Long Day!

Damn, this was a long day. Work was long 'cause it's not that busy right now. I did waste a ton of time f'ing around with some Photo Shop "how to" web sites. So in turn I spent some time with some of my Dos Niner pics..

After a day of goofing off with bike pics and getting paid to do something very different, I hit the Rail Trail for about 2.5 hours of tempo riding. I did spend about 25+ minutes exploring a few more Ghetto ATV trails that I hope to incorporated in my night assaults. About an hour of tonight's ride was in complete darkness. Well, not for me since I had the PTSB3 lighting the way. Note to self: It gets COLD after the sun goes down. FRIG! "headlights" were on high beams the whole last hour!

Speaking of headlights... Its' sort of freaking when you ride for over and hour with LED lights and then get in your car with halogen head lights. I wasn't sure whether they were working right or not!! They looked so orange/yellow compared to LED lights. I Heart my LED lights. :)

Anyway I didn't get in the door 'till about 8:30, didn't eat dinner until after 9, and so the result is it's after 10, I'm still up and vurping up some stir fry chicken. Nice.

Time to take a Tums and go to bed.

Later

3 Peaks & Gifts of Time

A Monday after a weekend of great riding is always a real junk twister. I mean who the frig can get geeked to go sit in their cubical for 8 hours after a weekend in the saddle?? I guess part of me enjoys returning to work, hearing everyone bitch about how the weekend was too short, how they had to run here, go there, do this, and do that. While I just sit, smile and half listen to them through the fuzz pop sounds of my earphones, content with the knowledge that I got in some sweet riding in the mountains and rediscovering the road. While they scrubbed their deck. Not that my house/yard/car/life doesn't need a shit load of work done to it, but the way I figure there's always another day for the suck stuff. You get the gift of time and the ability to ride. You ride.

Monday is of course a day off the bike. I spent the night doing some of the lame stuff I should have done over the weekend. Like change a headlight bulb in the Soob, taking a turn cleaning the kitchen and trying to sweet talk a contractor (ANY CONTRACTOR!) into finishing the siding job that the last guy never finished leaving us with no gutters, and a job unfinished. Grrrr! Oh well the night was saved by cooking up some White Trash Chinese. Yep, I'm going all Chairman Mao on your ass, and I cooked up some spicy pork & brown rice, vegetable stir fry. Gotta tell you I was damn pleased with it.

I also spent some time reading about this past weekend's Three Peaks Cyclocross race in England. This is an extremely cool event that takes place in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It's the event that Iron Cross is based on here in PA/USA.

Reading about the race and seeing the pics really makes me want to do the 62 mile Iron Cross race. One of my season's plans was to make the Mamasita rigid, do I.C. on it and then keep the Mamasita rigid for some winter road and rail trail base miles.
But things have changed. I think I'm done with the traveling and expense of racing for now. And just want to keep riding for me as long as the weather cooperates. Fall is here, and winter will be holding my face down in a slush filled pot hole soon enough in an attempt to break my spirit. Like I said earlier... You get the gift of time and the ability to ride. You ride!

Hope to get some saddle time in tomorrow.

Later.

Return Of The Road (Like Stage 17 Baby!)

As expected last night's heavy rains washed out a chance to roll Boyce early this morning with Plum Grove Pete. It also washed out my chances to "borrow" Pete's Moots 29er for an extended period! ;) But I was able to salvage a great ride. A ROAD RIDE! And if felt damn spanky!!

Today was my 2nd road ride in a 1.5 months. That's a LONG time for me. Considering that during the spring and early summer I spend 3 to 4 days a week on the Campeon. I have to say I have not really missed it. The trails have been too good and the the lure of the mountains too strong. I've also sported a real lack of desire to be buzzed by cars, and listen to idiot motorists yell "Go Lance" or "Fag!!". But today I woke knowing what the day was going to be dealing me. Wet, muddy trails, and a family schedule that would pretty much only allow time for a road ride out at my Dad's. So I got the Campeon ready and headed out to S'dale with B-Man.

My last post Seven Springs road ride ended with me aborting the ride at mile 17 in a big pile of suck. Today was 100% different! From the time the ride started I felt great in the saddle. Cooler temps helped, as did the misty overcast weather. Gave the ride a real Spring Classics feel. And it's no secret that I dig the Spring Classics 100%. To me those races are like mountain bike races. And THAT vibe makes them WAY better!

Today was the best my legs have felt in about a month. Recovery from Seven Spring and various illnesses, must FINALLY be happening. I was most happy today with my ability to keep a nice cadence, with steady power to the pedals. I felt like Landis in Stage 17 the '06 Tour. You know before you knew he would test positive and make (more of) a mockery out of the Tour. But mental imagery is mental imagery.

I've made the Road Racing vs. Porn comparisons before, but for those who don't remember I'll refresh- Sometimes you watch old road races and even though you might be watching Landis, Hamilton or Pantani, and you KNOW they tested positive, are out of the sport (or out then back) or worse dead, you still find yourself watching in jaw dropped amazement at their performances. Pornography is the same way (for those who are into that sort of stuff, personally I never look at the stuff) folks watch in amazement at the hotness of a woman or if you're woman the shear OMG! that has to be fake!, size of a man, and totally block out that the fact that woman is most likely a total junkie or that the dude is probably rocking some serious STDs and a sweet intravenous drug problem. But it's Mental imagery all the same.

Today I was using '06 Stage 17 like it was top shelf hard core porn. I remember that (apparently) testosterone fueled breakaway and just staring in amazement at Floyd's cadence, his determination, his will to bounce back from stage 16 and win 17. That's the sort of thing that really helped me on the road today. Smooth pedaling, standing and attacking hills and generally feeling aces for 40 miles. The road has returned and it felt damn good. Yeah, sure, after the ride I had to endure that same uncomfortable post-porn viewing guilt/uneasiness that folks get. But it was worth it for a good day in the saddle.

Later.

Epic Recon #3

Rain be damned! You many have ruined my ride with Plum Grove Pete Sunday, but you were NOT gonna ruin another Recon mission to the mountain. In case you new to the blog or out of the Soiled Chamois loop, I'm in the process of hooking up various parts of the the Laurel Highlands in attempts to get as close to a hundie as I can. I've check out Laurel Mountain, the Jones Mill/Laurel Hill area (with special side recon focused on the turnpike bridge that can lead riders (me) over to Laurel Mountain) and today's mission was to check out the North Woods and Mountain Streams Trail Systems off of Rt. 31 across from Hidden Valley and link them with some forest roads, such as the BIG forest road climb up Camp Run Road. Big thanks to Speedgoat Bill for cluing me into these trails.

I parked at the parking lot on left of 31, at the start of the snow mobile trails. I decided to spin down 31 on the road to Tower Road instead of taking the snowmobile trail. I just wanted to get the legs warmed up a bit. For the actual Epic I would take the snow mobile trail to avoid the road.

