Please pass the "catch-up"

I have been practicing for my favorite holiday. Got Guinness?






One item I have been totally impressed with has been my Bailey Works mesenger bag. A true messenger bag makes a big difference for commuting. I have not been able to locate a feature that goes unappreciated. The more I use it, the more I like it. The bag and I have about forty hours together riding, so I have had a little time to evaluate. www.baileyworks.com

After all these years, I own my first Surly, a Pacer. The Noto one helped me with the build and put the finishing touches on it. Thanks Noto. I only have a couple hours on the new frame, but I can already tell that I will climb better, and be much faster. OK, not really, but she is rock steady and that is something I really value.





Quick note: Rumblings of a possible Pork Chop reunion for the Dakota 50. Are you in? Grab your wheels and a thirty pack and head for the Hills...the Black Hills.
www.dakota5o.com

Finally made it to church...

The Notorious and myself rolled it to Loveland Sunday morning and the runs off of chair 8 were a religious experience. I do not intend to be disrespectful to the church, but rather demonstrate the power of being in the mountains with some fine snow. Thanks to all those that contribute, and thanks to to the Notorious for a great day. Some fresh flakes always make for an interesting drive up 70, and although you cannot see his hands, I suspect he may be suffering from some white knuckles. The other two pics show the Nototious on a drop-in, and me and my Arbor mixing it up in the trees. Sorry the pics are in reverse order.

Have a goodie,

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Got my board on...

Had a great and cold day at Keystone. Arrived and the tempature read minus 14 degrees. Brrrr. Anyways, we sucked it up and got some great runs in on the backside. Thanks for the tour T. Bluebird skies with the 10 mile range as the back drop added to a great day.

This is how depression hurts...

Those of you who know me, know that the Buckeyes loss to Florida has been very tough. It is amazing how fast one can deteriorate in a state of depression.

Having a little fun.

Augsut really has nothing of importance on my bike schedule. I have been trying to have fun riding. This includes trying increase my commuting efforts on the fixte. Other than that I have been able to get several fine evenings of fly-fishing in on Clear Creek. Serveral trout and cold water on my feet is great way to enjoy an evening. Another fun activity of late has been the long board skateboard. I can take the kids to park on their bikes and I am able to get a couple of hot laps around the park. This has been one of those things that I have really enjoyed, but all my friends look at me like I am insane. Oh well. A friend of mine who owns board shop let me borrow his board and said it would help keep my snow boarding skills sharp. A couple of weeks later he gave me the old shop board and I have been having a blast ever since. Thanks Vince at the BoardRoom. I can not help but look forward to another great season of hitting the slopes. Hope all is well in your world.

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Got er' done

The Larmie Enduro was a true epic adveture, and I appreciated every moment. Especially, now that I have a couple of days to recover. From a race pespective I had a very good day. No mechanicals, the bike preformed flawlessly, the nutrition plan worked extrememly well. I was able to finsih in a respectable fashion. I did suffer and suffer a lot, but it was awesome.

From an organization point of view, this may have been the best race I have participated in. It really was cool from start to finsish. Race organizers, volunteers, and the racers were very nice, low key and down right comfortable. Nobody lost their cool and everybody respected each others efforts. I would like to say a huge thank you to the race organizer Rich, and all the tremendous volunteers. Everyone provided over the top support with a smile. Each time I pulled into an aid station someone would fill my camelback, bottles and nutrional needs and get me and all the racers back out on the trail. This was truly incredible.

I would also like to say special thank to MarkyBru for driving my ass up and back. Carey you are awesome.

The pain cave

I have always wanted use that phrase, and finally thought that would be an ample way to describe the Firecracker 50. As for most, the first lap was great and I felt good. Then my eyes begain to look up at these long tunnels of darkness (climbs). This is the area where I need to improve the most. When there is a big climb, I can get it done but I am slow and it takes a lot of energy. More than half way through the second lap I got a flat. I think I ran over piece of barb wire, as my tire was sliced. It took some time, but got back up and running. Overall, I was disappointed in my time, but felt good that I finished.

I do have a chance for atonement at the Laramie Enduro. To be honest, I am quite nervous about this race. I have no idea what to expect. One side of my warped thought process says , it can't be as tough as FC50 because there is not as much climbing. However, when reality shows its face in my logic, it says, this race is simply 20 mile longer... better get your chubby butt ready. I think it is going to be hot and humid with no place to hide. Reading some race accounts there good reason to be nervous, and that in the long run is healthy.

Family matters...last week the crew headed out to Crested Butte to enjoy the some time outdoors together. Well, we got the together time, just not to much of the outdoors. It pretty much rained the whole time. CB was still awesome. Great vibe and real strong appreciation for the two-wheeled wonders. Definately a lottery town. If we won the lottery...

After couple days in "close quarters" we boogied over to Glenwood Springs to soak in the hot springs. It was real nice. After which we came across the restaurant called Juicy Lucy's Steakhouse, pictured above. The other two photos are from CB. Have a great week.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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,

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Yes, a great weekend for riding.

Weekend fullfilled. With the wife and kid's hanging out in Minnesota I was able to spend some quality time on the bike. Saturday allowed for 5 hour ride (actual ride time) that took us 37 miles around the 80403. This included White Ranch and a grand tour of Golden Gate State Park. I guess about 8000 feet of climbing, but I would not know. This was a great day in every way for me. We left my house close to 9:30 AM and returned to cold refreshing beverages around 4:30 PM. A full day of riding and adventure, fully enjoyed!

