tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20008801344818863632024-02-20T20:19:04.202-07:00Blue Sky VeloNews & galleries related to the Longmont, Colorado based cycling team Blue Sky Velo.Jeremy Duerksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08728285022467758492noreply@blogger.comBlogger375125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-89403344249612105772012-05-30T23:51:00.000-06:002012-05-30T23:51:34.082-06:00One day in Fruita...If you haven't made it to the BSV Mountain Bike training camps in Fruita, you need to free up your calendar for next year as they are an absolute blast. We had a great group this year, and rode a lot of great trails. Due to time constraints, I only got to ride with the full group one day but it was a day full of smiles.<br />
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I captured a bunch of footage from part of one day and pieced it together. I circulated this around the mountain bike group, but thought I'd put it out to the larger group to give those that weren't able to attend a taste of Fruita riding.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jz7HseD-EjA" width="560"></iframe>joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-69317293413896720652011-06-27T15:48:00.008-06:002011-06-27T16:23:25.271-06:00Sourdough Single Track Bliss<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhOvoHNclOA/Tgj9pSkd50I/AAAAAAAAJU8/e-3nK6a5MJQ/s1600/My%2BActivities%2B6-23-2011.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPzCYbkBek8/Tgj9pJVvkLI/AAAAAAAAJU0/xnR4Q-bMFdk/s1600/My%2BActivities%2B6-23-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BTime.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRJVP4KC1BE/Tgj42Q8oZ6I/AAAAAAAAJTE/NkcpmDbrWLM/s1600/IMG_7265.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHAEW8wmSLM/Tgj4v4Vc5cI/AAAAAAAAJS8/hXWod0f2LPI/s1600/IMG_7263.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHAEW8wmSLM/Tgj4v4Vc5cI/AAAAAAAAJS8/hXWod0f2LPI/s320/IMG_7263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623017636231964098" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thursday night was off to a slow start. I knew one person was going to meet me at least so lets do it. Weather was nice, trails were ready, no excuses. Decided to head to Beaver Res road off Peak to peak. The usual pre ride compare your bling. Those 20 inch rims beat everyone out though....<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRJVP4KC1BE/Tgj42Q8oZ6I/AAAAAAAAJTE/NkcpmDbrWLM/s1600/IMG_7265.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRJVP4KC1BE/Tgj42Q8oZ6I/AAAAAAAAJTE/NkcpmDbrWLM/s320/IMG_7265.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623017745917962146" border="0" /></a>We were off heading West towards Coney Flats TH.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlhAKLVGAus/Tgj42lLMWiI/AAAAAAAAJTM/5V8poa-FR8c/s1600/IMG_7267.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlhAKLVGAus/Tgj42lLMWiI/AAAAAAAAJTM/5V8poa-FR8c/s320/IMG_7267.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623017751347747362" border="0" /></a>Sun came out for a bit and Geoff, Toby and Kyle do some catching up.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CU3X2gIz2A8/Tgj43LMCrmI/AAAAAAAAJTU/6BVNEHeMxig/s1600/IMG_7268.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CU3X2gIz2A8/Tgj43LMCrmI/AAAAAAAAJTU/6BVNEHeMxig/s320/IMG_7268.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623017761551855202" border="0" /></a>Spillway at Beaver Res was about 9 inches deep crossing it. Plenty of water to go around this year.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfOEsS5VKUo/Tgj43kg0z0I/AAAAAAAAJTc/mxpM7sLc4U4/s1600/IMG_7270.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfOEsS5VKUo/Tgj43kg0z0I/AAAAAAAAJTc/mxpM7sLc4U4/s320/IMG_7270.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623017768349912898" border="0" /></a>We dropped into the Coney TH and Beaver Cutoff trail down to Peaceful Valley. Connected with the Sourdough and headed South towards Brainard. Not to far in the old burn area, there is a nice build up that has been here forever. Its steep on the front side so that is the crux. Geoff going for it.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmWag9LXqDI/Tgj5GZOQ-iI/AAAAAAAAJTk/E_I7GHW4r1s/s1600/IMG_7271.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmWag9LXqDI/Tgj5GZOQ-iI/AAAAAAAAJTk/E_I7GHW4r1s/s320/IMG_7271.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623018023017314850" border="0" /></a>Kyle letting it go and the bash guard was not such a bad thing here to have!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDRZ0-pcaI0/Tgj5GueATII/AAAAAAAAJTs/pytWLOzML9s/s1600/IMG_7274.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDRZ0-pcaI0/Tgj5GueATII/AAAAAAAAJTs/pytWLOzML9s/s320/IMG_7274.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623018028720475266" border="0" /></a>Some more single track climbing. Trail ranges from rooty, loose rock to smooth pine needled bliss.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHFo7uO_FSY/Tgj5Gx_kJTI/AAAAAAAAJT0/2qwy5FUX8tM/s1600/IMG_7277.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHFo7uO_FSY/Tgj5Gx_kJTI/AAAAAAAAJT0/2qwy5FUX8tM/s320/IMG_7277.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623018029666542898" border="0" /></a>Pond up near South end of Wapiti trail junction. Plenty of water here and the frogs were alive. Sun was setting and looked great through my orange lenses. Not as great in the pic.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOJ1_MTBep8/Tgj5H2P3eUI/AAAAAAAAJT8/p_ghB55rb5E/s1600/IMG_7278.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOJ1_MTBep8/Tgj5H2P3eUI/AAAAAAAAJT8/p_ghB55rb5E/s320/IMG_7278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623018047988529474" border="0" /></a>Yes, I actually was there.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afPvysudzUM/Tgj5IQ4fTkI/AAAAAAAAJUE/-0JrzzBVzhk/s1600/IMG_7280.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afPvysudzUM/Tgj5IQ4fTkI/AAAAAAAAJUE/-0JrzzBVzhk/s320/IMG_7280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623018055138233922" border="0" /></a>Geoff enjoying the fun trail.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccDztn1kab0/Tgj5VJ6Ez4I/AAAAAAAAJUM/-S5WlHR_-Z8/s1600/IMG_7281.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccDztn1kab0/Tgj5VJ6Ez4I/AAAAAAAAJUM/-S5WlHR_-Z8/s320/IMG_7281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623018276604137346" border="0" /></a>The Saint Vrain River was just gushing.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2rrGtiEX1U/Tgj5VhLuyMI/AAAAAAAAJUU/2pcG_hAbL6Y/s1600/IMG_7283.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2rrGtiEX1U/Tgj5VhLuyMI/AAAAAAAAJUU/2pcG_hAbL6Y/s320/IMG_7283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623018282852206786" border="0" /></a>Anyone want a quick trip down low? We snapped a few pics and then Turned North East on South Saint Vrain Trail.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLfDYy3yLkc/Tgj5WBgHSFI/AAAAAAAAJUc/6rtRVupWmCw/s1600/IMG_7285.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLfDYy3yLkc/Tgj5WBgHSFI/AAAAAAAAJUc/6rtRVupWmCw/s320/IMG_7285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623018291527632978" border="0" /></a>Kyle riding some the log turn in South Saint Vrain Trail.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JThuH_QsjiI/Tgj5WcJtWKI/AAAAAAAAJUk/fix38-HK91w/s1600/IMG_7287.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JThuH_QsjiI/Tgj5WcJtWKI/AAAAAAAAJUk/fix38-HK91w/s320/IMG_7287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623018298681415842" border="0" /></a>Jeff making it happen. That tree had fallen across the switch back so you had to cut it a bit short.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0AC2ENMkws/Tgj5XGMIg3I/AAAAAAAAJUs/4gWpuT_Txs4/s1600/IMG_7288.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0AC2ENMkws/Tgj5XGMIg3I/AAAAAAAAJUs/4gWpuT_Txs4/s320/IMG_7288.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623018309965874034" border="0" /></a>Light was fading fast. Here we are bombing down the lower SSV trail back to beaver Res road. Super fun figure eight we did. Trails were in perfect shape and the we had an awesome cool night to ride in.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhOvoHNclOA/Tgj9pSkd50I/AAAAAAAAJU8/e-3nK6a5MJQ/s1600/My%2BActivities%2B6-23-2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhOvoHNclOA/Tgj9pSkd50I/AAAAAAAAJU8/e-3nK6a5MJQ/s320/My%2BActivities%2B6-23-2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623023020573321026" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPzCYbkBek8/Tgj9pJVvkLI/AAAAAAAAJU0/xnR4Q-bMFdk/s1600/My%2BActivities%2B6-23-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BTime.jpg"><br /></a>Ride specs were 12 miles and 1400 feet of climbing. Till next time!<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-57465362188198867602011-06-20T20:52:00.000-06:002011-06-20T20:52:50.906-06:00Easy but useful jersey modI'm a big fan of the Voler jerseys the club started using two years ago (thanks again clothing coordinators!). The fit is good, but most importantly for an MTBer, the durability and color fastness is good too, better than previous years. However, one thing has always bugged me and that's the zipper pull. First of all, it's not easy to grab especially with winter gloves on, but most importantly, it rattles annoyingly on the buckle of a pack's sternum strap (only an MTBer would have this complaint, I guess).<br />
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So, I thought of the following after seeing how the zipper pulls on my Sierra Designs tent worked. For the record, while I was initially excited that I was the first to think of this, John P. beat me to it. When I told him the idea, he said he'd already done it. So, John gets original credit, I think.<br />
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The idea is simple - just cut off the old zipper pull with wire cutters and replace it with a short length of paracord. I used what I had on hand, some white 325 paraline, but black might be better.<br />
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Before:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-naXblNeK-lg/TgAFUFi74JI/AAAAAAAAAto/ApcLgcAIMJM/s1600/IMG_2983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-naXblNeK-lg/TgAFUFi74JI/AAAAAAAAAto/ApcLgcAIMJM/s320/IMG_2983.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In progress:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMpN4kSY7yI/TgAFkHRgDPI/AAAAAAAAAts/imd4GQUR_h0/s1600/IMG_2986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMpN4kSY7yI/TgAFkHRgDPI/AAAAAAAAAts/imd4GQUR_h0/s320/IMG_2986.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And finally:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OImrjtpoR2k/TgAFxxPdBeI/AAAAAAAAAtw/yuMWLA6bXSQ/s1600/IMG_2989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OImrjtpoR2k/TgAFxxPdBeI/AAAAAAAAAtw/yuMWLA6bXSQ/s320/IMG_2989.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The knot makes it easier to grab with gloves, and no more rattling! And it's lighter too, that metal zipper pull probably weighed a good 2 grams or so. I probably gain some few hundredths of a second in an hour with this change, perhaps I'll podium in my next race now too. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599231400551448521noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-71190500239951276292011-04-25T11:08:00.013-06:002011-04-25T12:08:23.167-06:00Snow Biking! Well, that was not my intent Sunday...<div style="text-align: center;">An idea was placed in my head. It all started at the Pumphouse Saturday night over some beer (stout was beer of the night) and an long island ice tea. I met Joel and David S up around 8pm there to chat bikes, summer plans, and the usually fish stories. I was bummed for not making the voodoo race and from seeing everyone's comments, I really missed out. (GO PHIL!) Oh well, we at least got down there a month ago and had a great day and nice tour of the race course. I was able to sneak out for a 25 mile bike path ride around Longmont on the 1 by 9 just before the pump house. At the end of the night the topic of riding Sunday came up. David said he would like to do some climbing so that heading up James Canyon to Peak to Peak and looping back to Ward would fill that void and could be done quickly if we parked at Plateau road and 36. Sounded good to me although I mentioned that there could be a bit of snow up there right now!!! We all wanted to go about midday, so discussions would continue then.<br /><br />I start painting in the morning finishing up our stair well cut in using the 16 foot ladder. Had to get a little creative to reach everything around the stairs, but it all worked out. 10:40am text from David--family day, no riding. Okay...keep painting.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GeVss9K18A/TbWvL2K6fhI/AAAAAAAAJO4/iG3Q1R7Pvfk/s1600/IMG_7129.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GeVss9K18A/TbWvL2K6fhI/AAAAAAAAJO4/iG3Q1R7Pvfk/s320/IMG_7129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599574329759792658" border="0" /></a><br />1:00pm: text from Joel--possible bike buyer coming at 2pm, he was out. I finished cleaning up the brushes and started packing--why not do the ride up to Peak to peak anyway? I checked the <a href="http://www.cotrip.org/device.htm">CDOT Ward web cam</a> for SH72...yep, snow everywhere, but not much on the road. Looked okay to me. Parked at Plateau and started climbing.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPyZvmNnm3E/TbWt-c-GXuI/AAAAAAAAJLw/1Qs-1_KJi-k/s1600/IMG_7094.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPyZvmNnm3E/TbWt-c-GXuI/AAAAAAAAJLw/1Qs-1_KJi-k/s320/IMG_7094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573000145231586" border="0" /></a>Conditions were dry, a few drops of rain here and there but nothing to worry about....yet. I did decide to do this ride on my MTB because of the weather and gravel on the road...little did I know this would be a wonderful survival decision.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yJR_LeiDIQ/TbWt-RA4m7I/AAAAAAAAJL4/vqT4_gpMTFQ/s1600/IMG_7095.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yJR_LeiDIQ/TbWt-RA4m7I/AAAAAAAAJL4/vqT4_gpMTFQ/s320/IMG_7095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599572996935687090" border="0" /></a>Look at that pretty face!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htJTRXYRxmI/TbWt-kkyxnI/AAAAAAAAJMA/8vPjp2WiH8I/s1600/IMG_7096.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htJTRXYRxmI/TbWt-kkyxnI/AAAAAAAAJMA/8vPjp2WiH8I/s320/IMG_7096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573002186573426" border="0" /></a>Post office at Jamestown. A few drops still--you can see them on the handle bars. Ate some food here and headed on up the real climb. I did see three road riders coming down the canyon, but that was all from here on out.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_qt7CBwlxg/TbWt-1-URHI/AAAAAAAAJMI/-UonmIvmC7Q/s1600/IMG_7097.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_qt7CBwlxg/TbWt-1-URHI/AAAAAAAAJMI/-UonmIvmC7Q/s320/IMG_7097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573006857028722" border="0" /></a>Starting to see Snow on the trees. And, I was not exactly keeping great pace. Up till Jamestown I was able to keep the pace around 11.5 mph...no more. For those that have done this climb though, you know how steep it is. Now imagine doing it with big knobbies on it only pumped up to 50 psi. Yeah, that is the ticket now!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoU_Tv2Q-50/TbWt_PWVXeI/AAAAAAAAJMQ/2RCLLvJkoic/s1600/IMG_7099.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoU_Tv2Q-50/TbWt_PWVXeI/AAAAAAAAJMQ/2RCLLvJkoic/s320/IMG_7099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573013668650466" border="0" /></a>Switch backs begin--a little few down valley to the East.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4TUkkN9TIQ/TbWuMMbQvBI/AAAAAAAAJMY/L0itAsPyDTM/s1600/IMG_7104.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4TUkkN9TIQ/TbWuMMbQvBI/AAAAAAAAJMY/L0itAsPyDTM/s320/IMG_7104.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573236222311442" border="0" /></a>Whew! The top of James canyon, at least the pavement top. Overland drive is almost a great sight when you climb up that beast of a hill.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6IX_wRapdnA/TbWuMTSBxxI/AAAAAAAAJMg/72xGP-ezdAE/s1600/IMG_7105.