California riding again...

It's been 8 years since the last time I rode in California. Last time was a family vacation. This time I was able to work it into my business trip. The president of the company I work for just happens to be a mountain biker as well. The other great thing is that we are both tall, and he has 2 mountain bikes. We were able to arrange my flight so that we could go ride one morning before our sales meetings began.

John took me to Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland, CA. Though John isn't as daring as I am on 2 wheels, he showed me some great trails and we had a great time. The park itself seemed well balanced in its offering of wide open fire roads and trails for the novice and technical climbs and descents for the expert. I didn't get to see everything this time around, but I hope to get back and explore this park some more. The redwoods and views were beautiful and definitely added to the riding experience.

Mid-November update

Been off the bike for almost 2 weeks. It didn't help that both of my rides were in the shop for repairs. I wanted to race the weekend before last, but didn't have a working bike and couldn't afford the entry fee after the repairs anyway. Fork rebuild on the Enduro (ugh) and a few minor things on the 29er. The streak ends tonight with a night ride with a group of 15+. Should be fantastic! I don't remember the last time I went this long without riding. Probably last winter.
I just joined the greenhills trails group in my hometown of Chillicothe, MO. The trails have been sprouting up there since I left in the mid 90s thanks to Doug Long, my PE coach in Jr. High school. His dedication to the sport is a blessing to me and my siblings who love to ride when we get together. Can't wait to mingle with some of the folks in "Chill-ville." I will be up there over Thanksgiving, and as long as the weather doesn't do anything crazy, my brother and I will be hitting the trails for sure.
RIDE ON....

Epic ride...in the city limits

The town of Bella Vista Arkansas, where I live, is pretty unique. It's like someone took the town and just dropped it into the woods. Trees everywhere. I had heard about a system of trails and roads that connected from one edge of town to the other. Another group of cyclists had done this trail a couple of times, and last weekend, a group of my friends and others decided to take the ride. We rode over 15 miles on some trails and streets. Lots of loose rocks (typical for this area) and leaves covering the route. I was on my hardtail 29er and handled it all pretty well. I climbed a few hills others weren't able to do. I especially enjoyed riding Blowing Springs trails.

This is a ride that I wouldn't want to do very often, but once or twice a year would be good, especially if the untamed sections were cut a little better and more defined. Right now, the only way to know where you are going is to have someone guide you.

We did show up in costume. I decided to come as "Captain High Seatpost Guy" because Dave, the bike shop owner that organized the ride, is always giving me garbage about me having my seat up so high. Yes, I won the costume contest. Those care bears were pretty hardcore, though.

2011 Planning- KATY Trail

Already dreaming up plans for next summer. As I am responsible for a group of 14 and 15 year old varsity scouts, I have to help them plan a high adventure activity each summer. Next summer, I will be joining my scouts on an epic ride on the KATY trail, a rails-to-trails trail that runs most of the way across Missouri, from St. Louis to Clinton MO. I have fond memories of this trail. My love for bicycles deepened when I was in my tween years when my best friend's dad would take us riding on this trail near Columbia, MO. The scenery along the Missouri River is fantastic. I look forward to leading a group of a dozen or so on this legendary ride next summer. I'm sure there will be many more postings about this trip coming up in 8 months!

My first INTERBIKE!

For those who don't know what Interbike is, it's only the BIGGEST bike show in the nation! Everybody who is anybody in the bike world goes there to show off their new products for next year and meet with their dealers. I happen to have a few friends in the outdoor industry that were willing to get me in. Once I found the right deal on an airline ticket, it was a done deal.

Monday and Tuesday were the Outdoor Demo. This was held at Boulder City, NV. There were buses to take people out to the demo where there were dozens of bikes, parts, and accessory suppliers camped out and ready to show their stuff. The main reason for being out there however was to ride the 2011 bikes! It reminded me of going to buy a stereo at Nebraska Furniture Mart. I went in to look for a new stereo, and I had never been there before. The selection and options was so HUGE that I turned around and walked out. It was overwelming.

