the white.

00 Crossing, mile 16, getting ready to feed. Owen in the green. Owen rode with me in the truck helping with the water bottle hand ups.

Jeff all alone after Fire Tower Hill. Very important bottle hand up because of a dropped bottle earlier. I had a bottle and Owen was 100 yards past me with a back-up bottle in case I missed. Jeff got his bottle.

Jeff at 40 Miles, the finish. 2:08:13... 2nd place.

Jeff with Scott Hebel. Scott finished runner-up to Greg LeMond twice back in the early 90s at the Chequamegon.

Scott, Jeff and I were teammates on the Diamond Back Mountain Bike Race Team in the early 90s. It was great to see Scott, he was a dominant national rider in his race days. He was a great example for Jeff to follow as a jr. bike racer. We had awesome training rides together out of Summit Bike in Eagan, many "Stop Ahead" sign sprints.

Jeff with The Man... Gary Crandall and Steve Tilford after the race.

Hollywood

Norm

Don't look now top 40 dogs, Jeff and TJ Woodruff, you got the Short Fat Champ Jake Richards lookin over your shoulders.

Posted by Mike Hall

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2008

2008-09-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

I'll have some pics and a recap up soon. It was a very good race. I got 2nd. Check out skinnyski .com for some pics on the race.

J Hall Family at Buck Hill Mountain Bike Race: Minnesota Race Series

2008-08-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

Start of the Expert/pro class race.

Start of the Comp class.

Sam O. Team member of the USA National 24 Hour Championship Team

Jay Richards

Jr. with his mountain bike race hardware, a race medal.

Little sis with a hand painted number plate.

A great day at Buck Hill racing. 20 years ago my dad did the first Buck Hill Race. It was great to get my kids out here riding this year. 20 years later I'm the one putting the bikes on the roof.

The Summer of 08'

2008-07-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

Turning the tires in the dirt together with Owen.

Cross Bike Commuting.

The little guy working on his riding.

It's neat to see the little guy growing up.

Spending the summer with the family, with Buck Hill family racing.
Maybe Red Wing, Minnesota Series Racing this week-end.

Riding

2008-04-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

In Minnesota sometimes you just learn to ride a bike in your snowpants.

SALSA Cycles / Moto Rapido 26" vs Mamasita 29"

2008-03-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

Another MTB season, new challenges. Different outlook.

One day Classics, some point to point, Chequamegon 40, Ore to Shore, Iceman. The USA National Championships. Other, large regional type mountain bike races. Maplelag is one. The schedule isn't set. Any venue ideas are welcome.

Another is bike choices. Traditional 26" Moto Rapido or new hot rod Mamasita 29". Moto Rapido is for sure, just thinking of two different choices on varying terrain. Should be very similar weight. Same frame concept. Are the 29" wheels going to be an advantage on the high speed rolling point to point format? Or is someone my size, not going to realize the difference?

These are some of the ideas about the upcoming season. Any feedback is good.

Snow commute in the morning. Might be 3 - 6" fresh.

J Hall

2007... round the world

2008-03-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

Mount Snow, Vermont USA: USA National Championships

Spirit Mountain, Duluth, Minnesota USA

Phoenix, Arizona USA

Monterey, California USA

Los Olivios, California USA

Houffalize, Belgium

Offenburg, Germany

Mount Saint Anne, Quebec, Canada

Banner Elk, North Carolina USA

Brand-Laaben, Austria

Windhaag bei Perg, Austria

Park City, Utah USA

Snowmass Village, Colorado USA

The results of the Olympic Long Team... I was not chosen.

USA Cycling made the decision to field a 6 man team, instead of the full 8 man Team. So I will never know if I would have filled one of the final 2 slots.

It was a long and rewarding season. Much preparation, with training and money. With more support than I could believe. Team SALSA / HALLN was for sure an underdog. I feel we rode this dream as hard as we could. There was nothing left by September, 07. Norm and I drove to the Finals in Snowmass, Colorado, to save a thousand dollars. Things ended up tight.

