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

Check Point 1

Madison, KS

Start of Race

First of my phone blogging.

6 am

Dirty Kanza Weapon

WaltWorks.

New Kit!

With Short Track racing to the north and south, the options for weekday pain is racing in a circle with the really fast old guys (meaning Cat 1 racers that are 30+). It was good training as i was blown off wheels as the winds were fierce. Today, I spun the legs on the mountain.

Pinned the new Kit!

My Backyard.

Todays trail choice.

One week until I am off to Kansas.

Marathoner

Congrats to my wife of 19yrs in completing the Colfax Marathon.

FR50 Race Report

Saturday brought the start to my 2008 racing season at the Front Range 50. Compared to the past week, it was one of those picture perfect days in Colorado. I choose the WaltWorks with a 32 up front and an 18 aft. In an effort to meet the designated daily plan, I rode to the start leaving at 7:00am. I took a quick jaunt thru the lower section of Green Mountain before rolling on the road to Bear Creek Lake Park. I was met with long lines for both the number placard and timing chip. I setup my backpack in the feed area which held 3 bottles, 1 Red Bull, food, and 1 small CamelBak.

I rode down to the start, which the Ergon FJ was strategically placed nearby, and met up with Notorious B.I.L. The start of the race was at the base of the climb up to the Start/Finish and expo area. They staged all the male categories together. I found myself toward the back as we were given the signal to race.

Lap 1 – I found myself early on wheel to wheel with the pack grinding up the first incline, I settled in knowing that early placement was vital but not necessary. The climbs were clogged with riders grinding methodically up. I finished the lap in about 49 minutes.

Lap 2 – Things finally thinned out and I found my rhythm as things began to flow. The climbs seemed a bit easier when I could climb at my own pace. I was feeling really good at the end of this lap, which was done in about 40 minutes, and my plan for getting bottles at the end of laps 2 and 4 were thrown out the window. I made a decision to stop at the end of lap 3 to pick up two bottles for the last push to the finish.

Lap 3 – The first part of this lap I felt awesome, I was sticking to my nutrition plan and things were absolutely flowing. I made it through the serious of climbs fine until the last little up then things started to take that turn. I felt that little twinge in my lower quads, not so much a cramp as muscle seizure. I was through my two bottles with a mile until the feed area. I still finished the lap still around 40 minutes and still had hopes of holding it together.

Lap 4 – I decided to throttle it back a tad through the first bit and let the liquids I consumed do there trick. As I made it to the climbs, I felt like things were coming back around. I easily made the first two climbs without much incident, though I was a marked difference in my speed. The next two little ups brought back those twinges on the steeper sections. I kept plugging away and finished the lap in about 50 minutes.

Lap 5 – I tried to push the pace but the damage had been done, I rode at a comfortable pace conserving for the final climbing of the race. I ended up running the last steep sections to avoid full muscle seizure. I rolled across the finish feeling strong but a bit disappointed.

I finished in 4:08 which was good enough for 30th place in the geared Veteran 40-49 division where I was scored. My placing in the SS division could be 11th. The daily plan was met as I took the slow ride home.

FR50

I finished the 50 miler in just over 4hrs. I suffered a couple laps but I was glad with the gearing that I choose. Now I have to get the tandem ready to support the Wife's marathon endeavor tomorrow. More on the race later.

Starting Slow.......

A decision was made early on to put off racing until May. Initially that was going to be the end of May with Dirty Kanza, but as luck has it the FR50 is right down from the house. It was a difficult choice to postpone as nowadays my mindset is focused racing but Fall goals need to be realized.

When this May rolled around the notices slapped me into the reality that I am starting to age. The Udder School reminded me that 20 years ago I received my degree. Also, it coincides with the fact I graduated HS 25 years ago. Add an anniversary into the mix and my mind spins with what has and has not been accomplished.

No more time wallow, race on!


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Long week over

Regretfully missed Dave's Fundraiser last evening due to the Wife's travel delays. I rolled the road today under some clear blue skies. It felt good to stretch the legs out after a couple of days of lounging and running.

FR50 Course Marked

Across the Parking lot

Fixed Friday Fun

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Stylin.....

