What is your favorite flavor?

I am such a whore. I have a love affair with three different bikes, not to mention my wife. Here is my beloved Vanilla in MTB single speed mode. This utilitarian frame serves many roles including MTB, fixed gear commuter/drinker, and my single speed crosser. The color I would describe as Espresso with kick.

For the last couple of months is has been in FG/commuter mode. That is until a group ride at Lair of the Bear required her services. Nothing like being 16 again, because I fell right in love with her agility on the trail...again. 16 never felt so right. The trail lent itself nicely to climbing and rolling singletrack with mountain vistas. Needless to say, I had a great ride. All this followed by 34oz. Fat Tire beers in Morrision. A serious question for the three of you who may read this...what beats a great ride and and great beer? I do not know the answer, but in my book, the list is short, real short.

Four days till FC 50. Yes, that race is Risky Business, "but some times you just have to say, what the F$ck". The Moots will be called into suffering service for the event.

Have a great and safe holiday weekend.

SC

The best part of Father's Day

I had a most wonderful day. Thank you to the best wife and kids that I ever had.

I did end up racing at Winter Park for $35. It was a very good race and great work for the upcoming FC50.

This picture was taken in Winter Park after the race and after lunch. Congrats to Taugimba for fine single speed effort.

Have a great week.

SC

Morning commute brought to me by...

The Beastie Boys. That’s right, the Beastie Boys road with me this morning on the commute in, via the ipod. All week I have wanted to get this post into the blog, but it has been very busy of late. Big thanks to Taugimba for a great weekend in Breckenridge. We got out on two stellar rides and took a couple of pictures. The riding was awesome as I got worked into the ground. It always amazes me how big a difference a couple thousand of feet can make with regard to available oxygen. Our first ride took us to the top of Boreas Pass. It took me thirty minutes to pull my lungs out from my throat - no air up there. On the way down we dropped into some singletrack from the FC 50. Day two took me on some new trails that were extremely fun and beautiful. I felt like a very luck person to be enjoying three of the things I value most in life- family, friends, and mountain biking. Awesome to say the least! Thank you everyone.

After a good couple of weekend rides I was tired and rested for a couple of days. Lately, I have been trying to get into the weight room once a week and work on maintaining some core strength which I did Wednesday. Thursday took me out to GM for some hill work on the jeep road. Friday = commute = 2+ hrs of riding. I was hoping to race at Winter Park Sunday, but there on-line system would not let me register and there is no way I am paying $45 the day of. I thought $35 was steep. I am cheap. The way I figure the Leadville 50 is only $65, maybe I can work that into my schedule. That would make for a fine July the FC 50, the Leadville SR 50, and the Laramie Enduro. I better get to work.

Hope you have a great weekend. I will try and keep it simple.

SC

A friend I have never met.

I have been bike commuting for a couple of years. Last fall the bike commute usually took place on Fridays. Over the course of several weeks, each Friday morning I would wave to this retired gentleman who appeared to be out for a morning walk. It got to the point where I would look for him, and it was a great part of the bike ride to work. Soon, colder weather moved in and my commuting stopped. All spring I have been looking for him on his morning walk. I finally saw him today. Both of us waved. It was the best part of the ride to work. It felt like I saw an old friend that I have never met.

Speaking of old friends I have a photo of one in todays post. I just really like this bike. It probably is over 12 years old. A steel Ibis road bike. A real steady-eddy.

Nothing but Love...

...for this bike. I truly appreciate this bike and its ability to cover some serious MTB terrain. This bike is a simple Moots YBB 29er with a WaltWorks fork. My favorite thing about this bike is the cockpit, I feel very comfortable, and in a position that allows for optimal use of power. The bike has preformed flawlessly for me, and most likely a lifetime ride. As I continue to focus my energy on the endurance genre of MTBing, I cannot imagine a more suitable ride.

Again, I have to give a major thumbs up to the Maxxis Ignitor tires. Maybe the best tire I have ridden for the Colorado conditions. Just ordered a second pair to have on hand.

The summer race schedule continues to fall into place. The first race will be the Breckenridge Firecracker 50. Next, will be the Laramie Enduro 111K. I sure would like to attempt a MTB century but have not been able to find one that works with my schedule. Also hope to knock-out a 24 hour event. I hope it comes together.

Good Day,

SC