When you have lemons you make pie.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Black and White picture of the day
What it looks like but it's not. Not a Saguaro cactus it's a radio tower.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Black and White photo of the day
A 97 mile day riding the Santa Fe trail full length down to the end past Fountain and then up to Palmer Lake and back.
I was surprised to see Palmer Lake devoid of water.
It was a good singlespeed ride though the wind was no fun on the way home.
Time for a beer.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Ring the Peak defrost
It was a cold and frosty day for a bike race here in Colorado. The temps stayed below freezing most of the day. The moisture on the ground helped the riding surface an it was not as soft as last year.
I had a good ride till I got to the turn off to Victor. The cloud cover and wind came up and really cooled things off much more than it was earlier in the morning. I put on some dry gloves and a wind shell over them then a dry hat, my windstop jacket and neck warmer. With 30 + miles to go I needed to stay warm and dry. After a long hike a bike up over the highest and what I thought would be the coldest part of the day it was time to make the long descent back to town.
As my speed increased so did the windchill factor creating a hazard I was not looking forward to. Frozen fingers that made technical descending very difficult. Last year I really flew through this section and expected to make short work of it this year. Wrong, my fingers became so cold I had a hard time operating the brake levers. I would walk the most technical sections and even the easier parts just to try to warm myself.
This really slowed me down but also made me wonder how long it was going to take to get down out of there. I had not seen a single soul since leaving Gold Camp road and did not expect to see anyone anytime soon. Lots of things go through your head and mine was full of thoughts. Am I going to freeze up here, will I make it down before dark and it gets colder? Corned beef n cabbage, corned beef n cabbage, corned beef n cabbage. Got to head straight home and get in the warm shower, and the bed with lots of covers. Find someone in a warm car and get them to crank the heater up. It's amazing what the mind does but I stuck to my mantra of corned beef n cabbage. That seemed to get me down to the road and it was getting a few degrees warmer the lower and closer I got to town.
Once in town it was a race to finish before dark, I had a good chance of making it so I pushed the rest of the way to the finish.
I made it in at 6:30 pm and just before dark. Julie, Linda and Fred had a table waiting and beer on the way. I could not take my gloves off so Julie helped peel them from my frozen hands.
Corned beef n cabbage ordered and a beer in hand we toasted to my craziness for even being outside on a bike.
We also toasted Linda for running her first half marathon earlier in the day. Good job Linda!
Ring the Peak was a success for me this year, a little more of a challenge but I rode faster than last year, I rode it on my full ridge single speed and finished.
There were 13 riders that started the race, five of us finished the complete course for 2012.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Ring the Peak tomorrow!
Well tomorrow is race day for the Ring the Peak and the series championship. The forecast is rain, snow and cold with a 30 degree start and a high of 39 down here. I will be above 10,000 ft most of the day so it will be colder.
There are a lot of people dropping out of the race this past week due to the weather forecast. So I ride year round and have the gear for the cold but it was 80 degrees on Wedensday.
I'm trying to acclimate to the cold and spending as much time outside as possible, since I mostly work outside this has not been to hard.
I will be riding the same bike as last year only I'm going to run a 21 in the back so I can spin a little bit easier and try not to work as hard. It's the same course as last year so no changes there and yes we finish at the Irsh Pub and I will be drooling for corned beef n cabbge with lots of beer the whole race. Good motivation for me to get back as soon as I can. It's one big loop so once on course I'm committed to finish and hopefully a little sooner than last year.
Since it is a fully self supported ride I have to have my own food, water, warm colthes, tools and spares. That's a lot to put in the camel back pack but I manage to get it all in there.
It does become a heavy load until I start eating and consuming my water. The last part of the race is about 18 miles of downhill with a 4,000 ft drop so I won't need much water once I crest the top of Mt Baldy and head down. Food wise I will bring a tuna sandwich some chips, lots of bars, gel shots and carrots.
So today I will go out for a ride to make sure all is sorted out and working right, it's cold so I will test some warm clothes and then get home and get some rest.
There are a lot of people dropping out of the race this past week due to the weather forecast. So I ride year round and have the gear for the cold but it was 80 degrees on Wedensday.
I'm trying to acclimate to the cold and spending as much time outside as possible, since I mostly work outside this has not been to hard.
I will be riding the same bike as last year only I'm going to run a 21 in the back so I can spin a little bit easier and try not to work as hard. It's the same course as last year so no changes there and yes we finish at the Irsh Pub and I will be drooling for corned beef n cabbge with lots of beer the whole race. Good motivation for me to get back as soon as I can. It's one big loop so once on course I'm committed to finish and hopefully a little sooner than last year.
