Monday, July 31, 2006
Laramie Enduro
Here's the long version:
I knew it was going to be hot when at 5:30 in the a.m. it was already warm enough that shorts and short sleeves were in order. Before the sun was up. Wow. It was certainly early too. I briefly lost my keys, and sda breiefly lost his shorts. Luckily we got all that sorted out before any major freakout. Minor freakouts aside, I was at the start 15 minutes before the gun, or before the ACDC was blasting as it were. Saw Mic and his crew prerace, and Jim Craig too. It's good to see some friendly faces out there.
Instead of starting way back like last year, I wanted to be a bit further up, and started pretty solid mid pack. The first singletrack was maybe a quarter mile from the start, which equals a major cluster. I was dead stopped waiting for folks to get a move on through the funnel. People were in good spirits, I had to laugh at those who started mooing. Ah, to feel like cattle at 7:05.
I prerode the first small section of singletrack the night before, so I knew what to expect and rode it well, passing a few people here and there. It felt good to have some race mojo going on. After a mile or tow of that we crossed the highway and started the first dirtroad section. I gave myself a once over - lungs, legs, mindset, all systems were go. I settled in at my own pace, feeling good. Very good actually. The course gets rolly before that next section of singletrack, and it keeps turning onto the roads less traveled. This year, that meant sand, but i was ready for it with the big wheels and bigger tires. I was floating smooth and straight through the sandtraps, watching other folks bob and weave and fight their way through. I was passing folks all over out there, especially on the dh's - I was tracking straight past groups of 4's and 5's, even a group of 8 all at once. Very good indeed!
The second piece of singletrack is uphill, cresting at the super steep downhill wall - if you've done the LE, yep, that one. I rode well on the uphill, and still feeling good, I was catching up to the folks in front of me. At the end of that singletrack, we pointed it down the wall. And then guy#1 in that group lost it in the rut. Bam! Over the bars, in the dirt, guy #2 crashed into #1's bike, and I was able to stop with only a gentle bumb up against #2's ride. Whew! Everyone was safe, so I took off again, out into the backcountry two tracks of Wyoming. The first aid station came just in time, I refilled, ate a little, and popped the earphones on now that the race had thinned out a bit.
Ah, music. I don't ride with music much, but it was a lifesaver out there. I picked a ton of songs that kept me in the groove, spinning along. I even heard, at the next aide station, an aquaintance that I've always concidered to be faster than me tell me that I was going so much faster that it was like I hit a switch. Wow, havn't heard that one before! It also kept my mind off how hard it was getting out there. And how hot it was getting out there.
Here's what I remember between Aide #2 and #4: The sun was baking us. The roads were sandy. The singletrack was everywhere. I simply don't remember nearly that much trail last year, and this year it was everywhere. And this part of the course that was the same as last year! What a difference a year and not suffering makes! A particularly uplifting moment was when I rolled up on #4 - last year I remember an insanely hard climb that wiped me out. I stopped three quarters of the way up to rest. I spent almost an hour at #4 recovering. This year I was anticipating it. Waiting for it around every corner. And when I rolled up to #4, I was stunned. Sure, it was a long steady climb, but I was in my middle pushing a decent pace. What a difference a year, and a few more long rides, can make!
Here's the real crucible with the current version of the Enduro: The first 55ish miles are hard. The last 15 are brutal. Leaving #4, I was pretty confident. A mile down the road we dumped onto singletrack. It got steep. We were riding barely trail, cattlepath, me on my fully rigid bike. My hands were on fire, no longer able to absorb the hits from the trail. I could feel each vibration from the trail jarring my bones, or so it seemed. It was during the heat of the day, the sun directly overhead, there was little shade. We were circumnavigated a mountain, and taking the brunt of its fluctuating slopes. It seemed like every right hand corner revealed a steeper and looser climb.
I cracked like Humpty Dumpty - but instead of falling off the wall, I hit it.
I limped into the last aide station, and collapsed into some shade. Immediately a volunteer was there asking if I needed water or food or an EMT. After a rest of at least 20 minutes, and a refueling of water and salted potatoes, I was up. The road was miserable, baking in the midafternoon heat and sun. When I came to the last climb, Headquarters, I was estatic. There would be shade! I remember climbing more this year on the bike, less on my feet, and before I knew it I was at the top, where I was treated to some rolling trail, that was rooty and rocky. The last thing my hands and elbows and shoulders needed. I was walking nearly anything that resempled technical trail, for fear that I'd lose it and break myself. And finally I saw the road. A quarter mile later and I was at the finish line with a beer in hand, a smile on my face, and new and old friends around me.
So that's Laramie. No results on their website yet, but according to my watch I beat last years time by over an hour. And a shout out to Jesper for wearing his colors at the race. It's great to see other 'Stone jerseys out there!
Here's a few shots from the Eve of Enduro, camping out.
I knew it was going to be hot when at 5:30 in the a.m. it was already warm enough that shorts and short sleeves were in order. Before the sun was up. Wow. It was certainly early too. I briefly lost my keys, and sda breiefly lost his shorts. Luckily we got all that sorted out before any major freakout. Minor freakouts aside, I was at the start 15 minutes before the gun, or before the ACDC was blasting as it were. Saw Mic and his crew prerace, and Jim Craig too. It's good to see some friendly faces out there.
Instead of starting way back like last year, I wanted to be a bit further up, and started pretty solid mid pack. The first singletrack was maybe a quarter mile from the start, which equals a major cluster. I was dead stopped waiting for folks to get a move on through the funnel. People were in good spirits, I had to laugh at those who started mooing. Ah, to feel like cattle at 7:05.
I prerode the first small section of singletrack the night before, so I knew what to expect and rode it well, passing a few people here and there. It felt good to have some race mojo going on. After a mile or tow of that we crossed the highway and started the first dirtroad section. I gave myself a once over - lungs, legs, mindset, all systems were go. I settled in at my own pace, feeling good. Very good actually. The course gets rolly before that next section of singletrack, and it keeps turning onto the roads less traveled. This year, that meant sand, but i was ready for it with the big wheels and bigger tires. I was floating smooth and straight through the sandtraps, watching other folks bob and weave and fight their way through. I was passing folks all over out there, especially on the dh's - I was tracking straight past groups of 4's and 5's, even a group of 8 all at once. Very good indeed!
The second piece of singletrack is uphill, cresting at the super steep downhill wall - if you've done the LE, yep, that one. I rode well on the uphill, and still feeling good, I was catching up to the folks in front of me. At the end of that singletrack, we pointed it down the wall. And then guy#1 in that group lost it in the rut. Bam! Over the bars, in the dirt, guy #2 crashed into #1's bike, and I was able to stop with only a gentle bumb up against #2's ride. Whew! Everyone was safe, so I took off again, out into the backcountry two tracks of Wyoming. The first aid station came just in time, I refilled, ate a little, and popped the earphones on now that the race had thinned out a bit.
Ah, music. I don't ride with music much, but it was a lifesaver out there. I picked a ton of songs that kept me in the groove, spinning along. I even heard, at the next aide station, an aquaintance that I've always concidered to be faster than me tell me that I was going so much faster that it was like I hit a switch. Wow, havn't heard that one before! It also kept my mind off how hard it was getting out there. And how hot it was getting out there.
Here's what I remember between Aide #2 and #4: The sun was baking us. The roads were sandy. The singletrack was everywhere. I simply don't remember nearly that much trail last year, and this year it was everywhere. And this part of the course that was the same as last year! What a difference a year and not suffering makes! A particularly uplifting moment was when I rolled up on #4 - last year I remember an insanely hard climb that wiped me out. I stopped three quarters of the way up to rest. I spent almost an hour at #4 recovering. This year I was anticipating it. Waiting for it around every corner. And when I rolled up to #4, I was stunned. Sure, it was a long steady climb, but I was in my middle pushing a decent pace. What a difference a year, and a few more long rides, can make!
Here's the real crucible with the current version of the Enduro: The first 55ish miles are hard. The last 15 are brutal. Leaving #4, I was pretty confident. A mile down the road we dumped onto singletrack. It got steep. We were riding barely trail, cattlepath, me on my fully rigid bike. My hands were on fire, no longer able to absorb the hits from the trail. I could feel each vibration from the trail jarring my bones, or so it seemed. It was during the heat of the day, the sun directly overhead, there was little shade. We were circumnavigated a mountain, and taking the brunt of its fluctuating slopes. It seemed like every right hand corner revealed a steeper and looser climb.
I cracked like Humpty Dumpty - but instead of falling off the wall, I hit it.
I limped into the last aide station, and collapsed into some shade. Immediately a volunteer was there asking if I needed water or food or an EMT. After a rest of at least 20 minutes, and a refueling of water and salted potatoes, I was up. The road was miserable, baking in the midafternoon heat and sun. When I came to the last climb, Headquarters, I was estatic. There would be shade! I remember climbing more this year on the bike, less on my feet, and before I knew it I was at the top, where I was treated to some rolling trail, that was rooty and rocky. The last thing my hands and elbows and shoulders needed. I was walking nearly anything that resempled technical trail, for fear that I'd lose it and break myself. And finally I saw the road. A quarter mile later and I was at the finish line with a beer in hand, a smile on my face, and new and old friends around me.
So that's Laramie. No results on their website yet, but according to my watch I beat last years time by over an hour. And a shout out to Jesper for wearing his colors at the race. It's great to see other 'Stone jerseys out there!
Here's a few shots from the Eve of Enduro, camping out.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Heil Ranch to Lyons Connector Now Full Speed Ahead!
Frigging great news! Here's what's out there so far. I've got a few calls out to town board members, but haven't heard any response back, yet.
***********************************************
At 5:30 Friday night (7/28/06) the town of Lyons entered into an assignable contract to purchase the 119 acres Olson property. At closing, probably early in September, the contract will be asssigned to Boulder County Parks and Open Space. BCPOS will pay the entire purchase price of $2,900,000 and take fee ownership of 109 acres. 9.3 acres will go to the town of Lyons. The town has agreed to provide amenities serving Heil Ranch including parking and a trailhead in the vicinity of Bohn Park, and a corridor through town property for a trail connection to Heil Ranch.
In addition to the 9.3 acre lot, the town will get a 5-year option to purchase an additional 10.2 acre parcel. Both these parcels will be limited to use as parks, school, or other municipal purposes acceptable to the County.
Three lots on the north of the property, totaling about 20 acres and including the existing house, will be put up for sale subject to conservation easements limiting structure sizes to help recover some of the County's original purchase price.
There will be a special POSAC meeting on August 10 at 5:30PM in the County Commissioners' Hearing Room to review this purchase. The County Commissioners should hear the matter the following week.
The staff's recommendations conclude with "By acquiring the property, the County ensures this open space legacy and solidifies the much anticipated Heil to Lyons and Heil to Hall trail connections."
***********************************************
At 5:30 Friday night (7/28/06) the town of Lyons entered into an assignable contract to purchase the 119 acres Olson property. At closing, probably early in September, the contract will be asssigned to Boulder County Parks and Open Space. BCPOS will pay the entire purchase price of $2,900,000 and take fee ownership of 109 acres. 9.3 acres will go to the town of Lyons. The town has agreed to provide amenities serving Heil Ranch including parking and a trailhead in the vicinity of Bohn Park, and a corridor through town property for a trail connection to Heil Ranch.
In addition to the 9.3 acre lot, the town will get a 5-year option to purchase an additional 10.2 acre parcel. Both these parcels will be limited to use as parks, school, or other municipal purposes acceptable to the County.
Three lots on the north of the property, totaling about 20 acres and including the existing house, will be put up for sale subject to conservation easements limiting structure sizes to help recover some of the County's original purchase price.
There will be a special POSAC meeting on August 10 at 5:30PM in the County Commissioners' Hearing Room to review this purchase. The County Commissioners should hear the matter the following week.
The staff's recommendations conclude with "By acquiring the property, the County ensures this open space legacy and solidifies the much anticipated Heil to Lyons and Heil to Hall trail connections."
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Back Country Time Travellin'
Thank you very much, Forest Service. I closed the shop a tad early today to sneak in a ride in the backwoods not far from Lyons. Lion Gulch and Homestead Meadows was the destination. It's a great ride. It opens with an absolutely punishing 1100' climb up Lion Gulch to get to the Meadows. Once in Homestead Meadows, though, a combination of rolling jeep road and singletrack interconnects several 1920s era homesteads. On bike or foot, it must be seen. Visiting the homesteads gives hard evidence of the fortitude of generations of folks that have forged the way before us.The Lion Gulch trail starts off smooth enough.
It doesn't take long, though, before the going gets tough. It starts out innocent enough. Just a little steeper and just a little rockier.
But before you know it, the riding is even more arduos. This is definitely a hike up.
The hiking is brief and worthwhile. After ascending the gulch, you top out in the Homestead Meadows area. After another short grunt, sweet singletrack awaits.
The smooth ribbon doesn't last long. Another short grunt on doubletrack and it's back into the trees for more rocks and roots.
All of the homesteads have informational kiosks. The Brown Homestead shows a picture of Harry and his sister on the front porch of the homestead.
Here is the Brown homestead as it exists today. I could see why Harry would want to spend some time on that porch. What a beautiful vista.
Next on the tour was a quick out and back to the old sawmill. This is a grand structure and it's still in fantastic condition. The outbuildings are a little bit more weathered, though.
Back onto the double track and one more historic preserve
There's not much left to the Griffith Homestead except a foundation and a little history. Life was hard.
Heck, life still is hard, just a little bit different. I'm glad that I can access this area via mtb. Tonight was a gorgeous night. I only saw 4 or 5 other people out on the trail, but I felt that I was among more than that.
Tough times and hard living are relative, though. I wonder what they'll be saying about us in another 100 years.
Friday, July 28, 2006
3 day campin' weekend in Aug
Since we didn't do our annual pilgramage to Fruita and GJ this spring (new baby), we're getting things rounded up for a summer trip. Check off Aug 25, 26, 27 for 3 days of solid riding. Thinking something like this:
Fri - leave in the am and drive out to our destination. Get there, set up camp, then go for a ride that will get us thru to dinner and some daylight hanging out.
Sat - ride all day. Maybe more.
Sunday - Um, also ride all day. Heck, I can drive home in the dark.
That's it - 2.5 days of solid riding. I've got a couple of spots in mind and I'm open to suggestion from those that want to come out. Winter Park, Steamboat, Vail, Summit - I'm down for whatever. I've done enough looking that we can line up some really solid rides in any of those areas.
Or we could scrap it all and revisit the 10hr deathmarch...
Fri - leave in the am and drive out to our destination. Get there, set up camp, then go for a ride that will get us thru to dinner and some daylight hanging out.
Sat - ride all day. Maybe more.
Sunday - Um, also ride all day. Heck, I can drive home in the dark.
That's it - 2.5 days of solid riding. I've got a couple of spots in mind and I'm open to suggestion from those that want to come out. Winter Park, Steamboat, Vail, Summit - I'm down for whatever. I've done enough looking that we can line up some really solid rides in any of those areas.
Or we could scrap it all and revisit the 10hr deathmarch...
Thursday, July 27, 2006
a pair of Intense 5.5s
Two Intense 5.5s means it goes to eleven. I just got in a pair of sweet Large 5.5s. The dark one is Midnight Blue and the light one is Java.
The latest Intense 5.5 gets a 1 piece upper link like it's big brother, the 6.6
The lower linkage bolts now have circlips on the ends to prevent backing out.
The new 5.5 rear triangle has also been redeveloped to imitate the 6.6. Lots more clearance back there now. Stiffer, too.
The latest Intense 5.5 gets a 1 piece upper link like it's big brother, the 6.6
The lower linkage bolts now have circlips on the ends to prevent backing out.
The new 5.5 rear triangle has also been redeveloped to imitate the 6.6. Lots more clearance back there now. Stiffer, too.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
IMBA ALERT.
I'm not a Montanan, but this hits home for a couple of reasons. It's not just the fact that Colorado could be next. Some of these rides are absolutely beautiful and pretty wild already. A very good friend of mine lives in the heart of the Bitterroot. This bill would effect quite a bit of his riding. I've ridden in the Blodget Canyon area, too. It's amazing. Please help!
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IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT!
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Additional Montana National Forests Will Close More Than 400 Miles of Singletrack to Bicycles
A proposed Montana forest plan revision could set a dangerous national precedent by closing hundreds of miles of singletrack to bicycles. Montana's Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo National Forests are recommending a new policy that will ban bicycles from trails in many roadless areas where access is currently allowed.
More than 400 miles of trail in seven roadless areas near Missoula are at risk, including many epic routes cherished by local cyclists. Some of the best trails include Heart Lake, Monture Creek, Bluejoint Creek and Blodgett Canyon. The Great Burn area alone contains 139 miles of singletrack that will be made off-limits to bicycles.
Unless cyclists take action, the Forest Service will zone these lands as "Recommended Wilderness," and will ban bicycles. Although most national forests around the country allow existing uses such as mountain biking to continue in Recommended Wilderness, the Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo will not, thus setting a dangerous precedent.
Take Action!
Tell the Forest Service that you support continued access to the great trails in Recommended Wilderness in the Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo National Forests.
If you prefer to mail your comments, the following address covers all three forests:
Proposed Land Management Plan
Bitterroot National Forest
1801 North 1st St.
Hamilton, MT 59840
Deadline
The Forest Service will accept comments until August 7, 2006.
Talking Points
* Mountain bikers support the permanent conservation of Montana's roadless areas from development and road building. However, if Recommended Wilderness will ban bicycles from the places we love to ride, please use the Forest Service's "2.2 Backcountry Area" prescription to protect natural resources and allow continued bicycle use.
* The "2.2 Backcountry Area" prescription should be used to protect the following proposed Recommended Wilderness areas: Great Burn (Lolo), Monture Creek (Lolo), Quigg (Lolo) and Stony Mountain (Bitterroot and Lolo). In the Blodgett Canyon (Bitterroot) and Blue Joint (Bitterroot) areas it should at least be used to create corridors containing trails #19, 137, 303, 614 and 627 - favorite mountain bike routes.
* National Forests in Regions 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 allow bikes in Recommended Wilderness. In neighboring Idaho and Wyoming, this includes at least the Bighorn, Boise, Caribou, Medicine Bow, Payette, Sawtooth and Targhee National Forests.
* All forms of recreation should be managed objectively through science-based decisions. Mountain biking is a quiet, human-powered, low-impact activity compatible with wild places. Science shows that bicycles have similar impacts as hiking and far less than equestrian or motorized use.
* The Forest Service doesn't have to kick mountain bikes out of places they've been riding for years. Bicycles do not harm the land's potential for future Wilderness consideration and their continued use of Recommended Wilderness areas should be allowed.
**************************************************************************
IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT! IMBA ALERT!
**************************************************************************
Additional Montana National Forests Will Close More Than 400 Miles of Singletrack to Bicycles
A proposed Montana forest plan revision could set a dangerous national precedent by closing hundreds of miles of singletrack to bicycles. Montana's Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo National Forests are recommending a new policy that will ban bicycles from trails in many roadless areas where access is currently allowed.
More than 400 miles of trail in seven roadless areas near Missoula are at risk, including many epic routes cherished by local cyclists. Some of the best trails include Heart Lake, Monture Creek, Bluejoint Creek and Blodgett Canyon. The Great Burn area alone contains 139 miles of singletrack that will be made off-limits to bicycles.
Unless cyclists take action, the Forest Service will zone these lands as "Recommended Wilderness," and will ban bicycles. Although most national forests around the country allow existing uses such as mountain biking to continue in Recommended Wilderness, the Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo will not, thus setting a dangerous precedent.
Take Action!
Tell the Forest Service that you support continued access to the great trails in Recommended Wilderness in the Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo National Forests.
If you prefer to mail your comments, the following address covers all three forests:
Proposed Land Management Plan
Bitterroot National Forest
1801 North 1st St.
Hamilton, MT 59840
Deadline
The Forest Service will accept comments until August 7, 2006.
Talking Points
* Mountain bikers support the permanent conservation of Montana's roadless areas from development and road building. However, if Recommended Wilderness will ban bicycles from the places we love to ride, please use the Forest Service's "2.2 Backcountry Area" prescription to protect natural resources and allow continued bicycle use.
* The "2.2 Backcountry Area" prescription should be used to protect the following proposed Recommended Wilderness areas: Great Burn (Lolo), Monture Creek (Lolo), Quigg (Lolo) and Stony Mountain (Bitterroot and Lolo). In the Blodgett Canyon (Bitterroot) and Blue Joint (Bitterroot) areas it should at least be used to create corridors containing trails #19, 137, 303, 614 and 627 - favorite mountain bike routes.
* National Forests in Regions 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 allow bikes in Recommended Wilderness. In neighboring Idaho and Wyoming, this includes at least the Bighorn, Boise, Caribou, Medicine Bow, Payette, Sawtooth and Targhee National Forests.
* All forms of recreation should be managed objectively through science-based decisions. Mountain biking is a quiet, human-powered, low-impact activity compatible with wild places. Science shows that bicycles have similar impacts as hiking and far less than equestrian or motorized use.
* The Forest Service doesn't have to kick mountain bikes out of places they've been riding for years. Bicycles do not harm the land's potential for future Wilderness consideration and their continued use of Recommended Wilderness areas should be allowed.
My Quandary: Laramie
Ok, so i'm doing the Laramie Enduro, the big questions is, how will it go? I've managed to do each and every version of the race, and only dnf'd once. Last year, I was out there for 10 hours. Ouch.
Last Saturday was my last "training ride" if you want to call it that. Camped off Tiger Road and the Colorado Trail near Breck, and managed to spend about 6 hours out on the trails (4 hours ride time, there were some interesting folks to talk to including a Maverick Sports dude). Climbed abour 4300 feet (Laramie has 7k of climbing in 70ish miles). I felt pretty good, but I'm nervous. Real nervous, beacuse I want to do real well next weekend.
I've been running Exi's on the OnOne, and decided that I'd try the Mythos on it for a ride and see if they were doable. Well, they climb good, noticably a bit faster than the heavier Exi's. But... riding down the Boulder Creek Path in the canyon I slid out pretty hard around a corner because there was little traction on the front tire. Mythos out, Exi back in. And a little road rash reminder to run what you brung, or trained on.
Anyway, pics of Breck. Enjoy.
Last Saturday was my last "training ride" if you want to call it that. Camped off Tiger Road and the Colorado Trail near Breck, and managed to spend about 6 hours out on the trails (4 hours ride time, there were some interesting folks to talk to including a Maverick Sports dude). Climbed abour 4300 feet (Laramie has 7k of climbing in 70ish miles). I felt pretty good, but I'm nervous. Real nervous, beacuse I want to do real well next weekend.
I've been running Exi's on the OnOne, and decided that I'd try the Mythos on it for a ride and see if they were doable. Well, they climb good, noticably a bit faster than the heavier Exi's. But... riding down the Boulder Creek Path in the canyon I slid out pretty hard around a corner because there was little traction on the front tire. Mythos out, Exi back in. And a little road rash reminder to run what you brung, or trained on.
Anyway, pics of Breck. Enjoy.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
tuesday ride
The Tour, what a show. Great job Floyd. I put up a neon green sign out front of the bike shop today. It read, "Honk for Floyd." I didn't get as many as I'd thought I would, but I got quite a few honks.
How about Walker Ranch 6pm on Tuesday? It's been a couple of years since I've ridden Walker. Fun stuff. I'm up for suggestions, too.
How about Walker Ranch 6pm on Tuesday? It's been a couple of years since I've ridden Walker. Fun stuff. I'm up for suggestions, too.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Go floyd!
What a great ride, go man, go! Too many what ifs at this point to declare a winner, but my hat's off to Floyd for one of the most amazing on bike performances I've ever seen.
Classic Bob Roll commentary on the prime time recap, too. Dessel went down today - over the bars and rolled on gravel. Bob missed it live but in the replay in slow motion, Bob mumbles into his mic - Goddddddd Damn! Guess you had to hear it but I laughed my ass off.
That Floyd is a driven man. Loved the interview with Frankie also. No bs from Floyd - "I came here to win the tour." Good stuff! I can't wait for Saturday.
Classic Bob Roll commentary on the prime time recap, too. Dessel went down today - over the bars and rolled on gravel. Bob missed it live but in the replay in slow motion, Bob mumbles into his mic - Goddddddd Damn! Guess you had to hear it but I laughed my ass off.
That Floyd is a driven man. Loved the interview with Frankie also. No bs from Floyd - "I came here to win the tour." Good stuff! I can't wait for Saturday.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Tuesday night ride recap
tonight's ride was a blast, thanks all for coming out. We ended up getting in a 2+ hour ride by the time it was all said and done. This was fun for me, especially. Back when I lived in Boulder, we used to ride up in Ned all the time, as it was the closest good riding to town. I can't believe how much things have changed up there. The trails are all wide, worn, and signed! It's not necessarily bad, though, just different. Still fun stuff. The relatively smooth and buff trails of the Nederland universe are a long ways from the rocky and technically demanding trails of the canyon country around Lyons! Here's a few shots from the ride. These were all taken on the way up the mountain.
Arn's rockin' the aspen trees.
The cockpit view of Debaser's backside. Still climbing on the road.
So, umm, don't tresspass. This is the Toll's poperty. They own everything between Tolland and Eldora, including the resort. They've been hiring security personnel on atv's and horseback to police the area. Bummer that there's no legal access to Jenny Creek from town now.
From there, we pointed it down for a sweet descent on the Happy Bus trail. Once down, a quick tour of the habitrails and it was dark. Good stuff, for sure. We'll probably hit that a few more times (with lights) before it gets snowed in. Stay tuned.
Arn's rockin' the aspen trees.
The cockpit view of Debaser's backside. Still climbing on the road.
So, umm, don't tresspass. This is the Toll's poperty. They own everything between Tolland and Eldora, including the resort. They've been hiring security personnel on atv's and horseback to police the area. Bummer that there's no legal access to Jenny Creek from town now.From there, we pointed it down for a sweet descent on the Happy Bus trail. Once down, a quick tour of the habitrails and it was dark. Good stuff, for sure. We'll probably hit that a few more times (with lights) before it gets snowed in. Stay tuned.
Lyons Velodrome Update
I just got this email via the Lyons Chamber of Commerce. Seems like there's some conflicting stories happening. Word from insiders on the town board was that they asked Frank and Doug from Ubikes to come up with a written and detailed plan, along with an economic impact study but it never came. It's no secret, though, that the newly elected old school Mayor of Lyons and some of his cronies on the town board are pretty much down on any 'new' ideas. We can bet that these idiots will shoot down any idea that doesn't have to do with antique stores (the Mayor owns one) or anything that will even slightly change the image of Lyons to represent the population that's been here in the last 10 years. Anyway, here's what I got from Boneshakers, LLC... **************************************************************************
Dear Members of the Chamber,
My partner Frank Banta and I attended a Lyons Town Council meeting in June
and we were informed that our velodrome project will not be a community goal
for at least the next couple of years. We wanted to thank those of you in
the Lyons Chamber of Commerce for meeting with us last winter and listening
to our pitch. We both understand that bringing 50,000 annual visitors to
Bohn Park to use the velodrome would be a big change, and it is not a
decision to be taken lightly. The Lyons Town Council and Parks & Recreation
Departments’ professionalism has made them a pleasure to work with. Once
again, thank you all for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Douglas R. Emerson & Frank Banta
Boneshakers, LLC
Dear Members of the Chamber,
My partner Frank Banta and I attended a Lyons Town Council meeting in June
and we were informed that our velodrome project will not be a community goal
for at least the next couple of years. We wanted to thank those of you in
the Lyons Chamber of Commerce for meeting with us last winter and listening
to our pitch. We both understand that bringing 50,000 annual visitors to
Bohn Park to use the velodrome would be a big change, and it is not a
decision to be taken lightly. The Lyons Town Council and Parks & Recreation
Departments’ professionalism has made them a pleasure to work with. Once
again, thank you all for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Douglas R. Emerson & Frank Banta
Boneshakers, LLC
In Honor of Today's Stage in the TDF
Redstone rode the Alpe D'huez. 21 switchbacks and 9 miles of grunting. Good times.
Go Levi.
Monday, July 17, 2006
tuesday night ride
How about meeting up in Ned at 6pm? I have yet to make my annual trip to Nederland this year. It's funny, since we used to ride there all the time. Anyway, we could ride the habitrail or the dots or whatever. Meet up at the West Mag lot or the high school? Any takers with any preference? We'll still be able to squeek out a decent ride before it gets prohibitively dark.
Leadville Silver Rush 50
Well the Leadville Silver Rush 50 mile mountain bike race was held in Leadville on July 15th, 2006. April (GF) aqnd I packed up and headed to the high country to see what Leadville would have in store. Getting there Friday evening town seemed to be booming and cars with bikes were lining the streets.
At 9am off coes the shotgun and up we racers go up the not-so-famous hill climb start. Out of breath in the first 50 feet, oh yes, it is all coming back to me now. It was also very hot up there at the 10,200 ft mark leaving no room for error. The race is going well and then at like mile 18ish I look to my left seeing 30+ racers off course, paralleling the correct course, yet riding a much easier section...There I am pushing as I watch the guys I am racing go by spinning by. I try to get the lead guy taking everyone off course to turn but he refuses as he and I go from discussing to cussing eachother in the heat of the day. I start to cool off but am a little sad at my fellow racer's actions. I did try to be nice but it just didn't happen. I get my id back as I decide that at least by the race's end I did in fact earn my spot in the ranks by working a little harder and staying on course.
Fortunately the questionable rider whom I made friends with earlier blew up severley so no need to loose sleep over the matter (I guess Karma really does bite you in the @$$ at times, glad I was good for the most part...hope I was good for the most part! lol). Anyhoo, the race goes on and I do feel better as it goes. People are loostening up, helping other racers with flatting or whatever, quite a welcome site from before. The clouds start to build but left a perfect circle around the sun all day long so as to make sure we got no relief from the large yellow disk in the sky. Thirteen miles later I am at the finish in 5:15, about 15 minutes off of last year yet this finish felt great and I felt strong. All in all it turned into a great day in the high country and I had worked enough for 32nd over all and 2nd in the SS catigory. Charlie Hays came in second overall, 1st place SS, 30 places before me and like an hour and change ahead of me. Charlie is an amazing rider, as is Rick Blaser, a 3rd time champion of the event. So I feel good I am so close to other SSers out there and can't wait to keep riding my bike and finding out more of Charlie's/Rick's secrets along the way.
Hope you all had as great of weekend as April and I, and of course I had to come and report my results to the stone, I wore my old school blue and white jersey and smiled 99% of the way!
Cheers,
miSSionary
At 9am off coes the shotgun and up we racers go up the not-so-famous hill climb start. Out of breath in the first 50 feet, oh yes, it is all coming back to me now. It was also very hot up there at the 10,200 ft mark leaving no room for error. The race is going well and then at like mile 18ish I look to my left seeing 30+ racers off course, paralleling the correct course, yet riding a much easier section...There I am pushing as I watch the guys I am racing go by spinning by. I try to get the lead guy taking everyone off course to turn but he refuses as he and I go from discussing to cussing eachother in the heat of the day. I start to cool off but am a little sad at my fellow racer's actions. I did try to be nice but it just didn't happen. I get my id back as I decide that at least by the race's end I did in fact earn my spot in the ranks by working a little harder and staying on course.
Fortunately the questionable rider whom I made friends with earlier blew up severley so no need to loose sleep over the matter (I guess Karma really does bite you in the @$$ at times, glad I was good for the most part...hope I was good for the most part! lol). Anyhoo, the race goes on and I do feel better as it goes. People are loostening up, helping other racers with flatting or whatever, quite a welcome site from before. The clouds start to build but left a perfect circle around the sun all day long so as to make sure we got no relief from the large yellow disk in the sky. Thirteen miles later I am at the finish in 5:15, about 15 minutes off of last year yet this finish felt great and I felt strong. All in all it turned into a great day in the high country and I had worked enough for 32nd over all and 2nd in the SS catigory. Charlie Hays came in second overall, 1st place SS, 30 places before me and like an hour and change ahead of me. Charlie is an amazing rider, as is Rick Blaser, a 3rd time champion of the event. So I feel good I am so close to other SSers out there and can't wait to keep riding my bike and finding out more of Charlie's/Rick's secrets along the way.
Hope you all had as great of weekend as April and I, and of course I had to come and report my results to the stone, I wore my old school blue and white jersey and smiled 99% of the way!
Cheers,
miSSionary
Saturday, July 15, 2006
It was hot today, so I snuck out to Meadow Park after closing the shop. I found a good deep spot and swam in the river. It was good. The chill of the water and the subsequent contractions and flushing of all my muscles left me completely relaxed. I had that peaceful easy feeling the rest of the day. Some days are just good days.
Oh, and here's that July 4th ride I did that I mentioned I'd put up eventually. I rode from Peaceful Valley down to Rainbow Lakes road via Sourdough. I then turned up Niwot Ridge and climbed up to the UC Colorado tundra research station. It ended up being about 6.5 hours car door back to car door. The first half was awesome - clear skies and perfect dirt. Even saw a little snow from overnight on the 'dough.
(snow on the dough above)
When I got on top of the ridge, though, I couldn't even see Mt. Audobon directly to the north. The clouds were moving in fast. Not being in a good place for potential thunderstorms already, then being surrounded by a hundred lightning rods planted in the ground
(you should see the lightening strike data the researchers collect up there) mean that I needed to get back into the trees. After a very brief stop to check out the moonbase on the tundra
Click this link to see what the arrow is pointing to. I rolled down the 1200'ish descent back to my intersection with Sourdough. I stopped for a bit to down a green chile chicke burrito before proceeding. About 5 more minutes was all I got of dry land for the rest of the day. The skies didn't exaclty erupt, but a very nice, steady rain started to fall. The already damp trail started to collect puddles here and there, but overall the dirt was good. I donned my raincoat and rode on. By the time I got back to Brainard Lake Road, the sun had come out for a bit again. I stopped for a snack and to dry out. It didn't last long, though. I had my rain jacket on by the time I got on top of the Wapiti Trail. That was when the skies erupted. Raining, thundering, lightening, and hail. The whole enchilada. Right before the best descent of the day, too, of course. What is normally a rockin' descent turned into a glasses fogged, muddy, ride by braille down the stream that used to be singletrack pick your way down descent. 
The ride from there on was good, though. The rains turned into even and steady and the hail went away. Also, of course, the sun was back out by the time I got back to the car. I cleaned up and basked in the sun. Good stuff, that riding bikes.
Oh, and here's that July 4th ride I did that I mentioned I'd put up eventually. I rode from Peaceful Valley down to Rainbow Lakes road via Sourdough. I then turned up Niwot Ridge and climbed up to the UC Colorado tundra research station. It ended up being about 6.5 hours car door back to car door. The first half was awesome - clear skies and perfect dirt. Even saw a little snow from overnight on the 'dough.
(snow on the dough above)When I got on top of the ridge, though, I couldn't even see Mt. Audobon directly to the north. The clouds were moving in fast. Not being in a good place for potential thunderstorms already, then being surrounded by a hundred lightning rods planted in the ground
(you should see the lightening strike data the researchers collect up there) mean that I needed to get back into the trees. After a very brief stop to check out the moonbase on the tundra
Click this link to see what the arrow is pointing to. I rolled down the 1200'ish descent back to my intersection with Sourdough. I stopped for a bit to down a green chile chicke burrito before proceeding. About 5 more minutes was all I got of dry land for the rest of the day. The skies didn't exaclty erupt, but a very nice, steady rain started to fall. The already damp trail started to collect puddles here and there, but overall the dirt was good. I donned my raincoat and rode on. By the time I got back to Brainard Lake Road, the sun had come out for a bit again. I stopped for a snack and to dry out. It didn't last long, though. I had my rain jacket on by the time I got on top of the Wapiti Trail. That was when the skies erupted. Raining, thundering, lightening, and hail. The whole enchilada. Right before the best descent of the day, too, of course. What is normally a rockin' descent turned into a glasses fogged, muddy, ride by braille down the stream that used to be singletrack pick your way down descent. 
The ride from there on was good, though. The rains turned into even and steady and the hail went away. Also, of course, the sun was back out by the time I got back to the car. I cleaned up and basked in the sun. Good stuff, that riding bikes.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Man, I am whooped. Tonights ride was great. We had a strong crew show up for this evening's tour de Hall. My pedals were still on the On One Inbred 29er from Sunday's ride when when everyone started showing up. Since Chris was on his SS, and I was too lazy to change pedals, I pedaled off on the On One. It's basic but a very good riding bike. Parts wise, this On One came outfitted rather nicely as a complete from On One. It's got a matching steel fork, 36 hole Reetard rims with On One disc ready hubs, FSA Orbit headset, On One post, stem, bars, and the sweet white Inbred saddle. Truvativ outboard bearing cranks, and Avid rim brakes and levers round out the package. Gearing is 32x18. It's got a 2.3 Exiwolf on the front and 2.1 Nanoraptor on the back. The bike is more than the sum of it's parts, though, and this thing is super fun.
We rolled up 36 to Apple Valley and the Antelope trailhead. I only had one goal for tonight and that was to not walk. Despite some steep switchbacks on Antelope, it's all very doable on SS. Not that the other side isn't, I just wanted a sure deal that I could clean to help with my self confidence/ego, that's all. It was a good climb. Glad I've got the Fleagle Bars on the bike, though. Their huge, huge width was definitely beneficial for cranking out some extra leverage. I'm sure I looked pretty funny on it. I was all over the front of the bike on the steep stuff. As I got to the top of Antelope, Chris rides back past me going the other way to check on some of the other folk. As he passes, he says, "Hurts like Hell, doesn't it?" Yep. No walking yet, though. We rolled on to the Nelson Loop. 2 quick laps up there was pretty much enough for me. From the loop back to Antelope was a fun descent. We climbed back up the the bench at the top of the hwy 7 side. I let everyone pass me before we got into the rock garden. I got smoked. I don't know what made the ride harder, the fact that I was tired from riding the 32x18 or if it was that rigid fork. Either way, though, my smile was at least as large as any muscle pains I've had. I can deal. The real beauty of SS? I rode it hard and put it away wet. And I didn't walk.
We rolled up 36 to Apple Valley and the Antelope trailhead. I only had one goal for tonight and that was to not walk. Despite some steep switchbacks on Antelope, it's all very doable on SS. Not that the other side isn't, I just wanted a sure deal that I could clean to help with my self confidence/ego, that's all. It was a good climb. Glad I've got the Fleagle Bars on the bike, though. Their huge, huge width was definitely beneficial for cranking out some extra leverage. I'm sure I looked pretty funny on it. I was all over the front of the bike on the steep stuff. As I got to the top of Antelope, Chris rides back past me going the other way to check on some of the other folk. As he passes, he says, "Hurts like Hell, doesn't it?" Yep. No walking yet, though. We rolled on to the Nelson Loop. 2 quick laps up there was pretty much enough for me. From the loop back to Antelope was a fun descent. We climbed back up the the bench at the top of the hwy 7 side. I let everyone pass me before we got into the rock garden. I got smoked. I don't know what made the ride harder, the fact that I was tired from riding the 32x18 or if it was that rigid fork. Either way, though, my smile was at least as large as any muscle pains I've had. I can deal. The real beauty of SS? I rode it hard and put it away wet. And I didn't walk.
tuesday jibber jabber and tues ride
Although I did puss out on the Louisville bike path rain slog, I did manage to get in a very brief ride late on Sunday. 45 minutes of quality over quantity was the rule for the ride. The roads were still wet but it had quit raining when I headed out.
Conditions were pretty good. Here is about where I turned around due to my time limit. It was a little slick to walk on but perfect on the bike.
This proved to be a good steed for this short and sweet ride. I'm sure we'll get out to Hall on Tuesday and it will be the usual dry and gravelly fun.
And the South St Vrain was raging hard. Yes, those are tree leaves dangling in the water. It was so much out of it's banks that 5 and 6 ft tall stands of trees that are normally 10 off the water were submerged a few feet up. This looked more like an April deluge river.
So the ride was short but good. I don't have much else to say on that other than there was a sizeable smile on my face at the end of the ride.
By the time everyone is reading this, it'll be Tues. We're up for a 6pm tour de Hall Ranch on Tues 6/11. We'll keep er' low key, especially seeing as how Chad is going off to do battle and bring home the NCS title for Super D this weekend. Go Chad, we're with you man.
Random thought number one - Soul Asylum was just on Leno tonight. I didn't know whether to expect them to rehash an old song or to belt out something new and adult contemperaryfied. Thankfully, I was wrong on both counts. Looks like the Golden Smog stand ins have been helping to keep it real and the new material sounds pretty ok. At least it didn't sound like it was going down the adult pop road that so many of their Minneapolis brethren did.
Hey, and speaking of MN, Shithouse is coming to town! To live. Welcome to the high plains desert, buddy. We will work to assimilate you into front range bike culture pronto. It will be good to hang again. Maybe this summer we can do another ride like this and see some space station on earth type of playthings:
or, how I spent my 4th of July. More to come on that.
Random thought number two if anyone has read this far. What's your take on eminent domain with regard to propertey condemnation for the purpose of a trail rather than a road?
See you Tues at 6 at the shop!
Conditions were pretty good. Here is about where I turned around due to my time limit. It was a little slick to walk on but perfect on the bike.
This proved to be a good steed for this short and sweet ride. I'm sure we'll get out to Hall on Tuesday and it will be the usual dry and gravelly fun.
And the South St Vrain was raging hard. Yes, those are tree leaves dangling in the water. It was so much out of it's banks that 5 and 6 ft tall stands of trees that are normally 10 off the water were submerged a few feet up. This looked more like an April deluge river.So the ride was short but good. I don't have much else to say on that other than there was a sizeable smile on my face at the end of the ride.
By the time everyone is reading this, it'll be Tues. We're up for a 6pm tour de Hall Ranch on Tues 6/11. We'll keep er' low key, especially seeing as how Chad is going off to do battle and bring home the NCS title for Super D this weekend. Go Chad, we're with you man.
Random thought number one - Soul Asylum was just on Leno tonight. I didn't know whether to expect them to rehash an old song or to belt out something new and adult contemperaryfied. Thankfully, I was wrong on both counts. Looks like the Golden Smog stand ins have been helping to keep it real and the new material sounds pretty ok. At least it didn't sound like it was going down the adult pop road that so many of their Minneapolis brethren did.
Hey, and speaking of MN, Shithouse is coming to town! To live. Welcome to the high plains desert, buddy. We will work to assimilate you into front range bike culture pronto. It will be good to hang again. Maybe this summer we can do another ride like this and see some space station on earth type of playthings:
or, how I spent my 4th of July. More to come on that.Random thought number two if anyone has read this far. What's your take on eminent domain with regard to propertey condemnation for the purpose of a trail rather than a road?
See you Tues at 6 at the shop!
Monday, July 10, 2006
and the picture
Yeah, the picture. We suck it.
Except for my bro's girlfriend, who apparently glows in the dark, which is something anyway.
More Tales from the Rain
My crew and I tried to ride the Triple Bypass, but we bailed at Idaho Springs after the 1st pass. Rain (and snow, from what I've told) plus a 4,000 foot descent made for about the least desireable riding conditions I can think of for a road bike. Here's the serious race faces at the start in Evergreen - less than 3 hours later, we were hitching a ride back.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Rain, rain...
mw (good buddy from Nebraska) was in town this weekend, on his home from Cali. I promised some good times, but it's been raining. First time I've seen weather like this in I can't remember how long.
Yesterday we headed up to Lyons, but Restone was too busy for Dave to slip away early. We headed to Hall in the middle of the afternoon - The 2 other riders we say were on 29'ers! That left only me on the 5.5 on the little wheeled bike.
Today, we gathered up Pablo & Mic and headed for our local Louisville ride - we even bumped the start time to 7 so Dave could come down, and he's the guy who bailed!! We toured around the suburban trails for about 3 hours in the warm rain. Good stuff.
Thanks for stopping in, mw. Next time we nix the raindance!
Yesterday we headed up to Lyons, but Restone was too busy for Dave to slip away early. We headed to Hall in the middle of the afternoon - The 2 other riders we say were on 29'ers! That left only me on the 5.5 on the little wheeled bike.
Today, we gathered up Pablo & Mic and headed for our local Louisville ride - we even bumped the start time to 7 so Dave could come down, and he's the guy who bailed!! We toured around the suburban trails for about 3 hours in the warm rain. Good stuff.
Thanks for stopping in, mw. Next time we nix the raindance!
rainy sunday
Rich brought this beauty in this week. He had dented the front triangle on his L 5 Spot that was a tad small. He used his crash replacement to move into a little bigger frame. This one was custom painted gold dust orange. They paint a thick layer of metallic gold, then overlay it with a light "dust" of orange paint. The picture doesn't even come close to doing it justice.I bailed on riding this morning. The original plan was a meetup in Louisville for a town/path/mtn ride up to Rattlesnake Gulch and back. After my 4th of July rain endeavor (to be posted later), I was not particularly motivated to slog it out for 3 hours in the rain. I woke up this morning to rain so I called the Lville crew. Raining down there, too. Back to bed, then followed up with bacon, eggs, coffee, and family. Good stuff.
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