More Perspective

Last leaves on Mules Ear a couple weeks ago - 2019

It snowed again this morning, but this time I think I may stay for a while.  Still pretty early to be shutting down the trails, but it will make some of them a mess - if nothing else.  We'll give it a couple days.

This past week, or so, was a hard dose of reality.  The mountain bike needed some serious cleaning and service, so I decided to take it apart and clean/lube everything.  The problem with full suspension bikes is they require a ton of love.  A minor setback or two and I had it back and operable the next afternoon.  But then, life took over.  Always something to keep me from getting out the door before it gets too dark.  Yesterday was no different, as the storm hit a few hours before I got home from a morning funeral.

A funeral.........  The things you simply don't see coming, on all fronts.  That call came last Saturday morning.  It kind of put other more trivial things into a different perspective.  Thinking back of my own memories was of a little kid that I hadn't seen in years.  Perhaps a little goofy, as we all were at that age, but certainly many years ago.  Fast forward to yesterday to hear the life sketches of that "little kid".  He was anything but little, or goofy.  He lived life they way that we all do.  You know, taking it as it comes.  What became a few decades and change, was a seriously interesting profile, one that I didn't expect.  To see those that came to honor and remember him spoke volumes of the life lived.  All about devotion, dedication and soul honest friendship. I'm sure that is only the surface, but I suspect it ran deep as well.  Another lesson about taking nothing at what appears to be face value.

There is a lot to this life, isn't there?  .........I need a long and hard ride.

Here's to those that knew him as "Fish".  Awesome doesn't fit.  You guys simply kick a$$!

"Sweet Baby James" '71

Ride HARD!

Riding the Route of the Hiawatha Trail - Call it a review/recommendation

Something a little different, but worth the time

I'd heard about this rail grade in Idaho, somewhere up toward Coeur d'alene, that had a bunch of tunnels and trussel.  We got looking at it late in the season last year, but couldn't quite pull it off before they closed for the season.  I should know better than to put any ideas in the head of my better half, as it will happen before I know it.  Turns out, the trail is absolutely spectacular.  It's really not much of a bike ride, as it is only 15 miles from one end to the other, but what a fantastic experience.

East Portal - St. Paul Pass tunnel, starting point of the "Route of the Hiawatha Trail"

The ride itself is pretty gentle. Where it is a former rail grade, it generally stays under 2%, with only a couple places pushing toward 4%.  Most of the road is well kept, albeit a tad rough with the small rock that make up most of the surface.  There is nothing, and I mean nothing technical about this ride.  You'll see everything from gravel bikes, to mountain bikes, to basic garage bikes.  A lot of families with either tag-alongs, or trailers for little kids.  I'd say about 75% - 80% of the people that do this ride, do it from the top to the bottom only - taking a shuttle back to the west portal at St. Paul pass..  They ride it kind of like an amusement park ride.  Doing this misses most of what there is to take in.

Right from the very beginning, the tunnel at St. Paul pass (west portal shown above), sets the tone for what will be a very cool (literally and figuratively) experience.  This tunnel is by far the longest at 1.66 miles.  It is dark - absolute darkness.  It is also wet and rather cool.  Throughout the tunnel there are many water "sources" pouring all around.  If you look closely at the stream on the right-hand side above, you'll see about half of the water that drains from the tunnel - about 1,500 gallons per minute.  Long finger gloves, light rain-gear and a very good light are a good idea.  I would suggest at least 5000 lumens.  It is something to experience by itself.

The remaining tunnels are not nearly as long at St. Paul pass, but you'll still need lights.  I would recommend a head mounted light, rather than a bike mounted device.  There are numerous artifacts to see in these tunnels, including the story board kiosk in St. Paul that will be hard to examine without a head mounted light.

Distant Trussel from Trussel above.

The trussels themselves are pretty cool.  As you pass from one, toward, or away from the others, you will see other trussels a fair distance away, illustrating how far you have to ride in the elevation relief.  Looking at the construction, given the era in which they were constructed, that by itself is amazing.

The view along along this ride is absolutely beautiful.  Simply riding straight down to the shuttle pick-up is a shame.  Once you start looking around, you'll find yourself stopping every five minutes for a picture, or simply to take in the beauty around you.

The ride in between trussels and tunnels, is beautiful as well.  All along this trail there are numerous story board kiosks that provide a lot of interesting information.  If you take the time look, you'll also notice many artifacts not included in any of the "official" stuff.  It is well worth the time to simply just take in all that surrounds you along this trail.

End of the trail at the shuttle pick-up

 I recommend this tail to pretty much anyone that enjoys the outdoors and can appreciate history. This is not a bike ride, but a trail tour on a bike.  Don't do it for the bike ride alone.  It's not a bike ride.  I think most people miss most of the fascinating details that adorn this trail, by just riding down to the shuttle pick-up.  I recommend riding down to the shuttle pick-up, having a little something to eat and then taking the rest of the day getting back to the beginning.  If you save all the stopping for the ride back, you'll do so often enough you won't get tired.  Although it is up hill, it is pretty gentle and hardly noticeable.  Given that you are stopping pretty much every five minutes, it will take you several hours to get back.  If you are physically incapable of riding back to the top, take all the time to get to the bottom while taking in all the details.  Be aware, the wait for the shuttle certain times of the year can be lengthy.  Add to that, the ride back to the St. Paul pass tunnel can be 45 -55 minutes on a modified school bus - albeit in absolute stunning scenery.  You'll still have to ride the 1.66 mile tunnel back to the beginning.

Front desk at the Ryan Hotel, Wallace, Idaho

The beginning of the trail is in Montana.  Although you can purchase trail tickets at several locations, the trail "HQ" is at Lookout Pass Montana - directly on the Montana/Idaho boarder.  The nearest serviceable town is Wallace, Idaho.  A pretty cool little place, but somewhat limited in accommodations.  There is a little hotel called the Ryan.  It is very rustic, but extremely clean and comfortable.  It is literally right out of the late 1930's, early 1940's.  I also recommend this location as part of the experience.  Please visit the Ryan and tell Donna the Porpoise sent you that way.  You will not be disappointed.
Click here for the Ryan Website

So..........this is a little different, but I'd invite everyone to try this little experience.  Regardless of your ability. there is a way to make it happen.  If you haven't ridden a bike for a while, take a little time to re-familiarize yourself with that experience.  Dress in light layers and know your gear.  Carry enough water, as I'm sure there are times it may get warm up there.  Carry some snacks if not a simple lunch.  They do have hot dogs at the bottom of the trail, but everything is cash only.  You can also purchase some trail snacks and drinks at the bottom.  There are a couple limited water sources along the way, but don't depend on those for your needs.  Bike rentals are kind of sketchy.  I'd make sure you know what kind of bikes you will be getting with a rental (better yet, take your own bike).  The trail marshals were pretty much non-existent during our visit (second to last day of the season).  Be prepared.  You're not in the back country - completely isolated, but don't ruin the experience by having mechanical problems.  Good head lamps are a must.  You can purchase darn good LED, high-power devices on Amazon for under $30 USD.  Good to have anyway.  Most of all; start early and take your time.  Take all day if possible.  It is very relaxed and can be a great retreat from life.  The trail opens at 08:30 and closes at 17:30.  Keep in mind, that part of Idaho is in the Pacific Time Zone, while Montana is in the Mountain Time Zone.  Trail times are all Montana, even though most of the trail is in Idaho (the entrance is in Montana).  It is a long drive to get there, unless you live in Butte, but who lives in Butte?  It is directly off of I-90, about 90 minutes west of Missoula, Montana.

