Starting the week right

 Ah,Monday.  I think I got you figured out.  1 hour single speed ride first thing followed up by.....

 .... homemade coffee, biscuits, gravy and bacon! 

After such a great start, I should just go back to bed!

Dirt Diggler, 2018

It has been a while since I was able to get in on one of our local races.  I finally worked up the fitness to be able to survive at least 50 miles, so I signed up for Dirt Diggler. 

I decided to make a mini adventure out of the next 24 hours, so I reserved a campsite at The Bike Farm.
I had never been here but have known the owner/operators for a very long time.  A stay was long overdue.  Cashion set me up with his favorite campsite, #7, all the way at the end of the road.  When I checked in, I was welcomed by Joel, who was super friendly and accommodating. Joel gave me the details in a nutshell and sent me up the mountain.

The winding, single lane, gravel road took me up towards the ridge until the road mostly leveled out and I found my site.  I got my camp set up and then just hung out, by myself, enjoying the solitude.  I thought about walking up the road to chat with other campers, but decided to just chill.  Sometimes, a guy just needs silence! 

I slept like a rock most of the night.  I woke up around 3 am and heard something walking around the campsite.  Something lightfooted, sounded like the hoof of a deer on the gravel.  I went back to sleep and woke up at 6 am to the sound of an owl hoot.  So quiet, so solitary.   

Rise and shine! On to the Diggler. 

I timed my commute perfectly to arrive at the start about 15 minutes before the 8am start time.  I was a bit nervous, but mostly excited about riding bikes with 200 or so friends.

I rolled up to the back of the pack, waited 2 minutes and then we were rolling out.  The rest of the day is a blur with some distinct moments. 

I caught up to Bevin  about 10 minutes in to the race.  Cool,  somehow we seem to have similar fitness and end up riding together when we ride the same events.  Great, positive company to be in.  

About an hour into the route, there was a somewhat gnarly downhill gravel portion.  Broken bones and wounded people laying on the side of the road.  A quick check to make sure help was on the way, and I rolled on.

Eric Partin and I yoyo and chat a bit through here.

I remember a super long paved decent, dropping us into the valley.  I was reserved and wound up in no man's land at the beginning of the long flat along a river.  2 guys caught me and I graciously sucked wheels  for the next 8-10 miles! 

Refill at the second rest stop, heckle Mike Pierce, alone for a little while.  The gravel road around Cascade Lake is nice and I ramp it up to catch a  group ahead.   I end up overdoing it and the last 8 miles, I soft pedal in.  As much as a person can soft pedal a 20% + grade!

The final single track and then the finish line.  4hr9min.  Great ride! 

A quick rinse in the creek, a Coke and pulled pork sammy, then I head home.  I was hot and tired, and I think I left before the podium presentation,  I figured they were already done!  Sorry about that.

I'm looking forward to the next one!

Ready?

Who is ready for some Dirt Diggler?

I am, for sure.  I'm excited to get out on my bike, with a bunch of like minded folks and ride. 

The past couple of years has been a tough transition for me.  Going from training and successfully completing endurance events, to not training consistently and successfully failing at endurance events. 

I had to admit to myself, that while I am still capable, I simply don't have the time to put the time into training  and prepping properly for these events!  My priorities have shifted and I've got 4 years to invest into my high school kid before college.  That's the choice I've made, and I had to adjust. 

Its not easy though.  I love being out all day, for multiple days.  But, that's where I am, and it took me  a while to work through that.  You have to try things, different combinations.  If you don't, you will never progress, never evolve, never figure out what works for you.  If you are not willing to bend and bow, not willing to go with the flow,  you become stiff and eventually break. 

So, tomorrow, I saddle up for a little under 50 miles, with my sights set on having a good time. 

See you there!

Week Off

 After a week off the bike, during which I windsurfed until my arms almost fell off, I dealt with an unhelpful insurance agent who told me to go find another agent and some unruly parents at a soccer game,  it was time to get back on the bike. 

After all, Dirt Diggler is two day  away....  47 miles of gravel and pavement should be manageable though.  I'll have to wait and see, and keep pedaling!

 I spotted a couple of little bears in Bent Creek today.  They were pretty friendly but didn't really want to stick around to chat. 

 I also came across McHoney, ridn' his pony.  We chatted and laughed and rode.  It was quite a bit warmer than last winter when we rode up the parkway together.  We rode into the maw of the storm,  6 degrees and butt cold. 

