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! 

Adventure Monkey

Check out the first of many wonderful magazines to come here. I'm starting to like this writing thing. For more great work from the creator of The Adventure Monkey Magazine click here.

Boredom

Boredom leads to a lot of time wasting on the computer. I did however, stumble upon this little beauty from last years Ouachita Challenge. Especially take note of the two handsome devils at 28 seconds. And then again, a good looking trio at 2:16. I'm a bit jealous I won't be making the trip again this year.

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.