Do it right, and I promise you'll be glad you took the time.

Stick around.  Plenty of dirt riding to be had.

Okay, so the 70's had it's strange moments. Click here for a little Slade - Run Runaway

Ride HARD!

Race Summary-2019

I hope ya'll enjoyed the little gift.  I decided to leave that post for a while and it appears to have had quite a few views.  What a great way to start the day.  I seriously had that in my head ALL DAY!

Generally speaking, this year was completely different.  From the loss of a principle donor, to limited rides.  All things considered, it seemed I got exactly what I needed, when needed - from start to finish.  There is stuff I need to do for next year, but I'll worry about that later.

The Start to Montpelier

At start time, we had nearly 60 riders in our assigned group.  Everything from some dang good riders, to the lowly Cat V's, like myself.  At the line, nobody wanted to be upfront.  There was seriously a five-foot gap between the starting line and the group.  From the start the group really never did form-up well.  The front of the pack was dangerously mixed.  About 1/3 the way back, it finally got into two lines.  This was too much like 2015 when we had the big crash 24 miles out.  We reeled in several stragglers early which was kind of weird.  At least one of our guys fell off before Preston, which again was very odd.  At the point where the Sportive riders met with us, we had a very large group.  The first two climbs just before Riverdale was a bit nerve racking.  Somehow, on the last climb prior to the fast descent, I fell way to the back of both groups and found myself trying to catch up on the downhill.  At the turn, I knew I would be in no-mans-land if I couldn't catch them, so I spent about 15 minutes trying to close the gap.  Every time I would get closer, they would gap me again.  I finally knew my limits, and realized I would be stupid to think I could afford to spend that kind of energy that early.  I let them go and settled into to what I knew would be a lonely climb to the top.  The groups I could catch were too slow.  The groups that came by, were too fast.  That's what happens in the early part of the race.  But for me, my race was over - 20+ miles sooner than I would have liked.  For the next hour, I counted as the groups behind me managed to catch and pass me, until I got to the false summit.  Coming over the top, I passed the neutral feed zone (as usual) and set my sights on the first fast group to come around me.  Right off the top, at the big curve, a string of maybe 25, mixed and very fast riders came to my left.  I simply couldn't position myself to catch a wheel - safely.  At this point, we had a real race and I was losing.  I pushed it hard trying to make the gap, but again, they were just a tad far and way fast.  I had to settle for some smaller, less aggressive groups, that still got me into Montpelier feeling healthy, but a little defeated.  In the end, several of the guys that stayed on the main group fell behind me, due to the energy they spent trying to hang on.

Montpelier to Afton

Out of Montpelier, I managed to get over Geneva summit without any problems.  My max speed came on this descent at only 52 MPH.  The hop over to salt River and KOM was not too bad either.  I did stop for a maybe a minute to get water at the water neutral, as I didn't want to hit KOM dry.  I didn't need it.  My KOM time was pretty slow, as I stopped to help a guy from our group that was locked-up.  Bad idea on my part, as my time was rolling and he was well past help.  Over the top, it was a stiff head wind all the way into Smoot, pedaling my guts out, trying to hold 45 MPH down the back side, that I've pegged at over 55 MPH without any effort in the past.  Groups forming together heading toward Afton helped make up time.  By the time we were about a mile out of Afton, another group of about 30 jumped on us making it sketchy.  I backed off with only a couple minutes to the feed zone.  A good thing, as a guy I had been trading time upfront with, crashed going into the feed zone.  Big bummer.

Afton to Alpine

Going to Alpine was terribly windy with hard hard gust out of the west.  Some groups were better than others, but one in particular dang near took me out.  A larger group merged into our group and made a real mess of things.  With heavy traffic and rumble strips on the left, it is hard to roll back off the front.  Somehow, the group pushed me into the soft shoulder on the right, but I managed to ride through - without hitting a deliniator.  From there, I gassed it and pulled well away from those idiots.  Better tired, than picking gravel out of my elbows.  Alpine was a pretty good clip and I actually felt healthy.

Heading for the gate - Alpine to Teton Village

The final push up Snake River canyon was steady.  I managed to make the top in pretty good time.  Knowing what I needed to finish, I pounded a small RedBull and pushed into Hoeback.  At the narrows, I was behind a group of women riders that were leading those of us behind into every pot-hole in Wyoming.  I'm not sure, but I think the guy behind me crashed because of this.  Suddenly, he just wasn't there.  As soon as I could, I jumped out past the group and pushed hard to the highway crossing.  For once, I had plenty in the tank.  More like, I didn't feel sick, as was the case the past three years.  At the bike trail, I was getting a little impatient, with the sun still showing on Wilson.  I hooked up with another guy that I know and pulled him within about a mile of finish.  I told him to jump off and go in hard, but he was pretty cooked.  We both finished together.

Post Race

At the trail walking back, I felt great.  My time wasn't terrible, just not good.  But I didn't feel bad at all.  I actually threw my four-year old on my shoulders and carried him out to the truck.  It was a pretty good day.

The next morning we left Driggs and headed out to Swan Valley.  What a beautiful drive.  The rain let off just long enough to stop in Randolph at the reliable City park.  Driving back over Monte, it kind of hit me......the season was over and I likely wouldn't see this road again until next year.  That's the way I wanted it to be; ending, but wanting a little more. 

Back to the Dirt.......

Time to ride the dirt............and the dirt we did ride last weekend.  Swing back in a day or so for a little update on our dirt ride this past weekend.  It was a ton of fun.

Thanks from the Porpoise

Thanks to all the supporters that made this all happen.  You are what makes the Porpoise the machine it is.

Stick around.......there is still a lot of riding to do this fall.

Click here - OH WELL......Part 1

Ride HARD!