Hurricane Florence: Windsurfari 2018

 I've been watching this storm for a week and a half.  Anticipating, hoping, planning and finally loading up and heading out.  I was not sure what to expect.  My first stop was Dreher Island State Park on Lake Murray which is west of Columbia SC.  My plan was to stay close enough to the hurricane so that I would have good winds, but one step ahead to stay out  of danger. 

The plan worked really well.  Until I got tired.  According to my quick calculations, I windsurfed 6-8 hrs in a 36 hour period.  I want to head back out as I type this, but I'm worn out!

I got to the state park and the staff told me that if I wanted to cancel, they would give me a full refund.   I decided to stay one night, so took the second night's refund.  I parked in my spot at Angler's camp circle and went about rigging up.  I had a great afternoon/evening sailing with a 6.4 and Bic Astro Rock.   The wind picked up a little more later.  Today was just a warm up and getting comfortable being on a wide expanse of water alone. 

 I set up camp, ate some freeze dried dinner and went for  a bike ride around the state park.  In bed by 9pm, and true to form, the camper 2 sites over woke up and rustled around all night.  I got intermittent sleep but, ugh.  Why are people so self centered?  I finally got some solid sleep from 4:30-7 ish, when I woke up to whipping wind!  I took my time feeding myself and drinking coffee.  By the time I rigged up, the wind was blowing strong enough that I was able to take my "new to me" Bic Electric Rock out for a spin.  The board is identical to the Astro Rock, just smaller, better for higher winds and smaller sails!

 I was out for 2 hours and decided to head in and pack up.  I got everything loaded and set my sights on Hamilton Branch State Park, about 1.5 hrs away.    When I got there, the wind was perfect for the Astro Rock and 7.5 m sail. 

 I headed out for an hour, getting lay of the wind direction and heading out to the center of Strom Thurmond Lake which is also the Savannah River.  If I had kept going all the way across, I could have windsurfed into Georgia! 

 I was getting overpowered, so I came back in for a snack and a drink and headed back out on the Electric Rock and 5.3m sail.  That left me a little under powered, so I came back in and upsized to a 5.7 which was perfect but I was getting tired and the wind was gusting to 25-30mph.  Whew,  fun, but once the fatigue starts to set in, a person starts making mistakes and things can go downhill fast.  I took one more sloppy run and headed in to the campsite. 

 At this point, it was only 3pm.  What to do?  The campsite was barren, 1 other camper down the way.  I could use some solitude.  Looking at the Saturday morning forecast, there was a chance of rain, and the wind was going to be in the 20-30 mph range. I looked at all the options and examined my feelings. 

 I didn't think I would have the energy the next day to sail in such strong winds.  I had definitely gotten my fill of windsurfing,  although one never really gets enough.  I had gotten all I could handle.  I decided to head back to the mountains, thankful for the experience, and looking forward to spending the next day with the family! 

The Alternative

 Well,  8am Saturday rolled around and I was still in bed.  And it felt great.  The family was still asleep and I had no plans to ride my bike, much less act like I was going to race Pisgah Monster CX.   Someone bought my entry last minute on Friday afternoon and I was off the hook.  

We decided to hit the lake and the kid decided he wanted to give knee boarding a try.  Sweet.

 It took him a couple of tries, a bit of a fit, a little frustration and feeling sorry and then finally one more attempt and he was up and carving.   I'm so proud of him.   I remember my first time knee boarding....  I hope he looks back on this moment fondly. 

 We always stop at Subway and take sammiches with us for dinner, then we stay out as late as possible,  making it back in time to be off the lake by dark, and to DQ for desert.   The DQ in Old Fort is hit or miss though.  Tonight we walked in and there were 8 people waiting for frozen treats, and one dude making them.   Not tonight.  We piled back in the truck and went to our back up, McD's drive through.  Chocolate shake for me, no whip, no cherry!

Am I sad that I missed Pisgah Monster CX? Yes.  I worked hard to get ready for it.  It just didn't happen.  But,  I also got to participate in an amazing day with my family.  We did things, we accomplished things, we grew together and went home satisfied.  So, I'm satisfied.  

The upside is, I'm in better shape than I would have been 6 weeks ago, and I feel like I can do a 50 mile day.  One way to find out: Dirt Diggler  (unless the wind is blowing, then I'm going windsurfing!)

