That was a tough one... (Grand Junction Rides & Vibes 2023)

This video is sponsored by Competitive Cyclist. Head over to Competitive Cyclist to stock up on Skratch for your next ride and to try out Skratch's new Recovery and Crispy Rice Cake flavors. And use code SYDANDMACKY15 for 15% off your first order (some exclusions apply):
- Skratch Strawberries and Cream Recovery Drink Mix: bit.ly/3NCy7xl
- Skratch Salted Maple Crispy Rice Bars: bit.ly/42a14p4
- Skratch Super High Carb Drink Mix (formerly Superfuel): bit.ly/43zIaIn
This weekend, we’re racing the Grand Junction Rides and Vibes, a two day event with a fat tire criterium on Day 1 and a 40 mile backcountry race on Day 2. This is the second event of the Singletrack Series and after both having good races at event one, Moab Rocks, we have high hopes for this one. It’s technical, rocky and all the things we like. But, here’s the thing with bike racing. Sometimes you give everything you have, and still come up short.
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[@oliviant2235]

I loved Syd’s closing comment…..”I decided my spirit animal, it is a cock roach ….because it is hard to kill” I died 😂. You both are an inspiration ❤

[@BMad-we6qf]

I love that you guys are a team that support each other’s individual races and goals. That has to be such a benefit to both of you.

[@TC-hl1ws]

I am also trying the Aspen tires for the first time this season. Word of warning, I'm getting more pinch flats with these tires than any other tires I've tried in the past, by a lot!

[@MarmiteFerret]

Think everyone says the same thing with Nino he flats far more than others.

[@TC-hl1ws]

@@MarmiteFerret I didn't know that but it makes sense. I like the way they roll and grip for XC racing but will not be buying anymore of them going forward. The sidewalls just seem to split too easily and I'm even using the EXO Aspens. I've gotten really good at patching the small cuts but am tired of having to patch so often.

[@Cassienope]

​@@MarmiteFerret Nino usually runs the ST version of Aspens - even lighter. The Aspen is a weird tire. It's heavy. But also fragile....?

[@scottibass]

looks like a rough race. Please keep posting the race videos, I learn so much and enjoy all the little things, like Macky repairing the pinched flat and self motivating himself, Syd soldiering on those horrible climbs

[@crjmoto]

Great job! It took me years to enjoy these trails, not easy riding, but very rewarding. I was getting out of the car crit-night Friday eve and you two rode by - I was shocked (and happy!) to see you guys in person lol

[@johnblackham4443]

This is certainly not a disappointing video !! Love to see you guys in the real fight 😳😮!! The cross country races are the best mtb videos out there !! You both rock !!

[@koreykoets4587]

As a GJ resident I’m looking forward to see your tough love thoughts, next week. My two cents, I would have pre-rode the first climb, and the return part of the Loops after crossing back over Little Park Rd.

[@pdrawe]

My truck thanks you for the cameo appearance in the Third Flats lot! Butterknife down fun, Butterknife up not fun! Hope you enjoyed the trails here. Cheers!

[@built2last409]

Maybe time for a rest week? Accumulative fatigue is real. Have to see what Coach Mike has to say about it! It can be really hard to not train sometimes. But, I have learned more and more over the years the benefits of recovery. Especially if you are utilizing resistance training, the recovery is longer than most would like for it to be. Keep up the great work!

[@haksaw123]

Time to coach you guys. When you are at the top of your game, there is an unconscious tendency to rest on your laurels. The reason is simple, you have met your previous goals, and mentally/ subconsciously that is enough, and you need to recoup and recover. Unfortunately the fight is never over, so motivation needs continuous updating. Learn from past experiences and leave them there in the past. This is all about moving forward when you are competitive. Everyone wants to beat you. Play the game 🏁 Rockon❤

[@cjg1482]

Tough race. I do like the different bottle caps. They help designate who is who.

[@colinvincent6599]

Anyone who has raced has had one of those days that for whatever reason it just didn’t happen as expected. They say its character building but I can’t say my character felt enhanced by it.

[@eldowning]

My local trails! Such a brutal race and I just did the 15.

[@toolazytoo]

Macky's attitude after puncturing is so positive. Inspiring!

[@mikieson]

Its easy for some people to sit back and give advice or tell you guys right and wrong. Its another thing to be out there doing things things week after week putting your mind body soul through so much pain. Armchair professionals are in their own class lol.. Ive been following you guys for years now. Ive seen you do good. Ive seen you do not so good. Ive seen injuries and heartbreak and well,...bones break. OUCH... You have put in a lot of time on those bikes. Rather you win the gold medals everytime or not you are still living your dreams. Time moves on. One day you might find yourselves doing different cycling sports or even something different all together. Keep pushing the boundaries and enjoying life.

