I know, I've been bad.

Well, life happens sometimes. And then you don't blog as much as you would like. So, hopefully these pictures will make you smile.


I made it back up to NY this past weekend for the Livestrong retreat at Frost Valley. It was beautiful!


Oh how I miss this view.


Stopping for some native plum's on the very first Adventure Monkey Tour. Now that was a wonderful weekend. Look for more of these next year!


The kind of beautiful views you can expect. This was taken after the Adventure Monkey himself revealed all he knows about photography!

And now for a look ahead. Riverfront MTB race on Oct. 10th. Be there. Find more information at: riverfrontmtbrace.blogspot.com

News

You may heard the rumors, but now it is a reality. The first ever mtb race at the riverfront park in Melvern, KS. We were asked to put on this race by the town of Melvern and when we went and rode these trails we were thoroughly impressed. Check this website for all race information:

riverfrontmtbrace.blogspot.com

We would greatly appreciate if you would pass this info along and help spread the word. So, please post this link to your blog and start telling everyone you know. This is a race that you will not want to miss!

Upcoming Fun

Okay, you should already know about this, but Flint Hills Bike Tour on Sept 10th-12th. The Adventure Monkey and I are meeting up tonight to finalize ALL the details. So, be prepared to get some info on the happenings.

Secondly, get ready to add another mtb race to your calendar for early October. I know, always with the short notice, but when I decide to do something I get stuff done quickly. There is a new trail that you will not want to miss. More details to come on this early next week, so stay tuned!

Back in Kansas

Yes siree, back in Kansas. A bit of mixed emotions as I miss the folks back East, but certainly glad to be home. And of course I couldn't miss the croc rock race at Perry on my first weekend back. I was a little nervous with the high temps, I am certainly not used to it yet. But, I was able to pull out a second in my age group and was a pretty respectable distance from the overall winner. This was mostly due to Anne Marie's magnificent pit assistance. She saved me some valuable seconds! Everyone else did amazing as well, but you will have to read their blogs to get their scoop on the day.

Weekend Fun

I had the great pleasure of showing off the Catskills to Jim this past weekend. He is making the transition to Bethlehem and made the time to come up and join me for a race here in the mountains. The race course was a little tough, but extremely fun. However, they decided to shorten the race from 3 laps to 2 (I would have been happy with 3), so it wasn't too bad. The lap was 5 miles long and had a pretty substantial 900' of climbing in that short time (long and steep!). It was a great day on some great trails. I will say this though, from a race promotion stand point the midwest has been far better then anywhere I've been! And I am very much looking forward to returning to those races. Hmm...maybe even at Perry if I'm not too spent from all that driving.

In true Adventure Monkey fashion I will try and remember to plug the upcoming first ever Flint Hills Cyclo-Photography Tour Weekend every time I post. Just so you don't forget. And yes, we are still working on the name. But, at least you know what you would be in for. The date is the weekend of Sept. 10-12, so mark it now. More details on activities and pricing to come. Just know that it will be quite affordable and an amazing time!

Much going on

Well first and foremost there are some exciting things going on in the world of magazines. The magnificent issue 2 of Adventure Monkey Magazine is now out. You can find both issues of AM Magazine here. Secondly, XXC Magazine has dedicated an entire issue to the Dirty Kanza 200. A worthy honor for an amazing event! Check it out here. I've already got mine ordered!

I also have news that Adventure Monkey Tours is under way and set to roll out with the first Flint Hills Cyling photo-tour. The date is set for Sept 10-12th. Mark your calendars for now and official details will follow in the near future. This will be a great way to spend a weekend with good company, riding and photographing the Flint Hills.

And most excitingly for me, Jim Cummins may be headed up my way this weekend to take part in a little NE mtb racing. Can't wait!

Really? Really!?

Ah, those nice mountain summers right? Don't have to worry about that oppressive heat. Gimme a break, I just got done with a ride in which I had to wear a base layer and arm warmers. It's July 1st! I was told by an ol' timer that Frost Valley got its name because it would occasionally get frost in July. Our night time temps have been dropping down to the 40's so I guess it could be a real possibility! I found this little excerpt whilst doing some research: "minimum temperatures in the 30s do occur in July at least once every 10 years." I have to wear sweatpants and a hoodie, in July. Needless to say I am not happy about any of this.