Well, I didn't walk out of the outdoor demo, but I did wander a bit before settling down and going into the Yeti tent. I rode the ASR-7. I also rode the Pivot Firebird and the Trek Remedy 7 the first day. By the time I rode those, I had discovered that there were also 2 trucks with flatbeds on the back that were hauling riders up bootleg canyon. That was the icing on the cake!

The second day of the demo, I rode the S-Works Enduro (still my favorite bike) the Santa Cruz Nomad, and I messed around a little on a Giant. I tried to get on an Ellsworth, but they never had one in my size. That was the hardest part.

Wednesday and Thursday, I attended the tradeshow part of the event. It took most of the day just to walk the floor and see all of the booths. My main goal was to network and meet a few people that I have only talked to on the phone at Shimano and Specialized...mission accomplished. I also picked up plenty of cheap or free items. I can't wait to do this again next year!!...wonder what I'll be doing by then.

Recap of the MS150

Daryl and I had a great time. We left my house at 4am to get to Clever Mo. The ride was well attended. We averaged 16mph on Saturday. The rest stops were well stocked with great high energy foods. The route was excellent- no major nasty hills like you would expect in the Ozarks, just a nice and fairly even route.
Toward the end of the last leg of the day, I still had enough left to lead a group of 3 into Joplin to the finish. Not sure what my speed was, but i was keeping a pretty fast pace.
I wanted to do the century route on Saturday since I wasn't going to ride on Sunday, but Daryl was riding Sunday and didn't want to wear himself out too bad. He did the century without me on Sunday.
I had a great time, and I'm sure I'll do this ride again, and recruit a few friends while I'm at it....guess it's time to find a road bike, or at least by next year.

The eve of the 150

Tomorrow, I will be participating in my first MS150 ride. My friend Daryl, who is turning 40 this weekend, told me years ago that he wanted to do one of these events before he turned 40. Even though he now lives in Nebraska, he is driving down to participate in the event that is only a few hours from where I live in Arkansas. Obviously, I had to join him. Now I don't consider myself a roadie, but I did trade my 29er to my friend Wynn Peterson for his Specialized Roubaix when I got back from the Colorado trip, and that's what I've been riding to work. I confess it is going to be rough going back to the mountain bike as a commuter. I think it's only a matter of time before I have a road bike for commuting.
Am I ready for tomorrow's event? Hardly. I haven't done any extended rides to get ready. I have done a 75 mile ride in one day before when I lived in Amarillo. I participated in the Tour de Cure. However that ride was FLAT. This is the Ozarks!

Weekend in Colorado part 2

Today we rode in Keystone today. Very challenging after wearing ourselves out yesterday at Winter Park. The trails were more technical- more rocks and roots. Most of it was not as flowy, but there were some awesome wood bridges that we loved. The downside today was the 3 flat tires I had. Very frustrating.
I'm wiped out. We made it as far as Colby, KS tonight. Tomorrow, we'll head back to Arkansas, and I'll be back on the road bike next week getting ready for the next big event- MS 150 in mid September.

Weekend in Colorado

What a great year for my bike resume. I will have ridden in three different places in Colorado in 2010 when this weekend is over, and next month after Interbike, Iwill have ridden in Nevada, which will mean I've ridden in the majority of the western United States. I had not ridden at all in Colorado until this year.
My friend Brad, who I do a lot of my riding with in Arkansas, told me last week he was going to bite the bullet and do the Colorado trip that we had talked about for several months. I thought there was no way I would get away with coming, but when my wife didn't say no....well, here I am.
Brad, Randy, Drew and I left on Thursday afternoon and stayed with Brad's uncle Doug that night in Denver. Friday we drove to Winter Park and rode Trestle. It was a 7 minute ride up the lift, and then bombing all the way down the mountain. I gave my brother his helmet camera back last week unfortunately, but there are plenty of youtube videos to show you what the trails are like. We are all beat after 6 or 7 rides down. It was worth the $34 day pass though. We were flying down the mountain and hitting the dirt banks so hard. I had one spill, and Drew did in the same spot later. This was my first experience with body armor and a full face helmet as well.
Today, we are headed to Keystone. Looking forward to more awesome downhill, and hopefully, our bodies will ready for today's session.