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6IX_wRapdnA/TbWuMTSBxxI/AAAAAAAAJMg/72xGP-ezdAE/s320/IMG_7105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573238062630674" border="0" /></a>Happy to have made it. Glasses fogged up so I had to abandon them. I only wore light layers for the climb: lightweight long sleeve synthetic shirt, Adidas NFL football beanie (awesome and they keep the sweat out of your eyes---good for nordic too!), OR wind stopper gloves, knee warmers with Voler 2011 BSV bib shorts, Pearl Baggie shorts, and BMA wool tall boy socks. I stayed plenty warm.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZRCdhdtWNw/TbWuM6LMf2I/AAAAAAAAJMo/u0Uoxxh979w/s1600/IMG_7106.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZRCdhdtWNw/TbWuM6LMf2I/AAAAAAAAJMo/u0Uoxxh979w/s320/IMG_7106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573248502955874" border="0" /></a>I went only another 1/2 mile, almost to the dirt and it started snowing hard. I started to turn around, and then I was like, how about an adventure today? Lets see what happens. I found a nice pine to stop under and layer up.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqDQSkNhrBE/TbWuNO4JoOI/AAAAAAAAJMw/Qcl72Uto2N0/s1600/IMG_7107.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqDQSkNhrBE/TbWuNO4JoOI/AAAAAAAAJMw/Qcl72Uto2N0/s320/IMG_7107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573254060220642" border="0" /></a>I changed hats--put on my Adidas wind stopper cap, Montbell rain jacket (for visibility too!), my smart wool calve length ski socks, trash bags on my feet (my neoprene booties were in my office), and the glasses had to go back on from the snow in my eyes! I also pulled off my lightweight syn shirt and replaced that with my Virginia Tech Thermal Jersey from Hincapie--that thing is really warm.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWeqd-Ghhgw/TbWuNI_ejjI/AAAAAAAAJM4/8qtOsryBBkw/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWeqd-Ghhgw/TbWuNI_ejjI/AAAAAAAAJM4/8qtOsryBBkw/s320/IMG_7108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573252480339506" border="0" /></a>I also put the camera in a small zip lock as you can see here in my hand. The snow built up quickly on the gloves.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mY865ZHuXDw/TbWue_N2zVI/AAAAAAAAJNA/_SvMr8Y5YkI/s1600/IMG_7109.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mY865ZHuXDw/TbWue_N2zVI/AAAAAAAAJNA/_SvMr8Y5YkI/s320/IMG_7109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573559093939538" border="0" /></a>Then I paused...the dirt looked really mucky which goes for several miles to the peak to peak highway. No fenders...mmmm. NO booties to keep my feet dry and my Pearl AmFib tights were also at work staying nice and dry/warm! Lets try it for a few hundred feet and see how mucky I get....<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN0LuhQNPBk/TbWuezyNLCI/AAAAAAAAJNI/Xfl6zOjafC8/s1600/IMG_7110.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN0LuhQNPBk/TbWuezyNLCI/AAAAAAAAJNI/Xfl6zOjafC8/s320/IMG_7110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573556025175074" border="0" /></a>Before I knew it I made it peak to peak--it was slimy in places, soupy and wet, but overall I kept the wheel straight and kept most of the much off me. Now the bike on the other hand....<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1raUo8BDSs4/TbWufNQxc4I/AAAAAAAAJNQ/OQRK09lqsYQ/s1600/IMG_7111.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1raUo8BDSs4/TbWufNQxc4I/AAAAAAAAJNQ/OQRK09lqsYQ/s320/IMG_7111.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573562864268162" border="0" /></a>I left this picture this angle as I thought the perspective was cool. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3H2dLKlkIo/TbWufRQYwHI/AAAAAAAAJNY/1aqZlwD9I3w/s1600/IMG_7112.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3H2dLKlkIo/TbWufRQYwHI/AAAAAAAAJNY/1aqZlwD9I3w/s320/IMG_7112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573563936391282" border="0" /></a>Those feet were a bit wet at this point.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_P_6PDLyUIU/TbWufkkxn2I/AAAAAAAAJNg/TVDtx1BQgJU/s1600/IMG_7115.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_P_6PDLyUIU/TbWufkkxn2I/AAAAAAAAJNg/TVDtx1BQgJU/s320/IMG_7115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573569122180962" border="0" /></a>Bike was covered in a nice thin film of dirt, muck, water, and snow.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqJYDaR4mtQ/TbWuxv6jFmI/AAAAAAAAJNo/tUO8csSrsDA/s1600/IMG_7116.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqJYDaR4mtQ/TbWuxv6jFmI/AAAAAAAAJNo/tUO8csSrsDA/s320/IMG_7116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573881403938402" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUQTWdiVUa0/TbWux6Bis9I/AAAAAAAAJNw/24wjr49Bdn4/s1600/IMG_7117.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUQTWdiVUa0/TbWux6Bis9I/AAAAAAAAJNw/24wjr49Bdn4/s320/IMG_7117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573884117627858" border="0" /></a>My faithful blue sky water bottle.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpUzdOQeHRc/TbWux0jlh-I/AAAAAAAAJN4/WTeEx8UKgFs/s1600/IMG_7118.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpUzdOQeHRc/TbWux0jlh-I/AAAAAAAAJN4/WTeEx8UKgFs/s320/IMG_7118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573882649806818" border="0" /></a>OH, my drive train hates me now! Wonder how long my shifting will last? I had issues with it freezing up on the dirt road--had a single speed for at least two miles and gave every thing a swift kick, and was able to shift again.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1a2JmK9YO0A/TbWuyGMHEgI/AAAAAAAAJOA/KoGfy-nVA6M/s1600/IMG_7119.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1a2JmK9YO0A/TbWuyGMHEgI/AAAAAAAAJOA/KoGfy-nVA6M/s320/IMG_7119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573887383179778" border="0" /></a>Pedaled South towards Ward. First good landmark is the beaver Reservoir road which is also the local Boy scout camp access. South Saint Vrain trail starts here too--plenty of snow still on it!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F93GLXkqum8/TbWuykWzX1I/AAAAAAAAJOI/-HoxCiUQXjA/s1600/IMG_7122.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F93GLXkqum8/TbWuykWzX1I/AAAAAAAAJOI/-HoxCiUQXjA/s320/IMG_7122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599573895481089874" border="0" /></a>The next big land mark is Brainard Lake Road--woohoo! Almost to ward. The snow picked up a bit though just before here and it was starting to cover the roads--time to get down quick or its going to be a long night back to the car!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSfr4R5nIwU/TbWvEuk7RWI/AAAAAAAAJOQ/a-AUT7eBM9w/s1600/IMG_7123.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSfr4R5nIwU/TbWvEuk7RWI/AAAAAAAAJOQ/a-AUT7eBM9w/s320/IMG_7123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599574207462327650" border="0" /></a>Dirty saddle overlooks the fresh tracks on the peak to peak. Crazy...why yes I am.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gNqGLQaMvM/TbWvE1kQg3I/AAAAAAAAJOY/3YucykNa3Ok/s1600/IMG_7124.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gNqGLQaMvM/TbWvE1kQg3I/AAAAAAAAJOY/3YucykNa3Ok/s320/IMG_7124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599574209338573682" border="0" /></a>I dropped into Ward, very slowly and found another pine tree to layer up again--time for round 2 of the clothes before the big descent. It was dumping now too, which looked daunting. I put on a heavy weight fleece shirt, wind stopper vest, tights--not wind blocking though, a heavy weight fleece balaclava, and my Marmot AT ski gloves--super warm and nice to cold weather! Ahhh, life was good again.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Uyr_xlrZKk/TbWvFHU2uEI/AAAAAAAAJOg/obNHJ0jkoyc/s1600/IMG_7125.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Uyr_xlrZKk/TbWvFHU2uEI/AAAAAAAAJOg/obNHJ0jkoyc/s320/IMG_7125.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599574214105806914" border="0" /></a>As I changed and ate some more food, my bike started to blend in with the road....okay, need to get moving now! A truck pulled up and the two guys asked if I needed a ride down--I smiled and said, no, I am good, just put on some more clothes and going to be fine. Thanks though...the two guys looked at each other for a few seconds and shook their heads. I wondered if I was thinking clearly at this point? Or, was that just one of those master card priceless moments? ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJelMJFCxHA/TbWvFV49Z5I/AAAAAAAAJOo/7qtsFGlZEmI/s1600/IMG_7126.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJelMJFCxHA/TbWvFV49Z5I/AAAAAAAAJOo/7qtsFGlZEmI/s320/IMG_7126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599574218015336338" border="0" /></a>Fresh Tracks on descent from Ward...now that actually is priceless.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ua90zjr_vA/TbWvFsQl17I/AAAAAAAAJOw/68JVawX0paQ/s1600/IMG_7127.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ua90zjr_vA/TbWvFsQl17I/AAAAAAAAJOw/68JVawX0paQ/s320/IMG_7127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599574224020035506" border="0" /></a>I took it real slow down--until I hit Lick Skillet road and the roads cleared up a bit--just some slush and lot of water. It was COLD and WET. But, the temps warmed up as I descended. Once I got to the Lee Hill Road turn off, I kicked the drive train again (snow build up) and cranked it out to the car. Mainly at that point the pedaling was to warm my feet back up and get the blood flowing. Whew, made it! Bike was filthy but was reliable and faithful as it has been. Rider wanted a hot tub though!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm33m0Lq3_c/TbW2jbkQmKI/AAAAAAAAJPA/MvhPMLPVYgw/s1600/IMG_7128.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm33m0Lq3_c/TbW2jbkQmKI/AAAAAAAAJPA/MvhPMLPVYgw/s320/IMG_7128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599582431516596386" border="0" /></a>Look at that mug!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYVngCLCvOQ/TbW2kU1m4tI/AAAAAAAAJPY/8m5I4o7J1DU/s1600/Road%2BJames%2Band%2BLeft%2BHand%2BCanyons%2B4-24-2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYVngCLCvOQ/TbW2kU1m4tI/AAAAAAAAJPY/8m5I4o7J1DU/s320/Road%2BJames%2Band%2BLeft%2BHand%2BCanyons%2B4-24-2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599582446890181330" border="0" /></a>Sunday's adventure. 35 miles of goodness over 4 hours. I had almost an hour of stopped time while I played with changing layers/eating/cleaning bike. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9Uz0b2PUgA/TbW2jjT7z6I/AAAAAAAAJPI/_KsKQ8zyjLo/s1600/Road%2BJames%2Band%2BLeft%2BHand%2BCanyons%2B4-24-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9Uz0b2PUgA/TbW2jjT7z6I/AAAAAAAAJPI/_KsKQ8zyjLo/s320/Road%2BJames%2Band%2BLeft%2BHand%2BCanyons%2B4-24-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599582433595608994" border="0" /></a>3800 feet of climbing...never realized how much more there still is between top of James Canyon and Ward. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0J8-y3KQ0JI/TbW2kJwpRyI/AAAAAAAAJPQ/Hgh8IakxN38/s1600/Road%2BJames%2Band%2BLeft%2BHand%2BCanyons%2B4-24-2011%252C%2BGrade%2B-%2BDistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0J8-y3KQ0JI/TbW2kJwpRyI/AAAAAAAAJPQ/Hgh8IakxN38/s320/Road%2BJames%2Band%2BLeft%2BHand%2BCanyons%2B4-24-2011%252C%2BGrade%2B-%2BDistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599582443916576546" border="0" /></a>Grade percentage for those interested. James Canyon is steep and when dry/clean, a great ride on the cross/road bike. Till the next adventure!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-84498923221903615382011-04-06T11:35:00.020-06:002011-04-06T13:24:12.142-06:00BSV Fruita MTB training camp 2011 Day 3: Tour De Book Cliffs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Iug5nT0fAk/TZyl0yI793I/AAAAAAAAJCY/frt7q63KW3g/s1600/IMG_7031.JPG"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VqLpLes_iMI/TZyvW_fEPHI/AAAAAAAAJE4/_fdgcMQDO44/s1600/IMG_3237.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VqLpLes_iMI/TZyvW_fEPHI/AAAAAAAAJE4/_fdgcMQDO44/s200/IMG_3237.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592537646821031026" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The sun came up and no one was moving very fast. Rabbit Valley had done a number on all of us. Realized that I need to go to the grocery store for bfast food but had forgotten being so tired last night. Yep, I can see we are not going to ride until at least 10:30am again. The goal today was to hit the book cliffs and ride as a group. Some random guy in a red jersey decided to join us today.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Iug5nT0fAk/TZyl0yI793I/AAAAAAAAJCY/frt7q63KW3g/s1600/IMG_7031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Iug5nT0fAk/TZyl0yI793I/AAAAAAAAJCY/frt7q63KW3g/s200/IMG_7031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592527163518351218" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-voZ3Al1mJ14/TZyo05zpueI/AAAAAAAAJEg/BgcfwuMxDt4/s1600/IMG_7067.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-voZ3Al1mJ14/TZyo05zpueI/AAAAAAAAJEg/BgcfwuMxDt4/s200/IMG_7067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592530464111442402" border="0" /></a><br />The BSV nation packed up and descended upon the 18 road TH and unloaded 11 bikes/riders for as many loops as the legs can muster, or till the team dinner at Hot Tomato called! Who is the guy in the red jersey?<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNSsOiRoXdw/TZyl1MgeFNI/AAAAAAAAJCg/vJugbqOQgWs/s1600/IMG_7036.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNSsOiRoXdw/TZyl1MgeFNI/AAAAAAAAJCg/vJugbqOQgWs/s200/IMG_7036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592527170596377810" border="0" /></a>BSV group heading up Prime Cut trail.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7D0F33aWnY/TZyl1ALeCSI/AAAAAAAAJCo/H0dwIrGDGxA/s1600/IMG_7037.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7D0F33aWnY/TZyl1ALeCSI/AAAAAAAAJCo/H0dwIrGDGxA/s200/IMG_7037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592527167287068962" border="0" /></a>Our goal was Chutes and Ladders. Just above Cindy here you can see the trail climbing up the steep slopes. My legs were tired today and I was curious if I was even going to make 10 feet of that climb.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OiCFpUbibdE/TZyl1StgtjI/AAAAAAAAJCw/87UOcu81Mm8/s1600/IMG_7040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OiCFpUbibdE/TZyl1StgtjI/AAAAAAAAJCw/87UOcu81Mm8/s200/IMG_7040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592527172261688882" border="0" /></a>Top of first climb on Chutes with prime cut just down to the left. BSV folks making their way up. I made the first climb, but burned the entire book of matches, or at least it felt!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iLRgD_b0nL4/TZyl1sxNRZI/AAAAAAAAJC4/KAR5IDkkf4Y/s1600/IMG_7041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iLRgD_b0nL4/TZyl1sxNRZI/AAAAAAAAJC4/KAR5IDkkf4Y/s200/IMG_7041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592527179256513938" border="0" /></a>Happy riders enjoying the view and the fish stories were already being spewed.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPM4XeaSLAE/TZymq6Ttm2I/AAAAAAAAJDA/imMsw5BUsGY/s1600/IMG_7043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPM4XeaSLAE/TZymq6Ttm2I/AAAAAAAAJDA/imMsw5BUsGY/s200/IMG_7043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592528093423967074" border="0" /></a>Red jersey guy somehow sneaks in again.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YImKFponvHQ/TZymqwVZWwI/AAAAAAAAJDI/Ziu2qS-JWQ8/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YImKFponvHQ/TZymqwVZWwI/AAAAAAAAJDI/Ziu2qS-JWQ8/s200/IMG_7044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592528090746673922" border="0" /></a>Enjoying more of Chutes as it heads East along the foot hills.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JEWucl23cs/TZymrM865YI/AAAAAAAAJDQ/nhlMpaa2bH8/s1600/IMG_7048.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JEWucl23cs/TZymrM865YI/AAAAAAAAJDQ/nhlMpaa2bH8/s200/IMG_7048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592528098428642690" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tIXCinnNMQk/TZyvXD45JkI/AAAAAAAAJFA/GPaDuowARSM/s1600/IMG_3243.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tIXCinnNMQk/TZyvXD45JkI/AAAAAAAAJFA/GPaDuowARSM/s200/IMG_3243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592537648003098178" border="0" /></a>Last shot of Chutes as you open it up. Here its game on and super fun downhill back to the car. Decided to take on Vegetarian trail which reminded me of the road conditions in Fallujah. Bombed to hell. So many cow hoof holes.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2jvDINbmf8/TZymrndPz5I/AAAAAAAAJDY/A34Sx0NDGdw/s1600/IMG_7049.