Jim

Have you met my friend Jim? He's pretty wonderful. Not only is he the fantastic promoter of one of the greatest events in all the land, but now he is a famous broadcaster on the interwebs. Check him out here.

Good news, Better news

mid 40s for this afternoon and the sun is shining. Couldn't be happier to be getting out on the bike this afternoon. But that's not the good news. In just two short weeks I will be back in Kansas for a 9 day visit. That leaves plenty of time for a couple of gravel grinders, so prepare to be making yourselves available for a ride! 

And yes, there is better news. Maybe not for Tim. I was recently accepted into Grad school at ESU and will be returning once again to Emporia this summer. I certainly couldn't be happier to return home! 

Back in Action

That's right boys and girls, I'm back. Apparently I had gotten lazy and just turned in to a weeny over the winter. Not that riding the trainer doesn't have it's value. It certainly kept me in shape all winter. But, I just couldn't take it any more. I had to ride outside no matter what. And so, I ventured out again yesterday in less then ideal conditions. The 'snowmaggedon' if you will, took it's toll on the area, but I was riding regardless. I put in 35 miles. Before you Kansas boys start shaking your heads, because I know you've been doubling that number, you need to realize that this was 35 miles of snow covered mountain passes (passes just sounds much cooler then roads). After giving it all I could to get up the snow covered dirt roads, it was all I could do to hang on down the backside. When I finally returned home I was exhausted and covered head to toe with sand and grime. My bike would need quite the clean up to be operational again (sorry, left the camera at home). And I couldn't have felt any better about it. So with two weeks to the day from my first race, I fully intend on riding outside whenever I can. Indoor training just can't compare. 

Well, the 'snowpocalypse' has graced us with 4 feet of snow. However, riding looks optimistic for Monday and Tuesday when I'm off. Upper 30s and sunshine. The roads should be good and clear by then as well. 

A beautiful winter wonderland. Not much visibility going on here. This is what I got to see when I stepped out of my office. Actually, I took this yesterday. Since this picture we added on another foot or two of snow.

It was a challenge to get up the path to my apartment. My blue jeans were soaked, I trudged a long way in some deep snow. The next morning was even worse. I couldn't even take this path as it was up to my chest!

My humble abode. 

Ah, the great outdoors

Yes I finally sucked it up. Sure, the winters are a bit rough up here, but mostly I've just been a weeny. The temps were in the low 30s and only a light flurry for precipitation. After seeing what the Adventure Monkey was riding in, I knew this would be no problem.

The sign my friends, reads: "Next 1 1/2 miles, Use Low Gear." That is for the semis. For bikers that means "Hold on for Dear Life." In fact, as I was blazing down the hill the tears streaming from my eyes were freezing to my cheek. Unfortunately, the only way to get home is back up the hill. A mile and a half of 8% grade and that is no fun no matter what the temps are. 

I did manage to stop and take a few photos along the way. The ice is beautiful here all colorful like.  
The Superfly wanted to stop and pose with the pretty ice. 

Sweet Video

Memory Lane

Ah yes, Super Bowl Sunday. I do plan on watching the game...at least for a bit. Maybe it will hold my attention until half time, then I might flip back towards the end to see who wins. No, these days I'm more interested in the kickoff of races such as the Tour of Qatar. Team Sky did have an impressive win. Although Radioshack was not present and no one is really fielding their 'A' teams. 

Anyways, the real reason for today's post was a trip down memory lane. While re-living the early days of High Gear cyclery I stumbled upon the profile of Emporia Legend Tim Mohn, which I highly recommend you take a peek at. I had forgotten how Tim and I were once bitter rivals . Take this quote from his page for example:

Why should someone take up cycling as a new hobby?s the perfect sport.

Cycling is the perfect sport.

Done by all ages.

Both sexes.

All races, nationalities and religions.

Big one’s, small one’s, even somewhat bald one’s (no offense Lelan).

I will ride till the day I die. And so can you.

Very funny Dr. Seuss. Yep, he spared no excuse at chopping away at my self esteem and I made sure to challenge his man hood whenever an opportunity would present itself. Which was basically every time I came into the shop. And now those days are gone. Distance has put an end to our 'love to hate each other' relationship. I can only imagine that in my absence, and lacking a suitable trash talker, he has fallen off the pace. But don't you worry Timmy. One day I shall return to speak slanderously of your name and challenge you to a bout of two-wheeled debauchery. 

In the meantime, enjoy this video. Particularly that handsome devil of a drummer.

(Click the picture for the video!)

 

Oh Tim, how I miss you, ya big galoot.