I just got back from a fun filled day at the Biltmore Mansion. I haven't been to the estate before even though I lived within an hour's distance for more than a year. However, today my Sister, Father and Brother In-Law all went to the estate for some fun.
I don't have much time so I won't go into detail at this time. Let's just say that the place is amazing. The grounds and the house are all out of this world.
We did a "rooftop tour" that took us to places that most guests don't see. The balconies and nooks and crannies inside this place are endless. We were able to explore the tops of the house outside and inside.
I never really realized that this is how the Pisgah National Forest got started. The Vanderbilt's were the first people to come up with the idea of planting trees to create a scientific forest. When they were first building the house and the estate it was all barren. The Vanderbilt's virtually created the Cradelery of Pisgah. Back in the day, they owned all the property from the house all the way past Mount Pisgah.
While standing on the back porch of the house we could look West out toward Mt. Pisgah. I thought about the fact that I had biked up there recently. It almost seemed untouchable from the house. Immediately I thought about creating a trail from the house to the top of the mountain. It would be an epic ride for sure.
What really blew my mind is the fact that they still have single track on the estate that can be used by hikers and bikers alike. I didn't get a chance to sample the trails but I will have to make a trip for that at some point.
That is all for now since time is short this evening. Pictures and such to come later.
If you haven't heard, we are meeting for a ride tomorrow. Check the thread out if you want to join.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Sleepy Pisgah
While the rest of the world was either sleeping or copping out because of a little rain, four troopers showed up for a battle in the woods. Dave, Mike, Joe and myself all took off hoping to complete the following route:
Fish Hatchery ---> Cove Creek ---> Daniel Ridge ---> Butter Gap ---> Cat Gap
The dismal rain stopped just as we pulled up into the Hatchery. The haunting 5:30am call that I got from Rick warning me of “dousing rains,” didn’t seem as threatening now. I was impressed to see that we had some riders despite the slippery conditions. We made our hellos and started getting things together for the ride. Kristin and my Father were there with me. They were headed to the top of Looking Glass Rock to see what they could see. Yes they are warriors for getting up and having a positive outlook as well.
We said our goodbyes to the hikers and headed up 475B toward Cove Creek. We all were pretty chatty on the first climb and it was over before I even realized I was climbing. This was to be my first Pisgah descent with the rigid fork and I knew that Cove Creek was going to be rough. I was told to go first at the descent, so I made haste and tried to get out in front. The nice big banked turn at the top and off we go.
The descent was slippery considering the conditions but it was a blast. I wasn’t having any problems with the fork at all. Sure I felt like I was in a Maraca during a festival in the middle of Buenos Aires but what did that matter? I was having a blast. No problems negotiating the big rock steps up to the big creek crossing and on down to the Cove Creek campground.
A quick break to let the adrenaline settle, then we headed toward Daniel Ridge. Careful steps were made to cross the tree crossing at the washed out bridge and off we went for a counter-clockwise loop around Daniel. The climb was good and I didn’t have to walk much even on the single. When we arrived at the top of the staircase on Daniel, I heard it talk smack to me. It said “I am too slippery and steep for your wimpy ass Jonathon.” I wasn’t going to have it. I exclaimed that I saw a good line down the staircase and it was mine.
Joe started mumbling something about not having his digital camera to catch me leaving the bike in a fashionable manner. It took me three tries to get the run into the stairs angled the way I wanted it and I was committed. The only apprehension I felt was on the last step. It was a good drop and it had Endo written all over it. I got to the last step and I must have been in the zone because I heard the other three giving me some props. I pulled a 90 degree turn while nose wheeling the corner. I got the back wheel back on the ground and I knew nothing was going to stop me today. That was after all, the first time I had ever attempted to ride those steps.
I hauled down Daniel and every single rock on the trial tried to jump in front of my wheel but I just batted them down into submission. Clean all the way to the old bridge. I haven’t had a shot of adrenaline like that in a long time. Elated I believe, is a good word.
Everyone else made it down and we stopped for our second break. Mike took off at this point headed back for his tent. Joe Dave and I, all headed up toward Butter Gap.
The climb was done before we knew it and we were standing at the intersection of Art Loeb and Butter. Joe and I talked about the fact that this was one of the few places in Pisgah where you can actually say “It’s all down from here.”
We collected ourselves for the descent and off we went. Butter is normally muddy and wet and there are a ton of tricky creek crossings to test your technical skills. It was a blast going down. We made in to the junction of Long Branch and on through the fields to Cat Gap. We were standing right before the rock drop on Cat gap and I explained how this section is bittersweet. It is a ton of fun but also the end of the ride. Boooooooooooo! I was having way too much fun for it to end.
We headed down the rest of Cat Gap and back out to the parking lot. Just as we rolled into the lot, my Dad and Kristin pulled in from there hike. How’s that for timing! Joe said something about us being connected buy the inter-webbing beams of Zen, I just call it excellent planning and no mechanicals! Not even a flat.
Rock on!
Fish Hatchery ---> Cove Creek ---> Daniel Ridge ---> Butter Gap ---> Cat Gap
The dismal rain stopped just as we pulled up into the Hatchery. The haunting 5:30am call that I got from Rick warning me of “dousing rains,” didn’t seem as threatening now. I was impressed to see that we had some riders despite the slippery conditions. We made our hellos and started getting things together for the ride. Kristin and my Father were there with me. They were headed to the top of Looking Glass Rock to see what they could see. Yes they are warriors for getting up and having a positive outlook as well.
We said our goodbyes to the hikers and headed up 475B toward Cove Creek. We all were pretty chatty on the first climb and it was over before I even realized I was climbing. This was to be my first Pisgah descent with the rigid fork and I knew that Cove Creek was going to be rough. I was told to go first at the descent, so I made haste and tried to get out in front. The nice big banked turn at the top and off we go.
The descent was slippery considering the conditions but it was a blast. I wasn’t having any problems with the fork at all. Sure I felt like I was in a Maraca during a festival in the middle of Buenos Aires but what did that matter? I was having a blast. No problems negotiating the big rock steps up to the big creek crossing and on down to the Cove Creek campground.
A quick break to let the adrenaline settle, then we headed toward Daniel Ridge. Careful steps were made to cross the tree crossing at the washed out bridge and off we went for a counter-clockwise loop around Daniel. The climb was good and I didn’t have to walk much even on the single. When we arrived at the top of the staircase on Daniel, I heard it talk smack to me. It said “I am too slippery and steep for your wimpy ass Jonathon.” I wasn’t going to have it. I exclaimed that I saw a good line down the staircase and it was mine.
Joe started mumbling something about not having his digital camera to catch me leaving the bike in a fashionable manner. It took me three tries to get the run into the stairs angled the way I wanted it and I was committed. The only apprehension I felt was on the last step. It was a good drop and it had Endo written all over it. I got to the last step and I must have been in the zone because I heard the other three giving me some props. I pulled a 90 degree turn while nose wheeling the corner. I got the back wheel back on the ground and I knew nothing was going to stop me today. That was after all, the first time I had ever attempted to ride those steps.
I hauled down Daniel and every single rock on the trial tried to jump in front of my wheel but I just batted them down into submission. Clean all the way to the old bridge. I haven’t had a shot of adrenaline like that in a long time. Elated I believe, is a good word.
Everyone else made it down and we stopped for our second break. Mike took off at this point headed back for his tent. Joe Dave and I, all headed up toward Butter Gap.
The climb was done before we knew it and we were standing at the intersection of Art Loeb and Butter. Joe and I talked about the fact that this was one of the few places in Pisgah where you can actually say “It’s all down from here.”
We collected ourselves for the descent and off we went. Butter is normally muddy and wet and there are a ton of tricky creek crossings to test your technical skills. It was a blast going down. We made in to the junction of Long Branch and on through the fields to Cat Gap. We were standing right before the rock drop on Cat gap and I explained how this section is bittersweet. It is a ton of fun but also the end of the ride. Boooooooooooo! I was having way too much fun for it to end.
We headed down the rest of Cat Gap and back out to the parking lot. Just as we rolled into the lot, my Dad and Kristin pulled in from there hike. How’s that for timing! Joe said something about us being connected buy the inter-webbing beams of Zen, I just call it excellent planning and no mechanicals! Not even a flat.
Rock on!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Drunken Monkey Takes Little Blue Pills
No actual monkeys were harmed in this test.
What do you do when all of your little suspension components are kaput?
Feed the Drunken Monkey some little blue pills and watch him magically grow a rigid fork. That’s right, last night was my first attempt (in a very long time) to ride my SS with no suspension fork.
I had it in my mind all day that I was going to do this if my suspension fork couldn’t be fixed at the shop. However, I thought that I was going to just do a urban/dirt ride. Once I got the fork on the bike, I heard the call of the woods and decided to go trail riding instead. Wait a tic, let’s go back to the shop visit.
I walk into the shop where I left my suspension fork yesterday and say
“were you able to get some oil in the fork for me?”
Response: “No, we are going to send it off.”
Jonathon: “WHAT? I don’t think so, why can’t you just put oil in it here?”
(I must interject here. Last time I let them “send a fork off,” well let’s just say it was a fiasco)
Response: “Well (insert shop owner’s name), doesn’t want us to do it because we don’t have the manual.”
Jonathon: “Please just give me the fork back and could you shorten this steer tube on my rigid fork and put a star nut in for me?”
Thank the lord he realized my frustration and quickly worked on the rigid fork for me so I could swap it out once I got home. So we can return back to the ride now.
Let me fist say, our trails at Paris ROCK! It has rained and rained and rained this week. I saw a little sunshine yesterday and still there was no standing water or mud puddles on the trails. Incredible!
Driving out to the trails, I told myself just to take it easy and try not to have any “off the bike experiences.” Well, I didn’t have any off the bike experiences and I didn’t take it easy.
I parked at the bottom of the mountain (yes it can really be called a mountain) as usual and proceeded on my normal warm-up route up Sulphur Springs. The steering with the new fork was much quicker and it took me a mile or two to figure that out but once I did it was all gravy. Going up was cool. The bike was lighter, the handling worked out well and I was getting in the groove.
I didn’t have much time so I really had to ponder what trail to do after Sulphur to make my “test” worthwhile. I figured there was no better way to test the fork then to take it down my favorite downhill Brissy Ridge. How bad could it be right?
Let me explain this downhill. It starts off with a little drop and then you have some big root clusters. The trail shoots down into a gully and back up. Then it is just fast with lots of roots and one drop at the end and you’re done. It is relatively short.
How would I describe riding down this with the rigid fork? The only thing that comes to mind I don’t want to type here. It shakes the frickin crap out of you. I had to pause for a second on the downhill to make sure I could still hold onto the bars. I didn’t really check my speed that much and I paid for it.
I took the road back to the top of the mountain and got set for my favorite trail. I flew up the road! How do I know? It was the first time I have sat down and spun all the way up. Normally I have to stand in spots.
Sulphur Springs back down the mountain to my car. This time I stopped and let out some air in the front tire. That made things a little softer and I had a blast like normal coming down.
I did make some observations:
The Surly fork is stiff, super stiff. I would like to try a custom fork and see if the dampening helps any.
I also noticed that the little things make a big difference now. If I rode like this all the time, I would need new grips. It was humid and considering the bars were jumping around like a bunny rabbit trying to get away from a fox, they were hard to hold onto.
All in all, I observed that in most spots I went the same speed. Downhills would have to be slower for safety reasons and the fact that I don’t have Popeye arms.
I could probably cancel my gym membership if I decided to stay this way.
Going up is most definitely faster.
It was a great day in the woods once again.
See you this weekend! We have six people committed so far. . .
What do you do when all of your little suspension components are kaput?
Feed the Drunken Monkey some little blue pills and watch him magically grow a rigid fork. That’s right, last night was my first attempt (in a very long time) to ride my SS with no suspension fork.
I had it in my mind all day that I was going to do this if my suspension fork couldn’t be fixed at the shop. However, I thought that I was going to just do a urban/dirt ride. Once I got the fork on the bike, I heard the call of the woods and decided to go trail riding instead. Wait a tic, let’s go back to the shop visit.
I walk into the shop where I left my suspension fork yesterday and say
“were you able to get some oil in the fork for me?”
Response: “No, we are going to send it off.”
Jonathon: “WHAT? I don’t think so, why can’t you just put oil in it here?”
(I must interject here. Last time I let them “send a fork off,” well let’s just say it was a fiasco)
Response: “Well (insert shop owner’s name), doesn’t want us to do it because we don’t have the manual.”
Jonathon: “Please just give me the fork back and could you shorten this steer tube on my rigid fork and put a star nut in for me?”
Thank the lord he realized my frustration and quickly worked on the rigid fork for me so I could swap it out once I got home. So we can return back to the ride now.
Let me fist say, our trails at Paris ROCK! It has rained and rained and rained this week. I saw a little sunshine yesterday and still there was no standing water or mud puddles on the trails. Incredible!
Driving out to the trails, I told myself just to take it easy and try not to have any “off the bike experiences.” Well, I didn’t have any off the bike experiences and I didn’t take it easy.
I parked at the bottom of the mountain (yes it can really be called a mountain) as usual and proceeded on my normal warm-up route up Sulphur Springs. The steering with the new fork was much quicker and it took me a mile or two to figure that out but once I did it was all gravy. Going up was cool. The bike was lighter, the handling worked out well and I was getting in the groove.
I didn’t have much time so I really had to ponder what trail to do after Sulphur to make my “test” worthwhile. I figured there was no better way to test the fork then to take it down my favorite downhill Brissy Ridge. How bad could it be right?
Let me explain this downhill. It starts off with a little drop and then you have some big root clusters. The trail shoots down into a gully and back up. Then it is just fast with lots of roots and one drop at the end and you’re done. It is relatively short.
How would I describe riding down this with the rigid fork? The only thing that comes to mind I don’t want to type here. It shakes the frickin crap out of you. I had to pause for a second on the downhill to make sure I could still hold onto the bars. I didn’t really check my speed that much and I paid for it.
I took the road back to the top of the mountain and got set for my favorite trail. I flew up the road! How do I know? It was the first time I have sat down and spun all the way up. Normally I have to stand in spots.
Sulphur Springs back down the mountain to my car. This time I stopped and let out some air in the front tire. That made things a little softer and I had a blast like normal coming down.
I did make some observations:
The Surly fork is stiff, super stiff. I would like to try a custom fork and see if the dampening helps any.
I also noticed that the little things make a big difference now. If I rode like this all the time, I would need new grips. It was humid and considering the bars were jumping around like a bunny rabbit trying to get away from a fox, they were hard to hold onto.
All in all, I observed that in most spots I went the same speed. Downhills would have to be slower for safety reasons and the fact that I don’t have Popeye arms.
I could probably cancel my gym membership if I decided to stay this way.
Going up is most definitely faster.
It was a great day in the woods once again.
See you this weekend! We have six people committed so far. . .
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Dem Bighum Wheels
We have another Pisgah ride kicking on the forums if anyone is interested. This will not be an epic. Just a nice short four hour jaunt through the woods. Sunday 8:00am at the Fish Hatchery. See you there!
