4-9

Downtown Erwin, TN

 After sleeping well and stuffing ourselves on homemade bread, muffins, eggs Florentine, coffee and juice,  we kitted up and headed out of town.  There was a 50% chance of showers but the sky was clear and the sun shining bright.  As we rode, we talked about different things that mattered and joked about other things.

The highlight of the day was a climb up Roan mtn.  Since I was in middle school, and up until a few years ago, my family had a tradition of coming up to this area for vacation time.  One of the highlights was bringing Rhonda with us the first time.  Good memories!  

When we first started coming, we would shuttle our bikes to the top of Carver's Gap, just below Roan Mt, and ride down.  As time went by, we got more ambitious an started riding from the bottom up the 7 mile climb to the top, then back down.  After that became less challenging, we started riding from the vacation lodges that we were staying at, for a 26 mile out and back.   Then to top it off,  the last time I was there, I rode a 40 mile loop around the area, that included a climbing up and over Roan,  before riding back to eat Thanksgiving dinner.   And the rides keep getting bigger...

 I really like the climb up,  a couple of steep pitches, with some moderate, steady grades and breathtaking views.  Within a couple of miles, the flora changes from pristine forests to gnarled stunted trees and shrubbery. 

Into the Cherokee National Forest

As we climbed higher, I said to Mike," The only thing that would be better at this point, is if we were riding on dirt!"

Roan Mtn in the distance, Carvers Gap in the center

 About a mile from the top, I needed to stretch my legs, so I upped the pace.  I was feeling rather good after a 100 mile day yesterday.  At the top, we stopped for lunch.  I pulled out the pimento cheese sandwich and coke that I had picked up at the store in the town of Roan Mtn.  It was delish.  One thing I did right on this trip was feed myself properly.  The only time I was hungry on the bike was yesterday, towards the end of the day. 

Re-Fuel

 The Appalachian Trail crossed the road here.  When we stopped we noticed a guy eating lunch as well so we went to talk to him.  Greenlight is his trailname and he was eating a tub of peanut butter sprinkled with raisins and crumbled granola bar.  We gave him some of our extra food which he was happy to see.

Greenlight and Mike

 After chatting for a few minutes, I watched the storm clouds rolling in and suggested that we hit the road. 

Elevation = fresh air

 We flew down the other side of the mountain into the valley,  a couple more climbs and we came into Bakersville. We stopped at Dot's where Mike had some Chili and a cookie, I had a danish and a coffee.  We decided to take the quickest road to Little Switzerland, where we  would stay for the night. 

About 2 miles out of Bakersville we were riding towards some ominous looking storm clouds.  The  wind kicked up and we got splattered with a few rain drops.  I chuckled when Mike frantically started to pedal faster, then pointed to a barn across a field: "  Should we go in that barn?" he yelled.  I pointed to the right, just off the road, and suggested we simply pull into the carport of a roadside house.  We did, and mr. technology whipped out his phone to check the weather map.   Mike wanted to stay put, I fancy myself as being able to read storms and the direction they are headed and told Mike that if we left now, we would ride in between the passing storm and the next cell that was creeping up.  Mike conceded and within minutes, we were riding in sunshine. 

The last tun

We were at our destination within an hour, and recovery treats ensued.  70 miles today, and two big grins of accomplishment.  After getting cleaned up and eating dinner, we watched the huge thunderstorm roll by from the relative safety of the deck, then we watched Ride The Divide,  Mike had never seen it. 

Tomorrow:  Little Switzerland to Asheville

4-8

Day 1 of a 3 day tour:

packed and ready to roll

 Mike Keeley has been talking about doing a road tour for a while.  He also like to use the word epic a lot.  So put together a route that could have easily turned epic if conditions degenerated.  

We headed down the river from Asheville with Erwin TN as our goal.  Mike does not camp so he took care of the lodging,  a bed and breakfast.   I had sketched a map on some paper, in the spirit of exploration and adventure and willing to make some wrong turns.  I figured our route would cover about 86 miles on day 1.

