So I've been thinking about all the great experiences over the past few years and what my bike has meant to me. So forgive the intraspective nature of this post, I'm still the jackass/badass/asshole you know and love.
1) Biking gave me peace through a difficult divorce. It got me out, improved my mental state, put things in perspective and literally (and metaphorically) moved me to the next step in my life.
2) Biking renewed old friendships and keeps adding new ones. After 8 years of 'horse' friends and couples I really had no one close to me. Darius, my original mtb partner, and I kind of got back into biking at the same time. Now we're close again. I started hanging out with Pontz and K-berg, then Yoda.... Wait is this positive? : )
3) Biking gives me goals and structure. I never believed I could finish 101 miles. I've done the W101 twice now. I never believed I would enjoy a road ride, now I'm hooked. My life is one of job/chores/when can I ride? My vacation is a week of riding!
4) Its not about the bike, is it? Two speeches I have for relationships. The I'm-on-a-ride-dont-know-when-back speech and the dont-make-me-choose-bt-you-and-the-bike speech. Sad. Callous maybe, but true.
5) Biking is my freedom. Do I really have to explain the grin I have when riding? Whether it is in my yard or deep in nowhereville, you are free. Jump a log, ride scary fast, climb like Contador! It's amazing.
6) Biking is healthy. Kind of self-explanatory. I thought I was in shape when I played soccer and ran 3 miles a day. I wasn't, I was just 18. Each year I eat better and put on another layer of fitness - unbelievable. Plus beer is a recovery beverage, dy-no-mite!!!
7) The Cool factor. I admit it - I love the gear. I am at the point where I have to stop myself from buying more. I own 3 mtn bikes, 1 cross, 1 commuter, and 2 junkers. I have jerseys I never wear! Good grief, I like spandex!
8) Racing. Whether it is formal or just competition between friends. How great is it to challenge yourself, to push beyond one's own expectations. Sure I fail. More than I succeed for sure. But I learn so much. Competition is still fun, and I still only race against one person - myself.
9) Can I be your domestique? I'm not very fast. I don't sprint well, climb well, or downhill well. But I have always thought of myself as good enough at each to be of aid. Need a pacer up a climb, a pull back to the pack, that's me. I do have above average technical skills but those aren't really talent, it is more like determination, strength, and self belief that mask my horrible lines.
10) Inspiration. Whether it be the Vista from the Continental Divide or a Rothrock sunset (best in the world) there is inspiration. Seeing others improve and reach goals, riding the w101 with Todd, seeing Leah finish the Iron Cross, watching Madison progress into a Dynamo. Getting that rock garden, hitting that jump. Wow. wow. wow.
And finally the laughter and sharing with you, my friends. If you have ridden with me, put up with my babble, shared a beer, or screamed with me in absolute joy then consider yourself in my debt. Sharing the joy in my life is the best of all.
HO
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Vacation week
Wow, I was away last week and it was sooooo nice. I hadn't planned on a vacation but my friend had a plan and needed a partner so off we went. Stayed 3 days in Vermont around Ludlow and rode the Ascutney trails on day one, hit local stuff (couldn't find the dumpster that marked the trailhead) so mostly tranquil fireroads through beautific horse country. Rain on day 3 so opted for a run and yoda. Then the travel to New Hampshire and stop lots. Next day we climbed Mt Washington with 50-100ft visibility, it rained hard that night and had us clearing out the campsite before 8am due to wetness. Nice visit to Starbucks and EMS for a dry layer and we were headed to Boston. Did a walk there as it is just all streets. Next day my college roommate, Jamie, took me fishing - awesome. Wedding in the evening to top off the week. Long drive back but we managed to find a nice rail trail in Bloomsburg. I'm really leaving out all the fun details. Mostly nice not to have internet or cell service. Good ice cream, non-hoppy IPAs.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Sweet Retribution
I take my fair share of ribbing. In fact I probably add to it with my ability to lob 'softball's' in daily conversation. Plus I usually laugh just as hard b/c they are truly funny. Small animal and height jokes never seem to get old. Well every once in a while the hen goes crazy and pecks the fox! If my plans come together 'retribution week' will start next Monday and last for the entire week (cue foreboding music then manical laughing).
