The sun was out, even before it quit snowing.
I may be going to hell in a bucket; but at least I am harvesting the ride.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
It's a Girl!
It's wild. I couldn't be happier. And the fact is, if our baby is going to take after anyone, it would be much better to take after Erin.
I met Eric for a celebratory ride at Norris; before the storm moves in. A southern snow storm is expected for the mountains, with a dusting in the valley.
I met Eric for a celebratory ride at Norris; before the storm moves in. A southern snow storm is expected for the mountains, with a dusting in the valley.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Forks of the River
Me and Eric headed out for a late afternoon ride on Sunday. Starting from Ijams, we headed for the ridges of the Forks of the River. Brian Hann's 100 acre farm borders the 600 acres of the Forks of the River. Plenty of other trails are hidden in the woods in adjacent parks and properties. But we didn't get further than Brian Hann's trails, where we wandered into the property making turns through the spider web of trails.
With more than an hour before complete darkness, we tried to find our way out, but the maze of trails had us lost to the point we were making circles. There was a bit of panic as we became further lost, and a short window of time to get out of the woods before dark. It started raining hard.
Eventually we saw a house through the woods, so we bushwhacked our way to the driveway and hauled ass to the road. We came out onto Sevierville Pike and rode back in the cold dark rain.
It was a thrill being lost, with darkness and rain closing in. The consequences were scary but not severe. It was a possiblity that we might not have made it out before dark, but it would have taken alot to have had to sleep in the woods.
With more than an hour before complete darkness, we tried to find our way out, but the maze of trails had us lost to the point we were making circles. There was a bit of panic as we became further lost, and a short window of time to get out of the woods before dark. It started raining hard.
Eventually we saw a house through the woods, so we bushwhacked our way to the driveway and hauled ass to the road. We came out onto Sevierville Pike and rode back in the cold dark rain.
It was a thrill being lost, with darkness and rain closing in. The consequences were scary but not severe. It was a possiblity that we might not have made it out before dark, but it would have taken alot to have had to sleep in the woods.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Super Beer Run
We've got a new loop at Norris dubbed the "Super Beer Run" loop. It'll break it off in ya'; but keep you smiling with a beer pick-up near the end (Archers market has one of the finest beer selections from here to Carolina), finishing with a bombing descent to the car.
Camp Sam->Highpoint->Lake Loop->Boundry->Clear Creek->Red Hill->High Point->Ridgecrest-> back to car to drop off the dead dog->Mile Marker 8->Reservior Hill->Cross Hickory Trail-> City Loop->Archer's Market->Eagle Trail-> Car.
Drew at the top of Camp Sam
Brian on the climb out of Lake Loop
Archer's Market
McLovin
Throwing frisbee's at the sun
And thats the end of this true story told by a liar
Camp Sam->Highpoint->Lake Loop->Boundry->Clear Creek->Red Hill->High Point->Ridgecrest-> back to car to drop off the dead dog->Mile Marker 8->Reservior Hill->Cross Hickory Trail-> City Loop->Archer's Market->Eagle Trail-> Car.
Drew at the top of Camp Sam
Brian on the climb out of Lake Loop
Archer's Market
McLovin
Throwing frisbee's at the sun
And thats the end of this true story told by a liar
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Never-Ending Math Equation
When you have a tail wind, just go. My PMBAR training plan is as simple as that.
I have laid out a few points to make sure I get the most.
• When the road splits, take the long way home.
• When the road turns to gravel, take the gravel road till you find trail.
• On the trail, ride till you hit the wall, then go further.
It’s a simple math equation; just go till it hurts, then go a bit further.
I have been out on the 'cross bike the last few days, and I feel an energy from the urban landscape that propels me. Feeling good on two wheels, I end up racing cars, jumping curbs, pumping grade reversals and thrilling out!
Monday night I took off from the house, where I always leave the neighborhood heading down a hill, and gain speed fast. I popped out into the evening commute and started weaving my way to the greenway through the gradual downhill into the heart of west Knoxville. Crossed Kingston pike, never stopping and onto the bike trail, I hoofed it along Sutherland Avenue and into the Third Creek greenway at about 35 miles per hour! I was flying through the twisty section, or so it seemed at an accelerated rate, making it to Cherokee Boulevard in a matter of moments. Back onto the road, I was racing cars through the hills and winning the battles! Until I dropped along the shore, I didn't realize the propellant heading east was a strong tail wind!