Know when to fold 'em.

There are times when you gotta push the limits and other times when you gotta realize your limits. 

It is time for me to realize my limits and pull the plug on Monster CX.  I'm good for about 45 miles and after that it would be survival mode.  Add heat and high humidity and who knows what could happen. 

Actually, I know.  I've been there and done that.  The IV in the back of the ambulance felt so good.  All 3 times.   Lots of people thrive in these conditions, but I don't. I've tried.  Don't want to go back.... ever.

Its pretty simple really,  I just didn't get the training in to give me the confidence that I can make it the 70 miles without going into survival mode.  I don't mind fighting and working hard for something,  but I'm not willing or able to to that right now.

I have probably spent way too much time processing this.  Thanks for putting up with my drivel and thanks for the encouragement. (and the  heckling too). 

I'll tell you what I know though.   I'm gonna have a lot of fun spending the day with my family!

Bic Electric Rock

I added another board to the quiver.  I cannot wait to take a spin on this.  From what I understand, this is very similar to the Astro Rock which I already have an love, but smaller.  If I like this board, and it works for me, I'll be able to narrow my travel quiver down to two boards,  one "long" board and one "short" board! 

I am so excited about this that I even dreamed about windsurfing last night.  Strong steady winds and a good session.  Hopefully dreams come true! 

Gotta get through this week and Monster CX, which I am totally stressed about....  If it stays hot like this, I'm don't have much hope of a finish!  Here's to cooler air and strong winds!!

On The Fence

 Pisgah Monster CX is looming, 1 week away, and I'm on the fence.  I really, really want to do it.  But, I'm pretty sure I don't have the long rides my legs and mind need to get it done.  My gut tells me I'm good for about 50 miles and the last 20 would be a death march.

I don't want to death march.  Been there, done that.   Do I want to do the ride enough to death march? No.  Then, don't do the ride.  But,  then there is that little voice that says, "maybe".  Yeah, "maybe" I could do  it, and not die.  Maybe I could finish and feel like I had trained for it. 

The problem is, I know what it takes for me to get up to this mileage and I'm just not there. 

Dang it. I really want to do it.

 What else am I going to do that day?  Take a shorter ride and then spend time with the family.  And what about Sunday after the ride?  Right, not feel totally wrecked, and spend another day with the family!  

Hmmm,  maybe I'm on the fence, maybe I've already decided.  Maybe I'm on the fence about being on the fence.  Or not.

All I have to do, it not register.... or register.....  I hope I don't get too many splinters from this fence!

Chasing

 I got to ride with my friend JD.  He is a strong rider and a super nice guy.  He has supported my program in various ways since the beginning, subtle but meaningful and well thought out. 

We crossed paths in the parking lot, each of us heading out for a ride on our new gravel bikes, each of us preparing for Monster CX, each of us with separate goals. 

He invited me to ride with him, I hesitated, then decided to go for it.  I think I warned him that I wasn't up to speed yet, can't remember.  But, after I blew myself up in the first 4 miles, trying to keep his wheel,  I told him to go ahead with out me.  He wouldn't go.  I told him a couple of more times in the next half hour, but he chose to wait. 

I decided to stop feeling bad for ruining his training and appreciate the fact that someone was helping me get some good training in. 

 We had great time chatting about bikes, racing, family and then some reminiscing about the Thursday night Liberty Ride.  Those were some fun times.  

That's how I looked when we parted ways at the top of Bent Creek Gap.  I was cooked and JD went somewhere to ride some more! 

Getting There

Getting consistent rides in has proven to be somewhat easy, but still tricky.  Gotta plan ahead and stay motivated.  I have gotten in the bad habit of making excuses about why not to ride.  I find that if I force myself out the door, those excuses fade in about 30 seconds...  just, get, out, the, door. 

I'm feeling mentally drained this weekend though.  After dealing with some ghosts from my past ( I'm proud of how I handled that situation) and acting on the decision to end my professional relationship with a nationally known ride program (to launch an independent program),  I'm a bit tired.  

Both encounters were good on my end, and helped me learn and grow.  I believe that this will help me help others better! 

Lost and Stung

I went for a quick ride in Bent Creek.  I found a lost girl talking to an elderly couple from out of town.  They were at the top of Hardtimes Rd where it meets the parkway.  They didn't know what to do.I called the Arboretum Police and they came to pick here up and take her back to the gate.

