There are no limits in life!

2009-09-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Some friends of ours stopped over the other day and they wanted to see the fall colors!

The first thing we did was to show them our back yard colors but the altitude and the wind had blown all the leaves off the trees and far off and up to our highest mountain peaks.

Next we hiked up and over the mountains to hopefully see more colors on the other side.

After 2 days of hiking, our luck prevaled and we were treated with magnificent colors of yellow, red and amber leaves mixed in with the green pines that littered the mountain side.

The farther we hiked down the more lucky we were treated with spectacular visions of gradeur.

Finally we took just one more shot of the red leaves of the Aspen tree as we were leaving. What a beautiful world we live in even though the trip through the mountains back home to an extra day and 2 nights.... it was definately worth it...

Trying to feel better!

2009-09-30T07:01:00.001-07:00

Buddy found this HUGE hornets nest in our back yard but did not

know what it was so of course he ate it.

By the time Tomarra found him he was not feeling too well and we just

had to laugh because he should know better not to eat a hornet's nest

Once Tomarra and me started to give him love he suddenly

started turning around and feeling better.

Once I gave him the majical kiss, it was all over and he was running around in no time.

Tender love is always the key to success with anyone....

It's nice to be home today!

2009-09-22T06:59:00.001-07:00

In order to get back in shape, my local bike shop built me a new hybrid bike... It is so cool and today would have been my first time out. Unfortunately, when I say it is so cool, I mean cool....

Everything was frozen when I woke up and so it was time to lay down and relax for the day.

I tried to seperate the wheels and using a hand blow dryer to get the ice off but no dice.

Again, I went back to bed to get my body in better shape for tomorrow's efforts.

Neither wheel would work!

How Turning Green brings out your friends!

2009-09-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning and decided to incorporate the "green" process

into my lawn to gain a few more friends?

The process was long and tedious but after 4 hours of mowing and then another 8 hours of raking my results turned out better then expected. Maybe this concept of green works.

My results were spectacular but I plan on doing it each week from now on

so that I can cut the hours down from 15-16 to about 5-6.

As soon as the lawn was green, all my friends started coming out again...... it was so cool!

EPO and Steroids Make all the difference!

2009-09-19T08:47:00.001-07:00

I did a little test to really see if steroids and EPO really help in performance..... So, I loaded a normal ant with the vamped up juice and kazamm, this guy kicked my ass on my bike while he just ran along. Now I know how the guys in the tour do it!!!

WHEN IN PAIN GET OUTSIDE!

2009-08-30T06:23:00.000-07:00

I was up all night with a huge neck spasm and started to fell sorry for myself....

So, around 4:30am I got out of bed went outside to watch the stars disappear as the sun started to rise.I always carry my camera with me now and when I turned the corner of my house there was a clan of about 15 deer.

This is the only shot I could muster when they smelled my scent and ran away.

NEVER GIVE UP!

2009-08-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

I don't want to sound repetitive but, just because you are over 50, you don't have to slow down.
Matter of fact this is the best time to get going because you can involve your entire family doing things they can appreciate: especially as a family!!!

With this in mind Tomarra and I took another ATV ride on the weekend just to see what families were doing???

We stumbled upon a women coming out of a Post Office (the smallest in the world) with a map in hand on where she and her family could spend the rest of the weekend hiking, biking, fishing and going on rides with their atv's

The map proved to valuable and the first family we saw in the moutnains even made the cows feel comfortable...this family was going to be hanging out for more than a week.

Then we saw the coolest kid on his atv leading his grand parents through the demanding ATV trails. Like I have said before, living beyond 50 is just a start of your creative and luxoreous life in the world of the outdoors and the world of being with your entire family.

After a day filled with marvelous beauty and meeting tons of folks over 50 we found this gentlement in his early 60's spending the early evening fishing but most of all enjoying the peacefullness of life in its most pleasent form.

By the time we got home we found our best friend ever "Buddy" curled up with his best friend "Tiny". In dog years, Buddy is in his early 80's but loves life as much as ever before... Every day we cannot wait to wake up and spend time together with him.

Normally, I spend time helping people out but today Tomarra and I were just traveling the mountains around our home and speaking and spending time with folks over 50. It was the best.... so while I did not podium, it felt like I had a great race today.... (2 for 3)

LIFE BEYOND BEING SELFISH

2009-08-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

When I used to ride and race, I would train 4-7 hours each day not including stretching and recovery time. That left me little to no time for my family. Looking back I am not certain that selfishness was worth it....
So this past weekend, I took the boys from Europe for another ATV ride searching for wildlife up in the mountains...It was a strenuous, difficult and scary task being in the mountains all alone looking for the big bad monsters of the wilderness...

We armed the boys with binoculars, small guns (blank bullets) and a lot of other survivor stuff to stay warm if we ended up in the mountains when it got too dark or cold. Their first task was to cut wood for the brightly lit star night ahead.

They decided they wanted to be remembered forever so they carved their initials into a dead Aspen tree so as not to harm anything that was alive in the beautiful forest in the Rockies.

Then out of nowhere they stumbled on a wild bear that was at least 3-5 times of them... I have never seen little guys run so fast.... eventually the bear went on his merry way and life was good.

Then suddenly out of nowwhere the bear showed up again and this time with his baby cub.... we knew it was time to leave...

As night time approached a deer decided to visit us near our campground. He was beautiful.

Our adventures ended early because monsoon clouds came in and we didn't want to freeze for the evening but the boys ended up having the time of their lives with memories that will last forever....
One final trophy was sitting at our house when we got home... an elk with the biggest rack of antlers any one of us had ever seen... Now the boys were happy because they had seen nature at its best in less than 24 hours... it is hard to express how happy they were....for this, I earned another podium spot so I am 3 for 3

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!

2009-08-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

Life Beyond 50 is all about helping others using the resources I have learned and gathered throughout my life in a manner that unselfishly helps others.