Heading back home into the headwind was true PMBAR training!
Tuesday night, I'm in Johnson City, TN.
Now I get the question while traveling for work, "What’s up with the bike?"
I respond “It’s my escape-vehicle if my car breaks down." So I drove that car till' it ended up on blocks!
After checking into the hotel, I quickly don the biking attire. Its winter so I'm in jacket and long pants. I forgot a head warmer, but I've got two head bands to help battle the strong wings and 35 degree temps. Claiming "it’s not that cold," which it wasn't, I head out into the great unknown.
The beautiful sunset unfolded slowly before me as I aimed for the mountains. Buffalo Mountain to be exact. Following the greenway, out of the chain of chain-restaurants and big-box-stores, I headed directly for, what appeared to be a big mountain, straight ahead. Figuring its perfect for PMBAR training, I stayed the course.
I ended up at ETSU campus and the base of Buffalo Mountain. So I poked around campus for a bit, and found a paved bike trail that led me downhill and into a jump. So I clicked it into the big ring, the Big, Big ring. Straight flying. I over shot the jump by like forever, and flew off the side of the next road and straight into the steep embankment. Somehow I pulled it out, by unweighting my rear wheel and pulling up, avoiding certain tradgedy.
Undeterred, I kept heading into the mountains, finding a dead end road, through the campus. Sure enough I found the golden single-track off this road. Like I was born to find this hidden trail. I couldn't believe my discovery. I usually ride Warroirs Path when in Johnson City, but its amazing that great singletrack was hidden just 7 miles from the hotel, and connected by greenway. So I enjoyed a great spin around very fun trails.
While I was riding the local trails and goofing around town, there were a few folks hitting it hard in Pisgah. Toeing the line on a 36 hour bike ride in Februardy raises the bar for hitting it hard.
Here's a great ride up : Biking in a Zen Manner
I have laid out a few points to make sure I get the most.
• When the road splits, take the long way home.
• When the road turns to gravel, take the gravel road till you find trail.
• On the trail, ride till you hit the wall, then go further.
It’s a simple math equation; just go till it hurts, then go a bit further.
I have been out on the 'cross bike the last few days, and I feel an energy from the urban landscape that propels me. Feeling good on two wheels, I end up racing cars, jumping curbs, pumping grade reversals and thrilling out!
Monday night I took off from the house, where I always leave the neighborhood heading down a hill, and gain speed fast. I popped out into the evening commute and started weaving my way to the greenway through the gradual downhill into the heart of west Knoxville. Crossed Kingston pike, never stopping and onto the bike trail, I hoofed it along Sutherland Avenue and into the Third Creek greenway at about 35 miles per hour! I was flying through the twisty section, or so it seemed at an accelerated rate, making it to Cherokee Boulevard in a matter of moments. Back onto the road, I was racing cars through the hills and winning the battles! Until I dropped along the shore, I didn't realize the propellant heading east was a strong tail wind!
Heading back home into the headwind was true PMBAR training!
Tuesday night, I'm in Johnson City, TN.
Now I get the question while traveling for work, "What’s up with the bike?"
I respond “It’s my escape-vehicle if my car breaks down." So I drove that car till' it ended up on blocks!
After checking into the hotel, I quickly don the biking attire. Its winter so I'm in jacket and long pants. I forgot a head warmer, but I've got two head bands to help battle the strong wings and 35 degree temps. Claiming "it’s not that cold," which it wasn't, I head out into the great unknown.
The beautiful sunset unfolded slowly before me as I aimed for the mountains. Buffalo Mountain to be exact. Following the greenway, out of the chain of chain-restaurants and big-box-stores, I headed directly for, what appeared to be a big mountain, straight ahead. Figuring its perfect for PMBAR training, I stayed the course.