on the sidelines

A few events happened today that I wish I could have been a part of. One of them I'm not ready for- The Leadville 100. The event was today, and no way would I be ready for it even if I could get in...but I did watch the movie about last year's event, Race Across the Sky, for the 6th time tonight. I think I will do that event someday if I can take the time to train and get used to the elevation.
The event that I might have been a part of was the Rapture in Misery 12 hour race at Crowder Park today. My mom told me it was happening this weekend, but we were up in Missouri for family stuff and I didn't have the time to participate this year. I participated in this event in 2004 when it was held at Landahl Park, and I'm ready to do it again, and maybe try it solo.... or maybe I've been watching Race Across the Sky a little too much.

What happens in Vegas...well, I'd like to find out.

I am hoping that I may finally get to see what it's all about. I've been to Las Vegas a handful of times, but never more than traveling through on my way to somewhere else. But this year, a friend of mine has hooked me up with a ticket to Interbike! If you don't know about Interbike, it's where everyone who is anyone goes in September to show off their stuff for the upcoming year. It includes 2 days of demoing the new rides as well.
At first I was planning to make a week of it, and end the week with a few days in southern Utah riding Gooseberry Mesa for the first time. Unfortunately, I found out that my girls have a church program that day, so I will have to cut my trip short if I end up getting to go. The next hurdle is finding affordable airfare. Hopeing something will work out. It's time for me to see what the BIG show is all about.
I am headed to Kansas City tomorrow to spend some time with family. There is a 12 hour race at one of my favorite biking spots up there this weekend, but sadly, I have neither the time nor the money to participate. Next year.....

The Shrine

I believe I mentioned that I picked up this classic piece of art back in April, but I can't see where I posted it. I must have been waiting until I got her displayed before I introduced her.
You are looking at a 1982 Specialized Stumpjumper, one of the first mountain bikes ever! A guy in Kansas City listed it on Craigslist, and I happened to be on there that morning. I called, and the line was busy, so I kept calling. I was sure he was on the phone selling it to someone else, but lucky for me, I was the first to get to him. (he told me that at least 2 other people wanted it if I didn't buy it. I decided I'd better not try to negotiate the price.
ALMOST EVERYTHING IS ORIGINAL ON THIS BIKE!! She belonged to one lady who bought it from a shop in Colorado, and she gave it to the guy I bought it from. I've been slowly cleaning it up, taking off the excess stickers, and finding some of the few missing parts. (I just need the seat, seatpost, original stumpjumper tires, and cassette) With the loving support of my wife, this beautiful masterpiece now hangs in my family room for all to see. My 20 month old boy Jack loves to touch it every time we walk by it....so do I. We love the Stumpjumper. Many think I am crazy for displaying such a thing in my home. Thank goodness my wife understands me.

Moab's big "plunge"

This is from the Spring 2010 Moab trip this year. I was afraid to do this drop last year, but I kind of had it in my head that when I came back, I was going to drop it. I was nervous, but I did it none the less, and here is the video to prove it. I even had my friend Rob Kelsey follow me down willingly.

lake leatherwood downhill experience

Took my first ride on the downhill course at Lake Leatherwood in Eureka Springs. I've ridden some of the other trails before, but what I rode yesterday was a new downhill course designed and upgraded by the Progressive Trail Designs team. Not sure how long it it, but it had plenty of features I was unwilling to try. We found out that there is a road that you can take to the top, so next time, we'll have to plan our strategy with a group.

It's HOT!!