I then took off to find her group,  I had seen them at the bottom of Hardtimes at Bent Creek.  I was able to locate the group and connect them with the Arboretum police. 

In the process, a stinging bug flew into my eye.... and stung me.  No swelling but lots of burning!  Feels better now. 

Adventure Kids WNC

Coming soon!!

Bikes and Bears

 I've been getting on the bike more lately and I'm loving it.  Monster CX is on my mind and I'm a bit overwhelmed.  I don't want to suffer to the point that I feel like death anymore.  I'm ok with suffering, but not dying.  Too much to live for. 

 I got to see two little cubs and a yearling today.  From talking to a couple of people, it seems that these are brothers/sisters ( I didn't get close enough to check) rather than a young mother with two cubs. 

Being in the woods this time of year is so nice.  Thick foliage above creates nice cool shadows below.  Still sweat like a sieve, but being out of the blazing sun is nice.   Mid day road rides are not as much fun. 

Rides and Thoughts

 Back in the saddle again and it feels good.  I don't know how long it will last.  I hope that I can figure out some consistency.  I miss my bike friends, bike events, etc.  I love my family though and those times I spend with them, I will cherish forever. 

I rode the SS today for 1.5 hrs and it felt like 30 mins!  That is what I am talking about.  I have Monster CX on my mind.  It is a  mostly gravel route this year, brand new, with no Blue Ridge Parkway.   If I can keep riding like I have been,   I'll be able to complete the course and feel decent at the end.  

Ride on~

Open Ocean

 I got the opportunity to head to the coast and I jumped on it.  The wind forecast was good, and my duties at home were wrapped up leaving me with a couple of days to roam.  I headed for the closest beach to maximize time on the water: Charleston. 

I sent a text to my friend David, a local to see what his plans were.  He told me to meet him at the southern tip of Folly Island.  The butterflies in my stomach started raging and did so the rest of the day.  I had some trouble eating and was worried about..... everything.   Open ocean, currents, what ifs etc.  Deep breath. 

I followed David's instructions to "drive off the tip of the island" and was greeted with friendly staff at the county park, complete with porta potty, shower and changing stalls,  that I never knew was there! 

We chatted for a minute and started rigging our gear.  David immediately began giving me rigging tips and showed me how to adjust my harness lines.  I've been struggling with this for a while and the change was amazing.  

I grabbed my equipment and followed David out onto the beach.  Dang, I was nervous.  He was going way out on the open ocean.  The swells were in the 3-5 foot range and the wind from the east meaning that we head pretty much straight out.  Nervous.  I beach started and headed out, shaking like a cold wet dog, breathing frantically,  I went out a 1/4 mile, turned still shaking, dropped the sale and struggled to restart.  Holy moly.  

I headed back in to the beach.  I felt like my skills were there but my confidence was not, at all.

We chatted a bit, and after getting some really good advice and encouragement,  I went back to the truck and swapped out my short board for my super stable long board.   Still shaking I headed back out again and BOOM, just like that I was sailing on the open ocean. 

It was pretty amazing being out there in the middle of nothing,  looking back and seeing people as tiny specks on the beach.  I have wanted to do this for a long time and I'm so thankful that God sent David into my path to help me reach this point.  We sailed for 1.5 hrs until David broke his foil.  It was good timing though because my mind was spent and I was hungry! 

We headed to the parking lot, packed up and parted ways.

 The next morning I was up early and since I didn't have anyone to meet up with, I headed to Station 28.5 on Sullivan's Island.  I had sailed here before and was becoming more familiar with the area.  The kiters had all warned me of the ripping currents during the ebb and flow of the tide so I was super cautious.  But today, after conquering fears yesterday, I was a little braver and sailed a little farther out into the channel where the current was supposed to either take me out to sea or take me into the inlet under the bridge. 

Nothing happened.  What, really?  It was fine.  I was powered up, had enough wind, it was fine.  Pretty soon I was ripping back and forth across the inlet.  Long reaches of smooth flat water that turned to small swells as I neared the outer edge where the water was washing over the sandbar at high tied.  This was it,  this is the spot that I have been hoping for for so long.  

The spot also offers the option to head out onto the open ocean.  I didn't go, because I was the only one around for a long time.  Lots of people on the beach but no one windsurfing or kiting.  The crowd did pick up later in the day, but by that time,I was worn slap out and packed up to head home. 

