No Trails

I previously eluded to the notion that I would be riding outside this past Tuesday. Not only would I have the opportunity to ride outside, but sweet single track awaited me and the Superfly. I am here to tell you that journey never happened. Monday did bring in a warm front that would carry into Tuesday. Unfortunately it also brought a torrential down pour with it. Lame. Ah, just need to survive February it seems. First race kicks off March 16th and I may have very little outdoor riding time. But, it doesn't concern me too much at the moment since my good friend Tom and I have been getting in some quality trainer riding (Tom recently bought the three part CTS Climbing DVDs). 

A bit of randomness to get you through your day:

Meatloaf Hands!

Oh sweet victory.

I wish all my training rides ended like this.

My Adventure Monkey

I want to kick this post off by highlighting a fine new addition to the list of wonderful links on the right hand side of the page. Visit The Adventure Monkey and you will soon know of what I speak. Magnificent musings and photos from an E-Town local.

So....my adventure monkey couldn't be happier at the moment. Warm temperatures for Tuesday (40 degrees!) have led me to contact some folks for a group ride. Sure, I have to drive an hour and a half to get there, but it's worth it. I will get to ride outside (and on trails none the less!), with other people! Hmm...it just occured to me that since this ride is at 5:30 (will be pitch black by then) I will need the lights and this will negate the 40 degree temps. Didn't say my monkey was bright, still adventerous though. Better make sure the Superfly is tuned up, lights are charged up, and warm clothes are ready to go!

New Developments

I have a little bit of excitement to report. I sucked it up and dropped the money on a license. Never needed one before, but every race up here requires one. And that seems to be the way things are headed all over. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, just one more thing we have to spend money on. So, you're looking at rider # 261426. Hey, it beats buying the one day license every time. 

More importantly, I have found a new goal for this summer. Garrett has inspired me to quit being a lazy bum. I completed the DK 200, to date the most challenging race I've had the pleasure of participating in, and then I found this little beauty.

That's right, a 24 hour race is in my future. Close by and a reasonable price. Maybe that will put a little fire in the legs for a return trip to the Dirty Kanza in 2011! I am certainly looking forward to the challenge. Congrats and good luck by the way, to all those fools who signed up for their first (or yet another) DK 200. It is one of the best events I have ever done. And a big congrats to the newly formed High Gear race team. I couldn't imagine a better group of people. 

Alright, back to the grind on that %$#@* trainer. Gonna keep my spirits up and dream of sunny skies and warm temps. It won't be long!

New Year, New Fun

That's the hopes anyways. To back track a little....Christmas was a bit uneventful for me. In fact it was the first one in 25 years I didn't spend with my family in the fine state of KS. But, it does mean I've earned myself a little more time to visit when I travel back that way. New Year's was good, rang in 2010 in the CEO's hot tub looking out over the ice covered lake and snow covered mountains. Can't complain there.

I am quite excited to know that I will be racing my bike in just 2 and a 1/2 short months. I found a local Tuesday night crit series not far from here that I will be able to make regular appearances at. Never done 'em before, but I'll take what I can get. Then come mtb season I will actually be able to work mon-fri and have weekends free. That means I will be able to do some racing! So until then I'll just keep plugging away on the trainer. In fact, I'm headed there now.