Edward D. Burress

update

2011-12-22T00:37:00.000-08:00

An updated write-up about my experiences with Crenicichla celidochilus can be found here.

However, it will be updated further in the near future!

E.D.B.

Brown Trout, Valle Crucis, NC

2011-12-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

Current Research

2011-10-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

My current research for my M.S. degree at Appalachian State University involves subtropical food web ecology. I am interested in resource use, predator-prey relationships, the roles of invertebrates as linkages between basal resources and fishes and the coevolution of form and function.

The first part of my research deals with the morphological and trophic divergence of theCrenicichla missioneira sp. complex (Cichlidae) endemic to the Rio Uruguay drainage. I am addressing morphological divergence using morphometrics of the jaws, lower pharyngeal and upper pharyngobranchial bones and trophic divergence using stomach content and stable isotope (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) analyses.

Crenicichla tendybaguassu Lucena & Kullander 1992

Crenicichla celidochilus Casciotta 1987

Additionally, my research deals with how invertebrates function as trophic links between basal resources (i.e. detritus, algae, macrophytes) and higher trophic level consumers. More specifically, I am interested in identifying invertebrate taxa that may be key in supporting fish biomass, integrate terrestrial-aquatic food webs, and influence downstream carbon transport.

Two key elements of my research are interests in diversity and function. I am interested in the possible roles of disruptive selection in initiating and maintaining divergence. I am investigating this possibility on a broad scale using highly successful groups (Characidae, Cichlidae, Cyprinidae, and Loricariidae).

Notropis rubellus (Cyprinidae)

Family and Friends

2011-10-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

Crenicichla celidochilus pair with fry

2011-09-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a big week in the fish room. I've been trying to breed these for about a year and a half.

Video of pair with fry.

9/4/2011 Crenicichla celidochilus spawn

2011-09-07T08:33:00.001-07:00

BWWA x GWWA nestlings

2011-06-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Female blue-winged Warbler incubating

Nest of blue-winged X golden-winged warblers

Field Work

2011-05-16T19:17:00.001-07:00

It's summertime again, which for me means working with golden-winged and blue winged warblers. All these photos are from Roan Mountain, TN.

Male golden-winged warbler

female blue-winged warbler

convincing him everything will be OK

Equipped with some new bling

Taking blood samples

E.D.B

Crenicichla minuano

2011-02-16T17:33:00.001-08:00

Geophagus brokopondo

2011-01-09T15:37:00.001-08:00

Crenicichla celidochilus cool-period: before and during

2011-01-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

Young female at 76º

During cool-period at 60º

not a bad place to live

2011-01-08T01:01:00.001-08:00

E.D.B.

In the Lab

2011-01-08T00:43:00.000-08:00

Caddisfly larvae (Philopotamidae)

Gymnogeophagus pharyngeal tooth plate
Leporinus cf. amae

Bryconamericus iheringie
Crenicichla minuano, minus a muscle sample
frozen Crenicichla celidochilus
frozen block of Crenicichla
Taking muscle samples

E.D.B.

The Crenicichla of Uruguay

2011-01-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

The following is a brief photolog of the eight pike cichlids (Crenicichla) found in Uruguay. The species are organized into their respective species-groups (per Kullander et al. 2010).

Southern Species Group

Crenicichla vittata: potentially the largest species of pike cichlid, they are endemic to the Rio Uruguay drainage. They are typically restricted to the Rio Uruguay but can be found in the lower portions of large tributaries.

Crenicichla scottii: Found in both the Rio Uruguay drainage and in the southern coastal drainages of Uruguay.

Crenicichla punctata: Found in eastern coastal drainages of Uruguay (and southern Brasil). Their distribution along the coast does not overlap with C. scottii.

saxatilis-Species Group

Crenicichla cf. lepidota: Found in the Rio Uruguay drainage (main river and tributaries). The relationship to true C. lepidota from Bolivia is uncertain.

Crenicichla cf. saxatilis: Found in the coastal drainages (southern and eastern) of Uruguay. The relationship to true C. saxatilis from Suriname is uncertain.

If interested, you can read a photo journal about the saxatilis-species group of Uruguay and see photographs of several different populations here.

missioneira-Species Group

This species-group is endemic to the Rio Uruguay drainage and closely related.

Crenicichla missioneira

Crenicichla minuano

C. missioneira (Left) and C. minuano (Right) are superficially similar, however they can be readily distinguished based on snout length and lower jaw protrusion.

Crenicichla tendybaguassu

C. tendybaguassu is also superficially similar in coloration and pattern to C. missioneira and C. minuano, however they can be distinguished by the well-developed lips.

Crenicichla celidochilus: Only found in middle and upper portions of tributaries to the middle and upper Rio Uruguay (in Uruguay and Brasil).

If interested, you can read a short write-up about C. celidochilus here.

E.D.B.

Underwater video of Crenicichla missioneira

2011-01-03T22:04:00.000-08:00

I shot this video in November 2010 in the Rio Cuareim. These adolescent Crenicichla missioneira were searching for invertebrates amongst the rocks.

E.D.B.

Underwater video of Characidium tenue

2011-01-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

I shot this video November 2010 in the Rio Cuareim. Characidium tenue were common amongst the rocks.

E.D.B.

Underwater video of Crenicichla tendybaguassu

2011-01-03T21:59:00.001-08:00

I shot this video November 2010 in the Rio Cuareim. C. tendybaguassu has not been officially documented in Uruguay.

E.D.B.

Underwater video of Gymnogeophagus aff. meridionalis foraging

2011-01-03T21:45:00.000-08:00

I shot this video March 2010 in Arroyo de la Invernada (the headwaters of the Rio Cuareim). G. meridionalis occur in the Rio Uruguay and in the lower and middle Rio Cuareim, but here in the headwaters there appears to be a transition to a different species (so I refer to them as G. aff. meridionalis).

To compare, you can view the true G. meridionalis in the lower Rio Cuareim here

E.D.B.

Underwater video of Australoheros facetus with fry

2011-01-03T21:42:00.000-08:00

I shot this video November 2010 in Arroyo Catalancito (a tributary to the Rio Cuareim). Australoheros were breeding frequently, throughout the north of Uruguay. They appear to be dedicated parents, some pairs were tending 1.5cm fry.

E.D.B.

Underwater video of Gymnogeophagys cf. gymnogenys pair with eggs

2011-01-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

I shot this video November 2010 in the Rio Cuareim. The pair were tending eggs laid on a rock, near the bank in 30cm of water. Over the course of an hour the female buried the eggs in sediment/silt. The male left and the female periodically came back to check on the clutch.

E.D.B.

Underwater video of Gymnogeophagus meridionalis pair

2011-01-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

I shot this video November 2010 in the Rio Cuareim. The pair were defending wrigglers that were in a pit in the sediment, near a large stump. They were near the bank, where the water was 40cm deep. Gymnogeophagus cf. gymnogenys and Australoheros facetus were also breeding nearby.