Marshall, NC city limits

 We arrived in Marshall after a late start, 9ish and it was time to eat, as we would not be passing through any more towns that I knew of for a while.  I told Mike that we should eat, and after a bit of surprise and reasoning, he agreed,  we both had bacon, egg and cheese bagels at Zuma coffee shop.  The service was great and the food fresh.  We sat outside watching the small town traffic and chatting with Alfie, who knew he had lived in Rutherfordton for 3 yrs, but did not know which road he lived on.  He did tell us that in Rutherfordton when an ambulance goes by, everybody goes out to the street to watch it. 

grinding up to TN

 We headed out of Marshall, and spent some time on 25/70 which was not so fun due to traffic.  About 30 minutes later though we were on a quiet back road, riding along a creek and telling stories.  The weather was perfect and we were feeling good.  We rode along at a touring pace and were excited about the trip.  At one point, we came to an intersection that was not marked on my map.  I was pretty sure of the right direction.  At this point in the trip, I relinquished my navigational duties to Mike, who pulled out his cell phone and promptly found out exact location on a GPS map.  So much for adventure! 

At the NC-TN state line we stopped for some photos and then headed down the other side.

Mike is a speck in the distance, headed into TN

After the decent into TN we plodded up and down rolling hills for a few minutes.  When we crossed a large river, something told me we had missed the turn that we wanted.  I recommended we pull over to figure it out and Mike again pulled out his pocket sized atlas of the world.  He started poking and rubbing the phone until the magic genie, gave him directions.  So we backtracked for about 1 mile and then spent the next several hours zig-zagging through some very pretty country side on back roads, rather than fighting traffic on 107. 

As I checked the time and odometer, our mileage grew.  The new route had added mileage which was cool with me.  If I had arrived at Erwin with 86 miles,  I was determined to ride another 14, being so close to 100.  We rolled up to a stop sign after a long fast stint and the sign said Erwin:7.  I looked at the Odometer and it said 97 miles.  Sweet.  We stopped for a snack,  Mike had a Yoohoo, and I had a Coke with some Sour Cream and Cheddar Ruffles.

The B&B

 We finally rolled into Erwin.  I felt good and Mike was whipped.  I felt like I could keep going which is a good feeling.  After showering, finding out rooms and getting cleaned up, we decided to have Mexican food for dinner.  We stopped to pick up some chocolate ice cream before heading back.  When we walked in the hostess had made fresh brownies.  Awesomeness:  fresh brownies chopped up and mixed with chocolate ice cream.

part of what I ate on today's ride

 I have not done a road century since my trip to Roanoke last Thanksgiving.  I made sure I ate and stayed hydrated.  Riding time was just over 6 hrs.  Cool.

the hostess

We spent the rest of the evening relaxing on the couch, chatting and reading before heading to bed.

2 more days to go with the big climb over Roan Mt tomorrow....

4-6

You had to be there

 After a morning of bike safety rodeos, and afternoon of errands, then taking the Erwin Middle Bike Club on a ride, it was time to ride alone.  I was parked at the Arboretum so got the kids loaded on the bus, and rolled back out onto the trails. 

I have been a little frustrated about my legs not feeling it recently when I realized that for the past 4 yrs, at this time of the year, I have had several specific race goals in mind.  This year I don't and my training has not had the intensity of years past, so naturally I don't have the same fitness. 

For this ride, I decided to focus on technique, keeping it smooth,  something I could control and see immediate results.  During the ride, it dawned on me that I have been mashing the pedals in an attempt to replicate that sensation of feeling good, grinding over the tops of hills and hammering down the other side.  I realized that I have been trying too hard and I need to relax and focus on other things as well. 

The French Broad River Valley

It turned out to be a good ride, in fact what ride is not good when one happens across David Maida? 

4-3

http://tripsforkidswnc.com/news_updates/tkmbd-spring-the-event/

4-1

Well,  I have wanted to do this for a long time now and we finally figured out how to swing it.  We sold the house and bought a Harley.  We were able to find a decent moblie home to live in for low rent which is really awesome.  We are so excited about taking some longer road trips on this machine.

