Thanks

The Stage Race is over and its back to the real world.  It is so nice to be able to step away from daily life and experience something challenging like the stage race.  5 days of racing my mountain bike all over the trails and roads of Pisgah National Forest. 

But, I could not have done this without  a lot of help.  This year, a lot of things happened and I was not sure early on if I would be able to race, but with the help of the local cycling community it worked out.

So a huge shout out to all of my friends who rode with me this year.  Too many to name, you know who you are.  You pushed me, encouraged me, and helped me learn.

Thanks:

• Blue Ridge Adventures for taking the risk to put on such a grande event.  I'll be out there riding it every year that I can.  
• Liberty Bikes.  The stellar care and mechanical guidance that I get when I walk in the door is great.  I never have to wonder if my components are going to get me through.  Special thanks to Dave Wood for spending 1.5 hrs with me, overhauling my bike after Stage 1's mudfest.
• Suspension Experts.  Thanks for heckling me, and overhauling my Reba.  I can also ride out into the middle of the woods and not worry about my fork failing.  When I pick it up, its as good as new.  You guys rock.
• Motion Makers.  Thanks for helping me get in the shoes that I have used for years, and my feet love: Specialized...in white too!

Of course the wife and kid are a huge part of helping me get out there as well. Thanks to you, I love you!

Have a great day!

Stage 5: Heating Up

I analyzed the results from Stage 4 and found that 4th place was 32 minutes up on me.  This is the guy that I had just beat by 9 minutes on Stage 4.  The wheels started turning and from the way he was talking, I might, just might be able to work my way into 4th.  

The day started with  6 miles of pavement before we hit the dirt.  I overheard a couple of conversations about taking it easy for the 6 miles so I took it upon myself to go to the front at the start and ride my pace,  attempting to control 75 mountain bikers.   The plan worked and for the first time since we have done this route,  I was able to ride within my limits. 

We hit the gravel climb at Turkey Pen,  Vineyard, Riverside to Bradley Creek rd.  At this point, Mark, the guy in 4th was with me, but talking about the 9 stitches in his ankle and feeling tired, I thought I should try to pick up the pace and make a go of it.  At one of the creek crossings there was a bottleneck and I took off alone.  I made it about 1/2 mile to Yellow Gap and the rest stop before Mark and friends reeled me back in.  I knew then it was not going to happen.

I was tired, and didn't want to push the pace, but at the same time, I didn't want to lose my 5th place standing.  So, the day was spent at the upper limits of my comfort level.  Temps were rising, causing me to have to slow down, or blow up.  I was walking things that I could have ridden, had it been 10 degrees cooler.  But that's how it goes.

There are so many variables in racing.

Up Laurel, and down Pilot, I didn't ride the whole thing, but I did clean the humvee section with the crowd roaring in my ears!

1206,  a quick stop at the aid station where I picked up a passenger, and on to Club Gap and Avery Creek.   It was getting hotter, and I was keeping a steady pace.  Battling nausea, but forcing myself to eat and drink.  My legs felt surprisingly good and responsive,  this is what I had trained for and I powered on.  Into checkpoint 3 with the family again waiting, I was there less than 20 seconds before I was rolling again,  chasing whoever might be just ahead, around the next bend and running from whoever might be just behind about to pass.

For the first time in this race,  in all 4 years,  I didn't see anyone from rest stop 3 to the finish.  I had it all to myself and I didn't think about anything except maintain a pace, just below overheating.  I hit the hike a bike and kept moving forward.  Over the top, and down the other side,  reminding myself where I was on the mountain and what was left to overcome.  Sometimes that last mile can feel as long as the last 20. 

I pushed it past the finish line, know that seconds count.   Good enough for 5th in my category. 

Pisgah MTB Stage Race # 4 in the books!! 

Stage 4: Ground Turkey

 I woke up this morning, and that was good.  I was somewhat dreading today's stage because it is pretty technical and does not suit my strengths.  I decided to bide my time and go my pace.  I lined up towards the pack so as not to get caught up in the frantic rush up the mountain.  It was cool when things thinned out, I was able to watch the top 3 women duke it out for a while on the climb up Black.  Then the right turn on Turkey Pen and I got left behind.  Turkey Pen was unevenful and I continued my pace, waiting to get passed by a hoard of people.  I only got passed by a few. 

