my favorite tree at Norris

moon dust

Its dryer than a popcorn fart.
Norris dirt is just better when its wet. The soil had turned to sand and was loose in the corners. I think I'll wait until the next rain before I return. Although, the beer is cold as usual at Archers.





I have been looking for a map of both Norris State Park trails and Norris Watershed trails. I can not find a map with both trail systems. And the maps that are available are hard to read and do not show everything.
The most comprehensive description is here: Dunnigan

Fast Times on Ridgecrest (Highpoint)

Highpoint> Ridgecrest> Reservior Hill> Spooky>Observation>Eagle> City>Archers>City> Observation>Reservior Hill> Shuttle> Ridgecrest> cool off in Clear Creek

It was good to see an old friend from Louisville, Thanks Chris Booker and company.

coolin' off

Norris -> Clear Creek> Reservoir Hill> Spooky> Observation> Eagle> City> Reservoir Hill>Highpoint> Ridgecrest> Clear Creek; cool off with a coldie.

nite rider

Norris->

I have a new route for Norris. As opposed to starting along the river, we parked in the town of Norris, by Archer's Market. It a cool way to come into the woods; leaving town and into the hollows. Other benefits from starting there include keeping the dogs off the road more, and being close to a killer beer store.

Norris->Eagle->Spooky->Highpoint->White Pine->High Point->Ridgecrest->Eagle->Archer's Market

NIght Goat

Moments of clarity in a month of grey

There have only been a few rides worth noting in these grey days and nights of winter. Daily rain showers leave fleeting glimpes of color.
Last weekend Brian, Shawn and myself headed towards the Ocoee to ride some of Cherokee National Forest's finest trails. We headed south down 411 and took highway 30 around Chilhowie mountain and through Reliance; into the forest, the back way. On the drive, we decided to mix it up and ride Chilhowie Mountain's trails. So we pulled into the lot where we were greated by bear hunters. Upon realization that there were more hunters in the woods, we decided to pack up and head to Tanasi, just up the river.
Bear hunting season apparently ended this week, and Tennessee hunters killed 436 bears this year. Wow. Thats a big number, actually, a record number. What a brutal hoby.

I find it hard to seek inspiration on consecutively dreary days. I can suck it up on a Saturday to head into the woods and ride a bike in the rain. But when I get off work and its dark and raining, I can be easily talked into heading to Union Jack's or lounging around the house.
In these colorless days, I feel fortunate for the brief moments of color that biking inspires. Beauty is in the eyes of the bike rider (or the baby holder.)
Me and a few friends made it out to Norris today for a great romp around the woods on singlespeeds. Some great descending and fun -> deep-woods cruising; emerging only to drop into the town of Norris for a stop at Archer's Market. Loaded up on bananas and beer before the long climb to the overlook. We sat under the gazebo while it started to rain again.
It was all downhill from there, so we enjoyed a few moments with a view. After taking it all in, we started into the downhill fast as hell; considering the slickness of the leaves and roots. Riding fast and on the rear wheel of Alex, a recent transplant to the Knox area, he kicked up a branch; which landed off camber across the trail and washed my front wheel off line. I was headed full bore at a tree, which I tagged head on and came out just fine; laughing. It could have been much worse.

Rainy Daze

Holliday jollies

Norris in the rain




Macie


Nashville





Black Friday: I rode from Murfreesboro to Smyrna via back roads, to Sharp Springs Natural Area, where I picked up the greenway and gravel roads. It was a great route and awesome ride. Probably 50 miles.
The picture here is of hole #11 on the disc golf course we had played just a few days earlier.


disc golf



Rock Quarry

Saturday

Norris-> up Highpoint->down Longmire->up Freeway->down Ridgecrest->up Eagle->Observation Point->down to mile marker 8->city Loop->Spooky->Eagle->up Highpoint->down Freeway->out


Me and Eric ran the dogs into the dirt, and nearly left myself in the dirt of the last climb on the singlespeed.


Our nephew sent us this in the mail, Erin is due July 6th. She had a baby shower today with her friends from work.


Farmer Ramsbottom's wedding

Norris

Big group heading to Camp Sam, and into the woods of Norris


My newly pushed fork felt great.






Super-beer-run




it was a great day in the woods.

...so long and thanks for all the horses.

Brazen

Sunday at Norris
Well stocked rest area along the way

Talking $hit About a Pretty Sunset

It's the time of year when two worlds collide. Stretched to the max between business and pleasure, its trade show season. I am working long hours from now until the end of March for a busy season in the food industry. Finding time to ride is tough and the mountains are beautiful in the distance.
Me and the dog busted free late in the afternoon, but that's the only short window of opportunity.

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.