After I got down to Tunnel Road it was an up hill grind to the North Woods Trail head. Then a right turn past the gate through some grass and to the mostly double track NWT. Some middle ring climbing soon turned into a nice switchback descent to the an open field and the XC Ski Warming Hut.

The trail then started back up hill. There were a couple nice grinds, but no dismounts needed. The climb wasn't that bad, but the rain the area got over night did make for a few spin out here and there. Nothing to major though. The trail was mostly double track but here an there would funnel into single track. This would sort of be how much of the day would be. I hit just about EVERY type of trail surface today- Pavement, single track, double track, grass paths, lime stone, loose rock, the ride had it all.

Soon I was done with the North Woods Loop and was bombing down the double track of Shafer Run. It was a sweet descent and I was really hauling ass. I of course kept thinking to myself that with all this descending, I was gonna pay the price in the form of a climb real soon. Annnnd I was right as you'll see in this video...

The climb up Shafer Run Road to Tunnel Road went on a bit. It doesn't look all that steep in the video but it was steep enough for sure! There would be bigger climbs on the day for sure (as you'll see later). Soon I was on to Mountain Steams Trail. I had to go down about 20 yards of trail I had already done, but then I was cruising a nice middle ring climb up Mountain Streams Trail. I dug this trail more than the North Woods stuff. There was more of what I would call single track and it just flowed better to me. At leas until I had to do some bushwhacking to get around some windfall...

Once around the fallen tree I only had to go a bit further to hit the top of Mountain Streams. Then it was a lllllong descent with loose rock an few bigger rocks. It was a real "teeth rattler" down to Indian Creek for sure! I think I passed a stone on the way down. The challenge was sort of nice though. It was not THAT technical, but you did have to watch out or find yourself eating a face full of rock. Once I made it down I took the time to once again snap a pic of the Dos Niner in it's "natural habitat"...

After a couple pics and a snack size Milky Way Bar it was time to push on. Mountain Streams was now pretty flat and I was able to cruise along at a good pace. There is some logging going on along this part of the tail and the loggers laid down some chunky rock so as to get their big ass machines back in the woods. Not the best of the day's trail surfaces, but it was still better than pavement! I soon would make it to the Auckerman Road. A quick little right and then back on to Mountain Streams Trail. I now enjoyed a nice long spin on single track and double track through some nice forest and a small apple orchard....

This was a neat part of the trail. The whole trail smelled like apples and if I REALLY wanted to I could have just reached up for a nice snack. I knew I had a hell of a climb ahead of me though and really didn't want the tart apple flavor in my mouth OR it's fiber in me lower intestine!

Soon I was at the base of Camp Run Road. CRR is 99% crushed stone, but it gains about 1,300', so as you can imagine it was a bit of a grind. I was pretty geeked though because this is just the sort of thing that one runs into in a race like the Wilderness 101.

It was one of those climbs that I just kept praying that I was on the right road and all this climbing would not be wasted. There were a couple false summits and that was sort of annoying, but again this is just the sort of thing my future "Epic" will need.

I found it more than just a tad ironic that at the top of this big ass climb was a small cemetery. I figured all the deceased were folks who bonked coming up the big ass climb.

After the cemetery the loop is about in the books. A bit further down the road was the parking lot by Route 31 where I parked the Soob. This loop was a hair over 20 miles. I thought about crossing 31 to do some of what I did last Sunday, but I figured I'd done enough on the day.

The ride was pretty sweet. Again, it wasn't 20 miles of pure single track, but a variety of trail surfaces, widths and styles. It made for a sweet 20 miles in the mountains and will surely be added to my "epic". Right now I think I can get about 60 mile ride in with what I've explored. I know there are more options including trails near Hidden Valley and finding a good forest road to take me to the Seven Springs trails. Right now I'm trying to figure out how to make it a "figure 8" or a "clover leaf" type ride. Than way it will be possible to get more supplies (gels, water, etc.,) more easily and keep me from having to pack 20 lbs. of gear on my back.

More miles would have been nice today, but I was happy with 2:30 of exploring new trails and some BIG ass climbing. I hope that the fall will allow me to complete my "full" epic ride this year. If not, I'll just have to be happy with 3 great rides in the mountains and a nice plan for 2009.

Here's a little slideshow of the pics I took today.

Time for bed.

Later.

The End

The end of the week. Thank God. Eeesh. It went fast, I got some good, although be it brief, riding in and I'm ready (I guess) to tackle what looks to be a soggy ride tomorrow. So far we just got some mild misting rain, so it would have to bet pretty epic in the next 12 hours to really kill a ride.

Interbike is about shot in the ass. I have to say I'm left pretty unimpressed at least right now. Salsa kicked some serious ass with the unveiling of the Selma, the Fargo, and getting more eye ballz on the Big Mama. But other than than I got nothing much other than the Chris King Bottom Bracket and this cool little gadget from Ergon..
I find settign up cleats maddening and leave it to Ergon to come up with a cool ass way to set 'em up proper. I can't wait to use this, so as to avoid all the trial and error of cleat installation. Of course I still have to filter through a million photos and what not on the web, but right now I'm just stoked that Salsa kicked so much ass. Again, proud to be an Amigo and rock the spicy love.

Other than that this Friday is pretty bike free. I hope to head to the mountain tomorrow if we don't get too bitch slapped with weather tonight. If we do it looks like I'll bust the Campeon out for some road love.

Beer Love...

I stopped at the 6 Pack Shop today to get some quality BIG beers and a couple others. Today's list of love includes...

• Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

• Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre

• Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA

• Weyerbacher Old Heathen

• Great Lakes Blackout Stout

• Anchor Liberty Ale

• Stoudts Double IPA

I think it's cool that the only beer that is NOT from the Mid Atlantic area is the Anchor. We have a ton of great breweries here in the Mid Atlantic and I'm definatly one to take advantage of our good fortunes.

In other non bike related news- My buddy Big Jimmy P, turned me on to this web site called Garfield Minus Garfield. I was laughing like a f*cking fool at work. Without Garfield, Jon acts A LOT like I do when I'm by myself. In other words he acts like an depressive idiot. Some might not get it. But if you do you'll love it!

OR..

Time to go make some food, have a beer and enjoy being un "Jon-like" for a bit with Wifey and B-Man.

Later.

Talks Shows About Talk Shows

No ride tonight. I'm OK with that. I did up Boyce twice this week and if the the weather man and his "coastal storm moves" don't throw us the tropical storm induced c*ck block, Plum Grove Pete and I are supposed to hit Boyce on Sunday. I'm not getting too excited 'cause Pete seems to bring rain with him when he visits PA. I hope it works out though, because I'd like to have a chance to FINALLY show Pete the GOOD stuff at Boyce. Plus if he brings his Moots he might "have an accident" and "someone" might ride away on 29" of titanium goodness. What?? WHAT???

I of course have a plan of my own Saturday that has me up in the mountains again. Speed Goat Bill clued me into some additional single track in the area that can be included in my Epic grand plan. Thanks Bill! Every week I get more giddy about the epic possibilities in our mountains.

Speaking of PA Mountain "epics"...

