riding and...

Not much going on over here (other than excited anticipation as my headset should arrive today, brakes by friday).

I didn't get to join in on the group ride last night as I was busy doing grown up things with the Mrs., namely house hunting.  Still a little early for us to full on jump into the scene, but a property popped up we had to see.  It was pretty sweet, nice garage/workshop that is currently owned and loved by a mountain biker (Fuel Ex 9.8 in the garage).

The other day I got a message in regards to my post on the forums about having taken pictures for the Cat1 racers at the Bouldergeist.  I sent out what I had of the racer, and received a nice thank you from him (which is always nice!)

I do enjoy taking pictures after I race.  Its easy to pick a spot to grab pictures after having ridden the course as I already have an idea of the flow, the challenges, etc.  For Cat 1 races it's nice because there are typically multiple laps so I can get to a few different spots to take in the action.  I do my best to get everyone at each spot so each rider has multiple shots in different areas.

Fight for the lead (first location)

always grab air for the camera!

Backside of the first location - a two for one opportunity!

On the way to the second location I caught the lead

The "real" second location

   The course was a little difficult to follow walking since it was so winding in sections so I only got 3 legit shot selections for each rider (but multiple pictures per location) which isn't bad I suppose.  Racing, taking pictures and cheering on riders, pretty good day for a mountain biker!

the coast is clear

Sunday night/Monday morning I was on doggie stomach/butt duty.  Maggie had some "issues" we'll call them (and you'd thank me for calling it that if you actually knew what was going on over here), so I wasn't able to write anything since I was watching and readying for an emergency vet visit.  Thankfully things rectified themselves...  yeah, I said rect-ified.

Anyway, I'm not sure what the cause was for the stomach/butt action that was going on - but I have a feeling it might have to do with my new wheels... let me explain.

I came home from work on Friday and spotted something on the front porch.

I approve the hiding job of the delivery guy - using the "stone" bench for cover, nice!

I couldn't be 100% sure what it was... maybe Annie had ordered some hats?

Not Annie, Not her hat

Nope, it's them!

I brought the wonderful boxes inside and got right into them.  I found some glorious things... and then brought them right back outside.

Very sexy wheels.  Keepin it classic with the black and white.

during the build I had the original rim decals removed and replaced with wheel builder decals.
very clean

Hope Pro2 EVO hubs

Ordered some rubber with them.  Ardent in the front, Ignitor in the rear.

They look even better dressed and ready to roll!

I carefully put sealant in - didn't want any globby stains on the beautiful rims - and the tires set up with a floor pump.  It was magnificent*.  I have my brakes and headset on the way, and with the arrival of those items I should be able to get the build pretty much done - or at least looking like a bike.  It all came down to getting the wheels in to "get me rolling" on the build.  OOOOOOHHHH hohoho I said it. Wheels... getting me rolling...

yup.

So, how could my wheels be implicated in doggie stomach/butt issues??  Well, not the wheels themselves, but the sealant.  Some spilled in the grass outside the garage as I was measuring it out and I have to wonder if Maggie ingested some - I think that would certainly do the trick in messing up a system.  I'm not sure what it was really, but she never acted like anything was wrong - other then going outside pretty frequently.

Using pillows like people.

*I actually only attempted to set the tires up with the floor pump because on first glance it looked as though the valves did not have removable cores - my air compressor doesn't have a proper bike attachment so I normally just blast air through the open core to set the tires... I must have missed the removable core because they were just so shiny and new I didn't want to mess with them, but upon second inspection they sure do have removable cores.

A day late in the wrong state

Media Fridays

We'll post videos or photos that will hopefully inspire trail shredding weekends.

Seriously... after I move down south a race pops up in one of my favorite riding spots, ARG!!  Another race also popped up at the trails right beside where I used to work... two home courts I won't be able to take advantage of.  

Well, if you are in the area you better race this one, it will separate the men from the boys!

ride extravaganza

Yes, I will talk about Saturday now.

The plan had been to meet up at the Whitewater Center for a 2 lap (40 mile) ride.  After work on Friday I stopped at the WWC and got in a ride, I needed it.  It also gave me a first hand look at how torn up some of the trail had been by the recent Spartan Race held there in some poor weather.  Although most of the middle of the trail was "fixed" the sides of the trails were torn up, covered with foot holes (deeper then foot prints).