On to Mullinax and Squirrel Gap.  Squirrel is a fun trail, but I had to take it slow.  It was hot and muggy down in the little coves and I was not feeling great.  I assumed that my race was over, because anytime my heartrate went up,  I started feeling bad.  I kept eating and drinking though, hoping that I would feel better.  Up Horsecove, and down funnel top, I was able to pass about 4 people and held them off while I climbed up to Buckhorn gap, passing a few more.  Up and over Buckwheat, I rode more on the decent than I did last year, cool.  Then came the gravel road down to the horse stables,  no one caught me, cool.  I hit the rest stop hot, and ready to be done.  Got some coke, water, lube and a gel.  The rest stop staff was lightning fast,  20 seconds or less. 

They said there were 3 people a little ways in front of me.  I was feeling good again, and I enjoy a good gravel road climb, so I geared up and started the climb.  I felt good, really good.  I passed two of the 3 and hit the hike a bike at a steady pace.  My goal now was not to get caught coming down Black Mountain.  Jason Luque was not too far behind me, and so were several other fast descenders.  I didn't rail it, and didn't take any chances, just kept it steady, and it paid off.  I hit the finish alone,  4 minutes faster than last year. 

Tomorrow, is the last stage, 40 miles including the Laurel/ Pilot trails.  This is my favorite stage.  We even get 6 miles of pavement to start us off!!

Tomorrow: Stage 5

Stage 3: N Mills Grinder

I pulled into Suspension Experts this morning to ask them to take a look at a scratch on my stanchion.  Less than an hour later, I was pulling out, feeling very confident that my fork will not be failing on me anytime soon.  Turn around is not always lightning fast, but when it is, it is,  and I'm grateful.  All of the stage racers should go by the shop and leave their suspension on the way out of town,  it needs to be overhauled!


I took the parkway to the start in N Mills River and was glad I did.  I rounded a bend on the gravel road and caught sight of a bobcat meandering across in front of me.  Freakin' cool,  the day was already successful.

We lined up and took off.  I decided to hold a fast pace up the first gravel climb and into the single track,  then when we went into the woods, I backed off and settled into my endurance pace which I was able to hold for then entire race.    Up Spencer Branch, down Spencer Gap,  up Middle Fork and a right turn on Neverending road.  I knew from last year and looking at the map that we were supposed to take Fletcher Creek Trail, but when I got there, there was a "Wrong Way" sign and tape further up the road.  I played it safe, thinking that the trail might possibly be impassible.   It turns out it was mis-marked and a lot of people missed out on some really fun trail. 

All the way down neverending road, through Trace Parking and then the loop down through N Mills River Campground, eventually coming back to Trace Ridge Parking area.  I got my water bottled filled with Coke and started the climb.  I was having trouble at this point keeping my head in the game and just focused on walking up stuff I have ridden up before.  I figured with 80 miles left in the week,  it would not hurt to conserve a bit today.  I was also starting to get a little bit overheated, and knew what zone I had to keep it in, so I did.

My friend and competitor from last year, Jason Luque, caught me near the top and I followed him down Spencer Branch to the gravel road where we traded pulls to the finish.   A quick dip in the creek, home by the time the kid got off the bus, White Duck Tacos for dinner, a massage and now its time for bed. 

I placed 5th for today, and am in 5th overall.  I have no idea who the guys in 4th and 6th are which is probably good, I won't keep looking over my shoulder for them. 

Two more days, and 81 miles to go.

The temps are warming up, and with the way I overheat, I decided to pull out a secret weapon:

The Haircut....

Tomorrow, Stage 4!

Stage 2: Farlow Creek

  The day dawned bright and clear.  I know because I was at the bus stop, getting the kid to school.  We had a late start today, 11am, so I had time to waste.  Feeling a little stiff, I took a hot bath with some Eucalyptis/Peppermint bath salts.   It was very relaxing.  Then I loaded up and got some food.  I decided to take the parkway to the Cradle of Forestry, for a change of scenery and less traffic.  It took about the same amount of time. 