E.D.B.

Macroinvertebrates of the Rio Cuareim, Uruguay

2010-12-31T14:22:00.003-08:00

Megaloptera

Corydalidae

Coleoptera (beetles)

Dytiscidae (adult)

Hydrophilidae (larvae)

Trichoptera (caddisflies)

Hydropsychidae

This particular species is predatory and do not appear to rely heavily on a retreat. I was able to observed one predating a Leptophlebiid larvae on the underside of a rock. Similar behavior was easily observed in collection jars. They are very common in riffles in the headwaters.

Polycentropodidae

Ephemeroptera (mayflies)

Leptophlebiidae

Odonata (dragonflies)

Dragonfly larvae were not abundant. I collected a single individual of three different families.

Heteroptera

Naucoridae

Decapoda (shrimp and crabs)

Aeglidae (Aegla sp.)

Aegla are probably the dominant invertebrates in the Rio Cuareim (and all of Uruguay). Juveniles are common in riffles and adults can be found in rocky bank zones. Carapace color is highly variable, ranging from green to rusty brown.

Trichodactylidae

While seemingly not as abundant as Aegla, Trichodactylidae are common along rocky bank zones and are readily collected at night.

Not pictured: Aeshnidae (Odonata), a very small Ephemeroptera, a small Plecoptera, a huge Belostomatidae, multiple mussels and invasive clams.

E.D.B.

Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica)

2010-12-29T22:50:00.000-08:00

E.D.B.

Crenicichla saxatilis species-group of Uruguay

2010-12-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

This is a photolog of the Crenicichla saxatilis species-group of Uruguay. The relationships of these species to Crenicichla lepidota (from Rio Guapore, Bolivia) and Crenicichla saxatilis (from Suriname) is unknown. However, the Uruguayan "saxatilis" can be split into two groups according to geographic locality. Herein, I refer to the Rio Uruguay drainage fishes as C. cf. lepidota and the coastal drainage fishes as C. cf. saxatilis. The middle Rio Uruguay-drainage populations display red dorsal stripes (sometimes two) in females (e.g. Rio Uruguay, Rio Cuareim) while the lower Rio Uruguay populations display purple dorsal stripes in females (e.g. Rio Yi). All Rio Uruguay drainage fishes display 10-12 transversal bars. In contrast, the coastal populations display white dorsal stripes in females (e.g. Arroyo India Muerta, Arroyo las Pavas) and display 7-8 transversal bars.

Crenicichla cf. lepidota "Rio Uruguay"

Crenicichla cf. lepidota "Canada de Sauce"
Crenicichla cf. lepidota "Arroyo de la Invernada"
Crenicichla cf. lepidota "Rio Yi"
Crenicichla cf. saxatilis "Arroyo India Muerta"

Crenicichla cf. saxatilis "Arroyo el Tigre"
Crenicichla cf saxatilis "Arroyo las Pavas"

E.D.B.

Fishes of the genus Gymnogeophagus

2010-12-28T22:38:00.000-08:00

Gymnogeophagus are the dominant cichlid fish of Uruguay, along with Crenicichla. Below is a photolog of the described species and potential undescribed species of Uruguay.

Gymnogeophagus balzanii "Rio Uruguay"

RHABDOTUS SPECIES GROUP

Described species: G. rhabdotus, found in the west of Uruguay (e.g. Velazquez) and G. meridionalis, found in the Rio Uruguay near Bella Union, and major tributaries (e.g. Rio Cuareim).

Undescribed species: G. ex-meridionalis, found in the south of Uruguay (e.g. Rio Santa Lucia, Arroyo Sarandi) and G. cf. meridionalis, found in the northwest of Uruguay, in headwater streams of Rio Uruguay tributaries (e.g. upper Rio Cuareim, Arroyo de la Invernada). Some will say there are more (e.g. G. sp. "blue neon" which in my opinion are a nice population of G. rhabdotus).

Gymnogeophagus cf. meridionalis "Arroyo de la Invernada"

Gymnogeophagus meridionalis "Rio Uruguay"

Gymnogeophagus meridionalis "Rio Cuareim"
Gymnogeophagus ex-meridionalis "Arroyo Sarandi"
Gymnogeophagus ex-meridionalis "Rio Santa Lucia"
Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus "Arroyo India Muerta"

Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus "Velazquez"

GYMNOGENYS SPECIES GROUP

Described species: G. labiatus, found in the west of Uruguay and G. gymnogenys, found all over of Uruguay).

Undescribed species: There are three forms (in my opinion of course), G. aff. gymnogenys from the Rio Santa Lucia drainage (e.g. Rio Santa Lucia, Aguas Blancas, Arroyo Campanero Grande) which can be identified by the dorsal coloration (anteriorly yellow, red posteriorly) and G. aff. gymnogenys from the northwest of Uruguay (e.g. Rio Cuaro, Tres Cruces, Rio Cuareim, Catalan Grande) which have enlarged lips and shallower head profiles. The third is from the west of Uruguay which have completely red dorsal fins. I think the later are probably the "real" G. gymnogenys. Some will say there are more undescribed spp.

Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys "Arroyo de la Invernada"
Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys "Rio Cuareim"

Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys "Rio Santa Lucia"
Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys "Campanero Chico"
Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys "Campanero Grande"

Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys "Aquas Blancas"

Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys "Arroyo India Muerta"

Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys "Laguna de Arnaud"

Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys "El Tigre"
Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys "Arroyo Valentin"
Gymnogeophagus labiatus "El Tigre"

Gymnogeophagus labiatus "Arroyo las Pavas"

Gymnogeophagus labiatus "Laguna de Arnaud"
Gymnogeophagus tiraparae "Rio Yi"
The only described Uruguayan Gymnogeophagus species not pictured herein is G. australis.

E.D.B.

Crenicichla tendybaguassu

2010-12-28T22:13:00.000-08:00

Natural habitat (Rio Cuareim, Uruguay)

Female

Male

E.D.B.

