Saturday, August 28, 2010

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.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

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.

Monday, August 9, 2010

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.....

Finish of race in Kansas 2004