We had friends come in from Europe that needed fun and excitement along the way and to explore the beauty of Colorado.

Here are the 2 boys armed with equipment to play their first game of pool ever.

We decided it was time to arm them with bitch'n equipment to go high into the mountains on their first ATV ride and to explore the nature that colorado has to offer.

Their first glimpse was a flock of Elks with the biggest antlers we had ever seen!
Then we stumbled upon a lake where they went swimming and tried to catch fish with their hands. The water was too cold to swim and their hands to cold to catch any fish. But they loved it.

At the end of the day they were elated despite the mud and dirt on their facecs from trying to chase animals through the forest and trees.

After a long shower and a full belly of food, they were exhausted and it was time to take a quick nap before they started a whole new adventure the next day.

It is so cool to help others....

This adventure definately got me on the podium again so I am 2 for 2.

Try it sometime!!!

THE END OF AN ERA!!!

2009-08-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

After 22 years of racing and countless injuries, I have reached a point where I can no longer ride a bike and barely work or work out again. I am saddened beyond belief but will continue in my struggles to work on my injuries to my brain, spine, arms and legs.

I will always have happy memories of a career filled with victories both personally and professionally.

In the background of these mountains visable from my backyard is me lying asleep on a career that is now over and dreaming of a new career to help those around me that were not so fortunate as me to be able to use my arms and legs again along with being able to think, talk and construct my thoughts again.

Next time you see me please be delighted that my inspiration is to help others in need of friendship, understanding and most of all the ability to smile again.....

After all when I look at my results, there is nothing left for me to prove other than helping others. Inner peace becomes your victory when you help others out... winning on that end is the BEST!!!

OVERALL ACHIEVEMENTS
Podiums 141
1st Place 81
2nd Place 34
3rd Place 15
4th Place 6
5th Place 5

Career Highlights Mountain
World Championships Cross Country – Silver Medalist
World Championships 24 Hour “Team Division” - Gold Medalist + Overall Fastest Lap Time
World Championship Mountain Bike Team USA (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
Norba National Champion Marathon
Norba National Series Champion Marathon
Norba National Gold Medalist Cross Country
Norba National Gold Medalist Marathon
California State Champion Cross Country
Amateur Cup Series Cross Country Champion
Sea Otter Classic Cross Country Champion
AMBC Cross Country Gold Medalist
Rim Nordic Series Cross Country Champion
Southridge Winter Series Cross Country Champion

Career Highlights Road
World Championships Road
National Time Trial Champion
National Time Trial Bronze Medalist
California State Time Trial Champion
California State Road Racing Champion
California State Climbing Champion
Sea Otter Classic Champion
Pomona Valley Stage Race Champion
Pomona Valley Overall Mountain Classification Champion
Pomona Valley Stage Race Silver Medalist
Valencia Stage Race Champion

Helping first person in a wheel chair out in Lowes find everything he needed and pushed a cart around so he could get everything he wanted then helped him out to his tricked out van... He and I felt so cool (victory number 1)

A BRAND NEW DAY

2009-03-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Just found out I have to have another surgery so the idea of getting back on my bike and training to get ready for the big races is over till the following year.... I have to make the best of it so I try to walk every morning.... today I turned the corner of my house and look what I founed.... tons of elk.... this place is heaven...

Gas and Fire don't mix!

2009-01-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

The doctors have me on a new HIGH FIBER diet!

I forgot to tell them I am alergic to Fiber!

At our first Barbeque I had to let one rip!

People stay away from me now!

Is there Gold in them there hills???

2009-01-11T05:33:00.000-08:00

Part of my therapy is coming up with new adventures
that have strong eye hand coordination....

I guess this one just didn't work for me!

Finally off my feet again!

2009-01-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

What is this guy looking at???
Even Buddy is puzzled at this new Site???

When Tomarra saw me she turned Blue and almost passed out!

Well Here I am getting ready for my first ride on my bicycle since the accident and my 2nd operation! It hurt like hell but I did 12 minutes day one and 22 minutes day two!!!

Let's hope I can keep up the pace.....

My RPM's were only 40 but I don't care.....

I am on the road to recovery???

It's all Good!

2008-12-18T16:57:00.000-08:00

I entered my first race this past weekend just to feel the juice flowing through my veins and the nerves making me restless in my sleep etc.......I dropped out after the start but its all good!

See if you can find me.... it took Tomarra 30 seconds!

Snowtime in Collbran

2008-12-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

Now that I am out of my body cast "again" I thought it would be GREAT to start working out again.... but to my surprise winter has arrived and that means sweating it out indoors.... I guess photos will have to do...hope you like them!

My friends are frozen so they are no use to me now!

ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

2008-08-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

The accident I had was felt miles away....people said they could either hear it or see it from where they were standing or sitting and knew something terribly had happened... The road to recovery has been long and extremely painful...

For some reason though, I get this feeling, that just around the corner, I might be starting to be on the road to recovery...I hope so, this has been the most difficult period of my life!!!

The best part is all the support/encourageent everyone is giving meto get on the bike so I start feeling great again..... The blog is my first step to recovery... talk to you soon...B

Say What?

2007-11-13T12:20:00.000-08:00

Not sure how this happened but I will take it while it lasts.

Having your photo on Trek's Main Web Site is always cool!

If you want to see this picuture larger..... click here

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/trek_life/cycling_teams

The long road ahead!

2007-10-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Today I celebrate my fourth month since my crash.

Thanks to family and friends I am walking, talking and moving again.

I still have a long road ahead but I am more motivated than ever!

Sometimes the road is long and curvy with steep hills and tough climbs!

Other times the climb is majical with beauty all around me!

But today, after4th month anniversary of my crash, I feel a sense of calm

with an ability to move forward at a rate fast than ever before.