Brief notes on Crenicichla celidochilus

2010-12-27T00:22:00.001-08:00

Natural Habitat

Rio Cuareim

Arroyo de la Invernada

In the wild...

female

male

In captivity (76º)

In captivity (60º)

Pair with fry

female with fry

fry

Video of family here

Crenicichla celidochilus, one of my favorite fish, is a headwater species from tributaries to the upper and middle Rio Uruguay. Their conspecific aggression is immense, but beyond a general dislike of other pikes as company, they are quite tolerant of other taxa (e.g. Gymnogeophagus). Their "lip spots" give them a very interesting (and of unknown function) ecological feature. They're one of the most colorful species found in the Rio Uruguay drainage (maybe some Gymnogeophagus and Leporinus amae are comparable). They have a strong affinity for rocky habitats, and also prefer habitat with a lot of heterogeneity (mixtures of pools and riffles). Specifically, they seem particularly fond of "dead" zones among fast flowing riffles and deep pools with rocky ledges or outcropping. Females are more colorful, with bright orange/red abdomen and red tint in the lips. Males can display an orange/red blaze down the flank, but is much more modest than females and more reminiscent of a "stripe" in contrast to females which entire flanks and abdomen can be brightly colored. Females also typically have more coloration in the dorsal, which can include orange-red-pink highlights and few iridescent spotting posteriorly. Juveniles of both sexes can possess a dorsal occelli (spot). Both sexes grow to 21-22cm in the wild. Specimen in "breeding coloration" of 15+cm can be observed in the wild, suggesting they reach maturity around that size. Indeed, my breeding pair spawned at 15 15 cm. In the wild, they are typically found alongside Crenicichla missioneira and Crenicichla minuano, and other rock-loving species such as Leporinus amae and Apareidon affinis. Despite their ill temperament, they can be kept in conspecific groups (of similar size!) Felipe Cantera once suggested they be within 6 cm of one another to coexist, and I've stuck strictly by that wisdom. It has been my experience that conspecific aggression is greater than interspecific. Furthermore, aggression seems to dwindle with age. I have a group of 5 that were raised together and they are now full-grown and coexist peacefully, but a strict hierarchy is well respected. Crenicichla minuano also make suitable company and are extremely intriguing in their own right. In any mixture... caves, caves, and more caves is the best strategy for successful husbandry. I often use large rocks across the substrate and the pikes dig their own network of caves. A driftwood tangle or 'stump' on one side, can offer additional or "less preferred" structure for sub-dominant individuals if they need refuge.

My journey with this species started in 2008. I have collected in the Rio Cuareim basin four times and currently keep 10 adults. A detailed article discussion of the diet of Crenicichla celidochilus (among other species) can be viewed here.

Saludos,

E.D.B.

Field Work in Uruguay

2010-10-04T17:56:00.001-07:00

Field Work in North Carolina, United States

2010-10-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

Banding and Taking Blood Samples from Golden-winged Warblers

Swabbing Salamanders for Chytrid Fungus

Crenicichla celidochilus

2010-09-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

pair of Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)

2010-06-30T10:04:00.001-07:00

Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica)

2010-06-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) Breeding in Western North Carolina (Species of Concern)

2010-06-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

May 13, 2010

May 18, 2010
May 20, 2010
May 26, 2010
June 1, 2010

June 6, 2010

June 9, 2010
June 12, 2010

birds from Uruguay and Brasil

2010-04-04T13:06:00.001-07:00

dead of winter

2010-02-12T15:34:00.001-08:00

Shots from Uruguay

2009-12-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

Birds

Mammals

Amphibians

Reptiles

In their new tank...

2009-12-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

Crenicichla saxatilis male

2009-12-18T14:23:00.000-08:00

Crenicichla saxatilis, female

2009-12-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

pair of flying squirrels on my bird feeder

2009-12-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

Crenicichla saxatilis "Arroyo India Muerta"

2009-12-02T12:14:00.001-08:00

We caught three pairs of Crenicichla saxatilis in the Arroyo India Muerta, with all three pairs the male and female were caught together in the same trap, bated with Astyanax sp. tetra.

Type locality

Pair #1: male

female
Arroyo India Muerta
Type locality
Pair #2: male
female
Pair #3: male
female

Collecting in Uruguay

2009-12-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

Crenicichla celidochilus

2009-11-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

Crenicichla celidochilus

2009-11-02T08:28:00.001-08:00

Desmognathus quadramaculatus, Blackbelly Salamander

2009-10-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is one of the lighter ones I've caught, usually they are a little darker in North Carolina with a chestnut pattern over a dark dorsum, but this guy has a lighter coloration that blends in nicely with the lichens on the stone. It was about 14cm.

Juvenile coloration and patterning, at 6cm.

Eurycea wilderae (Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamander

2009-10-21T10:40:00.001-07:00

The variation of Desmognathus ochrophaeus (Mountain Dusky Salamander)

2009-10-19T15:17:00.001-07:00

All sympatric forms of Desmognathus ochrophaeus in western North Carolina.

Defining characters:

-naso-labial groove

-hind legs larger than front

-band running from posterior of eye to posterior of jaw

-round tail

Dark-bellied form

Dark bellied with orange tail (juvenile)
dark bellied with orange tail (adult)

Red-backed form

Mottled form

Pale form

Larval pattern

Desmognathus quadramaculatus (Black-bellied Salamander)

2009-10-19T15:13:00.001-07:00

Plethodon jordani (Metcalf variation)

2009-10-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

More Salamanders

2009-10-12T12:55:00.001-07:00

Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)

Northern Two-Lined Salamander (Eurycea bislineata)

Eurycea wilderae and Eurycea cirrigera

2009-10-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

Blue Ridge Two-Lined Salamander (Eurycea wilderae)

Southern Two-Lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera)

Herping: Snakes, Frogs, Salamanders, Turtles

2009-10-06T06:11:00.000-07:00

Canebreak Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus)

Don't step on this guy!
Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus gryllus)
Southern Toad (Bufo terrestris)
Nice poison glands

Bronze Frog (Rana clamitans)
Spade-foot Frog (Scaphiopus holbrookii)
Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamander (Eurcycea wilderae)
Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
Black-bellied Salamander (Desmognathus quadramaculatus)
Dusky Salamander (Plethodon orestes)
Plethodon dunni
Plethodon elongatus
Notophthalmus viridescens - adult aquatic stage

Notophthalmus viridescens - terrestrial eft stage
Seal Salamander (Desmognathus monticola)
Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum)

Three-lined Salamander (Eucycea longicauda guttolineata)

Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon baurii)

random shots from Uruguay

2009-09-07T18:33:00.001-07:00

Fishing for Dorado on the Rio Uruguay (L to R: guide, Trevor, me, Matt)
Male Ancistrus from Aguas Blancas
10" Crenicichla scottii, not a bad catch for a 18" hand net
Iglas sp.
Frog from Paso Pache
Examining the seine at Paso Pache (L me, R Felipe Cantera)
Collecting juvenile Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus in Aquas Blancas
Me and Felipe Cantera in the Airport of Montevideo

Diadophis punctatus (Linnaeus, 1766)

2009-08-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

my new project: Crenicichla celidochilus

2009-08-03T23:12:00.001-07:00

After almost 60 hours in a bag, these three guys made it to NC from Uruguay.

Floating in their quarantine tank, minimal setup so it's easy to keep clean. I had a huge issue with external parasites (Ich) with the fish I brought home from Uruguay last December, so the pump runs a UV sterilizer to eliminate that problem. Simple sponge filter, no heater. Change 25% of the water everyday. Parameters: pH 7.2, TDS: 69 micro siemens, temp: 78* (only while in quarantine, then lower, 70-72* range). No chemical parasite treatment, only salt.

