It's a long haul from Salt Lake City to San Dimas, California but riding in a sprinter makes it much easier. I drove part of the way then relaxed with my feet up in the back the rest of the way. My friend from another team gave me a ride there and we took a break in St. George for a ride on Bear Claw. The next day we worked on bikes and pre-rode the xc course. The course had a few changes so it was good to pre-ride and see some of the new cut sections.

ESI grips sponsors the US Cup Race Series, so they get front row parking next to the start line. Gary & Maria (the owners of ESI) have become great friends and helped me a handful of times from getting a cool new line up of colors on my bars, to trimming and burning my helmet straps to keeping one of my bikes between these next two races!

What's a Jamis bike doing on the Kenda/Felt van?!

Bear Claw parking lot, St. George, Utah

Building Thomas' bike at the hotel in CA

New ESI grips!

Course preview, taken from the top of the course at Bonelli Park