40 Days to 40

A friend took it upon himself to point out to me a few days ago that there were 43 days remaining before I turn 40. Yep, with a friend like that who needs a proctologist, right? But I digress. Tomorrow marks 40 days to 40. I'm not really sure how to take it all in. I'm not worried about the getting older part because I'm gracefully becoming more and more like a Robert Duvall character every day, so that in itself is pretty cool. The embarking on another new decade of life though has me taking a look at where I'm at, where I've been, where I'm heading, and where I should be. And that, is the scary part.

So Sunday was the first day off in months where I had absolutely nothing I had to do and the weather was going to cooperate: mid-50's and sunny. Boom. Words passed via digital text and soon a group of 10 or so of us were out on the trails at Monkey Bell. Aside from my home trails and some short urban trails near work, I hadn't ridden in the woods since the state championship race at MB months ago. It's been even longer for JD and he was beside himself with excitement. We could barely keep up with him over the course of 23 miles.

A friend is looking at getting a new bike and a Moots tops his list, so I let him ride my MX RSL slider  while I rode my 26" wheeled Rigormootis slider. I'd forgotten how fast and nimble the smaller wheels feel in tight twisty singletrack. It took me about a mile to readjust to the smaller wheels and it was all smiles and laughs from then on out. The leaves were taking several riders out around the turns, but the smaller wheels had no issues. I did rear-wheel fishtail like a dirt bike around one steep uphill and nearly took pumptrack Jim down and several high speed drifts took place by us all. It was a riot.

I've forgotten how fun floating around deep leaf and pine needle covered turns could be. PTJ and I were having a blast pushing the limits of the little wheels (PTJ rocks a Moots Gristle) and whooping it up. After a loop and one busted rear derailleur, we headed out to the parking lot. Several folks were ready to get going, others were looking for food, and I was looking to get a bit more trail. So the group whittled down to just Bryan heading out for some solo time on the MX RSL and PTJ, JD, and I taking on the lesser ridden more technical trails to finish out the day. That is until we decided it was too nice a day to not use all available daylight and retired back to PTJ's house for some pumptrack, more singletrack, beer, and watching the sun set off the overlook. That's how to spend day 42 to 40.

In style news, I happen to be lucky enough to get to test out a pair of Club Ride Half Rack cycling knickers. Out of all their options, the half rack were the fit I liked best. They stretch like my old Hypnotic design knicks that allow the use of knee warmers beneath without bunching at the knee, but have the more flattering (less man-pri) cut of my non-stretching Endura Humvees. My first riding experience with them was Sunday and midway through the ride Patrico asked me how I was liking them. I told him I had totally forgotten I was wearing knicks. They disappeared. No snagging on water bottles or cages, rubbing the rear tire when behind the saddle, no strangling my knees or sliding off the butt/snagging on the saddle. These quickly are becoming the go-to pant.

40 more days to 40.  I wonder tomorrow will have in store.

GGR3

The 3rd Annual Godfather Gravel Ride happened this past weekend. Once again I was lucky enough to be able to join in the fun and had 4 (3 new to the event, and a returning Monster McConnell) others in tow to experience this great event. Steven Myers is the mastermind behind this not to be missed event and so far the entry fee is showing up.

What is the Godfather Gravel Ride you ask? Well...

"It is a 60ish mile Gentleman's Ride on gravel or the roughest roads I [Steven] can find with 5 to 7 king of the mountain sprints.  The plan is to ride together at a comfortable pace to the base of each climb and then race to the top where we will regroup and you will be given a playing card ranging from ace through king, with ace receiving 1 point all the way to the king getting 13 points based on the order of arrival at the top.  Lowest number of points wins the coveted Godfather Cup!"

But really it is much more than just a friendly ride and some stiff hill sprints. It's:

"because we all love a good hard ride and we don't get to see each other quite enough."  

But more importantly:

"It is a little celebration for Stanley Wills "The Godfather" and all that he does for cycling.  He loves to see and ride with everyone more than any of you will ever know, so i hope all of you will come."

You can't really argue with that. 

This years course followed much of last years with some new double/single track thrown in for good measure. I always enjoy the course, but the added bonus of trail this year really kicked it up a notch or two in stoke factor. The trail ran along the river and rolled up and down for miles. No better way to start a long hard ride really.

Near the end of the trail the girls met us on a short steep climb. Ruthie was passing out red solo cups which we thought were filled with beer. Great, beer hand-ups! Steven was leading with me following and we both grabbed a glass and slammed it's contents as we preceded to grunt up the following steep hill. Only the contents didn't contain beer but rather tequila. I came to a stop, track standing in place as my legs and my throat started to burn before finally getting my breath and finishing up the climb. Perfect analogy for the rest of the ride as each section held it's own little twisted surprise.

The weather was perfect. Bluebird skies with temps starting out in the mid 30's and rising into the low 60's. Sun all day and fall colors in full effect as 15 riders made their way along the river. The group had a few GGR veterans and several new riders. Some I've known and others I'd just met. That is the beauty of this ride, it brings like minded riders out for some adventure and creates tales that live on long after the event. Right Scott "wrong turn" McConnell?