I usually TRY shy away from talking about what other racers, riders, etc, are doing and writing about. To me, that's like watching a talk show about a talk show. But recently via mtbr.com I saw a post from everybody's favorite Pennsylvanian Cog Maker- Tomi about his first epic over night bike camping adventure. It spoke to me on many levels so I feel the need to point you to his blog to see and read of his first adventure.

What levels did it speak to me? Well, Tomi is from PA, and he busted serious mileage in our mountains, on a SINGLE SPEED Salsa El Mariachi. I've been in the midst of exploring the mountains on my end of the state too, so that spoke to me. On top of that Salsa is of course showing off the new Fargo. A bike that the head Pepper Head is in full on "froth mode" over due to it's ability to get people out on JUST such an adventure.

I don't think I have a need for a Fargo for what I'm planning, and Tomi proved you don't HAVE to have a such a bike to do such an adventure since he just busted it on his El Mariachi (which I BELIEVE replaced his former injured Dos Niner). BUT I do think it shows that Salsa, whether it be through marketing OR just being in touch and seeing what riders are doing, has made a bike like the Fargo READILY available to the bike buying public. Like I said before the Fargo will be just the bike we need to get around in after the revolutions that results from financial claps, halted elections and a Republican "police state".

For me, tonight was a night of reading about Tomi's adventure, lusting bikes, cooking some meat on the grill and once again eating a garbage can sized salad. I have no idea what has gotten into me an this salad thing. I mean if you saw me eat salad, you would be appalled! Truthfully I really can't eat salad in front of people, because I tend to "attack" it like some food starved junkie. Shit is flying everywhere! I have lettuce and vegetables in my teeth, and dressing running down my chin. It's a freaking scene. I may OR may not have been asked to leave a restaurant once because of my salad eating technique. Regardless of what it looks like I've been eating more vegetables via salads than most Americans eat all year. Proving ONCE again that my colon is the strongest part of my body.

????????????????????????????

Later.

A Ride, More Lust, and The Smell of Eggs

Western PA is rocking some SERIOUSLY good weather lately. This just isn't Pittsburgh's style. I'm used to the gray and rain we usually rock, and I just don't know how to act! Oh yes I do- I ride!! Not only do I ride, I ride dirt. This time of year rocks. I'm not concerned about hours, miles, rest, recovery, tapering (not that ANY of that any makes me better). Just riding my mountain bike. It rocks.

Tonight I couldn't say no to the bone dry trails of Boyce, and rolled a quick 11 mile loop after work. The trails rocked, the Mamasita rolled fast, and I sucked hard at the Autumnal bosom of Ma Nature! I think I saw Aaron out there with some folks. I said hi, but not 100% sure if it was him. I was too wrapped up in trail lust. And when I wasn't lusting the perfect single track beneath my wheels I was thinking of the bikes, parts, and gear that I WILL be lusting as reports filter in from Interbike '09. So here's today's lust updates...

Father forgive me. For I lust so much...

My friends at Twin-Six unveiled their '09 line up last week. Lots of good stuff as per usual. I would expect nothing less from Brent and Ryan. How they have time to bust out killer designs AND do all the business shit I have NO idea??? They're not some big bizness, mega corp. Just two designers with a dream, an occasional partner throwing down some designs, and some part time help now and then to help them stuff envelopes and fill orders. Anyway, I'm proud to be associated with them. So instead of showing you all the new stuff, I'll let you look HERE, but I have to mention my fave T6 product of '09. The Team Bib Short...
I can't tell you how well they fit or if the chamois will cup you boyz (or girly bitz) and cheeks like the gentle hands of- "insert your fantasy woman/man here". But what I CAN tell you is that I've pestered Brent for 3 years about WHEN T6 Was gonna provide some cool looking bibs for us. Sometime last year he e mailed me some designs to wet my whistle. I was geeked, but they were running into some issues with the the manufacture, etc., so the project seemed like it was on the verge of collapse. BUT all has come to be, and someday real soon I will have some sweet looking new bibs and a new chamois to soil. Check out the Twin-Six site for all the new cool duds. Including THIS T-shirt that I think I have to get to J.K. at Princeton Tec...

Bike lust keep on keepin' on coming. I love me some Salsa's but that doesn't mean that there aren't other bikes out there I'd like a chance to get some ass time on. Including this....

The Pivot Mach 429. VERY "lust worthy"!
But at $2,000+ for the frame I'd have to say NO thanks.

The Salsa booth is now open on MTBR.com. Great googly moogly.

Time for some bike porn and bed.

Later.

75 Minutes of Flow/I.B. Lust

The Mental & Physical Comfort Zone is the place where ride way too much. I push myself physically of course. If you're reading this you're most likely the same kind of bike goof as me and you do too. But it's not often outside the race course that I break through that "comfort zone". Mentally I TRY to push myself through, but it can be hard. Taking chances, speaking up, letting go, joining in, etc. are all things I'm not terribly good at. (without enjoying some "social lubricant"). But today I achieved some "flow" and spent some time out of the Comfort Zone with moderate success, both on the dirt and in some other stuff I'm working on. I'm not gonna get all Buddha on your ass or get too into the whole day, but since I DO tend to blather on about my day...

I was anxious to get on the dirt with the Mamasita tonight. Interestingly enough a buddy who is privy to my lust for a "bigger" Mama e mailed me today inquiring about buying the Mamasita. As much as it was cool to know that there is a LOT of spicy lust gong around these days, I had to let him know that Mamasita and I are not breaking up yet! Maybe it was the want to spend more time with her, maybe it was the other stuff in my day, but I was pretty geeked to get her in the woods and ride her. (I think I just turned MYself on with that last sentence).

I hit the dirt solo as per usual. The dirt was hard pack and fast as hell. I'm getting more and more used to the Maxxis Cross Marks and they were perfect for the dry trails tonight. I had some nice flow going on. I just felt "connected" to the trail tonight. I know you know the feeling!

I had about 3 miles in and I was just coming out of the single track leading out from the ball fields and heading up a small climb, when I ran into Don P. and Glen. Yep, "Bad Luck Glen". Not HIS bad luck MY bad luck. As you may or may not have read here before I could build a whole bike up with the parts I've broke over the years trying to hang with Glen. So tonight when Don P. and Glen asked me to join them I of course said "no". But then I said "what the f*ck", I'll try to hang with them for a while. At this point in the season I can afford to break some bike parts.

We took off with Don leading on his 1 month old Mamasita, then Glen on his rigid single speed, and I followed on my Mamasita. We had Glen in a Mamasita sandwich. I have to believe that Don and I pumped out some sort of Salsa "Rasta" Mojo that prevented Glen from weilding his part breaking vibes. I also envisioned Jason Boucher sending telekinetic good vibes from the bottom of a pint glass in Vegas, and into the scandium/carbon goodness Don and I were rolling. Saying something Yoda-esque like "strong power is the Mamasita's they roll". HA! OK, OK, I'm gonna stop now.