I ended up at ETSU campus and the base of Buffalo Mountain. So I poked around campus for a bit, and found a paved bike trail that led me downhill and into a jump. So I clicked it into the big ring, the Big, Big ring. Straight flying. I over shot the jump by like forever, and flew off the side of the next road and straight into the steep embankment. Somehow I pulled it out, by unweighting my rear wheel and pulling up, avoiding certain tradgedy.
Undeterred, I kept heading into the mountains, finding a dead end road, through the campus. Sure enough I found the golden single-track off this road. Like I was born to find this hidden trail. I couldn't believe my discovery. I usually ride Warroirs Path when in Johnson City, but its amazing that great singletrack was hidden just 7 miles from the hotel, and connected by greenway. So I enjoyed a great spin around very fun trails.
While I was riding the local trails and goofing around town, there were a few folks hitting it hard in Pisgah. Toeing the line on a 36 hour bike ride in Februardy raises the bar for hitting it hard.
Here's a great ride up : Biking in a Zen Manner
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Can't put the rain back in the sky.
It's a well known fact that every snow-flake is unique. No two days on the mountain are the same, every day brings a new condition to the snow. A not so well known fact is that every day brings a new condition to the dirt in the south.
I made a few trips to IC King over the weekend for some good dirt conditions, before the rain came. It was a loamy dirt that broke in the corners; and when I nailed the apex just right, the tires would break away and drift just enough to set you up for the perfect turn. It was a true dancing on the pedals moment! ha ha ha
I've been made fun of for my over dramatic descriptions of bike riding. But hey, I'm just chasing the mojo dragon. When its on, its on!
Photo from the clouds of Point Park on Look Out Mountain,
Chattanooga, TN.
Erin and I drove down to the Scenic City for the day.
Ate lunch and hung out in the rain!
I made a few trips to IC King over the weekend for some good dirt conditions, before the rain came. It was a loamy dirt that broke in the corners; and when I nailed the apex just right, the tires would break away and drift just enough to set you up for the perfect turn. It was a true dancing on the pedals moment! ha ha ha
I've been made fun of for my over dramatic descriptions of bike riding. But hey, I'm just chasing the mojo dragon. When its on, its on!
Photo from the clouds of Point Park on Look Out Mountain,
Chattanooga, TN.
Erin and I drove down to the Scenic City for the day.
Ate lunch and hung out in the rain!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
You know quiting was the hardest part of the day
I wouldn't say we were really roughing it in Colorado, but we skied a lot of terrain. The tag line "Living on bananas and beer" is an expression to me; meaning "living hard." The steep / deep snow ate my lunch for a few days. My legs were worked over and I was blown away by the beauty.
I have been to Colorado a few times in my life, and the mountains are nothing new to me. Yet the sky had never looked so blue before. Maybe I am getting older and seeing things differently, but I was amazed and inspired.
Since being back, I have had no time to enjoy my hard-earned-acclimation 'to a higher altitude.' The dog is anxious to go riding, but I am covered up with work.
Erin is starting to "show" and we are excited. We'll find out soon if we are having a boy or girl. There is a lot to do; to get ready for our child, who’s soon to arrive. Still I am trying to do everything. Work hard, play hard, and hard love. Meaning: too much of everything is just enough.
Since this is a bike-related blog, I'll use this as a segue to announce a recent entry to PMBAR. It’s no surprise, I've called this one since we finished last year; but me and Eric are back at it this year! PMBAR is on, and we have less than three months to prepare.
I have been to Colorado a few times in my life, and the mountains are nothing new to me. Yet the sky had never looked so blue before. Maybe I am getting older and seeing things differently, but I was amazed and inspired.
Since being back, I have had no time to enjoy my hard-earned-acclimation 'to a higher altitude.' The dog is anxious to go riding, but I am covered up with work.
Erin is starting to "show" and we are excited. We'll find out soon if we are having a boy or girl. There is a lot to do; to get ready for our child, who’s soon to arrive. Still I am trying to do everything. Work hard, play hard, and hard love. Meaning: too much of everything is just enough.
Since this is a bike-related blog, I'll use this as a segue to announce a recent entry to PMBAR. It’s no surprise, I've called this one since we finished last year; but me and Eric are back at it this year! PMBAR is on, and we have less than three months to prepare.
Monday, February 11, 2008
With Chris and Tim in tow, me and Hank led the group through the Appalachian hill country of Norris.