As you know this weekend I went on a ride with seven people through Pisgah. I took my FS 26” wheeled bike. Lately I have been riding my SS 29” bike and I have noticed that even though this bike is a hardtail, I still seem to be pretty quick on the downhills. I had been wondering if the difference was solely in the big wheels or if something else was coming into play. I think I got my answer this weekend.
Eric rides a rigid 29er SS. I found myself behind him this weekend doing what everyone else has been doing to me on the big wheels, making chase. To keep up with him on the downhills I really had to push the pedals hard. This doesn’t make sense considering I have more body mass than him.
So if you have any doubt whether the big wheels keep your momentum flowing better, just ride behind a SS 29’er on the downhill and watch that person float away without pedaling.
My other observation is that the big wheels definitely roll over objects better. You don’t notice this as much going from little to big. However, once you have been on the big wheels and you try the small ones again you will notice that the wheels seem to be bumping up against things more.
I am not advocating big wheels or small ones. I am just giving you my observations. So no crazy 29’er hatin’ spam ok? Good, glad we cleared that up.
Have a SUPER day.
As you know this weekend I went on a ride with seven people through Pisgah. I took my FS 26” wheeled bike. Lately I have been riding my SS 29” bike and I have noticed that even though this bike is a hardtail, I still seem to be pretty quick on the downhills. I had been wondering if the difference was solely in the big wheels or if something else was coming into play. I think I got my answer this weekend.
Eric rides a rigid 29er SS. I found myself behind him this weekend doing what everyone else has been doing to me on the big wheels, making chase. To keep up with him on the downhills I really had to push the pedals hard. This doesn’t make sense considering I have more body mass than him.
So if you have any doubt whether the big wheels keep your momentum flowing better, just ride behind a SS 29’er on the downhill and watch that person float away without pedaling.
My other observation is that the big wheels definitely roll over objects better. You don’t notice this as much going from little to big. However, once you have been on the big wheels and you try the small ones again you will notice that the wheels seem to be bumping up against things more.
I am not advocating big wheels or small ones. I am just giving you my observations. So no crazy 29’er hatin’ spam ok? Good, glad we cleared that up.
Have a SUPER day.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Nice Rack!
I am just trying to get a few extra hits on the blog today. 8-)
If you can remember that not too long ago, my rack was smashed. Well I picked up the new rocky mounts and installed one them. Pretty easy installation even though they sent me the Lariat instructions for my Noose model rack. I like the simplicity of the rack. So far the only downfall I see/hear is that when I make a turn without a bike in the rack the skewer bangs back and forth. If I was not so lazy, I could just pull the skewer out when I am not using it.
So what's left for the year? My first single speed race is what is left.
I signed up for the SWANK on November 4th. It will be my redemption so that I do not dwell on the SM-75 all winter. The SWANK is a 42 mile race in Pisgah on some really cool trails. So I hear. I am going to ride the SS in a race for the first time. I will be sure to give it my all but I really will be there for a good time and that is all.
I am very distressed about biking technology right now. Let's recount what has happened this year with my two bikes.
The full suspension bike has had the front fork blown out twice and is currently in good health.
The rear shock blew out in the cowbell and I had it refurbished. It only lasted 100 miles this time and it is blown again. It is currently dead.
The frame has cracked twice on me this year so I was moved to an XL that I recently had fitted to myself. The frame has < 100 miles and is currently in good health.
My new wheelset is warped on the CAKE. The front wheel took one semi-hard hit in the cowbell and was ruined. I am still running it though. Ruined is a relative term.
On to the second bike. The steel single speed Karate Monkey. What has gone wrong with this bike? Oh nothing except for my stupid mistake which caused me to lose some oil in the fork.
My conclusion? It should be obvious but I am compoletely distraught at this point. I am thinking that next season I will be riding a geared hard tail 29'er. I will not commit to SS all the time and I will not commit to Fully Rigid. Those conversions will happen when I am an old tough man that can take that kind of abuse.
A friend recently said "It doesn't really matter as long as you are out ripping up the trails." He is exactly right!
My 29'er/26'er observations from the weekend will be my focus tomorrow.
Later.
If you can remember that not too long ago, my rack was smashed. Well I picked up the new rocky mounts and installed one them. Pretty easy installation even though they sent me the Lariat instructions for my Noose model rack. I like the simplicity of the rack. So far the only downfall I see/hear is that when I make a turn without a bike in the rack the skewer bangs back and forth. If I was not so lazy, I could just pull the skewer out when I am not using it.
So what's left for the year? My first single speed race is what is left.
I signed up for the SWANK on November 4th. It will be my redemption so that I do not dwell on the SM-75 all winter. The SWANK is a 42 mile race in Pisgah on some really cool trails. So I hear. I am going to ride the SS in a race for the first time. I will be sure to give it my all but I really will be there for a good time and that is all.
I am very distressed about biking technology right now. Let's recount what has happened this year with my two bikes.
The full suspension bike has had the front fork blown out twice and is currently in good health.
The rear shock blew out in the cowbell and I had it refurbished. It only lasted 100 miles this time and it is blown again. It is currently dead.
The frame has cracked twice on me this year so I was moved to an XL that I recently had fitted to myself. The frame has < 100 miles and is currently in good health.
My new wheelset is warped on the CAKE. The front wheel took one semi-hard hit in the cowbell and was ruined. I am still running it though. Ruined is a relative term.
On to the second bike. The steel single speed Karate Monkey. What has gone wrong with this bike? Oh nothing except for my stupid mistake which caused me to lose some oil in the fork.
My conclusion? It should be obvious but I am compoletely distraught at this point. I am thinking that next season I will be riding a geared hard tail 29'er. I will not commit to SS all the time and I will not commit to Fully Rigid. Those conversions will happen when I am an old tough man that can take that kind of abuse.
A friend recently said "It doesn't really matter as long as you are out ripping up the trails." He is exactly right!
My 29'er/26'er observations from the weekend will be my focus tomorrow.
Later.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Pisgah Goodness
Friday night I was out with Andrew and we saw some Hip Hop, Break Dancing and Bluegrass. Not all at the same time. It was great fun.
Through the powers of MTBR, we got a ride together for this past Saturday. The plan was to meet at 8:30. I woke up 15 minutes before my alarm at 5:45 and started my day. As I loaded the car up, I noticed that all the stars were out with a Harvest Moon as well. It was chilly but it was going to be an awesome day.
As I drove up 25, the sun started to rise and the lower valleys around the "Cliffs" were all filled with puffy white clouds. It was gorgeous. I arrived at the meeting spot first and quickly there after Jeremy, Jared, Jay and Dave all showed up. Eric and Mike drove up just as we were mounting our steeds. They told us to go ahead and they would catch up. I had no doubt they would.
The five of us rode up to the first intersection and we watched Jeremy make some adjustments to the bike he was riding since it wasn't his. Quickly there after Eric and Mike showed up. They had blazed up the road and got there a lot quicker than I had expected.
We chatted a little about which way to go and started up the road to Bear Branch. A little warmup ride. We bombed down Bear Branch and waited at the sharp right hand turn for everyone to re-group. First flat of the day by Jared, a quick fix and we were off. Back out on 5000 Eric and I started discussing what trails should appease our sick minds for the day. Eric made mention of going up Big Creek and coming down Laurel. Coming down Laurel sounded like a blast. . .
Jeremy and I chatted for a bit as we rode up FS 5000. It was still a bit cold but the sky was blue and the leaves had some good color. We made the turn onto Spencer and headed up up up. The first part of Spencer really gets the heart ticking as the trail really kicks up toward the field. We made it to the top of Spencer and the intersection with Trace and waited for everyone to arrive.
I asked Eric about how we were going to intersect with Big Creek as I had not ridden that trail before. He assured me we would intersect with it down at the bottom of Spencer somehow.
The descending of Spencer begins. Spencer is just steep enough for you to take short breaths and wonder about your abilities as you negotiate the rocks. If it was raining, you would think that Spencer is rocky waterfall. Down through some creeks and then you just have a slight decline with some big water bars and mud holes to negotiate. I found myself behind Eric (who was riding Fully Rigid Single Speed) as we bunny hopped the mud holes. A couple of the holes were fantastically deep. I saw Eric take a big hit on one and almost stop I had to pull up and take a big hit to my back wheel. It was either that or cremate Eric. I think he appreciated the sway to the side even though we were having to much fun to really notice how close of a call it really was. I got another 100 yards down the trail and the eminent happened. I heard POP ssssssssssssssssssss. I had pinch flatted on the big hit. The rest of the guys stayed around to watch me change the tube and we were back on it.
So here we intersected with Big Creek and started a brutal climb. Most people would never even think about going up this trail unless it was by accident or some strange necessity. Such as "oops I dropped my Rolex while descending will you help me go up Big Creek and look for it?" HELL NO!!!
So we were able to ride some of the ascent then we came to the big pitch up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We stopped and took a break for a moment. I didn't ask about the trail because I in no way wanted to know what I was up against. I decided to take the lead and try and pedal up the steep void until my heart would refuse. It refused after about 75 yards. I got off my bike and collected myself as I watched everyone else attempt part of the climb. I can't remember if it was Jeremy or Mike but one of them kept going like an energizer bunny goat climbing the mountain. It was awesome to watch and he got hollers from us all as we pushed our bikes up the slope behind him. What a great day to be in the woods!!
After awhile, I noticed the leaves changed over from wet and alive to dry crackly and fallen. This was waaaaaaaaaaay before we got to the top. Dave, Jay and I were pushing together. Since it was my first time on the trail I tried to ride whatever small patches I could. While mounting my bike for one of these attempts I started to get off balance, this can happen easily while going 0 mph. I looked off to my left where I knew I was going to fall and saw nothing but a steep steep pitch and some minor tree brush. Dave apparently saw this happening and made a grab for my bike. He got the bike but not my 195 lb self. As I took the first flip down the slope I realized that the pitch was even steeper than I thought. I took another flip or two and negotiated my feet underneath me. I started to slide down the slope even with my feet out in front! I dug in my heels and arrested myself. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! That was a trip. Dave and Jay were still in shock as I got back to the trail. I grabbed my bike (Thanks Dave!) and started walking again. Since Dave and Jay had not held up any signs with numbers on them I asked them what I got. They said an eight for sure. I say a seven, but you are always most critical to yourself. If I would have seen another do it I would have given them A TEN, A F%@&* TEN!
After a long long while, we made it to the top where the others were laid out in the sun awaiting our arrival. We were rewarded with some awesome views up on the Parkway as we headed to our next trail intersection. We peddled through one of the many tunnels on the parkway and with the wind whipping through it felt as though we had just peddled into the Artic. The temp must have been twenty degrees cooler in the tunnel.
As we waited at the lookout on top of Mt. Pisgah, we saw tons of cars and motorcyclist's enjoying the day in a slightly different manner than us. You always get some looks of astonishment as you pedal up and everyone else is driving. One lady on a motorcycle with her husband said "Wanna trade?" as she mounted the machine with an engine. Simultaneously three of us said "No Way" in stereo. I think she was taken back by this.
We continued on past Pilot Rock and down Laurel. Going down Laurel was a blast and everyone was tired by the end. There was a couple falls but nothing serious and we were at the bottom headed for our cars.
We rode/hiked 30 miles and some sane amount of climbing. One of the better days I have had in Pisgah riding trails in directions better suited for those who just popped out of the Koo Koo's nest.
Nice meeting new riders and I can't wait to do it again. Eric has a write up about the ride on his site as well.
Through the powers of MTBR, we got a ride together for this past Saturday. The plan was to meet at 8:30. I woke up 15 minutes before my alarm at 5:45 and started my day. As I loaded the car up, I noticed that all the stars were out with a Harvest Moon as well. It was chilly but it was going to be an awesome day.
As I drove up 25, the sun started to rise and the lower valleys around the "Cliffs" were all filled with puffy white clouds. It was gorgeous. I arrived at the meeting spot first and quickly there after Jeremy, Jared, Jay and Dave all showed up. Eric and Mike drove up just as we were mounting our steeds. They told us to go ahead and they would catch up. I had no doubt they would.
The five of us rode up to the first intersection and we watched Jeremy make some adjustments to the bike he was riding since it wasn't his. Quickly there after Eric and Mike showed up. They had blazed up the road and got there a lot quicker than I had expected.
We chatted a little about which way to go and started up the road to Bear Branch. A little warmup ride. We bombed down Bear Branch and waited at the sharp right hand turn for everyone to re-group. First flat of the day by Jared, a quick fix and we were off. Back out on 5000 Eric and I started discussing what trails should appease our sick minds for the day. Eric made mention of going up Big Creek and coming down Laurel. Coming down Laurel sounded like a blast. . .
Jeremy and I chatted for a bit as we rode up FS 5000. It was still a bit cold but the sky was blue and the leaves had some good color. We made the turn onto Spencer and headed up up up. The first part of Spencer really gets the heart ticking as the trail really kicks up toward the field. We made it to the top of Spencer and the intersection with Trace and waited for everyone to arrive.
I asked Eric about how we were going to intersect with Big Creek as I had not ridden that trail before. He assured me we would intersect with it down at the bottom of Spencer somehow.
The descending of Spencer begins. Spencer is just steep enough for you to take short breaths and wonder about your abilities as you negotiate the rocks. If it was raining, you would think that Spencer is rocky waterfall. Down through some creeks and then you just have a slight decline with some big water bars and mud holes to negotiate. I found myself behind Eric (who was riding Fully Rigid Single Speed) as we bunny hopped the mud holes. A couple of the holes were fantastically deep. I saw Eric take a big hit on one and almost stop I had to pull up and take a big hit to my back wheel. It was either that or cremate Eric. I think he appreciated the sway to the side even though we were having to much fun to really notice how close of a call it really was. I got another 100 yards down the trail and the eminent happened. I heard POP ssssssssssssssssssss. I had pinch flatted on the big hit. The rest of the guys stayed around to watch me change the tube and we were back on it.
So here we intersected with Big Creek and started a brutal climb. Most people would never even think about going up this trail unless it was by accident or some strange necessity. Such as "oops I dropped my Rolex while descending will you help me go up Big Creek and look for it?" HELL NO!!!
So we were able to ride some of the ascent then we came to the big pitch up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We stopped and took a break for a moment. I didn't ask about the trail because I in no way wanted to know what I was up against. I decided to take the lead and try and pedal up the steep void until my heart would refuse. It refused after about 75 yards. I got off my bike and collected myself as I watched everyone else attempt part of the climb. I can't remember if it was Jeremy or Mike but one of them kept going like an energizer bunny goat climbing the mountain. It was awesome to watch and he got hollers from us all as we pushed our bikes up the slope behind him. What a great day to be in the woods!!
