IGVENTURE
- Thread starter pooriggy
- Start date
Last Dance, last chance, for mountain bike racing, yes its my last chance to compete in 2011.
My race season begins with SSAP in April, the DH40 at the end of July marks the midway point and CP closes out my year. In between these are another 8 races but the ones I just mentioned help put a chronological order to my race schedule. Now that CP is over its time to JRA. I’d like to still throw in some centuries and lay down some intervals on occasion but for the next couple months I will have less structure to my low structure-training program. The only thing I will be aiming for is 10hrs/wk, on bike or skis.
I left my house Saturday morning and headed to Rob’s in Paramus to meet him as well as Caper’s and Dana. I rolled in right at 6 as they were getting the bikes on Rob’s Corolla. Caper’s and Dana got to Rob’s house late last night and everyone looked a little groggy from lack of sleep. I was amazed that we were able to fit 5 bikes and our riding gear in that little car and still be able to sit comfortably. Capers thought he was going to a cx race and figured he needed a pit bike. It was a good test of Rob’s stowing skill’s, those bikes didn’t move an inch but his car was slow as shit going uphills.
We made good time and got there before 8. The race didn’t start until 9, there is no need to do a warm-up for a 6+hour race so we leisurely got ready and chatted with Kirt, Dave Clapp, and the Gozicks who parked next to us. They called us all together for some course info and then sent the field down to the start line. I’d say there was over 300 starters. I lined up front so I’d be ready to pedal my ass off on my SS.
The gun goes off without warning and like a flock off geese everyone starts pedaling at once up the road heading for the single track. On the way Rob is in front of me and calls out to Chris G who was just coming down to the start to turn around and jump in. I guess he got in. I’m at the front third of the pack with other SS’s who are pedaling like jack rabbits to the trailhead. We’re all probably running about 32x18 so its only natural that we’d find each other.
The single track is gummed up with riders. For the first 20 minutes its hard to find any flow. The climbs are backed up, twisty sections are wheel to wheel as squeling rotors kill all momentum and there is the occasional rider going down or off course. After getting in some passes and making my way through the fray I finish the 1st lap in 52 minutes.
For the next 6 laps I run smoothly at tempo pace with some LT mixed in. It is amazing how fast the time goes out there. Before I knew it I had 4 hours in, this is when I found Rob and Capers…at the end of the 5th lap. Rob was fading and Capers was looking strong but was complaining about cramps. We pulled into the pit for refueling and I lost contact with Capers after that. As I was into the 6th lap I was trying to pick the pace up in hopes of getting in 8 laps. I was running about 51+ minute laps. The time on the clock said 5:11 when I started the 7th lap. If I could make in back before 6:00 I’d be able to do 8 laps.
Getting in 8 laps would give me a good shot at getting on the podium, plus it would keep me focused to pick off any other SS’s along the way. My perceived effort at this point was high but in reality I was not going any faster. But I was not going any slower and at the 5 hr. mark there were a lot of zombie riders out there that I was able to take advantage of. This is where I passed Scott from SWE who was sitting in third (I did not know it at the time). As I rolled toward the finish of lap 7 I could see the clock in the distance. 6:02:22…Game Over.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little disappointed in missing the cut off to get in 8 laps. The really fast guys did 8 and I wanted to do 8. Next year I will do 8…Dammit!
My mistake in not getting the 8 was not focusing on the correct lap times to make it happen. I should have pushed the pace harder in the beginning and fought to maintain the pace verse trying to pick up the pace. Now I know for next year…race and learn.
The good thing was my wheel didn’t come off, I did drop my chain like 4x but it didn’t cost me much time. My time was good enough for 3rd which I am very happy about. Any day you can share the podium with Kraxberger and Ross Anderson is a good day.
Post race was nice to be able to hang out and talk to everyone. Folks are much calmer after the race and its relaxing to warm up with some chili and share a laugh of two after racing all day. SWE makes this event a little better every year. This year the chili was better, they had real podiums to stand on for an award presentation and as always a nice warm fire to get toasty. I'll be back next year for 8 laps!