In Uruguay it was 10 degrees celcius, and in those conditions they do not eat, so these guys are quite thin, but very healthy. They get live black worms everyday, and already accept vegi-flakes, but no interest in pellets yet.

These pictures are from the day after their arrival, so they are ragged and stressed out still, but are settling in well, and fattening up too.

I imported three (7-9cm), hopefully one of them is a male that this female will fancy. I brought her back from Uruguay last December. She is 14cm, so it will be 3-4 months before the others can be put with her. They have some growing to do first, otherwise she might view them as lunch instead of potential mates.

In the wild they grow to 22cm, and are only found in the Rio Cuareim, that forms the border between Uruguay and Brazil, and a few of its tributaries.

They are in quarantine for 4 weeks, then into a 180g tank. I'll do an update on that, in the mean time this will have to do. Maybe with a little luck and cooperation, I can be only the third person to breed them in captivity.

cheers,

long overdue update: some wildlife pics

2009-08-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

Notothalmus viridescens, Wildcat Lake, Bannerl Elk NC

Crenicichla celidochilus female, 14cm. I brought two (m/f) of these back from Uruguay at 8cm last December, I just imported three more (7-9cm). They are my new project, only two people have bred them in captivity. They are found only in the Rio Cuareim drainage, that forms the border between Uruguay and Brazil.

Tyrannus savana, forked-tail flycatcher, Artigas, northern Uruguay

Geophagus sp. "Tapajos Orange Head" male, 16.5cm

Satanoperca leucostica female, 15.5 cm

the long drive from NC to Colorado

2009-05-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

Some choice shots from the Mill Pond

2009-03-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

above: female Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
Above and below: Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Female Mallard preening with maybe a little scratching
Male Mallard Duck
Fishing male Mallard Ducks

Variety pack

2009-02-11T23:14:00.000-08:00

Above: Thuglife, we've been playing intramural basketball, currently #1 seed with 6-2 record. Unfortunately it gets pretty serious haha, but it's a lot of fun. We could probably give out actual basketball team a good run, literally.

Below: A chavito, the only way I survived Uruguay, it's their version of a cheeseburger. It has a strip of steak, a strip of ham, egg, bacon and cheese on it. Absolutely amazing!
This was in downtown Montevideo, outside of a bank. This guard was just chilling with an assault rifle right out on the sidewalk. Pretty intense!
My little cousin, posing with one of my fish tanks.
All those tiny specks are 20 dollar bills.
The Burress family has been growing quite a bit.
Their papa.
Sweet seat!
This is the 6th one of these I've broken on the mtb, none quite as significantly as this, I wasn't messing around I guess. Somehow, I managed not to crash and luckily I wasn't too far from school. I don't fully understand how the leather cover ripped so perfectly?

Annabelle, chillin' by the fireplace, she's the most cold-natured dog I've ever known.

Photos from Uruguay, crash course in aquatic and avifauna

2008-12-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

above: a cowbird (brood parasite) being fed by its foster mother, a Hornero (Furnarius rufus)

below: Great White Heron on the Rio Uruguay
Below: Rhea, very common in the north of the country, near the border with Brazil
Cabeçita negra (Chloris magellanicus) male
Juvenile Pirañha
male Gymnogeophagus sp. "san borja" from the Rio Yi
Rio Yi, department of Duranzo, central Uruguay
Gymnogeophagus sp. "paso pache II" (ex-meridionalis) male
unidentified frog
The massive Rio Uruguay, along the border of Uruguay and Argentina
Gymnogeophagus balzanii pair, male above, female below
Green Hoplias sporting some wicked teeth
A huge Pirañha
Forked-tail Flycatcher (Tyrannus savanna) male
Churrinche (Pyrrhocephalus rubinus) male
Rio Masedo, every stone in this river is a geode! The locals refer to it as the Rincon de Pache ("river of jewels")
Rio Cuaro
Corydoras cf. paleatus "rio cuaro high dorsal"
Rio Cuareim, department of Artigas, northern Uruguay. Uruguay is the right bank, Brazil is the left bank
Juvenile Crenicichla celidochilus, the rarest pike cichlid in the world, only inhabiting the Rio Cuareim
Rio Cuareim
Crenicichla scotti from Aquas Blancas in the south east region of Uruguay
Great Blue Heron, on the Rio Uruguay
Dorado fishing on the Rio Uruguay

Hola from Uruguay

2008-12-09T15:19:00.001-08:00

Well I am chilling in Salto, Uruguay. Amazingly enough our hotel has wireless internet. The connection isn't good enough to add pictures, but as soon as I get home in 5 days I'll throw some up. Today I caught like a dozen Piranha! and a 6 year old Uruguayan kid helped me haha. Alright, until next time

yep

2008-12-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I am chilling in the Miami Int'l airport. I got here at 3 p.m. and my flight doesn't leave until 10:10 p.m. So, needless to say I have a tremendous amount of time to kill. I am going to Uruguay for my biology internship, studying aquatic ecology. It's my first trip outside of the US and also, this is the first time I have ever flown without my bike!

Winter cometh

2008-11-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

View of my dorm from the top of the sledding hill, the expert sledding hill that is.
the roads were not so conducive to cycling, or walking for that matter, nothing like some sledding-cross training.
Michelle and I, post-sledding. Needless to say it was cold, 12 degrees-ish

more bird watching...

2008-11-13T21:11:00.000-08:00

Another poor quality shot, because this guy was on the opposite side of a pond, roughly 75m away. I got an ID on him, turns out it is a Rusty Blackbird, supposedly a rare find in the highlands now. Their population has declined 90%. We observed a family group of 10-12 at Valle Crucis Park

I took a quick trip home on sunday and took the opportunity to do some bird watching in a different area, so we dropped by Bent Creek Experimental forest. I think it was the first time I've ever been there without my mountain bike. Here is a shot of lake Powhatan, which turned out to be a nice spot for water fowl.
Pied billed Grebe
Bufflehead pair (female left, male right)

Bird Watching

2008-11-08T15:19:00.000-08:00

We spotted these White-tailed deer while in route, I shot this picture out of the window in my truck.
The sunset at Valle Crucis Park.
The park has a nice pond with mudbanks and cattails which makes a great habitat for migrating and wintering shore birds.
We spooked these Red Winged Blackbirds out of the corn field and into these Black Cherry trees, the flock was 75-100 birds.
Red Shouldered Hawk, also seen in route, picture was taken through the window of my truck.
This little guy was the highlight of the trip, a Wilson's Snipe, not common but they do winter here. He was probably 50m away, this picture was zoomed in 15x on my camera and then cropped extensively to get this poor quality shot. You couldn't see him with the naked eye but I spotted him through the binoculars. I was mesmerized by him for at least 20 minutes haha.
We saw quite a few species, but taking even poor quality shots is difficult, thus the relative few pictures I came away with. Valle Crucis Park is actually a great place to go bird watching, if you're into that sort of thing, collectively we've seen over 40 species there in Ornithology lab.