Wow, such an amazing couple of days.  So many questions answered.  So many opportunities opened up.  I cannot wait to get back down there and continue conquering my fears and working on my skills.  I'm  looking forward to the day that I can point past the breakers and enjoy the open ocean swells!  

Can't wait!

The Buried Emotions

What is it about this island that stirs up so many emotions?  So many memories of my time on Bonaire? Same questions are still there.  Maybe there are answers, maybe not.  

I have to ask what the purpose is though?  Why do I feel the way I do?  I believe there is a greater purpose in my feelings that to simply make me feel good or satisfied.  That is too selfish.  

What do I have that I can give.  How can I contribute to a people who can stir up the buried emotions.  The buried emotions that when uncovered, lead to continued growth and healing.  

Maybe I need to just sit back and appreciate what is happening.  Appreciate that the emotions of the past are being released.  Appreciate the people of the island who are placed there and being used for my betterment.  They expect nothing in return.  They hardly know that they are helping me.  

Hopefully one day, I can repay the gesture.  Just real people being real, helping each other.  

Ocracoke: Not Just an Island

 Ocracoke Island has found a special place in my heart.  We have been visiting for 3 years now and each year, something deep inside me is stirred up.  I'm not sure what it is, exactly, but I know that when I leave, I feel a deep sense of sorrow and loss.  The same feeling of sorrow and loss that I felt when I was moved from Bonaire to Charlotte, when I was 16 years old. ( I cried myself to sleep each night for about 6 months after the move).

What is it about a place that stirs up so many hidden emotions?  What is it about a place that I can go to once a year and feel at home? 

The locals, the ones who have family roots going back a hundred years are some of the friendliest people I have met.  I've made friends with a few of them.  They take the time to tell me their stories, their thoughts and wishes.   Good, hard working people. 

 I love the life that I have worked hard to make  here in the WNC mountains, but it seems that my roots lie on the coast.  It is something I can't change.  

 I got the opportunity to pitch in and help unload fresh fish at the local fish house.  I enjoyed that more than just standing around watching my friends work.   I can't stand to watch other people work.  I want to be useful. 

I'm having trouble putting my emotions into words, but deep down inside, I can't help but wonder about a connection with an island.  What does it mean, and what should I do with those feelings? 

Roof Top Tent: My Thoughts

1.5 yrs ago, when I put a down payment on a new used truck,  I came home excited about researching slide in campers so that we could go camping/exploring in comfort.  After some extensive research, I was disappointed to find out that this truck and similar ones, are not built to carry the load of a typical slide in camper.

Not to be deterred, I set about designing and building my own.  I created a monster, redneck version of a slide in, that met the bunk requirements for a family of 3, and it came in under the weight restrictions of the truck, and was supported by camper jacks for easy removal.  There was nothing easy about it.

I used it successfully at the Pisgah Stage Race 2017 and was pretty excited about it.

A couple of weeks later, I loaded the family up and headed 8 miles down the road to Lake Powhatan Campground in the Pisgah National Forest.  For some reason,  something wierd always seems to  happen when I take road trips.  This time, we were in the middle of the first heat of spring, and it was hot!  It stayed hot all night and without a power source, the inside of the camper was pretty warm.  None of us slept well.

 I worked on the camper a little more over the course of the year, but we never used it.  I was sure that someone could put some time and money into it and make it really cool and functional, so I listed it on Craigslist.  I lost money on it, but learned a lot through the building journey.

One lesson learned: I don't want to do that again!  

Now what?  I started looking around.  Some late nights on the internet after the family went to bed,  searching for that perfect camping set up.  What I found was that there is no perfect set up.  So many different options: traditional ground tent, roof top tent, pop up camper, camper van, sprinter type van, rv, pop up camper trailer, tear drop trailer.

Trailers were almost immediately crossed off the list.  I need the hitch to haul bikes or a boat.  I also need lightweight and wanted something that mounts on the truck.  I have a camper shell that can be used to convert the truck bed to a sleeping space with a simple foam mattress. It seemed like a roof top tent was the way to go.

Some more research, talking to a couple of people and then a demo from Joe at REI and I was almost sold. 

I took my search to Facebook to see if any of my friends had experience with one. I got varied responses.  Sprinter owners told me to get a sprinter.  Others told me to stick with the old tried and true ground tent.  Several people told me that I didn't want a roof top tent (RTT).  ( most of the time, when naysayers tell me I don't want something, I can be sure I am on the right track!)