My race season begins with SSAP in April, the DH40 at the end of July marks the midway point and CP closes out my year. In between these are another 8 races but the ones I just mentioned help put a chronological order to my race schedule. Now that CP is over its time to JRA. I’d like to still throw in some centuries and lay down some intervals on occasion but for the next couple months I will have less structure to my low structure-training program. The only thing I will be aiming for is 10hrs/wk, on bike or skis.
Cathedral Pines Recapage
I left my house Saturday morning and headed to Rob’s in Paramus to meet him as well as Caper’s and Dana. I rolled in right at 6 as they were getting the bikes on Rob’s Corolla. Caper’s and Dana got to Rob’s house late last night and everyone looked a little groggy from lack of sleep. I was amazed that we were able to fit 5 bikes and our riding gear in that little car and still be able to sit comfortably. Capers thought he was going to a cx race and figured he needed a pit bike. It was a good test of Rob’s stowing skill’s, those bikes didn’t move an inch but his car was slow as shit going uphills.
We made good time and got there before 8. The race didn’t start until 9, there is no need to do a warm-up for a 6+hour race so we leisurely got ready and chatted with Kirt, Dave Clapp, and the Gozicks who parked next to us. They called us all together for some course info and then sent the field down to the start line. I’d say there was over 300 starters. I lined up front so I’d be ready to pedal my ass off on my SS.
The single track is gummed up with riders. For the first 20 minutes its hard to find any flow. The climbs are backed up, twisty sections are wheel to wheel as squeling rotors kill all momentum and there is the occasional rider going down or off course. After getting in some passes and making my way through the fray I finish the 1st lap in 52 minutes.
For the next 6 laps I run smoothly at tempo pace with some LT mixed in. It is amazing how fast the time goes out there. Before I knew it I had 4 hours in, this is when I found Rob and Capers…at the end of the 5th lap. Rob was fading and Capers was looking strong but was complaining about cramps. We pulled into the pit for refueling and I lost contact with Capers after that. As I was into the 6th lap I was trying to pick the pace up in hopes of getting in 8 laps. I was running about 51+ minute laps. The time on the clock said 5:11 when I started the 7th lap. If I could make in back before 6:00 I’d be able to do 8 laps.
Getting in 8 laps would give me a good shot at getting on the podium, plus it would keep me focused to pick off any other SS’s along the way. My perceived effort at this point was high but in reality I was not going any faster. But I was not going any slower and at the 5 hr. mark there were a lot of zombie riders out there that I was able to take advantage of. This is where I passed Scott from SWE who was sitting in third (I did not know it at the time). As I rolled toward the finish of lap 7 I could see the clock in the distance. 6:02:22…Game Over.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little disappointed in missing the cut off to get in 8 laps. The really fast guys did 8 and I wanted to do 8. Next year I will do 8…Dammit!
My mistake in not getting the 8 was not focusing on the correct lap times to make it happen. I should have pushed the pace harder in the beginning and fought to maintain the pace verse trying to pick up the pace. Now I know for next year…race and learn.
The good thing was my wheel didn’t come off, I did drop my chain like 4x but it didn’t cost me much time. My time was good enough for 3rd which I am very happy about. Any day you can share the podium with Kraxberger and Ross Anderson is a good day.
Post race was nice to be able to hang out and talk to everyone. Folks are much calmer after the race and its relaxing to warm up with some chili and share a laugh of two after racing all day. SWE makes this event a little better every year. This year the chili was better, they had real podiums to stand on for an award presentation and as always a nice warm fire to get toasty. I'll be back next year for 8 laps!
So...I have no more races this year, nothing to motivate me to work towards a podium; and thats ok. This year I've competed in 11 mountain bike races ranging from 6 hr. enduro's to a couple ball banging short track races. Last year I did 7 races, verses 11 this year...11 seems like the right number for me. Later this year I'll have to share a re-cap, it will force me to look at what I've done and see what worked. The h2h races were pretty much midpack finishes, and I did better in the enduro stuff. At a glance I am happy with my first year as a Cat 1.
Wow December is almost here, didn't we just have that silly snow storm before Halloween? I feel like I got jipped out of Halloween, maybe i'll wear my costume on Christmas. If it stays warm enough maybe I'll just keep wearing shorts in the winter...no I hate douchebags who do this.