[@johnshellenberg1383]

I love Syd's stream of consciousness as she rides!

[@sq5]

Complete with musical number!

[@Fixietri]

I rimmed flatted last week. Agrivating, but then you sing a song and all is well. The ankle bone is connected.... Lol. Love that part of the video Syd! Cheers

[@stevencole7331]

One of the few times most of the footage Mackey was putting out substantial physical exertion . It seems like the pro xc racers are getting very proficient in technical riding which was for both of you your forte and just better than most . Great effort from both of you . Sometimes that's the way the ball bounces .

[@DameEdnaBrown]

Well Syd and Macky that was a tough race and some of the track looked really dangerous I'm glad you didn't get hurt. Considering how fit you are Macky what caused your leg cramps. I really enjoy your rides

[@MudmanDH]

Trails are so beautiful and so hard to race.🤙🏻✌🏻🤟🏻

[@boyongo0700]

you guys are amazing keep up the hard work and the best mountain biking videos on youtube! Would love to see a video on your gym exercise routine.

[@bicycledad7660]

Great video! You guys still rock ! I wanted to get into mtn bike riding this year but had quadruple bypass surgery instead. Your rides look amazing. Do you think the cramps were from low potassium? Stay safe and God bless.

[@Lottahops]

Grand Junction is full of great riding, wish it went better for you. We usually ride the fun trails in Fruita as a nice end of trip recovery ride. You both are inspirational and superhuman :-) Love watching your adventures.

[@chadronaldson1545]

Nicely done! Thanks for the bike rundown. 34T up front! Bike on!

[@TheNeelonRokk]

Can't win everything I guess. If you do, who wants to race with you in the future? Keep it up, the videos are great. 👍😊

[@chilloutyaall]

“I’ve failed over and over in my life and that is why I succeed” …Michael Jordan. You learn more in defeat than in winning! Keep your heads up and keep grinding! 👍

[@etcetera101]

One of the most technically demanding XC races in the states that I'm aware of. It's also one of the highest payouts out there as well attracting some of the best XC riders around so I wouldn't feel too bad about it. As a GJ local, knowing these trails is a maassive advantage and I think it pays in leaps and bounds if you can come out early enough to pre ride the whole course and rest before hand! Nice job!

[@The80shilling]

The footbone's connected to the.... crankbone, the crankbone's connected to the pedalbone...

[@adamcoppock5018]

Great work. I did a 6.5 mtb event a few weeks ago and it was 30* the second half of the day was definitely a game of ride within the limits of cramping rather than HR 😂

[@TheCrashingDad]

The ankle bone IS connected to the knee bone 🤣 I (and quite a few local riders) have broken rims with tires at 30psi and Cush core 🤷🏽 Probably mostly due to poor line choice… but GJ is brutal on bikes - you guys did incredible 👏🏼

[@B1KER]

Sucks seeing the defeat in your eyes. But as you said, it's things like that which can really motivate the hell out of you. Best of luck on the next one.

[@MattGrovesFTW]

The sky @20:00 😍

[@umpa5032]

The fisheye made your wheel look bent for a second and I freaked lol

[@jonathanazbell9596]

You guys killed it! This race is a beast, I nearly didn’t finish and I only did the 30. Awesome job!

[@lizzypicardi]

This looks like a gnarly race . Nice work getting out there.

[@waynecallister2236]

You don't have to win to be awesome (although as pros it is kinda important to win). But you learn more when you lose. Syd's spirit animal 😂! Great video, as always!

[@sevenninthsfabmachine]

Not the result you two were hoping for but what beautiful scenery with absolutely AMAZING skies!

[@damienbradley9209]

Maybe some R & R off the bikes for a week or two, perhaps cumulative load. How'd the Aspens feel compared to the Rekon Races? Ohh and Ankle bone connected to the Knee bone was great!

[@sapinva]

You have to give other riders a chance once in a while, can't win everything :)

[@jimjigga]

No you don't

[@tonypizziola]

I graduated today! You guys just made my day that much better seeing a upload!

[@sydandmacky]

Congrats!

[@tonypizziola]

@@sydandmacky thanks! Even did a 23 mile ride for class of 23

[@underthedrone2735]

Always next time and you will do better armed with the knowledge from this race. You put yourselves out there. That's half the battle.