That's one Snappy Cap!

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Denver Trail Antics

teammate and friend

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May day

The past week has been busy with family and keeping up with TI happenings. Saturday morning a connection was made as the first song to pop in my head was "Wish You Were Here." Spent most of the day checking for updates from GT's TI Radio. Now it's over I have been reading reports from CornBread (5th), Paul, Snob, JJames, T-Roy, Doc, Dan, SCole, plus many many more. The plans are already set in motion for TIv5 if GT and d.p. are willing to give it another go.

The edginess has crept back in as I ready for this years fun on gravel, Dirty Kanza. In a couple of weeks the FR50 will be the litmus test to check to fitness.

Snows hit the Front Range today just as I headed out for my ride - it was cold and wet.

Rolling out.

Quick stop to add a layer.

Home!

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Decision

Or

Good Luck

This coming weekend is Trans Iowa, this year I will not be toeing the line like the previous two.

I wish all those in attendance the best of luck and hope they come away with as many memories as I have. It is about the journey and not the destination (although it is always nice to finish).

One of my best memories of last years TI was climbing up to the finish line seeing my brother standing there and Snob handing me the last beer (he was planning on drinking it ) and a handy wipe. The pain and suffering endured are just a faded memory as I'll be toeing the line next year in Iowa. Thanks to GT and d.p. for providing us with such a demented event.



"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go" - T.S Eliot

Western CO - day 2

Day two brought a tired bunch, so while they were still tucked in, I rolled north out of town. After a nice bit on the pavement, four grueling miles of gravel, I arrived at the trail head. A couple of sweet loops, my ride to food and a shower appeared.

Pavement on 18 Rd.

Gravel on 18 Rd.

Single Track.

Zippty Do Da!

A ribbon of Trail.

Western CO

We headed in mass to the Western Slope to support my Wife in her trail running endeavors. She knocked out an easy 25 miles along the Colorado River. I took the kids for a quick ride down a gravel road that led to Rustlers Loop, after a loop we trudged back to the S/F to watch my Wife finish her run. The kids are ready for the next mtn bike adventure.

Out on Rustler's Loop

How we rolled.

After I made sure the Wife was conscience and had plenty of nutrition, I took off to ride a quick loop before rolling back to town. The legs were a bit lack luster as I headed out. A quick climb and some rocks had me second guessing the decision to ride, but after a few miles all was good. The views of the Colorado River and the snow capped mountains to the east made the perfect back drop to end out the day. Spun back to town, then ate pizza and relaxed.

From Troy Built looking down on the Kokopelli Trail.

The bike. The Views.

Looking down on Horsethief Bench Loop.

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Westward

Taking off for a little support of the wife as she pounds the trails to the west.

Good wishes go out to Chris and his driver after their unforunate incident on the way to the AZT300.


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April Tracks

Snowed!

The ride(s)

Recap of the past few days:

Sunday took me out on a ride with "The Rivet" and Notorious, rolled from the house and met TR on the way to Golden. Notorious rolled from home to the designated meeting place. Climbed up Golden Gate Canyon to the Peak-to-Peak over through Rollinsville then down Coal Creek Canyon. Check out part of the route here. Saw a moose, eagle, and a moron during the descent back to Golden. An all around great day. I did get home just it time to assist in grouting tile.

Yesterday, took the youngin' to Green Mountain on the back of tandem. It felt like I was driving a semi down an alley in a wind storm. The plan is to take the older one out soon. Took a bunch of pictures but the camera has reached its lifespan and all I got was blur.

I struggled with wind and motivation today as I was trying to execute my daily plan. Luckily I read this last night and couldn't muster a good argument against painful repeats. "I had 10 reasons to quit but I had 15 reason to keep going." - Dirt Diva I need to remember to keep my glass half full on every ride.


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Sightings

We saw a moose on the ride today, he/she is hard to see.

More on the ride tomorrow.

Cobbles

Paris-Roubaix is this weekend, which by far is one of my favorite races. This course is one of those I need to ride before I die. Should be a good one this year with lots of riders on some early form.

