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. 

Belleayre & Boston

Yep, that's Pauly and the Ol' North Church back there. You know the story one if by land, two if by sea. I spent the weekend in Bean-town this weekend and it was fantastic. Walked the freedom trail and got to see all the sights. Boston is pretty small so it is easy to see everything in one day. Then a blizzard rolled up the East coast and tried to snow me in, but these folks are ready for the snow and had the roads cleared in no time. 

More importantly, I got my board last week. Went up to Belleayre the next day. I can't be riding the trainer 7 days a week, so here's to shreddin' the mountain!
Ah yes, just like riding a bike. We wasted no time in finding the double black runs.

Panther Mtn. in the bag!

Another peak down. Hiked Panther yesterday and it was fantastic. Quite a bit of snow on the ground, but some beautiful views. 

You gotta stay protected out there in the wild. Nothing says manly like a hatchet in a leather pouch strapped to your leg. 

Me and my lil' sis in Woodstock. My mama, aunt Donna, and cousin Ash came to visit as well. Now it's my turn to travel. Look for a return trip early next year! I'll be expecting Camp Alexander to be in tip top shape for a quick ride.

Apologies

Okay,

For the handful of people that actually wonder what I'm doing with my life, I apologize. My updates are getting about as bad as Garrett and that is just no good. It seems like I never have anything to update you with, but it's just that training has been a little dull. Trainer, trainer, and a little more trainer. I don't know how mad man Mike does it, but I have no desire to be going out in single temps to ride. Not to mention it's pitch black here at 5pm. Don't worry though, because I know you are concerned. Since the riding has been slow I've taken up quite a bit of hiking. In fact there are 35 peaks above 3,500 feet in the Catskills and I am going to climb them all! 4 down, 31 to go.

So since I have no new biking news, let me clue you in to some important info. DK200 2010. You do not want to be the only person not riding this event. Trust me, this is one you do not want to miss. For more check out www.dirtykanza200.wordpress.com.


It is supposed to start snowing soon, which doesn't help getting off the trainer, but it will justify the season ski pass I'm about to get. All the snowboardin' I can handle only 30 minutes away. Throw in a little XC skiing from time to time and I just might have some good cross training this winter. Alrighty, that's all for now. Peace out.

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.