A gift

Click here. It's okay - sing along "Mr. Blue Sky"

Pass this one along - please.  It's a good day.

........"please turn me over".

Prep Day

A little better look at Ben Lomond from last nights MTB ride

 Picked up the packet last night and completed check-in.  Conditions look to be.........whatever they will be.  At this point its all about execution, discipline and luck.

Had a new chain put on the Six13 this afternoon.  Apparently I rode more and harder than I thought.  Swapped out one tire with another R3.  Swapped out the seat-wedge (tool bag) with the smaller one for the race.  Attached the frame number and a quick lube and minor check........ready to ride.

I won't bore you with the usual "night before" details.  You can go back and look at one of the last couple of years.  I'm very nervous as usual.  There is soooo much that can happen, and that much more that has to happen.  I know there are a handful of very fast, very good riders in my group.  I'm hoping I can find a group that fits my effort and stay with them.

I think I've over caffeinated the past couple of years.  This year I plan to simplify my nutrition and feeding.  I'll carry two Ensure Plus out of each feed zone, including the start. Two Gu's under my cuffs for emergency energy.  A couple bananas early.  Pineapple at Afton.  Cinnamon bears, fruit snacks and Cliff Blocks in my left pocket - all the time.  Hydration will be almost exclusively Power Ade, with maybe a mix of Cytomax and Tang.  Pickle juice at all three support stops, with an 8 oz Redbull in the pocket for Hoeback junction and maybe one out of Montpelier.  I'm figuring an average of 800 calories an hour, which is hard to replenish.

Overall, I'm excited, but more, I'm impressed with all the support that has rolled in, over the past few days.  I'm overwhelmed and somewhat worn down by everything.  It will be good to get past this one.  Thanks for showing up - again.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow morning for a little something to make you smile.  Please pass it along after you do.

It's okay to turn this one up to 11..............

Click here "KEEP THE FAITH!"

Keep it!

Last minute details...........

See the explanation below

Assessment

Time is running short, so tonight I took the road bike out for a quick tempo ride.  This is traditionally where I get my last look at all the critical equipment - myself included.  I didn't like the way the bike was shifting, but other than that, it ran fast.  My overall time was two full minutes faster than last year, with lower heart rates all around.  This was compared to my tempo ride almost exactly one year ago to the minute.  A few edges to knock off, but for the most part, I know where I'm at........ oh boy.

Important stuff  - Read This!

So, the image above is kind of where it all started several years ago.  If you recognize the name, go to the donation tab and see the relationship (even if you choose not to donate).  The year before this picture was taken, I first decided to ride for Huntsman.  I think it was my fifth year riding LOTOJA - or something like that.  If I remember, it was early that summer when I decided to send and email out to as many relatives as I could find contact information.  It was shortly after that, I learned my cousin Mindy had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Some type of cancer anyway.  So I struggled through that year and made it work.  The next year I started the "Porpoise" with great designs and ideas - what did I know?  It kind of sputtered...........okay, was barley getting any views.  The night before the race, I was pinning my number on my jersey and spontaneously had the idea to write her name on my left sleeve.  I was riding a men's Cat V, that started just about 07:30 in the morning.  Just before I rolled to the line, I had my support crew take this picture and send it to my sisters - since I don't do the social media thing.  That race was brutal and having that on my sleeve was a reminder of what it means to suffer for something beside myself.  It kept me focused.  That was Saturday.  The following Monday morning I got word she had lost her fight with the "big-C".  I'll leave it there..............

Whether it is for Melinda, Marion (her husband that also was taken by cancer the next year), Jill, John, or Hadley "my hero", it is why I ride.  It is why I need your support - whatever you may have to give.  As I've said before, if you can't give to this cause, buy a cup of soup for that guy on the corner.  Help an elderly neighbor.  Whatever it is, give to make a difference.  Do it while you can, because you can.

What to expect........

Tomorrow is packet pickup and registration.  The next post will be Friday, with some details of the pending race plan.  A special Post Saturday morning, as a gift from the "Porpoise" to everyone that checks in.  I promise, it will make you smile.

Click on this one and Enjoy the moment........

Ride HARD!

Details

Bike mechanic

Gave the road bike a good cleaning and going over yesterday.  I need to get out for a solid tempo ride to check all the details.  Last night was a pretty good mountain bike ride over Mules Ear.  I had set my goal to knock a solid 4 minutes off my best time registered on the Garmin.  Pretty darn close, less than 30 seconds off my target.  Still, my heart rate wasn't nearly as high as I'd hoped and my fatigue was only marginal.  So why didn't I beat my time?  Good question.  The climb to the summit was the fastest I've ever climbed it, but I had to back-off on the descent.  The north side trail is getting pretty chewed up, making it too risking to go "full wide open".  I still think I could beat the time I was after, but that will have to wait until after race day.

Prep notes

Talking to one of the other riders this afternoon, we were comparing notes.  Funny how nobody ever seems to be ready for race day.  I was reading one of my previous riding logs from 2013.  The night before packet pickup, I had written "ready as ever".  That was on top of 2500+ miles and a ton of preparation.  Since then, I've never quite felt up to the task.  Last year with the broken flipper, I really felt lacking.  This year I haven't kept track of any road miles, and only rides with my Garmin.  I only made to Woodruff three times this year, down from previous years, but I have a ton more intensity rides with the mountain bike.  At this point, it doesn't matter.  You have what you'll have race day.  The one thing I have is considerable experience.  If I can keep my mind straight, I can make a lot of things happen, but race day has many a "dark place".

Lessons Learned

I've also been reviewing my ride nutrition and hydration.  I'm pretty sure the past three years I've taken in way too much caffeine along the ride.  I need to go back to some basics and throttle back the caffeine early and stay to a predetermined amount at key points.  I was watching some videos of other guys riding LOTOJA and noticed everyone carrying pockets full of stuff they weren't using.  Huh, that's exactly what I do.  This year I'll go with some basics and keep things simple.  I'll also minimize how much I'll consume in the feed zones.  That is always a killer.  You eat way too much, which sends a bunch of blood to the wrong places and then try to make things work.  A solid recipe for the "bonk".  Figuring a burn rate of something like 800 calories an hour on average, it is simply not wise to expect to consume that in a feed zone, all at once.  I can manage 600 calories an hour intake while on the bike, with a little to make up at the feed zones.  After the first three hours, everything you started the race on is gone.  After about five hours, there is no time, nor energy for digestion.  You pretty much have to go straight into the blood stream.  At about eight hours, you need the extra kick - caffeine.  At that point you are on the edge of the bonk - all the time.  Upset stomach, lack of energy, maybe cramping - there is a lot to manage and over come.