My legs hurt
Recovery - this is good time for it but I just can't stop riding! Thursday I was in the vehicle and my friend slapped me on the inside of the knee while were laughing at something. Well my laughter stopped at that point as that slap hit a very tender muscle/bone attachment area. Pain shot though me and almost hit the roof with my head! So that is my test. Just slap someone on the knee. If they wince in pain, they should back off the riding. No pain, good, let's RIP!!!
Downhills of Rothrock 7/8
Wednesday we did the infamous 'Downhills of Rothrock' ride. You climb laurel run, drop a bit of little shingletown, drop sand spring, climb Bear gap, over to Croyle and drop it, then back up wampler, climb gettis, over to Wildcat and drop it. Finally up laurel then climb part way up to the Fire tower and drop Old Laurel. Throw in 3 bridges, gully of lonberger, carcass for good measure. It's a tough ride around 3000ft elevation gain. But the fun, juicy, melt in your mouth downhills make it sooooo sweet!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
HO fest 2009!
I think this was the 4th annual HO-fest. What a run! HO-fest is around 4th of July, we ride Black Mo, swim in the lake, then cookout in Port Matilda at the Chateau d'HO. Usually the ride is super rocky, super technical and borders on a death march. This year I changed things. I knew the Century would take it out of us so I decided to go with a easier loop with fireroads.
We started out on the 'beginner' loop doing Ski slope up and down, then across 504 to the group campground, out the road to star mill. Instead of going left on the AFT we headed right on the fireroad and picked up the AFT on shirks after the bridge. This section was pretty overgrown and did not impress the others. We re-grouped at the road and I endured (deservingly) some 'praise' for my route selection. We forged ahead and this section wasn't as bad, but by the time we hit Wolf Rocks rd I sensed everyone had enough 'primitive' trail for the day.
We headed back on strawband beaver and my legs did not respond at all. Fortunately Yoda was on his SS speed so his top end was limited and I could ride with him. We stopped for a photo with my relative. We regrouped at Julian pike and headed over to take the AFT the other direction (north). This section was great! The trail maintainer had just brushed it back. The downhill after crossing smays was absolutely a rip! Good times.
We kicked out on Underwood Rd and decided just to head back. The hills on North Run rd seemed steeper than ever, but snowmobile was peaceful and pleasant. Back at the parking area we enjoyed a refreshing swim in the healthy waters of Lake Black Mo. Then it was down to Port for BBQ, beer, and great conversation.
Thanks to everyone who showed. Another awesome day in woods with awesome folks. Whew, what a weekend!
We started out on the 'beginner' loop doing Ski slope up and down, then across 504 to the group campground, out the road to star mill. Instead of going left on the AFT we headed right on the fireroad and picked up the AFT on shirks after the bridge. This section was pretty overgrown and did not impress the others. We re-grouped at the road and I endured (deservingly) some 'praise' for my route selection. We forged ahead and this section wasn't as bad, but by the time we hit Wolf Rocks rd I sensed everyone had enough 'primitive' trail for the day.
We headed back on strawband beaver and my legs did not respond at all. Fortunately Yoda was on his SS speed so his top end was limited and I could ride with him. We stopped for a photo with my relative. We regrouped at Julian pike and headed over to take the AFT the other direction (north). This section was great! The trail maintainer had just brushed it back. The downhill after crossing smays was absolutely a rip! Good times.
We kicked out on Underwood Rd and decided just to head back. The hills on North Run rd seemed steeper than ever, but snowmobile was peaceful and pleasant. Back at the parking area we enjoyed a refreshing swim in the healthy waters of Lake Black Mo. Then it was down to Port for BBQ, beer, and great conversation.
Thanks to everyone who showed. Another awesome day in woods with awesome folks. Whew, what a weekend!