I know the rest of the road is tough but for the moment I feel I can get better.

I am Mad and always wanted a tree house!

2007-10-02T20:52:00.000-07:00

I am upset!!!

I was airlifted to a hospital in June,

Parlized for 3 1/2 days,

Then kept in varioius hospital wards for my recovery for 6 weeks.

Still no news on when an how I can begin my recovery so,

Tomarra and I will do it on our own....the best way we know!!!

The colors of the mountains are beautiful!!!

We drive up to see the beauty every day!!!

Then on a magical note......

With all the beauty around us...we decided to build a Tree House!!!

We waited for the sun to set to map out our plan!!!

We found the perfect place to cut all our wood!!!

With all the wood in hand, we searched for the perfect tree and then

Voila....here is what we built to spend time in when we want to get away and not deal with anyone!!!

If you have the desire and are willing to work hard enough... all your dreams will come true.

For me... I am hoping to gain control of my arms and legs again that were paralized and to be able to hike uphill and ride a bike again.

The doctors say 2 years....I am going to try and cut it down to one... send me your prayers and I will do my best to answer all your best wishes.

More to come!!!

Reaching For The Stars!

2007-10-01T03:45:00.001-07:00

While I am still in a lot of pain and cannot use my arms and legs well
I am getting inspiration from so many that I am trying my best
to get better every day. So now that I have touched the moon,

I am going to start reaching for the Stars!!!

As promissed on our wedding day, Tomarra has done an amazing job of taking care of me and has never complained about all the work, suffering and pain of her Lupus in my time of need. I am the luckiest man in the world!!!
Even Buddy the super dog has put on his workout clothes to give me inspirationl. Every day when I cannot get out of bed or when I need to take my naps during the day he comes and sleeps with me to make certain everything is going to be OK.
The weather has changed so I have thrown my braces and walkers away and drive up into the mountains every day dreaming of when I can feel strong enough to get on my bike and get fit again. The cold weather is coming on strong so time will tell how my body reacts.

I needed inspiration to get back on line!!!

2007-09-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

I have been struggling for months now with my injury.

I thought my pain was too much to handle so I got depressed.

Then a friend asked me to attend a fund raising event for a fallen comrade or ours.

Clinton proudly gave his life to protect our "Freedom" in order for all of us to continue living in this beautiful country of ours. We must continue to remember that Freedom isn't Free!

My life and my sorrows suddenly changed when I attended this event and witnessed the people who loved and adored Clinton and his family. Now one of my new goals is to help with this fundraiser each year it is put on.

This was no ordinary fund raiser as cowboys and cowgirls from around the State of Colorado came to compete in all types of Rodeo events. It was a fun time for everyone that came.

Here I am sitting with Clinton's Mom who was so proud of her son.

In order to help keep Clinton's memory alive a scholarship fund has been established at our local school here in Collbran. Please help out by sending anything you can to:

The Clinton Ahlquist Memorial Fund

P.O. Box 456

Creede, CO 81130
Every Dollar helps and it goes to a GREAT cause.

Please do what you can do to help out even if it is $1, $5, $100 or even $1,000

Sorry I have been in a lot of pain!!!

2007-08-09T20:44:00.001-07:00

Sorry I have not posted lately.

My days have been dificult and the same.

Lots 0f pain, lots of struggling, lots of doubt!

Every week I have to go to the hospital 2 or 3 times. Each time they make me fill out the same form. I would have thought they would have remembered me by now or at least got my ifnromationl.????

Then I am off to either a Cat Scan or an MRI.....

They are a little worried for some reason so I have to go back on Monday to get a full MRI on my head/brain. Maybe all the drooling, sluring, lack of memory and falling down is giving them the hint something is wrong. I just want an answer so I can get it on with the problem and show myself I can cure it????

I cannot take the pain anymore so I am hoping for an answer.

My hopes are high but my threads are running thin.

Too much pain and brain problems to make me feel perfect.

The one thing I do know is that Tomarra has been amazaing with me. Even when I fall down in the stores or can't speak to people properly.... she jumps in and sais what the deal it. Tomarra is the best

The Way it ought to be and the way it is!

2007-07-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

This is they way a normal spine and disc look!

This is a photo of a normal brain!

This is how my spinal column, the 6 broken vertebrae and my brain look and feel!

This is how I want to feel!
My progress has taken several steps backwards and I am not quite certain why yet.

They say you often have to go backwards before going forwards but the pain, confusion and burden put on others is not something I would wish on anyone else.

Looks like my attempt to post yesterday didn't go too well.

I cannot wait till I have one day till I can walk, talk and function like normal again.

Thanks everyone for your continued support and help!!!

And thanks Tomarra for never giving up on me despite all the daily struggles you have to face with your Lupus.

It

2007-07-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

There are Angels all around us!!!

2007-07-12T05:33:00.000-07:00

The first 3 people to arrive at the scene in my crash in Crested Butte were Bill Mansfield, JerriLu Atkins and her son Sam Atkins. In life we are gifted with Angels who cirlce around us all the time and Angels that when given a chance drop everything to help those around them.

Bill (see above), JerriLu (seen below) and Sam (I am waiting for his photo) are the angels who helped save me in Crested Butte. There will never be a moment in time that I can thank them enough for what they did for me. If you ever run into Bill, JerriLu or Sam, just smile knowing these are some of the most special people you could ever meet and have been gifted with an inner calm that enables them to help others without concern for their efforts.

When I found out who helped me out in Crested Butte, I immediately emailed Sam back to Thank him and to find out what I could do to show my appreciation and kindness for what they did for me .

Here is the email I received from Sam letting me know what happened that day and how he felt!

Bruce,

I would like to start out by saying that your recovery is truly one of the most incredible and inspirational that I have been able to witness.

