Lilly Arch:
reflection on a creek:
I may be going to hell in a bucket; but at least I am harvesting the ride.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Lifecycles
I keep the xtra-cycle at the ready these days. If we run out out of milk; me and Macie are gone. I've got an I-pod speaker mounted on my water bottle cage, a seat for the girl and cargo bags to haul whatever we need. I have to admit that I secretly enjoy the murmur of people getting out of their cars and see us pulling in; I am always hearing them say "that's awesome."
It is awesome. Hopefully those people go home and get their own bikes out, if not they are screwing up. But that's hard to understand in our fast paced world of automobiles. But the funny thing is, and not that I'm in it for speed; but I can run to the grocery store and back, quicker by bike than car because of the path that runs from my neighborhood.
And speaking of running errands by bike, have I mentioned that all of my fitness has come from this? Its rained so much that I have barely ridden my trail bikes. And downhilling won't build your climbing legs. Plus, this has been the year of injuries. But fitness will come, and go again. For now, I'm happy to take a shuttle to the top of the mountain, get out and ride the wheels off my bike. I'm happy to run errands with my daughter, cause to her the world is always a beautiful adventure, not just on a bike.
Macie started school last week:
It is awesome. Hopefully those people go home and get their own bikes out, if not they are screwing up. But that's hard to understand in our fast paced world of automobiles. But the funny thing is, and not that I'm in it for speed; but I can run to the grocery store and back, quicker by bike than car because of the path that runs from my neighborhood.
And speaking of running errands by bike, have I mentioned that all of my fitness has come from this? Its rained so much that I have barely ridden my trail bikes. And downhilling won't build your climbing legs. Plus, this has been the year of injuries. But fitness will come, and go again. For now, I'm happy to take a shuttle to the top of the mountain, get out and ride the wheels off my bike. I'm happy to run errands with my daughter, cause to her the world is always a beautiful adventure, not just on a bike.
Macie started school last week:
Monday, August 24, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Nashville Alley Cat Race
T-shirts, food, and spoke cards for all participants
Serious prizes up for grabs, a velocity fixed gear wheel set and a custom messenger bag from trash bags are just some of the prizes
more info:
http://www.myspace.com/491358459
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Keystone
I can resist anything except temptation; and I am always game for a good opportunity to check out some new trails, especially world-class downhill trails via a gondola. So when Eric asked if I wanted to drive out to Colorado to help his dad move some stuff; and tie in a few rides, you know I was up to get down. It was an inexpensive way to get out to a beautiful part of the country, and ride some killer trails. We got through Summit County Wednesday night after a long trek through Kansas. For what it's worth, I made a simple observation that the low point between two mountains is called a gap in East TN/Western NC, a notch in New England; and in Colorado it's called a pass.
By Thursday morning we were ready to ride, but the check engine light came on in the truck, and we had some problems getting it taken care of. I felt like I had just driven to Wally World, and the guy at the gate said "Sorry Folks, parks closed." Eventually we got it taken care of, but I got a little ancy to ride, and when we finaly got on the gondola, the lift stopped and we sat there waiting to get moving for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually we got to the business of riding, and by mid-afternoon we were cracking beers and shredding trails.
The trails at Keystone have some very fast sections; dozens and dozens of perfect big berms, jumps and all the other features you would expect from a Colorado mountain bike park.
Friday's ride threatened to be rained out. I was told several times, they shut down for lightning. We just did every run as if it were our last, and eventually a little blue shown through and the day was won. Another great day on the mountain nearly went into the books as perfect. We had enough time for one more run, however tired I was, I had forgotten by the time I had made it to the bottom. So we headed back up for a victory lap. TNT->Paid in Full-> Money ->then the plan was to ride out on East Forest -> Wild Thing; but as we came through -> Money -> Eric stopped and took a picure for the money-shot, I hit the berm a kept going and as I was coming out to the mid-gondola I looked back to see who was behind and my front tire washed out. down I went. hard. My hand swelled up like a paw. Ouch. Hard crash at the end, I was ready for a beer. out.