Bass Lake

2008-11-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

In Ornithology, we have to do bird observations in the field, so we cruised over the Bass Lake, off of 221, near Blowing Rock.
Bass Lake is a protected area, primarily due to the water fowl that reside there

American Robin chilling in an Eastern Hemlock
Mallard
Wood Ducks
so studious
the sunset was nice later in the evening

recent happenings

2008-11-03T16:33:00.000-08:00

You'd have to go back quite a way to find a cycling related post, but here are some updates.
I got a new handlebar, Bontrager Race X lite riser. I had to cut my old grips off, and per Michelle's suggestion I went with the pink bar tape. It clashes pretty badly but I sorta dig it. I started base training November 1, so I'm three days in and it feels really good to be back into a routine and back to "training" instead of just riding. I am sure i'll have more updates to follow.
Contemplating studying is a nice way to pass some time around the dorm. In Ornithology we're covering the bird skeleton and feathers... tough stuff.
My Geophagus sp. "tapajós orange head" finally had babies again, that's $400 worth of infant fishes swimming around in there. I haven't been able to raise any yet but this batch seems to be doing very well so far. As far as I could count, there are about 30 of them, approx. 2 weeks old.

variety pack

2008-10-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

In Ecology, we put out 19 rodent traps on our plot. We snagged this little dude, a Red Backed Vole, he is about the size (and shape) of a golf ball.
He's a little shy for his photo shoot... how is it possible to be that round?

Personally, I was scared of the little guy but Michelle picked him up for a good head shot. He was tame, I am not sure whether it was due to his natural disposition or just the fact that he was really cold from a long night in a tin box.

A shot of the sunrise on our plot for Ecology.
This Garter Snake was trying to bask in the sun on a 50 degree day, not too productive. I am glad I am not an Ectotherm.
Annabelle came to BE for a few days and stayed with me and dub in the dorm room. Luckily she's like a little SS soldier, so no one was ever the wiser.
C-dub and belle chillin in the room.

just a shout out

2008-10-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

I got the new Rise Against cd a few weeks ago, "appeal to reason". It shot to my number 1 most played on itunes in like 12 days, it's amazing. Everyone should check it out, they're a great band with great lyrics that carry a great message. Give it a listen!

just a few more

2008-10-16T18:15:00.001-07:00

i couldn't get this one to rotate, but you get the idea... tourist-style

Linn Cove and Tanawha Trails: doin da tourist thang

2008-10-15T17:52:00.001-07:00

good times

2008-10-10T23:36:00.001-07:00

carson and eric "jens" chillaxing in the room
still get better looking everyday
carson invented a new sleeping strategy, i think it is still a work in progress, version two will probably be available early 2009. compatible for gAngstA, not pc or mac
pasta everyday for the most part.

The semester is rolling along, classes are aight, allergies suck, cycling is fun, it's my favorite month, life is good. I saw Atmosphere in concert tuesday, he is really good live and makes good music. More pics and stuff to come,

Just some pics of what's been going on

2008-09-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

In Ecology, we've been working on a project down at the Field Station (pictured above). My plot of land is about a kilometer up the side of the mountain. We have to identify the trees, plants, flowers, birds, invertebrates, salamanders, etc. that are within our 50 x 50m plot. So here are some pictures of the initial sampling.
Lots of Brook Crayfish walking around in the creek. Most were just 2cm, but the one pictured above was a beast, 5cm.

So far, we have Seal Salamander, Black Bellied Salamander and Mountain Dusky Salamander.

And here is me back at home hiking with my sidekick Annabelle and my little niece Bailey.

back to the grind

2008-08-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it hasn't rained more than a few drops for 3 months. I get to Banner Elk, and we get a huge wave of precipitation from the hurricane. It literally rained 36 hours without stopping. But me and Carson got the mountain bikes out and brushed up the technical skills on our course while it was nice and glacial. Actually, it wasn't bad at all, it turned out to be a blast.

The standard "first day of classes are a joke" is over with no punch line. I actually had to take notes in three of my classes on the first day haha. At least they don't give you any hope from the gun. My course schedule looks good though: Ornithology, Principles of Ecology, World Religion and Beginning Painting. Should be a good mix of everything: difficult, easy, stressful, relaxing, all wrapped into one semester.

It's different knowing this is my last semester, I guess last year I knew I would be back. It seems like I should put out the extra effort to enjoy my time here as it winds down. But, this is two straight text-only posts, and I know that's weak, so I'll make sure and get some pictures up next time,

Olympics: In Review

2008-08-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here is my take on the Olympics, I actually watched a tremendous amount of it surprisingly and found it very interesting.

Most Memorable Performances

1. Phelps collective effort

2. Nastia Liukin all-around Gold in Gymnastics, Silver in uneven bars

3. May/Walsh Gold in Beach Volleyball

4. Rogers/Daulhauser Gold in Beach Volleyball

5. Shana Johnson Gold in Beam and Silver in all-around, Gymnastics

6. Usain Bolt in 100m and 200m, Track

7. Jason Lezak anchor leg in 4x100 free relay

8. Jonathon Horton on High Bar, Gymnastics

9. Yelena Isinbayeva Gold and new WR in women's pole Vault

10. Dara Torres winning medals at 41

Honorable Mention

-Walter Dix in 100m and 200m, Track

-USA men's and women's Water Polo

Most Disappointing Performances

1. Lolo Jones in women's 110 Hurdles

2. Tyson Gay in 100m and 4x100 relay

3. Bernard Legot in men's 1500m

4. Liu Xiang in men's 110 hurdles

5. Abubacher Kaki in men's 800m

6. Paolo Bettini in men's Road Race, Cycling

TDF month aka July

2008-07-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Not a lot has been going on lately. Been riding a lot, sucks cause its been like a million degrees everyday but it has done wonders for the tan lines haha. I guess school starts in 4 weeks, I am not sure what I think about that, I am kind of looking forward to it but also kind of scared about starting my last semester.

The TDF is wrapping up this weekend. I am gonna go ahead and say that Cadel Evans will rip the yellows jersey off of Sastre in the TT by the 30k mark. You heard it here. I also think Vandevelde will win the TT.

Well that's about it, I'll try and have something sweet for next time

random

2008-07-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

True love, Broad-headed Lizard style

My sidekick, taking a nap in the truck.
"when i grow up i wanna be a caterpillar" -Ralph Wigham
I just though this image was cool.

Graduate Research on how this guys brain works?