Don had a nice pace going, I was hammering harder than I'm used too. Like I said I spend TOO much time in my "comfort zone". I did what I could to hang on Glen's wheel. I was doing it though. Following two fast guys is the best way to get faster and GO faster. You know that. I know that too. Yet, I NEVER do it! I've rode every trail in Boyce in every direction, yet as we rode I couldn't have told WHAT friggin' trail we were on. It was like tunnel vision. The flow was ON! It hurt at times, but in a good way.

When I ride on my own there I keep a pretty consistent pace and ride the twisty stuff from 7 to 11 mph. The few time I had chance to look down at my computer I saw speeds of 13 and 15. Nice. I finally gave in at about the 20 minute mark. A small little up hill saw my legs go. I hadn't planned on pushing like that tonight, so I said "adios", peeled off and rode another 40 minutes on my own.

The last thing Don said to me tonight was for me not to write anything bad on the blog about them. No worries Don, it's all good. I hope to chase you guys more next season. I can go long. Now I need to go long faster. I don't have the will power to do it on my own. Riding with fast folks and doing some XC is what I'll need next year. I realized again that I'm no XC racer, but I am even MORE convinced that racing XC and training faster will make me a better Endurance racer. I'm pecking away at the "mental comfort zone" and get better about riding with folks. After tonight I'm pretty certain I'll get there and then I can work more on kicking the "physical comfort zone's" ass.

Now for some Interbike porn:

Found this shot of the Big Mama on MTBR.com

The pic was taken by MTBR.com Forum member "Chequamagon". His post has a ton of shots from the Dirt Demo and many Salsas. Here's a few lines from from him an some other folks about the Big Mama:

"The main impression I had of the Big Mama is that the bike felt light. Even though it was built with heavier wheels (XT hubs, Salsa 30mm rims, Nevegals), it really pedaled like a lighter bike, and climbed that way too. It just felt light. Big Mama is a sure thing in the 29er full-suspension arena. It will be one of the best on the market. One comment I heard from another person today, is that as he rode by on a Ventana El Rey, he yelled to the Salsa guys that "your bike won!" ." - Chequamgon, MTBR.com

The folks at Dirt Rag demoed Big Mama too, saying this:

"The Big Mama’s a pure fun bike, and didn’t feel as big as her name implies – she’s more big in spirit than in body. She handled the loose, gravelly terrain with enough ease that I even caught a little air, and didn’t feel hefty hefty on the way up (or down)." -Karen B., Dirt Rag

I thought I was done with full suspension. I never had an issue with it other than missing the feel for the trail you get from a hard tail and a little added maintenance. But as a 37 year old, making attempts at Solo racing, and after a summer with a f*cked up back. I'm MIGHT be ready to try the Big Mama. EDIT: Here's another link MTBR.com link from Shiggy with a shit load of Mama pics and some feed back.

Another friggin' BOSS item out there is the new Chis King bottom bracket. You all know my hatred for the external bottom bracket and their "disposable" bottom bracket cups. The CK looks to kick the other B.B.'s right in the nutz! AND it comes in some swank colors too!
The REAL bonus is the serviceability of the B.B. It has grease port to make sure you can keep the bearing rolling nice and smooth. Hmmm, buy the special tool and some grease OR shell out $50 a season to replace cups that inevitably get shot to hell from muddy races and bike washes?? Not sure what the retail is on it yet. EDIT ($130).

Finally a REAL selling point for me on the C.K.B.B. was seeing this pic of Chris King at the outdoor demo grillin' meat. That's some serious meat! (pic from Singletrack Mag).

Time for bed. But first I need to scout for more Interbike Porn. :)

Later.

Epic Recon #2 (Non Race Report Redux)

This weekend I had the rare opportunity to have a Sunday all to myself. Sunday is usually a trip to my Dad's with B-Man, but Wifey had a special "Mommy & Brennan Day" planned, so I did what any dirt worshipping, knobbie tired heathen would do. I headed to the mountain for some Epic Recon on the Dos Niner.

Epic Recon #2 is/was the second part in my quest to gather info in an effort to put together a 60 to 100 mile mountain loop of forest roads, double track, snow mobile trails, and single track. I'm tiring of being a mountain biker who rarely rides in the mountains. Suburban park single track, race courses, ghetto trails, rail trails, road, etc., have their place, no doubt, But to me there's nothing like being on a long ass ride in the mountains. So Sunday I set off to find the key to my future "epic".

The plan was to first explore some forest roads and trails down from Hidden Valley on the East side of Route 31. Then later cross 31 and take Tunnel Road in search of the bridge over the Turn Pike. As I mentioned before, I plan to one day link the Laurel Mountain, Linn Run and Hidden Valley area of the mountains together for a BIG ASS loop that could range anywhere from 60 to 100 miles.

I knew it was gonna be a long day in the saddle, so even though the Mamasita would have flown up the forest road climbs, I went with my "go to" bike. My rolling Orange Julius- The '08 Dos Niner. This sort of ride screams for a soft tail. 1 inch of travel in my rear and 4" in front. I even rolled with a CamelBak Blow Fish topped with 100 oz. of Heed. Damn! It's been a long while since I rolled with that much liquid on my back. I also had a couple bottles of my "not at all patented" Carbo Pro/Endurlyte/Gatorade cocktail, a Snickers Charged bar (My last one! And I think they're now extinct!) and few Gels. Throw in pump, couple tubes, some Co2s, and a camera and I was rolling Sherpa style. I would never carry this much gear on a Hundie or Marathon given that there are aid stations every 25 miles. But this was solo, and would be a 4 to 5 hour trip, So Sherpa Style it was!

First I headed down Tower Road and then hit Cherry Trail. It's mostly double track with some rock here and there and few ribbons of dirt. All was rolling smooth until I came to a stream crossing with a bridge out. Luckily there was a nice little plank bridge the workers had made, so I was able to scoot across without getting soaked 2 miles into the ride.

Once I got to the end of the trail I headed up Jones Mill Run Road. This was very reminiscent of roads on the Wilderness 101. So after a few miles of climbing I realized I was heading the wrong friggin' way! So I had to back track a few miles. Frig! The good part was that I was able to bomb down all the stuff I just climbed up at 30 mph. At least until I got back to the exit of Cherry and the road started to climb again. The climb was easy enough. It was pretty gradual so it was mostly middle ring stuff.

Then it was a hard left on an unnamed trail, which was mostly down hill to Pump House Trail. The ride was getting a little confusing, because there were many more signed trails there that were not on the map. Some map consulting and good luck soon had me on P.H.T.. It was a wide single track, sort of double track, but filled with loose rock, some roots, and what seemed to be small stream (must have been a spring) running down the left side. I can imagine this trail would be a real bee-otch in early spring or after heavy rains.