Since it is a fully self supported ride I have to have my own food, water, warm colthes, tools and spares. That's a lot to put in the camel back pack but I manage to get it all in there.
It does become a heavy load until I start eating and consuming my water. The last part of the race is about 18 miles of downhill with a 4,000 ft drop so I won't need much water once I crest the top of Mt Baldy and head down. Food wise I will bring a tuna sandwich some chips, lots of bars, gel shots and carrots.
So today I will go out for a ride to make sure all is sorted out and working right, it's cold so I will test some warm clothes and then get home and get some rest.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Rampart Rumble Gravel Grovel Recap
It was a cool start in Woodland Park but we got nice and warm riding up the first climb to Rampart Range Road.
There was a grand total of 4 riders at the start in front of Gold Hill Coffee.
Three of us local to the Colorado Front Range, and one Peter Martin from Canada. We were all surprised to see Peter show up, he had made an inquiry about bike and gear selection on the website. But normally there are many people who sign-up for these events and never show. Well good job Peter, he toed the line with us.
Craig and Eric are two young and fit guys that looked to be ready for anything and ready to roll.
After the first climb up to Rampart rd Craig, Eric and Peter left me behind. My gear selection on the singlespeed was such that I had to walk the really steep section but that's ok.
After a few miles of rollers I was able to catch up on Peter and descend past him. It really helps to have good descending skills for this type of gravel road. The surface is constantly changing from stutter bumps to hard pack or lots of soft washed out gravel that will grab your wheel out from under you if your not paying attention.
We climb up over 9,000 ft going across the Rampart Range, then started descending down into Pine Creek. Once we made it to Buffalo Creek the altitude really drops, down to 6,800 ft. There are some exciting descents from Pine Creek to the Platte River. But once down to the river it's a very beautiful and a flat ride over to Buffalo Creek.
Along the way our ride host Shane DeMars stopped and took pictures and made sure everyone was okay. When I got to the Buffalo Creek store it was Lunch time and Shane was there waiting with his bike. After I got a refill on water and Rowdy's Root Beer it was time to start the climb up to Wellington Lake.
Shane wanted to get some riding in and to scout out a section of trail up at the lake so he rode with me to the top.
It was nice to ride with Shane and talk about these endurance events, normally when I'm riding an event or training it's solo.
And once up at Wellington Lake I was back to solitude. After climbing to the lake there's more climbing up to Goose Creek rd and the south west side of the Hayman fire burn area. The views up there are amazing and it is the highest point on the course at about 9,400 ft.
The Goose Creek section is long and desolate with lots of rolling climbs that make you wonder if it will ever end.
Since I'm using this ride as a warm-up for Ring the Peak I had to be careful not to over work myself. So my plan was to either ride the short route of 136 miles or cut the ride short somehow.
Well after the Goose Creek section I was really anxious to get to Lake George and decide what to do from there.
When I got to Lake George I was really not looking forward to the next climbing section and the 25 miles back to Woodland Park.
After riding 111 miles in about 12 hours I was feeling like I could push the rest of the way if I refueled.
I went into the little store there and got a bean and cheese burrito another Root Beer (Shane got me on this Root Beer kick) and talked to the store owner a bit.
He said that two guys had come through ahead of me. One was two hours up the road and the second one was about an hour ahead.
At this point I had to make decision and also to remember that I'm just warming up for RTP. I called Julie for a ride back to Woodland Park. She had just ordered a beer at the brewery where the ride ends so I had a little wait in Lake George. But it was not a long one and I had just finish my snack and she was there.
Back in Woodland Park I called Shane to let him know I had got a ride from Julie and we would be at the brewery.
I was really curious how the other three riders were doing, and Julie had not seen anyone when she was there before.
Well Shane and Peter were at the brewery enjoying a beer, Craig must have gone home and Eric had not made it in yet.
We settled in with a beer and some pizza, then got the lowdown on Peter and Craig's ride. Peter had gone off course and ended up in Deckers about 40 miles from the finish. He asked for directions back to Woodland Park and then came across Craig who was having some mechanical problems. So much for the store owner's story, Craig had multiple flats and no spares left and never made the rest of the ride. Fortunately Peter had everything to get him riding and they made it back to Woodland Park.
At about 9:00 pm Eric the only finisher of the first R2G2 walk through the door of the brewery. If anyone was going to finish this ride it would be Eric, after all the guy finished the Tour Divide race this year in tenth place.
We all greeted Eric, got him a beer, some food and cheered his success. Great job Eric!
By the way Eric chose the long route at 168 miles and rode for over two hours in the dark.