It looks like the Blue Ridge Parkway is first on the list of places to go!!

Awesomeness

3-30

Things have been pretty busy around here lately.  Bike Rodeos, fundraiser, prep for Take A Kid Mtn Biking Day-Spring:

It is going to be a fun weekend.

Yesterday I got out for a 2 hour chilly, gloomy ride.  I felt like I was pedaling triangles,  it wasn't the most fun ride, but I was outside, and that was good for my head as much as anything. 

Last night I went to hear a presentation about a couple riding their bike to all 50 states in one year for charity.  I'm ready to pack up and join them: Give A Bike: 50 State Tour.  Check it out!!

The story is compelling and the pictures are amazing. 

3-25 & 26

The kid has been struggling with some sort of allergy, congestion, post nasal drip, sinusitis for most of the winter.  Every time he almost gets better, it hits again, complete with fever.  I took him to the doc last Monday taking care of him for the week.  The fever came and went and pretty soon, I was hit with it too. 

I had several trips planned and was able to pull them off despite feeling like poop. 25 kids on bikes was totally worth it.

The weekend was rainy and blah filled with lots of tv and recovery time.  The kid and I laid around most of the weekend.

I rode the rollers for an hour on Saturday while watching Ride The Divide, still a good movie. 

Sunday, I was able to get out for an hour hike:

Fog in the woods.

Reaching for sunshine

Spring Flower

MTS Trail

Somewhat of a boring weekend, but relaxing.  And spending quality time with the kid is priceless.

3-23

 Went for a ride, because that's what I like to do.  It was warm and sunny, and I didn't have much on my mind.  My legs were tired and my sinuses were slightly irritated, so I just kept a smooth steady pace.

meadows and mountains

 I headed out on the loop that we do on Thursday nights at Liberty Bikes. Check out the Pedal Link Project! It is a fun loop with lots of rollers and a couple of grunts, interspersed with flats.  The winding roads take you past cow farms, tomatoe farms, Smiley's Flea market,  some rural neighborhoods, before an epic finish along Hendersonville rd, showcasing Asheville's finest corporate establishments!  That fast food never smells as good as at the end of  a hard ride. 

Sweet Pastiness

 My pasty white legs are eager to get out into the sunshine so they can turn a pasty pink for the rest of the summer.  Today, I brought my water bottles, filled with nuun, and my pockets bulged with Honey Stinger product.

This one is for you, Mike Keeley!

I decided to treat myself after the ride.  I rarely do this, but today felt right.  So I got some treats and relaxed in the warm sun.  The only problem with this is the 1 mile I have to climb before descending to my house.  Not a big problem, but it is uncomfortable nonetheless. 

3-22

It was a weird day.  Lots of little things went wrong:  I forgot my water bottles on my ride, I burned lunch, I got a huge allergy/sinus attack,  and I won't bore you with the rest.  It was just one of those days. 

 It was nice to get outside and enjoy the sunshine in spite of everything.  The view across the valley was nice, although I didn't stay long because I was parched. 

Not much exciting happened yesterday.

Did you pick up your Bottle For Change yet?

3-22

 After taking the kid to the doc for yet another sinus infection, I came home and laid him on the couch to recover.  I took the opportunity on this first day of spring to cut the grass.  Then plant some seed.  Why?  So I could have more grass to cut.  I'm not big into spending a lot of time making the yard look prim and proper,  I have way more fun things to do. But there is something satisfying about a nice green lawn to play soccer on.

After the wife came home I hit the parkway for my BC loop.  I am so fortunate to be able to ride on pavement for 30 minutes and then access dirt and single track.  I rolled around the trails out there for a while,  enjoying the sunshine and warmth.

 There is a flower in the middle of the picture: 83 degrees? woot!

I raced back onto the Arboretum property at 5:55pm.  Just in time to get inside the gates before I was considered trespassing.  Filling up the water bottles, I breathed deep and relished the mental freedom that I had begun to experience since I let go last week.  As much as I try to, I can't control people. 