Riding back and forth to work in mid 70s and mid 90s is not fun when humidity comes with it. Gotta love riding the bike though.
Lately, I've been out riding with some guys that are in the market for bikes. When possible, I jump on the 29er and let them have a ride on the Enduro. They definitely love the ride. I confess at this point, though I love the 29er, I really enjoy the comfort of the Enduro on the trail. It makes for a great ride.
Next big bike adventure could be a rendezvous at Interbike in Las Vegas and then a weekend ride at Gooseberry Mesa in southern Utah in Sept. We'll see if the funds are there and the plane ticket is affordable.

The 29er is in business!

Last night, I completed the build on the 29er frame that I bought. I was planning on enlisting some help with the build last weekend because of my lack of confidence in my abilities. When no one was available, I started piecing it together a little at a time each day. Last night, with the help of my neighbor Donald Francis, the gears were adjusted, and she is done! I can't believe I was able to do almost the whole thing myself. I spent 2 hours in the bike shop cutting and installing cables yesterday. Obviously, I'm not real fast, but it works.

Rode to work this morning, despite the 100% chance of rain, and it looks like I'll have a clear shot home now that the storms have passed for the moment. It feels strange to be back on a hardtail. Will I get used to it again?

2 weeks out commission...NOT RIGHT

Not sure that I mentioned that I came home from Moab with a broken bike. My rear hub locked up on my way down my last run in Fruita, Kessel Run. Mike B. helped me remove my chain so I could at least coast down the trail. Thank goodness! That was the right trail for that to happen on too. I only had to push a couple of times...and it was skateboard style pushing.
To top it off, my mechanic was out with an injury, so my bike sat in the shop for almost 2 weeks before it got any attention. Once it finally did get worked on, it wasn't my trusted mechanic that rebuilt my rear wheel, which is probably why the wheel was rubbing against the front derailleur when I left. The guys in the shop were convinced that my bike frame was bent. I couldn't see it, but decided the only thing to do was call Tan at Specialized. He referred me to a service rep, Cody, who told me to take it to a dealer for inspection. I decided to take this as my opportunity to visit Eureka Springs for the first time. I've ridden a great trail over there, but never actually been in the town. I met the Specialized dealer from over there at our local trail here and since then have wanted to get over there. The shop owner is Denton West. He took a quick look at the bike and told me he was pretty sure that it was just a wheel issue, and to give him an hour to fix it. Sure enough, the wheel was not dished properly. Denton and I talked for about half an hour about business, bikes, trails, and future group rides. I look forward to seeing him more and riding with him this year.
In other news, I now have a Stumpjumper Marathon 29er frame that I bought on ebay for $500. It came with a Reba fork. Now all I need it PARTS! Can't wait to get it built up so I can ride it to work and back, but my budget is spent, so it could be weeks or months before I can ride it. Today, I am just grateful to have SOMETHING to ride! I love my Enduro. However, I've wanted a 29er since I rode one in Moab 2 years ago. I finally just did it....and by the way, that picture of me on my blog on that green Specialized...that's me on the 29er in Moab 2 years ago.

Finally, a ride in Colorado

Moab ended well. I took a group of 13 guys down the Porcupine Rim trail, and we all survived...amazingly. The more guys in the group, the more likely that something will go wrong...and things did go wrong. Mechanically, Justin Chamberlain did more damage to his bike, and physically, Smart Mike and Rob Kelsey both took some hard spills. Despite it all, the entire group finished the ride within 10 minutes of each other, which is incredible. Sterling McMurrin was kind enough to shuttle us to the top and pick us up at the bottom...with lunch.
On Saturday, the group split again, and this time, I took off with the bulk of the group from Utah and headed to try my first ride in Fruita Colorado. We drove to the north side of Fruita to the Book Cliffs parking lot out in the Fruita Desert. From there, we parked cars and rode our bikes up the road to start at the top. We rode Joe's Ridge, Kessel Run, and Zippety Doo Dah. These trails are amazing dirt singletrack, much different than the Moab trails just down the road. Alot of the riding takes place up on the ridges of the foothills of the mountains, so if you go off one side or the other, you are toast! It was like riding a roller coaster...I normally describe mountain biking that way, but in this instance, it was like being able to see the track expanding off in the distance...just like a roller coaster.
Kessel Run was kind of the opposite, where you were down in the valley, and you would ride back and forth through the ravine and ditch. Fun and fast, and it didn't require much pedaling, which is good because on the last run, my rear hub locked up, and I had to break my chain to even be able to coast down the trail.

