It's been a while since our last update. We've been busy. We've gotten in a lot of good training miles and have some news to share.

 

First up, Randy attended the 4 day Highline Hammer training camp. This is a select event, sponsored and hosted by Hammer Nutrition - one of Randy's personal sponsors. His report is posted in our news section. This was an important event as he gets ready for the World Solo 24hr Championships in just a few weeks in Canada.

 

 

Troupe also welcomes a new rider: Calvin Muusse. Calvin joins the team as our new junior rider and will racing in single day xc events. Look for him to do well as his experience level improves over time. Already, he's showing that he's got some great skills, and we're happy to have him join the ranks.

 

Finally, Troupe made it up to Running Springs for the second event of the Rim Nordic series. The conditions and course were perfect. Troupe rider Damon Mann had this to report:

 

This weekend marked the second race in the Rim Nordic. The course was set in the same area as the first race this past June, but do due rain the night before course conditions were supreme. The weather was ideal, with temperatures in the mid to high 70’s. The course ran on many of the same trails as the first race, but this time the distance was a little shorter at 7 miles with around 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

 

Troupe was well represented at the event with 4 riders in the sport class and our new junior rider Calvin joining us for his first cross country race. The sport class was set to do 2 laps today and the beginners were on course for one lap.

 

I [editor's note - Damon] was on the front of the line racing is the sport single speed class. The pack went out all bunched together and by the time we hit the first climb I was in 4th. The racing was tight and didn’t leave room for error by the time they got to the end of the hike a bike (for single speeders) I moved into 3rd. Lap one was finishing and 2nd place was in site. With the two of us together, the other rider missed a turn and I was able to pass and was trying to maintain the position. Lap 2 was coming to an end and with a quarter mile to go my chain popped off. I jumped off and fixed it, but there wasn’t enough time to catch back up and finished 3rd.

 

 

Next race for the Rim Nordic Series is on July 27th. This will be another big race, as it's part of the SoCal points series. Should be great, and we'll be ready for another battle at our favorite course!

 

Photos will be updated soon.