Riding home on the parkway, sun on my back

It was a great day and a great ride.  My legs felt snappy and strong.  I don't know that I was going fast in comparison to others, but I felt  good, and I was having fun,  and at the end of the day,  that's what really matters to me.

3-19/20

After spending 1/2 writing about the weekend, blogger kindly erased it.....
So, here is the summary:
Kid entertains self while I attend PAS/Pisgah FS volunteer meeting.  I'm proud to be one of 6 sawyers allowed to work.

The kid and I ride 8.5 miles on the Ecusta Greenway Trail in Brevard,  stopping at Poppies for an overpriced PB&J for lunch.

The kid takes great pictures, the two above are his.

The kid is worn out from his longest ride ever.  After getting home I went out for a 3.5 hr ride of my own.  I got busted for accidentally trespassing on Arboretum property.  The Security guard thought it was a big problem, the gate keeper thought it was fine....interesting.

Sunday, I had the opportunity to teach a kid how to ride a bike.  He had the foundational skills, just needed a little extra coaching.  After an hour of riding around the park, he did not want to stop!!

Getting kids on bikes:  that's what I do.

3-18-2011

After waking up with cold/allergy symptoms, I decided to take a walk in the woods with the wife instead of a long ride that would wear me down and leave me sluggish all weekend. We saw deer, experienced warm/cold temp variations as we climbed out of the valley and back into it.

It was a good decision. There will be long rides in the near future, and rest is good!

3-16-2011

A ride out the door on my single speed CX beast of a touring track bike.  After 30 minutes of pavement, I hit the dirt and road down to and  around the lake.  It was quiet, it was pretty, and my brain was working overtime. 


I've been dealing with some relationship issues (not with the wife, she is awesome, just for the record) for the past 8 months.  My intentions were good, and still are.  I simply tried to express my feelings, express how the other party was making me feel.  And I did just that.  But, for some reason, it was not received as intended.  Then things got quickly out of hand. 

Fast forward 8 months later, after lots of stress, pondering, and trying to figure out what to do.  In the past month or so, I came to the realization, that anger is not the driving emotion behind the intent.  And I am not angry now.   For me, in this situation, it is sadness that prevails.  Sad for broken relationships.  Sad that I tried to do what was right and things fell apart.  

Then as I was cruising through the woods,  I distinctly heard the voice in my head say: " This is not about them, this is about you.  Let it go".   To which I responded " WHAT? Let it GO?"  And the voice said " Yes, let it go!!".   

And so, I let it go.  I have learned a whole lot about myself and the positive things I am capable of doing.  And yes, the voice is correct,  this has been more about me than the others.   It is interesting sometimes what happens when I set out to help someone else, and I end up growing through the process. 

As I pedaled back towards home on the pavement,  I felt like the light at the end of the tunnel had grown brighter.   That I was going to be able to move past this circumstance and focus on what lies ahead.

It's a good day.

3-13-2011

 After Saturday's interestingly fail/success ride, I set out again on Sunday for my typical Bent Creek Loop.  Riding down the Parkway, up Hardtimes and into the little corner of Pisgah called Bent Creek.  There were lots of people but I still rode alone the whole time.  

I was feeling good and put some speed into my workout.  Pushing up the little grunt climbs, up and over, breathing deeply, coasting down,  catching air (little air).

I had two goals today:  1.  clear my mind,   2. ride some logs.  

There is a log somewhere on Sidehill that has been bugging me for years.  I rode it once, but for some reason have not ridden it since.   I've been practicing, though.  At the local playground on the skinnies,  in the backyard etc.  I hoped today would be the day. 

 

 As I wound down Sidehill, the adrenaline was pumping.  The sky was bright and the views were clear,  the trail snaked out in front of me, leading me to the log.  I rolled up to it, gently lifted the front wheel up, shifted my weight and brought the back wheel up.  I was on the log and froze for a split second, let out a breath, and pedaled across.  Off the other end I let out a whoop.  (just to make sure it wasn't a fluke I turned around and rode it two more times).  

As I rode back down the road to my house, I felt good,  relaxed and had accomplished my 2 goals.  I ate some lunch with the fam,  loaded up the bikes and took the kid to the pump track......it was a good day.

