Crappy's New Year

Crappy's: Where we'll ring it in.

After work tomorrow we'll pile into the zoomzoom and head off to the frozen tundra of Northern Illinois. 509 miles and 8 1/2 ish hours later we should be pulling in. Nothing like spending eight hours in a car. Some day I'll have my dream car: one where I can cook a pizza while driving, pull into dad's driveway and not have to unpack, the bikes can ride inside, and the pups have room to run. Until then I'll settle for fuel efficiency and cruise control.

Updates throughout the weekend will most likely be more irregular than the regularly irregularity that is, or was, whichever the case may be. In the meantime for e-tertainment you can follow the drama of "I'm going out and doing it all on my own with the help of all these people" boy. Or witness the unraveling of the raveled Canardian Empire as he is baffle-y beaten by toys for tots. I'd link to others, but it appears the others I generally read, or read, are more irregular than I, or me.

To the Moots/Swiftwick/Yazoo crew heading to Snake, have a grand time. Remember the true winner is decided by pre-race alcohol consumption + race finish time + post-race alcohol consumption multiplied by being the last one to bed and last one standing, notwithstanding. Extra credit awarded to anything done untowardsly untoward towards Dickman. Party on.

Objects At Rest On The Couch Tend To Stay on The Couch

JD's Christmas Balls

Boxing Day's big adventure ride ended up a bust for me. Due to a very limited sleeping schedule and more driving time than I felt like sacrificing, I opted to stick closer to home and hit up one of the local trails with Monkey and some friends. As much as I longed to be up on the plateau exploring, I have to admit, I was having a blast tooling around the bell with Pumptrack Jim, Jeffy, and Monkey. JD was the only one who could keep PTJ's wheel on any of the descents (and even he got gapped). PTJ and Jeff were gracious enough to sacrifice some mileage to accommodate the young pups trail training: stopping at the creeks for water, taking the descents slow enough to keep him at a good pace, and giving him the tire rub when he gets in the way. Sometimes it takes a village to train a pup.

JD did great, as always, and we ended up with 16 miles for his day. I feel sorry for all of those other customers of Kirk's because they got robbed. I got the bestest one ever. He loves trail running, people, food, and hanging out wherever I am. The EMIL hooked me and JD up with the best Christmas present ever: tennis balls. They were extremely enjoyed Christmas day, despite the cold wind and 33 degree temps, and he is still determined to figure out how to carry all 3 of them in his mouth at the same time.

H's peppermint bark. The helmet was key to her success.

H. and her sous-chef (with cap) Hagan mixing the cookie dough.

The Master Presser intently watched by Monkey.

Dish was interested in the pressing of the dough too.

Christmas Eve was special for H. and her mom, it was the first time in 5 years that H. was able to go to midnight mass with her mother. It's also the first time since my involvement with the family that all members were able to spend the entire holiday underneath one roof. It was pretty special getting to watch Hagan open his presents Christmas morning, bake cookies Christmas eve, and watch Dish eat all but 4 of the cookies set out for Santa, Dish and JD drink his milk, and how excited Hagan was putting out the reindeer treats Christmas eve. Robin Hood was always my favorite Disney animation as a kid and I watched it with Hagan, introducing him to the magic of Robin Hood. After which I'm not sure he stopped watching it the rest of the holidays except for the time he got grandpa to watch Spongebob with him. He's a fun nephew.

The Christmas bounty awaiting Hagan

Hagan's PapaTed house (aka Firehouse)

The EMIL attempted to burn the house down Christmas Eve. Some candles were burning on the stoop of the fireplace and started to burn some decorations. An alert Grandpa and Hagan helped avoid a potentially sucky ending and everyone enjoyed giving me grief about not noticing, being the son of a fireman. My first comment was "why didn't the smoke detectors go off" (also Dad's first comment when I called him to tell him what was going on) then I reminded them that "he's retired now and we don't do that anymore". Humor rules. I can't imagine getting through life without it, even when it's not funny.

A barrow full of poo.

Sunday morning started out lazily, hence the objects at rest on the couch tend to stay on the couch title. I lacked motivation, though the clear sunny day was inviting. It took 2 cups of coffee and a determined Catahoula to rouse me up and out to do the barn chores. Cold with a warm sun, I suited up for a road ride after finishing with the barn. Dish doesn't even lift an eyelid from the recliner when I grab the road bike, but JD is still young and has a hard time determining when he gets to go. Several "no, stay" commands and a gate close later, I was off for a ride. At first, I was toasty warm, perfectly dressed for the weather. As the clouds crept in they brought a colder and stronger wind and my last 10 miles had me working harder to get home. It was the first road ride I've enjoyed since the last night ride with 8ball weeks ago.