Sunday I was able to enjoy a good stretch on the legs, with a relatively flat 60 mile 4 hour ride. Perfect. Monday was also fun, an hour spin on the fixte followed up with some epic crit races in downtown Golden. Congrats to the B to the I to the L. Great race! This blurred pic is of the pro 1-2 race. Them boys can fly and make it look easy.

Mediocre week, hopefully a great weekend.

The title relates to my biking for the week. I must fully admit my commuting absolutley sucked this week. With the family gone, I thought it would much easier to commute, but I was wrong. Mostly a hectic schedule at work contributed to my lackluster effort. I did however, try to make up for my effort with two MTB rides, both single speed, and day of hill work. The hill work came in the form of Lookout Mtn. I did a couple of up and downs and a lap around Coors. That equated to about a two hour ride.

The ride up Lookout Mtn. is always enjoyable, and Wednesday night the weather was perfect. From downtown Golden to the top is close to 7 miles on the road. What makes it so enjoyable is the massive amount of recreation that takes place during those seven miles. I crossed the Clear Creek bridge in Golden to view a plethora of kayakers surfing the white water. Proceed to the Pillars where most cyclists start and begin the ascent amongst several dozen riders. One the way up I notice 8 para-gliders in the sky, several climbers doing some top rope work, hikers, MTB'ers, trail runners and the remote control glider crowd all enjoying a Golden evening. Wow! This is really cool, everybody sharing the Mtn. and getting their recreation on. I like it a lot here!

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Awesome 29er tires.

I have purchased these Maxxis Ignitor 29er tires, and have been riding them for about a month. They are the best tires that I have used in the 29er format, and meet the needs of Colorado riding. They hook up extremely well in climbing, in the corners, and descending. I think they are the perfect size in both width and air volume. Needless to say, I need to get a second pair to have them waiting in the wings, should a tire tragedy strike.

Summer of George II (Seinfeld reference)- The wife and kids are MN for the week of Memorial Day. I hope they have a blast, and I am so happy the kids get hang out with our family including the 15 cousins. We are very lucky to have such a great family. I miss you all. I am looking forward to some great days of riding.

Two wheeled weekend.

Enjoyed another great weekend in Golden. Saturday allowed for a three plus hour MTB ride in the the Front Range. We shot up Chimney Gulch, and then enjoyed Apex via the Enchanted Forest and up and around Sluicebox. I finished with a grind up the jeep road at Green Mtn. Estimated distance was about 25 miles. Based on those #'s I sure was not breaking any speed records. However, the ride was mostly about climbing. My guesstimate would be well over 3000 ft. The only bummer was that I lost one of my favorite water bottles, that contained some important fuel for the body. I hope to keep adding to this effort with plethora of trails that are located in this area. I am very lucky.

In the picture, my good friend takes a moment to look out onto the snow capped mountains.

Sunday was swell, as well. Me and the kids cruised Golden on our bikes. Later in the evening we added Mom to the biking mix. We headed down for a great dinner and a little time at the park. Simply a wonderful family night on bikes.

Have a great day.

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Got Game?

Quinn, Bil and myself went to the Rockies game last night. My wife and daughter stayed home, so it was men only at Coors Field. What a great place to watch a game. The Rockies won, and offered a very enjoyable time. A home run, a throw from center field for a put-out at home plate, and many hits, made this game fun to watch. All this for a cost of $9. That is right $9 for the three of us to get into the park. That is tough to beat for your entertainment $. I look forward to our next Rockies outing, via the bike. Let's get a date set.

I would like to wish a good friend of mine a huge a"GET WELL".

How do you clean your chain?

Evidently, I use my pants leg to clean my chain. This does not speak well of my general maintenance skills, but I do work hard to take of my bike. Mandatory before every ride is checking the tire pressure. I hate flats more than anything else, and I do get my fair share. The least I can do is make sure I reduce my chances of a "pinch flat" by having the tires properly inflated. Next is the chain and drive train cleaning. This falls more along the lines of once a week for general riding conditions. Long weekend rides or races moves the drivetrain to the mandatory list. That leads me to two more pet peeves. 1. Being the person on a group ride whose bike is always making questionable noises (lack of bike TLC). 2. Paying for race and ending up with a DNF especially if it is something that I could have prevented, that just sucks. I actually like to see if I do finish last. Other than that, I just try to pay attention to the bike for any potential maintenance issues as they arise. That help me eliminate having to use my pants leg as a maintenance device. Have a nice day.

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A snap shot...

that a makes a strong statement on the current status of life in America. Before I jump-in, I would like to first admit that I contribute to the problems. I am working to reduce my impacts as they pertain to gasoline consumption and support of corporations. Simply said, I try to spend as little of money in those areas as possible.

Back to the picture. I ride past this particular area about three times per week on my bicycle commute, and this sight always strikes me. This is about 7:30 AM. It generally makes me sad to see so many cars lined up at the drive through of a Starbucks coffee shop. People so committed to convenience, gasoline, and corporations. Yes, it does make me a little sad.

However, it sure was a great ride in the morning. Blues skis in the Foothills, and rolling into awesome visuals of the City of Denver. I do feel lucky on this Friday. That coupled with a planned visit to my favorite brewery in Golden this evening, have me giddy as a school boy.

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Taugimba-Rocks!

I wanted to give a good friend some major kudos for the effort extended for the Trans-Iowa event. You continue to inspire me, when I am on the bike in a strong head-wind or rain, I know that my suffering is nothing compared to what you must have endured. Great effort!