At the top of Pump House Trail I made my way up to Red Oak Trail. Red Oak is wide trail with a mix of double track, some service road rock, and a couple bands of dirt. Most of Red Oak seemed to be a steady but doable climb that finished with descent to Jones Mill Road. Once back on Jones Mill I started to climb again (big shock). My plan was to spin Jones the whole way to Koring Trail (gas line) or take it the whole way to 31. But as I made my way up I spied some single track on the left. This was the best single track of the day. Twisting through some pine, with some nice roots to spicy things up. (EDIT: after looking at the map it looks like I could have hit more single track by heading down Koring after I exited Red Oak.). The trail eventually drop me out at the intersection of Tower Road/Jones Mill Run Trail and the wide grass trail back to the upper parking lot for the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.Then it was a nice bomb down Tower Road to Route 31.

After crossing the road, eating a Snickers and consulting my map a few times, I got on a wide snowmobile trail that would lead me down to Tunnel Road. The miles on Tunnel to me were even MORE reminiscent of the Wilderness 101. Lots of service road climbing, steep in parts and it seemed to go on a bit too long! But all climbs seem to do that, don't they? I was sort of stoked, because this just the sort of riding I've been looking for. Riding in the mountains is just the mental enema I needed! Plus, having done 4 hundies I realized that it was hard for me to train for them when I spend most of my time riding in circles or on my road bike. Having these roads and climbs to link various types of single track is just what my inner coach ordered. Lastly these roads will provide great riding for when the trails are too muddy and the brain is giving the double bird to thoughts of road riding.

I continued on Tunnel for sometime. I then spied the L.H.T. on my right. What? I knew that I should have zigged past the gated double track by the radio tower instead of zagging down Tunnel another 1/4 mile. Oh well, I at least knew I was close to the bridge!

I made my way down the double track, past a huge ass radio tower and there it was (insert sounds of trumpets here) the bridge over the PA Turnpike, My gateway to big miles and rocky single track. Wait a minute! (insert sound of giant WTF? scream here). "Horses and Bikes Prohibited On Bridge". WHAT? You can walk across it with a 500lb. back pack on, you can ride your snow mobile across it, but you can't ride a bike on it?? Yeah right! There was no mention about walking across with your bike, so that's what happened. Plus I gotta tell you I really don't foresee the po-po leaping out of the bushes to arrest me for going across a bridge. I would almost think they had mean ATVs? Or Maybe they are considering it part of the LHT which prohibits bikes and horses??? Either way I went to the other side and rode up hill a little way. I was a bit confused on how far to go to meet up with Felgar or Hickory Flats. There were no signs, and it was getting late and I STILL had some miles to go to get back to the Soob.

I headed back to Tunnel Road and some Big ringing down the hill and some standing up hill to get back to the Soob and home before my cut off for Wifey to call Search and Rescue! HA! I didn't bother with the snowmobile trail on the way back and just took Tunnel to 31 and spun 31 to the parking lot. I finished the day with 35 miles. It was more like 30 since about 5 miles surely were back tracking down Jones and a few small missed turns. I spent a hair over 4 hours in the saddle and close to 5 on the day if you count stopping to consult my map, eat, pee, take pics, etc.,

There is much more that can be/could be/will be done. If I can get familiar with the single track closer to Hidden Valley and work out a link to Seven Springs that doesn't involve a ton of pavement... It'll be huge! Strike that, reverse- It'll be EPIC!

Later.

Epic!

I had a great day in the saddle. Today's mission was to ride the forest roads, double track and single track off of Route 31, down from Hidden Valley and then find the bridge over the turnpike. Why is the bridge over the turnpike important? Because THAT bridge provides access from the Rt. 31/Hidden Valley area of the mountains to the Laurel Mountain area of the mountains. THUS providing access (right now) to a 60+ mile epic. I hope to make it grow more in the coming weeks.

There is a LOT to say about today's ride. But it's been a long day for the whole family. I rode for 4+ hours and Wifey took B-Man on a little kayak adventure (I wish I had pics of that! He loved it!!) and then a Pirate's game. Time to FINALLY eat and let some Two Hearted Ales hit bottom. Full picto-report tomorrow I hope.

Later.

Sorta Back....

OK, so today was NOT my typical day in the saddle, but it sill was a damn fine day. First I have to start off the post with this!-

Yep, that would be B-Man about to score his first goal ever!!!
Gggggoooooaallllllllllll!!!!!!

Way to split the defense B-Man!! Woot ! Woot!

After soccer I was unsure what to do. I didn't want to push too much, but I HADDDDDD to get in the saddle! So I opted for some tempo on the local rail trail and exploring some ghetto double track off of said rail trail.
A little bit of rail trail, a little bit of double track, a little bit of service roads and a lot of "who give a f*ck" time in the saddle. I got 2:20 or so of random riding in and got my legs all randy for a trip to the mountain tomorrow. Should be cool.

Before I did any riding today I needed to do THIS!...

Skank free bladders are step one in avoiding a "open up and rain" trip to the bathroom. I have come to the conclusion that the CamelBak tabs are nothing more than concentrated bleach. Who knows? And if it keeps me from making with the "fecal rain" who cares?

After soccer, 2+ hours of riding and some lawn mowing it was time to relax on the front porch with my two favorite peeps...
I've had better days in the saddle, but when you see your boy score the first goal of his life, ride for over two hours and get to spend some time chillin' on the porch with your peeps with some good beer, I really couldn't hope for a better day. Cheers to a good weekend with the promises of getting better with some time in the mountains on Sunday.

Later.

Oh Yeah Babe...

Man, the end of the week is sweet. Especially when it's been a week of basically NO riding. Work went well enough, and I tried to stay focused on the good stuff even though leg pains, and other issues kept me off the bike all freaking week (minus the 45 minutes on Tuesday).

I tried to focus on my return to exploring and enjoying trails in the mountains of WPA. I also, believe it or not, have been thinking about 2009! What I might be riding, where I'll be riding, what races I might want to do. I've also been thinking about what I want from "off season" training. It's been sort of fun to day dream about where I want to go with my racing and even this blog. I see 2009 having new opportunities for racing, riding, and exploring new places. And really that's what it's all about for me. I might not "place" at a race, but the idea of seeing a new local, a new trail, a new part of our country and meeting new folks is cool as hell.

I was thinking about things I would do if I had a lot of jing recently. One of the main things I would love to do is spend a summer in Europe doing various Marathon events. Marathon mountain bike events are HUGE in Europe, and I think it would be a f*cking INCREDIBLE experience! The sights, the food, the beer! The Euro bike and race culture, all of it! It would be a dream. To ride through the Germany, Poland, Belgium, etc, etc., I mean we have some cool ass events here. But to be able to do an event anywhere in the world would be a true luxury. Hmmm, I guess I DID play the Power Ball with some folks at work, so you never know!! :)

Not sure what the weekend holds for me ride wise. The calf still hurts, but I worked up a nice ghetto pressure wrap to ease the pain, so after B-Man's soccer tomorrow, I'd like to hit some dirt somewhere. Of course Zitty The Taint Pimple is STILL hanging on, so I don't know how comfy it will be.