Saturday I get up and ready only to see that it rained overnight... great, that means the trails will be closed.  I check the forum, I check my phone.  Nothing saying the ride is called off, so I head on over.  On the way I actually check the USNWC website to check the trail status, and it's still open!  SWEET!!  I get to the trail a bit early, so I take my time and get ready.  TheMutt pulls in and asks how long I'd been there.  He then proceeds to tell me that while he was waiting to get through the gate they changed the trail status sign to closed.  WHAT!?  I look up and sure enough, they are throwing the flag up at the trailhead.... ok... now what?

We stood around for a bit waiting for the other riders to show and we watched as the trail was being used for another foot race.  I still couldn't believe they closed the trails as a race was going on and the weather was beautiful, maybe they will open back up??

We heard word that north of us got no rain at all.  A 3 point plan came together, we all jumped in our vehicles and we headed out in a bike totting caravan.  Considering TheMutt and I rode together and are talking about the same events I'll send you over there for some info.  Just think of us as ESPN and ESPN2.  

We first hit up Signal Hill, a place I'd never ridden.  In the parking lot TheMutt described it as the Backyard Trail's little brother, and that was pretty accurate.  It was a fun little trail for sure with a bit of everything.  Irish Luke was loving it, hitting any jump or man made feature he could find.

Irish Luke playing in the pump track.

If you didn't go and check out TheMutt's post about our ride, then you missed the video of Signal Hill.  So, here's a link directly to the video so you can see some of the features they have out there.

After our ride the plan was to visit a local gem.  (Here comes a picture tour!!)

We took the VIP entrance... er, the back door (we had beer)

We took a quick glance and decided that we should eat some food, so we got recommendations on the local fare and headed out to find this little hole in the wall.

Almost felt like we were in a ghost town.

After lunch we returned to First Flight to explore the glory of the Museum of Mountain Bike Art & Technology.  It was fun, check out some of the awesomeness we found.

A shoulder strap, you know, for carrying your bike.

Beer Bottle holder built into the frame.

sweet little choppers

This one is mine!

love the lines - reminded me of Trek's Sawyer

"Fuck'n Fat Chance"

Looks like the perfect short track helmet.

The "All American"

Bike plates... so they cops won't catch you riding dirty

pre-Strava days when you had to track your speed and mileage yourself.

Original "bash" guard... looked like a 2 pound lead plate!

cause... you know...

Want to hang out and read about all the cool stuff you've seen, they've got you covered.  Volumes of bike magazines and bike manuals.  If you are ever in the area stop on by, bring some beer, and spend some time.  I didn't get a picture of it, but they built a porch inside the shop for those that are visiting, so don't be shy!


I'm running short on time, but we DID hit up Lake Norman after leaving the shop.  Good Guy Greg did all of the new stuff off of Laurel and let me tell you it is AWESOME going the "new" direction.  Very nice indeed.  Lot's of fun out there.

Great day overall.  A bit annoyed WWC closed on us, but it was kinda worth it.  I got to ride a new trail, see some really awesome stuff at First Flight/MOMBAT, and had some fun out at LKNSP.

And now... now it's raining.

It was great

Ok, so I'm STILL not going to talk about the adventure I had on Saturday... maybe tomorrow.  Today I have to talk about yesterday, because it was such a great day.

I rode so much after work yesterday that it almost felt like it was a weekend.  There is something magical about riding that can totally wipe away your work day - it is phenomenal.

I got out a little early yesterday, and since the group ride was planned for USNWC, which is on my way home from work, I had time to kill.  I decided to treat myself to an extra ride on my birthday so I went over and hit up Poston.  

Poston was looking good, and had seen some love from the trail gnomes... there was actually someone out working on a berm (a new berm if I'm not mistaken) while I was riding, so I said my "hi" and "thank you" as I slowed and went by.  Over on the mountain side of things the jumps are popping up.

A nice rock drop/launch into a berm

I took the "traditional" path to the left... the right, well that's for a different breed of rider.

Quite the gap for the daredevils among us.

Towards the end of the ride it felt like my bike kept getting a bit squirrely as I was winding through some tight stuff... eventually my handlebar got snagged on a trail side sappling and I had to bail as I was now headed straight for a proper tree.  No damage.  A little knuckle scrape to remind me that the trail can get you, even on your birthday.

