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.