 The views on the drive up were incredible, the air cool and I took the time to think about life.  It was good.  I got to the Cradle and suited up, then got hungry and remembered that I had stopped for some apple pies.  I ate one and it was tasty.

 We lined up, the gun went off and we sprinted out to the pavement and down the hill.  I got in line about 10 back and drafted.  We hit the first gravel climb and I dropped off the leaders pace and pushed a little bit to stay ahead of traffic before Cove Creek.  The plan worked and there was no traffic jam on the first single track.  I kept my pace steady.   We got to the campground and I passed several people on the steep climb up to Daniel's Ridge before dropping back down to the bridge.   Up and over on doubletrack to Longbranch, left on the gravel to Gloucester Gap the the slog up to Farlow.

At this point I put it in a little gear and went a pace that I knew I could sustain the entire way.  The only people who passed me were fast dudes who had taken a wrong turn...bummed for them.  I rode down most of Farlow until it turned into a creek.  The water flowing down was incredible.  I walked and was ok with that.  In fact, after the race someone commented that I had good hike a bike technique,  cool.

The ride down Farlow was a blast,  I didn't get passed until the bottom and was able to pass 2 people.  I hit the rest stop, got a pb and j and a coke, filled up on water and rolled out.  It was starting to warm up and I didn't want to run out of water.  Up Davidson River Trail with about 8 miles to go, I was feeling good.  Once the climb started, I could feel fatigue and twinges of cramps setting in.  I put my heartrate on autopilot and spun gears that would keep my body temps in check,  pushing a little when I could but mostly maintaining a steady pace.  I didn't see anyone until near the top of the climb,  someone was slowly reeling me in.  I tried to pick up the pace a little bit, but considering how I was feeling, and that we have 3 days left to race, I figured I should not push it.

We had about 1.5 miles left,  a quick downhill onto Hwy 276, then a steep grunt climb that gradually leveled out.  The guy caught me and sprinted past as we hit the pavement ( I found out later he thought that was the finish) but then kept drilling it.  I figured that if he had what it took to keep that pace to the finish, then it was all his.   I kept my pace then noticed that he was slowing.  I picked up my pace a little bit, and he slowed some more.  I reeled him in and he stopped and got off the bike.  I didn't stop, I was racin'...... to the finish.

I found out that I had place 4th in my category, and was elated.  I don't break the top ten very often, much less the top five.   

After hanging out for a little while I took the parkway route to get home.

On the way, I decided to buy a 20lb bag of ice and take an ice bath.  That was freaking cold.....

Click here for my Cycling Dirt Interview
Tomorrow: Stage 3

Stage 1: RainFest

That's me, in my truck,  waiting just a couple more minutes before heading over to the start line.  It was pouring rain.  The rain would let up and then let loose again, off and on for most of the day.  I can't even remember when it was and was not raining,  just that it rained a lot....as evidenced by the pint of water that poured out of my frame, when I took the bike to Liberty to assess the damage. 

Todd said some stuff, normal race director stuff, counted down, fired the pistol and we rolled out.  I was in the front,  mainly because when I got to the start line, everybody was huddled under the tent and the line was empty,  I was already wet, so that's where I went.   I was in the top 15 when we hit the first climb and things started to go south.  I was feeling weird, only 20 minutes into the race.  Lots of things went through my head, trying to figure out what it was.   I realized halfway up Clawhammer, as I fought nauseousness and headache, that I was overheating, in the pouring rain.   I had opted to wear a base layer for the day and it along with the humidity was causing me to overheat. 

I peeled it off at Buckhorn Gap and picked up the pace going down the trail to the bridge at Squirrel Gap Trail.   I was able to pass several people and did not get passed. 

Squirrel Gap was brutal,  not the smooth dry singletrack that I had trained on all summer,  it was the smooth slick as snot single track.  I did what I could and kept spinning.  Somewhere around Horsecove, I started losing my rear brake.  I tried to take it easy, with 30 miles left to go. 