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2jvDINbmf8/TZymrndPz5I/AAAAAAAAJDY/A34Sx0NDGdw/s200/IMG_7049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592528105543552914" border="0" /></a>Here we are on Frontside trail on our second lap from the parking lot. Came back up Prime Cut to Frontside and then off to Joe's ridge. Trails are steller, as always.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwIbBGS1y6A/TZymrzxflXI/AAAAAAAAJDg/shk_qI2RT1A/s1600/IMG_7052.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwIbBGS1y6A/TZymrzxflXI/AAAAAAAAJDg/shk_qI2RT1A/s200/IMG_7052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592528108849698162" border="0" /></a>Joel showing how its done with big travel and wide tires.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQf6JBWcypc/TZynygg5-6I/AAAAAAAAJDo/KuPSCG9DYEM/s1600/IMG_7053.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQf6JBWcypc/TZynygg5-6I/AAAAAAAAJDo/KuPSCG9DYEM/s200/IMG_7053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592529323450563490" border="0" /></a>Joe's Ridge--super fun and one roller coaster of a trail!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTTwDlPqX8w/TZyvXcCMA5I/AAAAAAAAJFI/5J3JMhLMQ1s/s1600/IMG_3247.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTTwDlPqX8w/TZyvXcCMA5I/AAAAAAAAJFI/5J3JMhLMQ1s/s200/IMG_3247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592537654484534162" border="0" /></a>Some riders on the ridge<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgwkvgbVKz0/TZyvXbLFmSI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/uj6CRKdZsho/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgwkvgbVKz0/TZyvXbLFmSI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/uj6CRKdZsho/s200/IMG_3248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592537654253426978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag_28o9IEvs/TZyny0pawLI/AAAAAAAAJDw/VNmgBTUu0po/s1600/IMG_7055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag_28o9IEvs/TZyny0pawLI/AAAAAAAAJDw/VNmgBTUu0po/s200/IMG_7055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592529328854974642" border="0" /></a>We headed down Joe's and then over to meet Kestle run half way down. That takes you on this 25 foot wide wash that the trail pumps back and forth down all the way to the car.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGoewAq9L_s/TZynywxkGGI/AAAAAAAAJD4/WApgURl91AA/s1600/IMG_7056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGoewAq9L_s/TZynywxkGGI/AAAAAAAAJD4/WApgURl91AA/s200/IMG_7056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592529327815399522" border="0" /></a>Climbing back up Prime Cut for yet another lap!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-jJ7P8_bXM/TZynzWLry2I/AAAAAAAAJEA/GlMQPmr0qD0/s1600/IMG_7058.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-jJ7P8_bXM/TZynzWLry2I/AAAAAAAAJEA/GlMQPmr0qD0/s200/IMG_7058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592529337857067874" border="0" /></a>Mystery red jersey rider connecting Frontside to the top of 18road where we get on Joe's. Who is this guy again? How did he get in all the pics? ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIYAH6Hm-vs/TZynzWhx4iI/AAAAAAAAJEI/0WTKj1CATnY/s1600/IMG_7060.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIYAH6Hm-vs/TZynzWhx4iI/AAAAAAAAJEI/0WTKj1CATnY/s200/IMG_7060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592529337949741602" border="0" /></a>Group shot at the 18road turn around. Smiles all around.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--d4C3aa49II/TZyvX-ldA1I/AAAAAAAAJFY/leq7Vz-ZNpc/s1600/IMG_3252.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--d4C3aa49II/TZyvX-ldA1I/AAAAAAAAJFY/leq7Vz-ZNpc/s200/IMG_3252.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592537663759254354" border="0" /></a>Joe's Ridge from another view.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHN-hcgbHUk/TZywbFHl2MI/AAAAAAAAJFg/JJqLXLVnOP0/s1600/IMG_3253.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHN-hcgbHUk/TZywbFHl2MI/AAAAAAAAJFg/JJqLXLVnOP0/s200/IMG_3253.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592538816564287682" border="0" /></a>Joel grabbed a nice pic <a href="http://blueskyvelo.blogspot.com/2011/04/fruita-training-camp.html">here</a> also!<br /><br />Super fun group today and great hanging with everyone. We hit Joe's Ridge again and this time came back to this spot to get the entire Kestle Run in.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBauhX8XkiM/TZyo0lOvrCI/AAAAAAAAJEY/KjJuje9LZX4/s1600/IMG_7066.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBauhX8XkiM/TZyo0lOvrCI/AAAAAAAAJEY/KjJuje9LZX4/s200/IMG_7066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592530458587933730" border="0" /></a>BSV peloton making their way up 18 road to let it all loose on Kestle.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-TBOX1POpQ/TZysseBIGFI/AAAAAAAAJEo/zpR4Pp7yXyQ/s1600/Trail%2BFruita%2BBook%2BCliffs%2B4-2-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-TBOX1POpQ/TZysseBIGFI/AAAAAAAAJEo/zpR4Pp7yXyQ/s200/Trail%2BFruita%2BBook%2BCliffs%2B4-2-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592534717259323474" border="0" /></a>Our little lap session on the Book Cliffs. 18.5 miles and 2000ft of climbing.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3ZWoyqCX9A/TZyssuISnxI/AAAAAAAAJEw/SfMO7fIJBXI/s1600/Trail%2BFruita%2BBook%2BCliffs%2B4-2-2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 195px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3ZWoyqCX9A/TZyssuISnxI/AAAAAAAAJEw/SfMO7fIJBXI/s200/Trail%2BFruita%2BBook%2BCliffs%2B4-2-2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592534721584340754" border="0" /></a><br />Here were the loops--great day with everyone. We all went to the Hot Tomato for a team dinner. Chip and Nancy from the Boulder Bike patrol also joined us for a pizza and beer. Great times all around and lots of stories shared. They do a great job there and I highly recommend stopping in. During high season, its a good wait, but well worth it. I have been eating there since 2004 I think. They are back on the side street to the North across main from OTE bike shop. Plan tomorrow is to hit the Lunch Loops in Grand Junction and see what the weather does. Lots of wind tonight and we had to re stake some tents. <br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-48879447611086242372011-04-05T16:05:00.031-06:002011-04-06T13:09:51.233-06:00BSV Fruita MTB training camp 2011 Day 2: Rabbit Valley Epic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_YRskmipwU/TZywyvBiFEI/AAAAAAAAJFo/_QS96h9fRc8/s1600/IMG_3222.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weDC5aeb5JA/TZuW5ZG8fEI/AAAAAAAAI-Q/ND5nHlQxGG8/s1600/IMG_6980.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdMCGuyAias/TZuWEzI0buI/AAAAAAAAI-I/l7SmvQqBfuY/s1600/IMG_6965.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdMCGuyAias/TZuWEzI0buI/AAAAAAAAI-I/l7SmvQqBfuY/s200/IMG_6965.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592228371501444834" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Over night a few more BSV'rs rolled in. Woke up and cooked up a pound of bacon and a huge egg skillet with tortillas to share amongst the roaming BSV folks in camp. Bacon was quite the hit. Nine of us Friday morning heading out to Rabbit Valley to ride the Epic Zion curtain to Westwater Mesa (overlook trail) to Western Rim loop. We had David S, David K, Phil, Cindy, Michelle, Sue, Bob, John P, and Kevin VP going for it! This loop has it all, rock benches above the river, techy drops and steeps, swooping single track, and a small part of the Kokopeli.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sy4XUpy3Bc4/TZuWE3R4h9I/AAAAAAAAI-A/aZwIVnW9XsU/s1600/IMG_6967.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sy4XUpy3Bc4/TZuWE3R4h9I/AAAAAAAAI-A/aZwIVnW9XsU/s200/IMG_6967.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592228372613203922" border="0" /></a>Oh yeah, I made it.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_YRskmipwU/TZywyvBiFEI/AAAAAAAAJFo/_QS96h9fRc8/s1600/IMG_3222.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_YRskmipwU/TZywyvBiFEI/AAAAAAAAJFo/_QS96h9fRc8/s200/IMG_3222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592539222950155330" border="0" /></a>Riders ready? Or are we playing with the dog all day?<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcUUf48ZQyc/TZuWEqG2VyI/AAAAAAAAI94/3Eyx2tr3C7g/s1600/IMG_6968.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcUUf48ZQyc/TZuWEqG2VyI/AAAAAAAAI94/3Eyx2tr3C7g/s200/IMG_6968.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592228369077262114" border="0" /></a>Ride starts out on the dirt road and you cross the high way heading North.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnVYhz7C67k/TZuWEEL3jwI/AAAAAAAAI9w/pcPXEW7VgQw/s1600/IMG_6971.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnVYhz7C67k/TZuWEEL3jwI/AAAAAAAAI9w/pcPXEW7VgQw/s200/IMG_6971.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592228358897766146" border="0" /></a>A climb up the service road gives you a nice view of rabbit valley and the 3,4,and 5 trails.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KePo0nx4vfg/TZuWEGf4dPI/AAAAAAAAI9o/JyUfVL3jBO0/s1600/IMG_6972.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KePo0nx4vfg/TZuWEGf4dPI/AAAAAAAAI9o/JyUfVL3jBO0/s200/IMG_6972.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592228359518582002" border="0" /></a>First stint of single track and then a steep climb--nothing like this to get us all warmed up!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-qMO6nWXjM/TZuW658019I/AAAAAAAAI-w/O8QYYSEz-qM/s1600/IMG_6975.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-qMO6nWXjM/TZuW658019I/AAAAAAAAI-w/O8QYYSEz-qM/s200/IMG_6975.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592229301043124178" border="0" /></a>Very unique features here in the Zion Curtain area...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooxA4AF9U7Q/TZuW6q1j8DI/AAAAAAAAI-o/jEQKjpdGQ_8/s1600/IMG_6976.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooxA4AF9U7Q/TZuW6q1j8DI/AAAAAAAAI-o/jEQKjpdGQ_8/s200/IMG_6976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592229296986124338" border="0" /></a><br />Crazy rock steps to ride up.....<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PV6ggPQZB8/TZuW6Cn6uRI/AAAAAAAAI-g/WBBS0uA8fvU/s1600/IMG_6977.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PV6ggPQZB8/TZuW6Cn6uRI/AAAAAAAAI-g/WBBS0uA8fvU/s200/IMG_6977.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592229286191479058" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1r6Xj5-5DHg/TZuW54BNhyI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/eTCdtcjQLAA/s1600/IMG_6978.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1r6Xj5-5DHg/TZuW54BNhyI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/eTCdtcjQLAA/s200/IMG_6978.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592229283344779042" border="0" /></a>Pump track for a while...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weDC5aeb5JA/TZuW5ZG8fEI/AAAAAAAAI-Q/ND5nHlQxGG8/s1600/IMG_6980.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weDC5aeb5JA/TZuW5ZG8fEI/AAAAAAAAI-Q/ND5nHlQxGG8/s200/IMG_6980.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592229275047328834" border="0" /></a>And we were joined by a sheik for the ride. About here half the group turned back and went to ride some other trails. We were down to five at this point, Cindy, David S, Phil M, Kevin VP and myself.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWXmAdfsaWk/TZuZMlQ-JvI/AAAAAAAAI_Q/zIWyo-WOwA0/s1600/IMG_6983.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWXmAdfsaWk/TZuZMlQ-JvI/AAAAAAAAI_Q/zIWyo-WOwA0/s200/IMG_6983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592231803751376626" border="0" /></a>Riding the line--the Utah/Colorado border fence.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XLoe-V1pGgY/TZuZMMBMD9I/AAAAAAAAI_I/SGOwpI4hpsM/s1600/IMG_6984.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XLoe-V1pGgY/TZuZMMBMD9I/AAAAAAAAI_I/SGOwpI4hpsM/s200/IMG_6984.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592231796974292946" border="0" /></a>Rewarded with the top of the Zion Curtain--views of the Rabbit Valley and river below. Good lunch spot from out 10:30am start.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfIyjqT4F_w/TZuZL2UVYFI/AAAAAAAAI_A/7_MRkx0fiYA/s1600/IMG_6985.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfIyjqT4F_w/TZuZL2UVYFI/AAAAAAAAI_A/7_MRkx0fiYA/s200/IMG_6985.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592231791149015122" border="0" /></a>Here Phil finds some goodies in his pack.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWlCUXSEsTA/TZuZLlvbWuI/AAAAAAAAI-4/9_vuQ1a-fTA/s1600/IMG_6987.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWlCUXSEsTA/TZuZLlvbWuI/AAAAAAAAI-4/9_vuQ1a-fTA/s200/IMG_6987.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592231786699250402" border="0" /></a>Off along the rim with some small trees and more views--hard to focus as you look at the La Sals in the distance.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ovpis2UZD7I/TZuaPypbmrI/AAAAAAAAI_o/SfmJdbIM4fw/s1600/IMG_6993.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ovpis2UZD7I/TZuaPypbmrI/AAAAAAAAI_o/SfmJdbIM4fw/s200/IMG_6993.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592232958394866354" border="0" /></a>Kevin checking the view.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQmSHv2_Yn4/TZuZM0O1zSI/AAAAAAAAI_Y/q7DqBUSxdtA/s1600/IMG_6981.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQmSHv2_Yn4/TZuZM0O1zSI/AAAAAAAAI_Y/q7DqBUSxdtA/s200/IMG_6981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592231807768972578" border="0" /></a>Dave S and Kevin VP riding up a wash<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KPx8n2yAvk/TZuaPoRQqRI/AAAAAAAAI_g/ZBFWfXLiQz0/s1600/IMG_6990.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KPx8n2yAvk/TZuaPoRQqRI/AAAAAAAAI_g/ZBFWfXLiQz0/s200/IMG_6990.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592232955609131282" border="0" /></a>A few more tech spots. I walked it too. Cindy gave it her all and decided to sit down on the job. Cindy repeatedly schooled me on this trail with the techy moves--I was motivated by that and cheered her on.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AHJ0cuI6Zyw/TZuaP5J2OWI/AAAAAAAAI_w/NkkIJPQlK10/s1600/IMG_6996.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AHJ0cuI6Zyw/TZuaP5J2OWI/AAAAAAAAI_w/NkkIJPQlK10/s200/IMG_6996.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592232960141441378" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q3GFVsfaBQ/TZuaQTgvzxI/AAAAAAAAI_4/F-ZBPnoniBg/s1600/IMG_7000.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q3GFVsfaBQ/TZuaQTgvzxI/AAAAAAAAI_4/F-ZBPnoniBg/s200/IMG_7000.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592232967216811794" border="0" /></a>Big Smiles after the descent on the Zion Curtain--its super fun and fast with a mix of clean trail and slick rock type moves with a few surprises thrown in.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1jMAxq8Rhs/TZuaQ2o3sdI/AAAAAAAAJAA/1s4WDwrfoMk/s1600/IMG_7002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1jMAxq8Rhs/TZuaQ2o3sdI/AAAAAAAAJAA/1s4WDwrfoMk/s200/IMG_7002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592232976646123986" border="0" /></a>A quick water check as we enter the Kokopeli trail and climb up the hill to West water Mesa to join up with the Over Look trail. Everyone riding strong here after 15 miles so far.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDZJEaI-oh4/TZydRAOQUSI/AAAAAAAAJAI/cccVd7ZEtVk/s1600/IMG_7003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDZJEaI-oh4/TZydRAOQUSI/AAAAAAAAJAI/cccVd7ZEtVk/s200/IMG_7003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592517752730439970" border="0" /></a>The short steep climb ahead (600feet)--David hit it hard and you can see him ahead.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7dHLNl7YFA/TZydRLutj9I/AAAAAAAAJAQ/Pa3xDXsqxpY/s1600/IMG_7006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7dHLNl7YFA/TZydRLutj9I/AAAAAAAAJAQ/Pa3xDXsqxpY/s200/IMG_7006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592517755819364306" border="0" /></a>Once up top, we hit the Overlook trail and is pump track for about 4.5 miles till you reach the pass and lollipop loop. Here Kevin Vp, David S and myself made a fast effort on the loop while the rest of the group hung out at the pass to descend to Western Rim. We did eat well here, and I offered my usual can of tuna, V-8, and salted almonds to those that would take.