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.