Left on Laurel Creek down to Bradley Creek, I started to feel like I was recovering from the first climb.  I kept it steady.  Bradley Creek was high and the color of thick sweet tea, but not as bad as I thought it would be.  

Out of the creek and up Bradley Creek Rd.  I like this climb but something felt off.  I realized at some point that I should raise my seat up a little bit.  It was a bout 3 mm too low and working muscles that are not used to being worked.  That's what happens when you replace components a week before a major race.  But, the trade off to have an upgrade was worth a little trouble. 

A Yellow Gap,  the mechanic confirmed that my headset was crunchy and my rear brakes were soon going to be useless.  I forged on.  Grinding the gravel and passing a handful of people, one dude who said something about a new pedal and the cramped up.  Oops.

Mills River was going off and I was surprised not to see any boaters down there,  Class 3-4 whitewater was there for the taking. 

I road the creek bed of a trail back up to Buckhorn Gap, got a Coke, made a joke, didn't toke,  and started the hike.  I was looking forward to the hike.  No brakes needed.  Up and over Black, down to the gap, up the next hike a bike.   As I started up, I was joined by Jason Luque,  we seem to wind up in this spot at the same time several times during the race, we laughed about it.

Up and over and then the decent.  I quit using the back brake because I didn't want to destroy rotor or pistons.  I relied heavily on the front brake and was able to ride most of the last down hill,  quite a bit slower than normal, but faster than the guys walking down because they had not brakes at all.

Cross the finish line, head to the truck, get changed, go home, eat dinner and the head over to Liberty Bikes for a 1.5 hr clean up session.   Thanks to Dave Wood for the expertise and time.  My bike would not be the same without you!

Stage 2 tomorrow.

Pisgah MTB Stage Race

 Tonight was the opening ceremony.  Some slides, a little race brief, chatting with old friends and new,  good food, good times!   I'm ready to get started though.  After doing a lot of nothing this weekend, I am feeling sluggish and hungry to get on the bike.   With attendance a little low, the Open Men's and Women's Cats are now combined with Pro...I chose to ride in 40 plus before I new that signing up for Open Men would give me a shot for the cash,  a long shot...ok a really,  never mind.  I'm happy with the choice I made. 

 For the second time this year, I was handed the number 87.  Interesting,  what does it mean?  It means I'm going to get wet.  With a 100% chance of rain,  but that really has nothing to do with numbers.   It has to do with mud.  So I dug up a mud flap,   I have never used a mud flap,  tomorrow I'll try it out.

I hope it works.  I wonder if it will keep my white shoes white?   Prolly not.  That's racin.

I hope I sleep tonight.   If not I'll be wet and tired tomorrow...

Let's ride!

One week to go until the next Asheville Cyclocross race.  These guys and girls get community at the grassroots level and keep things simple yet at the same time professional.  They are partially responsible for creating a buzz about cyclocross in the WNC mountains and I was thrilled when they approached me to talk about a partnership.  What that means is that they committed to donating a portion of proceeds to Trips For Kids WNC, simple.

Click the link below and get signed up.  Don’t race CX? Come out and enjoy the family friendly vibe: kids playing, free beer,good music, and always a fun time.   And you can feel good about helping us provide mountain bike outings to youth who would not otherwise have that opportunity.  Kids whose parents don’t have the means to drive them to local trails.  Kids who don’t have the means to purchase top of the line bike, or even functional bikes.  Helmets?  A luxury.
http://www.pre-reg.com/Users/RacerMain.aspx?Type=1&EventID=697

So come on out, bring your bike, cowbell, family, and be prepared to have a good time…… and help get some kids on bikes!!

Done...

I'm done, finished.  It has been a fun ride, but its time to switch it up.  I have been riding the Thursday night Liberty Ride since it started up in March.   I have challenged and been challenged.   We have laughed, sweated,  dropped and been dropped.   I'm stronger now thanks to this group of guys and sometimes girls who show up. 