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FP8LEQCdjig/TZydRcWl52I/AAAAAAAAJAY/G_l0qs0d-uY/s1600/IMG_7009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FP8LEQCdjig/TZydRcWl52I/AAAAAAAAJAY/G_l0qs0d-uY/s200/IMG_7009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592517760281601890" border="0" /></a>Kevin coming down a rock wash.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJOxOsO2zVc/TZydRqH_zWI/AAAAAAAAJAg/NGy4ZL_KD1M/s1600/IMG_7010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJOxOsO2zVc/TZydRqH_zWI/AAAAAAAAJAg/NGy4ZL_KD1M/s200/IMG_7010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592517763978480994" border="0" /></a>Dave S doing the same.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LtiwBUCKMw/TZydR6_bHzI/AAAAAAAAJAo/DTI0mStEwGg/s1600/IMG_7012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LtiwBUCKMw/TZydR6_bHzI/AAAAAAAAJAo/DTI0mStEwGg/s200/IMG_7012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592517768505925426" border="0" /> </a>Top of the lollipop loop--excellent views again the whole time. The loop is about 7.25 miles. I had though it was only about 2 miles...whoops! Made the rest of the group worry a bit though since it took us about an hour to complete versus the 20 minutes I was thinking. Will do better next time on that.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zns9-1LFvnU/TZygP3Tm47I/AAAAAAAAJAw/aJX8OBrzcZI/s1600/IMG_7013.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zns9-1LFvnU/TZygP3Tm47I/AAAAAAAAJAw/aJX8OBrzcZI/s200/IMG_7013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592521031691985842" border="0" /></a>When we joined back up with the group, we descend the 600 feet down a steep double track and meet up with some single track that leads us to the Western Rim proper. Here we are riding a rib like Joe's Ridge on the book cliffs.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMYBvfdoe_0/TZygQKDpoyI/AAAAAAAAJA4/__9crNnfXz8/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMYBvfdoe_0/TZygQKDpoyI/AAAAAAAAJA4/__9crNnfXz8/s200/IMG_7017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592521036725330722" border="0" /></a>A little sand and loose but nice trail for sure.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43zANnzxtAs/TZygQJZMyAI/AAAAAAAAJBA/u6iqEYNlo3Y/s1600/IMG_7018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43zANnzxtAs/TZygQJZMyAI/AAAAAAAAJBA/u6iqEYNlo3Y/s200/IMG_7018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592521036547278850" border="0" /></a><br />Then we joined the Western Rim and the flowers were out a bit.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GBd3guNXkc0/TZygQXBAkPI/AAAAAAAAJBI/irqv2V-W6pw/s1600/IMG_7020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GBd3guNXkc0/TZygQXBAkPI/AAAAAAAAJBI/irqv2V-W6pw/s200/IMG_7020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592521040203911410" border="0" /></a>The rim starts out as a nice single track and then turns into this white stone bench that rides along the cliff for several miles--we had the place to ourselves--not one other MTB rider the whole day!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dsPcdgCq5vA/TZygQ4qKQ9I/AAAAAAAAJBQ/7cqOrs1LH2U/s1600/IMG_7021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dsPcdgCq5vA/TZygQ4qKQ9I/AAAAAAAAJBQ/7cqOrs1LH2U/s200/IMG_7021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592521049234883538" border="0" /></a>The sun was starting to set....day light was running out on us.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRr2xrDWl94/TZyhRogRf2I/AAAAAAAAJBY/dZgmMsggQjg/s1600/IMG_7022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRr2xrDWl94/TZyhRogRf2I/AAAAAAAAJBY/dZgmMsggQjg/s200/IMG_7022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592522161589944162" border="0" /></a>Playing the white sand stone. Here we were all starting to run out of water.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnPQGk0LBmU/TZyhR5hxcJI/AAAAAAAAJBg/iJV_6ihe58o/s1600/IMG_7024.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnPQGk0LBmU/TZyhR5hxcJI/AAAAAAAAJBg/iJV_6ihe58o/s200/IMG_7024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592522166159634578" border="0" /></a>Back on the double track after climbing out of the Rim. The sand was well compacted and very rideable for those that actually gave it a whirl!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9UQ__ocjIA/TZyhSBJy-aI/AAAAAAAAJBo/6fcpBylKQhQ/s1600/IMG_7025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9UQ__ocjIA/TZyhSBJy-aI/AAAAAAAAJBo/6fcpBylKQhQ/s200/IMG_7025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592522168206555554" border="0" /></a>Light was good at this point.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrTFEOZXg28/TZyhSG5KafI/AAAAAAAAJBw/YYgOIVSJCCA/s1600/IMG_7027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrTFEOZXg28/TZyhSG5KafI/AAAAAAAAJBw/YYgOIVSJCCA/s200/IMG_7027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592522169747401202" border="0" /></a>More cows playing on the trails. I think they followed us from the book cliffs.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-eLvCB0wJI/TZyhSScbN9I/AAAAAAAAJB4/KdvuLeqyHvU/s1600/IMG_7028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-eLvCB0wJI/TZyhSScbN9I/AAAAAAAAJB4/KdvuLeqyHvU/s200/IMG_7028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592522172848093138" border="0" /></a>Cindy and Dave S take a quick pose for the camera here looking South East.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0vXNsY6i0U/TZyiQa1X4GI/AAAAAAAAJCA/ZqLen0cBjR0/s1600/IMG_7029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0vXNsY6i0U/TZyiQa1X4GI/AAAAAAAAJCA/ZqLen0cBjR0/s200/IMG_7029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592523240252104802" border="0" /></a>We booked it for the car as the sun went down, skipping the normal 2 trail route back and settled for the road in the wash. It is the Kokopeli proper and was fun to take everyone on for a tour. Got back to the car and Joel had left a note on the window--he had tried to meet us, using our SPOT tracker from his phone to see where we were on the loop but since we had moved slow, it never worked. Joel was able to grab a nice Western Rim and Kokopeli loop though out of the day regardless.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYAfJZRrasw/TZyi0-eZnMI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/EhxX1Q2F7_s/s1600/Trail%2BRabbit%2BValley%2BBSV%2BMTB%2BCamp%2B2011%2B4-1-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYAfJZRrasw/TZyi0-eZnMI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/EhxX1Q2F7_s/s200/Trail%2BRabbit%2BValley%2BBSV%2BMTB%2BCamp%2B2011%2B4-1-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592523868294716610" border="0" /></a>Our Elevation profile from the day. Came out to 5500ft I think climbing/descending.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQLvR6Dbkw4/TZyi098ZfyI/AAAAAAAAJCI/PpGkiAeGZ8A/s1600/Trail%2BRabbit%2BValley%2BBSV%2BMTB%2BCamp%2B2011%2B4-1-2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQLvR6Dbkw4/TZyi098ZfyI/AAAAAAAAJCI/PpGkiAeGZ8A/s200/Trail%2BRabbit%2BValley%2BBSV%2BMTB%2BCamp%2B2011%2B4-1-2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592523868152102690" border="0" /></a>The route from the sky. This is a wonderful loop and mostly single track the whole way or shared ATV/MTB trails--very nice combo of three loops out there. Its about 44 miles. In the past when I have done this with just two of us, it takes about 6 to 6.5 hours. We did this time in 9 hours even and had a great time, enjoying the day and taking photos. A slight breeze made the temps even better and kept us cool. We headed straight back to camp for some much needed showers and then a chow down at the Hot Tomato in town for some salad and pizza. Joel joined us for a bit to have a beer and hear about the epic day. I do not remember hitting the pillow! Tomorrow tour de Book Cliffs with the whole BSV team!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">NOTE: What did I carry on this ride besides my bottomless dueter bag?<br />Food:<br />0) 5.5 serving Gel Flask with Carb Boom Apple Pie Gel<br />1) 3 handfuls of Blue Diamond salted Smoke House Almonds<br />2) Mini can of V-8<br />3) 4 Power Bars (chocolate and caramel)<br />4) 2 Mint Cliff Bars<br />5) 1 can of Tuna in water<br />6) 6 Newton brand Fig Newtons<br />7) Apple<br />8) Camel Back 100oz bladder full of water<br />9) 24oz bottle of water<br />10) 24oz bottle of water mixed with grape low calorie Gatorade<br />11) A whole lot of faith.<br />12) David S. carried everything else for me!<br />I ate everything except the Tuna. I drank all of the water and since we were out for a bit, I should have had one more bottle with me. I meant to bring it anyway, but forgot it at the camp. My cycle computer said I burned 2750calories. Not sure how accurate that is. I chowed that night after and also had a 24oz bottle of Recovery drink in the car on the way back to camp.<br /><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-69543765533920133822011-04-05T15:36:00.008-06:002011-04-05T16:04:14.717-06:00BSV Fruita MTB training camp 2011 Day 1!!<div style="text-align: center;">Everyone okay? We were sitting in the dark at the Glenwood Springs Brewery while they figured out why the power had gone out. A large group of 20 young folks just left and I think only gave the waitress about $5 in tip--she was blown, then the power goes. And we thought getting stuck in a little snow on the way back to Boulder was a rough day.<br /><br />It all started Thursday morning when David S picked me up, we loaded all our "much needed" stuff in the car and headed out to Fruita, Colorado. The drive was smooth until about Bakerville where the sign said "Road closed due to vehicle fire". Yeah, this is I-70, what else do you expect? We site, Phil M calls. He is sitting too with Kevin VP. Check email, Kevin K is out. Weather is mentioned, the chatter starts on the BSV board...oh no, they are dropping like flies. Either way, we were going and we were going to ride! Traffic started up again and sure enough, a huge black Dodge pickup had caught on fire and was being towed out of the way. A quick service stop just after the tunnel and we hit Fruita in good time overall. As we passed the bare peach trees, Phil called again and they were headed to Mack to ride Mary's. David and I opted for the group site so I could do all the necessary coordination with the state park and make sure the group site was set up. David and I got the group checked in and camp setup.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o78EOTAbsUA/TZuPUvXh-_I/AAAAAAAAI8g/1OvcSrt4bK8/s1600/IMG_6958.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o78EOTAbsUA/TZuPUvXh-_I/AAAAAAAAI8g/1OvcSrt4bK8/s200/IMG_6958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592220948785921010" border="0" /></a>David cooked up some mean fajitas.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPxWVzTuEGI/TZuPVMu45RI/AAAAAAAAI8w/MsrlQ86pYk8/s1600/IMG_6959.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPxWVzTuEGI/TZuPVMu45RI/AAAAAAAAI8w/MsrlQ86pYk8/s200/IMG_6959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592220956668519698" border="0" /></a>Worked on the bike a bit-new rear brake pads, chain lube, and well, I decided to skip the rear King hub overhaul...being lazy.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8PBZqAPSn4/TZuPU2W_O_I/AAAAAAAAI8o/pWyXqXUnSkY/s1600/IMG_6957.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8PBZqAPSn4/TZuPU2W_O_I/AAAAAAAAI8o/pWyXqXUnSkY/s200/IMG_6957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592220950662691826" border="0" /></a>Fixed the loose screws on my night lights--yep--lights, we were preparing for a Kestle run night ride under the stars!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hSmAku_Xbl0/TZuPVfrl1JI/AAAAAAAAI84/wJbcrCbnH9g/s1600/IMG_6960.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hSmAku_Xbl0/TZuPVfrl1JI/AAAAAAAAI84/wJbcrCbnH9g/s200/IMG_6960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592220961754961042" border="0" /></a>David K, Michelle, Kevin VP, David S, and myself all headed out to the Book Cliffs which was shaping up to be a fabulous night for a ride. Michelle's first night and ride and first time at the BC!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MaouHxxXcw/TZuPVqbhQbI/AAAAAAAAI9A/mNzPzj_spik/s1600/IMG_6961.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MaouHxxXcw/TZuPVqbhQbI/AAAAAAAAI9A/mNzPzj_spik/s200/IMG_6961.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592220964640342450" border="0" /></a>David K proceeded to show us how deep gravel does not get along with slow speed turns--it was nice to have a little learning session before we hit the trails. ;)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIWEDfguh-0/TZuQoTb9wqI/AAAAAAAAI9I/VVZ2gCqztMQ/s1600/IMG_6962.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIWEDfguh-0/TZuQoTb9wqI/AAAAAAAAI9I/VVZ2gCqztMQ/s200/IMG_6962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592222384397337250" border="0" /></a>David riding and doing something here....<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F8JC3pzWzgg/TZuQoih5QBI/AAAAAAAAI9Q/0NvsIANzQRc/s1600/IMG_6964.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F8JC3pzWzgg/TZuQoih5QBI/AAAAAAAAI9Q/0NvsIANzQRc/s200/IMG_6964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592222388448739346" border="0" /></a>A quick stop--the cows were all out in force jockeying for pole position on the trails.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ7T-p8alZU/TZuQo1BZgTI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/IRHX9w8t4ds/s1600/Trail%2BFruita%2BKestle%2BRun%2B3-31-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ7T-p8alZU/TZuQo1BZgTI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/IRHX9w8t4ds/s200/Trail%2BFruita%2BKestle%2BRun%2B3-31-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592222393412714802" border="0" /></a>Easy trail to do at night--we rode up it first to get everyone acquainted and then bombed it down--had the place to our selves!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ROMJKapk9k/TZuQpIAoLQI/AAAAAAAAI9g/MwGIBaOB8cY/s1600/Trail%2BFruita%2BKestle%2BRun%2B3-31-2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 195px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ROMJKapk9k/TZuQpIAoLQI/AAAAAAAAI9g/MwGIBaOB8cY/s200/Trail%2BFruita%2BKestle%2BRun%2B3-31-2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592222398509755650" border="0" /></a><br />Quick run back to camp and we were all in bed. Epic ride in Rabbit Valley for Day 2 and more BSV folks coming too!<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-4916142629255639072011-04-03T21:24:00.001-06:002011-04-03T21:24:56.249-06:00Fruita Training CampGreat time, superb riding, cool people and some damn good pizza....<br />