2008-07-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

So I am applying to Graduate school, or will be soon. After a stint in Psychology at Lees McRae I have decided to go into a Biology program. It's sort of strange having to decide what to do research on, research that will last the next 6-7 years of my life haha. But it is also exciting at the same time. I want to go into animal behavior research, so maybe fish? I am not sure, but probably. They were the first vertebrates on our planet so surely they are interesting enough haha. In December I am going to Uruguay to collect some wild fish to use for my research next year when I start in a grad program. I have a particular destination of preference but I suppose I will withhold that until it is a done deal. I mainly want to research species recognition, mate selection, and maybe some genetic work on species boundaries. All with South American fishes,of the genera Geophagus and Gymnogeophagus. But, long run I am fairly settled on being a professor. The next step is the GRE so we'll see how that goes, and go from there.

the new ride...

2008-07-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

Well it isn't "new" per say, I've had the frameset since 2002 but its been my TT bike. I just switched all of my sram stuff off of my BMC onto the Giant. 15.8 lbs as pictured above, race ready. The crank bros quattros, aluminum bars and seat post are killing the weight but I am done with carbon bars and seat posts, so I'll live with it. It's still over a pound lighter than the BMC.

This is pic is training style, rocking the powertap. I was pleasantly surprised that it still functions haha.
It's weird being back on compact geometry but no complaints, ten times better ride than the BMC and I'm a fan of the "blacked out" look.

Not a whole lotta lotta update

2008-07-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Me and my hiking buddy chillin' on Roan Mountain. Not the best place for dogs to hike because there is no water and no shade. But luckily she is a baller and luckily I carried like 3 bottles of water for her haha.

I've just been riding a bit, studying a bit, and doing a lot of nothing in between. I get to take the GRE soon how exciting is that? I can barely contain myself.

Ohh and since I am a wanna-be biologist I should tell you to check out that Sorbus aucuparia behind us in the picture (the Mountain Ash). Til next time,

Hike at Roan Mountain for Appalachian Ecology

2008-06-06T14:59:00.001-07:00

Black Berries are actually threatening the "grassy bald habitat" on top of Roan Mountain. A project is actually underway to bring in Angora Goats to help control the black berry and keep it from over growing the bald.
A close up of Rock Tripe, it is edible but a little too spongey for my taste.
Rock Tripe growing on a rock in the understory of a Spruce-Fir Forest.
False Hellebore is a common plant, albeit one that looks slightly out of place, on top of Roan Mountain.
Roan Mountain Bluet is a very distinctive small flower.
Patches of Blue Berry are also common, scattered throughout the "grassy bald".
Close-up of a bud on a Blue Berry bush.
A shot of the Blue Berry leaves.
A "grassy bald" on Roan Mountain.
Round Bald, elevation 5826 feet.
The side of grandfather, showing the merger of "High Elevation Deciduous Forest" (light green) and "Spruce Fir Forest" (dark green).
The understory of a "Spruce Fir Forest" is made up of nothing but "duff" which is a mixture of pine needle debris.
Green Alder, a relict of ice ages. Roan Mountain supports an isolated population of this plant, which otherwise is only found in the northern most Appalachians, in and around Vermont.
The most distinctive most of the understory, within a thinner forest, such as were the deciduous and Spruce Fir forests converge. Here, the moss is sending off spore stalks.
In this forest, moss dominates the understory and covers everything.
Three different types of lichen share residence on a rock.
Life is pretty tough at 6,000 ft.
A few shots of the view from Roan Mountain.

This was one of my favorite hikes. My Appalachian Ecology class is over now, so I will have to come up with more things to post, until then,

Hike at Beech Creek Bog for Appalachian Ecology

2008-06-05T15:05:00.001-07:00

Beech Creek Bog is located on the northward slope of Beech Mountain. Sphagnum Moss forms mounds that are raised, which allow other plants to grow on top of them, that would not otherwise grow in a bog (in this case Rose Bay Rhododendron, such situations allow the plants to grow but they are typically stunted). These Mounds are called a Humic.
Close up of Sphagnum Moss, a good indicator of a bog habitat.
Cinnamon Fern is also common in wetland areas. It gets its name from the spore stalks, resembling cinnamon.
Here is the Beech Creek, it does not directly feed the bog, making it a "true" bog, which is fed by ground water.
Beaver Pond further down Beech Creek.
Effective little chain saws ehh?
If you walk upslope, out of the bog you enter a "mixed oak forest" where the shrub layer is largely made up of only three plants: May Apple, Hay Scented Fern and a species of thin Grass.

A few more pictures...

Hike in Linville Gorge Wilderness for Appalachian Ecology

2008-06-04T11:29:00.001-07:00

Without doubt, the Linville River offers some premier rock hoppin' terrain.
This one is for Sarah (because it is the best and most beautiful haha). Amazing view of the Linville River Gorge and "table top" in the background. Looks like a postcard ehh?
Postcard shot number 2, same scene, different viewing angle.
Eastern Hemlock that has died either from Pine Bore Beetle infestation or Wooly Adelgid infestation. It is shedding its bark significantly. Good thing mom wasn't there to see the bark or I would have been carrying it to our backyard.
Some fry in the edge of the Linville River, probably Trout. There is a good amount of sediment in this river since there are so many roads that cross it, such as 221 and 105.
Dr. Skeate's dog "Buck Eye" fetching sticks on the river. Wasn't too effective but very entertaining.

Only two hikes left, but more pictures to come...

Hike at Big Yellow Mountain for Appalachian Ecology

2008-06-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

The bald at the summit of Big Yellow Mountain, elevation 4,535 ft. Grandfather Mountain in the background.
Another angle of the bald, the trail cutting through is the AT. The "natural" tree line is very abrupt. The forest here is a high elevation deciduous forest, with surprisingly few evergreens, and mostly Yellow Birch and Beech, with the occasionaly Northern Red Oak and Ash. The bald is thought to of been formed either by glaciers, or by the once common Elk which would of kept it from growing up. The open field is now managed and the land is leased so that cattle can be kept here to keep the bald from growing in.
"Dwarf Beech Forest" Along the ridge of Big Yellow Mountain, thick forests of Beech are abundant. However, these trees that are probably hundreds of years old never grow more than 3-5" thick and 20 feet tall due to the temperature and high wind. Just a few hundred yards down the side of the mountain, the same trees are 30" thick.
American Bird Grasshopper (Schistocerca americana). Can't tell from the photo but this guy was about 4" long. A true beast.

Hike at Wilson Creek for Appalachian Ecology

2008-06-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Little Lost Cove Creek. "Hunt Fish Falls" and following swimming hole.
The local "hot spot" for chillin' purposes for all the teenage Osteichthyes fishes.
The most natural sauna I have ever seen. If only the water was 105 degrees instead of 50. Ohh well, maybe next time. I am sure at some point during the summer it gets close to 60.
I took this one for Sarah, of some sp. of Lepidoptera
The water is amazingly clear all along Little Lost Cove creek.
"Hunt Fish Falls"
More pictures to follow,

Summer Class

2008-06-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

Well, this blog seems to have died, my fault. But I am in Banner Elk for a summer course...Appalachian Ecology. So, BE is not too hoppin' so I am back to blogging to pass the time. Maybe I am lucky enough to still have an occasional curious reader.