Coming weeks should be cool as all the bike folks will be unveiling their new shit in Vegas. Anxious to see the reactions to the new Salsa gear. The Salsa web site should be updated with the new frames early next week so keep a look out. Plus I'm sure there will be a shit load other new lust worthy stuff. Keep an eye on Twin-Six too. I got a preview of the new t-shirt designs today and they look sweet. Some cool new designs and some cool takes on some T6 standards. Brent & Ryan rock. If you're one of the beautiful people (by beautiful people I mean folks with credentials to get into Interbike) stop by the Twin-Six booth in Vegas and say high to Brent & Ryan. Tell them I sent you and expect a slap in the face! :)

Time to finish one of the few beers I was allowing myself tonight, get some sleep and/or see if I can dupe Wifey into fighting recent crime spree.

Later.

P.S. Thanks to Speedgoat.com, here's a look at the '09 Dos Niner & Mamasita. I don't want to say too much, but I think I MIGHT be looking at least ONE of my bikes for 2009. We'll see I guess.

In A Deep Compression

I've been rocking a swollen leg for a few days now. It was swollen pretty good and Wifey was convinced that I had everything from Deep-Vein Thrombosis to some rare blood disease only found in whales off the coast of Alaska. Hell she even had ME worried I was jacked up. But I always get this stuff after a bigger race effort and wasn't too worried. Granted it was about a week after the race when they first swelled, but I didn't exactly take a huge amount of time of the bike and I ate like shit the following days. Doing that "reward eating" with wings, beer, pizza, beer, pizza, beer, beer, etc., etc., Then I got sick and the body was doing some odd things. I think one night I was speaking in tongues! Ooop, no! That was the night I bought the Storm King!

On top of all that stuff, Sunday when I did that suck ass road ride, I found myself thinking "hey I should really lower this saddle a smidge, 'cause I'm locking my leg out when I try to climb seated". But did I lower it? F no! So as a result I really aggravated my calf muscle and the area behind my knee. Blah, blah, blah, long story short- Today on the way to work I stopped at the G.E. Pharmacy and headed straight to the Old Folk's Socks department (they have one?) and invested $10 in a pair of compression socks.

They're black. They're high. And they are tight! And they rock! Not only did the sock reduce the swelling 1", It also put some pressure on my sore calf muscles and allowed me to walk pretty pain free. Sweet! As a bonus, wearing them out to eat scores me the Senior Discount at Stan's! Ca-ching!

I figure if Aaron can rock these socks...

Then I can rock THIS....

I hope that the leg is close to 100% this weekend so as to explore more on the mountain. This time I think I'm gonna hit the stuff off of 31 and try to figure out how to get to the turnpike bridge off of Tunnel Road. Once I do that, I can link the forest roads/single track/snow mobile trails of Laurel Mountain up with the stuff by 31. I'm seriously smelling that smell of 50 or 60+ miler in the future. Then maybe even hook that up with stuff at Hidden Valley and or Seven Springs. Could I smell 100?? Might not be this year, but next for sure. I know I can figure it out. There's a lot of knowledge from locals, riders and hillbillies out there, and I'm hoping tot get it dropped on me in the coming months.

I got the word today from the peeps at PVP that I should have my night permit by the end of the week. Thus allowing me to legally night ride the short, but sweet trails of PVP. Big deal, I have to do three or 4 laps to get some ride time in! In the long run it will pay off with better night riding skillz and of course allow me to become more deeply intimate with my Princeton Tec Switchback III (which I love).

Time to take my teeth out, elevate my legs and maybe strap on some Depends. Then I think Golden Girls comes on.

Later.

If It Wasn't For Me..

I started the much put off project of getting a bike up and running for the trainer this winter. I'm trying to pry parts of the old shot-to-shit via 5 years of sweat on the trainer Jamis Nova (AKA "Booger") and seeing what I need to get my old Trek frame/fork up an gooing. Right now I think I just need a chain, cables, bar tape, cassette, and maybe a new front derailleur. Do I really need brakes on a bike that will never leave the trainer? I too embarrassed to even show the state that Booger is in right now. Heep of rust, salt, and grease.

The thought of riding the trainer right now could make me stick a shiv in my throat. I really hope to avoid it at all costs this year, but I know by late November/December I will need to get some indoor work outs in, and by February I'll be needing to throw down some intervals.

I've thought about trying rollers for something new. So if anyone has any recommendations of some AFFORDABLE ones, I'd be interested in hearing about them. Also any tips for increasing resistance? I think I saw last year Kerkove was using a towel or something to add drag to the roller.

Of course I need to get my mind straight and see what kind of racing I'm going to do next year. I want to be more focused on the season. Do I want to do 3 or 4 races in the N.U.E. series, do I want to do an early season 13 Hour Solo (Bakers Doz. I hope!!), The Big Bear 24 and then something at the end like Seven Springs (or other 24?) Both formats have their advantages, but I can't do 'em all. This bod's not cut out for it. Then again Don P. is bustin' my non XC racing ballz to do some W.V.M.B.A. races, so I might try to rock the Vet Sport mid pack in a few races next year.

On the subject of XC, I woner how many local races (if any) will be adopting the new U.S.A. Cycling class system for mountain biking? If you havent heard it's very similar to the Road classifications. The MTB classes will be Pro, Cat 1 (Expert), Cat 2 (Sport), and Cat 3 (Beginner). Semi-Pro is gone. Then of course there are age classifications within said Cat. They say it will help streamline thing for promoters and create more competativeness to help get talented Semi-Pros to the Pro ranks for larger classes. Not sure if all that will happen, but it will be interesting to see if local race promoters like the fine folks from M.A.S.S. or W.V.M.B.A. will incorporate them.

Lastly I leave you my fave listen of the week on iPodious- The band is called The Courteeners. They're turning out some great tunes via Manchester England and have an fine CD called St. Jude. Not sure if it's available in the U.S. (I don't think) other than on Amazon and what not. Not sure you'll dig 'em, but right now I am. At least until next week.

Off the bike again tonight. Gonna keep this one going all week. At least until Saturday. I need to get my leg back to normal and my bod feeling right. So I'm loading up on water, juice, fresh vegetables and protein. If nothing else my colon will continue to turn out the morning goods.

Later.

Not As Planned

Sometimes my best made plans are filled with a double helping of frustration. I decided to keep taking it easy tonight and spin the rail trail for a couple hours+. I was set to roll with the Mamasita, iPodious (set with a 3 hour live Blur mega mix), and my PTSB3 and Swerve for when it got dark.

I started rolling down the trail and all was good. Then I got about 5 miles in, Bugman starts playing and I hear some f*cked up noises in the background. I had to hurry and rip the buds out of my ears because I swore to God I heard the sounds of rabid raccoon coming up behind me. It turns out that it's coming from the Mamasita's bottom bracket. It was sort of a high pitched rubbery squeal if that makes ANY sense.

I stopped to check it out and the crank will hardly move backwards. WTF?? So I bust ass back to the Soob to try to get some lube on it and at least stop the noise. Nothing. Damn. So I got about 11 miles in. Great. Just great. At leas the last 5 were done in "T.T. Mode" to avoid hearing that awful noise! HA!