Donations

Hats off to my bro Greg and his better half.  As they have done in the past, they came through for the "Porpoise".  So.........he not a bro on the tree, but one that I have learned a lot of life's lessons from over the years.  Still a guy I'm lucky to call a true friend.  Thanks man!

Stick around.

Click Here - "Living in the USA" Somebody get me a cheese burger!

Ride HARD!

The right ride.........

......for the right day

There are times you just seem to have the rigfht ride for the right day.  And boy, does it matter.  There are so many things that have to align - and this year, I've seemed to have had my fair share of them.

Still the greatest ride ever

The 1989 Tour de France final time trial was exactly that.  Greg LeMond (a freaking stud!) had been off the tour for two years from a hunting accident, following his incredible and improbable win in '86.  At this final stage, he is literally only 50 seconds behind the leader, after 21 days and a couple thousand miles of racing.  Most people still don't know that he has something like 35 - 40 lead pellets still in his body - in very dangerous places.  With that setup, watch this video of that final race. 

I don't care what anyone says.  He was "bread and water" (clean) and still an inspiration.

Click Here for the most amazing thing in cycling

Kind of gives "Ride HARD" a different meaning.......

Bring it on home

Last look at this sign for 2019 - at least on the bike......

Making it work

I had planned to ride Woodruff Tuesday, but was still pretty "gummed-up" after the hot weekend.  Modifications to the schedule did put me back on the dirt for some shorter "soaks" with higher intensity stuff.  Frankly, I have a hard time getting my heart rate up on long solo rides.  I either need to do sprint intervals, or just get on the dirt.  Yesterday morning was a pretty intense dirt ride, but also pretty relaxing - if you can have one with the other.  Nobody on the trails, and ieal conditions to put a good burn on the cardio.  After talking to my buddy down the road, it became clear - I needed one last hard ride over the top.

Last minute decision to go....

The ride out this morning was warmer than the last few week weeks.Stupid head-wind well past Red Cliff really made it difficult.  Still, good cloud cover nearly all the way over.  At the top, I still had one full water bottle and maybe a third of the other, so I didn't stop at the camp ground.  I lost about 3 minutes from my previous attempts, passing the camp ground, but was almost spot on at the snow-gate.  In town, I did manage to makeup about a minute overall, but could sense the winds already changing direction for the effort back.  Took a few extra minutes at the store to answer a few messages, but then got right back on the road.  Pretty much like last go around, dang wind right from the second I hit the road.  There were times in the canyon it blew so hard I had to go to the bailout gear.  As much as it hurt, I stayed on it until the camp ground - where I stopped for water.  I didn't have a full bottle, but I new I had a head-wind going down and would likely catch the heat - don't take any chances.  Sure enough, I fought the wind all the way back.  Using the DT Swiss wheel-set has been a tremendous advantage in the wind.  My RXL set with the bladed spokes simple gets blown around too much.  The brakes were literally wide open almost all the way down. I was so tired, I just wanted to put a fork in it.  The wind coming up South Fork was unbelievable.  I was having to go into the drops to duck out of the wind.  Even out of the canyon, it was a struggle.  The overall time wasn't to great, but it did instill some confidence. With just over a week to go, there will be no more of that nonsense.  Maybe a couple tempo rides on the road bike, but some short, fairly intense dirt rides.  May be a couple early morning spins downstairs before work.  Just maintenance at this point.

Looking out toward the Uinta Range, Just before hitting it hard going home.

Monte/Woodruff

I love Monte and the times I get to visit with the people in Woodruff.  This year was a little short on the number of visits, as well as the time chatting, but it is a place like no other for me.  It's always a little melancholy when I know it is the last ride over there for the year.  We typically come home from the race going that way, but it seems so different just driving through on a quiet Sunday afternoon.  Thanks to the truly awesome people in Woodruff.  I can't say enough, nor be complete......so I'll leave it at that.

More to come this week

Should be posting most every day for the next week.  We've gotta fire up the donation machine - before it's too late.

Thanks Kerry

So, I texted my buddy, who is truly an inspiration.  I told him it was either shame, or inspiration that pushed me over that mountain today ( thanks for keeping my head screwed on straight).  I don't know, but maybe I just wanted to make this post with the link that I can never use other wise.

Bring it on Home - Click it  You only get to use this when you finish the year doing it right.

Ride HARD!

Getting close........

Cemetery Point - Pine View Reservoir

A big week

A big week it was.  After the ride to Woodruff on Monday, I was looking at some serious heat on Wednesday, so I decided to do some early morning road intervals instead.  A decent 50 miles before work, using the Garmin to record results.  A couple mountain bike rides for good measure and I was ready for what should have been an assessment ride on Saturday.  Turns out, Saturday was a pretty good training ride.

Cache Valley Century

The Cache Century is a charity ride, to help people with disabilities enjoy the out of doors.  At the check-in this go around, I was greeted by one of my many nieces.  Shouldn't surprise me, as her family has a particular interest in this type of event.  Still, I was very apprehensive getting ready to go.  I had set my sights on a specific time, and the need to ride most of the day with fast groups.  The course had changed quite a bit this year, as one town refused to let the event pass through.  I should have paid closer attention, as it would prove to be somewhat costly in the end.  Groups going out early weren't too fast, but still a comfortable pace.  Getting out toward Preston, Idaho, we had maybe 30 people, pulling two abreast at times.  Most everybody stopped at Preston, while I just looked for the next group to leave.  Looking at the elevation chart below, you can see where we dropped into the river bottoms just before Dayton hill.  As expected, I let the main body gap me just before the turn off of the hill.  That was followed by another smaller hill that allowed them to spread a gap on me.  Over the top, I slid into the drop-bars and pushed it hard for about five miles trying to catch the group.  Little did I know there was about a dozen riders on my wheel enjoying the fast pace.  I flew through the next rest stop and headed for a little climb just before Newton.  As expected (again), I let the main group go, thinking they would "water" at Newton Park (only a couple minutes away). When I pulled in, there was another group already down the road, but for some reason, I decided to swing back toward Newton Dam.  Looking at the elevations below, that is the "hump" at the 50 mile area.  Turns out, I didn't need to go that way and had just over five miles and some good grinding before I turned back at Trenton Hill.  I gassed it back to the park and caught another group going out.  Jumping between groups, I made it to Mendon - on just a bit more than one bottle of water.  Overall time wasn't too bad, but had spent more time than planned on my own. Quickly back on the road, I was either too fast for a couple groups, or too tired to hang on to others.  I stayed with a train for a few miles, until we got to Cache Junction.  Coming off the bridge, I had let them go and was on my own for the next five miles, climbing to Clarkston.  By then, I was feeling the effects of lactic acid buildup.  The quads would fire and I was spent.  I took a couple minutes at Clarkston and considered taking a direct path back to Richmond, that would still give me 100 miles.  It would have put me close to my target, but I elected to go around.  One final mistake was going straight to Lewiston, instead of cutting back to the south.  This meant I would be completely alone, not that it mattered at that point.  Once onto Highway 91, I was facing a hot and stiff headwind.  Five of the longest miles I could imagine.  A ton of exposure and no help - a bad idea, but I made it in.  Only riding with groups about 35% of the time.  That can't happen at LOTOJA.