After the ride I checked what I thought might be the culprit... VERY loose spoke in the front wheel... Now, I'm not sure that one super loose spoke can cause enough flex to throw off your handling (maybe the suspicion in my head was enough to throw me off on the trail) but I had to remedy the situation before ride number two.  I finger tightened it and then used pliers (spoke tool was at home) to stiffen the spoke back up.  I'm sure the whole things needs to be looked at now as I'm sure the tension of the other spokes have taken a hit from supporting Mr. Loose over there.  But, everything seemed to be back in order on the second ride after giving my wheel a little love.

season pass has almost paid for itself

I got over to the Whitewater Center early, so I decided to keep the wheels rolling.  I hit up East Main since we typically don't touch that side on group rides, and it was fun.  It felt different then I remember, but it's been a while since I rode that section so I couldn't tell if things had actually changed over there.  I could definitely feel it in my legs as I was out there and I was thankful that the group ride was going to be a very social one as I didn't want to be stuck in a suffer fest for the ride.  

We had a pretty big group out there and TheMutt did a great job setting the pace and leading us around.  With light fading the route decisions had to be made on the fly.  I'd say we made it back to the parking lot just in time (a rider was heading out with his lights).  

Almost back to the lot

It was a great day riding.  After the ride people were heading out to a local establishment for food and beverages.  I opted to head home.  Annie wouldn't have minded if I did go out after the ride, and that is the reason why I went home - to spend some time with her.  I am very lucky to have such a supportive and understanding wife.  I guess we are all in the same boat - or else we wouldn't be riding as much as we do and loving every minute of it.  Just remember to thank them!

out with the Bird

So it looks like no one truly fell for my post yesterday.  Of course I'm not going to be the future DD spokesman.

So, I've got all this stuff to talk about from just one monstrous Saturday adventure, but today will not be the day to start that.  Today is my birthday.  

The Larry Bird year is no longer

You're up Ray

I've finally caught up to my USAC license, I'm 34 (if you hadn't already figured that one out...).

What's on tap for my birthday?  A ride.  Perfect way to start the year if you ask me.  This week my wheels should be on there way to me as well... the hubs are in.  And yes, those are MY hubs.

Annie already gave me her gifts in case I wanted to utilize them for/before my ride tonight.  She got me a gift card to a local shop and a jersey.  Her hope is that I will be able to get a new pair of bike shoes with the card.  Shoes can get expensive, and I might have to return the jersey as well in order to acquire some, but we shall see what kind of shoes they have in the store.  The jersey is more of a relaxed jersey then I am typically used to but it is really neat.  It is very soft, it has some sweet sweat vents in the underarms/sides, and of course has three pockets in the back.

If I can swing some new shoes at a decent price I may be able to hang onto the jersey as well... otherwise it gets cannibalized to the greater cause of the bike shoes.

And a side of good news... it looks like Good Guy Greg has all the tools necessary to get the One9 up and running... so that means I (with his help) can get everything installed and done!  Very sweet.  Remaining parts to be ordered very soon!!

Crazy things happen

As of late I've had two discussions regarding the logic behind having breweries sponsor riders/teams.  I mean, seriously.  Mountain biking and beer go hand in hand - hopefully not hand and handlebar... but post ride brews are pretty common.  Throw your brewery on my jersey and I'd happily talk you up and hand out cold ones after a ride/race.  And more than likely, you'll have riders lined up happy to oblige in "tasting" your fresh offerings.

Yesterday, since we had a bit more rain roll through, I took to the the streets.  While at a stop light a woman rolled down her window and asked, "what are you riding for?"  I was caught off guard by the question at first... what an odd question.  It's one of those things that you don't actively think about when you are a bike rider... you just ride!  I shrugged and said "for fun."

"REALLLYYY?" was her reply - a bit overdramatic if you ask me.  She went on to tell me she was working on some sort of project for work and asked if I would mind if she asked me a few questions.  I thought this was very strange, but I agreed.  We pulled into a plaza just past the light and she goes on to explain that she is in charge of a campaign for active and healthy lifestyles for her company.  She asked the types of questions you'd expect, what activities do you participate in, how often do you ride, etc.  Then she started asking some somewhat related questions, what do you do for work, do you have kids, etc.  Then she asked some not so related questions, have you ever been arrested, or had any negative press, etc?

Negative press??  I wasn't aware I was running for office?

Before she concluded she asked if she could take a picture of me.  She rambled something about so she could have proof that the interview was real.  "Sure."  She snapped a couple pictures, and then a close up.  What turned out to me being nice and helping out was starting to give me a strange feeling.  She seems a little TOO interested at this point.

She handed me her card and said that she was interested in having me come into the office to meet with her team.  They are working on a campaign to build a healthy image for a certain donut chain that many of my New England friends "run on."  This afternoon I'll be sitting down with them to see where this thing goes...

Who knows, maybe I'll have a new career and replace that dude "Jared" as the "normal guy" pushing food on TV.




Well, it isn't beer... but maybe you'd like a donut?