What do you mean by "stay" exactly?

Blue skies and cool trees, the road ride didn't disappoint.

The Wupples ready to ride.

Crossing the creek at the small falls.

Once home I quickly swapped shoes and bikes and headed out back with the pups. 6 miles of trail and field riding with Dish and JD was a great way to cap off a fun road ride. Kind of a mini training camp without having to drive anywhere. It's also amazing what an iPod can do for morale and motivation. Nothing like a running soundtrack to the movie of your life to help out.

The big bins.

The pile remaining. A larger strainer is in order.

Feeling good about actually getting some quality riding done, I tried to keep the motivation up and got the recycling out to the recycling center, picked up a half gallon of milk to last us until we leave for Illinois, and am about to tackle the back log of dishes accumulating in the sink. Man cave cleaning and vacuuming are on the agenda for tonight. hoorah, do I know how to spend a Sunday or what?

Happy Holidays.

Tree is up, decorated, and illuminating our small living room. It has survived. JD has yet to notice it and drag it around the house like oh so many other things that live in the bike room. Or try to drag it through his doggy door like so many other large branches in the yard.

We'll be off soon to celebrate the holiday with the in-law outlaws and the nephew. The massive expense of the truck transmission, water pump, cooler, and thermostat coupled with the new radiator, condenser, and thermostat in the car left H. and I with no other holiday gift option other than a pretend bow on the cars. This whole radiator/overheating issue with the car started last Christmas, here's to hoping it's finally fully resolved.

H. thanking Monkey for her new eventing helmet and medical arm band.

Luckily the pups love their mommy and were able to save up enough bones to get her a new cross country skull cap and medical arm band. Should help to keep her a little safer when galloping across the fields jumping large fences and combinations.

While she gets a post work nap in, the pups and I headed out to muck the barn. Ah, such a nice husband right? Not really, I wanted to use the bike wash stall (what's the deal with all the hay in their ladies?) to rinse off the clay and prep my bike for Boxing Day's adventure. Luckily it's 56 degrees here today and washing outside was actually preferable.

I can't wait until Boxing Day. It's going to rock, I'll be out riding at a location I've not ridden since I was running around in Lederhosen and flannel (oh wait, Lederhosen was Sslohio - facebookers can click here). I love adventure rides. Just have to get through Christmas. Just have to get through Christmas...

Attack of the Max

The 'Dorfer had jumped first, but Mad Max was quick to react.

Around the switchback, Young Max had closed the gap.

Onward and upwards the two of them raced.

Soon off the front, leaving the 'Dorfer to chase.

And chase he did, for he had to save face. For getting beat by a 14 year old would surely disgrace.

Before the crest a truce was made. The fight will wait for another day.

Though I think he over did playing up the 'excuse' a bit. Thank goodness for fred bags, eh Max?

Oh, I see the problem now. My brake is rubbing.

Stupid brake keeps rubbing.

Geesh, I could beat you up the climbs if it weren't for this brake rubbing.

Weddings And Felines

Spiced Tea table dressings

Saturday friends of ours' lovely daughter Hannah got married up in Kentucky. The car made it there and home without overheating (WIN!) but the squealing belt drove me nuts (FAIL!). Can't win them all I guess. The wedding, however, was excellent. The ceremony a good mix of humor, wisdom, gravity, and tradition. Hannah looked absolutely radiant and everybody seemed to have a great time.

Always representin': Dress Moots socks.

We enjoyed a dance, some delicious tomato bisque soup, chocolate covered strawberries, visited with friends not seen in a while, then headed towards home in the sleeting, snowing night. I'm excited about the new tires I had put on the car before it left me for 4 weeks. Excellent slick/wet weather grip. They are v rated vs the recommended z rated, but the ride is so much quieter and the grip in wet conditions unmatched with any tire I've tried before. Here's hoping they last the 50k miles advertised (z rated tires wear fast).

Mailbox sprints. Best intervals ever.