Once again, THANKS! To everyone who was a part of the effort.

J Hall

Slope Sliding

2008-02-01T19:45:00.001-08:00

You are looking at 3 firsts in this post. They will be revealed at the finish.

Little Hall / Elder Hall / Medium Hall

"Little" headin' up-hill on the magic carpet.

The heck with the caution, man!

Everybody is still smiling.

#1 The first time "Little" has skied: #2 The first time "Medium" has snowboarded: #3 The first time "Elder" has kicked "Medium's" butt in an athletic activity in several years.

SALSA CYCLES, Jeff Hall @ Snowmass, Colorado, USA / NMBS Finals (8/11/07)

2008-01-15T18:49:00.001-08:00

No air travel on this one, good old fashion road trip, 2400 miles, less than 4 days, round trip.

Minneapolis to Denver. Best Western in Denver, on to Snowmass the next morning. Within 26 hours we go from 900 ft. above sea level to 9900 ft.. You say that is a 9000 ft. difference, eh. The trip itself is like an adventure race.

Pay attention grasshopper. You must sleep and stay at 5000 ft. or below when you are not acclimated. Go up, register and pre-ride the course, then get down fast!! Back to 5000 ft. or lower. You will not go back up to altitude till 2.5 hours before the start of your race...the next day. Jeff earned a 8th place finish on race day. I believe they climbed to over 10,000 ft. during the race. Jeff had a high speed get-off on the final decent, over the bars at warp speed. His pedal clipped a rock. He had to run back up the trail and pick-up his Salsa bike out of the weeds. Didn't lose any places.

Next stop Glenwood Springs, CO.

Pre-race ride.

Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski

Adam Craig

U23 National Champ: Sam Jurekovic

JEFF HALL / SALSA CYCLES 2007

If those crank arms could talk, the experiences they have had this season.

This is the last major race Jeff raced in for the 2007 Mountain Bike Season.

RECAP 2007 SEASON

Jeff, in his last 4 major races in the USA, finished: 10th at Park City,UT: 9th Mt. Snow, VT: 11th Sugar Mt., NC: 8th Snowmass, CO. Solid...

3 races in California, 1 in Utah, 1 in Colorado, 1 in Vermont, 1 in North Carolina, Minnesota, Wisconsin, 2 races in Quebec, Canada, 1 in Belgium, 1 in Germany and 2 in Austria.

This is a huge project and it would not have been possible without the backing of many individuals, and groups. I can not even come close to thanking everyone who contributed even as much as the $5 .00 to buy a tire bracelet. I am speaking equally for Jeff and I to: Thank each and every one of you. Jeff and I took great pride to represent the USA at the International World Cup Races. He wore the SALSA Logo and raced the Salsa bikes, It gave him an identity within the highest level of pro mountain bike racers in the world. Can you say "adversity". I told Jeff before the Belgium trip that this is such an undertaking, that we should look at this as a Big Adventure and enjoy the experience. Jeff has been a pro mountain bike racer since 1995, he has been on the USA National Team 2 times. This season would test his skills and grit like never before. Well gang, he went out and turned some heads out there in this Big Adventure.

And for my 2 cents. My job in this scheme is to add support. My title is Team manager, bike mechanic, driver, travel agent and tactician. I enjoy my tasks, the challenges.

Jeff is the Racer.

We don't have any regrets on the results of this season, Jeff and I maximized the resources at hand. The hardest part of the season was having to forgo Jeff's chance to race at the World Championships in Scotland. That is the reality of life. Jeff puts his family first. We had an agreement that there would be no holding back. When the funds were gone, we pull the plug. When Jeff raced at Snowmass we were running on fumes. He kicked ass, beat everyone he had to.

We are still waiting on word of the Olympic Long Team Selection. It should be very soon.