[@jeffriley2502]

No matter who you are, we all have ok days, up days and down days, stay strong and persevere. Life is good.

[@michaelmann3636]

It was both tire choice and pressure. Those tires are too minimal of tread for rough rocky trails. I’ve never had good luck with them in those types of conditions.

[@86309]

good stuff, watched the whole vid, just fun to go along .

[@kellyperkins4139]

Check out the science behind Hotshot or Pickle Juice for you leg cramps, it’s your nervous system

[@bscjake]

See, I've tried the Skratch Strawberry recovery a few times now (was excited and got a whole bag) and it just tastes like weird vanilla to me. maybe mine was a weak batch. Sticking with tried and true Horchata :)

[@Team81MTB]

Sometimes you just have bad races. It could be the trail doesn't jive with you or your setup, maybe mental preparation is not quite right. Many factors go into a race. I had a bad race last week. For some reason I just couldn't get motivated to ride hard. Just analyze what happened and make your adjustments for the next one. For me, I'm gonna get my head screwed on straight for the next one. 😂 Learn from this race what you can and keep charging forward. You got this! 👍👊

[@BMad-we6qf]

It must be interesting to break it all down with stats and see if you REALLY did bad or if just certain critical sections produced a bad result or if something about the course wasn’t a good fit.

[@benc.8103]

Double leg cramp for me would have meant death or a life flight helicopter out. You guys are amazing. Stay tough.

[@jeffdana9402]

It is clear to me that racing represents all of the worst things about mountain biking. Good luck in chasing goals. I enjoy ripping fun rides, good food and beers post ride aka the good side of life.

[@michiganstate149]

Curious to hear your thoughts on Aspen vs Recon Race. Been running Aspens in the 2.25 and now 2.4 size and love them, but the new blur comes with 2.4 RRs...

[@dcasandman]

I’ve had both on my Blur. I definitely like the aspens more majority of the time. I’m a 1:1000 Mackey skill though.

[@perrystalsisworldofbiology767]

19:45 - really annoying when they start faster people behind you. One spends half the time stopped at the side of the track letting people thru, thus loosing even more time.

[@aold5652]

Woohoo!!

[@JGooden762]

That first climb was irrationally steep...

[@flyriviera]

Can you give manufacturer and model about the car bike holder? looks amazing!!!

[@sydandmacky]

Kuat piston pro. We talk about it more in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWmViJWsm5qJm6s

[@benemery9547]

Under ideal conditions what tire pressure would you two run for xc tires in desert chunk like this? I normally go with around 30psi but get the sense that the pros go lower.

[@sydandmacky]

I (Macky) generally run 22 front, 25 rear and weigh 165#

[@benemery9547]

@@sydandmacky Thanks! That's the more relevant answer for me (160#). Inserts of any kind?

[@sydandmacky]

Not at the moment

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Sounds like the elevation got you guys good

[@sydandmacky]

Grand Junction is 2000 ft lower than our house so i don't think that was it 🙃

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

@@sydandmacky aww, well you guys always give 110%

[@aldenroswell8504]

i meant to do the 15 but was injured at the time. some of my junior teammates got first place!

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome cool bikes

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

Just put out a new video on the new legal super aero tuck 🚄💨

[@P4P5]

You guys ever plan on doing something like the Unbound?

[@onlyonecannoli3952]

Macky...you can be a sprinter or a climber, but when you try to be both in the same weekend...the legs will revolt! Hope you didn't tear up your legs too much.

[@dudewhobikes]

1:19 What Song is this? Also Thank you for being so inspiring, you guys are awesome. It would be a dream if we could ride sometime.

[@sydandmacky]

Warfree world by Ebo Krdum :)

[@scottcoulas8800]

What digital floor pump do you use? I've been searching for an accurate good quality digital pump.

[@sydandmacky]

That's the Pro team digital floor pump. Really like it! bit.ly/3CcpZg6

[@DevinDeVore]

Thanks for sharing the journey. "The journey is usually the part you remember anyways!" Haha What can you share about the new Fox Float SL? I have one on the way, coming from a DPS ... What do you notice and feel? Find a setting that settles into the bike and your riding? Thx

[@sydandmacky]

It's hard to say if there's a difference feel wise (although anecdotally I would say I like it better than the DPS) but the difference in weight (40g if I remember correctly) was 👍

[@bikesandbeans]

@@sydandmacky I understand the cumulative weight losses in XC gear adds up,.. but damn.. 40 g is like a few teaspoons of sweat! you could just pull a bit of your wet sock off to save that :D all jokes aside, that weight loss you got with the transfer sl post is definitely a plus! Loved the vid and the effort from you two!