Trans-Iowa B-Level road or just another cobbled road in the Arenberg Forest.

Lovely Cobbles!

Hope to get in some good miles this weekend as the forcast looks promising. I might try and hang with the two hammers on Sunday as they big ring it up Golden Gate Canyon.

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No Fresh Tracks

The weather has once again descended upon us with a nice spring snow storm. Off the bike for today, which is okay as it was late start at school and I am preparing to present in front of the school board this evening. Tomorrow will bring a completely different day.

Crooked Trails

"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. May your rivers flow without end, meandering through pastoral valleys tinkling with bells, past temples and castles and poets' towers into a dark primeval forest where tigers belch and monkeys howl, through miasmal and mysterious swamps and down into a desert of red rock, blue mesas, domes and pinnacles and grottoes of endless stone, and down again into a deep vast ancient unknown chasm where bars of sunlight blaze on profiled cliffs, where deer walk across the white sand beaches, where storms come and go as lightning clangs upon the high crags, where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you --- beyond that next turning of the canyon walls." Edward Abbey


Look for your inspiration in the most unexpected places.


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New Route

Yesterday's plan was executed. Much pain was inflicted into the legs as the climb was long and the summit winds were howling. The gears were put to there fullest use . Map became a place holder in center pocket. The loop brought spectacular views and a happen chance to meet a teacher slogging up the same grade. The camera was left home, but will be stuffed in for the next adventure.

Kids home today, a hike or ride was on the docket but the snows have changed the plan. So instead, I'll be task master on domestic chores

Plans and projects

Coffee and waffles to start the day, a little project prep whilst the wife was pounding the pavement, then off for a short ride to wake up the legs. The plan for tomorrow is set; pain, gears, and a map will be my companion. The afternoon will be spent honing the plan and completing a long overdue project.

I like these smart socks from Harlot.

Blue Skies

Today brought blue skies to the Front Range, yesterday's snow long since melted. Spun the legs out after a rough week of getting back into a training routine. March was a dismal month as I spent more days battling sickness as I did training. Things are looking better for April.

Blue Sky and no snow

Straight chainin' it

Down from the Mountain

Back from refuge, skis hung up. Spring Break on the slopes with the kids, a great way to end the season. Missed the last Cultcross race to ski with the elite at BC, met an old friend from my skiing days in Michigan. Now I am back to the grind of chores, projects, and training.

Lunges

In the Mountains

Midway through the spring break adventure. Some early morning roller time with the days spent doing lunges with the kids. A member of the extended family did break his leg which has put the halt to traveling over the pass to ski with the elite. Snow expected today.

Friday, great

The managing of children was left to others this morn, so I took advantage by getting an extra hour plus in of riding. Opted for the Chatfield loop, which with the gusty wind was a wise choice. The winter base served me well after 3 weeks of battling sickness. Tomorrow heading to the refugee for a week of lunges with the kids. May toss in the rollers and cx bike for some added fun.

Chatfield Res

Obey!

Bikes

So European

Today's Choice

Spring Riding

It was good to take to the road with out the cloud of sickness looming, a few Ricola thrown in for the spasmatic coughing. The sky was blue and most of the snow has evaporated.

Pathete season opens today, be ready! Check out Rich's rant.

Do the Test before getting behind the wheel.

Toolin' on the Borthwick

Recovering

I have been battling for the past 4 days with round two of the sickness. The sunny skies and snow cover seem to have perked me up. Another day before I will be able to venture forth on the bike.

The first 'cross race of the year was this past weekend in Eagle, I missed it but plan to make the next one on the 29th (if skiing is bad).

The Burn

The controlled burn on Green Mountain.

I am preparing myself for round two, the first round knocked me around a bit but seemingly recovered. I will be last in line to take on this second bout, at least we can get in over with before spring break.

Vintage VC

I have been looking for something to do with all my old jerseys, maybe vee neck lycra shirts will come back in style. The scary thing is that on a upcoming visit to Austin some of my barmates might just be wearing these.

This vintage Violet Crown Jersey dates my presidency by only a few years.

"Adversity tests whether you are what you thought your were" - unkown