But the past couple of times out, I have found myself losing motivation, and last night, halfway through the ride, I realized that I am tired of it.   So,  I'm going to hang up my Thursday Night Road Ride shoes and get back to the dirt.   Last year, through the winter, we rode CX bikes around Bent Creek on Thursday nights and it was a blast.  More of a social ride than a hammer fest and definitely good for the head. 

Thanks Liberty for hosting another year of great riding.  Thanks Sam and Dave for occasionally joining us.  Thanks Liberty staff for working hard so Kevin could come out and play.  And last but not least, thanks Kevin for poking me in the side of the head when we you signaled the upcoming turns. 

See you in the woods!

Magic Ride

 I got out for a magical morning ride in Bent Creek.  I have been busy lately, busier than I had ever imagined.   I've been making a lot of adjustments lately too.  Rhonda working full time...nights, sleeping all day,  Jubal back in school,  getting the shop up and running means less freedom to roam.  It is an interesting stage in life for me.  A stage full of hope, full of wonder, yet full of fear.  Fear of the unknown, the what ifs.  But I can't let fear stop me, or I give in,  quit.  I accept that the fear is there and continue on in faith, trusting that I, with the support of an entire community, am doing what is right for the good of the community.  That I,  by simply doing, am making this little corner of the world a better place.

 As I rode, I thought about what brings each of us to our unique place in life.  Where we are at any given moment and how we got here.  A series of choices, reactions and visions/dreams, stepping out to do what we love, what we are passionate about.   There are so many negatives that were eventually filled in by positives that have steered me towards being who I am today.

The interesting thing is that I did not plan to be who I am, or where I am. When I went to college,  a long time ago, I had other plans.  Plans that I hoped would be pleasing to then important people in my life.  As time went by, I realized that there was no pleasing those important people, and it was time to live my own life,  the way I wanted to live it.   So, I did.  I jumped at the opportunity to do something I am passionate about.  And while sometimes stressful, and frustrating,  I could not ask for more from life.
I make about $1 below minimum wage, and its ok.  I would rather eat beans and rice for dinner doing something I love, than eat steak every night chasing the proverbial American Dream.   And if I can inspire others to do the same, then its icing on the cake,  chocolate cake!

Ride on.

I waited a long time for this.

 

 

3.5 years ago,  Brendan of Siren Bicycles built this frame to my specifications.  At the time, I simply did not have the money to do it right and build the new frame with all new parts.  3.5 yrs later, my dream came true and after working hard at a second job all summer long,  I was able to purchase a complete Shimano XT groupset.  

I even paid extra to have the Liberty Bikes mechanics team, set it up right.  

3.5 yrs later, new breathe is breathed into an old frame.  I'm still working to get the handlebar and stem upgraded, but for now,  I'm  just plain excited.  

 The brakes actually stop the bike when I pull the levers with almost no effort.  When I shift, I don't have to worry about pushing the lever just right so as not to overshift, and sometimes having to "double shift",  shift up two and down one, to get the gear I want.  I'm  so stoked on my new groupset.

Just in time for the Pisgah MTB Stage Race too!!

Savin' Trails

Photo Cred: Pisgah Area Sorba

I signed up for the 45 mile Epic ride and Epic is what I got. 

The wife worked the night shift, so I got up, ate, packed and waited.  She rolled into the drive way  and I rolled out for the close to 1 hour drive to Guion Farms in Dupont State Forest.   I had a couple of goals for the day. 

• finish in time to get to downtown Asheville for Shindig on the Green and Okie Dokes BBQ
• finish
• maintain a 10mph avg
• and finish

I made it to the start with plenty of time to spare and chatted with the likes of Joel Watson, Frank Obusek and others.  I got changed and got ready.  Ate some more, waited, won some socks in the raffle,  waited, ate something.  When it was finally time to go,  60 of my best friends and I headed down the hill and into the woods.  I'm glad this was not a race, because the pace led out not too fast.

We were bombing down hill and the energy from the group behind built up, causing the leaders to miss the first turn.  Brakes squealing, tires sliding, sharp turn and we are rolling again.  I go into the woods in about 10th place (its not a race) and pick out some nice lines.