Once home I cleaned the BB area, the chain rings, and the rear derailleur. Seems to work fine for now. I just replaced BB cups on the Dos Niner. Why do I have the feeling that the Mamasita now needs them??? Frig.

Oh well, feecus happens. And if feecus is gonna happen, let it happen at this time of year and not in the middle of a race or a long middle of nowhere type ride. That would suck.

This blog is hanging on by a freaking thread! Lackluster racing, illnesses, beer, bad luck and bitching is about all I got going. I think I just felt myself removed from one of my last two reader's "bookmarks".

OK, I've wasted enough of our time tonight.

Later.

Monday Down Low

A much needed rest today. Man my body was fried yesterday. I was in bed by 9 p.m. last night and slept hard like rock. Good stuff. Felt sort of energized today and embraced the rest day with both cheeks in an office chair for 8 hours of suckness. But gotz to pay the entry fees, right? ;)

Still kicking around the idea of Iron Cross as my final race of the year. Of course I'm kicking around the idea of not doing any racing the rest of the year too. I've been saying for years I wanted to do the Iron Cross race, but I'm kinda into mapping out some long rides on the mountain right now and I'm sort of unmotivated to dish out cash for entry fees and travel/hotels. If it was close enough to drive to the day of, I would do it for sure. Who knows?

Black Bear Trail 8.13.08

I don't do CX. I dig it, I respect it, and even like watching it. I just don't do it. Mostly because there aren't that many races nearby that I'm aware of and I don't own a CX bike. Plus I can't imagine even being competitive at cross country racing let alone the freaking bleed out your eyes pace that the CX guys throw down. My helmet is off to the folk's who can red line it for an hour. Good luck to those of you who are about to get your season on the way. For good reading on our skinny knobbied brothers and sisters, check out cxmagazine.com and for some inspiration check out www.crosstube.net. Nice amount of links to UCI XC races too (which is how I found it).

Speaking of UCI XC races...
And NOW speaking of every one's favorite Polish XC chicky..

Maja took home a win in the UCI XC final in Schladming, Austria. Woot! Woot! You can read about how it unfolded on CyclingNews.com. Why am I always hungry for a big bowl of Hulusky and a good pilsner when I give the Maja update?

OK, time for some reading and some sleep.

Ooops, speaking of reading, the news of David Foster Wallace killing himself made me a bit sad today. I spent about an entire summer a few years ago reading Infinite Jest. In my mind it was a masterpiece. It was the sort of book that I had me thinking about it even when I wasn't reading it. I hope he now finds some peace, and that his family can recover from their loss.

Later.

Runnin' On Empty (not that suck song)

Today's ride was all about gas. No, not potential "chamois soiling", post Mexican & beer gas. But gas as in fuel. And Fuel as in the Premium 96 RideMojo™ and the lack there of.

I woke up this morning happy to see the sun and geeked to get on my road bike for the first time since about mid August. Not sure why, but I've just head over hills gay for my mountain bikes. And have enjoyed riding them on the road, rail trails, single track, double track, ghetto track, farm roads, forest roads, PA shit roads and everything in between. But I do love the feeling of going fat on my Campeon, so I chose to use it today for a full on road ride.

As stoked as I was to ride, I did have it in the back of my mind that I may be pushing it. A 30 mile ride in the mountains yesterday, and still fighting some sort of full on body illness invasion, I knew I was asking for trouble. Not to mention, today was an unusually hot day for September in WPA. Mid 80s or higher and as humid as fromundah boob cheese. In other words it was 3 bottle sweat all over your specs HOT!. Oh well, beats snow!

The first think I noticed when I mounted my road bike was "eeesh this feels weird!". I soon got used to it but I was not pleased to find that my road bike positions was bothering "Zitty". Zitty is the name I have now given my right lower ass cheek's zit that I've been rocking for close to two weeks now. There are plans to develop him into a pusy boil, but we're still in the planning stages right now. I'll keep you posted.

The second thing I noticed was the heat (11 a.m. start time = not good). The next thing I thought was "sweet Baby Jesus, I feel like a stepped on bag of burning dog shit ("You shit on my house!" name that movie please). But I pedaled on. Hoping for improvement. Mile 10 came and the legs were coming around. My legs have not been the problem fighting this virus or whatever it is. It's my cardio! My lungs were burning and my standard can do blindfolded with one leg lopped off road ride was sucking the life out of me. Sheeeeeeit. So at mile 17 I spied a road that would take me back to my Dad's digz. I took it and casually spun the last mile like a beaten dog. Frig.

I'm not gonna bitch, cry, piss, moan, whine, etc., etc., I knew I was pushing it. I tried anyway. I gave it a go. I can't say no sometimes. I'm a complete whore for a ride. But there would be NO good to come of pushing my body like that. It's too late in the season. "Training" is pretty much done. This is all shitz and giggle riding right now. That and to keep me from gaining like a 160 pounds due to my (some may say) intimate love affair with beer, pasta and cheese.

It's time to take a few days off the bike. Get as much sleep as I can get and try not to stress the little things in life. I need to hydrate well (after tonight's Storm King) and eat a shit load of quality fruits and vegetables.

I got my ballz in the oven and some pasta to cook up.

Later.

The No Race Race Report

I bailed on the Big Bear Ultra. My body just wasn't feeling 100%. No use blowing coin on a race to feel like shit in the saddle. I couldn't back down from a ride though! I'm just not feeling the road these days and the amount of water Ma Nature put down on WPA yesterday and today was going to make the local single track a muddy mess. So, I did what any self respecting "Dirt Worshipper" would do. I headed to the mountains for a mix of road, double track,snow mobile trails and rocky single track.

I'm not a fan of riding in the mud. Not because I can't or don't like getting dirty. I'm a firm believer in "trail etiquette". Much of the local single track is so heavily used that abusing it with mud rides can lead to soil erosion, trail damage and just plain old making mountain bikers look bad. But up around Laurel Mountain there are a ton of dirt roads, double track and rocky single track to sustain a good ride.

I nearly bailed on this ride due to the weather forecast. But last night as I prepared to sleep I got myself in state of mind to embrace the wet. Imagining the smells of the damp forest. The sound of the rain on the trees. Visualizing the foggy trails, the slick rocks. When I woke up this morning I think I would have been disappointed if it WASN'T wet and rainy! I know that all sounds whacked, but it worked! I loved it out there today!

I started from down on Linn Run road and made my way up the mountain. A nice 4 mile climb with the sounds of rushing water along the road. The smells of damp trees and wet earth in the air. It's been some time since I've climbed with a full CamelBak loaded with water, tubes, Co2s, etc., The at climb was freaking rude ass awakening. The last time I climbed weighted down like that was riding in Crested Butte. At least I could SORTA breathe! You gotta love doing a climb that makes you ears pop. Gotz to love the mountain!