We closed down the brewery and had some wonderful conversations about endurance racing and general bike riding.
Thank you Shane for putting together a great ride and good job everyone. See you next year.
Now time to recover and get rocking on the Ring the Peak event.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
I've got some Gravel to Grind
On the 22nd of September I am planning to ride the Rampart Rumble Gravel Grovel 170/125 mile Gravel Grinder.
The R2G2 is part of the Colorado Endurance Series that has both Gravel Grinders and long off road mtb style races.
This will be a pre-limb to the Ring the Peak race that I'm riding on Oct 6th.
The R2G2 starts in Woodland Park just up the hill from where I live. Actually about 2800 ft up the hill from me. So we will be riding at 9,000 ft for most of the day.
Gravel Grinders are becoming very popular in the cycling world. So much so that some manufactures are creating bike designs to accommodate this type of riding.
The bike will have a bit wider tire much like a cyclocross bike but with room for fenders. Some are light weight and the frame materials can be steel, aluminum, carbon or titanium. The geometry is a little more lax and upright to make the longer days in the saddle more bearable.
Some racers are converting 29'ers by adding drop bars with a riser stem and thinner tires.
This is what I have done and it seems to suit me fine. I have mine configured as a single speed with a gear combo of 30 x 16 and running the older V brakes. I'm thinking that disc brakes will be the next change I make but for now the V brakes work.
Other than that my setup is pretty simple, I use a camelback to carry water, tools and rain gear. I have a Snack Shack from Timbuk2 mounted to my top tube for carrying food and my blackberry that is being used as my GPS and no longer has service.
The Blackberry is mostly used for tracking my route using the Mapmyride app and then logged on the Mapmyride site. Once I get home I can see all of the details of the ride on they're website.
I store the GPS track of the ride on my Android phone that has cell service so I can check it if I miss a turn and need to get back on track.
Before the ride I will read the posted ride details, look at the maps and created a turn by turn ride sheet that I carry on the ride.
So far this has worked well for me and most of the rides I'm familiar with the route so it's really just a reminder to keep on track.
Most Gravel Grinder routes are configured so that you can find supplies on course. This helps you keep your load lighter and gives you options on food and drink.
The routes can take from 6 hours to several hours after dark so lighting is needed at times. Because the R2G2 is late in the year and the distance is long and demanding most riders will be back well after dark.
Does this type of riding sound like fun? If so look on-line, there are new rides popping up monthly. Start out with a few short rides and see if you like it. The fun of going down that unexplored old dirt road will reward your efforts.
The R2G2 is part of the Colorado Endurance Series that has both Gravel Grinders and long off road mtb style races.
This will be a pre-limb to the Ring the Peak race that I'm riding on Oct 6th.
The R2G2 starts in Woodland Park just up the hill from where I live. Actually about 2800 ft up the hill from me. So we will be riding at 9,000 ft for most of the day.
Gravel Grinders are becoming very popular in the cycling world. So much so that some manufactures are creating bike designs to accommodate this type of riding.
The bike will have a bit wider tire much like a cyclocross bike but with room for fenders. Some are light weight and the frame materials can be steel, aluminum, carbon or titanium. The geometry is a little more lax and upright to make the longer days in the saddle more bearable.
Some racers are converting 29'ers by adding drop bars with a riser stem and thinner tires.
This is what I have done and it seems to suit me fine. I have mine configured as a single speed with a gear combo of 30 x 16 and running the older V brakes. I'm thinking that disc brakes will be the next change I make but for now the V brakes work.
Other than that my setup is pretty simple, I use a camelback to carry water, tools and rain gear. I have a Snack Shack from Timbuk2 mounted to my top tube for carrying food and my blackberry that is being used as my GPS and no longer has service.
The Blackberry is mostly used for tracking my route using the Mapmyride app and then logged on the Mapmyride site. Once I get home I can see all of the details of the ride on they're website.
I store the GPS track of the ride on my Android phone that has cell service so I can check it if I miss a turn and need to get back on track.
Before the ride I will read the posted ride details, look at the maps and created a turn by turn ride sheet that I carry on the ride.
So far this has worked well for me and most of the rides I'm familiar with the route so it's really just a reminder to keep on track.
Most Gravel Grinder routes are configured so that you can find supplies on course. This helps you keep your load lighter and gives you options on food and drink.
The routes can take from 6 hours to several hours after dark so lighting is needed at times. Because the R2G2 is late in the year and the distance is long and demanding most riders will be back well after dark.