I don't pay too much attention to my goals, but keep a steady pace, riding within my limits.  I'm excited to have been able to work out my nutrition and hydration and have had success in my recent training rides.  Today will be a test of everything I have done over the past year.

Somewhere, I join the  foursome of Ian, Jane, Jon and Phil.  I ride with them for a while,  pull ahead on some gravel roads, they pass me on the downhills,  we yo yo and then they go ahead.  Or so I thought.  After aid station 2, I hear people behind me and it is the fantastic four.  We are all confused at how that happened, and try to figure it out, but cannot.

I ride with them for a while, but then start feeling really hot and a little nauseous so I let them go.  I know that in order to  finish, I have to go my own pace and with what I think is 25 miles left to go,   it is not time to push it yet.

At the top of Cedar, I hear voices and once again it is the fantastic four.  

We roll on, and split up again.  Yo yo.  

And then I start to have a bad day.  I'm hot , tired, time is ticking, I have reached 45 miles and we are on the wrong side of Dupont.   After a series of ups and downs,  Jane comes through with a cue sheet and we follow her advice.

What threw me for a loop was following the orange tape and doing some loops and trails, the same direction for the second time that day.   I'm not sure if the route was mis marked or what, but we definitely went the long way around.   We had enough food and water, but the time window was running out.

My legs were feeling good, and if the temps had been cooler, I think I could have pushed it.  But I did not dare do that.

I followed Jane, the cue sheet and the cursed orange tape, and made the final turn.  See the parking lot brought a wave of fatigue and relief. 

52 miles, 5.5 hrs, and 9.5 mph avg.

Considering the heat and extra mileage, I was very pleased with that result. 

I rolled up to the shelter,  and was aware that people were there.  I saw some coolers and headed for them hoping for a coke.  Someone said "Hey" and I thought it was Jon Stang.  It took me a couple of seconds to figure out it was Chris Strout.  I asked for Coke and I received Coke.  It was a good day.

With no time to spare, I headed to the truck, changed, drove home showered,  drove downtown, just in time to make my 4pm appointment with bluegrass and bbq!!

Can't wait until next year.

Dream Big, Start Small

Re-post from Trips For Kids WNC...  to important not to share.  Please help if you can!

 

I am very excited to announce that we  have passed inspection and are approved to operate a Bicycle Thrift Shop in the city of Asheville.  With the help of several volunteers, we have painted, and cleaned up a small warehouse space near just outside of Biltmore Village in the Oakley neighborhood.   Over the next week or so, we will be moving in and getting things set up for a soft opening, with a grand opening party in the works for early fall…. can we have some blue grass and BBQ?   Hopefully.
In the meantime, I must share with you our biggest need.  Several individuals, including some local bike shop mechanics have stepped up to volunteer their time in refurbishing donated bikes which is awesome.  But,  the one thing we currently lack is tools.   Park Tools is working with us to make a one time discounted purchase on tools to outfit the shop.   As you may know, purchasing this amount of tools can be quite costly.  Our goal is to raise $1000 in the next week, so that we can get the shop outfitted. Will you help with this last important piece of the puzzle?  You can donate right now by clicking here.
Thanks for reading, stay tuned for more details!

Foundry Broadaxe

 A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to demo a Broadaxe at our local "urban mtb park" : Bent Creek.  It was light, fast, stiff and responsive.  Riding around the smooth buff trails, the bike handled flawlessly, and I was tempted.  I had taken a sip of the kool aid and I wanted to see how the bike handled on the other side of the ridge,  in Pisgah proper.

The opportunity came and I jumped on it.  I took the bike home and got it set up to fit.  I am 5'11" and I chose to go with the medium.  It turned out to be a good choice.

I headed out to park in N Mills River and rolled up the 3 ish mile climb on a gravel road.  Right away, I was pleased.  This bike was light and fast. 

 Coming over the gap, I took a right turn and headed up Laurel Mtn Trail,  to do the famed Laurel/Pilot loop.  If I were going to choose this bike as my future ride, I needed to test it on some of the most technical trails that Pisgah had to offer.

