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.