Katy Trail Ride- The official report

It’s been 2 months to the day since I started my bike trip across Missouri with my boy scouts. I have no excuse for waiting this long, except to say that I’ve been trying to catch up at work ever since I went on that trip. Anyway, it’s high time I recap.
This trip was in the works since late last year. Having responsibility for a group of Varsity Boy Scouts, I was expected to take them on a “high adventure” trip. After reflecting back on my days as a boy scout and remembering my favorite things, I recalled riding on this trail with my best friend and his dad. As a boy, I had only seen a small portion of the trail, so I found this as the perfect opportunity to see the whole thing.
We planned our trip to last over 4 days, and I think that was ideal. We rode 60 miles a day the first 3 days, and 40 on the last. It was just enough that we could accomplish, and definitely enough to wear out teenage boys so that they were ready to sleep every night.
We drove to Clinton on Monday afternoon July 10th, with 9 boys and 3 adult leaders who would be biking, 2 who would be driving support vehicles, and 1 who would just be dropping us off. We camped behind the activity center in Clinton in the fairgrounds area. All of the boys were excited. Even if they weren’t avid riders, they were still excited. They were riding around the campground anticipating the next morning.
We were at the trailhead right around 7am, just a city block away. After gathering for a few pictures, the boys were heading down the trail before I could shout any more instructions to them.
The trail is pretty flat, with a max 4% grade, and going from West to East was a great way to go. Going in July is probably one of the worst months in terms of temps, but there was plenty of shade in most areas, so that, and the breeze that you get while in motion helped to keep us cool. The first day was the hottest, and were were pretty wiped out by the time we stopped in Sedalia for lunch. We had 2 scouts that decided to take the afternoon off at that point and just ride in the support vehicles. The rest of us pushed on after a rejuvenating lunch. Everyone that rode that afternoon made it all the way to our camping spot in Pilot Grove. We stopped there because they had a pool, and we camped in the park by the pool.
Day 2 got us to the Missouri River in Boonville before lunch. It was a little uphill to get there, and after we crossed the river, it was flat and boring through the river bottom fields. This is where the longest straightest sections of the trail were, and very little shade. If I could leave a part of the trail out, this would be it. We did have a detour towards the end of this section. There was some flooding do to the heavy snow upriver, so we had to get on pavement for a few miles to get to Rocheport. We at lunch there, and then headed down to Jefferson City, where we camped for the night. We had planned to camp 10 miles earlier, but found that we were better off going on to Jeff City.
Day 3- The goal was to get to Marthasville for camping that evening. This would mean 60 miles, and we weren’t sure the scouts had it in them. By 3 in the afternoon, we had only gone about half of the distance that we needed to. Amazingly, every one of the boys pressed on and made it to Marthasville by that evening.
Saw some great scenery on day 4. The trail in eastern Missouri was beautiful, and we finished those last 40 miles by the middle of the afternoon. We had a great time, and I am amazed that these young men finished what they started

June update

Now only 3 weeks from the epic Katy trail ride. The boys are excited, as am I. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to get in any official training rides lately. I am pretty sure their determination to complete the entire trip will carry most of them to the end. I am expecting 10 boys and 5 or six adult riders.

I think I rode Monday this week before I got knocked down with illness. Trying to recover from a bout of strep throat. I hope to ride at least this monday before I fly to CA on business....and no bike riding this time, most likely.

I am told by my friend Carter Bishop, who sells lube out in Utah and who is getting me started selling lube in the midwest, that I have a ticket in to Interbike again this year. My wife tells me I have airfare....the only thing left is to actually buy the airfare and figure out sleeping arrangements. YAHOO! I had such a great time last year...and to top it off, I just used all of my airline miles to book passage for my wife and I to Kauai in September! Looking forward to some scuba diving and some mountain biking! Glad my sister lives there and can show me around.

Several miles later...

Shame on me for losing many opportunities to update my blog. I have had a pretty good spring thus far. I started commuting to work again, this time, much earlier in the spring than I ever have before. We did get quite the load of snow this winter, then a good dose of spring. The last few weeks have been rather cool however, and quite a bit of flooding. One of the makeshift bridges that I use to avoid the highway during my morning commute has washed away.

This spring, I missed my annual trip out west to rendezvous with the guys in Utah/Idaho. This is the first time in 7 years that I did not make the trip. It was due to lack of interest and commitment from my group here. I had the hardest time getting a group committed, and in the end, half of them backed out, and I couldn't afford to make the trip with the gas price as it is. It's tough when you are counting on others to make your trip possible, but that's the way it has always been for me. Sadly, we were supposed to meet up in Fruita Colorado this time around instead of Moab. There's always next year.

I am currently working on a boy scout bike trip for July. I have a group of about 10 14-15 year old boys that I am taking on the Katy trail, a 225 mile Rails-to-Trails trail across Missouri. We have been doing some training rides to help us get ready including rides during the floods, which was quite an adventure (see the pic) The boys are very enthusiastic, and I am definitely seeing them get excited about biking. I refuse to let any of them have a bad experience by riding something less than decent for such a ride. NO WALMART TRASH on our ride.

not much more than another weather update

Not only did we get snow after my last post, but this week we had another major snowfall, the largest on record for one day. We had about a foot at my house, and a half hours south of us had 2 feet! Incredible. Thankfully, it's melting right now. My brother will be here in a week, and he wants to go for a ride!

weather update

After a very cold month and 2 or 3 snow days, we hit 70 yesterday! Too bad we are now under a winter storm watch right now. Oh well. That's January for you. I did manage to get out and ride on Friday after a few stressful days at the office. It was a great day to be out on the trail. Cameron Porter and I rode our stumpjumpers on a few things we'd never ridden. They continue to expand the trails on the north side of Bentonville, and there is something for everyone. If I were to guess how many miles of trail there are within the 3 square miles where the trails are, I would guess between 20 and 30.

January news

The cold has settled in, and I am staying indoors...I need a trainer! I have decided I either need to lighten up my Enduro or replace it. After riding the 29er, the Enduro feels HEAVY, even though it's not compared to most all mountain machines. I am looking for some lighter wheels for it.
I have a goal this year to do my first 12 hour race solo! Hoping to get that opportunity this summer in Missouri at one of my favorite riding spots. After riding 80 miles in the MS 150, I feel the need to try something more.
Plans are in the works for a Fruita Colorado trip in April. This will be the first time in 7 years that I haven't gone to Moab in the spring, but at least I'll be in the same neighborhood with the same great group of guys.
It will be hard to top 2010; so many great experiences. But I'm going to give it all I got!

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.