[@RowansAdventures]

Such great videos, I hope to get to your level of racing in the future! You give me ideas on what to do on my channel. I really hope you get to the 100k subscribers in the near future!

[@RolfReiner]

Trail hallucination is a thing

[@seanhuntley6722]

Where was the race with the castle?

[@sydandmacky]

EWS in Ainsa, Spain

[@chriss8375]

On your flat, are you still running tire inserts? Still Vittoria?

[@sydandmacky]

No inserts. Have yet to try any on the XC bikes

[@chriss8375]

​@@sydandmacky 👍 That new XC version they have looks tempting.

[@TC-hl1ws]

What tire pressure were you running in the Aspen's and what is your body weight? 2.4" wide?

[@sydandmacky]

I started with 22.5 psi in the back and weigh 165. Normally I'd go at least 24 and am now usually doing 25

[@TC-hl1ws]

@@sydandmacky lol, yep I am having the exact same experience as you are with these tires. I'm 170 lbs. I started at 23 psi and had several pinch flats that cut the sidewall close to the bead. After each pinch flat I increase my pressure 1 psi. I'm now at 27 psi and haven't had a pinch flat but 27 psi is definitely more pressure than I would prefer to ride. I guess that's the price I have to pay to allow myself to bomb super rocky downhills and not have to worry about pinching. I even have the EXO version of the Aspen's which are supposed to have a tougher sidewall. Last season I raced the Bontrager XR3 29x2.4 at 24 psi with no pinch flats. I think it was a slightly heavier tire which really helped the sidewall to resist pinch flats.

[@Stalkerfiveo]

Pinch flat even with inserts? 😮

[@sydandmacky]

Macky wasn't running inserts

[@TrlpN]

Do you run aspen tires front and rear?

[@sydandmacky]

Yup

[@rickgoodwin6765]

I almost always enjoy your video's. This was just an off week for you. It almost sounds to me (I am no expert by any means, so take it for what it is worth because I don't know anything.) like you guys had an issue with the nutritional aspect of things. I am only saying this because of Macky's double leg cramps. Naa it just wasn't your race this time. That happens. You both will get the next one. Be more awesome. both of you.

[@jordanforsgren2597]

1:13 what bike rack is that it looks nice

[@sydandmacky]

Kuat piston pro. We talk about it more in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWmViJWsm5qJm6s

[@tednruth453]

Re tyre press: What temperature differences do you guys experience out there?

[@sydandmacky]

I think the predicted temp diff was +15°f

[@Cassienope]

I did a race recently with like a +25 temp difference. The difference in tire feel was massive.

[@ErwinMommers]

He Syd and Macky, tried to het your Scratch products in Europe but no Joy. Schipping from the States is Donna cost me almost a 100 dollars and then Some on taxes so it's gong be way to expensive.

[@sydandmacky]

Ah, shoot. Looks like there are distributors in Germany and Czech Republic but don't know if you're in/near either of those: www.skratchlabs.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions

[@ErwinMommers]

@@sydandmacky Ordered Some of a German website,... Let's see when it arrives. Thanks for the tip!

[@nimrodrdc]

Oh man never go to the top 5 of a crit until things get real. Crit racing is about being the most selfish s.o.b. on earth , staying out of the wind near the front but not at the front.

[@ShayZ06LS6]

Make a shirt that says “Hard to kill like a cockroach”

[@gregkneebone1460]

Hey SYD do I win a prize for you mentioning my name in that song...Lol😅

[@richardhaselwood9478]

Well, well, well, if it isn't the entirely predictable outcome of my own choices 😆

[@mustclime5311]

Yet another video on why you don't race Maxxis tires,,,,sooo this is the 3rd race flat this year?.....lol.....guessing you will get at least 10 race flats this year..... please get another tire daddy.

[@pauleddy5146]

Win some, lose some, turn into a cockroach some . . .

[@steinfossgard5210]

On her heavy breathing it sounds like Syd needs to work on her cardio.

[@garyonnen7634]

It’s not nice to put songs in to peoples heads Syd. Thanks maybe it depends on how long it stays there.😅

[@davidc6032]

Again proving that strawberries are the work of the devil and will doom anyone who partakes. 😜

[@sydandmacky]

🤣

[@TM-ev2tc]

Go Teams Yellow and Blue Bottle caps. 🚴🚵 PS eat Bananas to help those leg cramps.