From the state you were in when we found you in the grass along the trail to being able to walk, talk and write is phenomenal and awe-inspiring.When we were in Crested Butte, I had dropped out my race and was standing on the side cheering on fellow racers with a group of family and friends.Among this group were my mom, JerriLu Atkins, and a close family friend, Bill Mansfield.

My mom is a practicing doctor and Bill is a trained firefighter. These two people are some of the most competent people I know in the area of emergency medicine. I feel that I do not deserve much credit for your rescue. That should go to my mom and Bill. There was also the race director or first-aid chief who was there to help you. I do not know this man's name, but he organized the rescue in a direct and timely manner.It was clear to us immediately that you were in bad shape. It was clear that you had crashed hard, and were in a huge amount of pain.

When we first got to you (almost immediately after you crashed) you were coherent enough to remember your name, where you were, and your wife's name. You told us what happened, and where it hurt. It was evident that with every passing moment, that you were going down. A couple minutes later, as you were being carried to the truck, you were wavering in and out of conciseness.It was only maybe 10 minutes after you crashed that there was a first- aid team there, with oxygen, a neck brace, and a backboard. You did not care for the oxygen mask on your face, and requested that it be removed. We strapped the neck brace on and loaded you on to the backboard.

From there you were taken down to the base, where the decision was made to fly you to Grand Junction.I did not know how you were until a few days ago when I ran across your site from a link on Nick Martin's blog. Honestly, the knowledge that you are ok is repayment more than enough.I would like to personally extend to you a wish of good health and a quick recovery.

Things are worse than everyone thought!!!

2007-07-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

After 14 days miserable days in the hospital the patients who were well enough to go home went outside for a group photo then testing to see if we were fit to travel home.

Our graduating class was full of really cool folks with really tragic accidents. Since all us had massive head injuries (including myself) I cannot remember anyone names (most of the time my own) but the staff gave us a green light and we were ready to be transported home to our loved ones.
First they had to make certain I could walk on my own.... I made it a total of 50 feet which was the the length of my house + equal distance to any phone in the house no matter where I was in case I needed to call for an emergency.

Once approved, they loaded my on a transport bus and I gave them the thumbs up to take me home. While I was happy to leave the hospital I was also scared because with 6 months of therapy in front of me and no real knowledge of how bad my injuries were/are....I knew I was in for some tough months ahead.

I love being home... each day I spend 3o minutes on the computer to work my brain. I spend then go back to bed for 1 hour. I spend 1 hour doing crossword puzzles and memory games to work on my cognitive skills then back to bed for 1 hour. Then I get to go outside around the perimeter of the house in my wheel chair where I breathe the fresh air, get some sun, water the plants and see all the wild life around the area.

All along the way... my pal Buddy watches over me to make certain I don't do more tan i am supposed to. He is the best at letting me know when wild life or people are about to show up or as in the case today when I all down he goes and gets Tomarra to help me out.

Tomarra has been a godsend. Today, I could not take the pain and discomfort any longer and we packed our bags to head back to the hospital. Before leaving, Tomarra made certain I got all calmed down and put everything into perspective to the point my pain started to subside and I started to relax enough I could calm down and go to sleep.

When I woke up it was nighttime and with just Tomarra and Buddy by my side I was able to make the conscious decision to stay home another night and try to get a good night sleep. If Tuesday is just as bad as today you can count on me being back in the hospital before noon!!!

In the meantime, Thanks to EVERYONE who has been able to help me through this process including this most difficult and painful day.

So...let's all see what Tomarra has to offer?????

2007-07-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

BUDDY'S PERFECT DAY!!!

While I was in the hospital my best friend "Buddy" had a magical day!

Once the sun came up Buddy woke up to a fresh cut of hay bales all over our property!Buddy quickly ran outside and was so excited he told all his friend to come over!

The cows made a huge dash for it cause fresh cut hay is like chocolate ice cream to them!!!

The local falcon that kills all the ground squirrels and rodents loved the fact that no hiding places were left for his little buddies.... he was so fat by the end of the day... he loves us now!!!

We have lots of deer and elk on the property but this bad boy with the amazing rack on his head always gets first dibs on any new grass...but he was a little upset his bed was cut short so he had to find a new place to sleep for the night!!!

To everyone surprise a local bear came out to see what all the comotion was about. Once he found out the grass was freshly cut and there was no place for the moles and mice to hide he said "Thanks Buddy... I was getting tired of the berries and fruit from the trees"

By the end of the day Buddy had a HUGE smile on his face... one that Tomarra captured on film and one that I will never forget. He was so happy to see all his friends on the property.

Thanks Buddy for taking care of mommy while I was in the hosptial and making sure the property was protected and in good shape for me to come home. You are in fact "a man's best friend"!!!

A GREAT DAY!!!

2007-07-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

It has been 8 days since crashing in Crested Butte and having The Flight For Life Team take me to Saint Mary's Hospital in Grand Juntion, CO for my recovery!
Today was one of those special days. My best friend Buddy came to see me and he made sure to let me know everything was going to be OK!
I was even able to get out of my room and walk almost the entire way of the hallway without too many problems. I finally had complete control of my right leg so I was a happy as could be!!
Even my cognitive and motor skills are coming back. Today I was able to construct pvc pipes to match a drawing on the pad a nurse gave me. While it took a lot of time, I DID IT and I only had to stop 4-5 times to rest before I got it done. After I took it apart a 7 year old kid came in and did the same thing in 3 minutes.... that's OK though... it was so fun to be able to use my mind again.
Tomarra was with me the whole day and every time I looked at her she reminded me of when we got married and how beautiful she is.... I am so lucky to have Tomarra in my life.... She is and has been a dream come true during this entire recovery since my accidident.
Thank you honey... I am the luckiest man in the world!!!

LIFE IS JUST A DREAM!

2007-06-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

It seems that life is just a constant dream for me these days!
After 7 days of drug induced sleep, I cannot distinquish between reality and fantasy!