the latest from Moab Utah

Up early this morning as I usually am. Figured this would be a good time to share what is happening in Moab. Our group from Arkansas consisted of 5 this year. We were planning on 6, but Randy Murray had work come up at the last minute. Shane Davis, Drew McMurrin, me, and Brad Nielsen left Bella Vista around 5:20pm on Tues evening and met up with Brad's cousin Ryan Waite in Joplin. We drove all night to arrive in Moab around 10am Wed. We rode Klondike Bluffs and Bartlett Wash our first day. Last year at Bartlett, I rode down one steep ravine and passed up another, the famous one known as the toilet bowl. This year, after a little hesitation, I did it. I'll post video when I get it from my friends. My friend Rob Kelsey was right behind me on the way down.
Other friends arrived Wed. night, and we rode Amassa Back yesterday. According to Gene Poncelett, we gained 2100 feet of elevation during that ride. I've ridden this trail twice before, but this time we added some other singletrack that I hadn't done before. Unfortunately, I had a crash on the way back down...still not sure what happened, all I know is that I heard myself hit a loose rock that may have flown up into my bike. It jackknifed my bike and threw me down against the solid rock surface underneath me. I'm sore in a few places, but doing fine.
I took the AR group up to ride the practice loop of slickrock as well. We were all tired from Amassa, so we didn't feel like doing much at that point. Today, we head for Porcupine Rim, the best trail i know in Moab.

Back to riding my bike to work

I didn't think I would ever do it, but last week I bought a road bike. It's an oldie, a 1986 Schwinn Prelude. Joel Patterson in KC was selling another piece of merchandise that I wanted (that one deserves its own post, so stay tunned, and when I get pics, I'll post) and he somehow talked me in to buying this old road bike as well. So far, I like it pretty well, except for it's little quirks. I took it in to Joe at Ozark Bike Shop in Rogers so that Joe can work his magic on it. I paid $180 for it, which looking back was probably a bit much considering it's already in the bike shop. Oh well. I'll just have to put alot of miles on it.
I've ridden to work twice this week, but plan to do much more this year. Great way to relieve stress, get some exercise, and save some money.

It's practically here! Moab 2010

Next week. I will travel to Moab for my 6th spring in a row to meet up with some friends in Moab Utah, the Mecca of Mountain Biking. It began 6 years ago when my brother in law Al Doan told me that his friend from Logan Utah was going to Moab with his buddies, and that we were invited. Ever since then, with or without Al, I go hook up with those same guys in Moab; there's Neil Ethrington, Mike Molyneux (lovingly referred to as "Smart Mike"), Jordan Zobell (Zobe), and Will Jensen. Over the years we've picked up more regulars, including Mike Bisignani (Biz), Wayne Wheeler, and Gene Poncelet. Others have come, enjoyed, but have not found their way back.
Each year, wherever I've lived, I have rounded up a group of choice riders to carpool out with me. Rarely if ever have I had the same people go 2 years in a row. Finally, after many attempts and invites, this year, Randy Murray and Justin Chamberlain return to Moab for a second year in a row. There will be a total of 6 guys piling in one vehicle to ride out with me this year (the same number as last year) However, I have a friend coming from AZ, Rob Kelsey, who I rode with in the 24 hour race, and Sterling McMurrin, whos son Drew is driving out with us from here. Justin Chamberlain and his family moved to Colorado, but he and his dad are coming as Justin makes his second attempt at Moab...last year ended in disaster shortly after it began when Justin attempted a ledge that he shouldn't have on his very first ride. Wynn Peterson will not make it back this year, but his son in law, Nick Morrill, will, so excellent news there. He will not have to wait for his wife this year...did i just say that?
In all, we will have about 25 guys on the trail...HUGE. Maybe too big. I'll report back on that soon.