After awhile, I noticed the leaves changed over from wet and alive to dry crackly and fallen. This was waaaaaaaaaaay before we got to the top. Dave, Jay and I were pushing together. Since it was my first time on the trail I tried to ride whatever small patches I could. While mounting my bike for one of these attempts I started to get off balance, this can happen easily while going 0 mph. I looked off to my left where I knew I was going to fall and saw nothing but a steep steep pitch and some minor tree brush. Dave apparently saw this happening and made a grab for my bike. He got the bike but not my 195 lb self. As I took the first flip down the slope I realized that the pitch was even steeper than I thought. I took another flip or two and negotiated my feet underneath me. I started to slide down the slope even with my feet out in front! I dug in my heels and arrested myself. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! That was a trip. Dave and Jay were still in shock as I got back to the trail. I grabbed my bike (Thanks Dave!) and started walking again. Since Dave and Jay had not held up any signs with numbers on them I asked them what I got. They said an eight for sure. I say a seven, but you are always most critical to yourself. If I would have seen another do it I would have given them A TEN, A F%@&* TEN!
After a long long while, we made it to the top where the others were laid out in the sun awaiting our arrival. We were rewarded with some awesome views up on the Parkway as we headed to our next trail intersection. We peddled through one of the many tunnels on the parkway and with the wind whipping through it felt as though we had just peddled into the Artic. The temp must have been twenty degrees cooler in the tunnel.
As we waited at the lookout on top of Mt. Pisgah, we saw tons of cars and motorcyclist's enjoying the day in a slightly different manner than us. You always get some looks of astonishment as you pedal up and everyone else is driving. One lady on a motorcycle with her husband said "Wanna trade?" as she mounted the machine with an engine. Simultaneously three of us said "No Way" in stereo. I think she was taken back by this.
We continued on past Pilot Rock and down Laurel. Going down Laurel was a blast and everyone was tired by the end. There was a couple falls but nothing serious and we were at the bottom headed for our cars.
We rode/hiked 30 miles and some sane amount of climbing. One of the better days I have had in Pisgah riding trails in directions better suited for those who just popped out of the Koo Koo's nest.
Nice meeting new riders and I can't wait to do it again. Eric has a write up about the ride on his site as well.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Night Rides
Late post today due to work issues. Yes I actually have to do something other than surf the net all day sometimes. Tragic I know.
Night riding is some of the most exhilarating riding that I get to do. I love being in the woods and I really love being in the woods at night. Well sometimes it is a little freaky if you are by yourself.
So last night Andrew and I car pooled down to Issaqueena for some night riding. We took his newly adopted pup out for a quick two mile spin and then went back to the lot to meet up with more riders.
Issaqueena rocks for night riding. It is just technical enough to keep your mind busy but not so technical that it freaks you out. Night riding is sort of it's own animal. Since you can't really see everything there is a lot more flow involved. You sort of just "feel" the trail and many times I find that I ride better at night because I just react to the bike and the trail rather than trying to anticipate it.
It is sort of like when you were a kid playing flashlight tag. You find yourself running full speed in the dark when all the sudden the ground comes out from underneath you. Your little kiddie legs start moving as fast as possible to negotiate the hill until you realize that you are back on flat ground and still upright. You think to yourself "WOW that was cool, I didn't know I could run that fast." You just reacted to the hill instead of anticipating it and slowing down.
So we had a sweet ride last night and I got another ride in with gears. Man that technology is really great. Don't get me wrong I love the Single Speed but I will not commit my life to SS'ing.
Night riding is some of the most exhilarating riding that I get to do. I love being in the woods and I really love being in the woods at night. Well sometimes it is a little freaky if you are by yourself.
So last night Andrew and I car pooled down to Issaqueena for some night riding. We took his newly adopted pup out for a quick two mile spin and then went back to the lot to meet up with more riders.
Issaqueena rocks for night riding. It is just technical enough to keep your mind busy but not so technical that it freaks you out. Night riding is sort of it's own animal. Since you can't really see everything there is a lot more flow involved. You sort of just "feel" the trail and many times I find that I ride better at night because I just react to the bike and the trail rather than trying to anticipate it.
It is sort of like when you were a kid playing flashlight tag. You find yourself running full speed in the dark when all the sudden the ground comes out from underneath you. Your little kiddie legs start moving as fast as possible to negotiate the hill until you realize that you are back on flat ground and still upright. You think to yourself "WOW that was cool, I didn't know I could run that fast." You just reacted to the hill instead of anticipating it and slowing down.
So we had a sweet ride last night and I got another ride in with gears. Man that technology is really great. Don't get me wrong I love the Single Speed but I will not commit my life to SS'ing.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Spider Woman in a Nutt Shell
Yesterday I took a half day off work to go get my FS bike fitted a little more properly to myself. Since the only bike shop that I trust these days is in Columbia I took the bike out to Harbison State Park yesterday after the shop visit.
It has been awhile since I have ridden in HSP so I was excited to hit the single track. I rode firebreak --> stewardship ---> Midlands ---> Spiderwoman --> Inner Woman ---> shortcut to Crooked Pine ---> Firebreak back to the car.
Let me explain Spider Woman. This trail is as "remote" as it gets in HSP. This park isn't really that big so by remote I mean it is closest to the river and furthest from the car. It is that type of trail that you always want and don't want to go on. I always make sure to hit it if I am in HSP because it is some of the best Singletrack in South Carolina. (I am sure this would strike an argument up with some)
Yesterday was my first time on a geared mountain bike since the Shenandoah 75. (This is what I am calling it until next year when I ride all 100 miles) I felt really strong on the bike even though I had some free ride tires on a cross country course.
So Spider Woman is split into two loops a big outter loop (SW II) and a little inner loop (SWI A.K.A. Inner Woman).
Here is my interpretation of Spider Woman I and II. The entrance describes the trail as advanced and immediately the trail shoots downhill for about 100 feet. With a couple small turns. Then it shoots you right back up the hill and around a quick corner for some more curvy downhill sections with a couple whoops in there for good measure. The beginning will make you holler out if you haven't been on the trail for awhile. WooooooHoooooo!
Then the trail climbs slightly before peeling off to the right and back downhill again to a tricky rooty turn with a small drop off directly after. The dropoff is followed by a tricky uphill climb around a corner with some baby heads thrown in.
A quick downhill follows with whoops and a hairpin turn to the right. The next bit of Spider Woman is the only relief there is. It flattens out for a few turns and snakes around some trees. Then you come up on the first ditch whoop combined with two steep quick uphills. Once at the top you will again find yourself going downhill on the backside of the hill you just climbed, a quick couple corners and you start climbing the ditch.
This section is just steep enought to make you breathe hard. If you are riding with someone else you will see that the trail sweeps through the ditch at the top and down the other side. A quick uphill after the downhill ditch and back down again with a sharp drop off at the end.
A quick flatter section and then another semi-steep climb followed by a quick up and down and some whoops. A small tree crossing and you come up to Inner Woman.
Inner Woman is an exercise in itself. You go up up up and it is pretty steep the entire time. I have gotten to where I can climb it all in the middle ring but I am huffing like a smoker after four flights of stairs.
Your reward for climbing Inner Woman is fantastic. There are rocks and whoops and banked turns abound. Then you shoot back out onto SW II about twenty feet from where you left off.
This is where your "Man Test" begins. The rock garden is coming up and it is no joke. The trail is littered with baby heads and boulders everywhere. If that's not enough, there are four switch backs to negotiate while you huff it up the hill. Yesterday I cleaned it. Yay me.
At the top of the Rock Garden you swing around a curve and follow some whoops and a narrow ridge ride by the river. Again you have some quick ups and downs and then you start back away from the river on a climb out of SW II.
It is a great trail and all of that happens in about 3.5 miles. It is definitely not a diddle daddle trail. It is one of those trails that you want to eat alive and then spit it out at the end and stomp on it. Yesterday I did that and it had been awhile.
Three rides this week and counting. . .
Peace.
It has been awhile since I have ridden in HSP so I was excited to hit the single track. I rode firebreak --> stewardship ---> Midlands ---> Spiderwoman --> Inner Woman ---> shortcut to Crooked Pine ---> Firebreak back to the car.
Let me explain Spider Woman. This trail is as "remote" as it gets in HSP. This park isn't really that big so by remote I mean it is closest to the river and furthest from the car. It is that type of trail that you always want and don't want to go on. I always make sure to hit it if I am in HSP because it is some of the best Singletrack in South Carolina. (I am sure this would strike an argument up with some)
Yesterday was my first time on a geared mountain bike since the Shenandoah 75. (This is what I am calling it until next year when I ride all 100 miles) I felt really strong on the bike even though I had some free ride tires on a cross country course.
So Spider Woman is split into two loops a big outter loop (SW II) and a little inner loop (SWI A.K.A. Inner Woman).
Here is my interpretation of Spider Woman I and II. The entrance describes the trail as advanced and immediately the trail shoots downhill for about 100 feet. With a couple small turns. Then it shoots you right back up the hill and around a quick corner for some more curvy downhill sections with a couple whoops in there for good measure. The beginning will make you holler out if you haven't been on the trail for awhile. WooooooHoooooo!
Then the trail climbs slightly before peeling off to the right and back downhill again to a tricky rooty turn with a small drop off directly after. The dropoff is followed by a tricky uphill climb around a corner with some baby heads thrown in.
A quick downhill follows with whoops and a hairpin turn to the right. The next bit of Spider Woman is the only relief there is. It flattens out for a few turns and snakes around some trees. Then you come up on the first ditch whoop combined with two steep quick uphills. Once at the top you will again find yourself going downhill on the backside of the hill you just climbed, a quick couple corners and you start climbing the ditch.
This section is just steep enought to make you breathe hard. If you are riding with someone else you will see that the trail sweeps through the ditch at the top and down the other side. A quick uphill after the downhill ditch and back down again with a sharp drop off at the end.
A quick flatter section and then another semi-steep climb followed by a quick up and down and some whoops. A small tree crossing and you come up to Inner Woman.
Inner Woman is an exercise in itself. You go up up up and it is pretty steep the entire time. I have gotten to where I can climb it all in the middle ring but I am huffing like a smoker after four flights of stairs.
Your reward for climbing Inner Woman is fantastic. There are rocks and whoops and banked turns abound. Then you shoot back out onto SW II about twenty feet from where you left off.
This is where your "Man Test" begins. The rock garden is coming up and it is no joke. The trail is littered with baby heads and boulders everywhere. If that's not enough, there are four switch backs to negotiate while you huff it up the hill. Yesterday I cleaned it. Yay me.
At the top of the Rock Garden you swing around a curve and follow some whoops and a narrow ridge ride by the river. Again you have some quick ups and downs and then you start back away from the river on a climb out of SW II.
It is a great trail and all of that happens in about 3.5 miles. It is definitely not a diddle daddle trail. It is one of those trails that you want to eat alive and then spit it out at the end and stomp on it. Yesterday I did that and it had been awhile.
Three rides this week and counting. . .
Peace.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Fast Bicycles
Last night I discovered that road bikes go really really fast. Yes that's right I was one of those non-exhaust exhuming freaks in tight clothing getting in your way while you try to get wherever it was you were going.
Andrew called me up yesterday afternoon and said it was time to hop on the road bike and ride over Paris Mountain. I wasn't doing anything so I said ok. This is the second spontaneous ride of the week.
Andrew let me borrow his Ritchey since he was riding a new Bianchi that he purchased. We are about the same size so I just hopped on the bike and said "Man this is weird." Itty bitty tires and the thing weighs as much as a Frisbee as far as I am concerned. After a few minutes, I figured out the integrated shifters and had decent control of the bike so we were on our way. We met up with Ty close to the base of the climb up Paris and went climbing. As we started to roll up Paris I tried to shift into granny and realized there was no granny. Ooops I am going to have to pedal a little harder than I thought to get up these pitches.
Those guys are definitely faster than me but it was my first time so give a guy a break. Once we broke the top of the climb, and started our decent down Paris I realized that these bikes can really get moving. That's when I realized that I better back off on the speed because I started to feel out of my comfort level.
I let Andrew pass me so I had somebody to follow on the decent. As I was ripping down this mountain, I looked down at the bike and tried not to think about the fact that this Frisbee weighted thingamajig (FWT) underneath me was the only thing that was keeping me from going into a 40+ mph skid down the pavement.
Well I negotiated all the turns and made it to the bottom unscathed. I was a little squirrelly on one turn that snuck up on me. Other than that I felt I handled it pretty well.
Sitting at the bottom Andrew informed me that many people have crashed on some of those turns. Hey thanks for the heads up. It was fun. I don't know if I want to do that all the time but we had a good time and we cranked out ~25 miles around 15 mph average. Not bad for climbing mountains and being a virgin on the FWT.
Well I have a few people interested in the Pisgah ride this weekend but not many. Hopefully we will see great weather. Speaking of the ride this weekend I am headed to Cola town to get my CAKE all in order. I might be making some adjustments to the Drunken Monkey too we will just have to see.
Apparently Blogger won't allow me to post up any pictures this morning. I don't get it, sometimes it works fine and other times it says it has uploaded the picture and nothing ever shows. So no funny Monster Lobster pictures today. Sorry.
Andrew called me up yesterday afternoon and said it was time to hop on the road bike and ride over Paris Mountain. I wasn't doing anything so I said ok. This is the second spontaneous ride of the week.
Andrew let me borrow his Ritchey since he was riding a new Bianchi that he purchased. We are about the same size so I just hopped on the bike and said "Man this is weird." Itty bitty tires and the thing weighs as much as a Frisbee as far as I am concerned. After a few minutes, I figured out the integrated shifters and had decent control of the bike so we were on our way. We met up with Ty close to the base of the climb up Paris and went climbing. As we started to roll up Paris I tried to shift into granny and realized there was no granny. Ooops I am going to have to pedal a little harder than I thought to get up these pitches.
Those guys are definitely faster than me but it was my first time so give a guy a break. Once we broke the top of the climb, and started our decent down Paris I realized that these bikes can really get moving. That's when I realized that I better back off on the speed because I started to feel out of my comfort level.
I let Andrew pass me so I had somebody to follow on the decent. As I was ripping down this mountain, I looked down at the bike and tried not to think about the fact that this Frisbee weighted thingamajig (FWT) underneath me was the only thing that was keeping me from going into a 40+ mph skid down the pavement.
Well I negotiated all the turns and made it to the bottom unscathed. I was a little squirrelly on one turn that snuck up on me. Other than that I felt I handled it pretty well.
Sitting at the bottom Andrew informed me that many people have crashed on some of those turns. Hey thanks for the heads up. It was fun. I don't know if I want to do that all the time but we had a good time and we cranked out ~25 miles around 15 mph average. Not bad for climbing mountains and being a virgin on the FWT.
Well I have a few people interested in the Pisgah ride this weekend but not many. Hopefully we will see great weather. Speaking of the ride this weekend I am headed to Cola town to get my CAKE all in order. I might be making some adjustments to the Drunken Monkey too we will just have to see.
