In the photo: Trevor Niblock

Most race reports I’ve read, start with: “I” or “We” for the team or athlete. I will start with “thanks”. First off that I am healthy enough to train and race. Thank you to my teammates Peter and Roni and the Cat 3 lads for inside advice esp. on the TT – Travis. Congrats to Aria, the first day he upgraded to Cat 2, he won. That’s not a typo. Thank you to the Mikes Bikes for facilitating several race teams and the Mikes Bikes Team Managers: JP, Justin, and Ian. Personally, I’d like to thank my friend Pavel Chmigelski. Finally, without the following crew, back to back weekends of racing would a lot harder: @tmbequator @mikes_bikes  @equatorcoffees @sramroad @iamspecialized #violichfarms @toyota_official @toyotausa @osmonutrition @theprobar @smithoptics @capocycling @bikesmart #toyotacycling...

In the photo: Aria Kiani

This race is 86miles w/ 7500 ft of climbing, 4 laps for the cat3's. There were 43 riders to start but in the end it was only a fraction of that. We started off smooth a slow, no one really wanting to break away. The climbers would surge and stretch the field but just to change up the pace. The first lap was controlled...

In the photo: Aria Kiani

This race is one of the biggest stage races in Southern California. Noted for its uphill time trial which is a big factor for the overall standings. The time trial is 4.2miles 1,200ft approx gain up Glendora Mtn Ridge or GMR. Smooth, steady 5% grades with a slight headwind.

In the photo: Travis Keeney

With Mark Rotondi, Noutai Ronaldis, Trevor Edmonds, Trevor Niblock, and Travis Keeney all lining up for a combined Elite 3/4 field, Team Mike’s Bikes p/b Equator Coffees was looking strong for this year’s Turlock Lake Road Race. Due to some racers falling ill and others recovering from illness, the plan was not clearly defined for this race, but aggressive attacks began early on in the field of nearly 50 racers…

In the photo: Aria Kiani

Wards Ferry Road Race starts right in front of Yosemite's door steps. It's a hilly course - 11 miles and 1,000 ft. of climbing for 5 laps. This race is one for the climbers and breakaway riders. Riding in cat 3 was Philly Williams and Aria Kiani for TMB. Both riders are strong climbers so the objective was simply to keep an open mind and all the options were on the table. Whatever happened, each of the riders would help one another...

In the photo: Ronaldis Noutai

Madera Stage Race is a 2 day, 3 stage race for Cat4 riders. I signed in with confidence after a hard Chico Stage race and a good recovery week. The Journey started with Aria giving me a ride and I thank you so much for driving me around. We met Travis in Los Banos and the next morning Team Mikes Bikes were ready to give it their best...

In the photo: JP Rutledge

Everyone was lined up on time, and I was glad to see some familiar faces from riding MB events like Hobbs, and John Barbicas.  I knew they’d watch out for me and have a ton of experience and that they would be in good positions from the gun.  As they race kicked off, so did Hobbs and I followed.  We kept a high pace for the first 2 laps to keep everyone in check, and it was perfect for me to open the legs up.  I seriously didn’t do much and sat in.  I used people moving up the sides on the wide course to move up when I drifted back. 

In the photo: Sam Hill

Cherry Pie has been one of the most iconic season starters in NorCal for a long time. However, this year there was a notable change to the race: riders only ride up a third of the hill. It was definitely a huge change to my personal tactics coming into the race, as I had to position early to make it up the hill in the right spot. My riding that week had been great and I had a good warm up that morning. I was ready to roll with 34 other riders, including teammate Jimmy Pham.