Casual 4th of July Century
Saturday I decided to join in the 4th of July Century. This year the route was back to the original RB Winter ride. I showed up at the Creamery at 8am to see the usual suspects. We were already trading barbs and dropping f-bombs while we waited. This would foreshadow the days events. We had a strong crew of 10. 7 regulars plus Fred, Sparky and James. I'm thinking the big group would mean an easy ride.
So we take off and have the wind and start out fast. An hour later, we're still fast. I tell Allen not worry we always start out fast, it slows up. Famous last words. The pace wasn't killer but it didn't let up. We sprinted to every sign, pushed the hills, and kicked it in general. We usually average 18-19 but the first 50 miles was 21!
It will slow down once we turn. Yes that was true, we had a good headwind in some spots but that just brought the effort up! Now whoever was on the front wouldn't give in to make this a more friendly ride. Once you get used to pushing it, then it is hard to stop. A flat slowed us after coburn. A stop at the Spring Mills store yeilded the most humor of the day. A guy came in sporting long hair & black t-shirt, late 30s - music blaring. Grabs smokes at the store. Backs up and pulls across the street into the Frosty Hook parking. Like 40 ft. Music blaring. Hops out and goes in the Frosty. Only in PA!
After 100 miles you'd think we'd be tired but noooooo! The pace kept up over the rolling hills that mark the last part of the ride. And of course we KOM every one of them. Finally we get back to Linden Hall. Recovery time for the last 10 miles? Why change now? I added to the mix by splintering the field on a poorly timed breakaway to the Tin Man. Chasers and more attacks ensued. Finally it was over and the we went our different ways. Al, Josh and I still had to climb up Orchard rd. Man was that HARD!
Final stats were a shade under 120 miles, 19+ average, 5K of climbing. Probably the toughest ride of the season. That evening we convened at the Glover household and wondered why we had ridden so hard? We laughed about it over some good cookout and all powerful recovery beverages. What a day!
So we take off and have the wind and start out fast. An hour later, we're still fast. I tell Allen not worry we always start out fast, it slows up. Famous last words. The pace wasn't killer but it didn't let up. We sprinted to every sign, pushed the hills, and kicked it in general. We usually average 18-19 but the first 50 miles was 21!
It will slow down once we turn. Yes that was true, we had a good headwind in some spots but that just brought the effort up! Now whoever was on the front wouldn't give in to make this a more friendly ride. Once you get used to pushing it, then it is hard to stop. A flat slowed us after coburn. A stop at the Spring Mills store yeilded the most humor of the day. A guy came in sporting long hair & black t-shirt, late 30s - music blaring. Grabs smokes at the store. Backs up and pulls across the street into the Frosty Hook parking. Like 40 ft. Music blaring. Hops out and goes in the Frosty. Only in PA!
After 100 miles you'd think we'd be tired but noooooo! The pace kept up over the rolling hills that mark the last part of the ride. And of course we KOM every one of them. Finally we get back to Linden Hall. Recovery time for the last 10 miles? Why change now? I added to the mix by splintering the field on a poorly timed breakaway to the Tin Man. Chasers and more attacks ensued. Finally it was over and the we went our different ways. Al, Josh and I still had to climb up Orchard rd. Man was that HARD!
Final stats were a shade under 120 miles, 19+ average, 5K of climbing. Probably the toughest ride of the season. That evening we convened at the Glover household and wondered why we had ridden so hard? We laughed about it over some good cookout and all powerful recovery beverages. What a day!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Wellsboro and back again...
Feeling Strong? Feeling like you can go all day long? No, that's not a pickup line. It's Double Century Time! Around the longest day of the year, the locals ride up to Wellsboro and back. It's about 210 miles round trip. This year our Saturday group has been super strong. We have been doing long miles since early Spring. So a bunch of us were keen to try it. Josh, Allen, Leah, and Glover were willing to start. Rachael and Wee Vicki had also never done one. So the 7 of us joined usuals Thorne, Ferrari, Alcorn, Strauber with Eric Nord, Peter, and Joe Gore rounding out the group.