Yes, that is correct. The Scott McConnell Buddy Rule was in full effect. Last year Scott fell off the back to take a nature break without informing the group. Several turns later we realized he wasn't among the ranks. Stanly and I headed out for 20+ extra miles in search of Scott while the others headed back to warmth, food, and beer (it rained last year). Scott actually 'accidentally' somehow made his way back to the house and sat inside staring out the window eating and drinking hoping we'd return soon so he could "fully" enjoy his feast. By the time we got back, Stanley and I were pretty much eating alone and reheating the food. Yes kids, these are the magic moments that keep us coming back.

So now everyone picks a buddy at the start. If we get to a turn and your buddy isn't present you speak up and inform the group. If after several turns you fail to speak up or if someone else realizes your buddy is gone, it is up to you to retrieve your lost buddy. I chose Stanley.  I figured we could keep up with one another AND he knows all the roads and about half the widows in the area. ;-) Scott Grissom would be another good buddy to choose as he is the one who always carries matches.

The pace was a bit more aggressive than last year, making it truly a good hard ride. I attempted to win the first KOM but thanks to some loose rocks and deep leaves lost traction and stalled out a bit allowing Matt to kick past me in the final stretch. 2nd would be my best finish for the day. The second climb I tried for as well but lost interest near the top and finished a close third. After that I just opted to finish near the front without killing myself. It was more fun talking smack and messing with people than duking it out with fitter, younger folks at the front.

We finished up as the sun was setting over Buffalo Valley. The view from the Myers house is amazing and the perfect way to end such a marvelous ride. Chili and other homemade goodness awaited us at the house as well as some local Calfkiller brew and coffee. Sitting around rehashing stories and recounting the days events lasted a good few hours until it was time to load up and head back to the real world.

Thank you Steven and Ruthie for feeding us and putting on this great event year after year. Thank you also to Stanley "The Godfather" Wills for all that you do and for keeping this sport so entertaining and the adventures refreshing. Thanks to Patrico, Mark, and Scott for the fun camaraderie over the weekend as we prepared for and headed to the event. Also thank you out to all who showed up. It was great riding with you all. 

Coming Soon: Godfather Part III

This weekend is the third installment of the Godfather Gravel Grinder. Once again we'll be rolling around Buffalo Valley heading towards the steepest, longest gravel pitches in a Gentleman's Race. Best hand after all 7 climbs wins the coveted GGG cup. I might have to pass on the cup this year, my mind and body just aren't up to the task at the moment.

My focus is elsewhere. My goals a little different. My attention not sharp. My performance enhancing clothing on the shelf. I'm looking forward to spending time on the bikes with Stanley and his Smith/Putnum County Mafia. It's been too long since I've got to pedal with them. Although he surprised me with a visit to the farm during the cross race, it's not quite the same as getting a few hours in the saddle exploring new unknown roads and what adventures they might hold.

Reveling the Path

Morning frost.

There is a quote from "Reveal the Path" that has been rambling around my head a lot lately about why time seems to pass so quickly when out riding. It roughly goes something like:

"Time is something we use to measure the passing of life. This bit here, this is living life."

 

When I woke up this morning, that quote was stuck on repeat in my head, motivating me to get outside. After cooking some fresh farm eggs and coffee, I grabbed my bike and headed out to start my day. I use my bike to get around the farm because it's the best vehicle and, being my land, I don't have to follow any rules other than those laid down by physics. Allowing me to ride where ever I feel like riding. Every where except where physics likes to play hardball.

First off was the farm chores.  Releasing the hens, putting the horses out, cleaning the stalls, and hay and water duties. JD always accompanies me for the barn chores, but today we had a special guest.

This little bundle of terrier showed up at the farm last night. H. checked with all of our neighbors but none of them are missing any dogs. We're trying to find her owner, but rather than taking her to the pound, we're letting her hang out at the farm. She's definitely an inside dog and loves to follow along. Hopefully she'll find her way back to her people soon.

`

 I wonder what JD and Nugget are talking about.

After the chores, I had a few errands to run in town. I try to not drive on my days off, especially when I don't have to, so I rode. The last few rides I've done have been without the use of performance enhancing clothing and I must say it's been rejuvenating. I don't know why, but it's been fun not dressing up in Lycra for a ride. The colder weather has enabled the ability to ride further without special needs clothing and it's been an unexpected treat. Everything from singletrack to pumptrack to urban riding to commuting.

I discovered new places to ride on my trek into town.

Just riding, no planning. It's been refreshing. It's not that I'm burned out, I'm not. I'm just not able to find the motivation to go out and just ride a 30-40 mile loop as "training" right now. I'll go out and ride 30-40 miles but it's just to enjoy the ride and explore. Kinda like when we were kids. I'm really enjoying just enjoying being out riding for nothing other than for the ride.

Then it was time to cut loose with the hounds. We raced around the trails until the sun began to set, and then we gathered up some cedar to test out the new fire pit. As the sun went down, the temperature did as well, but the cedar burned hot and bright while the hot tea warmed us from the inside. All without performance enhancing clothing or the use of a clock.