These Days its been more about getting out on the mtb. I penned a write up as my alias Pooriggy on mtbnjblogspot earlier this week. If you haven't read this you should do so to get caught up as to the details of my life. I wonder if anyone reads those blogs. Here I can see how many people are reading this, plus I get feedback from my buddy Spence, Liong and Dave on a fairly regular basis. What do you guys think of the blog thing...love it, hate it, indifferent, great taste, less filling.
I don't know how to lead into this so I'll just say my dad has been in the hospital for lung issues but is getting better, hopefully he'll be off the respirator by the end of the week. Thanks for the kind words and feedback I've received. The one thing I've observed at hospitals is that people visiting them display some real emotion, unlike being in robot mode when going to the supermarket. Whether its the joy of a child being born or the grief of a loved one in ICU...its all happening at the hospital.
Like I talked about in the blog, getting out for a ride with friends is the best way to lighten a mental load. This past Sunday I mtb'ed at Blue Balls Mountain with Kirt and Falco. Wearing just my team kit, knee warmers and a vest we where on Ying Yang by 8:20 heading towards MYX Monster. It was slow going at first with all the leaves down and stream crossings at high tide but after about 45 minutes we settled into a good pace.
King of the mountain Kirt was exploring every drop. Its tough to capture the scale of this rock on camera, I'd say Kirt was about 15 feet up on top of this rock. Me and Falco thought he was just checking it out before coming down the easy way. He surprised both of us by riding down this, we just stood there and watched with our mouths open. When it comes to stuff like this I know my limitations, I walk way more stuff like this then I ride. I didn't realize how much I sucked until I watched Kirt go down that shit.
We spent 3.5hrs riding every trail at Blue, some 2x. This place isn't huge but when you only get here once or twice a season its good to put some quality time in. I liked Upper and Lower Sis and My Favorite Trail is definitely one of my favorite trails.
At the end of the ride I made these guys huddle in for a pic. Falco is like my 16 yr old son, he doesn't smile for photos. Good times, stay tuned for more weekly mtb adventures to come.
Wow December is almost here, didn't we just have that silly snow storm before Halloween? I feel like I got jipped out of Halloween, maybe i'll wear my costume on Christmas. If it stays warm enough maybe I'll just keep wearing shorts in the winter...no I hate douchebags who do this.
These Days its been more about getting out on the mtb. I penned a write up as my alias Pooriggy on mtbnjblogspot earlier this week. If you haven't read this you should do so to get caught up as to the details of my life. I wonder if anyone reads those blogs. Here I can see how many people are reading this, plus I get feedback from my buddy Spence, Liong and Dave on a fairly regular basis. What do you guys think of the blog thing...love it, hate it, indifferent, great taste, less filling.
I don't know how to lead into this so I'll just say my dad has been in the hospital for lung issues but is getting better, hopefully he'll be off the respirator by the end of the week. Thanks for the kind words and feedback I've received. The one thing I've observed at hospitals is that people visiting them display some real emotion, unlike being in robot mode when going to the supermarket. Whether its the joy of a child being born or the grief of a loved one in ICU...its all happening at the hospital.
Like I talked about in the blog, getting out for a ride with friends is the best way to lighten a mental load. This past Sunday I mtb'ed at Blue Balls Mountain with Kirt and Falco. Wearing just my team kit, knee warmers and a vest we where on Ying Yang by 8:20 heading towards MYX Monster. It was slow going at first with all the leaves down and stream crossings at high tide but after about 45 minutes we settled into a good pace.
King of the mountain Kirt was exploring every drop. Its tough to capture the scale of this rock on camera, I'd say Kirt was about 15 feet up on top of this rock. Me and Falco thought he was just checking it out before coming down the easy way. He surprised both of us by riding down this, we just stood there and watched with our mouths open. When it comes to stuff like this I know my limitations, I walk way more stuff like this then I ride. I didn't realize how much I sucked until I watched Kirt go down that shit.
We spent 3.5hrs riding every trail at Blue, some 2x. This place isn't huge but when you only get here once or twice a season its good to put some quality time in. I liked Upper and Lower Sis and My Favorite Trail is definitely one of my favorite trails.
At the end of the ride I made these guys huddle in for a pic. Falco is like my 16 yr old son, he doesn't smile for photos. Good times, stay tuned for more weekly mtb adventures to come.