You start early - meet at 5:15am and ride! I watched the sun come up that was cool. After that things get hazy. We hit Lock Haven, out to Avis and stopped. Then we got on a rail trail for a bit that was awesome but we were going too fast to look around comfortably. We got back on road and saw a sign to ButtonWood. I announced to Rach that I liked buttons and I liked Wood. The rest of day we would laugh at anything we said as we both took a 'dirty' minded meaning!
We took the back way into Wellsboro where a dog bolted into the pack and took out Glover's wheel but not Glover - close call. Lady was cool and even brought out a floor pump to fill the blown tire. Dog and Glover both ok - whew! On the positive we had a great view from up there so we got to enjoy it longer. Down to Wellsboro we ate at the dinner - umm good rice pudding.
Back on the bikes out route 6 I wasn't feeling too peppy. I was burping up lunch. We hit the railtrail and it got nutty. It was a video game of 2 or 3 constantly changing pacelines at high speed while dodging hikers, slow cyclists and gates. What I thought would be the coolest part of the ride was a high stress workout! Another flat so a few of us forged ahead at a more leisurely pace. We arrived at Blackwell and I was glad.
After a brief stop, Pete broke a spoke while leaving the parking lot. This gave us some time to hang out and enjoy the views. Pete's untrue wheel was rubbing but Ferrari remembered I was on a cross bike so Pete and I switched wheels. I still had to unhook the rear brake which concerned me as my fronts were past due replacement. Lucky I ride with mtb shoes so I could Fred Flintstone on stops. Pete also had a smaller cassette so I wouldn't have my lowest gear anymore - no worries we aren't going to climb till Seibert, right? HA!
Off we went on a enjoyable stretch of road. It paralleled the creek and was rolling but not bad. I loved it. We stopped in at Slate Run store and took a break. I was feeling better but just ate an ice cream sandwich. I should have had more. We continued to a decision point. We could new the 'new' Double with 1300 ft of climbing and a waterfall or wussy out and do the old way with 300 ft of horrible rollers. So we climbed at mile 150. It wasn't that bad but it took you to the max for sure. On the plateau we were greeted by SERIOUS rollers - more like hills. GPS confirmed elevation gains of 1500ft ! We finally descended into Lock Haven and I stupidly pressed the limits of my (pete's) rear wheel by taking a few hard lines on the switchback turns.
We rolled into the Sheetz for our final stop. Fruit, chips, green tea, whoopie pie - anything was yummy. State College was within reach! Nourished, we headed out for the final leg. I got the sense that everyone was giddy and just running on fumes. Everyone joined in on the pulls, it would take all of us working together to back. Rach had a great effort on Jacksonville, Wee Vicki paced beside and fortunately didn't cause me too much pain. Into Bellefonte - almost home!
Then we got to Spring creek and I knew we had it. Just the Siebert climb. I thanked Steve for his efforts and leadership on the day. Who would take 7 riders on their 1st Double? Steve!!! I was wishing I had that extra gear on Seibert but it is always bad. Followed pace of Pete and Al while Todd took KOM over Thorne. On top the sun was beautiful and lit up the evening - or maybe I was delirious. Everyone determined we were over 200 miles! Yippee. I waited for Glover and Leah to give them the news. So happy for both of them.
Then we stopped for pics at Rock Road intersection. The group started racing at Toftrees, I learned later that the bridge is the sprint point. We regrouped by Beaver stadium then Al and I turned off to our cars. Back where we started! Double was over! Back home I soaked my leg in the tub and drank cold beer - ahh sweet recovery!
Thanks to everyone along...Rach for laughs, Joe for green tea, Allen for support, the fast guys: Matt, Billy, and Strauber, the Highland Hammer (vicki), Eric the mule, Josh the horse, Todd for everything he does!, Glover for being Glover, Peter for inspiration, Leah for putting me onto this ridiculous endeavor, and Steve for his love of cycling. You guys rock!!!