I keep dreaming of my Dog Buddy wathcing over me!

That he is constantly calling me to let me know everything is going to be OK.

And that I hike with Buddy each morning to watch the sun rise over the moutains

I also keep dreaming of Tomarra. That she is with me by my side all the time as the Sun rises and as the sun sets and that she never stops thinking of me.
I keep dreaming Tomarra and I are getting married again and that she is looking more and more beautiful every day with everything she does....
I also keep dreaming of getting fit enough again to ride my bike on all the beautiful roads Colorado and the rest of this country has to offer!!!I also can't stop dreaming of going to the bathroom to get all these nasty drugs out of my body!
Then I realize all my thoughts are nothing but dreams and I am back in my bed fighting to get well enough again to start enjoying everything that life has to offer.

It's OK though. My family and friends have shown their true colors and given me the strength to rise out of bed one day soon to embrace the world like never before.

Thank you Tomarra, Teige, Buddy, Robin, Bart, Tracey, Peter and all my other family members and friends who make life a true joy no matter how difficult it is. I love you all and I will be back soon!!!

WHAT LIES AHEAD?

2007-06-28T19:15:00.001-07:00

There are only a few words that can accurately express my thoughts at this moment in my life!

I love my wife and I love my daughter!

I love my family and my best friend Buddy!

I love all those around me that give me the strength and courage to move forward!

The real test has just begun since "There are no limits in life"

Altitude and heat will always win!

2007-06-18T05:16:00.000-07:00

We headed out to Deer Valley, UT for round 5 of the Nationals.

Park City/Deer Valley is beautiful so we thought "what a great weekend of racing"???

We knew if was going to be war so our General Zack Vestal came prepared.

All the big boys were there... and the race started at mock speed in 95 degree heat.

To come in the top 10 took a heavy toll on everyone! Click on Jeff to see the pain.
I definately saw stars as I saw the stars of the sport zoom away from me at the start. It is all worth it though as every race makes me stronger and wiser (I think???).

The Devil was in Vail for The Teva Games!

2007-06-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

Tomarra and I headed out to Vail this weekend

for The 6th Annual Teva Games.

Somehow I ended up with plate number 666 so Tomarra did a little artwork!

There were so many people there... it was such a great event.

The only problem was we had not yet adjusted to the altitude!

With the largest cash purse of the year for mtn. biking the competition was fast and furious and the course was held on the identical world cup course in vail from a few years ago... it was BITCH'N!

The rule at the games is simple... Dopers Suck and Cyto rules!!!

Despite some mechanical problems and lack of oxegen on the first lap... I had a great race, went toe to toe with some of the best riders in the world and got to participate in an event where the course and the crowds were the BEST. I also got to be around some of my heros in the sport like Ned Overend, Travis Brown and Tomarra Muhlfeld so I was as happy as can be. Thanks Teva for a great weekend!!!

Little Angels in Angel Fire!

2007-05-30T05:52:00.001-07:00

Tomarra and I headed out to Angel Fire, New Mexico

for our first race outside of CA this year.

When Tomarra asked "Who wants to do the kids race?" 30 kids started screaming and raising their hands yelling "me, me, me, me"

Just like in the main event for the Pros... the kids get nervous before the start of each and every race!

Every one of the kids takes the race very seriously and some courses like the one at Angel Fire are very difficult!

These kids give it their ALL and have nothing left when they are finished!
Because they never give up or quit they are all winners.

After the race... one of the kids said "can you ride home with me so I can feel like a real pro". Tomarra said sure but first you have to be able to see what is in front of you!

Once the future Olympian could see the 2 pros made their way home.

There is no better gift than giving the gift of inspiration to all those who want it and are willing to work for it... Thanks all you little Angles.

Snow Drops Keep Falling On My Head!

2007-05-23T16:47:00.001-07:00

Cannot seem to get away from the snow this week!
Every time we head up in the mountains the snow tracks us down!
So Tomarra and I stayed closer to home and ran into Elk
and Deer
and of course cows who now have Lance ear braclets
By the end of the day I am exhausted and never seem to make it to bed!

Warmer Days!

2007-05-21T15:11:00.000-07:00

Buddy and I did some cross training today

playing hide and seek in the tall grass.

He is smiling knowing I just walked past him.

He is such a cool dog!!!

Be Prepared!

2007-05-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Tomarra and I rode up the mountain behind our house.
We thought it would be cool to climb above tree line

where the snow was still covering 30% of the moutain.

Just seconds after I took this shot it started to rain, sleet and snow.

We hid under trees for 1 1/2 hours freezing to death.

Eventually we made it down and started to thaw out in the valley.
Our bikes and clothing were shot.
At least the mud and dirt kept my legs a little warm.
Tomarra didn't care.

She was so happy and excited she wanted to do it all over again.

From now on we are going to ride with a back pack filled with extra socks, booties, full lenght leg warms, extra gloves, a rain jacket, hats, food, an axe to cut wood, matches and flints at the very least.

Western Exposures Tours

2007-05-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

For my 50th birthday, our new friends in Collbran took me and Tomarra
on an amazing jeep ride far up into the mountains!

The views were amazing as we ventured into the forest.

We went high up into the hills over rocks and trees through rivers and streams.
We even stumbled across a tree that had our inititals on it :)
Colby's kids are excellent hunters and fisherman and when they found a worm, they put it on the end of a shoe lace, tied it to a long tree limb and caught us some fish to eat!

Then Colby's wife Cindy started a fire the old fashion way with just a rock and some flint!
Then we all sat down to eat. I have to tell you, there is nothing like a warm cooked meal at 10,000 feet in the middle of the Aspen trees with a stream running beneath your feet miles away from anyone and everything. If you want to experience one of the most enjoyable times of your life, contact Colby at Muledeercolby@hotmail.com you will not regret it.