All the best to you and your family!!!
Good to hear your Dad is doing better Chris!
All too many times I hear from Patty of the emotions that are thrown in her lap as not only a respiratory therapist but family counselor. She has the unfortunate job at times of pulling a plug so to speak.
Good to hear your Dad is doing better Chris!
All too many times I hear from Patty of the emotions that are thrown in her lap as not only a respiratory therapist but family counselor. She has the unfortunate job at times of pulling a plug so to speak.
We are very fortunate to have care givers like your wife at hospitals, they are a blessing.
I read the blog. When I'm on the forum, sometimes there's so much content and not enough time, so I find myself just scanning or skipping things. The blog, I usually read more carefully.
I like it when real life stuff is thrown in rather than just race recaps. I think it's a positive thing for the team and for getting sponsors to take notice. Probably more manageable than the newsletter.
I like it when real life stuff is thrown in rather than just race recaps. I think it's a positive thing for the team and for getting sponsors to take notice. Probably more manageable than the newsletter.
Thanks Jimmy, you've always been a solid supporter. I enjoy hearing real life stories as well. If I know the person it makes a race re-cap so much more interesting.
Now that race season is over for me I do find it harder to keep up with this blog. I enjoy writing it but I just don't have the motivation to do it as often. Maybe its the blah feeling of winter or the fact that my only training right now is just focused on putting in base type miles. I'm still shooting for about 10hrs/wk of saddle time with no real structure to my rides other than to have fun...which is a good thing.
Today I helped mark the Horseshoe scramble course with my teammates Kirt and Matty as well as a lot of High Gear folks. Vreeland has done a great job putting this together, the course is in even better shape than last year. Me and DH Sean followed up the guys putting the stakes in the ground with leaf rakes. We combed out leaves and sticks to keep the course clear. This was the first time I have ever marked a course but as I looked around everyone kicked but working together. We actually looked like we knew what we where doing. Afterwards me and Matty cruised the local roads for 2 hours, more base miles.
Tune In
It is the weekend so lets bust out some music. I love bands when they play it all.
I've heard this song before and became intrigued, one of the lines pays tribute to an old rap song; the roof is on fire It became a popular holla back on the dance floor in the late 80's. Well anyway this song has nothing to do with holla back but I think its pretty awesome how they put a spin on the lyrics into there song.
I should also add that NPR has a great format for showcasing musical acts. The sound is good as well as the lighting and the stage is a desk. NPR Tiny Desk Concerts kick ass...its the best way to observe and hear a band period Yacht Dystopia
The first song is outstanding, the first of the NPR trio I mean. Really enjoyable. You posted this right after I listened to that song I posted on FB 3 times. 2 really good songs found in like 20 minutes. What are the chances?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od6sUNTHiHs
If the words aren't there don't force it. You know that. Thanks for the help on the course. In general this NYC thing has been good for me but some days it sucks. I should go to sleep.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od6sUNTHiHs
If the words aren't there don't force it. You know that. Thanks for the help on the course. In general this NYC thing has been good for me but some days it sucks. I should go to sleep.
Well it is a rest week for me and with the steady rain drops coming down outside I have no desire to go out and pedal. I'm off from work today so maybe I'll bring the bike up from the basement, pop on a movie and ride the rollers. I haven't been on the bike since Saturday, so I probably need to spin to stay loose. I'm not really worried about missing some saddle time at this point in the season. This weekend I'll get out and put some long mountain bike rides in.
J from Halters posted something that caught my eye on Facebook the other day. Since my Dad is not doing well in the hospital the article 5 Regrets of the Dying hit home for me. Its a crappy rainy day and I don't want to bum people out but I think this can be seen as an inspirational way to live your life. We all get caught up in the day to day tedium of work and stress that we put upon ourselves but there is wisdom from people on their death bed reminding us of what is really important. I found this article insightful, the concepts are really simple but found myself having to go back and re-read it to let in really sink in.
As the holidays approach and I have more time off from work I find this time of year a good point to take stock of my life and try to understand how to achieve happiness. Looking back on this year in cycling I didn't get to the podium that much but being with people and sharing good times with other is what I remember more then anything else.