You start early - meet at 5:15am and ride! I watched the sun come up that was cool. After that things get hazy. We hit Lock Haven, out to Avis and stopped. Then we got on a rail trail for a bit that was awesome but we were going too fast to look around comfortably. We got back on road and saw a sign to ButtonWood. I announced to Rach that I liked buttons and I liked Wood. The rest of day we would laugh at anything we said as we both took a 'dirty' minded meaning!
We took the back way into Wellsboro where a dog bolted into the pack and took out Glover's wheel but not Glover - close call. Lady was cool and even brought out a floor pump to fill the blown tire. Dog and Glover both ok - whew! On the positive we had a great view from up there so we got to enjoy it longer. Down to Wellsboro we ate at the dinner - umm good rice pudding.
Back on the bikes out route 6 I wasn't feeling too peppy. I was burping up lunch. We hit the railtrail and it got nutty. It was a video game of 2 or 3 constantly changing pacelines at high speed while dodging hikers, slow cyclists and gates. What I thought would be the coolest part of the ride was a high stress workout! Another flat so a few of us forged ahead at a more leisurely pace. We arrived at Blackwell and I was glad.
After a brief stop, Pete broke a spoke while leaving the parking lot. This gave us some time to hang out and enjoy the views. Pete's untrue wheel was rubbing but Ferrari remembered I was on a cross bike so Pete and I switched wheels. I still had to unhook the rear brake which concerned me as my fronts were past due replacement. Lucky I ride with mtb shoes so I could Fred Flintstone on stops. Pete also had a smaller cassette so I wouldn't have my lowest gear anymore - no worries we aren't going to climb till Seibert, right? HA!
Off we went on a enjoyable stretch of road. It paralleled the creek and was rolling but not bad. I loved it. We stopped in at Slate Run store and took a break. I was feeling better but just ate an ice cream sandwich. I should have had more. We continued to a decision point. We could new the 'new' Double with 1300 ft of climbing and a waterfall or wussy out and do the old way with 300 ft of horrible rollers. So we climbed at mile 150. It wasn't that bad but it took you to the max for sure. On the plateau we were greeted by SERIOUS rollers - more like hills. GPS confirmed elevation gains of 1500ft ! We finally descended into Lock Haven and I stupidly pressed the limits of my (pete's) rear wheel by taking a few hard lines on the switchback turns.
We rolled into the Sheetz for our final stop. Fruit, chips, green tea, whoopie pie - anything was yummy. State College was within reach! Nourished, we headed out for the final leg. I got the sense that everyone was giddy and just running on fumes. Everyone joined in on the pulls, it would take all of us working together to back. Rach had a great effort on Jacksonville, Wee Vicki paced beside and fortunately didn't cause me too much pain. Into Bellefonte - almost home!
Then we got to Spring creek and I knew we had it. Just the Siebert climb. I thanked Steve for his efforts and leadership on the day. Who would take 7 riders on their 1st Double? Steve!!! I was wishing I had that extra gear on Seibert but it is always bad. Followed pace of Pete and Al while Todd took KOM over Thorne. On top the sun was beautiful and lit up the evening - or maybe I was delirious. Everyone determined we were over 200 miles! Yippee. I waited for Glover and Leah to give them the news. So happy for both of them.
Then we stopped for pics at Rock Road intersection. The group started racing at Toftrees, I learned later that the bridge is the sprint point. We regrouped by Beaver stadium then Al and I turned off to our cars. Back where we started! Double was over! Back home I soaked my leg in the tub and drank cold beer - ahh sweet recovery!
Thanks to everyone along...Rach for laughs, Joe for green tea, Allen for support, the fast guys: Matt, Billy, and Strauber, the Highland Hammer (vicki), Eric the mule, Josh the horse, Todd for everything he does!, Glover for being Glover, Peter for inspiration, Leah for putting me onto this ridiculous endeavor, and Steve for his love of cycling. You guys rock!!!
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