 I wound up the mountain,  enjoying the awesome 70 degree morning and feeling how the bike responded, and rolled over rocks, roots and logs.  The bike is nimble....and stiff.  Towards the top of Laurel, I started feeling the bumps a little bit more, but reminded myself that this is a hard tail after all, and kept on climbing. 

 Reaching the top of Laurel and then onto the decent of Pilot Rock,  I was please at how well the bike rolled over the drops,  the big wheels doing what they were designed to do.  The stability of the bike became more apparent with each switchback,  and even though I was unable to clean all of them, I am confident that the person with the skills could make this bike do what they wanted it to.

Pisgah is cool.

Got the trail in the crosshairs.

I got to the bottom of Pilot and turned to head back on the gravel road and a soak in the ice cold creek. 

My thoughts? 
 If I bought this bike, the first thing I would do is set up the tubeless tires and add Ergon grips.

As I said before, this bike is stiff, responsive and light. 

If  racing XC or short track races is your thing,  this bike would rail and help you get to the podium.  If these were my goals, I would 100% be into this bike,  I would not even ride another bike.  It is so light that at Bent Creek, I found myself jumping off of every little rock and root.  Definitely a fun bike.

But, I am into long distance, endurance, multi day, bikepacking, stage race type of events.  After my ride today, I can't recommend this bike for these applications.   ( I am considering XC racing just so I have a reason to own this machine!).

My advice, go ride one for yourself.  Take it for a spin and see what it can do. 

Long Shadows

The Ratchet has been hanging on the wall for a couple of weeks while I spent time in the woods on my mountain bike.  I was wondering how I would feel getting back on the carbon ride  and was not sure how my legs were going to hold up to the demands of the pace.  

We rolled out, Kevin and I keeping a steady warm up pace, and then peeled off.  Either the pace was slow or I was feeling good.  I chalked it up to: the pace was slow.

 At some point, the pace picked up and the group split in half like a banana at an ice cream party.  I was able to hang on  to the front group until the last climb, when Sam upped the pace AGAIN, and I was off the back.  I switched gears and put my hands in the drops to reduce wind resistance.  One thing about this bike is that I feel like there is no energy lost in pedaling.  It responds well to a smooth cadence.  I was glad to see that I kept the group in sight, and feel sure that I could have reeled them in on the next decent.  Sweet,  maybe I was feeling good after all.

 We pedaled on, chit chatted our way beside corn fields that we have seen grow all summer long.  The shadows are getting longer this time of year, and there is a hint of fall in the air.  Leaves are losing their vibrant green luster, some turning a dry green, others brown.

The changing of the seasons always comes quickly,  after getting into the routine of the previous season, I prepare myself for what lies ahead (cold) while enjoying what is happening now. 

We drive the pace down the homestretch chatting again, the miles go by quickly.  After a great discussion of various topics with Chris Strout,  I peel off on the Parkway to head for home.  The Ratchet is not afraid of a little single track!

End of Summer Vacation: A Letter To Jubal

 Jubal,

I am so proud of you and love you so much that I would die for you ( that as we used to tell each other is "bigger than the whole world").   Sure, you have a stubborn streak,  probably a double streak because your mom and I both have that, but learning to control it is key. And that is something we are learning together.

Second grade was a big year for you.  You learned a lot of things and grew a lot.  You learned about people and different backgrounds, and how sometime people don't always treat others with respect.  It was really tough at times and you pulled through.   Always remember the people who surrounded you and helped you get through.  Your teacher, asst teacher, principle, the classmates who stuck up for you, your parents.  We want to see you succeed,  to become the best person that you can be,  so that you can give back what you have learned.

And now, here you go again.  3rd grade.  You are going to rock it this year.  And if you don't get the Mighty Oak award,  don't sweat it,  in my mind that award pales compared to what you deserve for being  awesome.  


As tears mixed with sadness and joy stream down my face I think about the coming school year and look forward to guiding you and helping you grow,  letting you make mistakes and being there to help you up,  and watching you do it on your own. 

So, go out there, get on that school bus and make the most of every opportunity,  and use your silly, happy, goofy,  intense, passionate personality to change the world!!

