Round 2

Attempted another road race. Unfortunately I couldn't make it two for two. Got a little impatient and had to settle for second place. Lessons well learned. The course was a bit hilly with one KOM challenge. I took second on that as well. It did make me a little proud though when someone said I was crazy for racing on a heavy cross bike.

Would much rather be preparing for Wilson this weekend though. Good luck to everyone headin' out West!

MIA

Well, no racing for me this week, but I will resume action next Tuesday. The fella's seemed to have had a great time at Bone Bender and Mike even took home the 'W' in his class. Wish I could have been there teaming up with my business partner. Aaron was also racing in CA this weekend at Sea Otter. Congrats to just being there man! Here is a brief video I found of the start of Bone Bender. I also stalked down some photos. Go here for much more. Keep up the good work boys!

Cameron returning to a dress code we can appreciate. Thanks for paving the way good sir!
Typical Mike. Wide eyed (at least I assume under the glasses) and smiling from ear to ear.

Sir Wintle III. 'Nuff said.

First Race

After seeing that Kansas native Brian Jenson came up to the Tour of Battenkill and showed these East Coaster's how the boys from the midwest ride, I knew I would have to keep the Kansas winning streak going in my first attempt at a road race. Sure, my field may have been a little smaller, and it was Cat 4's and 5's, but I took home the win none the less. Tons of fun and I think I will do some more of this road racin' stuff.

Monkey Man on the Radio

Radio - Podcast's, what's the difference? The fact is there are people in the Kansas area doing great things. Eric Benjamin, better know as the monkey man is one of those said people. Look for great things to come from The Adventure Monkey. To hear some of those projects take a listen to his recent interview on the Kansas Cyclist podcast here.

And in case you missed it, catch up on Jim Cummins speaking of the DK 200 here.

What have I done!?

I never thought I would be at this point. When I first started riding I was certain I would not be wearing those spandex shorts. Well okay, they provide some padding for your rump, but I'll only wear them under my b-ball shorts. Okay, I'll wear the spandex, but I'll never shave my legs.

And yet here I am with perfectly smooth shaved legs. It's amazing what this sport will do to you. And yet, I continue to love it every day. I'm still not convinced on all the selling points of why one should shave there legs, but with so many people doing it I thought I would see what all the hype was about. Plus, I'm comfortable enough to answer the stares and q's that will inevitably be thrown my way. All I can say so far is....it feels nice.

Just wanted to remind you all of what my back yard looks like. A little bare still, but spring is coming...

Get your gravel on

I first saw this magnificent film about a year ago (or more?) thanks to Mr. Josh Patterson. It is magnificent. Hopefully it will inspire you to go do great things.

Lincoln, NE from RAPHA on Vimeo.

April No fools

Guess if I was clever enough I would have devised a hilarious prank post for you all yesterday. We can clearly see that didn't happen. I did freshen up the page a little with a new photo up top. Taken by none other then the adventure monkey himself. The ride itself was a bit brutal. I had certainly forgotten the wind. Eric calls it 'Kansas climbing.' All I know is it's hard work. Going into the wind provided us little opportunity for casual conversation. With my tum tum growling we made it into Olpe and refueled with what I am sure was high quality riding food from the gas station. With the wind at our backs we were able to hammer it home with the greatest of ease. About 40 miles for the day. A bit shorter then anticipated, but we got start considerably later then planned. 

While we were playing in the wind, a handful of High Gear faithfuls made their way down to Arkansas for the Ouachita Challenge. And as expected they had themselves a great time and turned out some great results. Aaron came home with a 3rd place finish, congrats good sir!