When all was said and done, I had just over 110 miles, with my average heart rate at 82%.  Total time was 6h-40m, with a bike time of just under 6h 14m.  The last 10 miles set the overall rolling time back a bit.  Still, not a bad day.  Just not what I had planned.

A minor irony, as my rider number in this event was remarkably similar to my assigned LOTOJA frame and bib number.  Huh.......

A lot to do this week, and the nerves are getting the better of me - again.

Stick around.......

Click here - Takin' care of business

Ride HARD!

Back over the top

SR 39 West Bound, MP 43 "Little Monte" looking toward Mt. Timpanogas

Another cool start, but not nearly as cold as last week  Still, the toes were cold for a long time.  I "reeled-in"  another rider just out of Huntsville.  I took the pull up to the first roller, about 5 miles up.  I wasn't ready to stay on his wheel so I let him go, only to catch him about a mile up farther.  We took turns out front until he peeled-off for Causey.  Thanks Spencer! You are a stud!

Time to the top was pretty good, much better than last week.  I made some adjustments to the saddle and post to get a better angle for climbing before leaving this morning.  Don't ask me why, but I seriously dream bout that sort of "thing".  It seemed to work quite well, but I need to make an adjustment to my cleats.  One thing at a time.  The overall time into Woodruff was about what I had hoped.  Dang wind was wreaking havoc most of the way into town.  Another quick turn, and it was immediately back into the wind.  Stupid wind fought me all the way back.  I serious struggled to get to the top.  Add to that, I decided to take only two water bottles.  Yup, bone dry by the time I got back to the camp ground.  The ride off the top was hard all the way down.  The wind was right in the snout all the way.  Last week I was pegging near 50 MPH through Ant Flat Road, today 35 MPH while peddling.  The last nutrition was a Gu and some fruit-snacks about an hour from the top.  No surprise, I bonked and HARD, at the top - again.  By the time I got home, I was physically sick and had to lay down for about an hour.  I lost nearly six pounds since this morning - not good. (Not that I don't need to lose the mass).

I need to evaluate Wednesday closely.  The Cache Valley Ride on Saturday is a critical metric.  I have a specific time to meet, to determine my overall condition for the race.  I still need the endurance, but can't risk a good showing on Saturday.  What to do................

As bad as the return was, the drop into Rich County was still pretty good.  I cleared the distance from the Camp Ground (MP 47.5)to the Snow gate (MP 55.5) in twelve minutes.  Talk about serious business! The overall to MP67 (Woodruff) was just under 41 minutes - fighting the wind.  Something about riding fast, with nobody around.............  53+ MPH with the chin on the bars.

You know fast - Click here!

Don't PUKE!
Ride HARD!  Holly crap..........

A Lot of STUFF............

An early evening view from the Mule's Ear overlook

Changing the Method

After the cooking I took going to Woodruff last Tuesday, I decided to modify the schedule - a lot.  Everything was mountain biking, with an emphasis on intensity.  More than that, an emphasis on mental conditioning.  A hard push up some single track every night, with a double on Friday morning, followed by another loop that night, made for some pretty good rides.  Doing some fast spinning intervals Saturday morning wasn't enough to cap the week, so I did a fast loop in the evening.  That was by far the best I've climbed that trail all year, if not for several years.  Talk about a confidence boost.  It was really needed.  With only 14 hours this past week, I'll give it a solid "B" for overall performance and benefit. 

Big Week

The Schedule

This upcoming week is very critical - on several fronts.  Planning two trips over the top (Woodruff), with the Cache Valley Century on Saturday.  Likely an evening mountain bike ride in the middle somewhere, with little time for recovery.  Saturday's ride will be the real indicator of where I'm at for Lotoja.  That will be something like 300+ road miles, some dirt in roughly 22 hours - at moderate to high intensity.  Everything depends on this week and how I feel in seven days.  Looking at two more trips to Woodruff the following week with a couple hard mountain bike rides in the mix - not really tapering.  That will put us out only one week from the big day.

Fundraising

I've spent literally all of my fundraising effort this year toward the "Club", or team kit.  I'm directing all corporate donations toward the team effort, thus I have no personal donations.  Everything we get for the team this year will land on the kit for next year - kind of an endowment thing.  It will be the vehicle that carries the effort forward - ongoing.  I'll make a bunch of contacts this week to get the personal stuff covered - always in the back of my mind.

The Mountains...........

I love to ride in the mountains.  Thus, the ride over Monte on the road bike and all the stuff in the dirt.  There is simply something that can't be described about being in the mountains.  As intimidating as it may be at times, it is truly liberating.  I prefer to keep my wheels under me, with the front of the bike going the direction of travel.  Take a look at the link below - a little extreme, but it clearly illustrates the point.  Watch closely as he switches bikes.  That is when rider and bike are one.  No substitute for time on the bike.

Never was a big fan of "The Buffalo Springfield", but it seems to work here.

You've gotta see this - Click here

Ride HARD!

Woodruff

SR 39, west of MP 54, still have that mountain to climb 5 miles away.

If you've been following this blog for more than a year, you know what Woodruff means.  Roughly 6,500 feet of climbing for the day, with a fair amount of time above 7,000 altitude.  This is arguably the most effective training there is for Lotoja - anywhere.  It is also very risky, as you are long distances without cell coverage, between water sources and a lot of exposure.  Add to this the regular windy return and it can cause problems.

Today's ride started cold - as in 44 degrees cold.  I was told it was 37 in Woodruff this morning.  The ride over the front side wasn't too bad, but my toes were cold until about 10 miles from the top.  A head wind into town made it harder than it needed to be, but if I could make a quick turn around, I'd have a tail wind.  I did have a mild tail wind for about the first 5 miles out of town, heading back.  By the time I got to the canyon, it was straight into the nose.  Wind all the way over the top really got into my head.  Getting over the top to Little Monte seemed to take forever - I was gassed.  From about MP 44, I let the brakes fly wide open.  Even past Ant-Flat road, I let the bike fly - directly into the wind.  Normally I'd have issues managing the cross winds with my RXL wheelset, but today I ran with the DT Swiss.  Perfect for today's conditions.  At about Redcliff, the wind turned into a blast-furnace.  The rest of the way into Huntsville was a serious struggle.  By the time I got home, I realized I had been cooked by exposure - again.  At least this time I could make it back.  You'd think I'd learn my lesson.

