3 More For The Cause

After a great 3+ hours of saddle time on Saturday, and a day off yesterday, I was looking forard

to more time on the bike today. The plan was to go out for a 2 hour loop, but if I felt good extend the time and try to get another 3 hour ride in. Mission accomplished.The temps weren't bad at all, in the 40s and no precip. The thing I hate about riding in cooler temps is that I start out cold, get hot, get cold again, get hotter, freeze, then the ride ends. I have a a boss pair of Endura gloves but I think my problem with them is that my hands get too hot and sweaty, then the prolong time in the cool air make them feel COLDER than they should. If the temps could be more regulated, I would be happier, but I was NEVER "too cold" to enjoy the ride.

It's actually kind of cool riding the WPA back roads this time of year... they're pretty rough and shitty anyway, but after several weeks of snow, and tons of ash, salt, and God knows what (I think I saw part of a human hand) thrown on them, they're are ALMOST like riding forest roads.

The shot above is a sign of some of the slop that I rode through today on the road. No complaints, it was fun, but a sign indeed. My face, frame, body, etc., looked about the same. I will say this for the Maxxis CrossMark. They roll FAST on pavement. But I have about as much confidence in them to handle muddy, gravel corners and switchbacks as I do in my abilty to take a punch, or go more than 10 minutes without thinking something negative.

In other words, I'd rather have a balls out slick, or a balls out mountain tire than these suck tires. Not bad on hard pack trails, but ssskkketch on gravel/salt/ash covered pavement. But then again, I'm the dofuss riding his mountain bike on the road, while his titzy road bike sits in the Stankment® on the trainer.

I SHOULD have been working on laying out XXC #6's first story today, but I was having trouble with TOO many ideas for the story. It's a good one, and there are LOTS of design options for it. I have a feeling I will be working on this one for a while.

Time to chill with some chicken and pesto and maybe hork a glass of wine from Wifey's stash to chill.

Later.