Apparently Blogger won't allow me to post up any pictures this morning. I don't get it, sometimes it works fine and other times it says it has uploaded the picture and nothing ever shows. So no funny Monster Lobster pictures today. Sorry.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Hillbillies Doing Hillbilly Things
So this picture here by Miss Kristin is a demonstration of this past weekend's activities. This is "Hillbilly Golf." A very interesting game that involves libations and golf balls bound together with string. That's my Dad and I taking on Michael and our high school friend Jim Maloney. We got whooped up on. If you are interested the rest of the pictures from the weekend can be found here on Kristin's website. I will post some more pictures and stories later this week.So for you biking nuts looking for some true pisgah goodness can come ride with whoever shows up on Saturday. I started this thread to keep everyone up to date. There are more responses than I expected already. Sweet people are coming out of the woodworks to ride.
Rick and I got some good single track in last night out at Issaqueena in Clemson. It looks as though there are some students from Clemson that got build rights to one area of the park out there. They are building some "big bike" drop offs and jumps. Hmmmmmmm can't wait to get the FS bike up and running again.
That's all for now.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Slippery Anytime
I will get to the weekend's activities tomorrow once I have some pictures.
Went out for a quick urban/dirt spin on Friday before we headed out to KY. I pumped the Exi Wolf's up to road pressure so I didn't have to worry about tubes and tools.
I was having a really good ride on the inner city single track and really enjoying the wonderful weather lately when I came upon "the bridge." This is no ordinary bridge. It is a metal bridge with no grooves in the slates or rubber at all. This thing has accident written all over it. There are even signs before the bridge that say "No Running or Biking across Bridge, Walking Only!" I have always sort of headed to this advice. I still ride my bike across it and run across it, I just exercise more caution if the conditions are slippery. Well on Friday everything was dry. Well except for the fact that my tires had been through some dew.
So I find myself going across the bridge quite a bit faster than normal. I started to lean into the 45 degree turn just a teeny bit and I felt the wheels start to slide out as though I were riding behind the Zamboni:
Went out for a quick urban/dirt spin on Friday before we headed out to KY. I pumped the Exi Wolf's up to road pressure so I didn't have to worry about tubes and tools.
I was having a really good ride on the inner city single track and really enjoying the wonderful weather lately when I came upon "the bridge." This is no ordinary bridge. It is a metal bridge with no grooves in the slates or rubber at all. This thing has accident written all over it. There are even signs before the bridge that say "No Running or Biking across Bridge, Walking Only!" I have always sort of headed to this advice. I still ride my bike across it and run across it, I just exercise more caution if the conditions are slippery. Well on Friday everything was dry. Well except for the fact that my tires had been through some dew.
So I find myself going across the bridge quite a bit faster than normal. I started to lean into the 45 degree turn just a teeny bit and I felt the wheels start to slide out as though I were riding behind the Zamboni:
I looked at the river below and the miniscule rails that would attempt to arrest my fall into the river and realized this was going to be really bad. Luckily I hadn't leaned to far, I feathered both brakes just enough to make the pads brush the rotors and I felt the bike immediately snap upright back into position. Whew! That will be the closest call I ever have on that bridge.
Monster A.K.A. Mobster Lobster report tomorrow.
Now its time to see how all the "suckas" did in the Worlds.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Monster Lobster
Rode with Nick out at Paris last night. We had a good easy ride. Got all the trails in. Nick is headed to the Worlds this weekend and then has a Chemistry Exam on Tuesday. I got the chills when he said he was headed home to study. YIKES! I haven't studied in a long time. Good luck Nick!
So last weekend was a riding and drinking debauchery. This weekend is all about excess. Kristin and I are driving to good ol' Gilbertsville KY for some Lobster and hard partying. Yes I know it doesn't make sense to drive to KY for Lobster but that is the way it goes. This is the Marina where Michael's family owns a cottage.
So last weekend was a riding and drinking debauchery. This weekend is all about excess. Kristin and I are driving to good ol' Gilbertsville KY for some Lobster and hard partying. Yes I know it doesn't make sense to drive to KY for Lobster but that is the way it goes. This is the Marina where Michael's family owns a cottage.
There is some awesome single track in the area that I normally ride but this trip is for hanging out not riding my bike by myself.
So tomorrow we will be headed swimmingly up the highway. I know you all will be disappointed without a post tomorrow but I am sure Monday's will make up for it.
Have a good weekend!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Team BDE, October Stuff
Yah I stole the camera from Miss Photo and snapped her photo. Whuhahahahahhahaha!
Is this the right map?
That is Team BDE. That's all I have to say about that.
October is upon us and most of the biking community is finishing up their season. Lots of talk about worlds and so on. So why can't I find somebody to ride with? I guess everybody is in alter-ego must train and ride alone mode.
Got wind of another small gathering of folk coming to Pisgah. There are even some native Hoosiers coming down. I might have to convince myself that camping is just getting primed. The leaves are going to have color very soon and how can you pass camping up this time of the year? Plus the seasonal trails will be open soon. Look out for some Epic Pisgah rides coming to your neighborhood soon.
So good luck to all of those that are headed to the worlds this weekend.
What do I have on the docket for the rest of the year? There is a cross country race in Charleston. There is the SWANK in pisgah that sounds cool. A couple twelve hour races are still feasible too. I haven't made any decisions on late season torture yet. I might just have to go hoop it up with the crazies doing the Double Dare. Whatever events are sure to be a blast and involve keg beer are sure to be on the list.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Tobacco Free For Ever Eva Eva Eva
Saturday morning Kristin and I got up nice and early for the TFFL (tobacco Free For Life) ride. We got all set up at Dupont and Kristin started in taking volunteer pictures for the event. Here is Andrew and I awaiting the start.
The advanced course was 29 miles this year and it was a hoot. I had limited goals on this ride since it is just that "a ride." I wanted to have fun, not lose a contact and not get a flat. All those things happened to me last year, I was looking to achieve only the first this year.
The route was much better than the previous year. We started out climbing the northern section of Holly Mountain and down Ridgeline to the new Jim Branch section of the park. This trail has recently been re-worked and it is awesome now. After Jim Branch, we started the climb to the middle of the park.
The advanced course was 29 miles this year and it was a hoot. I had limited goals on this ride since it is just that "a ride." I wanted to have fun, not lose a contact and not get a flat. All those things happened to me last year, I was looking to achieve only the first this year.
The route was much better than the previous year. We started out climbing the northern section of Holly Mountain and down Ridgeline to the new Jim Branch section of the park. This trail has recently been re-worked and it is awesome now. After Jim Branch, we started the climb to the middle of the park.
We headed up past High Falls on the Conservation Road and then down by Bridal Veil Falls. At this point, two women in all pink passed me as I was looking around at the feed station. Made the climb out of the falls section and a left onto Shelter Rock trail. We headed up Airstrip and I was happy to pass the point at which I flatted last year. I got to the top of Airstrip and saw the Pink Panther clan pulled over to the side of the trail struggling with a bike. The bike was pink of course and there was some major chain suck going on. It was real bad so I volunteered my services by breaking the chain and slapping it back together. They were very appreciative and nice.
Up and out of Airstrip back on the Conservation Road to the beginning of Reasonover. Had a great time on Reasonover. That trail is always a blast.
Coming up the gravel I saw a guy walking pretty awkward. He said he had the cramps. He must have not had the cramps like I have had this year because he wasn't laying on the ground crying for his momma. I offered him some electrolytes since I was the magic trail person of the day and he asked me a multitude of questions about the pills in his hand. I guess it only fairs to reason since he was taking "drugs" from a stranger. I assured him everything was ok.
Back over Airstrip to Mine Mountain. It took everything I had to make it to the top of that climb without getting off the bike. I was about 18 miles into the ride and that climb is no joke. Down Mine Mtn and a left onto Laurel Ridge. Lots of people pulled over for flats.
Down to the water crossing. I saw that they had a rope set up for the water crossing. Luckily due to a ride I had earlier in the year I now know the trick to theses crossings. Take your shoes off and leave your socks on. This is slickrock and they don't call it that for nothing. The socks act like little velcro combined with the algae. There was a fellow behind me that I told to leave his socks on as I trounced through the water. He didn't listen and I looked back to see him doing the slickrock shuffle.
They had some food here for us so I stopped, chatted and ate. My two Pink Panther friends showed up and as I got back on the bike I heard one of them yell. Your on a Single Speed! She didn't notice that when I was fixing her drivetrain. They yelled "go single speed." Well what I knew is that they were about to catch up because I can't make it up Cedar Rock without walking some.
Halfway up Cedar I found the only other SS'er of the day. Jeff was riding his SS as well. We walked and chatted for a few minutes. He was staying over with us crazies at the Gathering. Imagine that!
Jeff and I were still together at the top of Big Rock and he told me to lead the way. I had a blast going down Big Rock and things were really flying. I don't know if I have ever gone that fast down that trail.
After the Big Rock decent I felt invincible. Well until I was rolling along slowly after a climb and spotted a nice big rock to smash my knee into. It was a rookie mistake. Slowing to much not keeping momentum and all the sudden you are laying there wondering why your knee hurts so bad. I walked it off and finished the ride.
Congrats to those who came out and pushed themselves. I had a great time and I am sure you did too. You can see Kristin's wonderful photography by clicking here. She doesn't have all the pictures up yet since she took over a 1,000 pics. She is working hard so give her some time ok? I mean the pictures are free for heaven's sake.
Thanks to all the volunteers and especially all the hard work put in by Amy!
Great event and awesome Jersies too!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Bob Cream
Please take note that their is no apostrophe in the title. Thank you!
So a weekend of Gathering was had. You can see BradO's pictures here.
I got up to the camping/drinking/biking/smart-butt-talkin' area Friday afternoon. Not too many souls around so I just set up camp. BrouSSard came rolling in not too long after me and we did a SS jaunt up to Pressley Gap and down the lower half of Black Mountain to appease the Bike Gods for Friday afternoon. The climb was good and the descent was awesome and fast as usual. The Mtn Bike Gods were pleased with the way we rode and allowed us to partake in cold beverages after the ride.
Kristin showed up to camp later on in the evening and we all just relaxed around the Fire Friday night. Kristin and I had to be up early for the tabacco Free Ride Saturday morning so we kept it pretty low key Friday night.
Saturday morning we got up and headed out for the TFL ride. I will post a ride report about this one tomorrow. We did so much work for this ride, it deserves a post of its own.
Saturday afternoon was spent relaxing and hanging out with all the crazed mountain bikers from all over.
Kristin and I were prepared for camping like we always are. We prepared full course meals and left out no detail. We even had home made ice cream. Kristin recently received a ice cream ball from a co-worker that knows we are camping crazy. The deal with the ball is that you fill up one end with your "cream concoction" and the other end with rock salt and ice.
So a weekend of Gathering was had. You can see BradO's pictures here.
I got up to the camping/drinking/biking/smart-butt-talkin' area Friday afternoon. Not too many souls around so I just set up camp. BrouSSard came rolling in not too long after me and we did a SS jaunt up to Pressley Gap and down the lower half of Black Mountain to appease the Bike Gods for Friday afternoon. The climb was good and the descent was awesome and fast as usual. The Mtn Bike Gods were pleased with the way we rode and allowed us to partake in cold beverages after the ride.
Kristin showed up to camp later on in the evening and we all just relaxed around the Fire Friday night. Kristin and I had to be up early for the tabacco Free Ride Saturday morning so we kept it pretty low key Friday night.
Saturday morning we got up and headed out for the TFL ride. I will post a ride report about this one tomorrow. We did so much work for this ride, it deserves a post of its own.
Saturday afternoon was spent relaxing and hanging out with all the crazed mountain bikers from all over.
Kristin and I were prepared for camping like we always are. We prepared full course meals and left out no detail. We even had home made ice cream. Kristin recently received a ice cream ball from a co-worker that knows we are camping crazy. The deal with the ball is that you fill up one end with your "cream concoction" and the other end with rock salt and ice.
Once this is done, you do whatever you want with the ball as long as it is in constant motion. We kicked it around the fire for awhile. I ran up a big hill and rolled it down. Kristin and I bowled it back and forth. Then genius struck me. Why not use Bob? Brad had brought this wonderful tool for everyone's use. I put the ball in the back of the trailer and rode around the campground for awhile and voila. Mint chocolate chip ice cream was had by all. Well except for a select few that decided if it didn't involve alcohol there was no need involving one's self.
Here you can see Zach reaping the benefits of our hard efforts.
Sunday morning came and everyone headed out on their own version of good rides. A group of 5 or 6 of us headed over to ride Sycamore --> Thrift --> lower Black. It was a great time and I almost made it up all of Sycamore on the SS. Yes, I impressed myself considering I already had 40+ miles on my legs for the weekend.
It was an awesome weekend with lots of good people and great weather. Thanks to Zach for reserving the campground and everyone else who brought firewood and so on.
Can't wait to do it again.
Moving Time
Wow, big to do's at work. Moved into a new building and now I have no time. I may post about this weekend's activities later today. If not, they will be up for tomorrow.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Can You Feel It?
This request was made yesterday:
"I would like to request a blog written about "the Zone". Pele' described it as a strange calmness,... feeling of invinciblity.Thank you Zen Master."
I must first warn you that I am slightly busy with work these days so I shall write this strictly from my opinion and do no extra research. Am I allowed to do that? You betcha.
Anyone who has had a great day doing what you love to do, has probably experienced the "zone". In a way it is Zen because you are thinking of nothing but the task at hand. I will give you a short list of people that I am sure have experienced the big Z as I will refer to it. If my spelling is off you must forgive me, as I said I am doing no research. Wayne Gretzky, Jack Nickalus, Larry Bird, Ned Overend (That one is for you Joe), Nolan Ryan, Gandi, Martin Luther King Jr., Mozart Bode Miller (I don't know if he has experienced the zone without medical help). Those are a few people off the top of my head.
So as you can see I included people who aren't athlete's as well. I believe when Mr. King was giving his speeches he was probably experiencing the jubilation of the big Z. Mozart most certainly understood what the big Z was.
So now what is it? In my opinion it is when you can think of nothing else but the task at hand. You apply yourself so whole heartedly that the sound of someone screaming "nunan nuuunan" couldn't break your concentration. Nolan probably experienced it throwing a no-hitter. Ned has experienced it while maintaining 190 heartbeats a minute.
Have I experienced it? Yes sometimes in High School while playing golf I experienced the zone. The place I noticed it more than any other was on the green. It is as though the hole becomes a gigantic blackhole and your ball can't miss it. I have experienced it in minor doses on my bike. When you get that feeling that you are floating around through the woods instead of actually pedaling. Sometimes when I crash I am in the zone. You look around and try to figure out how in the world you could be laying amongst rocks, trees and bicycles but yet not have a bruise. Many people have tried to explain how this happens down to a physiological level. I am not so concerned with that in this rant but if you are read "Deep Survival, who lives who dies and why." This book explains it very well.
Something happens in those moments when you are in the big Z. The world gets quiet and sometimes it may seem as though the world has slowed down just for you. You saw things with an innate clearness that you wouldn't normally see. What is this? It is adrenaline working within the body to help you through what the body sees as potential danger.