I've gotta do that ride a handful of times yet, before the race.  I have my work cut out for me.

Woodruff is a great place.  The sign at the edge of town says something like "Coldest Places - Warmest Hearts".  That about sums it up.  The people there are truly great.  I love riding to Woodruff, if only for the quick turn around at the other end.  The people there have always been supportive and friendly.  I enjoy getting to talk with them, albeit for only a few minutes.  Still, it seems everyone that I encounter up there goes out of their way to make me feel welcome in their community.  I don't know that I can say that about anywhere else.  Make it a point to stop and visit this little town.  I ride my guts out to get there.......

I wish you could understand how it feels............  Never was much of a Tom Petty fan, but this one seems to fit.
Click Here - "You don't know how it feels"... to be me

Ride HARD!

Elements of training

The season is getting late and there is a lot of ground to cover.  It's not just a matter stacking miles.  I mean, sure, you need miles, but there's more to it.  Physical endurance is a large part, but not entirely the only thing.  You need physical strength and endurance as well as mental strength and endurance.  You can't show up on race day with all physical prep, the mental has to be prepped as well.  It is a long day. Without a strong mind, will and the ability to push pain and fatigue out of your mind, you will have problems.

I recently watched a video with Tyler Hamilton speaking at Oxford about his doping ordeal.  I'm not, nor have I ever been a Lance fan, but I've kind of been a little easier on Hamilton.  I think he was a good guy caught in the mix of bad people and an impossible position.  He said he had an exceptional pain threshold - the key to riding hard in competitive events.  As he put it, "Hamiltons are tough".  I believe that toughness can be a genetic trait, but I also believe it to be something that has to be developed and improved.  Your body is an amazing machine.  Our minds, however, tend to override our body's ability to endure.  I've heard it said that Navy Seals teach that we are kind of programmed to give up at at less than 40% of our full ability.  I believe it, not sure about the 40%, but I know it is low.  The point is, you need to learn how to push past the limits and drive forward.

Given my limited schedule for riding, I often like to take my mountain bike out for a good push.  It's generally less than an hour, but you can see by the graphic above, it's not an easy ride.  The way I figure it, if I can teach my body to accept pain for an hour at a time, I can extended that on longer rides.  I'm still having trouble getting my heart rate into the low 170's, but still pushing.  I've got to start pushing for four hours at mid to high aerobic conditions.  You can't afford to go into an anaerobic condition for more than only about 10% of the overall ride.  At the same time, if you let off, you loose a ton of momentum that simply can't be recovered.  Listening to your body is tricky, as you can't let off, but also can't afford to get "gassed".  Recognizing spinning recoveries aside from rolling recoveries. - yes there is a big difference.  Rolling recoveries can be costly, as your heart rate can drop too low.  Add to this proper fueling, you can bonk without knowing it.  By the time you sense something is wrong, it is too late.  Man, there is a lot to do and a lot to get in order.

Starting to work on the bike a little at a time.  Re-wrapped the bars yesterday with good quality Cinelli cork.  Waiting for a new seat post and should have that before my next long ride.  I need to start going through wheel sets and drive train.  I also need to tweak the shoes and cleats'

A lot to do..................  Stick around.

Ah - "The Mess". Click here

Ride HARD!

A month to go............

Measuring Progress

Really long miles have been sparce this year.  My go-to has always been Monte Cristo, if not all the way to Woodruff.  At the top of Monte, I have to commit to the extra 20 miles down to Woodruff and the inevitable climb back.  It is a decision that has serious consequences. Last year I went into Woodruff something like ten times.  Twice where near disasters.  The very first time was very hot and windy.  I got caught halfway back down South Fork Canyon and bonked - HARD! With no cell service for a couple more miles, that was a serious dilema.  One other time, I got caught in a horrendous thunderstorm and had nowhere to go.  Another serious - way serious situation.  Today was my first time past Causey, going up SR39.  Altitude becomes a factor before you know it. All the way past Causey was windy - as in head-wind.  Usually this isn't the case.  This morning was overcast and threatening from the get go, with wind in my face along way up.  I could occasionally feel rain blowing in from two time-zones away, but was still determined to get over the top. About ten miles from the top, I was starting to feel serious fatigue.  Given predictable conditions, I'd still push into Woodruff. Today was too sketchy.  Windy all the way back into Huntsville, but not hot.  I stacked a few miles on for good measure, but was gassed by the time I headed for home.  I fought a head wind for the last nine miles. Needless to say, I was spent when I got home.  Enough for one day.

I've had problems with the bike this year.  A broken saddle-rail and post have made things a bummer.  I rode this morning with a setback post and Selle Itallia saddle.  I also changed from the normal hard cleats to a 6 degree float cleat.  That's a lot of changes for a full day long ride - or six hours, whatever it was.  I also swapped out the wheel-set for the DT Swiss, with the R3 tires.  A good move for the wind.  I'll need to get the bike back to my normal spec before I head over the top.  I'd like to do that sooner rather than later.

Fundraising is another issue.  The "team" is getting a little traction, which is encouraging, but I need to get personal donations lined up as well.  More on that later..............

I did get signed-up for the Cache Valley Century, a couple weeks out.  I have a lot to do between now and then.  For that matter, I have a ton to do between now and race day.

It all seemed like a good idea at the time............

It's gonna get busy.

Click here for a little motivation - worth the 10 minutes

Ride HARD!

IMPROVISE

A morning ride to Snow Basin - Go'in Home

Improvising

This has been a year of short......everything.  Road miles are not stacking up, but they are all "quality" miles for the most part.  Morning climbs to Snow Basin should be significantly faster, but my climbing is less than par.  This is a ride I should be doing, with a dip into Mountain Green, fast enough to still get to the office later in the morning (58 miles of climbing).  I really need to hit Monte Cristo and make the trip into Woodruff.  Those are big miles and a ton of commitment.  Gotta do it, and soon

Riding Racks

I think the shortest road ride for the season is 41 miles, but still only one century - so far.  I've been trying variations of interval rides, with road sprints, mountain climbs and even some combination intervals. Back "in the day" (about 40 years ago), I'd walk over to the high school and kick footballs until I couldn't take it anymore.  Most nights I'd run stadium bleachers, or what I'd call "racks".  One rack was once across a set of seats and stairs, from south to north.  First rack was seat sprints, with five climbs being a rack.  The next two racks were left foot and then right foot seat hops, followed by two-foot hops.  Then a rack of left diagonals, followed by right diagonals. Being at the opposite end from where I started, it would be full out seat sprints back.  Basically six-by-five with variations.  Those stairs are long gone, not that I could do that anymore.  Rather, I do a bike variation, riding a 200 foot climb over one-half mile (an average of 7.5%, with a peak of about 13%).  Using an interval timer, I'll "sprint" for 20 seconds, maintain a normal cadence for 40 seconds and repeat.  I can generally get five intervals per climb, and will do it six times (six racks).  Still, my legs aren't strong enough to push my heart rate above the low 160's.  Last night I did 10 hill climbs on my mountain bike, then headed up to Mules Ear to finish off.  I started too late, and had to head back as it was getting too dark to see the trail. At that, I still couldn't get my heart rate up to an anaerobic condition.  I've gotta try something else, but I also need to start stacking (long miles).

