First Snow

Hmm...too soon for this. Went for a ride today, but it is clear the trainer will have to be set up. 

Updates

Sorry for the lack of info lately. I've been out and about a little since the last post. I made a trip to the Big Apple. Did a lot of walking and sightseeing in two days. I'll definitely be going back from time to time. 

Been getting some riding in on occasion. Got geared up in my riding lederhosen and scouted out a trail that will be hosting a race next weekend. There were lot's of trails, which were poorly marked, and quite a bit of debris down (we had strong winds recently, I thought I had escaped that!). But, I think I will still manage to go to the race. 

I think this little beauty just convinced me it's time to start shaving. Funny isn't, I was never going to wear those funny spandex shorts. Okay, I'll wear the shorts, but only under my regular shorts. Okay, I'll wear the spandex, but I ain't shavin' my legs. Okay, maybe I'll shave my legs. I suppose this is the normal progression for most of us. On a sad note, this happened at about 3 mph crawling up a steep incline. The back tire spun on a root and I couldn't get unclipped. Thought I had that mastered, guess I better practice that.

Also got to see this 15 foot waterfall along the trail. Hopefully people can keep there eyes on the trail and not stargaze at this.

recent happenings

Gotta make sure I stay away from this guy. This bear has been pawing around camp lately. I should have put my hand by it for context, but he's big.
I made my way up to Windham today. The trail is amazing when you can find it. Apparently after the race they kinda just let it go, so some sections were overgrown. But, a worthwhile trip nonetheless. In this section you ride through a tunnel under the DH course.
Ride and Smile, I did lot's of that today!

DK Video

Ok Jim, its here! I'm just as happy as you are to finally post this thing. (Thanks to Garret for helping my CPU illiterate behind get it working.) I wanted to do much more with the video, but in the end it turned out to be a decent compilation of riders. So, hopefully it brings back some happier memories and maybe the video will sweet talk you into making another attempt next year!

Hmm...Also just noticed some editing errors towards the end. You'll have to forgive me.

Dirty Kanza 200 - 2009 from Garret Seacat on Vimeo.

Allegrippis Crash

Before I went to the trails in PA the bike shop feller told me of a sweet video from the trails. So, check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N76X5HN_z1c

Well, I made it. Safe and sound. Thank goodness I decided to stop and ride along the way. Amazing trails and I may have just gone crazy without it. If you ever roll through PA you MUST stop at the recently opened Allegrippis trails.

View from the trail.

At the trail head. 

I plan on riding at Windham this weekend and plenty others in the near future. I'll try to keep the pics coming!

Misery

Yes indeed. But, only while riding bikes is that a term of endearment. This year's RIM dished out more punishment as expected and I wouldn't have it any other way. After Bobby shortened our trio to a duo Anton and I decided we would destroy ourselves in the 12 hr race anyways. Just the two of us. I felt a little bad since this was only Anton's second race. Didn't matter, the man went out there like a champ and had himself a good ol' time. We held our own for a while fightin' for a podium spot, but severe rain left the course a bit slick and dangerous. We ended up with a superb 4th place finish. 

The rest of the Emporia crew was present and in full force. The formidable triple threat of Jim, Tim, and Mike contested the supafast class. And supa' fast it was. Mucho competition in this field. The always good lookin' Burghardt motored his crew of Great Bender's to a solid fourth place finish. Huge props to those fella's that were out in the light shower! Matt, Steph, and Garret successfully defended their coed title. It was a close call though. Rodney and Randy showed they had a lot of fight and kept up good spirits even with all the bad luck. It was great to see a lot of the newer riders come out and not only ride strong, but have a good time. Even with the rain I couldn't think of a better way to spend my weekend. Eating amazing camp food (Thanks Jim!), riding bikes with great friends, and camping in the great outdoors. Huge thanks to the Heartland crew for making these things happen. 

p.s. Who knows if we'll ever have a DK video. I'm trying, but it is giving me quite the troubles. I even recruited the ever computer savvy Garret to help and we still can't make it happen. Maybe it'll be up before next year's event!