But today we hiked around Wilson Creek, within the Pisgah National Forest, so I'll throw up some pictures of the hike tomorrow.

Anyone still read this??????

2008-03-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well a lot has been going on since I last posted. I got through six weeks of base and wasn't having a good vibe, so I just finished taking 2 months off. So, more or less I am in the worst shape I have been in in umm, 5-6 years I guess haha. But riding is feeling good again, so I suppose everything will come back around in time.

During the downtime, I've been busy trying to wrap up other aspects of my life and open new ones. My time at Lees McRae is wrapping up, and I will finish up in the fall with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology. In December I am going to do my internship in Uruguay.

Then I'll start applying to graduate schools. I am mostly interested in Appalachian States Biology program. It's nerve racking and exciting all at once, I will be glad when it is a done deal.

Everyone knows text posts aren't too exciting, so I'll get together some pictures over the next fews days and post. Peas,

yep, it's that time again

2008-01-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

Sunday: San Diego, CA, 74 degrees

Monday: Asheville, NC, 42 degrees

Tuesday: Banner Elk, NC, 19 degrees

FANTASTIC!!!

California

2008-01-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

I've been in California for a week, staying with C-dub. The weather has been great, and certainly better than in North Carolina. So, we've been riding a lot to take advantage of it before we head back to the east coast for the spring semester. We spent a few days in San Diego, and now we're in Warner Springs. Which to me, is the desert. Riding is a little harder here, it is really dry and feels warmer than it is. But tomorrow we head back to San Diego for one last day, before our flight on monday.

I am about to start my last two semesters of college, and luckily this semester doesn't look to daunting. So, hopefully I will have more time to ride and race than I did last semester.

I will try and get some pictures up soon, since text posts are not too interesting.

addio,

e

just an update

2007-11-26T19:48:00.000-08:00

Well I haven't posted in an eternity it seems. I've had to devote a lot of energy to school this semester. I am still in the process of working out a team for next year. I should have the final word in the next weeks.

I've been in the weight room a little bit, and on the bike a little bit. training will prick up a lot as soon as december rolls around.

I'd like to thank the Capri-Foundation and Joe Carpisassi for everything last season.

til next time

e

tour de toona report: a really GOOD day

2007-08-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

well it's old news by now, but heres the official toona report. me and carson drove up to altoona pa and took part in the 3-stage cat2 race. We drove up a day in advance so we could ride the 9 hour drive out of our legs. so we explored nearby duncansville and holidaysburgs. stage was is a super fast, rolling course mainly through a bunch of fields, but you come through a residential area for the start finish, so theres six 90 degree turns in the last km. i crashed with three turns to go last year in the rain when someone slide out, so i decided to try and conserve and get up there if the oppertunity presented itself. i got through the stage well, but a lot of those guys take that race extremely seriously, and despite several attempts, getting good position leading into the last km wasn't going to happen without really getting aggressive. so i stuck to the flat and cruised in, in 51st i think.

stage two is a beast that goes over blue knob ski resort, with a total of four 5km climbs, all in the last 35 miles. blue knob ended my hopes last year, and it took everything i had this year as well, i really struggled the first 2km, and had to claw my way up, and bridge several dropped groups, and had a really good final km, and went over the top in the third group, 10 seconds behind the second group of 12, and 20 seconds behind the leading group of 18 or so. I had a teammate, Rob Mcconnville with me, and our group worked well together thankfully, and we bridged to the second group within a few miles, and then quickly rejoined the leaders. this made the lead group about 45 riders strong, so we dispensed of a good 40 riders on blue knob. the next two climbs are a true 5km, and aren't as steep and blue knob. the second climb starts really gradual, and then the last km really kicks up and again, i suffered a lot on the steeper section, but made it over in the group, and we lost another 4-10 guys. the third climb is almost identical, gradual intro and ended with a brutal final km, i felt great on this climb and rode comfortably in the top 10 across the top. this is when all the training in Banner Elk starts to pay off i guess haha. a 6 man break got away somewhere first before the third climb and was maintaining a 40 second gap across it, and into the valley, and by the final climb, they had 2 minutes. the lead group was down to about 30 tired guys, the pace on the final climb didn't pick up until the final 3km when we went through 20km to go, a couple guys attacked and really stretched out the group, and instantly put some riders into the red. i surprisingly handled the acceleration well, despite having a hard time with that all year. the final km, like the previous climbs, the road kicked up a bit, and i feel like everyone was on the rivet, and a few guys were driving it, and it was really stretching out and i made the desicion to conserve since it was going to be a very select group for the sprint, i'd take my chances there. across the top there is a nice extended plateau through a small village and come guys hammer across, and i took two really hard pulls too to try and keep anyone from rejoining before the decent. after that, there is a 12km decent to the line, and the group was down to 21 riders. the sprint is really wide, 4 lanes, and very slightly downhill aka not my thing, but i was pretty confident, there were some attacks in the final km but nothing was going to get away, the sprint was pretty drawn out and chaotic, and i didn't judge it well, and only managed 8th from the group, slotting me in 15th overall. which despite the reality of the potential 7th i was sprinting for, i am really pleased with since last year i got dropped on blue knob and finished 64th. i find myself a lot, debating aggressive vs conservation, i have chosen conservation a lot this year it seems, because i've been subjected to some big races like tour of virginia and u23 nats where i have been racing over my head. and i feel that generally i can out climb the sprinters, and out sprint the climbers, but can't match the purists of any disipline. looking back at the blue knob race, i wish i'd of driven it up the final climb and worked the group down to 7-8 riders and sacrificed my sprint. but it is easy to say things like that looking back. there is always next year.

we rolled into downtown altoona for the stage three criterium, 20 minutes before our start, for no other reason than we are really lazy haha. but we got ready and got to the line, and took off with no warmup. luckily after two killer days in the saddle, you're pretty open and warmed up anyway. so i made and plan to stay where i was, in the back, and ride for 6 laps to get warmed up before i started moving forward. this worked out well, and ten laps in, i was sitting in the top 25. but much like the technical circuit race friday, the locals were taking huge risks in the corners, something i was a little hesitant to do. but it's the last day, i'm young and heal fast right? so the last five laps were crazy and i was determined to get up there and contest it, i worked my way into about 25th wheel and there was a small crash in the final corner before 3 laps to go, i got through it really cleanly on the inside, and had to close a 2 second gap, but the chaos moved me into about 10th wheel. i haven't previously mentioned that i had nursed a broken seat rail through the circuit race and road race, that i broke on our ride in holidaysburg before the start. well literally over the line with 2 laps to go, the other one broke! so the nose of my seat went down, and was only being held on by the railings behind the clamp, so i could sit my weight really far back on the seat in the turns and then had to stand through the straights. anyone that rides knows, two laps of mostly standing kills you haha, but i suffered through it and only lost ten spots and finished 21st i believe.

so it wasn't a tremendous weekend results wise, but overall i am really pleased with how it went. I got through safely after crashing twice last year. and improved greatly on my position each day and overall. and just as important, this race was really fun and altoona is an cool litlte town.