By Thursday morning we were ready to ride, but the check engine light came on in the truck, and we had some problems getting it taken care of. I felt like I had just driven to Wally World, and the guy at the gate said "Sorry Folks, parks closed." Eventually we got it taken care of, but I got a little ancy to ride, and when we finaly got on the gondola, the lift stopped and we sat there waiting to get moving for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually we got to the business of riding, and by mid-afternoon we were cracking beers and shredding trails.
The trails at Keystone have some very fast sections; dozens and dozens of perfect big berms, jumps and all the other features you would expect from a Colorado mountain bike park.
Friday's ride threatened to be rained out. I was told several times, they shut down for lightning. We just did every run as if it were our last, and eventually a little blue shown through and the day was won. Another great day on the mountain nearly went into the books as perfect. We had enough time for one more run, however tired I was, I had forgotten by the time I had made it to the bottom. So we headed back up for a victory lap. TNT->Paid in Full-> Money ->then the plan was to ride out on East Forest -> Wild Thing; but as we came through -> Money -> Eric stopped and took a picure for the money-shot, I hit the berm a kept going and as I was coming out to the mid-gondola I looked back to see who was behind and my front tire washed out. down I went. hard. My hand swelled up like a paw. Ouch. Hard crash at the end, I was ready for a beer. out.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Colorado is a nice place to visit, but a better place to rob...
...by next week, I'll be getting bermed turns for free (gondala rides instead of pedaling to the top.)
I'm gonna send it at Keystone.
It's too hot to ride in these parts. Summer peaked this weekend, and the air will take your breath away. I'm looking forward to some good ol' Rocky Mountain air.
Rides have been brief, but family time has been great. We did a family greenway ride with the Dunaways last night that was very cool (not in the sense of temperature, but in terms of radness.)We made the rounds at the local playgrounds, and all the kids had a great time.
Eric and I planned to ride Walden Ridge this morning, but ended up going to Panther Creek. After a short ride, we sat by the lake and cooled off in the water.
view over Knoxville
I'm gonna send it at Keystone.
It's too hot to ride in these parts. Summer peaked this weekend, and the air will take your breath away. I'm looking forward to some good ol' Rocky Mountain air.
Rides have been brief, but family time has been great. We did a family greenway ride with the Dunaways last night that was very cool (not in the sense of temperature, but in terms of radness.)We made the rounds at the local playgrounds, and all the kids had a great time.
Eric and I planned to ride Walden Ridge this morning, but ended up going to Panther Creek. After a short ride, we sat by the lake and cooled off in the water.
view over Knoxville
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Full Circle
Car shopping can be both fun and frustrating. I looked at everything from a truck to a Subaru wagon. In the end I ended up back where I started, and I bought a used Element off www.craigslist.com. We drove down to Chattanooga Friday night to get it, and stayed for dinner at The Terminal Brewhouse. Erin loved it, and the Element too.
Saturday I did a long ride from town to the country and back.
Sunday I headed to the Foothills for some punishment; from all the downhilling miles.
Route: River road-> closed portion of Foothills Parkway-> top-> back.
I chased a mountain goat all the way to the top, in disguise as Eric Nelson. I tried to feed him beer and slow him down, but he only rode faster. As the hot sun beat down and the climb wore on; I started dreaming about taco's and lost focus of my plan to slow him down. I hung on at my best pace, willing to explode.
Nice place to stop for a few sips of that good ol' Mountain Brew:
Saturday I did a long ride from town to the country and back.
Sunday I headed to the Foothills for some punishment; from all the downhilling miles.
Route: River road-> closed portion of Foothills Parkway-> top-> back.
I chased a mountain goat all the way to the top, in disguise as Eric Nelson. I tried to feed him beer and slow him down, but he only rode faster. As the hot sun beat down and the climb wore on; I started dreaming about taco's and lost focus of my plan to slow him down. I hung on at my best pace, willing to explode.
Nice place to stop for a few sips of that good ol' Mountain Brew:
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