Friendly people, Blue Skies and Lots of Sunshine!

2007-05-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

After 5 long days in the saddle, I finally made it to our new home in Collbran!
Unfortunately, the winter weather was brutal and our place needed a lot of work!
Buddy however was in heaven with lots of new friends!
Every one of our neighbors has lots of friends for Buddy to play with!
Tomarra immediately went out and traded one of her old bikes for a lawn tractor she saw!Then I had to get to work on the lawn and the house!
Voila... with a little hard work and the right tools we turned our new home into a magical place!!!

I Got Punked!!!

2007-05-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

The weather in California was simply getting too hot.

With no sign of rain in the forecast and with fires all around us

Tomarra knew it was time to leave but I still wanted to stay!

The next day the local sherrifs department showed up stating that if I did not leave town and head to Colorado immediately I would be arrested. I agreed and they let me go.
Tomarra was overjoyed. She knew within a few short days we would be in Colorado!

So, I said one last goodbye to the ocean and the beautiful CA views.

Then I told Tomarra I would agree to go if she let me ride all the way there.

So, within a week we should be at our new home in Colorado!!!

Something Special at Firestone

2007-05-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Tomarra and I headed out to the Firestone
for round 2 of the Norba National Mountain Bike Championships.
While Tomarra was too ill to compete,

my goal was to go there and rip it up.

How things can change in just a few short moments.

At Firestone we were blessed with meeting Ron and Theresa Costia

along with their 2 beautiful children Ronnie and Dillon.

Their eldest son Ronnie quickly became my newest best friend.

Ronnie ran into a lot of medical problems after he was born.

But, despite the fact that Ronnie can't talk or move his arms and legs he was always smiling.

Ronnie quickly reminded me to enjoy everything around us in life.

And, his brother Dillon was so cool and also so understanding of life.

His mother and father were also the BEST parents I have ever seen.

The guys at Trek kept asking "Where's Bruce"? Tomarra let them know of a new friend I made and how special he was. Ross Schnell grabbed a new Soccor Jersey that none of the Team Members had yet and decided to ride over to my camp site and give it to Ronnie.

Ross and Ronnie immediately bonded as Ross gave Ronnie the first new Trek Team Soccor Shirt to wear. The smile on his face said it all. He was so thrilled (as was Tomarra and me).

I have never met a child so happy in my life. Ronnie taught me to enjoy each and every moment of the day and to value all the little things life has to offer.

This weekend at Firestone was one of the most rewarding weekends I have ever had.

The racing was no longer important as the gift of life shinned brightly through!!!

Thanks Ronnie and Dillon you are my new heroes

Sea Otter Rocked!

2007-04-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

The 2007 Sea Otter classci rocked!

All the mountain bike and road events you can ever imagine.

A new feature this year was and out of this world ramp jump with 3 jumps!

I held my breadth each time one of these guys took off!

Does this guy make it?

I will let you decide since I could not show the next photo???

Can you hear me now?

2007-04-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

The folks at JBL keep rolling out the coolest audio products in the World!

Now we find our favorite tunes online, download them to ourfavorite mobile device which of course ends up in our car for the ultimate driving experience.

Check out www.jbl.com for all the great audio products they carry.

A new friend for Buddy!

2007-04-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

Our dog Buddy wanted a new friend to play with...
So, my daughter Teige set out on a journey to find one!

Teige happened upon 3 lions that had just finished eating a wild pig!

Only one of the Lion's was interested so Teige started rubbing his belly.

Teige had to make certain she could feed the new bad boy.

After a long day, Teige was able to hitch a ride home with some guy on an Elephant! How cool is that???

Spring Blossoms with Flowers (and champagne)!

2007-04-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

Tomarra was feeling the effects of a recent "flare up"

so she decided to enter a shorter faster race at Nove

(The Super D at Nationals) and it paid off!!!

With her first National Victory of 2007 Tomarra was feeling GREAT!!!
Champagne and Flowers flowed (as well as all the smiles)!
It was a great day for Tomarra, Trek/VW and of course Me!!!

A Bright Future!

2007-04-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

Two of the top kids warming up before their big race.

With two of the top pros by their side, these kids were pumped!

The start of the race was fast and furious with even more pros trying to compete!!

The crowds were HUGE knowing these kids are our future!!!
Some of the pros had a hard time keeping up!
But in the end it was the fastest kid in the group who won... I guess that is why he was wearing #1 !!!

19th Annual Keysville Classic!

2007-03-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Tomarra and I headed out to the 19th Annual Keysville Classic!

Keysville is one of the GREATEST mountain bike races still held!!

If you love single track, nice people and a fun time,

Keysville is a must for 2008 (http://www.ssfta.com)

Keysville is the way mountain bike racing used to be... lots of fun events, great food, and 32 miles of single track!

Tomarra and I camped out in our trusted Lance for 4 days and 3 nights. The Keysville Classic offers free camping and an amazing race course that is perfect for March Training and racing!!

Tomarra won the women's pro field... her 1st victory of 2007!

I was able to win the men's pro field after Tomarra convinced me to race on my hardtail for the 1st time this season. Thanks Tomarra, the 9.9 was a "rocket"!!!

2007-03-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

The warm weather and the green grass is finally paying off.

I used the nice weather to start increasing my speed work.

Then ventured down to Southridge (Fontana, CA)

for a x-country to test my racing fitness.

The 1st climb and the 1st lap was FAST as the guys from Canada flew around the course!

The weather was hot and dusty but my increased training is staring to pay off. I was able to place 3rd in the pro race with teams from Canada and Colorado in the mix. It was a lot of fun.
Top 4 for the day were Cameron Brennerman (U.S.A. World Team Marathon member), me, Semi Pro phenom Manuel Prado and a Rocky Mountain Team Pro member from Canada (don't have name yet?).

Things are heating up!

2007-03-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

After a full day of training we returned home for some time together.

