Early Dirt Grinding

 Avon Divide

The familiar Spring leg tune-up

I've made up a new wheelset for the hardtail. Running a better rear cassette, but still a 10-51 arrangement. Two different Bontrager XR2 cross country tires - more aggressive on the front with 20 PSI. The rear is less aggressive but also running at 22 PSI. The service road going up Avon is in really good shape with only a few washes - albeit minor. Definitely able to stand up and pedal on steep sections when the mood sets in - without slipping. Pretty rutted-out just up over top on the Cache County side of the world, but very manageable. Brakes are needing an upgrade, as I'm still running smaller rotors than on the full suspension with 160 mm on back and 180 mm up front. Add to that the single piston levers and calipers, it really sucks trying to keep things from fading. I was able to locate a new set of 4-piston XTR calipers with improved levers that will make it more manageable. I'd like to stay with the same rotor combination if possible - but we'll see how the new brakes effect the overall performance first. That may still be a week or so before that upgrade is in place.

The climb and descent are not at all technical, but is a very good workout early in the season. There are several fairly steep sections that can push the heart rate up in to Zone 4, but fairly short. Overall it is a good ride for mostly Zone 3 with some Zone 4 efforts - even on the way home. The trick is to learn how to read the load at the pedals without a watt meter.  It is way too easy to fall into easy gears, spinning without pushing hard enough. Believe it or not, that makes things markedly worse then pushing a little harder. I can't say that it hurts, but it sure can get uncomfortable at times. There is a huge difference between pain and discomfort - for sure. Round trip it comes out to about 1,600 feet of climbing. This would be like riding North Ogden Divide on the road bike - but without the traffic. Honestly, a lot more enjoyable. The best part of the ride is the lack of cell service for most of the climb.

That last of winter....

The cause never ends....

A few weeks ago I was grabbed by one of our longest neighbors. Without giving anything away, it was very confidential, as it is well known what "The Porpoise" is all about. Unfortunately it is another diagnosis. I'm sure as the season progresses there will be a lot more to tell, as we go back many years and have a lot of common interests. For now, only know that the fight never ends - and it is a fight. About this same time, I was dealing with a few problems of my own that needed to be figured out - even to be able to ride. Again, more to come about that. But for now, I think I have it figured out. For that reason, I've been hesitating on committing to any races and rides this upcoming summer. At the moment, it appears I have got things under control - but it will take some time to be certain. At the end of the day, we are somewhat at the mercy of what our bodies allow us to do. I suppose the key is to understand what we can control and how to push those limits. After all, this is all about pushing limits and I do mean truly pushing them. For now, there is a lot to do and more yet to explain - later.

Never doubt "Luke"....

Click here for a demonstration of what 20 years of session work will do for you - " Steve and TOTO"of

Ride HARD!

Decision Time

 

What a difference a week makes

Taking too much for granted

The past few weeks have been more than just a busy routine. I'm not sure if the procedure I went through last May actually did anything for my situation - which really sucks! The jury is still out, but I'm not scheduling an appointment with the doctor quite yet. I have an idea of perhaps some environmental issues that I may need to track better, as to get an idea of what may cause the onset condition that stops me in my tracks. Make no mistake, it is effing frustrating if not completely depressing. Up until this all came about, I think I just took things for granted - you know, just like I will always have my health. Truth is, we are are more vulnerable than any of us what to admit. At this point it is a matter of sorting out anecdotal information from real data. I'm at a critical point that most people my age don't really have to consider, as a normal day to day schedule won't be affected by such set backs.

Discussing the future with the FAM

In the past, our effort has been largely a family affair. It requires everyone to participate - which they all generally do with gusto. They have adopted the "BRAND" as kind of their own little thing, sharing it with others along the way. Of course the t-shirts and stickers they make are a lot of fun. At this point we are all having to make the decision as to whether or not we continue on - and if we do, where will it end. As it stands, we are openly discussing where and what we do going forward. I would be wrong to not take advice and input from the handful of loyal followers. To that I ask for any input that may be available from anyone who does have the means to reach out. If you do have the ability, The Porpoise needs some direct input - like soon.

Improved Resources and Means

I've been doing the same thing for nearly 20 years. Using the same metrics and methods that worked with a ton of effort. A person can spend a lot of money and time trying to improve, as technology has dramatically increased ones ability to gather more real data. There are a few things I'm trying that are probably past due - but not too extravagant. When I was younger it was easier to skate by on minimal investments - both in equipment and time. My best years were always associated with stacking road miles. In the past 10 or so years, I've tried to be more judicious in what I give away in time especially. The end result has been some pretty crappy results. Needless to say it is not sustainable. More to come on those improvements as we go along - assuming we do continue to go along.

Looking forward to feeling the hurt going back over the top....

Talk about taking things for granted; Eric and Jeff put this one together a while back. These guys are all fading away - and with them goes too many memories to count. There will never be another Clapton or Beck.  Play this one with the lights down low and the headphones one.....

Click here for "Moon River" J. Beck/E. Clapton

Ride HARD!