Posted by Mike

SALSA CYCLES, Jeff Hall @ Sugar Mountain, NC, USA / NMBS #5 (7/28/2007)

2008-01-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

The start of the Pro Men XC, at Sugar Mountain. It was a clean start, but within 30 seconds it was the beginning of a MUD fest. And yes, you "mountain bikers" that fear the DIRT on the tires, you need not apply. There was even a few ruts in the MUD. Jeff finished 11th and gained a few more UCI points (8pts.). Jeff and his Salsa Bike displaced a hell of alot of MUD the last 2 weeks, both in Vermont and here at North Carolina. It kept me busy making sure the bikes were running smooth. If you have ridden or raced on the East Coast, you know what we are talking about with the MUD!!

It was so good to see all the Midwest gang at Vermont at the National Championships the week before. Jay Richards, Pro racer, promoter, Dad manager of his gang of sons, the dude just does it all. Heck, I even raced against him in the old days... was one of many representing our region. I almost forgot, he also spends some time around the Resort back home.

Sugar Mountain, NC

GO!!

Jeff Hall

Adam Craig

Geoff Kabush & Adam Craig

Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski

Jeremiah Bishop

Salsa Cycles #9 USA

This is Jeff's Winter Commuter bike this Winter, with 1 vehicle in the family he's riding rain, snow it doesn't matter, the bike has to work...this bike has been through more in 8 months than most riders will ever put their bikes through in 8 years...!
Posted by Mike

SALSA CYCLES, Jeff Hall @ Mount Snow, Vermont: USA MTB National Championships (7/20/07)

2007-12-30T18:56:00.001-08:00

The USA National Championship is a one day race. It was held at one of the classic courses in the USA. Mount Snow, VT, has been around since the early 90's. This was our 5th trip here to race.

With a 9th place finish here and some very good UCI points (30 points), Vermont was a solid race.

Jr. sporting Dad's, Wisconsin Off Road Series number.

Jr. getting a few downhill tips.

1st lap

Jeff & Todd Wells

The kids watching the U23 pro race.

This trip was a family affair, with Melissa and the 2 kids along. We drove to Vermont and continued on to the National in North Carolina the following week.

SALSA CYCLES, Jeff Hall @ Mount Snow, Vermont: USA MTB National Championships

2007-12-30T18:09:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY MONTHS

2007-12-16T17:45:00.000-08:00

The last couple of months have been fun to catch up with my family and spend some cold days outside with my kids. Sledding and ice skating are some of my favorites I used to do growing up. Still riding a bit to work, it's been fun to just ride and not train. Enjoy the holiday's.

SALSA CYCLES, Jeff Hall @ St. Felician, Quebec Canada: World Cup #5 (6/30/07)

2007-12-09T07:11:00.001-08:00

"DNF": it was bound to happen with all the travel.

Fly to Montreal, Rental car was screwed up, 3 hours to get out of Montreal. Drive 350 miles to the end of the road in northern Quebec in a pounding rainstorm, through Moose country. We saw 3 or 4 along the side of the road. Get to this little town about 3:00 AM. Sleep for 4 hours then drive 2 hours to the race site. Get there and they changed the schedule, Jeff can't ride the course till 4:00 in the afternoon. So we hang around 4 hours, cold and damp. Drive back to our hotel, then he races the next day. You can get the idea. Jeff raced about an hour, then pulled out, Just had nothing that day. Most of the Americans were way off the pace too. Six major races, one every week, that started in Germany back in May. It went Germany, Austria, Austria, Utah, Quebec and again in Quebec. That is the most grueling travel schedule we have ever raced. Jeff has 1 week off to recover and it was off to Vermont for the USA National Championship Race.

In the meantime, there wasn't any pictures this race. I pulled together a few European pics.

Planning out the next destination, in our hotel room in Austria.

Pictures above are from Austria, including a castle that was built in the 1200's, that they are reconstructing. The pictures below are from Luxemburg and Belgium.

SALSA CYCLES, Jeff Hall @ Mont St-Anne, Canada: World Cup #4 (6/23/07)

2007-12-02T18:09:00.000-08:00

Waiting for the racers call up to the line.

Start lap of the mens race.

Adam Craig: USA

53rd place, best World Cup finish of 2007, Mont St-Anne. Gathered 15 more UCI points. Gaining UCI points every race in the last 8 races.