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A quick teaser shot, plenty more to follow as the rest of the crew trickles back from the Western Slope.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi923VePcng2AwgG2GtlEHRgUoXG9jXyFGU6C3e_TKphP1yYr9WEumujf8d6CUs2ixX9ExyN0-ZS1vtZq1Q7uwWgT76b7hkUUZiwxRSjhFEsVt3d4rct91QPDstPky7tOQ7WZKhLUO4AHA/s1600/201518_10150148778734723_532174722_6370399_6606372_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi923VePcng2AwgG2GtlEHRgUoXG9jXyFGU6C3e_TKphP1yYr9WEumujf8d6CUs2ixX9ExyN0-ZS1vtZq1Q7uwWgT76b7hkUUZiwxRSjhFEsVt3d4rct91QPDstPky7tOQ7WZKhLUO4AHA/s400/201518_10150148778734723_532174722_6370399_6606372_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-74063372272461937392011-03-21T14:43:00.003-06:002011-03-21T15:11:06.459-06:00KBK's Spring Checklist for BikesHowdy,<br /><br />I realized that I didn't ever get around to giving folks my checklist for bike maintenance yesterday at the Knife Sharpening, so I thought I would pass it out here so everyone can enjoy! This is supposed to be a checklist for major tuneup Feel free to comment on things I forgot to include.<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>1) Start with cleaning</b></div><div>- Degrease all greasiness (clean chain, cassette, chainrings, derailleur pulleys etc)</div><div>- Clean your dirty dirty bike (really scrub everything else down with some good soap (not degreaser).</div><div>- Pay close attention to underside of bike, moving parts, and between the seat and chainstays</div><div>- Note anything funky/wrong/busted/dinged/dented</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2) Inspection (check and note each - fix later)</b></div><div>- Check tires for wear (tread, sidewalls, weird bumps)</div><div>- Check chain for wear (use <a href="http://www.parktool.com/product/chain-checker">chain checker</a> tool if you can)</div><div>- Check cassette and chainrings for wear (look for something like <a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5189724383_097589c597_z.jpg">this</a> only probably not as bad: this picture is of a ring about 2 years too far gone)</div><div>- Check brake cables/hoses/housings (looking for fraying, wear, holes)</div><div>- Check shifter cables/housing</div><div>- Check to make sure nothing is loose (handlebar, stem, seatpost, saddle, various levers and shifters)</div><div>- Wiggle wheels from side to side - you shouldn't get more than 1/8 inch of play with a light touch of your hand</div><div>- Check for clunking in cranks (bad bottom braket?)</div><div>- Check for trueness of wheel (spin the wheel while holding up the bike. Hold your finger tip near the side of the rim as close as possible without touching it. If you see the wheel getting closer then farther then closer, it's out of true - this can screw up braking a lot (unless you have disc brakes).</div><div>- Check rims for pitting, dents or other damage</div><div>- Check frame for cracks or dings.</div><div>- Check hand grips/bar tape (worn? tight? bar ends still on?)</div><div>- Check your fork/shocks for wear, scratches, dings, oil seeping, evil monsters</div><div>- If you have a drop seatpost do the same inspection as above and make sure it's actuating properly.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3) Fix problems </b></div><div>- Anything identified above. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>4) Put on any new, fancy parts</b></div><div>- If you have any new stuff you're putting on for this season, now's a great time to do it! </div><div>- Also good time to put on new chains, brake pads, tires, etc that aren't quite so exciting</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5) Adjustment and tune</b></div><div>- once chain is clean and dry (make sure degreaser has been removed before adding lube), lube up the chain carefully</div><div>- Adjust front and rear derailleur to shift properly through entire range</div><div>- Adjust seat height and angle</div><div>- Adjust brakes </div><div>- True you wheels</div><div>- Air up your tires</div><div>- Air up your shocks and set all the deelie bobs to the right place</div><div>- If you run tubeless, clean out the old sealant and put in fresh stuff</div><div><br /></div><div><b>6) Ride test</b></div><div>- Ride your bike around the block</div><div>- Clunks, noises, funny feelings?</div><div>- Suspension feel good?</div><div><br /></div>KBKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04077244771937157641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-54696218544683824722011-03-21T14:18:00.010-06:002011-03-21T14:42:48.113-06:00Good times at annual knife sharpening (bike tuneup) day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdsXjIfYNCODpHP0aV7ZUcDStv6SmN5SYg0ClWwmF5PdE4UYRrX72uh2poQTL56NjNQjWjmG1ikkfE-8Y1ExhcbTPpT9MLj6cg1FnEWI3Z3bWsL75mkejmsTC9krkZnIDfFrmQgcI-B0i/s1600/IMG_1068.jpeg"></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7BDIoojlZ5p-nnjGWA6ofTX2DKx-5tX5Pf2iroNnFNwLOXt-Hzm5LjvoiaMfCdwWRejL2CWRKgDRpkvnPc6bmrYNwsgv7355hiRtKDokBlVHaG5gKnAiZ4O-g_NbJGg6uRsTuvtmcLbu/s1600/IMG_1054.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7BDIoojlZ5p-nnjGWA6ofTX2DKx-5tX5Pf2iroNnFNwLOXt-Hzm5LjvoiaMfCdwWRejL2CWRKgDRpkvnPc6bmrYNwsgv7355hiRtKDokBlVHaG5gKnAiZ4O-g_NbJGg6uRsTuvtmcLbu/s320/IMG_1054.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586635621838548786" /></a>It's amazing what a group of people, snacks, grease and a club dog can accomplish in an afternoon! This is the second year that I've gotten BSV involved in my annual bike tuneup day and we had a blast!<div>
<br /></div><div>Working with a team of around 10 people who came in and out during the afternoon, we had all kinds of silly fun fixing bikes. Among the oddities were a road brake that was bent about 1/4 back (how did that happen?), putting in a Chris King BB, bleeding brakes (told ya we'd do it!), stripping down a couple of bikes, walking one of our sponsor (Jeff Linroth) through some basic tuneup tips, some hefty belly rubs for Izzy the designated club dog for the day and I managed to loosen one bolt on one of my own bikes when not helping other people!</div><div>
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<br /></div><div>Here's a photo of the spread. I need to have people over to my garage more often!</div><div>
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<br /></div><div><meta charset="utf-8">Izzy ready for her next round of cuteness!</div></div><div>
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<br /></div><div>The peak of the work flow! Wow, my neighbors are really nice to let us take over the whole</div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36YUy48h1k2JJ1QLuNMRXpsk1cXaFnKVR2lkrAzzfFQ79Er68jt483p1Sv2fDJkf255gNYgx15lnhkD5SMGnxxI-0N5yZ6J9xYBxWUBCeyRxypXsmZN5yW40QXgkuL5U1iJTnmHcopa0c/s320/IMG_1072.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586633142409905698" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /><div> back alley this way (or at least they don't complain!)</div><div>
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<br /></div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamyXOhz9gsfeoBFaCBdS5AoSBy8e8SbHBr9KSkCM0U7tvl9oMKlW0VoZ18dVtK9ONU29XqqtlAyQZxSdZNn48l6U_rcAGqmt9RYz4K-Y36aRJgymAmsVX3Leudu3UWJqI6y9fqy8Gb2eA/s320/IMG_1076.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586633766756200914" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Patrick's new unicycle - he's such a good rider he thought that going without a front wheel would be more of a challenge (actually sending his fork and shock to Push for rebuild before upcoming epic MTB trips!)</div><div>
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<br /></div><div>Bob and Sue Prieto stepped up and said that they were going to host next year (well, not really, but Bob kept asking, "Do you have an augmented punch with a 30 degree twist tool for extracting micro ball bearings?" When I'd say "What the hell is that?" He'd tell me he had three of them in his garage only creating a sense of great envy on my part, so now they're elected for next year!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>In all seriousness, it was a blast! I can't recommend doing more events like this folks! Feel free to throw one yourself! A bunch of people came, we ate some good snacks, we fixed bikes and everyone had fun together!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Here are a few more pics that Becca took from the event!</div><div>
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<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>KBKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04077244771937157641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-22004059374004062492011-03-21T10:21:00.015-06:002011-03-21T11:42:16.186-06:00Lake Pueblo Voodoo Fire Race Loop<div style="text-align: center;">Sunday morning David showed up at 7:30am to pick me up for a day of riding down in Pueblo, just a bit south of Colorado Springs. We loaded the car and noticed the wind was blowing a bit...ummm. Then I decided to throw a wrench into everything and mention that we could just save the drive time and go to the DBB to Lory loop from Loveland. We changed our minds, even drove out 17th from Longmont on our way, but then changed again back to Pueblo. Almost returned to the Loveland detour when a gas line (or something of the sorts) had CR1 shut down and blocked our access to 119. Seemed like someone was trying to tell us to head North. But we carried on and in a few hours arrived in <a href="http://www.lakepueblotrails.org/doc_display.asp?dpath=Arch_Control&Mitem=324">Lake Pueblo State Park</a>. Parking lot was pretty much empty and there was a little wind, but the sun was nice and warm! Goal today was to follow the <a href="http://www.warriorscycling.com/events/voodoo-fire.php">Voodoo Fire Race</a> course which occurs in April. Neither of us are racing it, but thought it would be fun none the less. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6EUvNyou1A/TYd_ep1VQhI/AAAAAAAAI3I/owIUhyIQzKg/s1600/IMG_6884.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6EUvNyou1A/TYd_ep1VQhI/AAAAAAAAI3I/owIUhyIQzKg/s200/IMG_6884.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574027378737682" border="0" /></a>Sunscreen was in order.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gU_nJp4jvMo/TYd_fHqMZ0I/AAAAAAAAI3Q/Vv1UuqBEsKk/s1600/IMG_6887.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gU_nJp4jvMo/TYd_fHqMZ0I/AAAAAAAAI3Q/Vv1UuqBEsKk/s200/IMG_6887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574035385083714" border="0" /></a>And then we were off. It was a short sleeve and shorts day for sure. The wind just mysteriously died down to a nice 3 mph--enough to keep you cool while riding and the bugs away--yes bugs--they are out there already! We started out off of Conduit trail up to Duke-->Rodeo-->Rodeo Ridge-->Cuatro Cinco to South Shore.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C8_gxQ2mGIE/TYd_fdT58HI/AAAAAAAAI3Y/JT7UZItAVhQ/s1600/IMG_6888.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C8_gxQ2mGIE/TYd_fdT58HI/AAAAAAAAI3Y/JT7UZItAVhQ/s200/IMG_6888.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574041197178994" border="0" /></a>The riding there is through rolling prairie circling around the South West side of the Res. Here David and I are on Conduit<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulSmeDWu0CQ/TYd_fsGlGeI/AAAAAAAAI3g/bFGT-onvIIQ/s1600/IMG_6892.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulSmeDWu0CQ/TYd_fsGlGeI/AAAAAAAAI3g/bFGT-onvIIQ/s200/IMG_6892.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574045167819234" border="0" /></a>Nice tight single track for miles and miles--in and out of small gullies and washes--up and down all day. Lots of small sharp flint rock which chews up light weight tires--would not go super light on the race day here--not worth the punctures on your tires. This is the Cuatro Cinco Trail. There is a tight rocky short section on Rodeo that will be a bottle neck for sure on the race start--most folks will not clean it and will be walking/piling up--once up this short wash, the Rodeo ridge trial is wide open and fast all the way down to Southern Shore. Corners are a bit loose with the flint rock so check yourself to keep from washing out the front wheel.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7oTpUZof3U/TYd_gA8UxkI/AAAAAAAAI3o/L1h7BRjI830/s1600/IMG_6893.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7oTpUZof3U/TYd_gA8UxkI/AAAAAAAAI3o/L1h7BRjI830/s200/IMG_6893.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574050761950786" border="0" /></a>David approaching the log piles on log drop trail off of Pedro's Point.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y7yFxRSfh0/TYd_tAQSl0I/AAAAAAAAI3w/qTWSQWYytzA/s1600/IMG_6894.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y7yFxRSfh0/TYd_tAQSl0I/AAAAAAAAI3w/qTWSQWYytzA/s200/IMG_6894.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574273915557698" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtCSeSuQHRs/TYd_tfYD1oI/AAAAAAAAI34/TNkdDOr11so/s1600/IMG_6895.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtCSeSuQHRs/TYd_tfYD1oI/AAAAAAAAI34/TNkdDOr11so/s200/IMG_6895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574282269644418" border="0" /></a>Log Drop rises up a bit on this rib which is surrounded on three sides by the Res. If you continue to the East, you run into the Outer Limits loop and waterfall trails which is later in the race.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnal4m5I6E8/TYd_tko0yyI/AAAAAAAAI4A/z8Nr-6K25rU/s1600/IMG_6896.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnal4m5I6E8/TYd_tko0yyI/AAAAAAAAI4A/z8Nr-6K25rU/s200/IMG_6896.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574283682138914" border="0" /></a>A quick little log ride--nothing to think about, just fun! Video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FOjFFnLFy4">here</a>! After Log drop you are on a double track until the Voodoo Detour trail--a couple miles and a nice time to pass, eat, recover etc.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0SSC1sdpnQ/TYd_uZhuyTI/AAAAAAAAI4I/elIJtpMiRJc/s1600/IMG_6898.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0SSC1sdpnQ/TYd_uZhuyTI/AAAAAAAAI4I/elIJtpMiRJc/s200/IMG_6898.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574297879464242" border="0" /></a>David climbing up the Voodoo Detour trail to the Voodoo proper loop.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKBBivsTL2U/TYd_uuLg3MI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/wMDbYT0GJWo/s1600/IMG_6899.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKBBivsTL2U/TYd_uuLg3MI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/wMDbYT0GJWo/s200/IMG_6899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574303423421634" border="0" /></a>Here we are on the Voodoo loop still and it weaves in and out of the washes/ribs looping another finger surrounded the res. Nice scenery with snow capped mountains in the distance. Swoopy and fun, but constantly up and down like East Coast rollers!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXRWBfMKt8Q/TYd_6SfE0DI/AAAAAAAAI4Y/cEV-3EO7uVg/s1600/IMG_6900.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXRWBfMKt8Q/TYd_6SfE0DI/AAAAAAAAI4Y/cEV-3EO7uVg/s200/IMG_6900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574502147706930" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGUoFu1Uzhc/TYd_6S4SvXI/AAAAAAAAI4g/EDw2ZeATaAs/s1600/IMG_6901.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGUoFu1Uzhc/TYd_6S4SvXI/AAAAAAAAI4g/EDw2ZeATaAs/s200/IMG_6901.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574502253477234" border="0" /></a>Very Content riders! ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzPVRytWD78/TYd_6nsdo4I/AAAAAAAAI4o/-DR_A7ntxAA/s1600/IMG_6902.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzPVRytWD78/TYd_6nsdo4I/AAAAAAAAI4o/-DR_A7ntxAA/s200/IMG_6902.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574507841004418" border="0" /></a>Here is a better picture on the trail and small sharp rocks--there is cactus everywhere too so watch on the passing. Plenty of sections with short double track to pass/relax throughout the loop so take advantage there--otherwise on these narrow trails with the sharp rock and spines, I do not recommend venturing too far off trail. We are on the Outer Limits loop now here--trail looks and feels just the same.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLhmP2hMt_A/TYd_7f7C8zI/AAAAAAAAI4w/7lPG2KhUivQ/s1600/IMG_6903.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLhmP2hMt_A/TYd_7f7C8zI/AAAAAAAAI4w/7lPG2KhUivQ/s200/IMG_6903.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574522934555442" border="0" /></a>Cliff bike diving? Could be fun but with the Moots...maybe not.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yXiYOQabEuw/TYd_7ojCKWI/AAAAAAAAI44/JiKTE_ZneGU/s1600/IMG_6906.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yXiYOQabEuw/TYd_7ojCKWI/AAAAAAAAI44/JiKTE_ZneGU/s200/IMG_6906.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574525249759586" border="0" /></a>David cruising the trail ahead. Once you get out to the point on Outer Limits the trail turns to double track until you get to the waterfall trail to the left. Here you can fly and use to eat/recover/pass.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0-bH6iVhyY/TYeAJjI-FiI/AAAAAAAAI5A/aj01VVfKeL4/s1600/IMG_6907.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0-bH6iVhyY/TYeAJjI-FiI/AAAAAAAAI5A/aj01VVfKeL4/s200/IMG_6907.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574764316431906" border="0" /></a>Bottom of waterfall trail--short water section and nice bridge. There is a split coming down the waterfall trail at the bottom (about 400 feet before the above bridge) when you see the water--take the high road to the right or you will be swimming as I almost did. David got it right--I had to climb up steep slope about 15 feet to join him!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAzuZyNmOE4/TYeAJ1Hee7I/AAAAAAAAI5I/1nyvo-yiXrU/s1600/IMG_6908.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAzuZyNmOE4/TYeAJ1Hee7I/AAAAAAAAI5I/1nyvo-yiXrU/s200/IMG_6908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574769142004658" border="0" /></a>After the bridge at Waterfall you take a left, then a right at the next junction until you hit the bottom of Rock Canyon. Here David is cranking up a small rock section. There are a few and require a little power so make sure you have hydrated well and keep breathing to keep from cramping. This a nice long climb up tot he top of Arkansas Point and then you descend back down-- a little kicker at the end of the 35 mile loop.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMZ1PfJFNPY/TYeAKEfP_lI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/L2zhcsLeIPc/s1600/IMG_6909.