DEMO RIDE TODAY

Trek came to town and put on a demo event. Specialized had one in St. Joe in September, but unlike that one, I didn't have to drive an hour and a half to get there, and I actually got to ride the bike I wanted to, and ride it on my trail! (Sorry, had to complain a little bit.)
So, I've been dreaming about getting a 29er for a commuter / racing bike. Ever since I rode one in Moab 2 years ago, I've wanted one, though I haven't decided it's the ONLY bike I want to own. However, after today's ride, I am sure I could be convinced. Dave Neal and I took off on the trail around 4:30pm at Slaughterpen. He rode a Remedy and I rode a Gary Fisher Superfly...and it was SUPERFLY. Amazingly, the trail was in great shape, despite the 8 or 10 inches of snow that just melted on the trail in the last few days. Dave and I both loved the bikes we were riding.
Though I had planned to get a 29er in the near future, my 6 year old daughter's trip to the emergency room for stitches 2 weeks ago put that dream on hold yet again.
WHEN WILL I BE LOVED?---the Everly Brothers

My first 24 hour race

Brad Nielsen was kind enough to give me a ride to the airport in Tulsa. Unfortunately, Dallas had a freak snowstorm the day I was to fly out, and my plane that was suppposed to take me to Denver never left Dallas. I flew to Vegas instead and then to Tucson. I was later getting in by 3 hours. Rob Kelsey picked me up at the airport. He was the captain of our team and pulled the whole thing together....quite well, I must say. I would never have done this without him.

We hit In-n-Out Burger before heading into the desert to where we were camping/racing. Dana Thornhill provided our luxury accomodations. His camper was very comfortable.

We rode the course on Friday after our fouth guy (actually, our starter) Jeff Glick, a captain in the army, arrived. The lap ended up being about 17 miles. There weren't any steep crazy climbs, just short ones. The best part was the downhill at the end of the lap. Lots of singletrack through the desert for the most part.

The race started Lamans style. We drafted Jeff to be the lead guy. He rode an old hardtail airborne bike. He sprinted down the start and was one of the first 50 or so to grab his bike from the crowds of spectators and get moving. Lucky for him! There were hundreds or maybe even thousands starting that race! What a sight!

My lap start times were 1:21pm, 7:42pm, 2:08am, and 8:45am.- so there were 2 laps in the daylight and 2 laps in the dark. My best lap was the first, 1hr 25min., then I had 1hr 31min, 1:39, and 1:30. Everyone on the team crashed on the first lap except for me, but I did manage to hit a cholla cactus with my right arm. It stuck right in my bicep and didn't move until I stopped to remove it.

Our team to 63rd out of 139 4-man teams, so not bad. Will I do it again? I would if drafted and sponsored, but I don't think I'm going out looking for that kind of trouble anytime soon.

One week to race day

I've been spinning every day this week in the office because the weather continues to be wet. We're still recovering from the 8 inches of snow last week. I was able to spin 3 times on Wed. and 3 times today, so I'm pretty proud of that, though it wasn't long enough to come close to what the race coarse is going to be.