The 'dorfer stirred up interest in a gravel grinder Saturday evening and plans slowly came together to get a group of us out Sunday for some fun in the partial sun. Two of the initial 5 bailed but Mad Max stepped in and made up for the loss of company.

Waiting on gRant

Mad Max's first gravel grinder. We took it easy on him this time.

The llama sprint wasn't on this day's route, but 'dorfer did sweep the running goats sprint. I got the 3 swine sprint followed by the 3 little piggies sprint. 'Dorfer won a town sign sprint or two but I got the hill top church mailbox sprint for Jesus, pretty much nullifying any other sprint points for the day. Max managed to sweep the Juniors sprint points category and also consistently beat gRant (Thanks for helping the kids ego out gRant).

Cresting the first climb.

31 degrees and cloudy despite the forecast of 41 degrees and mostly sunny. The sun did come out once we were finished, but the beauty of the gravel route is it helps keep us sheltered from the wind and the extra effort required from the terrain helps keep the speed down and the core temps up. Devoid of the snow we got up in the highlands, the clay was mostly dry but still had a good bit of wet splattering clay to enhance the experience.

MootoX Ultimate Gravel Style: 3 bottles, 1x9, fender, cross tires.

You may be stronger 'dorfer, but I'm still 5% faster. (Notice he's holding on up the climb)

The hill before the ambush.

Cresting the hill before the final gravel loop, I noticed a small kitten in the middle of the road. I rolled up to it and it didn't move, so I bent over to pick it up, thinking it was frozen and alone having been dumped out in the country. As soon as I had the kitten picked up, it climbed to my shoulder and started to mew. A rustling in the leaves was heard before the cavalry came out of hiding and attacked.

Illustrating Moots' Titanium superiority in hearding cats.

Kitten after kitten came out and requested our attention by climbing up our bikes and onto our jerseys. Being well fed and super friendly they must have lived at a house or farm nearby and were just out for an adventure in the daylight. We put them back down and made our way along, only to be pursued for a while until we out ran them on a descent.

3 out of 5 cats prefer Moots Titanium

Note to self (and anybody reading): 'Dorfer doesn't like cats or even kittens. It's like Kryptonite to Superman. He's as awkward with them as Neumeyer is around small children. Every lap at a cross race we should hand him up a kitten. Or at least threaten him with one. Though Christmas is coming...

'Dorfer on the run-up. This is how we break our ankles, e-i-e-i-oww!

Pucketts

Post ride, the second best idea concerning me the 'Dorfer has ever had was generated. The first being a growler of mocha coffee stout at the Halloween Cross the Way race. Warm comfort food was required and Pucketts delivered. We've both ridden past the smoker cooking brisket and bird for years, today we partook. Damn tasty. Yazoo on tap too.

Stay Grounded

Swiftwick Merino 12's Magic Levitating Socks

Parker sent me some photos he took during race Cross The Way #5. My new Moots wind vest (which has handy pockets on the back) kept my core super toasty, but the keys to the old not old class (Masters 35+, Masters 45+ is the old yep old class) win were my Magic Merino 12 Levitating socks from Swiftwick. These must have performance hosiery items help make good cross race by allowing you to float effortlessly over the barriers and up run-ups.

Just be careful when not racing as you could tend to just float away.

If you're looking for that extra boost to get you to the next level that's not on the UCI banned substances list (yet), grab you some Magic Levitating Merino socks. If nothing else, they'll at least keep you crispy in milk.

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."
The Dual Pistolero finger bang bang.

Thanks for the photos Parker!

Note: Comments might be hokey for a while. The service I'd been using is changing and I'm being forced to move them to other systems. So the two of you who comment, please be patient. Thanks.

He weighed as much as a cat or a chicken

Is it just me or do you all also find yourselves rooting for Gordon to beat the big bad machine of Trek in 24 Solo only to start cheering for Chris to bring it all back in the wee hours of the morning? Cracks me up when Poz is near tears (55:39) and you think it's because he cares about Gordon's health and how far he is willing to push himself, but it's the excitement that they still have a shot that brings him to tears.

When Chris rides past Allison and grabs her hand as he races off (58:14), yup that's where the tide turns for me. I think he's going to win it one of these times I watch it.

Best trainer video ever.

Deck The Dog

...with bow wow wowsies.