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMZ1PfJFNPY/TYeAKEfP_lI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/L2zhcsLeIPc/s200/IMG_6909.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574773268250194" border="0" /></a>Coming up Rock Canyon<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--qp4x_HungU/TYeAKof27wI/AAAAAAAAI5Y/6zzUNKhDll4/s1600/IMG_6911.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--qp4x_HungU/TYeAKof27wI/AAAAAAAAI5Y/6zzUNKhDll4/s200/IMG_6911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574782934478594" border="0" /></a>Near Roller Coaster looping the mesa.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdaEGIpqXr8/TYeALPVMfJI/AAAAAAAAI5g/QakNdN3NE-w/s1600/IMG_6912.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdaEGIpqXr8/TYeALPVMfJI/AAAAAAAAI5g/QakNdN3NE-w/s200/IMG_6912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574793358736530" border="0" /></a>End of Roller Coaster and near start of Edge trail. You can see the canyons have some super cool stuff to play on--the race avoids these and only takes the easier canyons with the log bridges and big rock drops. I highly recommend coming back some time to play on them though--very nicely built.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tz_ywE2SxGw/TYeAV-P1EZI/AAAAAAAAI5o/02uFRglnid8/s1600/IMG_6913.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tz_ywE2SxGw/TYeAV-P1EZI/AAAAAAAAI5o/02uFRglnid8/s200/IMG_6913.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574977751388562" border="0" /></a>Descending Stone Henge--appropriately named. You come around the corner and its surreal with these rock cairns built up.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1UO5vqbWOQ/TYeAV66f-gI/AAAAAAAAI5w/Z8sJhgnK_CQ/s1600/IMG_6914.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1UO5vqbWOQ/TYeAV66f-gI/AAAAAAAAI5w/Z8sJhgnK_CQ/s200/IMG_6914.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574976856619522" border="0" /></a>Picture window!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uI5whlD2m2w/TYeAWa5OzlI/AAAAAAAAI54/rBgvGb-u2rc/s1600/IMG_6915.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uI5whlD2m2w/TYeAWa5OzlI/AAAAAAAAI54/rBgvGb-u2rc/s200/IMG_6915.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574985441234514" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mh9R14Qkmc/TYeAWlMZ2fI/AAAAAAAAI6A/atGMTSHixgA/s1600/IMG_6916.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mh9R14Qkmc/TYeAWlMZ2fI/AAAAAAAAI6A/atGMTSHixgA/s200/IMG_6916.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586574988206004722" border="0" /></a>Here we are just after finishing the Stonehenge trail and riding the South Shore trail back to Conduit and the car. A nice loop for sure they put together and great mix of the trails. For sure save the energy to climb back up the Rock Canyon/Stonehenge loop at the end and for the short steep climbs up and down on South Shore back to the start/finish. This loop is going to be tough twice and with the up/down all day on the trials, it wears at you so be ready--no real long climbs or long descents--all just short and steady. Trails rock though and remind me of riding 35 miles of Kestle run at 18road in Fruita--forever pump track.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ-SOiMLqlQ/TYeKz5c85OI/AAAAAAAAI6I/T3Utn4t3adk/s1600/Trail%2B3-20-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ-SOiMLqlQ/TYeKz5c85OI/AAAAAAAAI6I/T3Utn4t3adk/s200/Trail%2B3-20-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586586486976603362" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eylJ61aR0Co/TYeK0KrnXII/AAAAAAAAI6Q/Gxwkr3Neavo/s1600/Trail%2B3-20-2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 115px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eylJ61aR0Co/TYeK0KrnXII/AAAAAAAAI6Q/Gxwkr3Neavo/s200/Trail%2B3-20-2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586586491601509506" border="0" /></a>(Click on images for larger one)<br />The loop was 33.5 miles and we had 1900ft of climbing per lap from my bike computer. Lap time was 3.5 hours at our slack pace plus a bit more for some picture taking/chatting with other riders and picking up tools/tubes--by the end of the ride, we had almost a new tool kit from the items dropped on the trail that day! A super fun day and worth the effort. Hope to head back in late April.<br /><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-70120465309117961802011-03-15T14:11:00.010-06:002011-03-16T09:51:31.167-06:00Gettin that single track fix...Clock goes off at 5:30am...its Sunday, and what is this, the ground is all wet, its socked in, and kind of chilly. The husky dog wants out, so much for sleeping in on the weekend. It is not that bad I tell my self walking around the neighborhood, we can still ride (I think?). I make some waffles, eat a banana and get dressed anyway. Toby calls at 7am--he is out front ready to go, so yes, we are going riding.....<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />And an awesome ride it was! Could not believe the conditions on the trail Sunday. We headed up to Devil's Backbone in Loveland--a place I have spent some serious time playing on and even building trail over the years. Pulled up in the parking lot and there are only a few cars and it looks like rain any second. We both completely over pack clothing not knowing what will happen and head off down the trail to see how things are.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HuqO2Pnm1ew/TX_JmyLQXKI/AAAAAAAAI0E/S4kiOkrKhlQ/s1600/IMG_6866.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HuqO2Pnm1ew/TX_JmyLQXKI/AAAAAAAAI0E/S4kiOkrKhlQ/s200/IMG_6866.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584403731103898786" border="0" /></a>The trail starts out with a nice few short climbs and then a gradual climb for about a mile. You turn a corner and bam, you climb 300 feet in 0.7 miles--nice warm up! Several serious switch backs to boot, with rocks, and more than the eyes want to look at while climbing.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh9C7bpA8VY/TX_Jz6Qf-FI/AAAAAAAAI0U/0X7nUDOGRZc/s1600/IMG_6868.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh9C7bpA8VY/TX_Jz6Qf-FI/AAAAAAAAI0U/0X7nUDOGRZc/s200/IMG_6868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584403956611676242" border="0" /></a>Toby almost at the top<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PwGV0BC9Bc/TX_Jz-xBysI/AAAAAAAAI0c/g82bEYJ5eu0/s1600/IMG_6869.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PwGV0BC9Bc/TX_Jz-xBysI/AAAAAAAAI0c/g82bEYJ5eu0/s200/IMG_6869.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584403957821852354" border="0" /></a>Cresting the top of the first big climb. Clouds still looked a bit iffy here.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnlB3GZsxkk/TX_J0MZ-QXI/AAAAAAAAI0k/y-rMDfNgSGs/s1600/IMG_6870.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnlB3GZsxkk/TX_J0MZ-QXI/AAAAAAAAI0k/y-rMDfNgSGs/s200/IMG_6870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584403961483247986" border="0" /></a>One thing DBB has--techy as can be, plus swoopy buffed out single track you could pave.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUNh0jYY6Cs/TX_J0gtMurI/AAAAAAAAI0s/GhTpVOdA7I0/s1600/IMG_6871.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUNh0jYY6Cs/TX_J0gtMurI/AAAAAAAAI0s/GhTpVOdA7I0/s200/IMG_6871.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584403966932597426" border="0" /></a>Yep, techy for sure, but all very doable...with the right set of gymnastics crash pads appropriately places! We both gawked at this and decided to move on. ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQDjRgGxwdM/TX_J1NC1eLI/AAAAAAAAI00/vBAevRtF8Xs/s1600/IMG_6872.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQDjRgGxwdM/TX_J1NC1eLI/AAAAAAAAI00/vBAevRtF8Xs/s200/IMG_6872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584403978834507954" border="0" /></a>Here Toby and I are just after the North side of the DBB park entering the Blue Sky trail.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l7ecbhOHz0/TX_KEEQbtGI/AAAAAAAAI08/9riv3qloONQ/s1600/IMG_6873.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l7ecbhOHz0/TX_KEEQbtGI/AAAAAAAAI08/9riv3qloONQ/s200/IMG_6873.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584404234173658210" border="0" /></a>This is looking North to Horestooth Mountain park. The Blue Sky trail follows this valley all the way there for about 7 miles.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyR5Kc4ZASU/TX_KEXTKUvI/AAAAAAAAI1E/HW8GZH7Fu6Y/s1600/IMG_6874.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyR5Kc4ZASU/TX_KEXTKUvI/AAAAAAAAI1E/HW8GZH7Fu6Y/s200/IMG_6874.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584404239285375730" border="0" /></a>Some great trail work was done here to sustain this great connector!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSbes4eTQ4U/TX_KEznOxAI/AAAAAAAAI1M/PXkYq_9oPj4/s1600/IMG_6876.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSbes4eTQ4U/TX_KEznOxAI/AAAAAAAAI1M/PXkYq_9oPj4/s200/IMG_6876.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584404246885745666" border="0" /></a>We opted for the Indian Summer loop about half way between the DBB and Horsetooth which climbs to the west on a nice Mesa and then drops back down. Toby topped out here--all smiles.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtWY63IzBSs/TYDa-kpqOzI/AAAAAAAAI2I/mmbR5rXBFro/s1600/P1020038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtWY63IzBSs/TYDa-kpqOzI/AAAAAAAAI2I/mmbR5rXBFro/s200/P1020038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584704306464570162" border="0" /></a>Crazy blue birds on the trail--neither one of us can identify them. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1nqtkwDzqg/TYDa_7x0PMI/AAAAAAAAI2Y/Xu0XGgw1Fmk/s1600/P1020042.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1nqtkwDzqg/TYDa_7x0PMI/AAAAAAAAI2Y/Xu0XGgw1Fmk/s200/P1020042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584704329852665026" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpaUEkHnJfs/TX_KFQaT7eI/AAAAAAAAI1U/ZvsJMXsrvUE/s1600/IMG_6878.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpaUEkHnJfs/TX_KFQaT7eI/AAAAAAAAI1U/ZvsJMXsrvUE/s200/IMG_6878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584404254616186338" border="0" /></a>Then sun came out! We dropped into Horsetooth and the camp ground and stopped for some food. Chatted it up with a runner and then headed back to DBB. There are sections of the Blue Sky trail that have these large boulders the trail weaves in and out of. Great terrain, both directions and super fun.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xs4qcWz3yD8/TYDa-3tsJ1I/AAAAAAAAI2Q/a_16J--BBA8/s1600/P1020040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xs4qcWz3yD8/TYDa-3tsJ1I/AAAAAAAAI2Q/a_16J--BBA8/s200/P1020040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584704311581747026" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2k3RZ8fhvV0/TX_KFRP6fkI/AAAAAAAAI1c/22gJqqkAa6w/s1600/IMG_6879.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2k3RZ8fhvV0/TX_KFRP6fkI/AAAAAAAAI1c/22gJqqkAa6w/s200/IMG_6879.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584404254841011778" border="0" /></a>Hero dirt today--best I have ever ridden up this way--not one bit of dust, amazing traction on the steeps and just perfectly tacky--plus again, no one on the trails! The rocks were a little slippery here and there, but again, amazing conditions!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAj3H2nLZEg/TYDbAT3ufFI/AAAAAAAAI2g/qq9hkNPAGJc/s1600/P1020043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAj3H2nLZEg/TYDbAT3ufFI/AAAAAAAAI2g/qq9hkNPAGJc/s200/P1020043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584704336319904850" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXrS8xYe92A/TX_KJQfH-WI/AAAAAAAAI1k/dbKnSxHNivU/s1600/IMG_6877.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXrS8xYe92A/TX_KJQfH-WI/AAAAAAAAI1k/dbKnSxHNivU/s200/IMG_6877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584404323355851106" border="0" /></a>Toby railing through some more rocks. It was hard to stop smiling and laughing here.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niFsC0qCV5I/TYDbG3jyR8I/AAAAAAAAI2o/855gyMwo2EI/s1600/P1020051.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-niFsC0qCV5I/TYDbG3jyR8I/AAAAAAAAI2o/855gyMwo2EI/s200/P1020051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584704448979158978" border="0" /></a>A few nice water bars and drops to climb back up and over on the way to the car. That chain ring is mighty close! <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YMa0l2U8mI/TYDbHLvbKOI/AAAAAAAAI2w/kvo7sEjLlOc/s1600/P1020053.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YMa0l2U8mI/TYDbHLvbKOI/AAAAAAAAI2w/kvo7sEjLlOc/s200/P1020053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584704454396684514" border="0" /></a>Just after the above section, there is another little tricky spot.....keep cranking...keep cranking<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0DwrYgpV6A/TYDbHvlsdpI/AAAAAAAAI24/JovFxSF0y_U/s1600/P1020054.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0DwrYgpV6A/TYDbHvlsdpI/AAAAAAAAI24/JovFxSF0y_U/s200/P1020054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584704464019551890" border="0" /></a>Well..almost, half crank more and it was all there--maybe I will clean it next time!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0xId2s-z2Y/TYDa-Kn78GI/AAAAAAAAI2A/667JEjEvYME/s1600/P1020036.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0xId2s-z2Y/TYDa-Kn78GI/AAAAAAAAI2A/667JEjEvYME/s200/P1020036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584704299478020194" border="0" /></a>Yeah, that was fun!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X8zaCk5O2-c/TX_JmJIKBUI/AAAAAAAAIz0/5ASKUFK8NZo/s1600/My%2BActivities%2B3-13-2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 121px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X8zaCk5O2-c/TX_JmJIKBUI/AAAAAAAAIz0/5ASKUFK8NZo/s200/My%2BActivities%2B3-13-2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584403720085046594" border="0" /></a>Our ride from the sky, Blue Sky that is.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UxWC5K-ONRU/TX_Jl8Pj3EI/AAAAAAAAIzs/5TT0JyuGQwQ/s1600/My%2BActivities%2B3-13-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 141px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UxWC5K-ONRU/TX_Jl8Pj3EI/AAAAAAAAIzs/5TT0JyuGQwQ/s200/My%2BActivities%2B3-13-2011%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584403716626439234" border="0" /></a>20 miles later, 2K of climbing, and 3+ hours, bikes and riders were all content all before 1pm! We ended the day with a short visit to Larry at Mountain High Cyclery in Loveland before trekking back to Longmont. Single track fix, CHECK!!<br /><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-74587484986695075032011-01-09T12:21:00.003-07:002011-01-10T14:04:34.794-07:00<table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td>I've just started my third year as a BSV member and I have yet to contribute to the blog. I have been included in other blog postings, thanks to John P, and I'm trying to emulate his discipline here in the New Year, not just by contributing to the team blog but also by having my own as well (which has a lot more about this patricular ride at http://nohosing.blogspot.com/).<br /><br />So here's my first contribution, a fun solo ride I did this Saturday just before we got hit by another blast of winter weather. Speaking of John P I tried to coerce him into joining in but he had ski plans. I would have of course extended an invitation to all of BSV but this route was a last minute decision. I really need to get better about planning things more in advance...<br /><br />A winter day with highs in the 40s is a good day for a canyon climb. It's always good to get some climbing in occasionally throughout the winter, so it's not such a shock when you make that annual spring trip to Fruita. So with Saturday's great weather, it was just a question of "which canyon to climb"?<br /><br />Four Mile canyon and Sunshine canyons were the choice for today. Starting and ending in Boulder with Gold Hill as the mid-point, this is a great ride with good views, little traffic, and some reasonably steep sections. I call this ride the "super Poorman", borrowing from the colloquial phrase "super Walker" (another awesome ride) which involves riding Walker ranch starting from Boulder, climbing Flagstaff to get there. In this case, climbing Four Mile, connecting to Sunshine by way of Poorman Road, and dropping back to town is a popular loop, but Gold Hill is a much longer alternative to the same basic concept.