I believe we all have the potential to become a part of the big Z in our lives. It is just a matter of knowing what it is that takes you there. So today I ask you to think about the times that you have experienced the zone. It could be anything anytime anywhere, so leave a comment and tell me when your favorite big Z moment.
Peace.
"I would like to request a blog written about "the Zone". Pele' described it as a strange calmness,... feeling of invinciblity.Thank you Zen Master."
I must first warn you that I am slightly busy with work these days so I shall write this strictly from my opinion and do no extra research. Am I allowed to do that? You betcha.
Anyone who has had a great day doing what you love to do, has probably experienced the "zone". In a way it is Zen because you are thinking of nothing but the task at hand. I will give you a short list of people that I am sure have experienced the big Z as I will refer to it. If my spelling is off you must forgive me, as I said I am doing no research. Wayne Gretzky, Jack Nickalus, Larry Bird, Ned Overend (That one is for you Joe), Nolan Ryan, Gandi, Martin Luther King Jr., Mozart Bode Miller (I don't know if he has experienced the zone without medical help). Those are a few people off the top of my head.
So as you can see I included people who aren't athlete's as well. I believe when Mr. King was giving his speeches he was probably experiencing the jubilation of the big Z. Mozart most certainly understood what the big Z was.
So now what is it? In my opinion it is when you can think of nothing else but the task at hand. You apply yourself so whole heartedly that the sound of someone screaming "nunan nuuunan" couldn't break your concentration. Nolan probably experienced it throwing a no-hitter. Ned has experienced it while maintaining 190 heartbeats a minute.
Have I experienced it? Yes sometimes in High School while playing golf I experienced the zone. The place I noticed it more than any other was on the green. It is as though the hole becomes a gigantic blackhole and your ball can't miss it. I have experienced it in minor doses on my bike. When you get that feeling that you are floating around through the woods instead of actually pedaling. Sometimes when I crash I am in the zone. You look around and try to figure out how in the world you could be laying amongst rocks, trees and bicycles but yet not have a bruise. Many people have tried to explain how this happens down to a physiological level. I am not so concerned with that in this rant but if you are read "Deep Survival, who lives who dies and why." This book explains it very well.
Something happens in those moments when you are in the big Z. The world gets quiet and sometimes it may seem as though the world has slowed down just for you. You saw things with an innate clearness that you wouldn't normally see. What is this? It is adrenaline working within the body to help you through what the body sees as potential danger.
I believe we all have the potential to become a part of the big Z in our lives. It is just a matter of knowing what it is that takes you there. So today I ask you to think about the times that you have experienced the zone. It could be anything anytime anywhere, so leave a comment and tell me when your favorite big Z moment.
Peace.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
He is My Best Good Friend
That doesn't happen every day. Yes I like to quote "Forest Gump" a lot. That's what happens when you watch it six to 7,000 times.
As we all know, this is my BLOG dedication week. I started with good ol' Mozart, did a tid bit on Forest people yesterday and now here we are today. That guy in the picture is Michael Field. He and I met when we were around 10 years old. Man we have known each other for over 17 years now.
We met in good ol' Hoosier town. That's Indiana for you South Paw's. Michael and his mom and dad had just moved from San Diego when baseball season was starting. My dad was the head coach and we hit it off immediately. Before I knew it, I was his first catcher and he my first and only pitcher. Now you have to understand something here, Michael didn't throw like the other pitchers in the league. He threw hard and wild.
I specifically remember one day when I was taking batting practice and he was pitching. I went for an inside ball and I heard the bat make that awful sound it makes when aluminum gets hurt. As bikers we all know the sound. The only problem was that the ball went off my thumb too. Nobody ever really thought it hit my thumb because of the sound it made. However, the doctor confirmed that a few millimeters in either direction and it would have been broke. Thanks for not breaking my finger Michael.
During summers we were inseparable. I was either at his house or he at mine. When I found out that we would be moving four houses down from him and his family. Well I think you can imagine.
So we grew up together doing all sorts of stupid kid things and having a blast the entire time. I can't tell all the stories because that would take ages. However I can tell you that I remember our first break up. We were jumping around on my trampoline when Michael spiked me. You know that pre-jump thing that makes people go really high. Well I was landing on my back when he spiked and my legs shot directly at his chest. I nailed him. Really I took him out. He went flying backwards off the trampoline and landed on his back. Got up pretty pissed and crying. He ran home and said "I'm never coming back." It was over forever. Quit crying people, he was back at my house the next day.
Now wait a tic here. Isn't this supposed to be about bikes? Hold on I am getting there. If I can relate Mozart to bikes, surely I can do this.
Michael was a good pitcher for a long time. I didn't stick with baseball. So in high school we parted ways for awhile. Then college came and he still pitched and I was still golfing. Michael was throwing more accurate and throwing hard. I remember one summer day during college break I was going to throw some long toss with him. I could hardly get the ball to where he was standing and every time the ball came my way I thought my head was going to get blown off.
While growing up I always wondered how he could throw harder than me. I asked him one day and he said "All you have to do, is move your arm faster." That's why I liked him so much. He has a simple philosophy about life and can be apart for a long time. Once we get back together it is as though we live next to each other.
During college Michael threw his arm out and had to have a couple shoulder surgeries that put his career as a pitcher to an end. My golf career ended my first year at school.
Michael was very lucky and met a wonderful woman during college. So our last hiatus together was our spring break trip Senior year. We went on a cruise and probably had more fun on a cruise than two people are supposed to have. He bought a really nice ring for his soon to be wife.
Next thing I know, I am the best man. The wedding rocked. Now Michael and his wife live in Bloomington Indiana and as you know I live here in SC. We get to see each other about three or four times a year.
So why am I dedicating all of this to Michael? Well just the other day I called him up and he told me that he is training for a half marathon. That blew me away. I don't think I have seen him exercise much more than frisbee since college. I don't say anything about it because he is my best friend and he can do what he wants. However I would like to see him live a long a prosperous life. So I was stoked to hear he had the motivation to train a little. I don't know what has motivated him. It could have been that beer that he was able to balance perfectly on his gut during our spring break trip. It could be his wife telling him to get his butt off the couch and run with her. Maybe, just maybe even my biking has influenced him in a way that makes him want to get into shape. Whatever it is, it doesn't matter. If you see him running, tell him good job. It's little things like this that keep us going. Seeing progress and feeling good about one's self.
I have motivated a few people before. Heck, even my dad said he drug his bike out for a short spin in the back yard the other day. So what I say to you today is to motivate somebody else. If you have a best friend, call them up and chat nicely.
Luckily I will see Michael real soon. Peace out Brother!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Unexpected Dirt
Got out for a unexpected SS ride yesterday. I met up with Andrew and Ty for a ride out at Paris Mountain. Ty rode a SS, so I had someone to share the pain with.
Ty is the head ranger out at Paris and does an excellent job of organizing activities, creating trail work days and keeping the users of the park happy in general. He is responsible for giving us a great place locally to ride in Greenville. Before he was ranger at the park, there was only one trail open to Mountain Bikes. Now there are 18 miles of trail, with another six on the way.
At first they started with "multiple use trails," where hikers are allowed one day and bikers another. Eventually it came to be that we are allowed to ride every day except the busy day Saturday. This is really nice because without this the closest place for singletrack is over 40 minutes away.
So I dedicate today's post to people that are in Ty's position. Forest Service representatives, rangers, trail workers and anyone else who creates the awesome network of trails that we have to ride in SC and NC.
I have met quite a few rangers in SC that also ride Mountain bikes. This helps our community out a bunch since many times bikers are considered to be reckless and cause un-necessary erosion. Luckily due to a study that IMBA published, it showed that bikes (when used properly) have the same impact to trails as hikers. Yay us!
So here is my list of people that maintain trail systems or are ambassadors of our sport.
"Ranger Bob" - Harbison State Forest
"Two guys that I should know their name but don't" - Manchester State Forest (Sumter SC)
Ty - Ranger Paris Mountain
Bill - Ambassador/TrailBuilder FATS (Clarks Hill SC)
Todd - TrailBuilder FATS (Clarks Hill SC)/NC
Navy - Marrington Plantation Charleston SC
Clemson - Issaqueena (Sorry I don't know who is responsible for most of the maintenance there)
SORBA - Pisgah National Forest/Bent Creek
DIVA - Charlotte NC
I think that's all I know off the top of my head. If you know somebody that maintains trails or is an ambassador of our sport give them a hug today and let them know that you too are a Mountain Bike Freak and you appreciate their efforts.
Tomorrow I shall be dedicating my BLOG to my best friend. Stay alert because that one will make you laugh until milk comes out your nose.
Peace.
Ty is the head ranger out at Paris and does an excellent job of organizing activities, creating trail work days and keeping the users of the park happy in general. He is responsible for giving us a great place locally to ride in Greenville. Before he was ranger at the park, there was only one trail open to Mountain Bikes. Now there are 18 miles of trail, with another six on the way.
At first they started with "multiple use trails," where hikers are allowed one day and bikers another. Eventually it came to be that we are allowed to ride every day except the busy day Saturday. This is really nice because without this the closest place for singletrack is over 40 minutes away.
So I dedicate today's post to people that are in Ty's position. Forest Service representatives, rangers, trail workers and anyone else who creates the awesome network of trails that we have to ride in SC and NC.
I have met quite a few rangers in SC that also ride Mountain bikes. This helps our community out a bunch since many times bikers are considered to be reckless and cause un-necessary erosion. Luckily due to a study that IMBA published, it showed that bikes (when used properly) have the same impact to trails as hikers. Yay us!
So here is my list of people that maintain trail systems or are ambassadors of our sport.
"Ranger Bob" - Harbison State Forest
"Two guys that I should know their name but don't" - Manchester State Forest (Sumter SC)
Ty - Ranger Paris Mountain
Bill - Ambassador/TrailBuilder FATS (Clarks Hill SC)
Todd - TrailBuilder FATS (Clarks Hill SC)/NC
Navy - Marrington Plantation Charleston SC
Clemson - Issaqueena (Sorry I don't know who is responsible for most of the maintenance there)
SORBA - Pisgah National Forest/Bent Creek
DIVA - Charlotte NC
I think that's all I know off the top of my head. If you know somebody that maintains trails or is an ambassador of our sport give them a hug today and let them know that you too are a Mountain Bike Freak and you appreciate their efforts.
Tomorrow I shall be dedicating my BLOG to my best friend. Stay alert because that one will make you laugh until milk comes out your nose.
Peace.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Bicycles?
This week I am dedicating all of my posts to other people. Why? Why not is what I ask of you.
When I typed of this last week, I only had one legitimate repy from Team Dicky. So regarding the bloggers code of ethics that I am creating as I go I shall meet his demands. He suggested that I dedicate a post to Wolfgang Mozart. He even challanged me to make it bike related. Oh, a challange you say? I don't take challanges lightly. So I hope you all enjoy this.
Mozart was born in Salzburg Austia in 1756. He lived to the ripe old age of 35. He composed his first symphony when he was eight years of age. I think I leaned to ride a bike somtime around 8 or 9 years of age.
While researching this remarkable historical figure I found out some interesting facts.
Mozart supposedly learned to speak 15 different languages.
He played the keyboard and violin.
Mozart was buried in an unmarked grave due to the fact that he spent all of his money on bicycles or something else worthy of money.
Mozart composed more than 600 works before his death.
He died in 1791.
So you may be asking yourself how in the world this is related to bicycling? Here we go.
According to this resource, the first bicycle was built in 1791 in France. So this means that Wolfgang probably didn't even see a bicycle. However he had to know of the concept since Leanardo DaVinci came up with the idea much earlier in time. This "first bike" was known as the wooden horse. It was a simple contraption made from two wheels and two forks bolted together by a board. It was known as a "running machine" since the only way to get it to go was to move it with your feet. Besides the fastenings, it was composed entirely of wood. Let's see you enduro nut jobs do a race on one of these bad boys next year. Oh yeah, did I mention that this thing didn't have any sort of steering mechanism either. Just do it!
Since this tied in so nicely with the history of the bike. Here are some other interesting tid bits about bikes:
Soon after the "wooden horse" was made, velocipede's were fashioned with crude steering devices. Can we get a pedal or a crank here? Somebody throw me a friggin chain here. People who rode this awesome machines were known as Velocipedestrians. Sweet word huh? I would like to be associated with that word anyway.
In 1865, a Frenchman, Ernest Michaux, added pedals by attaching two rods with nails on the ends to the axle of the front wheel?this contraption was now called the Michaudine. Since there were no gears or cranks, each pedal revolution caused the bike to move a distance equal to the circumference of the wheel.
Whoa, its the invention of the "fixie!" This is making things awfully easy.
http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/00450/Bicycle_two_1886.jpg
Bikes were made with a large front wheel and a smaller back wheel. After people got tired of flipping over the bars from each pebble they encountered on the road, safety bikes were made. These bikes had a larger back wheel to prevent the ease of flipping.
From there we all know what happened next. Drivetrains were built. Chains were fashioned. Gears even came available, but for heaven's sake who in the world would want this technology?
I hope you have enjoyed this piece. Who's on tap for tomorrow? Well I don't even know yet so don't tell me because that might freak me out to know that you know more than I know about my thoughts.
Some references used:
http://www.uwsp.edu/cofac/suzuki/AberSuzukiCenter/ambassador_pdfs/February%202006%20Ambassador%20Web.pdf#search=%22mozart%20learned%20instruments%20list%22
When I typed of this last week, I only had one legitimate repy from Team Dicky. So regarding the bloggers code of ethics that I am creating as I go I shall meet his demands. He suggested that I dedicate a post to Wolfgang Mozart. He even challanged me to make it bike related. Oh, a challange you say? I don't take challanges lightly. So I hope you all enjoy this.
Mozart was born in Salzburg Austia in 1756. He lived to the ripe old age of 35. He composed his first symphony when he was eight years of age. I think I leaned to ride a bike somtime around 8 or 9 years of age.
While researching this remarkable historical figure I found out some interesting facts.
Mozart supposedly learned to speak 15 different languages.
He played the keyboard and violin.
Mozart was buried in an unmarked grave due to the fact that he spent all of his money on bicycles or something else worthy of money.
Mozart composed more than 600 works before his death.
He died in 1791.
So you may be asking yourself how in the world this is related to bicycling? Here we go.
According to this resource, the first bicycle was built in 1791 in France. So this means that Wolfgang probably didn't even see a bicycle. However he had to know of the concept since Leanardo DaVinci came up with the idea much earlier in time. This "first bike" was known as the wooden horse. It was a simple contraption made from two wheels and two forks bolted together by a board. It was known as a "running machine" since the only way to get it to go was to move it with your feet. Besides the fastenings, it was composed entirely of wood. Let's see you enduro nut jobs do a race on one of these bad boys next year. Oh yeah, did I mention that this thing didn't have any sort of steering mechanism either. Just do it!
Since this tied in so nicely with the history of the bike. Here are some other interesting tid bits about bikes:
Soon after the "wooden horse" was made, velocipede's were fashioned with crude steering devices. Can we get a pedal or a crank here? Somebody throw me a friggin chain here. People who rode this awesome machines were known as Velocipedestrians. Sweet word huh? I would like to be associated with that word anyway.