REGRETS OF THE DYING
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
J from Halters posted something that caught my eye on Facebook the other day. Since my Dad is not doing well in the hospital the article 5 Regrets of the Dying hit home for me. Its a crappy rainy day and I don't want to bum people out but I think this can be seen as an inspirational way to live your life. We all get caught up in the day to day tedium of work and stress that we put upon ourselves but there is wisdom from people on their death bed reminding us of what is really important. I found this article insightful, the concepts are really simple but found myself having to go back and re-read it to let in really sink in.
As the holidays approach and I have more time off from work I find this time of year a good point to take stock of my life and try to understand how to achieve happiness. Looking back on this year in cycling I didn't get to the podium that much but being with people and sharing good times with other is what I remember more then anything else.
REGRETS OF THE DYING
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
Thanks Case, always good to see you on the mtbing scene.
We're here we're queer and we're not going shopping. Thats the best I could do for an opener this morning.
So you prolly want to know what I've been up to, so let me fill you in.
I've been working on trying to become more of a mountain biker and less of a roadie. Anyone who rides is lumped into one of these two categories, roadie or mountain biker. Guys that had a history with bmx bikes(Jeremy & Bill), downhilling(MattyB), moto cross(Utah & Hayes) or professional wrestling(Jake) get labelled mountain bike based dude. Anyone else is basically a roadie fag, I fall into this category.
My teammate Kirt kills it on the technical trails when we go out, he floats everything while I'm working to keep up. I can ride the stuff but just not as fast as Kirt. On the road its the opposite, Kirt is usually behind me. I need to convert what I do on the road to the mtb trails. I'm not saying I will ever have tech skills better then guys like Kirt or Bill, but I have to work on improving to do better at racing. Jungle Habitat killed me this year, my race sucked. I need to be able to ride cleaner and more efficiently at courses like this.
Learn by doing, thats what I say. The best way to get better at tech mtbing is riding the hard stuff. In the last month I've been feeding myself a steady diet of Blue Mt., Cannonball and Mooch. The training has been a blast and way more enjoyable then road riding. The plan is to keep at it this winter and put in more mtb miles then road miles. Last winter I spent a lot of time on the xc skis with all the snow we had. This was good for my general fitness but I need to zone in on my mtb skill set this winter. If we get snow I'll be xc skiing otherwise I'll be up north riding some rocks somewhere's.
We're here we're queer and we're not going shopping. Thats the best I could do for an opener this morning.
So you prolly want to know what I've been up to, so let me fill you in.
I've been working on trying to become more of a mountain biker and less of a roadie. Anyone who rides is lumped into one of these two categories, roadie or mountain biker. Guys that had a history with bmx bikes(Jeremy & Bill), downhilling(MattyB), moto cross(Utah & Hayes) or professional wrestling(Jake) get labelled mountain bike based dude. Anyone else is basically a roadie fag, I fall into this category.
My teammate Kirt kills it on the technical trails when we go out, he floats everything while I'm working to keep up. I can ride the stuff but just not as fast as Kirt. On the road its the opposite, Kirt is usually behind me. I need to convert what I do on the road to the mtb trails. I'm not saying I will ever have tech skills better then guys like Kirt or Bill, but I have to work on improving to do better at racing. Jungle Habitat killed me this year, my race sucked. I need to be able to ride cleaner and more efficiently at courses like this.
Learn by doing, thats what I say. The best way to get better at tech mtbing is riding the hard stuff. In the last month I've been feeding myself a steady diet of Blue Mt., Cannonball and Mooch. The training has been a blast and way more enjoyable then road riding. The plan is to keep at it this winter and put in more mtb miles then road miles. Last winter I spent a lot of time on the xc skis with all the snow we had. This was good for my general fitness but I need to zone in on my mtb skill set this winter. If we get snow I'll be xc skiing otherwise I'll be up north riding some rocks somewhere's.
Who cares about the category. Just adds to your overall journey and skill base as a cyclist. I am a bmx and MTB guy at heart, but ride 90% road at this point. For me, it is about how I can spend the most time on two wheels. When it comes down to it, if you are riding, you are riding, no matter what any label you are someone else gives you.
Edit: I will leave my diatribe for you enjoyment, but after rereading your post, realized you just want to improve your mtb skills.
