Troupe Racing Co.

In our third season, we picked up a few new riders. One of them has been blazing fast in the masters 45-49 class. You may have seen an amazingly cool orange Blur XC carbon, decked out with orange Iodine wheels go flying past you. The rider of that bike is Tom Robe – one of our new additions to Troupe.

You’re not a Cali native. How long have you been in California?

I moved to CA in 1990 from NJ where I was born and raised. I followed two good friends from college who had moved out here about 8 months prior.

How did you decide to race for Troupe – or racing in general?

Well, probably just like some other people out there, I have Roy Alvarado to thank for that. I met Roy and started riding with him in early 2008. During our rides he would mention upcoming races that he was doing and also tell me about Troupe. I got into racing in the summer of 2008 participating in the Rim Nordic series. I really enjoyed the adrenalin rush I got from racing. I ended up riding as a “guest rider” for Troupe on a couple of 5 man teams at the 12 hour events at Vail Lake in Temecula in 2008 & 2009 as well as the 24 hours of Adrenalin at Hurkey Creek in September 2009 as well. Prior to the 2010 season I was invited to join Troupe Racing and was excited to become part of a team. I really enjoy the camaraderie that we have amongst the team members on Troupe.

What’s your weekly ride schedule look like, (miles, type of riding)?

For a while it bothered me if I missed a day of riding. I had to tone it down a bit and find a happy medium with riding and the other things going on in my life. I typically ride about 3 times a week. My rides can be anywhere from 12-24 miles. Usually somewhere in the 15 mile range.

What’s been the biggest change this season ?

The amount of racing that I have done. Yesterday (Aug. 15th) was my 14th race of the season. I participated in the US Cup series for the first time this year and enjoyed the competition and the variety of race courses.

You changed from a 30lb bike to a carbon Blur XC. How has that been?

The Santa Cruz has been great. It definitely makes the climbing a bit easier. I had some initial concerns with the Blur due to the style of riding I do on some serious technical downhill trails with lots of obstacles but the Blur has handled everything that I have thrown at it with no problems.

You insist on not wearing Lycra shorts, in favor of the baggie riding shorts. What’s the deal?

I only ride on the dirt. I don’t own a road bike or do any road training. I enjoy getting out on the trails both with friends or by myself. To me, lycra is not what mountain biking is about. I’m sure it would be beneficial in racing but it’s just not something I want to do.

Favorite trail or ride that you have been doing lately?

Living in South Orange County we are very fortunate to have many options for mountain bike riding for all skill levels. If I had to pick one trail I would say it is San Juan Trail. After the initial 6 mile singletrack climb, which offers 17 switchbacks within the first mile, you have a couple of options. Besides just turning around and coming back down you can add a 5 mile lollipop loop or go up to Blue Jay campground or get on the Main Divide and challenge yourself on Los Pinos Trail. Lots to do with a great downhill return.

California has a ton of racing. What has been your favorite and why? I really enjoy the test of the Counting Coup which is put on by the Warriors Society in conjunction with their Vision Quest race. The CC is 44 miles and 8800 feet of climbing. This was my 2nd year participating in this race and with the experience from last year as well as my new bike, I beat my previous time by almost an hour and that was with 2 flats. My goal is to come in under 5 hours in the future. I also participated in the Idyllwild Spring Challenge for the first time this year. This course really was set up for my style of riding. Lots of technical climbing as well as fast, technical downhills. I was very surprised when the results were posted and saw that I had come in first in my age class out of 15 riders. That was a great feeling!

Most riders have pre race rituals or superstitions. Got any? Meals, drinks?

Not really any superstitions. I try to eat half of a PB&J before the race so that I have some fuel in me. I have also started using Hammer’s Sustained Energy in a water bottle during races and that seems to help as well.

What is you jam song – what song is going through your head during races?

I don’t listen to music while I ride. I prefer to hear what’s going on around me, especially oncoming riders. For some reason when I am doing a decent climb, AC/DC’s “It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock & roll” pops into my head.

Any end of the season goals?

No real goals. Just to continue going out and enjoying rides with friends and maybe making some new mountain bike friends along the way. Looking forward to the last race of the season which is the12 hour race at Vail Lake in November where I will be racing on the Troupe 4 man team.

Favorite piece of gear in your pack that you always have and why?

My camera. I basically have it with me on all rides, except when racing. I have seen some incredible wildlife while out riding and have been fortunate to get some cool pics of bobcats, rattlesnakes, tarantulas, salamanders & one of a bear up on the Flume Trail in Tahoe. I also have some good shots of some of my riding buddies in some interesting positions after crashing.