In 1865, a Frenchman, Ernest Michaux, added pedals by attaching two rods with nails on the ends to the axle of the front wheel?this contraption was now called the Michaudine. Since there were no gears or cranks, each pedal revolution caused the bike to move a distance equal to the circumference of the wheel.
Whoa, its the invention of the "fixie!" This is making things awfully easy.
http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/00450/Bicycle_two_1886.jpg
Bikes were made with a large front wheel and a smaller back wheel. After people got tired of flipping over the bars from each pebble they encountered on the road, safety bikes were made. These bikes had a larger back wheel to prevent the ease of flipping.
From there we all know what happened next. Drivetrains were built. Chains were fashioned. Gears even came available, but for heaven's sake who in the world would want this technology?
I hope you have enjoyed this piece. Who's on tap for tomorrow? Well I don't even know yet so don't tell me because that might freak me out to know that you know more than I know about my thoughts.
Some references used:
http://www.uwsp.edu/cofac/suzuki/AberSuzukiCenter/ambassador_pdfs/February%202006%20Ambassador%20Web.pdf#search=%22mozart%20learned%20instruments%20list%22
Friday, September 22, 2006
Finishing Vacation Pictures
This is the end of the previous post:
We had this view from our campground:
After the overnight trip, we retreated to a cabin for the last night of the trip:
We had this view from our campground:
After the overnight trip, we retreated to a cabin for the last night of the trip:
Vacation Passion, Some Bike Stuff Too!
Kristin sent me the vacation pictures so here is the full report on our vacation.
Here are some vacation facts from our recent trip.
In two weeks on the road, no fast food restaraunt was partook.
A bunch of tolls but the Chesepeake Bay Bridge was a $12.00 dollar toll!
One Broken Bike rack:
Traveled from Greenville to Stokesville VA to Virginia Beach to D.C. to Fayateville W.VA back to Greenville.
This won't be in chronological order so that I can get you biker nutt jobs your dose before you awwwwwwwwwwww freak out!
This is the "Wright Brothers" bike. I can't remember what brother. Yes they produced bikes and sold them as a lead into flying. Pretty cool huh? It resides in the National Air and Space Museum.
These are some rockets in the Museum.
Kristin "The Angel" before dinner in D.C.
From D.C. we went rafting on the Gauley. We did the overnight trip and it was a blast. Here I am making an advertisement for them and yes that is our "chef" playing the guitar in the background.
For some reason Blogger has decided not to upload anymore images. I will try to complete the post with another post.
Here are some vacation facts from our recent trip.
In two weeks on the road, no fast food restaraunt was partook.
A bunch of tolls but the Chesepeake Bay Bridge was a $12.00 dollar toll!
One Broken Bike rack:
Traveled from Greenville to Stokesville VA to Virginia Beach to D.C. to Fayateville W.VA back to Greenville.
This won't be in chronological order so that I can get you biker nutt jobs your dose before you awwwwwwwwwwww freak out!
This is the "Wright Brothers" bike. I can't remember what brother. Yes they produced bikes and sold them as a lead into flying. Pretty cool huh? It resides in the National Air and Space Museum.
These are some rockets in the Museum.
Kristin "The Angel" before dinner in D.C.From D.C. we went rafting on the Gauley. We did the overnight trip and it was a blast. Here I am making an advertisement for them and yes that is our "chef" playing the guitar in the background.
For some reason Blogger has decided not to upload anymore images. I will try to complete the post with another post.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
26" Geared content
For the first time since the SM-100, I got my CAKE ready to ride again. My position on the bike is still off since I haven't had time to make it by the shop yet but I was craving dirt and the SS has a torn sidewall in one of the tires. Therefore, I am forced to ride a full squish with gears.
I can tell you that the smaller bigger wheel size makes a big difference when rolling over obstacles. Even though one bike is suspended and the other is not, there is still a noticeable difference.
So I rode Paris Mountain last night. I almost ran directly into this guy. Or at least I think it was him.
While riding around the lake loop, I came upon a dog that didn't seem to have an owner. He barked at me and then went on his way. Where the heck was this dog's master?
Caution! A PO'd biker's comments ahead:
Apparently I am low on the food chain at Paris as well. First off I noticed that the trails are really rutted from skid marks lately. Come on people if you have to skid go out on the pavement and ruin your tires not the trail. Second of all, I came up behind some hikers and I have been extremely cautions since this email came out about rude bikers. So I quietly approached them and just as I was about to ask for a pass the gentleman saw me and he and his wife almost jumped out of there skin. They both had the look of fear in their eyes. I am positive this is from crazy bikers. Now I will be one to admit that when I go downhill I am normally moving at a decent clip. However, almost always I can come to a stop without skidding. Heck, I stopped everybody on Sunday's ride after flying around a rocky downhill at Dupont when I came upon two horses that knew I was coming but didn't notify me that they were around the corner. I still came to a controlled stop and warned the others to stop before it got dangerous.
So after I re-passed the hikers when going back up Brissy ridge I started heading up and out. Well as I was really getting in a groove climbing I looked up to see about 4 bikers headed at me. They shouted at me and yelled that they had seven guys back. Not one of them even feathered the brake. In case you don't know UPHILL RIDERS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY! This is especially critical at a place like Paris where the ups are really up and the downs are really down. This ticks me off because I am sure they are the ones who are skidding and causing a bad name for us. Anyway, I just had to get that off my chest.
Peace.
I can tell you that the smaller bigger wheel size makes a big difference when rolling over obstacles. Even though one bike is suspended and the other is not, there is still a noticeable difference.
So I rode Paris Mountain last night. I almost ran directly into this guy. Or at least I think it was him.
While riding around the lake loop, I came upon a dog that didn't seem to have an owner. He barked at me and then went on his way. Where the heck was this dog's master?
Caution! A PO'd biker's comments ahead:
Apparently I am low on the food chain at Paris as well. First off I noticed that the trails are really rutted from skid marks lately. Come on people if you have to skid go out on the pavement and ruin your tires not the trail. Second of all, I came up behind some hikers and I have been extremely cautions since this email came out about rude bikers. So I quietly approached them and just as I was about to ask for a pass the gentleman saw me and he and his wife almost jumped out of there skin. They both had the look of fear in their eyes. I am positive this is from crazy bikers. Now I will be one to admit that when I go downhill I am normally moving at a decent clip. However, almost always I can come to a stop without skidding. Heck, I stopped everybody on Sunday's ride after flying around a rocky downhill at Dupont when I came upon two horses that knew I was coming but didn't notify me that they were around the corner. I still came to a controlled stop and warned the others to stop before it got dangerous.
So after I re-passed the hikers when going back up Brissy ridge I started heading up and out. Well as I was really getting in a groove climbing I looked up to see about 4 bikers headed at me. They shouted at me and yelled that they had seven guys back. Not one of them even feathered the brake. In case you don't know UPHILL RIDERS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY! This is especially critical at a place like Paris where the ups are really up and the downs are really down. This ticks me off because I am sure they are the ones who are skidding and causing a bad name for us. Anyway, I just had to get that off my chest.
Peace.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
"I'm just runnnnnniinnnnng"
Forest didn't even know why he went running he just did it because it was something to do. That's kind of how I feel about running. I surely will never run as far as this guy!
I did my normal loop last night through the park. Some interesting thoughts came into my head while running. There is about two miles of dirt single track in the city that I run on in this loop and while on one section I passed some local high school cross country runners. Most passed with a simple head nod or the death stare. The last fellow that I passed was quite a bit smaller than the other kids and he said "good job, good job" when I ran past. I thought that was great. Either he thought I had failed a few grades and was out running on the team with him, he was being a smart butt or he was genuinely telling me good job. Either way it doesn't really matter because I enjoyed the thoughts it produced.
While on another section of single track I ran across a bridge that I always run across but it had "slippery when wet" signs up on it yesterday. Makes me wonder who fell to get the signs up. As a mountain biker, we know how treacherous a wet bridge can be. They honestly scare the crap out of me when biking if there is no metal mesh covering. Anyway it didn't matter today because I was running full.
I actually "dabbed" on my run last night. Not the way a mountain biker would dab because that would mean that I dabbed all the way around town. However while running up some steps thinking about who knows what. Obviously I wasn't thinking about running. I missed a step and caught myself with my hand before my knee was busted.
I have had a lot of thoughts about the blog lately. It is too self consuming. Others even believe that us bloggers might be "self absorbed." Maybe that is true and that is why next week I will dedicate at least two days to blogging about someone other than myself. Anyone have any suggestions?
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Not Exciting But Funny
So the Gathering is coming up soon. That same weekend the TFFL (Tabacco Free For Life) ride is happening as well. Both of these events are for fun, one benefits a good cause the other benefits a strong liver. I will let you figure out which one is which.
Some highlights from the weekend that I thought about. Our good buddy Russell was flying behind myself and Paul as we came upon a ginourmous mud puddle. Since I had ridden the trail lately I knew the only line was to the right. I called right side and Paul followed me through. I glanced back to see if everyone had seen/heard the call and right as I did Russell decided the good line was to bunny hop the dark mud and land on the "hard" light mud. Well unbeknownst to him it was all very sticky squishy mud. So as I looked back I saw him fly through the air only to land and make that ever so sexy "schlock schlick" sound. Yah he looked good after that. Paul got a picture but I am sure I won't see it in a while.
Well I know you all were dying for a picture and since nobody sent me any yet I posted a picture that Mr. Wooglin took while riding Dupont the same day as us. Thanks Chris! Enjoy!
Monday, September 18, 2006
One Weekend Two Rides and a Big Party
Over the weekend I found out that there might be a few readers of this blog that aren't my direct family. Huh how about that? So I will do my best to keep things entertaining for you folks. I would hate for you to be "burning the clock" with something that is un-entertaining.
Saturday I headed with a few friends up to NC. We parked at the Ranger Station off of 276 and headed out for a short ride in the Pisgah National Forest (PNF). Our route was 276 --> 477 --> Clawhammer --> Maxwell Cove --> Black Mountain --> Grassy Road --> Sycamore Cove.
This was my first single speed ride in the big mountains. It was tough in spots but worked out really nicely. It was really beautiful outside this weekend and if you weren't out there well too bad for you. Once we made it to Pressely Gap for a quick break, we started seeing some riders come from the bottom of Black Mountian. I always like to see that people still climb this section. I will only climb that section when I am forced too. (i.e. PMBAR) The last time I was at Pressley Gap was during that race. Anyway, these fellows that had just climbed Black explained to me that they were from Ontario (that's Canada) and it was there first ride in PNF. They wanted to know where we had come from and I told them. They asked if that was an easier route up. Ummmmmm yah. They were not happy. They had asked a local woman who works in Backcountry Outfitters where to go. She told them but she gave them the slightly masochistic route and they didn't think that was funny. I gave them some incentive and direction and put them on there way "A"!
The ride was great and we all had a jolly good time. From there we cruised over to the 24 Hours of Pisgah to check in on the action. Actually we just went to party. It was a great time and I saw some friends. Pitched a tent and rang my cowbell at every rider for about 3 hours.
Sunday I got up early and dropped water off for our big ride at Dupont. A good amount of riders showed up and we were off like wild beasts craving single track. Everyone laughed at my gearless self because Toby didn't show up and he was supposed to be SS'ing with me. Where were ya "Mr. I am training for the Worlds?" So as everyone's bikes made that familiar "clink chink" sound I just rolled on.
The day was great and everyone was rolling safely until I found out our new friend Dave had flatted while running tubeless. He had broken his presta valve and his only tube had a slice in it. I rode back to the group gathered up a tube and headed back. Ok it didn't happen that way exactly. This was a technical decent and in my haste to keep people from waiting I lost focus and all the sudden I wasn't holding my handle bars anymore. I looked down and my front wheel thought it was in some sort of Disco movie with John Travolta. This was bad and before I knew it I hit the dirt face first with a "uuhhhhhhhhh." As I was spitting sand, I rode back to help Dave and that was that.
The rest of the ride was great and the boys enjoyed my precise water dropedness. Thanks for all those who came out this weekend and I look forward to doing it again real soon.
The Pisgah Gathering is coming up soon. Stay tuned for details. If anyone has pictures from the weekend mail them to me and I will post them asap. ExtrmTao@hotmail.com.
Peace.
Saturday I headed with a few friends up to NC. We parked at the Ranger Station off of 276 and headed out for a short ride in the Pisgah National Forest (PNF). Our route was 276 --> 477 --> Clawhammer --> Maxwell Cove --> Black Mountain --> Grassy Road --> Sycamore Cove.
This was my first single speed ride in the big mountains. It was tough in spots but worked out really nicely. It was really beautiful outside this weekend and if you weren't out there well too bad for you. Once we made it to Pressely Gap for a quick break, we started seeing some riders come from the bottom of Black Mountian. I always like to see that people still climb this section. I will only climb that section when I am forced too. (i.e. PMBAR) The last time I was at Pressley Gap was during that race. Anyway, these fellows that had just climbed Black explained to me that they were from Ontario (that's Canada) and it was there first ride in PNF. They wanted to know where we had come from and I told them. They asked if that was an easier route up. Ummmmmm yah. They were not happy. They had asked a local woman who works in Backcountry Outfitters where to go. She told them but she gave them the slightly masochistic route and they didn't think that was funny. I gave them some incentive and direction and put them on there way "A"!
The ride was great and we all had a jolly good time. From there we cruised over to the 24 Hours of Pisgah to check in on the action. Actually we just went to party. It was a great time and I saw some friends. Pitched a tent and rang my cowbell at every rider for about 3 hours.
Sunday I got up early and dropped water off for our big ride at Dupont. A good amount of riders showed up and we were off like wild beasts craving single track. Everyone laughed at my gearless self because Toby didn't show up and he was supposed to be SS'ing with me. Where were ya "Mr. I am training for the Worlds?" So as everyone's bikes made that familiar "clink chink" sound I just rolled on.
The day was great and everyone was rolling safely until I found out our new friend Dave had flatted while running tubeless. He had broken his presta valve and his only tube had a slice in it. I rode back to the group gathered up a tube and headed back. Ok it didn't happen that way exactly. This was a technical decent and in my haste to keep people from waiting I lost focus and all the sudden I wasn't holding my handle bars anymore. I looked down and my front wheel thought it was in some sort of Disco movie with John Travolta. This was bad and before I knew it I hit the dirt face first with a "uuhhhhhhhhh." As I was spitting sand, I rode back to help Dave and that was that.
The rest of the ride was great and the boys enjoyed my precise water dropedness. Thanks for all those who came out this weekend and I look forward to doing it again real soon.
The Pisgah Gathering is coming up soon. Stay tuned for details. If anyone has pictures from the weekend mail them to me and I will post them asap. ExtrmTao@hotmail.com.
