Turning it up

 Exploring New Trails

New Dirt Trails

I've had to remind myself what riding for the sake of enjoying the event is really like. Getting the full suspension bike down, I've been hitting the local trails up in North Fork the past week or so. Kind of stupid that I don't ride up there more often, as I literally can roll right out of the garage and be on dirt single track within a few minutes. Better yet, I can get a good workout in the process, with rides lasting a couple hours. I have found this puts me frequently into Zone 4, with overall averages in the Zone 3 range. The past couple of years they (who ever they are) have cut probably 10+ miles of new trails - with some pretty good climbing. Given the recent warm, strike that, HOT weather, rolling out in the evening keeps me out of most of the heat and into the shade. The lack of rain has left the trails rather dusty, requiring bike servicing every night coming back home. The trails aren't too technical and can be fun on the descent with flowing speeds. Out on the farthest north side I'm regularly encountering moose, fox, big deer, grouse and of course the occasional snake. It reminds me why I do what I do in the first place - as hard as it can be.

It's like an Alman Brothers thing....

Eye on the Prize

I'm reminded of a post card from some number of years back (call it forty plus) from Pennsylvania Amish country, about two towns about four miles apart. It said something along the lines of  "If you go through the one particular town, you'll end up in Paradise". That's exactly where I'm at in this years progress. It's not the suffering I'll endure at the event, it is literally the aftermath of finishing that drives me. Sometimes that is what really matters - look past the hardship and suffering and focus on the intended result. At that, keep things in perspective - like be real. There are sacrifices to be made in getting there, but those things are handled one at a time, never in aggregate. All that said, time is spinning by, as it always does. Metrics and milestones are more important than ever. Discipline and diligence equally as much. What does it take to get to Paradise? Look up that town on Google Maps and you'll figure it out. You can't fake it!

Meeting a moose in the worst of all places.

Minor Changes to the Road Bike

Trying a new saddle (seat) on the old bike again. This is like the fifth or sixth saddle I've had on that same bike. They wear out over time and even break occasionally. Bike tech has change a lot over the years as well. I'm trying a fi'z-ik 3D printed system that really seems to work well. The  key to this is a proper fitting for the old "sits-bones" as it were. From there a proper position setup goes along way. The shorter cranks are allowing better over the top positioning in the pedal stroke itself. Add to that the rearward position of the cleats and it definitely feels different - probably better. The slightly shorter crank-arms do require more force to offset the loss of torque, but it is manageable thus far. The old cycle computer also had to go, as it was not reliable anymore. I'm using a very simple GPS system between all three of my bikes - making it more reliable and easier. In all, the old bike is still......an old bike, but it is still fast. Concerns about the frame have proven not be be an issue, but the mechanicals are wearing out. She'll make it through this season - with style.

Trying not to be too philosophical

I know some of my past posts have gotten a little....off track. Sure every once in a while we can go down that road, but I'm not trying to be a Chaman, or online influencer. There are times I think it important to get something out in the open, but for tonight, I'll focus on the progress. When it is time for that other stuff, well - you'll know.

Lets try something a little different. After all, our differences is what makes us fit together better.

Click here for Ella and Louis

Ride HARD!