Final Ride for the week before the winter storm

We hit 50 degrees on Wednesday, and I wanted to get one more ride in before Thursday's winter storm arrived. I had hoped to go with my friend Drew McMurrin on a night ride, since I had not had the chance to use my light set yet. He ended up not being available. It was dark, and I didn't want to go ride alone in the dark. I sent out a mass text to see if anyone would go. It ended up that Jason from the bike shop was going. He told me to bring Brad Nielsen along and that he would have a light for him. After waiting 20 minutes (after 10pm) for Jason to arrive, Brad and I decided we couldn't wait any longer. We took off to do a lap in Slaughterpen, with me riding behind Brad with my headlamp to show the way in front of him. We both had a FANTASTIC time. It was exilerating to ride at night, and we both felt great about our ride. It was a total blast, even with just one light.
So I figured that would be my last ride before the 8 inches of snow that we got, but Dave Neil said we should ride Thurs afternoon before the winter weather arrived. So Dave, Chris, Brad, and I headed for the trail. The sleet began to pelt Brad's truck before we even got there. Traffic leaving town was crazy as we headed the opposite direction of traffic toward the trailhead. We arrived, gathered ourselves, and headed out. The ride was not near as enjoyable as the night before, but we were not disappointed about going. We did have ice forming on our helmets and Camelbaks.
So that's it for the week, right?...then Friday afternoon as the snow is piling up on the ground, Dave sends a text that says," Snow ride?" I ignored the text.
That didn't work. 20 minutes later, Dave and Chris are on my doorstep, geared up and on their bikes saying Let's go. I said, "Give me 5 minutes..." , and we were off. We didn't know where to go, but ended up riding to Brad's house, a 7 mile round trip in the snow with MASSIVE hill on Trafalgar that I swore I would NEVER climb on a bike in good weather...but I did it on a snow-packed street. I just kept riding when my buddies dismounted...Dave said "It's bragging rights if you make it to the top."
We chatted with Brad for 20 minutes or so before heading for home. It was yet another great ride with the light. The snow was falling the whole time, and few people were out driving, but we did it.
Chalk up 3 rides in 48hrs, baby....

Training for my first 24 hour race

So I officially began training for the race on Jan 13th. That's only a month out from the actual event! Reminds me of my high school track days when we would only be a month out from our first meet when track practices began, and Coach Lair would send out out the first week to just run the streets of Chillicothe, MO for an hour or so.

The weather has been less than helpful the last several weeks. We got lots of rain, and then, lots of snow and ice (for this area) at the end of Dec. and just this week, so getting out on the trails has not been happening much. Lucky for me, my coworker Mike has a bike trainer that he brought to the office, and lucky for me, he said I am welcome to use it. I don't have the shoes for his bike, but, lucky for me, I still had the rear wheel from my old 2004 Stumpjumper that Shane Santos bought from me. He replaced the rear wheel and gave me the old one, cassette and all. So I took the wheel and put a smoothe beach cruiser tire on it. Now all I do is swap wheels out on my Enduro and pedal in the office.

Knowing that a 24 hour race will require that each team member ride multiple times during the event (team members usually trade off laps, which means 3 or 4 laps per rider) I am trying to train more than once per day. I know in the past how tough it is to get out and ride after having given it your all already in the same day. Hopefully I will be ready....ok there is NO WAY I will be ready, but I hope to be more ready than I would have otherwise been.

More results from the Specialized Trail Crew Contest

I'll admit that there have been a few moments where I felt a little down trodden, having missed an opportunity to be on the trail crew. I do have some positive notes about this experience. I met a few guys though the contest, one of them being Rob Kelsey from Arizona. Rob and I got to know each other before the final results were announced, and we were both pulling for each other. Rob has a great big red Specialized "S" tatooed on his leg....how could they reject a guy like that? Though neither of us made the trail crew, we have continued to talk, and Rob decided that I needed to come be on his race team for the 24 hours of Pueblo. I have not had an opportunity to particpate in a 24 hour race. I did 2 12hr races in Missouri in 2004, one on a team of 3 or 4, and one in a duo with my friiend Shawn Force. That is a tough race! Now to do a 24 hr. seems overwelming. I told Rob it would be cool, but I didn't have the money to get there. Rob has taken care of that, as well as sent me his old light set (which doesn't shine like an old light set) and a couple of old pair of gloves he is not using (which don't look like they are old). I don't know what I did to deserve such treatment because I have never even met Rob, but all I can say is that he is a true friend to mountain biking. I can't wait to ride on his team and hope I will do my part for the team.
So on Feb. 11th, I fly to AZ and meet Rob. We will ride some trails the few days we have, and then Saturday at noon, the race begins. There will be posting for sure that night. I hope to take time to post something between each leg of the race that I do.