Top Stuff #2

We continue on...

Best Race Moment: Mohican 100. 20 something miles in, I lost the bite valve on my CamelBack, I was soaked with water, and stuck behind a train of guys in the single track going slow enough to have full on conversations. BUT then I hit some double track and road, and started to make some serious time. Felt strong the rest of the way, realized I hate hydration packs, and managed to finish in 9:43.

Most Embarrassing Race Moments: There were many. WAY too many to really list. This blog is sort of a collection of embarrassing mountain bike race moments. BUT in 2010, I think these were some of them (in no particular order)... The 101. I was feeling super strong for the first 50 miles. Riding with Bike & Bacon Boy and dragging his ass up the mountains. Then fell apart after Aid #3. The strong feeling was SOOOO gone. I got worse, and worse... I then proceeded to get passed by a collection of Clydesdale's, and helmetless campers on Huffy's. I think at one point I was passed by a 280 pound dude, wearing baggies, on a down hill bike going UP hill. I just wanted to lay down in the middle of the road and wait for the millions of central PA rattlesnakes to come feast on my bonked, dehydrated ass.

The SM100. I bonked HARD, SUPER HARD... AGAIN!! As I walked up one of the final climbs a racer passed me, asked if I was OK. I grunted out a "yes", then let out a guttural dry heave of acidic stomach juice that echoed across the mountain.
At this point race winner Jeremiah Bishop was already across the line, cleaned up and on his way home with his prize money. I told myself this would be my last race. I lie to myself A LOT. It helps.

Most Embarrassing Ride Moment: Taking Aaron and Don on a sweet 40 mile loop in the mountains and you guessed it.... BONKING with 10 miles to go. I was NOT prepared for the amount of power and energy sucking mud we faced that day. I was out of water and out of food as we hit the final 3+ miles of climbing. I once again thought about laying down in the middle of the road. But this time I prayed for that truck of hunters hopped up on Natty' Light that drove by me earlier would drive back up the hill and crush me. I bonked my OWN FREAKING LOOP! BUT this ride qualifies for the next category below...

Best Ride Moment: The best rides of the year seemed to bookend the season. One ride was with Bradley, Don and Aaron in the spring rain and mud of the mountains. I showed them around, they loved the loop and we got a killer 30+ mile loop in. The 2nd best ride was in the fall with Don and Aaron (see above). It was still an incredible day in the saddle and one of the last truly great days in the saddle of the year. The loop was also pushed to 40 miles with even more climbing. 3rd runner up is the ride I did solo in the mountain to put together the 40 mile loop. The weather was great, I had a blast and dug it the most.

Best Non Ride Thing: Took a buy out from the paper, quit my job and started a magazine. I've never worked harder, made so little cash, and been so happy all at the same time. I love everything about putting the mag out. The hardest and most stressful part was moving to pay per downloads. BUT I needed to. I enjoy doing the mag too much for it to just be a hobby. I want it to be my work. For a long time! You all have been supportive and pushed me to try to make each issue better than the last. I'm also very lucky to have a loving and supportive wife and son that don't mind that I'm not the primary income in the family, and dig what I'm doing. They're the best. PERIOD.

There are more things I'll touch on in the coming days, but I sort of hope that on Christmas no one is sitting around reading the dross I write. For as much as I blather on about Christmas and how I dislike it, I have to say they usually end up pretty damn cool. I have a great and loving family that I love, a generous extended family and of course B-Man to make it alllll worth while. So don't listen to me. Have a great Christmas and get ready for 2010. It's gonna rock.

Speaking of ROCK! B-Man got his first pair of jeans (that he wanted to wear) and a COOL as F Motorhead T (just like mine) from me and Wifey. He was MORE than a little stoked. :)))))))

Later.