Tomarra felt good enough to train with me for the entire ride today.

I was impressed. She was happy being able to ride for a few hours.

Tomarra and I took a little break when the scenery was perfect!

Everything is possible!

2007-03-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

Nothing is too great or too big to tackle.

In the distance it is reported the Wizzard of Lupus exists.

I am going to go down there and kick his ass to

help void Tomarra of her continued problems with the disease.

Will report the results later.

The Grass is Greener on the Other Side!

2007-03-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

The rain and snow have started to move out...

And, the sun is starting to shine again!

Tomarra is finally feeling good enough to leave our little cabin in the woods and get outside for some good base training on the dried up roads.
Tomarra is so excited that the snow has melted and the green grass is starting to grow again!

I was so excited to see Tomarra happy I jumped over our fence and started doing some off season cyclo-cross training in our fresh field of new green grass.

Even the deer are happy that they can eat the fresh green grass without freezing their lips off.

Coming Soon!

2007-02-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

Just ordered my new trailer from Garrett custom trailers.

Check back in April to see how we tricked it out!!!

Working with Tammy and herTeam at Garret has been the best!!!

Check their web site out at: www.garrettcustomtrailers.com

Power with numbers!

2007-02-26T14:36:00.000-08:00

Headed down to the Long Beach Pro 1,2 circuit race Sunday.

The 90 minute race was held just before the Tour of California's

last stage for all the Pros who could not make it into the tour.

Phil Liggett and his body guards came out to announce the race!

I was ready though with bikes and wheels in case of a flat or mechanical!

With 3 laps to go the field was 1/5 its original size!!!

Like Phil always sais... if you are sleeping going into the last corner before the final sprint of if you dare put on your brakes you will lose 15 places. That is exactly what happened. It was a great workout though!!!

Destiny?

2007-02-25T19:30:00.000-08:00

Got a little worried today when my number plate turned out to be #2
I raced hard especially since Jason Sager drove in from Utah and I had to chase all day to catch him!
Did my best and popped my HUGE wheely at the finish line?

Damn number plate?

Jason, me and Brad Stephonson on the podium.

I know I have said it before... but, Donny Jackson and crew do a GREAT job out at Southridge www.southridgeusa.com

Also... if you love mountain biking check out www.geoladders.com

It's raining again!

2007-02-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

The rains have come again and Tomarra is debating weather to go out training in the rain??? Click the photo to see how bad it is!
Since our driveway is flooded, I decided to stay home and work on my bikes for this weekends racing in the mountains and on the road (the big double)!!!

Speed and Strength Training has begun!

2007-02-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

Drove down to Costa Mesa for my first Pro Crit Race of the year.

The 100K crit was sure to bring out the big boys.

But first... the kids went off and this future star inspired all of us!!!

Our race was packed with over 125 guys.

The speed was fast and furious from the start

with the Polish National Team and local favorites leading the charge.

I tried to take a flyer with 3 laps to go.

I was able to hold it for 1 lap but those polish guys wanted the win.

In the end it was my former teammate and current Masters World Champion Thurlow Rogers who stayed away and got nipped at the line for 2nd.

Tomarra has not recovered from her last flare up so she was at the race taking photos.

This shot is for her... she loves these flowers.

I am in trouble now!!!

2007-02-17T17:43:00.000-08:00

Tomarra started to experience another flare up on our ride today.

So, she invited a few girlfriends over.

I am in trouble now.I decided to run to the beach and hide behind a rock till the dust settled...

3 against 1 is no match for me!!

Even Buddy got concerned and tried to hide under the new quilt we got for him. Regardless, in time of need, if a girls night out makes Tomarra feel better... it is all worth it. The LUPUS disease is more brutal than anyone can ever imagine. Tomarra never complains so when a flare up happens an friends come over in an attempt to make her feel better... I know it is the best thing. You GO Girl(s).

In the spotlight!!!

2007-02-14T14:44:00.000-08:00

Today is an exciting day for Tomarra!

Bicycling Magazine sent some professional photgraphers

to take pictures for a spread in their May Magazine.

The photographers were very cool and really had a fun creative time with Tomarra.

Photographers Drew Reynolds and Carli Jo Bidlingmaier with Tomarra.

Drew specializes in Sports Photography (www.drewreynolds.com)

While Carli Jo specializes in Pet Portraits (carlijo@gmail.com)

Buddy was completely bummed he was not part of the photo shoot.

Sorry Bud! You cannot always be the center of attention.

Today was mommy's time to shine.

I will take you to the beach later dude.

Early season racing has begun!

2007-02-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

Future Pro Garret Garcia once again ripped it up

at Southridge in the Cross Country Race.

Garret has the attitude and the determination

to make it to the Pros... keep up the great work Garret!!!

Traveled out to Fontana, CA to start my early season speed work.

Southridge will host round 2 of the National Championship Series.

Donny Jackson and crew do the BEST job at putting on these races.

For a really tough course with really cool people head to Southridge.

www.southridgeusa.com

The New Wheels for '07

2007-02-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

Our new bikes have finally arrived and they are SWEEEET!!!

Trek's new Top Fuel 9.9 Full Suspension Mountain Bike

is the offical Team Bike for 2007.

The Top Fuel 9.9 is the most comfortable

and smoothest riding bike for both training and racing.

There is nothing this bike can't handle!

Trek's Elite 9.9 Hard Tail has got to be the fastest bike on the market!It is not only fast but it is so cool looking.

If you have both the Top Fuel and the elite 9.9 in your arsonal...

you will win almost every race you enter.

Trek's Madone SSL 6.5 is the coolest road bike out on the market!

It is fast, smoothe, comfortable and can climb like no other bike!!

To test any of these bikes out go to www.trekbikes.com and find the closest dealer near you.

