I Spy....

There are two things in this picture you haven't seen in awhile. Can you find them?

If you couldn't find them, they are Nate on a mountain bike ( Glad to have you back man!) and a saddle bag on the back of my bike. After apparently disappointing my fellow boy scout brotherhood, I made sure I had both the saddle bag and an extra tube with me on tonights ride. Good thing as Nate caught a flat and needed a little air.

The local wildlife activists are excited to see this almost extinct bird migrating to our area and making their homes on the banks of the James River.

Question?

Q:When is it morally wrong to accept a spare tube from a friend while on a ride?

A:When you have a box that looks like this one full of tubes and CO2 and you didn't take one along for the ride.

Other than the flat I had a good time out at Poor Farm for about an hours worth of riding. Got to ride with some a bunch of people I hadn't seen in a good while. Why is it every time someone pulls out a camera, everyone turns their head?

New Bike Day @ PSP

Saturday morning brought cloudy skies and warm temperatures. The cloudy skies soon went away but the warm temperatures stayed! I was excited to get the new Turner Burner out on the trails and see firsthand what this full suspension craze was all about. Met Scott on his new 29'er SS-er and Kenny at 10 for a nice loop. Both Lakeview Trails are now open and boy are they nice!

Kenny caught a flat in one of the creek crossings.

Scott took time to ponder what was wrong with his new ride.

I stuck around for awhile and got in an extra loop before meeting John, Steve, Michelle for a ride at 4. After a quick pass of the Green, we were joined by the masterminds behind the Lakeview trails, Joel and Eric. Another lap of the blue then red then green again had us riding until almost sunset.

Couldn't imagine a better way to spend a day off from work at the beginning of Spring. Stay tuned for impressions of the Turner. Just want to get a few more rides in before reporting anything in detail but the first impressions are L-O-V-E the bike. Tires have to go! Three words - MAXXIS HIGH ROLLER.

Worse than a woman?!

My fourth pair of cycling shoes in less than a year arrived today!

Enough said!

Be-lated Hilbert Recap

• Start off strong
• 7th into the woods
• 5th out of the woods (1st lap)
• Make way to 4th on 2nd lap
• Third lap feeling strong still then foot meets tree stump
• Toe dislocates brings on a string of four letter words
• Foot swells hold postition for laps 4 and 5
• Lap 6 loose 3 spots slipping to 7th
• Withdraw after 6 laps
• Finished 26th of 30-some Can I get a whooo-hoo?
• Didn't think so

A week later toe feels better except in the mornings when it is still a little stiff. Probably be back on the bike by the end of the week.

Oh and sorry for the lack of pics. The crew couldn't figure out how to work the camera.

With the 2007 MTB race season on the horizon I thought it would be a good idea to get the BUSS up and running properly once again. Picked up some nicely new-sed Ti brakes.
Then the other day the little brown elf brought me a present from this year's tire sponsor Maxxis. They were nice enough to send me a new set of rubbers for the BUSS so there would be no new baby BUSS's running around anytime soon.
First impression while installing them. Can I take those large 2.35's in the rear? Damn right I can! Although they must be flat in order for me to get them through the brake calipers. Took them out for a quick 8 mile spin at PSP Friday aftertnoon. I have to say I felt an immediate confidence in the tire as I was able to just lean and rail. Lean and rail.

Work today then Hilbert tomorrow for some enduro action!

Work on a Tuesday?

Knowing that I had Tuesday off from work, I decided to get more "dirty" miles in before the Hilbert Enduro this coming Sunday. Met up with Scott at the Qualla lot for some PSP fun!

We were then met up with by Winky. That's one crazy cat! Swam two miles before meeting up with us for another 15 or so miles on the bike.


Before I knew it Travis, Taylor and Richard were coming around the bend as well. Group was starting to grow! I have to admit I have been missing the company of group rides as of late. Too many solo road rides will do that I suppose.

Somehow while on the blue we spilt up into 2 groups. I think Richard and Winky decided to hit Lil West Va. Scott called it a day and then Julian joined the group. Travis, Julian, and I went and played on the red for a bit. Then headed over to Lakeview where my day would soon be ended.

Got over to Lakeview and with the first creek crossing came a loud thud. For one reason or another ended up stopping at the top of the following climb. That's when Travis pointed and asked "Yo dude you normally roll like that?!"

Turned down the offer of a new tube from the other guys. Knowing full well I had yet to repack the tools needed to pull the back wheel off and get it tensioned again. I started the well deserved walk out. A 3-4 mile trek in mtb shoes will do wonders for those who forget to pack their tools.

Riverside to PSP

Made it out for a ride on Tuesday. Decided to take an easy spin through the city and come back via the Riverside. All went well for the first 25 miles. Then the tightness in my right knee came back which is what I was trying to avoid by taking it "easy". Made a short stop at the Hugenout Flatlands and got off the bike. Magically when I got back onto the bike the tightness was gone. Decided not to cut the ride short and heading up Old Gun and back to the casa.


Took the BUSS over to the shop yesterday. My man Dave changed the oil in the fork. Have to give up to that fork. 6 years old and just getting its first oil change. Only reason I even had it down was because it had developed a squeak. Squeak is now gone!

And here is something you don't see to much anymore.

Headed over to PSP today for a quick spin. Enjoyed every minute of it. I might start to spend more time playing in the dirt and possibly less on the road. Hard decision though as I have fallen for both! Its like picking between two hot ladies. Seriously how does one choose?!