Peace.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Dirt and Smashed Bike Racks
Finally got some riding in yesterday. It is amazing how much you can lose from being off the bike for two weeks. On the big efforts my heart rate was high enough to power something. I am not sure what that something is but my heart rate was there. Riding out at Paris is a different type of riding. It really never lets up until the end. For the most part you are either going up or down, there really is nothing in-between. This makes for some exciting riding but it can become tiresome if you are looking for an easy day.
I was able to add a few links to my chain so that I could install my 32X22 gear on the Drunken Monkey last night. That is a good gear for Paris Mountain but I think I am going to try the 32X20 for the Dupont ride on Sunday. There may be a couple spots where I have to push but that is how it goes on the SS.
Forest: "Momma what's vacation, you know where Daddy is?"
Momma: "Its a place where you go Forest and you never come back."
If this were only true, I would still be on vacation enjoying myself. Ho hum. However I do have some vacation news since I don't have any new pictures yet. Whilst staying in the One Washington Circle Hotel I had a Valet park my Escape. This was a great place for us to stay downtown because it was a central location for all that we wanted to do. So after the valet parked my car I didn't drive it until it was time to leave three days later. Well when the morning valet brought my Escape up so I could load our luggage, I went outside and noticed that the bike rack was destroyed. Cracks in the clamp and the mounting bar was bent at a 45 degree angle. Hmmmmmmm, no bike is going in that rack I couldn't even get the clamp to open up. I was very calm and collected for the most part. Come to find out it was the guy who parked the car that actually hit the roof in the basement. So he tried to hide it from me. I can't imagine that he has his job anymore but maybe I am wrong. We got more than half off our stay for the hotel and I talked to the General Manager yesterday. After a silence standoff on the phone he agreed to buy a new rack. We will see if it actually happens. Wasn't that an exciting story?
Later.
I was able to add a few links to my chain so that I could install my 32X22 gear on the Drunken Monkey last night. That is a good gear for Paris Mountain but I think I am going to try the 32X20 for the Dupont ride on Sunday. There may be a couple spots where I have to push but that is how it goes on the SS.
Forest: "Momma what's vacation, you know where Daddy is?"
Momma: "Its a place where you go Forest and you never come back."
If this were only true, I would still be on vacation enjoying myself. Ho hum. However I do have some vacation news since I don't have any new pictures yet. Whilst staying in the One Washington Circle Hotel I had a Valet park my Escape. This was a great place for us to stay downtown because it was a central location for all that we wanted to do. So after the valet parked my car I didn't drive it until it was time to leave three days later. Well when the morning valet brought my Escape up so I could load our luggage, I went outside and noticed that the bike rack was destroyed. Cracks in the clamp and the mounting bar was bent at a 45 degree angle. Hmmmmmmm, no bike is going in that rack I couldn't even get the clamp to open up. I was very calm and collected for the most part. Come to find out it was the guy who parked the car that actually hit the roof in the basement. So he tried to hide it from me. I can't imagine that he has his job anymore but maybe I am wrong. We got more than half off our stay for the hotel and I talked to the General Manager yesterday. After a silence standoff on the phone he agreed to buy a new rack. We will see if it actually happens. Wasn't that an exciting story?
Later.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Well . . .
I don't have anymore pictures from vacation yet so those posts will have to wait.
Back to bike business. I am planning on mostly riding the SS this winter but I know that I will feel the need to cruise around on the CAKE every now and then too. That means some adjusting needs to be done. Since I have a slight tendency to break things I have moved to a 21" frame from my 19" on the CAKE. I thought this was going to be very awkward but it wasn't bad. However the stem length is too long and I find myself reaching for the handlebars. That is going to be corrected ASAP.
So for now I will be riding the Drunken Monkey. My best bud re-named my bike to Drunken Monkey. He really knows nothing about bikes but something about nicknames so I will let the name stick. I am still working out my gearing a bit on the bike. For now a good cross country gear seems to be 32X19. This is a good gear for Harbison, Manchester and FATS. However now I need to work out a good gear for the mountains. I will have to either run a 32X20 or a 32X22 for this weekend's riding since those are my only other two options. I really want a 32X21 but Marshall over at endless bikes doesn't have any in stock at the moment. However he did send me the 22 and the 20 since he didn't have the 21 for me. Thanks Marshall! My ride on Saturday should dictate how I feel for Sunday. That's it for now folks. Hopefully more interesting posts later this week as I get approved vacation pictures from Kristin.
Time to go sift through two weeks of corporate email now. Yeeeeeee Hawwwwwwww.
Peace.
Back to bike business. I am planning on mostly riding the SS this winter but I know that I will feel the need to cruise around on the CAKE every now and then too. That means some adjusting needs to be done. Since I have a slight tendency to break things I have moved to a 21" frame from my 19" on the CAKE. I thought this was going to be very awkward but it wasn't bad. However the stem length is too long and I find myself reaching for the handlebars. That is going to be corrected ASAP.
So for now I will be riding the Drunken Monkey. My best bud re-named my bike to Drunken Monkey. He really knows nothing about bikes but something about nicknames so I will let the name stick. I am still working out my gearing a bit on the bike. For now a good cross country gear seems to be 32X19. This is a good gear for Harbison, Manchester and FATS. However now I need to work out a good gear for the mountains. I will have to either run a 32X20 or a 32X22 for this weekend's riding since those are my only other two options. I really want a 32X21 but Marshall over at endless bikes doesn't have any in stock at the moment. However he did send me the 22 and the 20 since he didn't have the 21 for me. Thanks Marshall! My ride on Saturday should dictate how I feel for Sunday. That's it for now folks. Hopefully more interesting posts later this week as I get approved vacation pictures from Kristin.
Time to go sift through two weeks of corporate email now. Yeeeeeee Hawwwwwwww.
Peace.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Back to the regularly scheduled program
Finally back from a long vacation and I feel the need to ride badly. Of course, when you desire to ride the most is when the weather turns on you. Oh well it looks like the weekend is shaping up to be nice and thats what really counts because there are big "to do's" this weekend.
A ride that I have been organizing and super excited for is coming up this Sunday. This time of the year is by far my favorite time to ride. The summer is over and it is time to go on beer rides and just really enjoy the great places that we live to ride.
Dicky made a very philisophical post this morning. Maybe the rain is getting to his head but it made me laugh and it might make you laugh so check it out. He also brought up a point that I didn't really want to touch on this early in my blogging career but since he did it I feel as though I must clarify.
What is ExtrmTao anyway? I use it as my screen name on everything. Why? Does it mean "Extreme tomatoes" or what? Well a long time ago when I signed up for my first Bulliten board on the Internet I used that screen name. It was appropriate at the time because I was in Martial Arts studying JuJitsu and Taoism. During this time we would also practice a meditation named Zen. The meditation can be very healing. You sit on your knees or Indian Style and try to clear your mind of all thought. My instructor used to say that you are a master if you can clear your mind for longer than 10 seconds. How would you ever really know anyway? What does all this have to do with biking?
My instructor once said "Martial Arts may not be for you but maybe it will lead you to something that is for you." I think I knew what he meant when he said that. If not, I definitely do now. For now, it has led me to Mountain Biking. I am addicted and I have found that this sport is very philisophical for me now. There is something about a long gravel grind or a sweet fast decent that takes all life and puts it aside for a moment. Many times I tell my friends that I know when I really enjoy a trail because I will get done negotiating the features of the single track then think to myself "All I was thinking about was riding at that particular moment." and that in its own particular way is Zen. Maybe not in its purest form but it definitely gets close.
So back to the point here. "ExtrmTao" is my short name for "Extreme Taoism." Sure maybe it is cheesy and you don't find any meaning in it. Well good because its not for you its for me. It means something to me and more than that most everything I sign up for online has this screename available. That's right folks I have simplified my online life with one simple screen name that noone else understands. That is most definitely Zen.
Many of the things that I used to do in Martial Arts translate to Mountain Biking. I will give one example for now. We used to practice falling and rolls in class. There is actually a technique to falling that will prevent major injury. Basically what you do is try to focus the main blow and power to the big meaty muscle parts of your body. Maintaining momentum is also a key initiative to falling. You don't want everything to stop at once or you will get hurt. This translates easily to riding because as riders we fall all the time. Well I do anyway. Most times I come out with minor injuries at most. I attribute this to the falling skills that were taught to me at an early age in this class. Maybe I have some cat blood but I don't think that is it. I will post more thoughts on these connections later.
Well I hope this clears things up a little. Now get out there and ride your bikes for the pure love of it. If riding bikes isn't your love then get out there and find something on your own.
A ride that I have been organizing and super excited for is coming up this Sunday. This time of the year is by far my favorite time to ride. The summer is over and it is time to go on beer rides and just really enjoy the great places that we live to ride.
Dicky made a very philisophical post this morning. Maybe the rain is getting to his head but it made me laugh and it might make you laugh so check it out. He also brought up a point that I didn't really want to touch on this early in my blogging career but since he did it I feel as though I must clarify.
What is ExtrmTao anyway? I use it as my screen name on everything. Why? Does it mean "Extreme tomatoes" or what? Well a long time ago when I signed up for my first Bulliten board on the Internet I used that screen name. It was appropriate at the time because I was in Martial Arts studying JuJitsu and Taoism. During this time we would also practice a meditation named Zen. The meditation can be very healing. You sit on your knees or Indian Style and try to clear your mind of all thought. My instructor used to say that you are a master if you can clear your mind for longer than 10 seconds. How would you ever really know anyway? What does all this have to do with biking?
My instructor once said "Martial Arts may not be for you but maybe it will lead you to something that is for you." I think I knew what he meant when he said that. If not, I definitely do now. For now, it has led me to Mountain Biking. I am addicted and I have found that this sport is very philisophical for me now. There is something about a long gravel grind or a sweet fast decent that takes all life and puts it aside for a moment. Many times I tell my friends that I know when I really enjoy a trail because I will get done negotiating the features of the single track then think to myself "All I was thinking about was riding at that particular moment." and that in its own particular way is Zen. Maybe not in its purest form but it definitely gets close.
So back to the point here. "ExtrmTao" is my short name for "Extreme Taoism." Sure maybe it is cheesy and you don't find any meaning in it. Well good because its not for you its for me. It means something to me and more than that most everything I sign up for online has this screename available. That's right folks I have simplified my online life with one simple screen name that noone else understands. That is most definitely Zen.
Many of the things that I used to do in Martial Arts translate to Mountain Biking. I will give one example for now. We used to practice falling and rolls in class. There is actually a technique to falling that will prevent major injury. Basically what you do is try to focus the main blow and power to the big meaty muscle parts of your body. Maintaining momentum is also a key initiative to falling. You don't want everything to stop at once or you will get hurt. This translates easily to riding because as riders we fall all the time. Well I do anyway. Most times I come out with minor injuries at most. I attribute this to the falling skills that were taught to me at an early age in this class. Maybe I have some cat blood but I don't think that is it. I will post more thoughts on these connections later.
Well I hope this clears things up a little. Now get out there and ride your bikes for the pure love of it. If riding bikes isn't your love then get out there and find something on your own.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Glorious Day
I am finally able to write the SM-100 report. I am currently sitting downtown in our nation's capitol writting this. This is the first time we have had internet access since we left for Vacation.
So I will get to the facts for all of you who are dying to know.
I didn't finish the race. I made it to checkpoint five which was 75 miles into the course.
I had one great experience on a awsomely beautiful day.
So here is the report:
The wake up gong rang just after my alarm on my cell phone went off. I rustled myself awake trying not to wake Kristin while it was still dark outside. Once I made it out of the tent the stars were out and looking great. The morning was crisp but not too cool. I tried my best to choke down some wheaties and a bannana. The bannana gave me gag reflex and I had to let it go for later. I had everything prepared in our tent and was all set to go.
Kristin was going to be volunteering at checkpoint 3 about 45 miles into the race so she tried to sleep while I prepared. I noticed quickly that the start line was going to be right by the tent soI went over and warned Kristin that her sleep might be interuppted by 400 racers.
Everyone gathered quickly at the start. I looked over at out tent as the motor bikes that were supposed to lead us down the road reved their engines right next to the tent. I figured that was the end of Kristin's sleep. At the start I found myself next to "Josh the Wonderboy", we chatted and then the race was on.
The beginning of the race was normal except for the fact that one of the motor bikes stalled and all 400 of us had to weave around the bike as the rider tried to kick start the bike back to life. I thought for sure this would cause problems but everyone seemed to have gotten around safely.
The first miles were easy and rolling. The first fire road climb was decently steep and I knew if things continued like this it was going to be a long long day. I made it up the first climb with no incidents and headed for the first single track of the day.
I brought some major free riding tires with me for the very purpose that I knew things were going to be rocky and I knew I would be riding not racing and I wanted to have as much fun as possible. As soon as we hit the first single track I knew I had made the right decision. There were rocks everywhere and they were slippery. I wasn't really on my game at this point and had to push a little more than I liked. At this point I thought of Rich, and how he was riding a fixed gear with skinny tires. I wondered how much he had to push.
The first downhill was fun and fast as I passed a few riders. My tires were grabbing onto the dirt and not letting go.
Past checkpoint one I didn't stop and just kept rolling. As I headed to the second single track climb I met up with Peter from VA riding a Karate Monkey and Bellina. (sorry if that isn't spelled right) They were both nice to chat with and as we approached the climb Bellina took off ahead while Peter and I pushed and talked. This was a long long push up to the top. Once there I was ready for some downhilling. A younger rider and myself started rolling pretty fast downhill. I was really feeling good at this point and I was working the bike on the downhill and having a blast. A quick uphill caused me to get off my bike and walk while my friend came up behind me and said "Hey your pocket is open on your camel bak." Whoops he closed it for me and I just hoped nothing had hopped out. I wasn't going back at this point. I figured I had left it open at the first single track when I stopped to adjust my seat. Things on my bike were good but still not dialed in properly since I hadn't been on the bike before.
The second downhill of the day was out of the way and I started rolling down some forest roads headed for checkpoint 2. On my way down the fireroad I came up behind a truck that was doing his best to stay ahead of me on the downhill road. Finally out of pity he let me go around. Now I was racing trucks too.
When I arrived at checkpoint 2 there was this sweet little girl holding out a peanut jelly sandwich for me and I couldn't refuse it. I took it and eventually ate it. I refilled, visited my drop bag and took off for checkpoint 3.
I was told the ride to checkpoint 3 was a long climb followed by a long downhill. This was true. The climb was long but not too bad. The downhill was one of the greatest I have ever ridden. If you can picture a trail that is about the width of your hand, and then set the trail in the middle of the woods with a steep drop off to your left. Then take that trail and angle it about 10 degrees off camber pointing down the steep hill. Throw in some slick roots and a lot of rock and you have the perfect equation for a fast steep dangerous downhill. Afterwards I was told that many people hurt themselves here. You couldn't have told me that. I was flying and really feeling the rythm. You could gain enough speed to actually cut into the trail and make it feel as though it were banked against the hill instead of off camber. You could quickly lose focus and your day would be done. I saw a couple riders whose focus was gone. Every ten feet or so they would bobble then slide off the trail cursing. This was no place to lose your foucs.
