I met sports photographer Rich Cruse at my 1st XTERRA– Richmond VA 2001.

Since then we have become close friends, but also we managed to do a lot of business together. He would shoot pics at races and make me look good- not an easy task- and I would offer it to the press and sponsors who would buy them off Rich. That way Rich made a living, I looked somewhat good, and the sponsors and magazines got great pics.

I attended Vineman 70.3 this past weekend to work at the Avia stand– my shoe sponsor. We worked the expo and race day, sold shoes and had great meals and wine afterward. Shoe designer Ike and I also brainstormed on the 2010 Avia AVI STOLTZ.

From the AVIA booth I saw Rich sprint across a big field with about 60lbs of camera gear flapping in the wind. I ran over and offered to help him carry. We got to the finish just before Aussie Joe Gambles, the winner. I wanted to give Rich’s camera back but he said:“Shoot!”

So I “shot”:

Thanks for the credit Rich!

XTERRA Vermont was the muddiest race I have ever done. Even the run was really slippery and muddy and it went straight up and down the Sugar Bush ski slopes.

Special conditions calls for special measures. I modified my Avia AVI STOLTZ Caveman style…

Step 1: Buy a handful of 1/2 inch screws with big heads.

Step 2: Screw them into the sole in the right places. (2 screws on the heel optional)

Step 3: Run in the mud!

Here is a picture of the downhill in Sugar bush in Vermont. The run gained (and lost) 750m (2300ft) in 10km.

I visited Zappos with Avia last week. Wow, what a place. Sure, they are in Las Vegas, but the people in the company are pretty amazing.  Young, hip, creative and maybe somewhat kooky? (Kooky- Wait, thats like the pot calling the kettle black!)

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Flowery run by Gary Perkin- Official UCI and Specialized shooter . www. flipper.co.za These pics are most definitely copyrighted.

Them dere are the AVIA Avi STOLTZ trail shoes. Super excited! They hit the shelves this past week. Also, Balega, the #1 sport sock out there.