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!

Where it all began.

Well, where it began for my adventures in Charlotte at least...

Yesterday I finally got to ride Colonel Francis Beatty after the whole wheel mishap the other day.  I kinda wanted to hit up Poplar again, but figured Col. FB would be a nice warm up - so I'll probably hit Poplar today.

Way back on one of our visits to the Queen City Annie and I were able to take a peek at one of the summer series races.  It was held at... low and behold... Col. FB.  I wasn't able to partake in the racing, but I did post up for some pictures of the event.

Annie taking a picture of me taking a picture.

I do enjoy taking photographs of mountain bike races.  I'd say I enjoy racing a tad bit more though.  But for me, it's a great way to support all the other classes out there.  And who doesn't like a picture of themselves killing it (or getting killed) out there on the race course??

Since I'm not into, and will not (at this point)be into CX, maybe I'll support some locals out there on the course with some pictures.  Or maybe I'll just go enjoy the weather and ride in the woods...

Speaking of weather, high of like 71 during my ride yesterday - MINT!

P.S.  Maggie has her physical therapy today... should be finding out if we can finally bring the dogs down to NC or if we still have to wait.

Cause "taking a nap" is always better with the puppies.

leftovers

So after my race I hung around and took pictures of the Cat 2 and Cat1/Pro races.  I finally got them all labeled and posted... I'm honestly not super thrilled with them.  I think I chose a decent spot, but I didn't frame them all that well (didn't get much the the actual trail in the shot).  I mean, it's ok - I got the rider and that's the important part... but ideally I like to show the trail as well... so those not participating in the race have an idea of what was really going on in the picture. 

Hey, I'm doing it for free - and I was sitting the in the rain!!  So, if you participated in the race... have a look.  If you are curious... well I guess that's ok too.

Winding Trails pictures.

Also, official results were posted.  Nothing has changed, but it's in the books.  10th place (which still gets me points) and a finishing time of 1:03:26.

Next up, Massasoit.  The LBS (second location) called to let me know my sealant is in, so I'll pick that up today and probably hit up Cutler (since it's right down the street from the shop) to try out the new and improved loop.  I'll get my tires all set (new one on back and back to tubeless all around) tonight.  And tomorrow afternoon hit up Massasoit for a pre-ride (now that I know to follow the yellow blazes).

It's almost May...  that might not mean anything to you.... but for those of us in a school system - HOLY CRAP!!  This year has FLOWN by!