My goal for the day was to hit mostly forest roads, snow mobile trails, and double track. They would be the most wet weather friendly way to get on dirt. I would end up doing some single track out of pure lust and the fact that one road I wanted to hit didn't really seem to be around that I could see. Yeah I'm talking about you Locust Camp Road! WTF?? Locust Camp Trail is a grassy, boring nightmare, and Locust Camp Road was nowhere to be found. For the life of me I could not figure out how to get down to Locust Camp Road from near the old ski resort. But it ended up all good since I took the opportunity to hit the Loop Trail, Lippos, Towhee, and Black Bear to get back to where I wanted. There was some standing water, but the trails weren't that bad. Black Bear seemed much longer these days and after 17 miles of double track and gravel the endless rock gardens kicked it up a notch for sure.

It's been a while since I road at Laurel Mountain. Maybe 4 or 5 years. I love it there. It was the first place I ever ventured off road on a bike. That was about 13 years ago. I rode my full rigid GT. I pretty much only ever rode Beam's Run back then. It was different then. Lots of dirt and loose rock. Due to logging, gas wells, etc., the State has made it pretty much a double track/crushed rock trail. Much of it is like a more difficult rail trail with hills. It's still a great way for folks to get miles in on the mountain, and a great way to link up a variety of trails, so I'm not bitching.

I didn't do the full "epic" ride I wanted due to the weather and the fact that I wasn't feeling 100%. But I still got in about 30 miles of riding. I would have been a little less, but I missed a couple turns and had to back track a bit, so I ended at just under 30.

I finished the ride by bombing down the Quarry Trail to Linn Run Road. I was covered from head to two with watery mud and grit. As I headed down Linn Run Road I spied an incredible little area that was the perfect spot to take a dip in a clear mountain stream. It was the best! I sat in the cold ass stream watching the water fall, enjoying the sound of the rushing water and letting my legs enjoy the ice cold water. I truly felt like I was in heaven.

After about 5 minutes of sitting in the stream, I started worrying about the amount of "shrinkage" that was going on down below! ;) So I mounted up and spun down the road to the Soob to end my ride. I by NO means felt myself on the bike today. And I not ONCE thought that I should have raced. Even though I didn't put in huge miles or ride perfect ribbons of single track, I had one of the best times on my bike all year. It was a total Zen Bike experience. The mountain, the weather, everything. It was nice to go back to where I started my love affair with dirt and to enjoy another part of the mountains of Western PA.
I can't wait to get back when I'm 100%. I have it in my mind to map out some nice training rides for 2009. Not all single track, but plenty of low/no traffic roads that will let enjoy plenty of "quality time" with my mountain bike IN the mountains!

Here is roughly today's route...









Pic of the Dos with the stream that gave me a nice soak.
Zen baby!


You know it's a good ride when your hands
are pruned and your map has seen MUCH better days!

Oh well. Not what I had in mind for the weekend, but given the circumstances, I couldn't ask for more.

Rain, Rants & The Lighter Sides of 24s

Stick a fork in the week, this bitch is DONE! Damn! Friday is a big deadline day around my office, so I was working my swollen legged ass off!! Combine that with no racing this weekend and a weather forecast that could make even the most annoying "glass is half full hippie type" want to lay his head under the wheel of a Clydesdale on a down hill bike and you have the makings of a stellar weekend. I believe when the term "steady soaking rain" is used in a weather forecast the National Weather Service should be forced to give out the number for a Suicide Hot Line.

With no race and most likely NO mountain epic tomorrow, I did what any REAL (over the) borderline depressive beer loving man would do. I stopped at the beer store and walked out with the fall's first case of Victory Storm King. Let it rain! My cockles and what not will be nice and warm, as 9.1% of "sweet dark love" (not a porn title.... Yet!) wash over them. Mmmmmmm.

____________________

I failed to talk about a certain Tour winner announcing his return to the Peloton this week. And for good reason. I'm trying to ignore it. But I can NOT do it any longer! I dig what L.A. did. Who couldn't? But it's done. Give it up dude! You're rich. Seemingly shag kittens at will, and have some kids who could really use you around instead of hob knobbing shirtless with Mathew McConaughey and the Olsen twins.

I HATE comebacks from sports people (Jordan, Mario Lemieux, etc., etc.,) unless it's from injury. And for that matter musicians too. Can we PLEASE have another Who or Stones tour?? Pretty please??? Oh, oh how 'bout The Eagles?? "ahh mannnn, I HATE the f*cking Eagles!" I love what Lance did for cycling in the U.S. and what he did/does for cancer research. His comeback from cancer to Pro racing was AMAZING! And I loved every second of those Tours. BUT this is just megalomania and ego right now. Or maybe debt?

I was diggin' it when he was doing Leadville, and what not. I think he's great for the sport. I would have loved to have seen him take up coaching, or being a directeur sportif rather than f*cking anything that moves in Hollywood and being on Entertainment Tonight. I know that I will find myself routing against him come July '09 in this happens. And I hate myself for that! Well that and about 101 other reasons.

THIS blurb about Jan is Ullrich the best one I read all week regarding the "comeback" to the Peloton. Jan might have gone out in a shitty way, but I like what he's saying now. I realize the that there could be serious repercussions from what I've just typed. I half expect some band of roadie domestiques clad in Postal/Discovery kits and combat boots will bust in the house, break my legs and bust my bikes. I expect to enter a race and find out that "Sorry. Mr Armstrong said no." I'm not afraid of 'em! Bring it on! On the other hand I AM afraid of THIS person. I'm scared. Very scared. Like applying for Canadian citizenship scared.

OK, OK, enough rants. I found some real nuggets posted regarding the 24 I did a couple weeks ago. I copied and pasted them, but check these folks out. Good people....


From Joe Ruggery of Team Freddie Fu...

"I went into the bathroom at Lake Tahoe lodge with the intention of cleaning up a little and applying some Vaseline to my multiple ass/inner thigh abrasions. I was in the handicapped stall (how apropos), wearing only cycling socks and a tight-fitting Craft undershirt. Drunk with fatigue, I lost my balance and tried to lean on the stall door to keep from falling over. It wasn't latched. To the horror of the two or three guys washing their hands at the sink, I staggered out of the stall naked from the waist down and holding an open jar of Vaseline. How do you explain that? I answered their questioning glares with a weak, "Dude, don't even ask," and got back to business."

- Joe Ruggery, Team Freddie Fu

From Mike Schultz of Dirty Harry's/Highland Training...

"I grabbed a snack at an aid station that would sit in my stomach for hours. Beef Jerky!
Ten minutes after eating the jerky, I started to experience some very bad stomach cramps. I had to take breaks along the course , in the night, laying in the ferns, to help digest this jerky mistake in my stomach."

-Mike Schultz, Dirty Harry's/Highland Training

The funny thing about Mike's post is that my buddy Travis's wife told be about "some dude laying in the weeds" with stomach "issues" after the race. Here I find out it was Mike. Too funny.

Oh well, much of tonight's ranting was all in good fun. You can't beat hours in the saddle. Whether it be from some hack/slacker/wanna be racer shlep like myself, Mr. L.A., or my fellow racers. Life on two wheels rocks.

I have to go look for my rain jacket! ;)

Later.