I just got moved in up at school, and will enjoy one more free weekend before the collegiate mtb season starts. and the search for a new team begins as well. some small negotiations have come up, but nothing serious by any means. hopeully something will work out. til next time,

e

uno mais foto espoir nationales

2007-07-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Espoir Nats and French Broad Classic

2007-07-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

The finish of the tim trial at u23 nationals, it went okay. The course was open and wide and straight, with four turn-arounds! and it was fairly windy aka not really my kinda time trial but I think I managed 63rd. The most frustrating thing was that I couldn't line up at TT helmet, it kinda sucks not to have the proper equipment for nationals but whatever.
Mr Tollesson navigating the third turn-around. I was his minute man, so needless to say, I eventually saw him out on the course. Felt like the old LMC days!
Me negotiating the third turn-around, not to stoked about having to start the sweet slight grade without precious momentum haha.
In the start house. Ready to rock.

The road race went ok as well, I don't have any pics unfortunately but I managed to get through in the second group, in 81st place. Not stellar, but I was pleased to have finished and have a vibe that I was getting back on track.

My home race in Asheville was last weekend, the French Broad Cycling Classic. The time trial was brutally windy for the early starters, which included me, because I was too lazy to register early haha. So I was on a great pace until the turnaround, but didnt have the power to fight the headwind, and only ended up beating my time from last year by 1 second. But, my placing was higher...15th. I felt GREAT in the road race, "no chain" as Hincapie says. But in almost identical fashion to last year, I got a little excited and instead of waiting for the field sprint, I attacked with 1km to go...and got caught 50m from the line, sucked, but the reality of racing bikes. there was a break off, so it was only for 5th anyway. But it is frustrating to feel so good in front of your home crowd and not come up with the goods. But it's only one race after all. I ended up 15th, again. I'll just keep hoping one year they decide to make the race longer. please. haha. The course is really flat, and I actually really like it a lot, I do time trial practice on the exact loop that we raced. But unfortunately, when the course is easy, I need it to be long to really excel. One day...I'll win it.

The crit is a super tough course that I managed a very good result at last year, but this time around it was a suffer fest, there is a really sharpe turn before the climb, so you hit the climb at like 10mph and have to sprint up it every lap, and it worked me over pretty good. I couldn't do much more than sit in and survive. Amazingly....15th place, yes, again. Worst case senario, I can call my weekend performance consistant haha.

I am In Altoona PA right now, for the Tour de Toona. I'll do a TdT post as soon as it's over and I get some pics. Stay tuned

e

the new mtb

2007-07-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

this is my new mountain bike, i just got it built this weekend. BMC aluminum frame, carbon rear triangle, cane creek zonos wheels, sid race, avid juicy brakes, filled out with xtr and sram x.o. weighs in at 22.8 lbs.

if i can get the engine in a little better shape maybe it can do some damage this fall on the collegiate circuit.

3 weeks?

2007-05-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

well i've got three weeks of race-free atmosphere. my ribs are doing better, but i am going to have to pass on the Soto Memorial stage race, which sucks because it was one of my goals, but life goes on. i had a free weekend scheduled after that anyway, which fits my three week "no racing" period the docs conjured up. so i'll get going again June 6th at the TT at Lowes Motor Speedway, then the Roan Mountain RR June 9th. I'll try and get some fotos up since text posts aren't too exciting.

bustED

2007-05-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

well. the road race went like this: flatted on 1.5 mile gravel sector first thing. got a wheel, in the pack, no biggie. Felt good, entered the feedzone 8th wheel, got a feed, while my hand was still off my bar someone tapped my front wheel, i over corrected and crashed, landed on my bike and a few guys piled ontop of me. got the wind knocked out of me, some bruising on my chest and back, nothing much. bent my frame, broke my front shifter. dnf.

yesterday i went and talked to a doctor cause my chest was giving me some trouble. word is i crushed some of the cartilidge that connects my ribs to my sternum. GREAT. but not much i can do other than load up on ibprofen and rest, it's supposed to hurt for three weeks. bummer. so i have some uninvited restdays coming up, but shouldn't affect any races, since i wasn't scheduled to race this weekend anyway. and i still plan on lining up at the Soto Memorial stage race May 25-28.

Team Time Trial

2007-05-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

the first event of collegiate nationals is in the books. it was mildly successful. one of our girls flatted at about the halfway point which is terrible luck, but they rode well to seventh place in DI.

by the time the guys lined up it was super hot. our team hadn't done much training together prior to the last few days but we worked pretty well together we just didn't go fast enough, we rode the hills pretty well but on the final five miles of flat we were struggling. when we finished we had the third best time posting 24:50, but fell to 13th by the end of the day. I was the only returner from last years national championship team and i think i should of been able to carry more of the weight on my shoulders this year but it was a good learning experience and something to build off of since we'll have all four guys back next year. ttt life is a little harder when you don't have Bookwalter buring it at 32 for extended periods of time. we're sitting 8th overall in the team omnium right now, not where we wanted, but out best events are to come, so we'll take another look after tomorrows road race.

we'll be back next year to contest for the win.

the road race is going to be super dynamic. part of the course is flooded so they are re-routing us across 1.5 miles of gravel. it is going to be crazy, that section is just after the 1.25 mile dam we have to ride across, with only a nice hill inbetween them. that section will make the race.

Channel 6 Interview: Collegiate Road Nationals

2007-05-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

watch my interview here

Eve of TTT

2007-05-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

another day in kansas in the books. early this morning we indulged in some continental breakfast, then the mens and womens TTT teams piled into the bus and drove the course. Then we came back to the hotel and got dressed, drove back to the course and rode it twice. we did two ten minute efforts with the team, rotating at 80%. Then we did two 4 minute max cadence efforts to get the legs good and open. I feel pretty good, and the team looks solid. we should have a good ride.

we then ate at chipotle, aka i walked to subway haha. and then we went to the host hotel and took care of registration, which went very smoothly and fast for such an event. i was impressed. and while we were there i got interviewed by channel 6 news which was kind of cool, it airs tonight so i'll get to see how pro and diplomatic i can pretend to be. still no fotos but i am working on it.

over and out

KANSAS

2007-05-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

well after 14 hours of driving the LMC team has made it to Lawrence Kansas. We just went out and rode for 2 hours, the TTT did some rotating and practiced a few turn arounds. The legs feel pretty good, but not great after all the driving. The TTT is friday and the RR is sunday, then i get to help the guys that are doing the criterium on sunday. more updates to follow and i'll try and get some fotos as well.