Rollin' the long bike......

A quick ride with the kids before life's journey takes us to the "Live Music Capital of the World".






“I dearly love the state of Texas, but I consider that a harmless perversion on my part, and discuss it only with consenting adults."
- Molly Ivins

Comin' Around

Hit the CSP track last night for a little circle racing. It was fun. I rode over with Chad and met up with B.I.L. The winds were howling and the raining was coming down. We huddled in the Jeep waiting for it to pass. Once the cloud heading east, wheels were down and racing began. Legs were good but I held back a little with no aggressive behavior. Rolled back home with Chad. A good night in the saddle.

Might head back over that way tonight for some riding in the dirt.

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Slow lane

The work is getting done at a slower rate than before, but some new adventures have arisen which are keeping things fresh. Enjoying as Aug 12th will come soon enough.

July 26th is a date for a recon into the depths of Bayou Salado. Routes being considered. Stay tuned.

Father's Day Ride

The annual addition of the Father's day ride took the form of a multi-park mountain bike adventure. Four of us braved the trails as wives and children prepared for the post ride festivities.

After a quick spin through William Frederick Hayden Park on Green Mountain, then a mellow warm up ride to the base of the first climb of the day, Chimney Gulch. We climbed up to the Nature Center, making a stop to fill bottles. From there we made our way over to Apex where we did a short loop, descending through the Enchanted Forest and climbed back out the main trail.

We headed west and up over Grapevine making our way to Idledale where we pick up the trail at Little Park. Rode through Lair O' The Bear up into Pence Park. Hopped on the road for a bit stopping for ultra filtered water. Continued on to the top of Mt Falcon, we did the Parmalee loop before the nasty descent into Morrison.

A short loop through BCLP to add a few more miles of single track before ending the ride at Chad's place. Iced PBR, family, great friends, and good food - a great Father's Day.

Rolling it down

SC rocking the climb up Chimney Gulch.

View of the Divide.

Chimney Gulch Trail.

Moots & WaltWorks

Turner.

Gary Fisher.

SC giving props to the great Front Range Trail system.

Notorious and Scott at Apex.

A quick loop before heading on.

Descending Grapevine w/ Hearts & Stars.

Quick Break.

Notorious.

Lair O the Bear.

Water Break.

View from Mt Falcon.

Heading toward Morrison.

Recovery Drink of Champions.

Resting Steads: Moots/WaltWorks/Gary Fisher.

Making Shadows.....

... in the San Juans.

"In the Hands of Hard Men in an Evil Hour"

Research is being done

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The Kanza Experience

I headed east from the foothills to the plains of our great country to partake in yet another gravel adventure.

The first fifty were just plain fun. I managed to stay with the main group for about 15 miles until the rolling hills. Then I just settled in for a long day grinding some sweet flint hills gravel. I made it to the first CP feeling rather good. I headed out solo for CP2.

We had a re-route which brought a bit of navigational confusion as I was unsure where I was on the map. Another SS rider straightened me out and we rolled into Cottonwood Falls together picking up another SS on the way. Another quick stop and I headed out for the third leg. About half way through this leg, I came upon Skip and Jeff.

At this point I was glad to have someone to ride with. At this point it was a struggle to hold a somewhat intelligent conversation. The three of us stayed together until the end, A quick stop at CP3 then we headed onward to the last big climb and the finish.

Darkness came outside of Americus, there is nothing better than cruising gravel under the power of lights. We rolled into the Guest Inn parking lot just under 17hrs.

The ride back to Denver gave me time to digest the ride and weekend. To sum up the weekend: I drove 17hrs, biked 17hrs, enjoyed the company I kept, had no mechanicals, pushed a perfect gear, and plan to be back next year. Now all I need to do start assembling a Denver gravel grinding contingent.

Check out Corey's write up and pictures.




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Check Point 2

Cottonwood Falls, KS