The Morewood Shova under new management
The Morewood Shova under new management
Living on banana's and beer
When the powders gone, mother nature makes more. At least thats how it goes in the Colorado high country. In the mean time, there's a few groomers to tied you over. The snow came this afternoon.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sunny day on the hill
The morning commute started by catching the lift right out the back door, and then taking a series of lifts from Arrowhead over to Beaver Creek. Traffic wasn't bad, considering the weather. The bluest sky I've ever seen kept my endorphins high.
Soul on a roll....
"...but they treat it like soap on a rope cause the beats in our lines are so dope."
I brought the noise!
Soul on a roll....
"...but they treat it like soap on a rope cause the beats in our lines are so dope."
I brought the noise!
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Visceral Thrill
View of Mount of the Holy Cross, seen from Vail Mountain
Word on the mountain is that today is the first blue sky day in over a month, and by far the warmest of the winter.
Like Warren Miller says: "If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do." But it takes a little luck to catch conditions as beautiful as this!
Droping back into Vail village, I stopped to watch a snowboard competition. These kids were flying through the air like rubber bands.
Word on the mountain is that today is the first blue sky day in over a month, and by far the warmest of the winter.
Like Warren Miller says: "If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do." But it takes a little luck to catch conditions as beautiful as this!
Droping back into Vail village, I stopped to watch a snowboard competition. These kids were flying through the air like rubber bands.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Raccoon run
I hooked up with Jeff and Brian for a ride at Raccoon Mountain. Most of us would say it was a great ride, however, Jeff was trying hard to make the 6 0'clock news by crashing-big a couple times. He now goes by the name "6 O'clock news Jeff." He will no longer be known as "Mister January", named for his appearance in a calendar. Apparently I will have a new nickname too. More on that to come.
But as Brian pointed out, Jeff is gonna have to crash much bigger if he wants to make the news. Better luck next one!
The gratuitous 'coon shot:
But as Brian pointed out, Jeff is gonna have to crash much bigger if he wants to make the news. Better luck next one!
The gratuitous 'coon shot:
Saturday, February 02, 2008
The Blue Sky
Sunrise, enjoyed on my way to work earlier this week.
There were several great rides throughout this week. Thursday night I ran into Jeff and Brian on the greenway, so we swung through Safety City for a few, before checking out the new Knoxville Skate Park! I think its great the city pulled it together to get this built, and its an awesome addition to this great bicycling town. We stopped on the way home, for a few beers at Union Jacks.
Other nights, this week, I just ran errands via bicycle and stumbled across a few great moments. I love to travel by bicycle, or rather wander. Making it home with beer is rewarded two times. Once for tommorrow and once just for today.
Wednesday I worked in Gatlinburg, so I cashed in a free lift ticket and spent a couple hours in the crappy conditions.
Mt. LeConte
Obviously I enjoy taking pictures and making life one big story to tell. Solidifying the moments as a journey and destination; a reminder of the day's beauty, makes the ride more enjoyable.
I enjoyed a great ride with two old friends today at Norris. Chris and Tim came to town with the mission to buy a bike from Morewood rider, Doug Ferguson.
We left the cash at Harpers:
There were several great rides throughout this week. Thursday night I ran into Jeff and Brian on the greenway, so we swung through Safety City for a few, before checking out the new Knoxville Skate Park! I think its great the city pulled it together to get this built, and its an awesome addition to this great bicycling town. We stopped on the way home, for a few beers at Union Jacks.
Other nights, this week, I just ran errands via bicycle and stumbled across a few great moments. I love to travel by bicycle, or rather wander. Making it home with beer is rewarded two times. Once for tommorrow and once just for today.
Wednesday I worked in Gatlinburg, so I cashed in a free lift ticket and spent a couple hours in the crappy conditions.
Mt. LeConte
Obviously I enjoy taking pictures and making life one big story to tell. Solidifying the moments as a journey and destination; a reminder of the day's beauty, makes the ride more enjoyable.
I enjoyed a great ride with two old friends today at Norris. Chris and Tim came to town with the mission to buy a bike from Morewood rider, Doug Ferguson.
We left the cash at Harpers:
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