I came down off the hill extremely elated. I came up to checkpoint 3 and saw Kristin. We chatted for a bit, she filled my camel bak and I tried to eat which was tough at this point. I was already behind pace a little and it was time to get going.
The next section would prove to be tough. I started cramping as soon as I headed out onto the road from checkpoint 3. This was tough because we were on a busy road and my legs were locking up. I tried focusing my Zen powers as well as I could and eventually overcame the cramps but I knew that they would be back. This road section was the only part I didn't like. We were on a busy road and apparently Virginia isn't for lovers when it involves bikers and trucks. One truck came close enough to me to pierce my ear.
Finally off the road and back onto dirt. This section would prove to be very tough. The climb was all hike a bike for me and most everyone around me at that point. I was tired, having problems eating and I was becoming lethargic. I eventually made it to the top and found some other riders resting at the top. This group of riders would become my band of friends over the next few miles.
We negotiated the downhill together as a group and eventually made it to checkpoint 4. As a group we realized that we were way behind schedule and that we might have a chance to make it but it would be very late. There was myself, an Australian, three other guys and a young woman. I am sorry that I can't remember everyone's names. The young lady had a friend riding with her for this section of the race. Just as moral support. I was told that this section was 20 miles long and mostly uphill. It would turn out to the be the longest 20 miles of my life.
I wasn't feeling good. I was cramping and I still wasn't able to eat or hydrate enough. As a group I figured we could feed off of each other and keep moving. We were brothers and sisters banded together by some sort of sadomasichistic biking adventure. It was undoubtly known that no matter what we would be "friends to the end. ~Chucky"
I chatted with my new friend from Australia for a long time going up the hill. We would walk some and then get back on and ride some. We chatted about whatever our minds would let us think about. At one point he said "I feel like a Bannana." I looked over and he said "not like eating a bannana but really I feel like a bannana." Somehow I knew what he meant.
I could feel my body wasting away. Things started getting really hard. I saw a car coming and it was "Chief" they main man from checkpoint 5 asking me if I was ok. "It hurts but I am still spinning" I said. About 30 seconds later I got off my bike and sat down. My gut started wrenching and I dry heaved for about 3 minutes and eventually lost some fluid. Now I was shaking. I forced myself back on the bike and up to checkpoint 5.
We were allowed to go on if we wanted. It was 6:00 and we had been on the bike for almost 12 hours. It would be another 5 if we wanted to finish. I did not want to quit but at the same time I had to quit. I took a moment to think about my situation and it occured to me that I would have my first DNF ever in an endurance race. It was not safe for me to go on. I know my limits and I had reached them. I could no longer endure what my body had been rejecting for the last 30 miles. My day was over. Some of my friends quit with me but three of them went on to finish. An epic struggle is what they endured. I am proud of them. They are the true heroes of the day. They finished the last miles with no lights but stayed banded together.
This has left an empty spot in my soul which I cannot describe. A DNF in a cross country race is so much different than this. I can't explain it. If you have ever raced endurance before you know. Otherwise you don't. I will be back next year and I will have a reckoning.
Thanks to everyone that cheered me on. Thanks to the volunteers at the event you guys are t he best! Thanks to Chris for putting the event on. Thanks to Scud for staying up all night two nights in a row cooking for us freaks.
Next year I will hit the gong.
Pictures to come later. Now I must enjoy our nation's capitol!
So I will get to the facts for all of you who are dying to know.
I didn't finish the race. I made it to checkpoint five which was 75 miles into the course.
I had one great experience on a awsomely beautiful day.
So here is the report:
The wake up gong rang just after my alarm on my cell phone went off. I rustled myself awake trying not to wake Kristin while it was still dark outside. Once I made it out of the tent the stars were out and looking great. The morning was crisp but not too cool. I tried my best to choke down some wheaties and a bannana. The bannana gave me gag reflex and I had to let it go for later. I had everything prepared in our tent and was all set to go.
Kristin was going to be volunteering at checkpoint 3 about 45 miles into the race so she tried to sleep while I prepared. I noticed quickly that the start line was going to be right by the tent soI went over and warned Kristin that her sleep might be interuppted by 400 racers.
Everyone gathered quickly at the start. I looked over at out tent as the motor bikes that were supposed to lead us down the road reved their engines right next to the tent. I figured that was the end of Kristin's sleep. At the start I found myself next to "Josh the Wonderboy", we chatted and then the race was on.
The beginning of the race was normal except for the fact that one of the motor bikes stalled and all 400 of us had to weave around the bike as the rider tried to kick start the bike back to life. I thought for sure this would cause problems but everyone seemed to have gotten around safely.
The first miles were easy and rolling. The first fire road climb was decently steep and I knew if things continued like this it was going to be a long long day. I made it up the first climb with no incidents and headed for the first single track of the day.
I brought some major free riding tires with me for the very purpose that I knew things were going to be rocky and I knew I would be riding not racing and I wanted to have as much fun as possible. As soon as we hit the first single track I knew I had made the right decision. There were rocks everywhere and they were slippery. I wasn't really on my game at this point and had to push a little more than I liked. At this point I thought of Rich, and how he was riding a fixed gear with skinny tires. I wondered how much he had to push.
The first downhill was fun and fast as I passed a few riders. My tires were grabbing onto the dirt and not letting go.
Past checkpoint one I didn't stop and just kept rolling. As I headed to the second single track climb I met up with Peter from VA riding a Karate Monkey and Bellina. (sorry if that isn't spelled right) They were both nice to chat with and as we approached the climb Bellina took off ahead while Peter and I pushed and talked. This was a long long push up to the top. Once there I was ready for some downhilling. A younger rider and myself started rolling pretty fast downhill. I was really feeling good at this point and I was working the bike on the downhill and having a blast. A quick uphill caused me to get off my bike and walk while my friend came up behind me and said "Hey your pocket is open on your camel bak." Whoops he closed it for me and I just hoped nothing had hopped out. I wasn't going back at this point. I figured I had left it open at the first single track when I stopped to adjust my seat. Things on my bike were good but still not dialed in properly since I hadn't been on the bike before.
The second downhill of the day was out of the way and I started rolling down some forest roads headed for checkpoint 2. On my way down the fireroad I came up behind a truck that was doing his best to stay ahead of me on the downhill road. Finally out of pity he let me go around. Now I was racing trucks too.
When I arrived at checkpoint 2 there was this sweet little girl holding out a peanut jelly sandwich for me and I couldn't refuse it. I took it and eventually ate it. I refilled, visited my drop bag and took off for checkpoint 3.
I was told the ride to checkpoint 3 was a long climb followed by a long downhill. This was true. The climb was long but not too bad. The downhill was one of the greatest I have ever ridden. If you can picture a trail that is about the width of your hand, and then set the trail in the middle of the woods with a steep drop off to your left. Then take that trail and angle it about 10 degrees off camber pointing down the steep hill. Throw in some slick roots and a lot of rock and you have the perfect equation for a fast steep dangerous downhill. Afterwards I was told that many people hurt themselves here. You couldn't have told me that. I was flying and really feeling the rythm. You could gain enough speed to actually cut into the trail and make it feel as though it were banked against the hill instead of off camber. You could quickly lose focus and your day would be done. I saw a couple riders whose focus was gone. Every ten feet or so they would bobble then slide off the trail cursing. This was no place to lose your foucs.
I came down off the hill extremely elated. I came up to checkpoint 3 and saw Kristin. We chatted for a bit, she filled my camel bak and I tried to eat which was tough at this point. I was already behind pace a little and it was time to get going.
The next section would prove to be tough. I started cramping as soon as I headed out onto the road from checkpoint 3. This was tough because we were on a busy road and my legs were locking up. I tried focusing my Zen powers as well as I could and eventually overcame the cramps but I knew that they would be back. This road section was the only part I didn't like. We were on a busy road and apparently Virginia isn't for lovers when it involves bikers and trucks. One truck came close enough to me to pierce my ear.
Finally off the road and back onto dirt. This section would prove to be very tough. The climb was all hike a bike for me and most everyone around me at that point. I was tired, having problems eating and I was becoming lethargic. I eventually made it to the top and found some other riders resting at the top. This group of riders would become my band of friends over the next few miles.
We negotiated the downhill together as a group and eventually made it to checkpoint 4. As a group we realized that we were way behind schedule and that we might have a chance to make it but it would be very late. There was myself, an Australian, three other guys and a young woman. I am sorry that I can't remember everyone's names. The young lady had a friend riding with her for this section of the race. Just as moral support. I was told that this section was 20 miles long and mostly uphill. It would turn out to the be the longest 20 miles of my life.
I wasn't feeling good. I was cramping and I still wasn't able to eat or hydrate enough. As a group I figured we could feed off of each other and keep moving. We were brothers and sisters banded together by some sort of sadomasichistic biking adventure. It was undoubtly known that no matter what we would be "friends to the end. ~Chucky"
I chatted with my new friend from Australia for a long time going up the hill. We would walk some and then get back on and ride some. We chatted about whatever our minds would let us think about. At one point he said "I feel like a Bannana." I looked over and he said "not like eating a bannana but really I feel like a bannana." Somehow I knew what he meant.
I could feel my body wasting away. Things started getting really hard. I saw a car coming and it was "Chief" they main man from checkpoint 5 asking me if I was ok. "It hurts but I am still spinning" I said. About 30 seconds later I got off my bike and sat down. My gut started wrenching and I dry heaved for about 3 minutes and eventually lost some fluid. Now I was shaking. I forced myself back on the bike and up to checkpoint 5.
We were allowed to go on if we wanted. It was 6:00 and we had been on the bike for almost 12 hours. It would be another 5 if we wanted to finish. I did not want to quit but at the same time I had to quit. I took a moment to think about my situation and it occured to me that I would have my first DNF ever in an endurance race. It was not safe for me to go on. I know my limits and I had reached them. I could no longer endure what my body had been rejecting for the last 30 miles. My day was over. Some of my friends quit with me but three of them went on to finish. An epic struggle is what they endured. I am proud of them. They are the true heroes of the day. They finished the last miles with no lights but stayed banded together.
This has left an empty spot in my soul which I cannot describe. A DNF in a cross country race is so much different than this. I can't explain it. If you have ever raced endurance before you know. Otherwise you don't. I will be back next year and I will have a reckoning.
Thanks to everyone that cheered me on. Thanks to the volunteers at the event you guys are t he best! Thanks to Chris for putting the event on. Thanks to Scud for staying up all night two nights in a row cooking for us freaks.
Next year I will hit the gong.
Pictures to come later. Now I must enjoy our nation's capitol!
Friday, September 01, 2006
BDE One-Hundred Mile Vacation
So what is this "BDE One-Hundred Mile Vacation" you ask? Its what happens when two super geeks get together and plan a vacation.
So let's talk race news first. Any of you who think that I am a nut ball, should check out Team Dicky's site. This guy is riding his "fixie" for the race, and teeny tiny skinny tires. Don't know what a fixie is? Go check his site out you will see.
I love riding in the woods with nut jobs like these and there are going to be 400 of us! That's right folks 400 racers all hell bent on riding their bicycles 100 miles through some of VA's finest singletrack. I am elated. Heck, my body is already practicing getting up early.
Ernesto has done his best to ruin our plans but to no avail. Sure there will be a ton of rain but it will be all good come Sunday. Trust me racers if we get the kind of "aftermath weather" we had in G-vegas yesterday we are going to love it.
So how does one come up with this crazy idea of a vacation? I had an epiphany one day during my lunch hour. I realized that I could race a hundred miles and then raft one of the the greatest rivers the U.S. has to offer in the same week! My super-geek girlfriend Kristin filled in the rest. It takes two minds to come up with a plan this good.
First the race and then we are headed to bag some awesome beach time. First Landing is actually where our settlers landed! We will be setting up camp here on Monday after the race and on Tuesday we are kayaking with these folks on this trip. After a couple days on the beach, we are headed to our nation's capitol. We will be staying downtown very close to the capitol and the metro for our travel enjoyment without a car. Thursday we are going to watch "Shear Madness." Friday will be spent doing all the things a first time visitor to the District of Columbia should and then out on the town for Friday night.
Now we tie into the good stuff. Saturday we will make our leisurely trip back into the heart of the country W.VA. We will be headed to Fayatteville to celebrate the opening of Gauley season. That's right let the summersville dam open up for some of the best white water around. This trip is not for the light of heart and we did it last year. The river wanted us to know who was the boss. Trust me, this "old man river" will take your shoe and your life if you are not on top of your game. Don't worry though we are skilled in how to safely assist in our own rescue. We will be rafting with Class VI on their overnight Gauley trip.
Wow that is a vacation! So that is what happens when two awesome people that have a passion for the outdoors get together and plan plan plan. How can you have your own BDE adventure? More on that later.
Stay tuned for updates throughout our trip as WiFi allows.
Peace out for now y'all!
So let's talk race news first. Any of you who think that I am a nut ball, should check out Team Dicky's site. This guy is riding his "fixie" for the race, and teeny tiny skinny tires. Don't know what a fixie is? Go check his site out you will see.
I love riding in the woods with nut jobs like these and there are going to be 400 of us! That's right folks 400 racers all hell bent on riding their bicycles 100 miles through some of VA's finest singletrack. I am elated. Heck, my body is already practicing getting up early.
Ernesto has done his best to ruin our plans but to no avail. Sure there will be a ton of rain but it will be all good come Sunday. Trust me racers if we get the kind of "aftermath weather" we had in G-vegas yesterday we are going to love it.
So how does one come up with this crazy idea of a vacation? I had an epiphany one day during my lunch hour. I realized that I could race a hundred miles and then raft one of the the greatest rivers the U.S. has to offer in the same week! My super-geek girlfriend Kristin filled in the rest. It takes two minds to come up with a plan this good.
First the race and then we are headed to bag some awesome beach time. First Landing is actually where our settlers landed! We will be setting up camp here on Monday after the race and on Tuesday we are kayaking with these folks on this trip. After a couple days on the beach, we are headed to our nation's capitol. We will be staying downtown very close to the capitol and the metro for our travel enjoyment without a car. Thursday we are going to watch "Shear Madness." Friday will be spent doing all the things a first time visitor to the District of Columbia should and then out on the town for Friday night.
Now we tie into the good stuff. Saturday we will make our leisurely trip back into the heart of the country W.VA. We will be headed to Fayatteville to celebrate the opening of Gauley season. That's right let the summersville dam open up for some of the best white water around. This trip is not for the light of heart and we did it last year. The river wanted us to know who was the boss. Trust me, this "old man river" will take your shoe and your life if you are not on top of your game. Don't worry though we are skilled in how to safely assist in our own rescue. We will be rafting with Class VI on their overnight Gauley trip.
Wow that is a vacation! So that is what happens when two awesome people that have a passion for the outdoors get together and plan plan plan. How can you have your own BDE adventure? More on that later.
Stay tuned for updates throughout our trip as WiFi allows.
Peace out for now y'all!
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