Brazen Cycleworks

Cycling Memories I have been a lot of places on bicycles and wanted to make a point of recording some of the memorable rides I have taken. In 2002 I took a 1 day tour, 80k from Empalme to Quepos. It was largely what we would call fire roads, but I got to see half of the country as we finished on the Pacific. It was about $40 for the organized bus that picked us up at 5am and got us back home around 2am. I don't know the local organizer as this was in 2002. Costa Rica has some stunning forests and vistas, and I have never experienced large rain drops than the ones there.   I rode a borrowed early rigid Specialized Stumpjumper that was one size too small.  I even borrowed shorts and used flat pedals and running shoes.  The equipment didn't matter, as it was a once in lifetime chance to ride with locals, ticos, and see the real 'Costa Rica'.   I headed to work at 6am the next day after 2 hours of rest with the biggest smile on my face and satisfaction...

El Tour de Tucson history for me and brother The results from are available from 1997.  I have no idea how to find early 90s finishes. 1997 111 mile route with 156 riders finishing under 5 hours 1998 111 mile route with 151   riders finishing under 5 hours 1999 111 mile route with 204 riders finishing under 5 hours 2000 111 mile route with 127 riders finishing under 5 hours PLACE  NAME SEX AGE TIME MPH  CITY, ST 178  ERIC BRANDT M 30 5:12:37 21.3 GILBERT, AZ 488  MARTIN BRANDT M 26 6:01:37 18.4 TUCSON, AZ   2001 113 mile route with 208 riders finishing under 5 hours 249  ERIC XX BRANDT M 31 5:05:08 21.8 GILBERT, AZ 2002 109 mile route with 332 riders finishing under 5 hours 362  MARTIN BRANDT M 28 5:06:43 TUCSON, AZ 728  ERIC BRAZEN BRANDT M 32 5:38:34 GILBERT, AZ 2003 109 mile route with 281 riders finishing under 5 hours 742  MARTIN BRANDT M 28 5:42:09 19.1 TUCSON, AZ 2004 111 mi...

I am 40.  I am dealing with it.  I raced a triathlon in October and got 4th in my Age Group.  Honestly, I wanted to race and finish in the top ten overall, I finished 21st.  My time was 1:11 and my goal was 1:09.  I realize I have some work to do to hold the aging at bay. When training for the 2006 Arizona Ironman , I was focused, driven and very happy.  My body weight was in 180s not the current 200s. I am registered to run the 20+ Ragnar Relay in 2011, but that is it. Not anymore.   I am dedicating my self to super fitness in 2011.  An that means chasing a goal I have had for over 18 years.  The Tour de Tucson is one of the country's largest century rides and I intend to capture their highest award, the Platnium award. I first did this ride in 1989.   It was on a mountain bike with a group of guys from the Cochise dorm. We were self supported, and riding together took 9:45.  The following year I us...