Time to move along

I think it's time to pull the plug on the Jersey idea fro this year.  The late start has pretty much everyone saying the same thing; "all corporate donations where committed several months ago".  I still think this is the way to go, but just not with the time we were left with this year.  Time to start focusing on necessities.  With all the side job commitments I've had this year, it wasn't the best idea to try so much, with no time to spare.

I'd like to get get out on some dirt tomorrow, but again........commitments.

Almost fitting - "Wheels" ugh! click here

Ride HARD

On the road - without a bike

Upper Mesa Falls - Idaho

As if I weren't getting enough miles this season, I decided to not take a bike with the fam on a little outing for a couple of days.  I just dislike "dragging" bikes anywhere, considering I can get all the best riding in right from my house.  It was a thought however, as I scoped out a 30 mile dirt ride that would have been a great endurance pitch.  It just didn't feel right.  Besides, spending time with the kiddos is much better.

The upcoming week looks to be hard for miles as well.  A lot of demands and commitments as usual.  One of these has the potential to provide a substantial contribution to Huntsman, but there are a lot of things that can happen.  Back when I used to travel a lot, seems I'd end up in Brazil, or Michigan about this time of year, putting a huge hole in my training (or what I call training).  Still, I found that break just before the push a good rest for the old bod - and I do mean old.  The next month will turn into a pretty strict and concentrated effort to knock-off all the edges and get some endurance down.  Diet is very key, as I still need to drop a ton of mass to get to my ideal riding weight,  On short rides (75 miles and less), you can cheat the system with a little extra mass, but 200+ miles.......... The other morning I rode to Snowbasin early.  For about the first four miles, I just felt slow.  I finally stopped and checked my bike and noticed the back brake was slightly touching.  Do that for a couple hours and you'll be tired.  That's what it's like dragging an extra five pounds over 200 miles.  Huh, if it were only five pounds.  It's as equally as important as strength and endurance.  In fact, there is simply no faster way to increase your power to weight ratio than to simple drop fat.

The "porpoise" effort is not doing well.  I'm depending on a couple things this week to turn the tide.  Starting so late has been the biggest problem.  Most corporate prospects have already committed their budgets for the year.  I still have a couple possibilities, but what happens Tuesday is our best chance of getting out of the rut.  Aside from the donation thing, there is a lot riding on Tuesday.

Keep your fingers crossed and swing back later this week.  Lets have a little hope.............

"These aren't dues I've been paying" click here

Ride HARD!

Lonely Rides

East Canyon Dam from mile post 1.

Last year Trappers Loop was under construction for the entire season. The only time I saw East Canyon was when I dragged the bike to Mountain Green and rode Big Mountain.  East Canyon from home is about 100 miles round trip with that pesky climb stuck right in the middle.  Okay, not really the middle, but it still gets in the way.  The climb out of Ogden Valley is still taking too long, but not stressing.  Knowing I have several hours ahead, plus the return climb, I've learned not to "blow-up" early on.  Being mid-week, I still did run across a couple other riders - and boy were they fast.  No way I was going to hook on to that,  Of course, they were doing the quick sprint up to the dam and back, where as I was on an all day, rolling picnic.  Still, I need to get used to "hooking onto" other riders.  That is key to a good LOTOJA showing - if I can even get there.

Riding alone gets old pretty fast. Getting caught in the wind, while alone is a real problem.  For whatever reason, there has been a ton of wind this year - if you can measure wind as a mass.  Still, the miles drag on forever, especially when suffering.  You hear every little creek and tick of the bike, the annoying sound of my tongue dragging in the dirt, and of course the flood of random things that go through my mind.  Still, this is where I can sort out some pretty technical issues, without having my calculator and reference books.  I'd really rather have someone to talk to, or simply ride with.  It is hard to get motivated when going it alone.  Add to this, the changes in Huntsman and the all associated crap, and it has become a lonely effort.

Heat coming on is making it hard to get safe and quality rides on a regular basis.  Pretty typical, but it means I have to do short end substitutes; hill intervals and sprint intervals.  The mountain bike is also good, but the trails can get busy enough prohibiting good, hard continuous rides.  I need to start logging regular long rides every week, with the regular treks to Woodruff right soon.  Those days are long - I mean really long.  That's what it takes..........

The holiday this week means no long ride on Wednesday.  I'll have to play it by ear and make the most of things.

Walk a thin line - Click here

Ride HARD!

Helluva hole.....................

Outline of a plan IDEA

I do stuff often without thinking it through to the logical conclusion.  That said, Home Town Heroes is in a hole from the get go.  Our corporate underwriter from the very beginning decided at the last minute to .............. back out.  So, we're starting the season in the hole and about four months behind schedule.  So like the fool that I am, I came up with this "seemingly" great idea to do a sponsor jersey, that would allow us to offset a large part of what was lost.  Well............timing is not the best and it is a solid headwind right from the gate.

My friends at Hyperthreads have helped me put together a kit, with a tech-tee that will serve s the means to pickup sponsors.  There has been a little interest, but so far, pretty cold.  I'll have more information as to inquiries and how to get the stuff in a few days, but below is the general layout.

Somehow, I believe we'll make it work.  Time is short.

Riding again

Slowly getting the distance back on the road.  When I can't get a full ride down, I do a series of hill intervals, or sprint intervals right nearby. I've made some mods to the mountain bike, that will allow me to burn some steeper terrain with more confidence on the downhill.  I've got what I need, just not all the time I'm used to having.  Guess we'll find out what this sorry old dog is really made of before its all over.

Last night was a great ride; I mean the very ride I needed, up to Causey reservoir.  As usual, the last 7 miles home really seemed to go on forever, but I love South Fork.  I used to love fishing that with my dad when I was a kid.  Of course, that was when there was available stream access.  Still, just going up that canyon makes me feel like I'm almost twelve years old again.  The pic below is at the end of the oiled road, above the dam, looking toward the scout camps.

