P36 Prep

Somewhere in the depth of this photo, lies a secret weapon. . .

Rest Days

I can say for sure, that I have done what I could to prepare for this year’s version of P36 (RIP The Most Horrible Thing Ever). I can finally let “TMHTE” name go as the weather is lining up to be what some call down right beautiful even if it is to my disadvantage (my optimum cycling temperature is right around freezing).

Back when Kristin and I got home from Banff I made it a goal to train outside despite the weather we had this year. I won’t go into those details. I will just say that my way of avoiding SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is to stay outside as much as possible.

So now the weekend of P36 is quickly approaching and I am trying to calm my mind as best as possible. Its time for me to sort through gear, stare at the map and remind myself that riding circles across the 280 map is easy cheesy.

Two Saturday’s in a row I have spent most of my time helping clear trail in Pisgah. Clay asked me about my goals and expectations for P36 while we wrestled trees and limbs off of Squirrel Gap. He was dumbfounded by my response which is that I have no expectations. I like to go ride and do my best, which I plan to do and smile while doing just like last year. Wherever that takes me, so be it.

Of course, all the time and energy I put into the Gateway Park fundraising ride was basically awash. No seriously, it rained and I wasn’t about to ask people to donate money to go ride in the rain. So a small group made it out on the Swamp Rabbit and also to Clemson. I hate it when these things don’t work out but there will be other days and other rides, however I feel as though I will have to get more creative actually raising funds. Volunteer advocacy is tough but if it were easy, we probably wouldn’t have to do it.

It is something I will probably focus on more after April as this month is lining up to be hectic as always with P36, Cohutta and PMBAR.

To those who have carried saws on rides and done trail work this early season, may good trail karma come your way.

Mr. Drunken Monkey, I will see you at midnight this Friday.

Gateway Flow Park Fundraising Ride

I have been coordinating the efforts for a Flow Park (its really a pump track but SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH we are not allowed to say that) at the park in Travelers Rest SC.

Some come one come all on March 28th and bring 50 friends. More details at http://www.upstatesorba.org/.

What's Going On?

Last Wednesday I made it out to Dupont for a little alone time with the dogs and my saw.

Before. . .
After. . .

Mine still had some snow drifts. I gawked at the sunset till it was time to go home. Two hours and only .5 mile of trail cleared in that time.

Jocassee Gorges, I heard more bitching on this ride than I have over health care.


Thanks to the time change, the dogs and I can start trail running Jones Gap again.

I have a feeling springtime won't last long in these parts.

Pure Bliss

I am not keeping up with the blog period. I will get back to it eventually when I take some photos worth posting.

I have not been slacking on workout luckily. Lots of miles on the mountain bike and some 6 mile neighborhood runs inbetween for good measure.

Two mountain rides this weekend but the pure bliss comes from a ride that goes a little something like. . .

Dogs weaving in and out of the woods, how is it there are more dogs than riders? With a terrific crash of leaves there goes another one and I watch as she bounds while I take drifting leafy corners at speed. I can't imagine anywhere else I would want to be at this moment.

Life is good.