Edit: I will leave my diatribe for you enjoyment, but after rereading your post, realized you just want to improve your mtb skills.
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i prefer block head. just FYI.
and by the way, IMHO your strategy is spot on. if i remember correctly, a certain van dessel cx guy did something similar on the MTB a few years ago to hone his MTB skillz.
but what do i know. at this point i'm just a fat roadie.
and by the way, IMHO your strategy is spot on. if i remember correctly, a certain van dessel cx guy did something similar on the MTB a few years ago to hone his MTB skillz.
but what do i know. at this point i'm just a fat roadie.
My quest to be all I can be continues, in terms of mtbing. Kirt and I had a good ride at Cannonball/Ringwood Saturday. We were going to road trip to White Clay but decided to bail on that due to trails being closed to hunting.
Ringwood is my favorite place to mtb, it has so much good stuff concentrated in one area. Its like all killer and no filler. Well maybe some fire roads, but when you do a 20 mile loop this is inevitable.
For me the highlight was climbing up warm puppy heading towards the skyline trail clearing just about everything. I did have an occasional dab, but was on the bike for the most part. Kirt's highlight came later heading back on cannonball. He cleared this rock garden that looked like it was groomed with a grenade. Its these little victories that you remember the next time you ride that build skilz and confidence.
Mike G, Utah, Dusin, Ben, Vreeland, Chris, Tim, Bill, Woody, Kirt. + a bunch of people that were at the other end of parking lot.
Sunday we headed to join Chris G's train through Allaire. This was such a blast. I've been to Allaire a lot. I usually stop there after work when I want to mtb, so riding here is no big thrill to me.
With the cast that was assembled Sunday it was hard not to get giddy on that 25 man train steaming through the single track. I was behind Vreeland, who always provides great commentary. Chris G has the ability to keep a tempo pace while leading a non-stop 20 mile tour of Allaire. Occasionally we stopped to re-assemble but the flow was continuous, Chris really had this ride thought out.
Its all about the 1st take. As someone who snaps pics of people I've found that the magic usually happens in an instant. The first take is up top, the second is when Brian(Rotten) from 3-D racing offered to take the shot with me in it. You can see the 1st shot up top captured the moment, the 2nd tried to re-create it. The thrill was gone, + I usually yell at people to smile. Am I really that small?
This song helped to boost G-Loves career as well as launch Jack Johnson into the spotlight. This song has great flow, its just effortless. Another Iggy observation...any band that has a bongo player is hittin the hookah. Flow
Ringwood is my favorite place to mtb, it has so much good stuff concentrated in one area. Its like all killer and no filler. Well maybe some fire roads, but when you do a 20 mile loop this is inevitable.
For me the highlight was climbing up warm puppy heading towards the skyline trail clearing just about everything. I did have an occasional dab, but was on the bike for the most part. Kirt's highlight came later heading back on cannonball. He cleared this rock garden that looked like it was groomed with a grenade. Its these little victories that you remember the next time you ride that build skilz and confidence.
All-There
Mike G, Utah, Dusin, Ben, Vreeland, Chris, Tim, Bill, Woody, Kirt. + a bunch of people that were at the other end of parking lot.
Sunday we headed to join Chris G's train through Allaire. This was such a blast. I've been to Allaire a lot. I usually stop there after work when I want to mtb, so riding here is no big thrill to me.
With the cast that was assembled Sunday it was hard not to get giddy on that 25 man train steaming through the single track. I was behind Vreeland, who always provides great commentary. Chris G has the ability to keep a tempo pace while leading a non-stop 20 mile tour of Allaire. Occasionally we stopped to re-assemble but the flow was continuous, Chris really had this ride thought out.
All-There + Iggy
Its all about the 1st take. As someone who snaps pics of people I've found that the magic usually happens in an instant. The first take is up top, the second is when Brian(Rotten) from 3-D racing offered to take the shot with me in it. You can see the 1st shot up top captured the moment, the 2nd tried to re-create it. The thrill was gone, + I usually yell at people to smile. Am I really that small?
Tune In
This song helped to boost G-Loves career as well as launch Jack Johnson into the spotlight. This song has great flow, its just effortless. Another Iggy observation...any band that has a bongo player is hittin the hookah. Flow