Call me sentimental.  Sometimes I still feel like I could be a hero............

Click here for a Wild West Hero - Thanks Jeff.........

Ride HARD!

Still hanging around????

Doing what needs to be done................

Right.............it's been a while.  I've finally been out on the road, but equally, if not more still on the dirt.

I mean, with vistas like this, why wouldn't I ride the dirt?  Oh, that's right, I need some long rides in the saddle.  Not to worry.

Just getting ready to head back over Trappers Loop, for some climbing this morning.  I've hit that a couple times this season already, but wasn't impressed with the times - even with it being early in the season.

I wasn't able to ride Trappers at all last season due to ongoing construction, so there was (still is) a little trepidation.  The new asphalt is kind of squirrely on the descent, which makes me nervous, but I'm still getting used to the the fast feel of the road.

This past Saturday I reluctantly signed up for the MS150 - literally at the last minute.  A ride I used to enjoy, but steered clear of last season due to the "sketchiness" of some of the riders.  I needed the road miles, especially a longer day in the saddle, so....why not?  It was darn cold at the start, like 39°, so full-finger gloves, jacket and toe-warmers for the first 40 miles.  Stopping at Lewiston, Utah for a quick lunch, I met up with a former, fellow employee.  I rode with him earlier going up to Dayton, Idaho, but voluntarily dropped off the group, as I wasn't confident enough to ride too hard that early.  After the Lewiston stop, we stuck together for the remainder of the day.  I seldom get to ride with anyone else, so having someone to talk to, as well as work on my "wheel chasing" without any stress made for a great day.  Exactly the right ride for the right time.

It's no secret my attitude has been suffering this season, but this ride was really a good idea.  Riding with "Mr. Blue Sky", literally made the difference - all the difference.  Thanks Dan!  You're a life saver.

Big announcement in the next couple of days - it will be great!

Here's to you Mr. Blue Sky - Click here.

Ride HARD!

Stalled!

Weather!

What to do?  It's been another of those years where it just wont let up.  A few years ago, I'd ride in the worst of conditions - 'till I figured out how stupid it really is.  It is risky, hard on my bikes and mostly not necessary.  There will always be times when it can't be avoided, but until then.........don't do it!

The mountain bike has been the main outfit thus far, with the spin bike getting more time.  I took the time to build up a "harsh weather" wheel-set, but still no road riding.  I've swapped out my SPD's on my spin bike for for road gear, simply to start working on form.  The MTB is good for leg strength and intervals, but it raises heck with my road form.  This morning it was pouring buckets, so I did some pretty hard spin intervals.  Followed tonight with the first trip up top of Mules Ears.  The north side is still too muddy, so I did a fast return back down the south side.  Good time, but man my legs are burning.  Dang limbs being pushed down from the snow scratched my legs up pretty good - that stings.  Still.........beats a day at the office.

Things with Huntsman are going to take a turn very soon.  I hope for the positive, but there is a huge deficit to makeup.  I'm not really sure If it can all come together, or is it just wishful thinking.  Either way, this week is the turning point.

It's been good riding when I can get it, but the whole HHH thing is really hanging over my head.  Still, who gets to see this kind of stuff right from their own driveway?  The fact that I can get some of the best riding without ever having to drive somewhere else is great.  It comes with a price, but.........oh yeah!

Anyone else remember the fall of '80?  We lost "Bonzo" that fall, but they still released a classic.  Sometimes I wish I didn't know now, what I didn't know then.  But then, I don't think any of us could truly appreciate how good times were if we didn't have the perspective of time behind us.

Check back in about a week.  I'll layout the plan.

Until then............

I'm gonna crawl.

Ride Hard! (when you can)

Wondering - Wandering

Really, what's the difference...........

Busy at work with shutdown projects, but still getting on the mountain bike.  Riding the crap out of that same section of Shore Line Trail, but it fits the schedule.  It looks like the Avon Divide road may be clear enough to ride.  Not technical at all, but it can really burn the legs - if you hit it hard.  We'll see what things look like in the next couple of days.

I've been thinking a lot of character.  You know, the things we do when nobody else is watching, or more importantly, when it really counts.  There are those that put up a good show, waving arms and all, but who really puts up when it counts? If you have to stop to think about something, rather than react, that is not your true character.- right?  I mean............are you truly invested, or are you just putting on an act? Hmmmmm.............

There are things I've earned over the course of my life that have served me well.  Other things - just a good lesson.  I learned to whistle loud without my fingers when I was like six years old.  Talk about a useful skill! And then there was that time about in the first grade or so, I came home to ask my parents what you see when you look down a mole-hole.  I had know Idea what the punch line really meant, but my folks sure did.  I'm fairly certain my dad turn to my mom at that moment and said; "No piano lessons or braces for him.  He won't need them in prison".  Well, here I am, no piano lessons and didn't have braces.  Never made it to prison, but I sure made a mess of a lot of things along the way.

So what does that have to do with anything?  Character, the thing people are rally made of, regardless of what they may think of themselves.  I think we're to that point where it may actually matter.

Pay attention!

Click here - '71

Ride HARD!

Piecing things together

The "Cantaloupe" Antelope Island way out there under those clouds.

"Frankenstein" 

Oh.....about a hundred years ago - give or take, I used to read a particular trade magazine pretty much every month. It was back in the college days when I was broke most of the time, and could generally read it at the University library for free - then, my favorite word. There was this article about Edgar Winter and Rick Derringer, making the classic track "Frankenstein". They explained how it was originally supposed to be "Drum Solo", but kind of evolved. After some period of time, they had accumulated a massive collection of master tape, of which none were connected. The album they were building was "They only come out at night" an absolute classic, and one of my all time favorites. At some point they figured they had to get the master tapes all together for this "thing" they had been creating all along. Literally hand splicing tape from piles on the floor, they compiled their monster. Add to it the lumbering tempo and you have the enduring classic that has always fascinated me - personally.

It appears this year is developing much like the classic - more than in previous years. The weather sucks, the riding has been sparse, funding is uncertain.............I mean everything is just a mess. The only thing that is constant from previous years is the pile that has to somehow come together to make it work. Everyone has the will to put up a good fight, but not everyone, in fact few, are willing to prepare for that fight. That's where we're at this year. All the ancillary crap is simply making it hard to have the will to prepare. Things wont change unless I make them change, and I'm not really sure how to do it.

The above elevation profile shows the section of trail I've been riding. Just under 700' climbing, but still pretty technical - in several areas. It's good interval training, with some short burns, but nothing for endurance. It's barely 40 minutes from start to finish. It beats indoor spinning for sure. I need to get some road time, but until the roads dry out............

A lesson in adapting.....Click here and pay attention!

Ride HARD!