Blvd Road Race

2007-02-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

Our first Road Race of '07 was Blvd East of San Diego

The traffic as usual was unbearable once everyone

heard that Tomarra was going to be at the race.

Tons of people showed up and camped there the night before!

Tomarra and I got all our foods and Cytomax products ready by laying them out in our Lance Camper Kitchen!

It was soooo cold we didn't know what to where so we layed everything out

At race time, the weather was perfect and all the big teams were there

The race was over 90 miles with 12,000 feet of climbing.

It was great having Pros from Europe and the US getting ready for the Tour of California.

Our New Manager

2007-02-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

When my brother heard "Buddy The Super Dog" was our manager

he immediately signed on and asked to be put on a European Pro Team???

Here you can see Buddy multi tasking to get Bart his 1st Pro Contract!!!

Bart was willing to shower Buddy's contacts with Money and Gifts

to help nail down a contract or at least get a complete Pro Kit.

Buddy did the best he could but was exhausted in the end!!!

Sorry Bart!!!

TIME TO REGROUP!!!

2007-02-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

Tomarra had a pretty big set back Thursday...

While she didn't want to pay attention to the warning signals...

I could tell something was wrong...

I had to convince her to take the next few days off...

With Lupus, if you don't stay on top of the disease...

You risk major flare-ups which can set you back

for weeks, months or even worse!!!

We made a commitment when we got married to help each other out

through the good times and bad...

With plenty of rest and good nutrition for the next 3 days

She was feeling herself again today

and all the signs of a pending Flare-up were gone

She proceeded to kick my ass on the bike for the next 3.5 hours

As you can imagine... that made her pretty happy :)

THE MAN HAS MADE IT!!!

2007-02-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

American Team Mobile rider Aaron Olson

seems to have made the cover of Velo News.

There are not too many talented riders who keep life

in perspective on their way up the ladder of superstar status...

Thanks Aaron and Kim for giving Tomarra so much confidence

and inspiration in her day to day battle with Lupus.

THE RAIN HAS ARRIVED!!!

2007-01-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

The rains FINALLY arrived to Malibu

and the waterfalls have started to flow...

With luck the road will be dry this afternoon

for super fast speed work

Then by Wednesday the dirt will be perfect

for long days off-road in the mountains!!!

FLYING HIGH!!!

2007-01-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

Tomarra felt better today!!!

So, we climbed to the top of the Santa Monica Mtns.

The views of the City are pretty cool up here.

It is always a good day when Tomarra feels good!

Keep hydrated and using that Cyto product Tomarra!!

It makes you feel grrreeaaaat!!!!

THE NEXT WORLD CHAMPION!!!

2007-01-23T19:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Teammates Chris Eaough and his wife Allison

on the birth of their new baby girl "Emerson Ruth"!!!

No matter what she does in life, she will always be

a World Champion in the eyes of her proud parents!!!

WHAT LIES AHEAD!

2007-01-22T16:59:00.000-08:00

Managing Lupus is assisted by controlling stress,

staying healthy and thinking positively.

Sometimes when Tomarra isn't feeling well, she goes to the ocean

to enjoy being outdoors while giving her time to relax and think.

The benefits are a happier, healthier Tomarra :)

THE DAY IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT!!!

2007-01-20T05:22:00.000-08:00

Got Tomarra to go hiking with me this morning!

We watched the sun rise!

It is so beautiful and peaceful in the morning!

Next up... the infamous Simi Ride!

PURE MAGIC

2007-01-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

There is no better way to start the day

than with a hike in the moutains and

watching the sun rise!!!

HAMMER TIME!!!

2007-01-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

Now that the snow has melted in Malibu

My crew sais it is time to get serious

My official training for the year begins today!!!

TAKING THE DAY OFF!!!

2007-01-18T08:23:00.000-08:00

Tomarra played it smart!

We decided to stay at home and just play in the snow!!!

IT SNOWED IN MALIBU!!!

2007-01-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

I have never seen it snow in the 12 years I have lived in So Cal.

It was so bad, our teammates from CO had to be picked up.

They started their ride in 60 degree weather.

Within 1 hour temps dropped 20+ degrees.

Hail, snow, ice and freezing temps did them in!!!

MY INSPIRATION!!!

2007-01-17T07:38:00.000-08:00

My inspiration and hero in life is Tomarra!

Each day Tomarra inspires me with her silent battle against Lupus!!

Next time you are feeling depressed or sorry for yourself,

check out her blog to see how tough - yet wonderful life can be.

www.fitnesswithlupus.com

(Scroll down to MY STORY on Tomarra's Blog)

HOME AWAY FROM HOME!!!

2007-01-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

As a professional athlete

there is no better way to travel than in a Lance Camper.

Check out my ride at our next race

and see first hand why it pays to be in a Lance.

http://www.lancecampers.com/home/index.html

WHEN YOU NEED FUEL!!!

2007-01-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Cyto Bruce Muhlfeld has all the fuel he needs

to train and race at 50.

With Cyto Tomarra Muhlfeld has all the recovery products

she needs to train and race with her illness Lupus!

Remember, there are no limits in life...

you just need the desire and of course Cyto produt!!!

A YEAR TO REMEMBER!!!

2007-01-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

2006 was a very successful year for Bruce and Tomarra Muhlfeld

National Champion Marathon - Women's Master Division
National Champion Marathon - Men's Master Division
National Series Champion Marathon - Men's Master Division
California State Champion - Women's Pro Cross Country
California Winter Series Champion - Women's Pro Division
California Winter Series Champion - Men's Pro Division
Nova Desert Champion - Women's Pro Division
20 1st Place Victories - Bruce and Tomarra’s wins
24 Hr. World Team Championships - (2nd) Men's Veteran Division

MY HERO!!!

2007-01-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

This Blog is dedicated to my wife Tomarra Muhlfeld who has Lupus

and continually demonstrates to me there are NO LIMITS in life!!!