Post Preds game (thanks Joe!) listening to American Routes featuring some Leadbelly, followed by Echoes, put me in the X-mas decorating spirit. Nothing like pain soaked Jazz and blues to bring out the Holiday spirit. Due to the massive chunks of change both vehicles are costing this month, Christmas will be slim but that doesn't mean the decorations have to be. The EMIL gave us a tree so rather than cut down another Cedar weed Charlie Brown Christmas tree, I put up the plastic one and started the decorations. Since JD likes to drag things like trees around, I've stuffed it into a corner he's less likely to obliterate.

I don't even think he's noticed it yet.

Speaking of decorating, check out the megatron at the Preds game.

Swiftwick: Made in Tennessee.

A Saturday Saved

A smiling Hagan at the end of the spiral

Harassed about not updating the blog, I defended by stating all I've done is work. Then I thought about it, and while work was more than the average 40 this week, there were lots of life outside sprinkled in. The week started off with helping a friend pick up a new to him motorcycle. Literally. We loaded it into the back of the Hippie truck and delivered it to his place since it wouldn't start. Friday ended with a few hours in the cold sipping some cask ale and tearing into the bike to try to get it to start. A new starter is in the works. But the parts all went back together and the beer tasted good.

Thursday found me in the passenger seat of the Hippie Mazda with H. driving me and the pups down to the 'boro after work for the annual Christmas cookie cooking night. I'm the press man. This year was special as Hagan was around to help us eat, er, make the cookies.

Didi (EMIL) and H. mix the dough while Hagan looks on.

H. and EMIL take care of the mixing and the baking. I've taken over the pressing and the color mixing of the cookies. The artistic fun part of the job.

Cinnamon Imperials allowed for some extra creativity on my part his year.

Artistic Green.

A little Carnadian Maple Holiday Leaf for my alien friends up North.

For the new baby. How is it spelled again Scott?

Before working on the motorbike after work Friday, I stopped into the OB ward to see Monster and Jamie's new baby girl. Cade was there enthralled with the Race Against The Sky teaser and other "bike races" on Scott's laptop (If you think Monster is unstoppable on the bike, wait till you meet Cade). The new baby girl was sleeping while Grandma quietly rocked her in the chair. The family is doing well and the new baby is precious. I'd spill the beans on the name but I'm not sure if the spelling has been decided upon yet. It's a gorgeous name, even if Scott can't spell it yet.


Saturday had plans to ride Stanley the Legend's private trail Sykes. Not an everyday invite, I was stoked to get out there to ride again. The last time being a night ride post Fall Creek Falls with Hennessey over 2 years ago. After getting the motorbike back together, I headed home to prep the Moots for Saturday as it was still mud covered and geared for cross, untouched after Sunday's races.



I started to just knock the dried mud off the frame, but couldn't just let it be dirty and hand washed the frame. Cleaned the chain and waxed the frame. Since I was swapping gears and had to remove the wheels, I installed the new quick releases I won at Saturday's race. They are white and look pretty dope on the Moots. I expected them to hold the wheels on, but didn't realize they'd resolve a brake rub issue I'd been suffering with the dtswiss wheels for a while now. Turns out the Salsa skewers I'd been using aren't as stiff as the new white Sette MX2 ones and were the cause of the flex. Extra bonus.


Saturday the alarm went off at 6:30 and I set about getting up, but I didn't feel right. Headache, sweats, nausea. Maybe it'll wear off. So I headed out to feed the horses, the cold fresh air helping the headache some, but the nausea wasn't waning. Cheerios didn't stay down and I couldn't shake the sweats. Try as I might, I just couldn't seem to fix the nausea. I had to bail on the ride. I can't believe it, I was feeling great Friday night.

always time for some tug wars

I went back to bed and hoped I'd either just sleep the day away or wake up better. Luckily I woke up better. Some chicken soup and a cup of coffee later and I was feeling back to my old self (not that I'm old). I'm thinking the cafeteria food at work last night probably wasn't the best choice and the spewing and illness was a little food poisoning. That or the 5 hour flu.

heading up from the lake pond

Not wanting to drive an hour to a trail with the chance that I might not really feel as good as I think, I opted to suit up and head out back to ride with the pups in the back forty. I spent about 40 minutes clearing some of the dead fall and opening the perimeter trails back up that the girls ride the horses around. Then got in 3 hours of riding with the pups.

Dish, always attentive.

Whew it was close, but I managed to save the Saturday. Why waste a perfectly good weekend day being sick when there are so many more work days available and perfectly suited for sick days?