Does this type of riding sound like fun? If so look on-line, there are new rides popping up monthly. Start out with a few short rides and see if you like it. The fun of going down that unexplored old dirt road will reward your efforts.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
RTP training
My goal this week is to get some serious miles on the bike as well as some climbing at altitude.
Yesterday I rode most of the way to Cripple Creek and back. It was a very warm day in the upper 90's even though the aspens are starting to show their colors.
Ring the Peak race is only 5 weeks away.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
USA Pro Challenge Final Day
Christian Vandevelde in Yellow, Tejay Van Garderen second and Levi third.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
USA Pro Challenge Day 6
Sitting on top of the Golden Hotel at the start line. Rooftop views are amazing with eagle eye view.
Friday, August 24, 2012
USA Pro Challenge Day 4
We left Aspen after an exciting Stage 3 provided by Tommy D and headed to Leadville. Julie wanted have a day oncourse so we decided to watch the sprint in Leadville. We stayed at the historic Delaware hotel and got up early to walk around town and find some breakfast.
The crowd was small but they had a lot of fun. There was a bike parade and various citizen events. I opted to go ride the course up to Tennessee Pass and back.
When leaving Leadville I met a guy from Juneau Alaska. He has been riding a fully loaded touring bike from Durango. Pretty interesting story that he flew to Durango and has been following the race. He has a shoulder surgery scheduled in the Vail next week.
I had to head off up the pass so I could get back to Leadville for the sprint.
The sprint was uneventful since Jens Voight was way ahead of the peloton.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
USA Pro Challenge Telluride
With rain looming and coming down in some parts of the San Juan mountains the peleton had they're rain jackets ready.
After three laps around downtown Durango the racers head west out of town.
With a good break the front riders putting a big gap on the field. All to be taken back over Lizardhead pass and then the set-up for the sprint finish.
It was a great sprint finish for Tyler Farrar in his first race back in the United States. Fresh legs and looking happy Tyler heads to the top step of the podium. Not only with the Green Jersey but with Yellow as well.
Sent from my iPad
After three laps around downtown Durango the racers head west out of town.
With a good break the front riders putting a big gap on the field. All to be taken back over Lizardhead pass and then the set-up for the sprint finish.
It was a great sprint finish for Tyler Farrar in his first race back in the United States. Fresh legs and looking happy Tyler heads to the top step of the podium. Not only with the Green Jersey but with Yellow as well.
Sent from my iPad
USA Pro Challenge turn one
Overcast morning here in Durango sitting on the tarmac. There's a big crowd and everyone is very excited.
Friday, August 17, 2012
USA Pro Challenge recovering riders
The 2012 race will see a lot of big name racing again this year. Unfortunately there are several favorites that are recovering from injuries. It's been a very difficult year in the pro peleton with almost every race ending with a rider out because of a serious crash caused injury.
The list is long, Levi with injuries from a car hitting him from behind.
Tommy D with two separated shoulders, Tyler Farrar with multiple bumps and bruises from crashes in the Tour de France.
Cadel Evans suffering from exhaustion after the Tour de France.
Andy Schleck healing after a broken back in the early season causing him to miss the Tour de France.
With all of the injured and recovering favorites this years race will give way to some of the up and coming Pros.
The riders I will be watching are guys like this years Tour of Utah winner Johann Tschoop. Timmy Duggan and Vincenzo Nibali of the Liquigas team, Tejay Van Garderen BMC, Rory Sutherland UHC, and Christian Vandevelde of Radio Shack.
This year the course will have a bit more climbing with some back to back tough climbs. Stage 3 and 4 have Independence pass to challenge the riders. Also they will see more uphill finishes and a time trial to end the tour.
I will be out on course again this year and Julie will be there with me as well. We plan to follow along on every stage and get some photos and write about the race.
The Radio Shack Tour Tracker is live now and you can download it or go to the site to follow along.
We are off to Durango for the kick off and start of the race.
The list is long, Levi with injuries from a car hitting him from behind.
Tommy D with two separated shoulders, Tyler Farrar with multiple bumps and bruises from crashes in the Tour de France.
Cadel Evans suffering from exhaustion after the Tour de France.
Andy Schleck healing after a broken back in the early season causing him to miss the Tour de France.
With all of the injured and recovering favorites this years race will give way to some of the up and coming Pros.
The riders I will be watching are guys like this years Tour of Utah winner Johann Tschoop. Timmy Duggan and Vincenzo Nibali of the Liquigas team, Tejay Van Garderen BMC, Rory Sutherland UHC, and Christian Vandevelde of Radio Shack.
This year the course will have a bit more climbing with some back to back tough climbs. Stage 3 and 4 have Independence pass to challenge the riders. Also they will see more uphill finishes and a time trial to end the tour.