Village of Perg, Austria

2007-11-26T15:02:00.000-08:00

A drive through Perg, Austria. While racing at Windhaag bei Perg, the week of 6/3/2007. We stayed in this village 8 days.

SALSA CYCLES, JEFF HALL @ Park City, Utah: NMBS # 4 (6/17/07)

2007-11-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

Melissa has a clean towel and cool water at the finish.Park City, Utah was the start of a final run at a strong finish to the NMBS racing. With a 10th place finish here, it showed the fitness that was needed. Only 5 seconds behind 6th place Todd Wells.

Olympic Long Team 2008

2007-11-22T19:53:00.001-08:00

Check out the Velo News link on my blog. Look at the Race Coverage / Nov. 21: Mountain Bike News & Notes, article for info on Olympics.

Thanksgiving Snow, Ya!

2007-11-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

20 degrees & flurries: the way Thanksgiving should be.

How's that for posting a snow picture a couple days earlier to have it delivered on Turkey Day.

Winter Thoughts

2007-11-19T16:35:00.000-08:00

SALSA CYCLES, JEFF HALL @ Laabentaltrophy 2007: Austria Cup at Brand-Laaben, Austria (6/10/07)

2007-11-18T22:36:00.000-08:00

A RECAP OF EUROPE AND SOME STATS ALONG THE WAY AROUND THE WORLD

2007-11-16T17:02:00.000-08:00

Howdy,

It's me again, I am looking at my notes in my log from the trip. We have been in Europe for 2 weeks so far on this race adventure. The trip started in Zurich, Switzerland, we drove right up to Offenburg, Germany the day we arrived. Spent the first 2 weeks in and around the Black Forest region for the World Cup in Offenburg. The roads and villages in that region were incredible. We were able to go on rides and I went on a few hikes in the forest. There was some logging going on and I also found some deer stands in the forest. On one hike I climbed up into a stand, it was about 20 feet high on the edge of a clear-cut. I ate lunch and enjoyed the view. The country inn we stayed at had wireless Internet, so we were able to communicate with our families back in the USA and race promoters in Austria. Just to put things into perspective, this trip and the trip to Belgium back in April, Jeff and I stayed in rather small villages. There was only one or two people in each of those villages that we had contact with, that could speak English. Each day was an adventure in itself. The situation made you realize how self sufficient you have to be in another parts of the world. You can't take things for granted!

All in all it was a pretty incredible experience to be over in Europe twice this summer. Jeff was representing the USA at all times whether he was riding his bike on a training ride in the country or racing at the different race venues. We drove about 950 kilometers on the Belgium trip, and 4000 kilometers the second trip. We were able to travel through Germany, Luxemburg, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria. Jeff raced at 4 races over there. Two World Cups, and two Austria Cups. He earned a 7th place and a 3rd place at the 2 Austria Cup races. Jeff earned 37 total UCI points in Europe, which goes toward his Olympic bid. It is now November, and Jeff has 130 UCI points for the year of 2007. That ranks him at 161 in the World and 8th American. In the USA National rankings, he was 13th in the series. At the USA National Championships, Jeff finished 9th. A very solid racing adventure year of 2007.

Mike

SALSA CYCLES, JEFF HALL @ Asvo Osterreich Grand Prix: Austria Cup at Windhaag bei Perg, Austria: UCI Level 1 (6/3/07)

2007-11-14T20:16:00.000-08:00

Howdy,

On the second weekend in Europe we find a race in Austria at the village of Windhaag bei Perg. It is a level E1 UCI race. Equal or above a USA National race. The race promoter is very pleased to have 2 Americans, Jeremiah Bishop, of Trek out of West Virginia is also registered. The race is loaded with top riders in the World Cup standings. For the womens race, the Chinese National Team shows up.