<br /><br />The ride started with a gradual climb west up Boulder creek trail, dodging peds, dogs, and patches of ice. Here's the end of city maintenance, things get more fun from this point:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z5TQNcCKkD9xellbbebQjw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_2DI-5-z0o8g/TSntXNkaaQI/AAAAAAAAAX8/E_Fbj9-_wlM/s400/IMG_2358.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Finally, something more interesting than pavement and crusher fine:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G6gdOAwZ0SKUje-jJKPQqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2DI-5-z0o8g/TSntYNw3qNI/AAAAAAAAAYM/jii_EqAlx50/s400/IMG_2362.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then begins the long climb up Four Mile canyon. This climb is all asphalt though the end of Salina, then it changes to dirt which is typically snow packed this time of year, and fun to ride. I had forgotten about the fire that happened in this area last year until I started seeing the damage. I realized I hadn't been this way since this happened. Here's just one small sample:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A3EoBCViIvJ9AYiJEB5dFQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2DI-5-z0o8g/TSntZRZyOgI/AAAAAAAAAYk/Q9TjGU9TeCM/s400/IMG_2368.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Just below Salina, here's where we turn off onto Gold Rim road:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IlhoFlaBjw3_zQwtNuKLqg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_2DI-5-z0o8g/TSntZh323pI/AAAAAAAAAYo/I_hbXGhfpQc/s400/IMG_2369.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Passing through Salina:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HEEfJKPGRbgvAx1fQbqSyg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2DI-5-z0o8g/TSntaKqFzoI/AAAAAAAAAYw/2zIk1rWY22g/s400/IMG_2371.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Except perhaps for "Cold Beer" this is the best sign you can ever see. But where's the snow pack typical for this time of year?? Guess it really has been dry here on the Front Range lately:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/teQbG1O_cZxJW5wLXcgEWg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2DI-5-z0o8g/TSntaZzeJQI/AAAAAAAAAY0/zoMOlT4fl08/s400/IMG_2372.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Just past Gold Hill, near the high point of the day looking backwards to a nice view of the Indian Peaks. A great view is all the sweeter when earned:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D1A3OMC5cALO9BcVp4kpFQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_2DI-5-z0o8g/TSntcXunToI/AAAAAAAAAZc/m4UrYj-7D_o/s400/IMG_2382.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br /><br />At the top, a good place to pee, put on a coat, balaclava, and dry gloves. Oh, and double check that my quick releases are on tight and take a gratuitous shot of the rider and bike. Perhaps I should pick a more level rock next time for the camera:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/10RTi-3MGAslt1RZmHsUGw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2DI-5-z0o8g/TSntdMKByII/AAAAAAAAAZo/LcQhh_tm78I/s400/IMG_2385.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br /><br />I was too busy enjoying the downhill and avoiding sand to take many more pictures, but here's one. The fire damage appears to have been the worst here at the top of Sunshine canyon. My thoughts go out to all those who lost their homes, and the heroic efforts of the fire fighters who saved so many others:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OnCKcE-ugXIxkHXthJ342g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2DI-5-z0o8g/TSnteYpmhuI/AAAAAAAAAaA/6bMsP3ixV5g/s400/IMG_2391.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Done! Time to scare up some food:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ux0nhY4L2DN9lXvWKBSt-g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2DI-5-z0o8g/TSnte3TYknI/AAAAAAAAAaI/OJKKJAkZXTc/s400/IMG_2393.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Here's a map of the route and some ride stats:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kr7QAwfPUAQERmgoPHUQZA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2DI-5-z0o8g/TSntfKUtYCI/AAAAAAAAAaM/2Sls4A3o68w/s400/trackMap.jpg" height="269" width="400" /></a><br />Distance = 25.7 miles<br />Total ascent - 3380 ft.<br />Max elevation = 8492 ft.<br />Moving time = 2 hr. 41 min.<br />Total snot rockets blown = 27 (what, your GPS doesn't measure this?)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599231400551448521noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-52694215004555131172010-11-14T18:53:00.002-07:002010-11-14T18:56:58.521-07:00Weld County Tour!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPgXTsPRI/AAAAAAAAIQk/N4nmWcnndcI/s1600/IMG_6509.JPG"><br /></a>A group of us from the MTB group headed out to Weld County for some dirt road riding today under the leadership of David S.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPYwZHf2I/AAAAAAAAIQc/RUJQwkO7JMs/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPYwZHf2I/AAAAAAAAIQc/RUJQwkO7JMs/s200/IMG_6497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539585197135593314" border="0" /></a>Phil M. and myself met up at David's house first and then off to a nearby park to meet some others. It was a little cool but the sun was attempting to peak through the clouds and warm our souls. We headed out just after 9am.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPYKYdPVI/AAAAAAAAIQU/o6T6ihYpQks/s1600/IMG_6499.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPYKYdPVI/AAAAAAAAIQU/o6T6ihYpQks/s200/IMG_6499.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539585186932276562" border="0" /></a>A few last minute checks before we left...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPXw9rxfI/AAAAAAAAIQM/pKJOGiGiswI/s1600/IMG_6500.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPXw9rxfI/AAAAAAAAIQM/pKJOGiGiswI/s200/IMG_6500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539585180109096434" border="0" /></a>Phil warm and ready to go the distance.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPJzXUYiI/AAAAAAAAIQE/QttKJFCBlII/s1600/IMG_6502.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPJzXUYiI/AAAAAAAAIQE/QttKJFCBlII/s200/IMG_6502.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584940235317794" border="0" /></a>Michael B. was waiting for us at the park nearby and shortly after Cindy cruised on in. Nice group of 5 of us to head out North/East a bit and be social.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPJgnmAnI/AAAAAAAAIP8/lkhdl63MeHQ/s1600/IMG_6504.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPJgnmAnI/AAAAAAAAIP8/lkhdl63MeHQ/s200/IMG_6504.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584935203308146" border="0" /></a>Just a few miles later Cindy's seat started giving trouble. The binder bolt would not tighten enough due to a new cable support bracket that had been installed so she had the true low rider! Not very fun for 40 plus miles!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPJkHJgWI/AAAAAAAAIP0/_9bQACoDYIM/s1600/IMG_6505.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPJkHJgWI/AAAAAAAAIP0/_9bQACoDYIM/s200/IMG_6505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584936140964194" border="0" /></a>And then there were four....<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPJSv2e-I/AAAAAAAAIPs/1pRk2K5RS6A/s1600/IMG_6506.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPJSv2e-I/AAAAAAAAIPs/1pRk2K5RS6A/s200/IMG_6506.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584931479845858" border="0" /></a>The dirt was spectacular and tacky. No mud at all.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPJDF7hbI/AAAAAAAAIPk/3DGhaQfTb0M/s1600/IMG_6507.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPJDF7hbI/AAAAAAAAIPk/3DGhaQfTb0M/s200/IMG_6507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584927277483442" border="0" /></a>A few short road sections pieced the loop together. Not much traffic either which was nice.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPgXTsPRI/AAAAAAAAIQk/N4nmWcnndcI/s1600/IMG_6509.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCPgXTsPRI/AAAAAAAAIQk/N4nmWcnndcI/s200/IMG_6509.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539585327840902418" border="0" /></a>A large dairy North of Longmont. Cows found us interesting.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOu0BglKI/AAAAAAAAIPc/uoPvTm2arpY/s1600/IMG_6511.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOu0BglKI/AAAAAAAAIPc/uoPvTm2arpY/s200/IMG_6511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584476555809954" border="0" /></a>Then Michael B. broke off from us and then there were 3.....<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOu_wGvbI/AAAAAAAAIPU/6cXN-gNeOzY/s1600/IMG_6512.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOu_wGvbI/AAAAAAAAIPU/6cXN-gNeOzY/s200/IMG_6512.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584479704038834" border="0" /></a>Pickett Dairy--David made good on the smells of Weld County for sure!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOublm3gI/AAAAAAAAIPM/UFkrhakUKMs/s1600/IMG_6514.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOublm3gI/AAAAAAAAIPM/UFkrhakUKMs/s200/IMG_6514.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584469996330498" border="0" /></a>Heading Easy towards Milliken. David and Phil leading the way.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOuHw-qaI/AAAAAAAAIPE/Zehwx0iFwXc/s1600/IMG_6516.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOuHw-qaI/AAAAAAAAIPE/Zehwx0iFwXc/s200/IMG_6516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584464675318178" border="0" /></a><br />Phil still happy and enjoying a day off from cross racing.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOcCiUYoI/AAAAAAAAIO0/wdDsUGVsszg/s1600/IMG_6518.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOcCiUYoI/AAAAAAAAIO0/wdDsUGVsszg/s200/IMG_6518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584154034004610" border="0" /></a>Local Motor Cross track and a youth race going on--Phil and I recalled our younger days on 80's and 250's.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOcDKV3dI/AAAAAAAAIOs/WIWFGC4c7rc/s1600/IMG_6519.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOcDKV3dI/AAAAAAAAIOs/WIWFGC4c7rc/s200/IMG_6519.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584154201873874" border="0" /></a>Heading South on the way back home. Then there was 2...well just kidding, Phil was still here, just did not make the picture. The three of us finished back at David's house happy riders. What a great day!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOb1C6m1I/AAAAAAAAIOk/hsuVQ-RncCk/s1600/IMG_6520.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCOb1C6m1I/AAAAAAAAIOk/hsuVQ-RncCk/s200/IMG_6520.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584150412630866" border="0" /></a>Elevation profile--only about 500 feet of total climbing today but mostly all dirt riding.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCObvGWHHI/AAAAAAAAIOc/wXRj2tbUvvU/s1600/Cycling%2BLongmont%2BDirt%2BLoops%2B11-14-2010%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCObvGWHHI/AAAAAAAAIOc/wXRj2tbUvvU/s200/Cycling%2BLongmont%2BDirt%2BLoops%2B11-14-2010%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584148816403570" border="0" /></a>Our big loop. Ended up about 42.5 miles and we averaged about 10mph with our total time. Great day out and had fun hanging out with everyone. See you next time. Thanks David for putting it together!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCObUmeQUI/AAAAAAAAIOU/1ao1zJSbKNs/s1600/Cycling%2BLongmont%2BDirt%2BLoops%2B11-14-2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TOCObUmeQUI/AAAAAAAAIOU/1ao1zJSbKNs/s200/Cycling%2BLongmont%2BDirt%2BLoops%2B11-14-2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539584141703397698" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-23512923778232766522010-11-09T11:17:00.001-07:002010-11-09T11:17:29.848-07:00Sourdough South MTB Ride 11072010<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmN1TwarWI/AAAAAAAAINw/DCIernmA--c/s1600/IMG_6465.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmN1TwarWI/AAAAAAAAINw/DCIernmA--c/s200/IMG_6465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537613163804667234" border="0" /></a>Toby and myself headed out Sunday am to ride a loop on the North Sourdough trail out of Peaceful Valley and the Hwy 72.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmN1mFmtYI/AAAAAAAAIN4/0MZsxDlQ8xg/s1600/IMG_6472.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmN1mFmtYI/AAAAAAAAIN4/0MZsxDlQ8xg/s200/IMG_6472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537613168725374338" border="0" /></a>The cool part about the Sourdough trail is it goes through some very diverse terrain.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMvRtMh5I/AAAAAAAAIMw/lCpnqu_mipE/s1600/P1010853.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMvRtMh5I/AAAAAAAAIMw/lCpnqu_mipE/s200/P1010853.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537611960663443346" border="0" /></a>Summer like weather and perfect trail conditions. (TF)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMvbWz8YI/AAAAAAAAIMo/V8eHxgJJxiQ/s1600/P1010854.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMvbWz8YI/AAAAAAAAIMo/V8eHxgJJxiQ/s200/P1010854.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537611963253911938" border="0" /></a>Aspen trees with pine (TF)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMPdrXYcI/AAAAAAAAIL4/7yUm1x81fGY/s1600/P1010863.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMPdrXYcI/AAAAAAAAIL4/7yUm1x81fGY/s200/P1010863.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537611414121177538" border="0" /></a>(TF)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMPqIwnNI/AAAAAAAAIMA/GuedLQLrrfU/s1600/P1010862.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMPqIwnNI/AAAAAAAAIMA/GuedLQLrrfU/s200/P1010862.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537611417465691346" border="0" /></a>(TF)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmM-hF5FgI/AAAAAAAAINo/F_72cg9whGw/s1600/IMG_6474.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmM-hF5FgI/AAAAAAAAINo/F_72cg9whGw/s200/IMG_6474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537612222491596290" border="0" /></a>Gropple starting to fall here a bit. You can see it on my bag.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmM-UijBlI/AAAAAAAAINg/ZxM0jegx4zY/s1600/IMG_6475.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmM-UijBlI/AAAAAAAAINg/ZxM0jegx4zY/s200/IMG_6475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537612219122124370" border="0" /></a>Toby topping out on the Wapiti loop<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmM-AUiSZI/AAAAAAAAINY/V1iumm9-cZY/s1600/IMG_6480.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmM-AUiSZI/AAAAAAAAINY/V1iumm9-cZY/s200/IMG_6480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537612213694646674" border="0" /></a>This one was off camber, icy, and snowy, decided to walk it for sure to keep rubber side down.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmM9s-hNJI/AAAAAAAAINQ/4sJV52NhS6o/s1600/IMG_6481.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmM9s-hNJI/AAAAAAAAINQ/4sJV52NhS6o/s200/IMG_6481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537612208502027410" border="0" /></a>Started Snowing on us out of no where. Wind picked up. We were way back on the Wapiti Baptiste loop, no where to run, no where to hide.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMQgkDZPI/AAAAAAAAIMY/XsaUfHCCmPA/s1600/P1010859.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMQgkDZPI/AAAAAAAAIMY/XsaUfHCCmPA/s200/P1010859.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537611432075683058" border="0" /></a>Descending in Snow...there is an art to it! (TF)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMQbhmD2I/AAAAAAAAIMQ/Mrugh6Whjjc/s1600/P1010860.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMQbhmD2I/AAAAAAAAIMQ/Mrugh6Whjjc/s200/P1010860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537611430723194722" border="0" /></a>Fresh tracks too. (TF)<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMP9dmIgI/AAAAAAAAIMI/23_8a_-eIl0/s1600/P1010861.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMP9dmIgI/AAAAAAAAIMI/23_8a_-eIl0/s200/P1010861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537611422653358594" border="0" /></a>Fresh deadfall that has been cleared--the trail crews have done a lot of chainsaw work to keep this trail clear (for now!). (TF)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMwVrdsiI/AAAAAAAAINA/AGRgKKLEZM8/s1600/IMG_6490.