With a little more research and a lot of help from REI,  I wound up getting an amazing deal on the Tepui Autana w/ annex.

Lightweight and can be set up almost anywhere.  The annex, when properly staked out, has enough room for a queen sized bed behind the ladder.  Combined with the camper shell, we technically have enough room for 6 people and a dog. 

We headed back out to Lake Powhatan for our first test run.  The kid slept upstairs while the wife and I occupied the truck bed suite.  The dog took the space on ground floor.  We all slept amazingly well and had a great time, excited to get back out again.

RTT FTW!!

A couple of thoughts:
-One of the cons to this set up is that once set up, you can't drive anywhere.  Good point.  That is the ONLY issue I have with this tent set up.  But,definitely not a deal breaker.  At this point, with our schedules, we rarely have time for a multi day trip.  I'm looking into a solution for that.  Stay Tuned.
-Actual tent takes about 5 minutes to set up or tear down.  Annex takes another 10-15.  I'm sure it will get faster as we learn.  About the same time and effort as a ground tent.  But for the stoke level of the family.... this is the way to go.
-I bought a set of leveling blocks from Tractor Supply for easy leveling.
- I also bought a scissor jack from Camping World.  I placed this under the rear of the truck  and raised it about 1-2 inches.  Just enough to take the bounce out of the suspension.  (the kid tosses quite a bit in his sleep.)  This made the set up firm.

More adventures await.  Can't wait to get out and explore some more!

Pisgah Stage Race #10

 After a long cold winter, the sun finally came out and dried out the forest, warming our skin and changing our attitudes.   People from all over the nation and the world were stoked to sample Pisgah's finest trails, and we were all elated to see the forecast clearing and the temps warming.

This was my 10th time in this race.  And I am the only one to have completed all 10 editions.  Todd of Blue Ridge Adventures has done an amazing job of improving the race and fine tuning the details.  Participants are treated to a great race environment, or if they choose, a fully supported tour on some of the best trails in Pisgah.  

 I was able to train fairly consistently until the beginning of February.  Then I was able to train sporadically, but with some longer rides, which kept me hopeful of being competitive.  Then I was off the bike for 2 weeks, except for 2 rides with the kid totaling about 9 miles.  I did play lots of soccer and basketball though.....  I don't regret trading training time with spending time with the kid. 

So race day rolled around and I knew I wasn't ready, but was pretty sure I could finish.  I was on a 32x21 gearing which had been working for me. 

 Stage 1 and 2 were fun routes, and I was having a blast.  But,  my legs were dead.  Already.  Not good.  I put our an APB on Facebook, looking for a 22 tooth single speed cog.  I could have gone with the 2 hr round trip to my house in Asheville to get the one I already had, but figured I would try to save some time and money. 

 Randy Collette responded and got me set up.  Sycamore Cycles helped me out and let me use the tools to make the change.  My chain was pretty tight but I figured it would loosen up as I rode Stage 3.   That didn't work out so well.  The chain stayed super tight, and I'm pretty sure I lost some energy due to that.  Oh well. 

 I finished Stage 3 and went back to Sycamore to purchase a new chain.  Of course then I had to purchase a new chainring to mesh with the new chain.  That's the way it goes,  still better than the 2 hr round trip to the house.  The upside of changing my gear?  I finished 17 minutes faster than previously on this stage.  That's huge!

 Stage 4 is my favorite.  A big long loop including Squirrel, Laurel and Pilot, with the start/finish at the Cradle of Forestry.   I rode my own pace, intent on having fun, finishing, and not imploding.  Success, and I was 11 minutes faster than previous years!! 

Wow,  I'm getting faster, and my skills are improving!

Stage 5 came and went with no issues.  I rode, chatted with friends, and finished,  a little slower, but only about 5 minutes.  10 years of fun racing and riding.  10 years of new friends.  10 years of hard training and focus.  

Am I going to do it again?  Yes.  Next year?  No.   I'm taking a break.  It's been a good run, and I've got some bragging rights that no one else can claim!   There are other trails and events out there that I'd like to take a look at.  And of course,  Todd claims that he is going to pay my way to another stage race in another country!  I'm looking forward to that.

Thanks to Todd and the entire Blue Ridge Adventures crew for providing an event that challenged me and helped be grow into the person I am today!  

Maybe I'll be one of the hecklers on Pilot next year!