The Lost Sideshow Featuring The Mad One

This weekend was the USGP Derby Cup race in Louisville as well as the Swank 65 over in Brevard. Two races I would love to have been able to participate in. Swank was out but the boss did offer Saturday off for the Derby Cup, but I declined due to needing to save money for all our recent water repairs and having just gotten back from a long trip, I wasn't keen on spending another 9 hours in a car this weekend.

Despite missing out on racing, we managed to make the best of it around town. Some sticker fun at work, an idea germinating for some Brepic Brah time 2013 racing adventures, some more footage taken, inspiration watched, and some random hooliganism thrown in for good measure. I'd say it was a good week.

Saturday morning really started the weekend off right. Patrico and I got in an abbreviated adventure breakfast ride in with Rob and new to adventuring Jeff before heading off to work.  I wish we'd had another hour to have ridden. I also wish I'd worn a helmet. Not so much because I got hurt (I didn't) the propensity was just there and I didn't get to complete the rocky downhill / stairs challenge. Next time.

Post work we headed off for our 5pm lunch and then hopped on our bikes to explore the city. What started off as just a fun jaunt around downtown turned into an 18 mile night time Civil War History adventure ride. Creepy.

We decided to hit up Kimbros Pickin' Parlor for a beverage before heading home. That is until we discovered a friend in the audience and the word that the main band for the night was pretty damn good. It was a Doors cover band and they really lived up to the hype. Several beverages and many hours later it was back on the bike and heading for the homestead.

Sunday started nice and lazily. Chores were done first, then a short ride with the pups, followed up with several new sections of singletrack cleared for the December short track series. Finished off with some raking. Lots and lots of damn raking. Stupid leaves.

We managed to squeeze in another 8 miles of riding before the sun sat for the night, leaving Sunday to finish off like it started, lazily. Here's to a night on the couch with beer and pizza, my friends. Cheers.

Bring Out Your Dead ( I'm not dead yet)

Beach ride. Photo Cred: H.

Dicky has proselytized the death of the cycling blog.  Reasons given included "turning to Twitter and Facebook looking for quick tidbits of information as opposed to grandiose story telling." That got me to thinking. Life's current situation has me limited on the amount and timing of days off, so big grandiose races and events are highly rare for me.

JD the water dog playing in the surf. Photo Cred: H.

I was able to make 'great adventure' for a week in the Spring with a trip to Colorado and Kansas that included 2 races and lots of riding. Then I got 3 days when my cousin passed away. And just finished 4 days off for H.'s beach ride. Not a lot of interesting cycling adventures there.

One of my lucky numbers adorns my thru axle.

Tringlespeed. Run whichever you brung.

I did have to completely overhaul the bearings in my rear hub after the beach adventure. So that feels like I did something bike adventure-like.  I've also set up the MX RSL as a tringlespeed (15t for commuting, 16t for cross, and 19t for trail) to better accommodate my weekly needs without having to carry extra tools around. Just a 5mm to adjust the sliders. Again, not very notable or newsworthy. Maybe he's right.

Happy to be home and back to our morning adventures.

But then I realized it's not that I don't have stories to tell nor do I lack the desire to write them, I lack the time (and the lack of drive to find time) to write. Tuesdays and Sundays are my days off and are typically filled with chores, local races, or shop events. The rest are filled by work and topped off with early morning rides with the pups, commuting, evening rides of either mileage or just stress releasing urban adventuring, and barn/farm chores. I may not travel a lot, race new and exotic races, but it's never boring.

Why did the chicken cross the ditch?

Like today for example. The 25+ year old poly hose that is our current water line has busted/failed several expensive times on us this year. Typically the day or so before we are to leave town. $7000 to replace the entire line from road to barn. Ouch.

Monster McConnell and JD during hot laps at the Simms'.

Luckily I have great friends. While out enjoying bikes and friends one Saturday night at the Simms' household, I mentioned it to Jim. That led to a few phone calls from them and a visit from Leslie's (Jim's better half) Dad. He could do the job for a 1/3 of what we were quoted and shortly thereafter we had running water at the house again after a week of having limited usage.

So Charles was out finishing running the line from the house to the barn. I was hauling off the large flat stones unearthed from the digging to use in the back. And H. was working horses. The dogs of course, were gallivanting  around and playing in the water.

I had just finished laying the stones when I got the bright idea to use some of our remaining gravel pile to fill in the cobbles to make it safe for horses as well as bikes. That's when I did it. I sank the tractor into the swamp without realizing it. Damn you tunnel vision.

Thankfully Charles was still around with his backhoe and was able to get the tractor out. I'm pretty sure I'll be grounded for a while for this one. At least I'll have a solid line through the swamp come wet season. Even if I can't drive the tractor for a month.

H. putting the finishing touches on the cobble bridge.

There are grandiose-esque things in the works though such as several planned local bikepacking and S24O bike camping adventures coming up. The next installment of the Godfather Gravel Ride as well as a long term film project Patrico and I are working on. Getting back to video has been fun. That's where I got my start back in and after college and it's been refreshing falling back into more creative outlets. So, in the interim, updates will probably be sparse, but the adventures won't be. But for poor lil' Dicky's sake, I'll try harder to update more frequently.