Category: Cycling

Travel and Race: Leadville, CO

paschmann

This race has been on my bucket list since 2001 and I started racing MTB endurance events. After a long technical story on how I got an entry – thanks Jon, and a deferred year from 2025 to 2026, I eventually lined up on the start line in 2026.

Our trip started in Tuesday flying from Charlotte to Denver, then a 1.5 hour drive to Copper where we were staying until Sunday. After dropping our luggage at the house, and building our bikes we immediately drove another 35 mins up to Leadville to get in a short shakeout ride after the long day of travel. I quickly realized why this place is so special. Beautiful scenery, miles of trails and dirt roads and quirky people. read more

Race: 2026 – ORAMM

paschmann

A memorable edition of ORAMM in Old Fort, NC. Some torrential down pours the week before, morning of, and during the race made this one of the toughest ORAMM’s in the 5 years I have done the race. I also did not make the best choice in tires, while prepping for Leadville … the Aspen ST on the rear was basically a slick in the snotty, slick mud which made descending and climbing pretty tricky. In the end, made it back in one piece without any crashes (surprisingly) and had a tough, but great day!

Memorable Rides: Wilson Creek

paschmann

70 odd miles in Wilson creek in absolute deluge of rain …. without eye protection. Mistakes were made … I ended up stopping at the general store for any type of glasses, but nothing, Ole Betsy’s came through with some Minecraft kids glasses, but they were so clutch. he next 2 odd hours in the pouring rain was a joy after.

Race: 2026 70.3 Ironman Chattanooga

paschmann

Another year back in Chattanooga, I knew I wanted to come back after the swim leg of the triathlon was cancelled in 2025, and I really enjoyed the course and the city.

My mom and I arrived on Friday afternoon after a beautiful drive through the Appalachian mountains and a short stop at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. We stayed very close to the start/finish which was convenient since it was her first time attending an event like this. I stayed there the year before with Wes and it an absolutely prime location. Saturday after bike check in and info session I drove the bike course and did some sight seeing. We went up Lookout Mountain on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway (Steepest part is 75% gradient!) and had a short walk around Point Park. After multiple visits to Mellow Mushroom for carbs, race morning came pretty quick. read more