3-12-2011

 

I've had the bikepacking bug for a while now, and it finally looked like I was going to get to use all the gear and knowledge that I have been collecting. I had planned on leaving Friday morning, but then the temps dropped and it was snowing,  with a low forecast at 30,  I could have still gone, but did not feel like spending the night shivering.  In addition, I didn't want to have to carry the extra gear that would keep me warm.  So, After talking to the wife, I made plans to head out first thing Saturday morning.  

It was 28 degrees when I left the house, but was supposed to warm up to 65 with a low of 40.  It was looking like it would be a perfect time in the woods.  

 

The kid gave me monkey to take along with me,  I strapped him to the seatbag.  The funny thing is, there was a monkey on my back as well.  I could not shake it.  I felt good on the climb up Yellow Gap Rd, then turning onto Laurel mtn...my body felt good.  But, there are things going on in my head lately that drain my thought process.  As I pedaled, I tried to enjoy the scenery,  I did a little, but even with all of the sunshine there was still that monkey.

 

 

After an hour and a half of grinding up the hill, I stopped in the middle of the trail.  I knew what I had to do, and stood there chewing on it.  I decided to pull the plug on the trip.  I have a goal of riding 100 miles in the woods and even have a route picked out.   But this was not the weekend that it was to happen.  

Interestingly, after I made the decision, and committed to bailing, I felt lighter.  I knew that it was the right decision and as I made my way back to the truck, I had no regrets. 

The hugs from the wife and kid when I got home would have erased all doubts about my decision, had there been any left. 

Instead of a long ride battling my own demons, I got to load the kid up and ride 4 miles in Bent Creek with him.   That was  a much better way to spend the day...this time.

Hub Cyclery

Cool news from my frame builder in Idyllwild, CA.  He and his wife are opening a bike cafe Hub Cyclery, in there town.  Among other fine products they will be selling the famous Performance Art Siren Bicycles!!  I ride one, and you should too!

Check out their grand opening the weekend of April 9th.

Sunshine

My nephew, Garren, is still laying in the hospital.  There are a lot of thoughts and emotions going through my head right now that I won't share.  

What I will share is that Garren is being discharged on March 23rd.  He will be moving home where his family will need to re-vamp their house to accommodate him.   This will take time and constructions materials.  Can you help?

The other huge pressing need the family has is a wheelchair accessible mini van.  Can you help?

As we say in sports, "dig deep".  It will take a whole community in this situation.

If you can help,  contact them:  geoffrey@thejaneses.com

Thanks

2-24-2011

I got two rides in today.  I was supposed to have meetings all day, but the kid got sick and the wife had school so I stayed home.  I tried to ride the rollers but due to being in a funk lately, I only rode for 30 minutes. 

It was rainy and chilly all day, it didn't help my head space, but I did my best to keep a positive attitude.

The wife came home and I made it to an afternoon meeting which was very encouraging and exciting. 

I got back home in time to get outside on my road bike.  I had about 2 hrs so I headed south on the parkway for 45 minutes before turning around and heading home.  

I recently got fit at Liberty Bicycles.  The fit was long overdue and I have not been able to afford it,  but things worked out and I went for it.  It turns out that even though I was riding stronger than ever before, I was too far forward and too low in my position on the bike.  Now that I'm more stretched out, I can feel a huge difference,  only the muscles are not used to the activity, so it's a little like starting a couple of months ago.  But,  I'm sure that the legs will come around pretty quickly and the guys at Liberty will wish they had left my fit alone!!

Since I did not have much time, I pushed hard,  made the legs burn, recovered, then did it again.  Several times.  It was great and now I have my legs propped up,  content and recovering. 

I look forward to another ride.

JB Janes

My Pepa is being buried today.  His funeral is at 11 am in Memphis TN.  Pepa took me fishing when I was a kid.  He also told me when I was 13 yrs old that I needed to figure out what I wanted to do with my life,  it kind of freaked me out.  We stopped by his house on my bike ride across America in 2001.  He fed us and gave us a dry place to sleep. 