The race starts right in the middle of the Village. It drops into the local forest. The course is full of steep climbs and 2 vertical drops, one of which is between 2 huge boulders with a tiny opening. Very challenging!! Jeff had a good race with a 7th place finish. Jeremiah takes 3rd. Christoph Soukup of Austria wins. In the womens race a member of the Chinese Team wins. The award ceremony was very impressive, the whole village was there, including the Mayor.

A neat fact about the course was that it circled around an old castle in the forest. The castle was built in the 1200's. We went back up during the week after the race and Jeff used the course for training and I did some trail running.

The racing at this point is going very well, with Jeff picking up another 16 UCI points in Windhaag. That gives him 49 points in the last 3 races! He was moving up in the world.

Mike

SALSA CYCLES, Jeff Hall @ Offenburg, Germany: World Cup #2 (5/27/07)

2007-11-12T22:22:00.001-08:00

TEAM SALSA: Pro Mountain Bike Racer, Jeff Hall & Team Manager/Driver/Wrench/Travel Coordinator/Language Uninterpreter, Mike Hall. Spreckin sie English any-one, eh?

The plan: Fly into Zurich, Switzerland, drive into Germany. Race at Offenburg, the World Cup. Find a race somewhere in Europe on the 2nd week-end, to pickup UCI points, then race the World Cup at Champery, Switzerland. Come home, simple eh?

Raced at Offenburg in a total mud fest. Had a top 95 finish. This is good. Thousands of spectators braving the rain and mud. Bleachers full of fans in the middle of the woods eating brats and drinking beer in a pouring rain. Yelling as the racers slide, slip, sprint and ride by in the gumbo mud. The fans have a passion, there is no doubt. Biking in Europe is a true sport.

.

SALSA CYCLES, Jeff Hall @ Maplelag MTB Spring Opener: Callaway, Minnesota: UCI Level 2 Race (5/12/07)

2007-11-12T21:50:00.000-08:00

The great thing about sports, a chance to fight another day! 3 keys to a great turn-around, Family, Handle on allergies, no dust and Home turf! Jay Richards & Crew put on another excellent event. Course was challenging and it was in some real live woods, Minnesota Style.

It was a much needed win and along with it came 30 valuable UCI points. It was a great way to set up for the trip to Europe. It was good to have my family with at this race.

SALSA CYCLES, Jeff Hall @ Fontana, CA: NMBS #3 (5/5/07)

2007-11-12T21:01:00.000-08:00

I stayed out in California for the week, seeing that both Nationals were with-in a few hundred miles of each other. The plan was to drive up to Big Bear Lake in the mountains rent a cabin and train in the fresh alpine air for the week. My allergies were out of control down in the LA valley! Norm flew home to punch the clock for the week, then flew back out on Friday night. He got up to Big Bear about 2:00AM and slept in the rental car. After a quick breakfast we started down the mountain. This is the area of California that has all the wild fires. The mountain road is twisty, narrow and drops like a rock. Norm chased me down the mountain with his rental Chevy Cobalt and me in a Toyota 4Runner, good times!

Back to the mountain bike racing. This is the race that used to be the Big Bear Race but somehow it got shoved down into the LA basin, to a burb called Fontana. It is a big dusty foothill alongside a drainage channel, next to a strip mall, go figure, yippy!!

The race started out great with a first lap in the top 12 riders. The dust got to me after that and the rest was just survival, it sucked! Finished somewhere in the 30s'. Not what I needed, 2 dusty lousy races for me. The tickets were already purchased for my 2nd European World Cup trip. It didn't look good for the Team Salsa from Minnesota.

SALSA CYCLES, JEFF HALL @ Chamberlin Ranch: Los Olivios, CA: National Mountain Bike Series #2 (4/28/07)

2007-11-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

SALSA CYCLES, JEFF HALL at Houffalize, Belgium: World Cup #1 (4/22/07)

2007-11-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

SEA OTTER: Monterey, California (4/12-15/07)

2007-11-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

JEFF HALL WORLDS JOURNEY ON HIS SALSA CYCLES MOUNTAIN BIKES

2007-11-11T20:24:00.001-08:00

First USA National at Phoenix, Arizona: