X-mas in Dixie

The holiday has been a blur. My parents rolled into town to help celebrate and it seems we go nonstop the entire time they are here. We do something everyday or we have family gatherings to attend. Bike time can get neglected, but I have tried to negate the caloric intake with some trail running. The last few days can be better described with a mini photo dump.

Christmas Eve: These soon to be dead soldiers were on the hit list.

Christmas Day: A gift from my step mother in law. I havn't named him yet, but a 22 ounceRogue Christmas Ale bottle fits perfect.

Pops prepared to defend the confederacy

That pictures deserves a back story. My father has been researching his lineage. Some of his research revealed his great great grandfather served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Pops applied and was accepted into The Sons of Confederate Veterans. The SoCV is having a ball next month and he needed a uniform to wear. He stopped in War Trace, TN on his way to Hotlanta and picked up the confederate grey's. The uniform is %100 wool and it looks better with his coporal stripes.

Snake is in 5 days, I'm ready to rock or cramp for that matter.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Merry Christmas you turds!

All the best to you and your family....

Becky and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary this week. 7 years and nothing to scratch. We engorged ourselves on steak and free desert. It's hard to believe she has put up with me this long.




I have been waiting all week for a dirt ride. Cartecay Bikes in Ellijay, Ga host Chili Dawg rides every Saturday. They are pretty popular and this was the first time my schedule allowed for me to go. I woke up to sound of rain, I checked and rechecked the radar. Rain until 10am (RTR time) then %50 chance after that. I was in desperate need of miles to somewhat reduce the pain. I threw the bike in the truck and headed up to the meetin place. It rained the entire 75 minute drive up. I was determined to ride. I showed up and met the regulars. As the start time got closer the rain dissipated and more folks showed. We decided gear up and headed out into the drizzle. The route had us on country roads to fire roads up and down Springer Mountain. We stopped to regroup and a Ford Taurus with 3 people sitting in the front stopped and asked us if we were "alright", we said we were good and they laughed and went on. There was a 30 and 40 mile option. After the pavement turned dirt, which had turned to slog the pedal strokes became more difficult. We came to the 30 turn off and anyone who had aspirations of 40 miles changed theire minds due to conditions. Well this BA chick on a SS (Lisa) decides to do the 40, one of the ride organizers Joe joins her and I say "what the hell".
Off we go into FR hell. The drizzle slowly stopped and the temps were warm so I was somewhat comfortable clothing wise, but the pace and mud was zapping the energy quickly. We made it to a flatish pavement connector and I mired in futility trying to catch what became a day long carrot chase. I was running 21 on the back, my 20 is stripped, so I just spun and spun with no real gain on the leaders. Joe and Lisa were nice enough to wait at the turns, but I hate being that last guy. Given their were 3 of us I didn't feel too bad, but the thought of them waiting at the wet and windy FR road intersections made me push harder. We left the pavement and began what seemed like an endless slog climb up the mountain. The mud kept any type of pacing to a minimum. Having never done this climb it seemed to go forever. If there was a point to bail, I would have. I felt slow, real slow. I decided to just take in the scenery. I met up to a waiting Joe, Lisa went on ahead apparently she trains like 6-8 hours in the mountains during the summer, who has that kind of time? We ascended into a fog that blocked all views, but made for an interesting setting. We eventually rode above the fog, which was cool.
We regrouped at the last intersection. Only 14 miles to go, a mountain descent and pavement back to the truck. The last section punished me. The mud was so thick you would have to pedal downhill to keep momentum. I would put glasses on for descent, but they kept minimal sand and water out of the eyes. Finally, hit the last fast descent. It starts to pour, we hit the pavement and head back in the pouring rain. The rain did not rinse off any of the accumulated mud.
Once it was over we enjoyed some conversation and what I hear was great chili. What a great group of folks. Their was about 10 riders split evenly between guys and gals. Just about everyone said they decide to come in the rain knowing they would ride if others were there to ride too. What a great sport.
The Merino 12's did great in the wet and nasty condition. Although my feet were wet the wool managed to keep my feet feeling dry. My calves never even tinged with cramps, the quads were a different story.

A matter of inches

Becky and I headed down to the low country see the in laws for our annual x-mas buffet graze and present exchange. We took the road bikes along to get some Rx d miles in. We haven't been down that way since completing the Savannah Century in August. I enjoy the riding down there, the roads are flat, which I can tolerate for a few hours, and the country traffic is very friendly. (Sidebar: Why is it a back country county like Effingham, that doesn't allow liquor to be sold at all, have all types of "Share the Road" signs and even bike lanes? Even a majority of the country traffic gives you the whole lane with traffic and a friendly wave when oncoming. Then there is progressive Gwinnett county with barely any bikes lanes and traffic is not bike educated in the least.)

We woke up Saturday and the plan was to do a 26 mile lap, Becky would stop after 1 and I would continue and do another lap. We would then clean up and head over to the grandparents.

We headed out at about 10:30 and were just settling into a decent pace. The temp was in the 40's and wind was slowing my warm up period. Several cars came by and gave us the whole lane. Once a car came from the opposite direction and the car behind us waited patiently for it to pass before preceding by. That car got the obligatory "thank you" wave. Settling in, I see a car in periphery, not inches from my handlebar and going fast. There was no oncoming traffic and the car made no effort to move over. I heard Becky give a yell and the car came so close I instinctively went of the road.

Now let me say, I am a pretty passive, non confrontational person. It takes alot to get me pissed. At this point, I am infuriated and I want to "talk" to this driver. Becky rolls past me, as I am off the road. I get back on the road and start a futile attempt to sprint in hopes that at the upcoming stop sign the car is there and I can have a "discussion" with the driver. The car was gone, but the fear that car caused remained the whole ride. Every time I would hear a car coming I would slow down and move over. I was constantly looking over my shoulder.

Damn you late model gold Ford Taurus for ruining my otherwise good ride, and damn you for screwing up my training. When we got back to the house, I called it a day and watched HGTV until it was time to leave.

I pondered the incident all day. I have been in plenty hairy near misses both on the road and the trail, but I have never had Becky and I come so close to the trailhead in the sky. I know it was just one ignorant and careless person, but there is something about someone else being so careless with MY life. Maybe it's the time we live in. Maybe it's the hustle and bustle of the x-mas season. Maybe a bike ride isn't worth your life, but when your riding sometimes it feels like it is.

The rest of the visit well and we loved hanging out with the niece and nephew. I helped build a Lego Aqua Assault craft and played a fun unscrupulous game of Monopoly, they have an ATM now.

In other bike news, decisions are plaguing me. What to do?

After a discussion with Niner, I will now be getting a sweet gold Sir 9. It comes with the newly designed EBB. The unfortunate thing is I won't have it in my possession until February. No big whoop though, I still plan on selling it and keeping the Jabber. They offered me an 08 MCR, but I thought a brand new Sir 9 with supposedly the bestus, most tested EBB would sell better. I have to admit. The bike looks hot.

Ouch...

I threw out a line this week and got a bite. I have a weird work week and had to do the prescribed long ride for Saturday and Sunday on Friday. c-Rash of Vialis fame jumped in on the fun and we headed up to Bull mountain for some fire road grinding. We got suited up (as temps were in the 40's) and headed down Nimblewill Gap. I had a ride planned out, but it would be a semi-scout mission, because I was not sure how the route would turn out. We climbed Nimblewill to the AT trail/ Amicolola Falls/ Old Bucktown Road intersection. The route had us descending down Old Buckhead Rd (FS 28-2) and it was a pleasant surprise. Rocks upon rocks with some washout and leaves thrown in. Neither me or my riding compadre had heard anything about this road. Given it's technical nature we labelled it a "hidden gem". The rocky descent lasted for a couple miles then turned to FS gravel road and then into pavement. We continued on pavement for about 10 miles or so. We turned on Tickanetley, then onto Roy Rd. the onto Doublehead Gap. DH Gap had a nice climb that was used during the not happening next year Tour de Georgia, we could tell its previous use due to all the "Free Floyd" paintings on the pavement. We made our way down the road to FS 58, or Noontootla. I have wanted to ride this road since I found out it was an 8 mile climb to the top of Winding Stair Gap. The road follows the picturesque creek, beautiful views all the way. Once at the top, we hopped on FS 77 to lose all the elevation we gained in a 4 mile descent. Back to the truck on FS 28-1. Just shy of 40 miles and a guestimate of 6k-8k climbing. Not bad for a Friday. Good ride, good route, good company.

Becky and I finished off the day at Taco Mac. Had a Rogue Mocha Porter, gross describes it best. I almost couldn't finish it. Highly disappointing. I followed it up with a Left Hand Snowmaster Ale, leave it to a good Colorado brew to save the day.

Ughh... gotta work all weekend

Pics
Up Nimblewill Gap
Views off Nimblewill
A teaser pic of Old Bucktown Rd.
8 mile climb looking at this

Bellevegas Turkey Day

We made the trip to what is home for me, Belleville, Il. I spent a good portion of my childhood their and my Dad retired from the Air Force their, so home it is. We stayed the night in Nashville with our good friends, Mike and Jeanie (Thanks Jeanie). Thanksgiving is quite a gathering for my family with new additions almost every year. We ate too much and opened gifts (we do x-mas gifts at T-givings with my family).
One of the great things about my family is our love of good beer. We killed a 1/6 keg of Amber Boch and had to get another on Friday.
The store didn't have anymore AB, so we went with Breckenridge Avalanche Ale, Good choice.

Friday was spent with family. The adults enjoyed dinner at Favazza's on the Hill in St. Louis. This restaraunt is a must if you ever visit the STL.

On Saturday, we visited Schlafly's Bottleworks. I've been to the taproom on my previous visits and enjoyed it, immensely. So I was interested to see the creation of beer. The bottleworks has the brewery, a bar, a restaurant and a nice gift shop. We enjoyed a beer before the tour. I had the Coffee Stout, which is awesome. Mix two of my favorite things, coffee and beer and you have a winner. The tour was short, but informative. The best part is of course the tasting at the end of the tour. The Christmas Ale stood out to my palette, you could smell nutmeg or cinnamon while drinking the brew. It reminded me of wasel without the sweet taste. Bison nachos for lunch, another Christmas Ale and a visit to the gift shop and our trip was complete.

Left early Sunday to get back in time to pick up the da mutts. Always great to see the family and hang out with the nieces and nephews. No riding, but got in a couple long runs to somewhat negate the excessive intake of food and beer.

Pre carnage


Dead Soldier

Some pics of the tour
Coffee StoutHot Liquor?
Beer...
Bottlin
Cue theme song from Lavergne and Shirley
Incomplete bottles. We asked "what do you do with those?" response "drink 'em"
Taste test

Week 2

Last week was week 2 of a prebuilt training plan I am attempting to complete. I have never done any structured training, so with a gift (thanks Grant) I'm giving it a shot. The week went "ok". On Thursday I flatted in the middle of a tempo road ride, I then preceded to flat the spare. I road the rim 7 miles home. It was a PITA, but I got through it with no real damage. Saturday was supposed to be a fastish 2 hour ride on the mountain bike. With limited time, Becky and I hit Chicopee. Becky took off before I was ready to go and that gives me a bunny to chase. We eventually met up an hour and half later (she didn't go the agreed upon route). Good ride.

Evening was spent X-mas shopping for the nieces and nephews. Great dinner at Ted's. Hhmmm... buffalo meatloaf

Sunday came and a 3 hour base ride was on order. Becky was not up for 3 hours or the weather. I decided to try the Kelly Bridge loop, which starts in pature land of Forsyth and meanders into the foothills of Dawson county, then into Cherokee county, back into Forsyth. I wish I had taken the camera. List of interesting things that I would have taken a picture of:
-A pack of dogs sleeping in an open field
-A yard that had dogs in pens, but chickens roaming freely through the yard
-What I think was the bones of a cow carcass
-Heading down Yellow Creeks Rd. and theres a rooster hanging out on the side of the road, no house in sight. What's up cock?
- Nice views of Springer Mountain (I think) from Kelly Bridge Rd

Ended with 50 miles in 3:10

map and profile

riding like the devil

While bathing my trusty Niner following the 12 hours of Conyers race, I noticed a little something on the seat tube. Can't be, this is steel and we all know "steel is real". Sure enough, upon further review, I had a new frame coming my way. Hard to see in the pics, but the crack starts in the seat tube and extends through the weld and into the top tube.



I called Cody at Addictive and the bike swap was set in motion. I was without a mountain steed for a bit, so the shop lent me their Vassago Jabber demo. Xtank Lady and I visited our good friends in Nashvegas that weekend and Jabber seemed to ride nice. Upon our return to GA, I spoke with Cody again and he offered me his 3 month old Jabber at a price to good to pass up. It is time for me to go chromoly anyway. I was down a bike for the Hodge ride, but I made the unused commuter mountain ready and enjoyed it on the trail.



Yesterday, Becky and I needed a long ride. Too windy for the road, we decided to hit Chicopee for 3 hours of fun. I was trying to keep the HR in check, so I set my new Jabber up 32 x 21. It worked. Becky set the pace and we enjoyed a chilly day in the saddle.




The mutts got a long walk in on our local trail.

Ride for Hodge

Saturday was the Scott Hodge benefit ride at Ft. Yargo. The ride was organized as to help raise some money to offset the cost of Scott's medical bills after his unfortunate bike wreck. Becky and I picked up my brother, Dave, on the way. There were alot of cars there when we arrived so we found a spot in the overflow area and got suited up. I am currently in between bikes since I broke the Niner and have yet to purchase the very affordable Vassago from Cody. I set my commuter up for the trails and with a little help from Ryan from Addictive, I got the brakes dialed in.
We checked in on Hodge, he was rockin a cane, but otherwise seemed good.He now has a more comfortable neck brace and has been of painkillers for 10 days now. After some conversation, Hodge gave us the "go ride" so off we went. Dave is still new to mountain biking, but he picked up the handling skills quickly, he just needs some fitness. We picked up a lone rider on the trail, who had not been there before and Becky and her took off. I rode with Dave. Before we split I tried the horshoe drop after an audience had gathered. My rear tire slipped on the way up and I fell backwards into the gulley. No real injuries, just some scrapes and a little embaressment. The weather was great and the trail was perfect after the previous nights rain. Dave and I enjoyed the ride. It was his longest ride, yet.
We then joined the festivities. Food was great and we met some new folks. It was great turnout, for a great guy. Had to leave early and I forgot my camera, but here's one from the Sorba board.

The begining

This is the begining of my ramblings. I tend not to follow through on things like blogging, dieting and training. So you will probably see sporadic posts with meaningless drivel. The theme is mountain bikes and my life with them, on them and obsessing about them. I tend to consume beer on a regular basis and they may get a nod as well. I am married with two dogs and a mortgage. I used to live to work, now I work to ride and hang out with good people. Maybe one day they can cohabitate.
Enough with the ramblings, here goes the blog.