I'm sorry I won't be at the funeral Pepa.  Some weird things are going on that prevented me from coming.  But I will be there in spirit. 

Rest In Peace!

2-21-2011

Another great day in the woods, in the sunshine,  in the universe!!   I don't have much to say about this ride, other than " I rode".   It was a good day to get out and sort through my thoughts.  The things in life that are trying to drag me down were left behind.  As I pedaled my Siren up and over hills and through the woods, I focused on the positive,  the people who love me unconditionally.  

It was a good ride.

2/20- 2/21/2011

 Saturday I took the kid for a ride around the woods.  We have a strap attached to his bike so that I can pull him up the longer hills.  And we can go farther.

 This Siren is relaxing in the warm sun after a long gravel road climb.  We spent an hour riding around Bent Creek.  The kid rode some techy single track for the first time and decided that he likes roots.   My kid is the coolest.

 Sunday I headed down the river towards Marshall.  I just got a new fit at Liberty Bikes and it feels awesome.  I didn't want to push too hard until my body adjusts, so I cruised down the river at a steady pace. 

 Interestingly, without thinking about it, I got my fastest time ever on this route. 

It was all good until I flatted about 1 mile from home.  I called for a ride, didn't feel like fixing the flat as darkness was falling.  It gave me a great opportunity to let the kid help me patch it later too. Still, it was a good ride.


It's monday morning, and time to do it again!

WBR and Cape Abas Epic

My friends at World Bicycle Relief have a really cool project going on.

3 teams, 8 days, 707km, 1 goal: Bikes to 10 schools in Zambia

Some of cycling’s most talented athletes have joined forces to raise $150,000 for World Bicycle Relief’s Bicycles for Educational Empowerment Program (BEEP) in conjunction with the 2011 Absa Cape Epic mountain bike stage race, March 27-April 3.

An all-star combination including Bart Brentjens, Jeroen Boelen, Jukka Vastaranta and Jelmer Pietersma of the Trek-Milka Mountain Bike Team, the rag-tag duo Andy Ording and Todd Winget, as well as downhill sensations Anka Martin and current World Champion Tracy Moseley, will endure this grueling 8 day race, covering 707km across South Africa’s Western Cape to raise awareness and funds for World Bicycle Relief.

Anyone donating $134 or more to The Cape Epic Challenge is eligible to win a host of great prizes including clutch items from TREK and SRAM, an actual World Bicycle Relief bike, as well as an incredible list of additional prizes to be announced on the Cape Epic Challenge Blog and Fundraising Page starting February, 1st.

In addition, $75,000 has been pledged by a small group of anonymous donors to match all donations raised through the Cape Epic Challenge finale on April 3rd, 2011.  All donations benefit World Bicycle Relief and their current efforts to provide 50,000 bicycles to Zambian students (70% girls), teachers and educational workers seeking access to education.

The Cape Epic Challenge Goal to raise $150,000 would provide students at 10 schools with World Bicycle Relief’s specially designed, locally assembled, rugged bicycles.

You can donate to the cause on the Cape Epic Challenge fundraising page: http://worldbicyclerelief.kintera.org/capeepicchallenge, follow the rider’s stories about Africa and their training for Cape Epic on the Cape Epic Challenge Blog: http://capeepicchallenge.blogspot.com, and find more about World Bicycle Relief and it’s mission to provide access to independence and livelihood through the power of bicycles at: www.worldbicyclerelief.org


For additional inquires please contact:
Rebecca Much
World Bicycle Relief Grassroots Fundraising Coordinator
rmuch@worldbicyclerelief.org
312.502.8468

Happy Birthday Garren

This is my 14 yr old nephew, Garren.  Today he is lying in the hospital,  being kept alive by the miracle of medicine while his brain recovers from AVM.  (geoffreyjanes.blogspot.com).

Today is Garren's birthday.  We are hoping for a miracle of complete healing.  Please pray.

Happy Birthday Garren Ziggy Janes!

Hike

Rhonda made me go hiking this morning in sub freezing temps:

 

 I have beard-cycles, she thinks its funny