I will be out on course again this year and Julie will be there with me as well. We plan to follow along on every stage and get some photos and write about the race.
The Radio Shack Tour Tracker is live now and you can download it or go to the site to follow along.
We are off to Durango for the kick off and start of the race.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Wildfire is very close to home
There's a wildfire north and west of the city that's looming close to housing developments and a city park. Pretty scary for everyone can in town.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Salida Big Friggin Loop
Tomorrow morning June 9th at 6:30 am is the start of my first endurance race of the year. This first race I plan to ride my geared
Salsa Mamasita setup 1X8. full rigid.
The race starts in Salida at the best little coffee shop in town, Cafe Dawn. It will be a long day and a lot of climbing, the total gain is over 12,000 ft in 88 miles. And it's going to be one "Big Friggin Loop" around the surrounding mountains of Salida.
Sent from my iPad
Salsa Mamasita setup 1X8. full rigid.
The race starts in Salida at the best little coffee shop in town, Cafe Dawn. It will be a long day and a lot of climbing, the total gain is over 12,000 ft in 88 miles. And it's going to be one "Big Friggin Loop" around the surrounding mountains of Salida.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, April 30, 2012
Day 30 of 30 days of biking
Well 30 days and 30 rides another April in the bag. 599.35 miles for the month and 1833 this year.
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Day29 of 30 days of biking
One day left and I'm 100% for 30 days of biking. Got a 55 miler to do tomorrow.
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Day 28 of 30 days of biking
Day 28 and I'm feeling all of the hard rides I've done this month. I have 70 miles to go to make it a 600 mile month and well over 1800 miles for the year.
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
Friday, April 27, 2012
Day 27 of 30 days of biking
Got to ride with my friend Bob Cat and had a fun spin around our trail system. Nice to have some company out on the trails.
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
Day 26 of 30 days of biking
I had a nice ride yesterday till I was a block away from home. Then a big bolt of lightening scared the crap out of me but I made it home just in time to beat the rain.
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Day 25 of 30 days of biking
Wow only 5 days left! Still having fun riding the bike.
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Day 24 of 30 days of biking
Just a quick trip to the brewery for a beer and back home.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, April 23, 2012
Day 23 of 30 days of biking
Another warm and sunny ride today, nothing like a spin around town on the Couch.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Day 22 of 30 days of biking
Road ride today and a free beer for riding my bike to the brewery, thank you earth day.
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Sent from my iPad
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Day 21 of 30 days of biking
Had a nice warm spring day and a long climbing MTB ride.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Day 19 of 30 days of biking
A storm coming in but I was able to ride around it. And nice cool temps for riding.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Day 18 of 30 days of biking
Day 18 and another short easy ride today. Going for a big ride tomorrow.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Day 17 of 30 days of biking
A nice ride today with a warm 70 degrees and not to much wind.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, April 16, 2012
Day 16 of 30 days of biking
Riding the bike and not driving the car to visit friends today.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Day 15 of 30 days of biking
Day 15 and another day on the Couch, and a windy one at that! Springtime in the Rockies and always changing.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Day 14 of 30 days of biking
Another windy day of riding with a threat of rain that has yet to happen. A couple of hours on the bike is good for the soul.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Day 11 of 30 days of biking
Day 11 and it's my Birthday so I rode my bike, got rained on but still rode.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Day 8 of 30 days of biking
Another sunny and warm day of riding, sring is here! Fun group ride even if ended up being just two of us.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Day 7 of 30 days of biking
One week down and 3 more to go. Had a cool and windy spring ride today, took a short route so I could save up for a fast paced group ride tomorrow.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, April 6, 2012
Day 6 of 30 days of biking
It was a good friday for a bike ride. Day number 6 and on into the weekend.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Day 5 of 30 days of biking.
Day 5 and I'm feeling better, sinuses are clearing up and should have a good weekend of riding. Got a 30 miler in today and feels good to back on track.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Day 4 of 30 days of biking
Day 4 the sky is clearing snow has melted and temps are up. Making for nice day on the Couch.
Day 3 of 30 days of biking
Day 3 and an easy spin in 32 degree weather whiile snowing. It was 81 degrees on Sunday, what a change in weather.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, April 2, 2012
Day 2 of 30 days of biking
Day 2 was a 40-40-40 day, meaning that there was 40 mph gust, 40 degrees and 40 degrees cooler than yesterday.
I did get a short ride in with a quick loop through bear creek park.
I did get a short ride in with a quick loop through bear creek park.
Sent from my iPad