You are the Bomb!

Salsa Spearfish

 Saturday I headed down to the Southern Spokes Bicycle Festival.  There was a good crowd of industry reps and it looked to be a promising weekend.  Salsa was there with there 2013 fleet.  I had not planned on riding, but had some extra time.  New bikes and new trails, I could not resist. 

I picked out a Salsa Spearfish to try out.  This would be my first ever off road ride on a full suspension bike.  I joined a small group of guys and we hammered the single track for about 45 minutes.

Not sure what to expect, I gave the bike a work out.  It was smooth.  It climbed well and took the edge off of the rooty sections.  It was smooth and stable in the corners.  I was hoping there would be some sort of rock garden, but there was none. 

 So now my conundrum.  Lightweight, stiff and responsive? or rear suspension? 

As I attempted to ride down Pilot Rock Trail on Sunday, I pondered this question.  I walked several sections that are totally rideable.  I told the wife I was scared, she said I was cautions.  That makes sense.  So,  would a full sus make me less cautious?  Probably not.  That is one reason I am leaning toward staying with a hardtail.  

Simple, less maintenance, lightweight. 

The Salsa is a great bike, and for the right person, will do great things.  For instance Chris Strout who has done really , (impressively) well at two 24 hour races this year.  He rides the Spearfish and is not to be taken lightly when he lines up on race day.  (pretty cool that he is a nice guy too).

So, we'll see what the future holds....

Foundry Broadaxe

 I headed over to Bent Creek for the Foundry Broadaxe demo,  the Salsa guy had brought a medium and a large, along with a lot of Salsa bikes just in case someone was not smart enough to ride a Broadaxe.  I knew what I was there for and didn't spend much time looking at the array of Salsa Bikes pouring out of the truck. 

 The Broadaxe is what I wanted to ride,  to find out for myself just how awesome it is.  I had heard stories but wanted to feel it for myself.  I pulled out the medium and got it set up before rolling down the gravel road and eventually bombing down Wolf Branch. 

 On the gravel road, it was smooth, stiff and responsive.  I moved forward with the lightest push of the pedal and felt smooth. 

 After a couple miles of gravel, I turned off the road and dropped down the singletrack.  It did not take much time to get used to the responsive stability of the carbon fiber frame.  I rolled over a couple of technical trail features with no problem, the 29 inch wheel rolling over with agility.  

I had taken a little side trip earlier up the grunt climb on Ingles Field, so I could test the climbability.  It was what I expected and a little more.  The bike is so light that I was able to power up the climb with less resistance.  And when I turned around and cropped back down,  I realized quickly that I was not used to gliding over rock gardens as quickly as the bike enabled me to glide.

On down Wolf Branch, I let the reigns out over the tight twisty techy sections and rolled through with no problems.  The rooty sections towards the end were smooth and I was able to power over them in the big ring. 

The bottom line:  I love the Siren 55 SL ( 69er) that I am currently riding, but this bike is high on my wish list...very high....as in number 1.  I can tell that over the course of a 4 plus hour, the light weight, and stiffness would conserve a lot of energy, and would definitely result in faster race finishing times. 

Dreamin'......

Family Ride

 

I took the family out for a ride in Bent Creek.  Fun times.  We took the gravel road from Rice Pinnacle winding around to the trail head to Wolf Branch, down and back to the parking lot.  Just a little over 5 miles of fun filled family time.  

 Taking a break at the top of the single track before dropping in, the kid asked if I was going to do the log ride.   I did not do the log ride,  I think he still loves me.

 The trusty Siren SL 55.  I love this bike,  it fits like a glove.  However, since getting on the Foundry Ratchet I have been having lucid dreams about a certain carbon bike.... nothing wrong with dreaming.

 The wife, making the new Trips For Kids WNC jersey look really fine.  Get yours now at REI Asheville... the jersey not the wife.

And finally,  feeling stoked about cleaning the techy downhill, after 2 failed attempts,  it was time to ride the bike through the creek.   The wife and kid,  I'm proud of my little tribe!!