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMwVrdsiI/AAAAAAAAINA/AGRgKKLEZM8/s200/IMG_6490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537611978909790754" border="0" /></a>WHEEEEEEE Around the switchback. (TF)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMwNaGqZI/AAAAAAAAIM4/KqTfWw_2fWk/s1600/IMG_6493.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMwNaGqZI/AAAAAAAAIM4/KqTfWw_2fWk/s200/IMG_6493.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537611976689494418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />DOUBLE WHEEEEEEEEE! We only rode about 12 miles I think but had a blast. This week could be it for a while up there. Have not loaded the GPS track yet. Most the trail is at 9500 to 9800 feet I think though.<br /></div></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmMPqIwnNI/AAAAAAAAIMA/GuedLQLrrfU/s1600/P1010862.JPG"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-68558159093697266552010-11-09T10:52:00.001-07:002010-11-09T10:52:57.172-07:00Marshall Dirty Biz Loop 10282010<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmJolXNmYI/AAAAAAAAILw/n8Fl_j0Ajdg/s1600/IMG_6443.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmJolXNmYI/AAAAAAAAILw/n8Fl_j0Ajdg/s200/IMG_6443.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537608547145980290" border="0" /></a>Headed out for a nice night ride in the Marshall Mesa area. Sun was starting to set nicely over the peaks.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmJoG5JcGI/AAAAAAAAILo/i2PN6RLyrSE/s1600/IMG_6447.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmJoG5JcGI/AAAAAAAAILo/i2PN6RLyrSE/s200/IMG_6447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537608538966814818" border="0" /></a><span style="" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Sun setting just after Mayhoffer/<wbr>Singletree</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmJnyKTdjI/AAAAAAAAILg/j47FES7fk8k/s1600/Trail%2BMarshall%2BMesa%2B10-28-2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 92px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmJnyKTdjI/AAAAAAAAILg/j47FES7fk8k/s200/Trail%2BMarshall%2BMesa%2B10-28-2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537608533401630258" border="0" /></a><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Dirty Biz loop plus trails on west side of 93. 2:26 and just under 22 miles.</span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmJnV_DbfI/AAAAAAAAILY/UlKN5Gd74Gg/s1600/Trail%2BMarshall%2BMesa%2B10-28-2010%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmJnV_DbfI/AAAAAAAAILY/UlKN5Gd74Gg/s200/Trail%2BMarshall%2BMesa%2B10-28-2010%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537608525838249458" border="0" /></a><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">About 1200 feet of climbing on the loop. Not much at all which means faster speeds and ability to push a little on the short climbs. Back side of Spring Brook loop is highest point.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-54006291151026998822010-11-09T10:46:00.002-07:002010-11-09T10:53:29.619-07:00Longmont to Heil MTB ride 10312010!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHNsdMUtI/AAAAAAAAIKQ/QoPvywbDwro/s1600/IMG_6450.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHNsdMUtI/AAAAAAAAIKQ/QoPvywbDwro/s200/IMG_6450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537605886170387154" border="0" /></a>A nice sunrise off the greenway in Longmont. Good start to a stellar day.</div><div style="text-align: center;" id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div class="gphoto-photocaption"><div class="goog-inline-block"><div tabindex="0" style="-moz-user-select: none;" role="button" title="" class="goog-inline-block goog-flat-button lhcl_fakelink gphoto-photocaption-edit">edit</div><div tabindex="0" style="-moz-user-select: none;" role="button" title="" class="goog-inline-block goog-flat-button lhcl_fakelink"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/s/v/68.15/img/transparent.gif" class="SPRITE_trash" title="Delete caption" alt="Delete caption" /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHNxIck8I/AAAAAAAAIKY/9PvRz-_KqSc/s1600/IMG_6452.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHNxIck8I/AAAAAAAAIKY/9PvRz-_KqSc/s200/IMG_6452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537605887425549250" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHOMhdBpI/AAAAAAAAIKg/v1-uZoPXrIc/s1600/IMG_6453.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHOMhdBpI/AAAAAAAAIKg/v1-uZoPXrIc/s200/IMG_6453.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537605894778193554" border="0" /></a><span style="" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Golden hills.</span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHOIuUSrI/AAAAAAAAIKo/HJteTuKWmow/s1600/IMG_6454.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHOIuUSrI/AAAAAAAAIKo/HJteTuKWmow/s200/IMG_6454.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537605893758405298" border="0" /></a><span style="" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Some where on Oxford between 49th and 41st maybe?</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHZJ2TJbI/AAAAAAAAILA/cSCJX5BBi00/s1600/IMG_6461.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHZJ2TJbI/AAAAAAAAILA/cSCJX5BBi00/s200/IMG_6461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537606083038881202" border="0" /></a>Back at the Ponderosa/Wapiti loop junction on our way back home.</div><div style="text-align: center;" id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div class="gphoto-photocaption"><div class="goog-inline-block"><div tabindex="0" style="-moz-user-select: none;" role="button" title="" class="goog-inline-block goog-flat-button lhcl_fakelink gphoto-photocaption-edit">edit</div><div tabindex="0" style="-moz-user-select: none;" role="button" title="" class="goog-inline-block goog-flat-button lhcl_fakelink"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/s/v/68.15/img/transparent.gif" class="SPRITE_trash" title="Delete caption" alt="Delete caption" /></div></div></div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHOq63HXI/AAAAAAAAIKw/o91KvllY7fY/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHOq63HXI/AAAAAAAAIKw/o91KvllY7fY/s200/IMG_6458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537605902937824626" border="0" /></a><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Oh, and then had tea again at the picnic bench off of Picture Rock! Did I say relaxed? Yep, the sun felt good here although the day never got very warm.</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHYlrpFJI/AAAAAAAAIK4/IUIYVgeso5U/s1600/IMG_6459.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHYlrpFJI/AAAAAAAAIK4/IUIYVgeso5U/s200/IMG_6459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537606073330504850" border="0" /></a><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Trusty steeds</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHZUFK_zI/AAAAAAAAILI/_V4OOuLfB-A/s1600/Running%2BLongmont%2BTo%2BHeil%2B10-31-2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 92px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHZUFK_zI/AAAAAAAAILI/_V4OOuLfB-A/s200/Running%2BLongmont%2BTo%2BHeil%2B10-31-2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537606085785616178" border="0" /></a><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Here was the ride. Started in Longmont and rode to Heil via Lefthand which ended up at just under 41 miles for me and I was back home by 12:57pm!! Steve rode from Boulder so may have been a bit longer for him. Hit the wapiti, ponderosa, wild turkey and Picture Rock trails. Super fun with great company. Thanks Steve for joining! </span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHZ3trNyI/AAAAAAAAILQ/JAng4688s7s/s1600/Running%2BLongmont%2BTo%2BHeil%2B10-31-2010%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmHZ3trNyI/AAAAAAAAILQ/JAng4688s7s/s200/Running%2BLongmont%2BTo%2BHeil%2B10-31-2010%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537606095350740770" border="0" /></a><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Days climbing. About 2500 feet total.</span> Stellar.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-51351636233883030092010-11-09T10:32:00.001-07:002010-11-09T10:32:59.158-07:00Buffalo Creek Ride 10242010<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmEhdkOrkI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/X1HlN-UAQKo/s1600/Trail%2BBuffalo%2BCreek%2BTrails%2B10-24-2010.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/photos/2Ys37mjHkc" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TMTCuhmrDHI/AAAAAAAAHhs/EDb75GEt-kY/s512/IMG_6423.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rode the newer Buffalo Burn trail. David taking in the scenery while trying to not have *too* much fun.<br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmDOpVarcI/AAAAAAAAIJo/VYGNU_Ltu50/s1600/IMG_6423.JPG"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmDOZU5MEI/AAAAAAAAIJg/VbxqtcLphHY/s1600/IMG_6429.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmDOZU5MEI/AAAAAAAAIJg/VbxqtcLphHY/s200/IMG_6429.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537601500168663106" border="0" /></a>David recovering his water after a bladder mishap, all in good spirits!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmDN_ITsGI/AAAAAAAAIJY/ZKC-h5llkzA/s1600/IMG_6432.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmDN_ITsGI/AAAAAAAAIJY/ZKC-h5llkzA/s200/IMG_6432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537601493136552034" border="0" /></a>Decision on the CT. There is such a spider web of trails that and they are all so fun, its hard to decide where to go!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmDNkJVjMI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/4XD0aFLNS0Y/s1600/IMG_6435.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmDNkJVjMI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/4XD0aFLNS0Y/s200/IMG_6435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537601485893110978" border="0" /></a>Ready for the Baldy Descent! Pure Goodness.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmEhrWf1yI/AAAAAAAAIKA/WuHqFF9IWgo/s1600/Trail%2BBuffalo%2BCreek%2BTrails%2B10-24-2010%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmEhrWf1yI/AAAAAAAAIKA/WuHqFF9IWgo/s200/Trail%2BBuffalo%2BCreek%2BTrails%2B10-24-2010%252C%2BElevation%2B-%2BDistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537602930936370978" border="0" /></a><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Lots of up and down, but very nice climbs.</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmEhdkOrkI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/X1HlN-UAQKo/s1600/Trail%2BBuffalo%2BCreek%2BTrails%2B10-24-2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmEhdkOrkI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/X1HlN-UAQKo/s200/Trail%2BBuffalo%2BCreek%2BTrails%2B10-24-2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537602927235870274" border="0" /></a>Here was our loop today. Just about 24 miles and about 2500ft of elevation.</div><div style="text-align: center;" id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div class="gphoto-photocaption"><div class="goog-inline-block"><div tabindex="0" style="-moz-user-select: none;" role="button" title="" class="goog-inline-block goog-flat-button lhcl_fakelink gphoto-photocaption-edit">edit</div><div tabindex="0" style="-moz-user-select: none;" role="button" title="" class="goog-inline-block goog-flat-button lhcl_fakelink"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/s/v/68.15/img/transparent.gif" class="SPRITE_trash" title="Delete caption" alt="Delete caption" /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmEibQI4MI/AAAAAAAAIKI/zdST7cRN86A/s1600/BC_Trail_Map.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNmEibQI4MI/AAAAAAAAIKI/zdST7cRN86A/s200/BC_Trail_Map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537602943794602178" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;" id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div class="gphoto-photocaption"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Trail network of BC. We parked off of 126 and 550 TH. Rode the CT down to Redskin Creek, Gashouse up to Baldy, down Baldy, FSR543 to Morrison Creek and up to Shinglemil<wbr>l, then across 550 to CT again and back to car.</span><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-36010218126661711412010-11-09T08:20:00.004-07:002010-11-09T08:25:18.817-07:00Did they say free?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNlnO-QdcYI/AAAAAAAAII8/bZZ4Z6v_5uM/s1600/IMG_4603.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f1N0VzM4Czs/TNlnO-QdcYI/AAAAAAAAII8/bZZ4Z6v_5uM/s320/IMG_4603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537570723756601730" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Introduce "The Nation" Bluesky Velo tall boy socks! Thanks for making this happen at the meeting everyone. Look forward to meeting everyone and riding together this up coming 2011 Season. <br /><br />Come night ride this week! ;) John<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-28523882635988508552010-10-01T08:49:00.003-06:002010-10-01T08:50:29.405-06:00Not Going To Stop<p>Be sure to read KBK's post below this one, if you live in Boulder county, I believe it is important.</p><p>--------------<br /></p><p>Heart slamming in my chest, sight greyed out beyond 50ft with pin hole vision starting to creep in, legs and lungs were searing but now are silent – I think the nerves signaling pain overheated and had to shut down for a bit. Pick myself up off the ground and start to run with my bike, ditch coming up, jump the ditch, get back on my bike, pedal like heck, dart around flailing guy in front of me as he slips off his pedal. Look up to see next guy ~20ft ahead, head down and focus on getting more power out of legs that long ago realized complaining was fruitless, head up, hard corner to the left in soft dirt feeling the tires bite, start to slide, and bite again; put in more power. Sand section – shift weight back and hit the gas; feel the tires hop up on the surface and whole bike accelerate. Slight left hand turn on soft dirt off-camber section, ride lightly to not slip down into ditch. Exit soft dirt with 90 degree turn and back to the sand drag strip – I swear I need a turbo or something to get more air in my lungs; hang a hard right and keep accelerating. Log barriers coming up, line up to the left where the logs are a bit lower. Bam!!, dust everywhere, bike tires in the air, legs above heads – crash! Oh boy, I’m going way too fast and way too close; oooph, hit the dirt and see my bike careening off to the side. Get legs back up under me and look for bike; crack – sproing, oh man someone just broke some spokes! Find my bike……….. those were my spokes! barely done with the first lap and now my race is over?!!….</p> <p>Yep, cyclocross season is here!</p> <p>Backing up a bit to start closer to the beginning – I decided to start off my cyclocross racing season last Saturday at the first of the Boulder CX series races. I was pretty psyched all week for this race as it was at one of my favorite venues in Colorado, Xilinx! This course has lots of possibilities for technical riding with a lot of single track, sand, off-camber, dirt, grass, ditches, logs , stairs, pavement, and if it’s snowing or raining some great mud! Yesterday however was a dry sunny early fall day, luckily at the start of my race it was ~65F so it was comfortable without being too hot.</p> <p>For once I actually got in a good warm-up! I found quite a few surprises on a warm-up lap as the promoter found some ditches and other areas that we hadn’t raced on before, providing numerous areas for miscalculations and crashes (or seen from the other view point, many areas to pass other riders that aren’t ready). After previewing the course; I knew that I needed to be toward the front early in the race as the masses would get tied up behind crashes, causing some major splits in the group. I was also given some tips by a teammate as to where some of the major log jams would be and some tactics to help out (thank you Blue Sky!). Since I wasn’t likely to get a call up, this meant I needed to redline it with a full out sprint as much as possible from the start to get up the field.</p> <p>At the lineup before the start, we all got a pleasant surprise in that most of those with a call up had upgraded (or not shown up) so instead of 7 -9 rows of racers called up, there are only 2.5 rows. Those that helped setup were next and then we filled in by race number. I lucked out and made it into row 4 of the start! I lined up to the right as the start was an uphill section of pavement that made a sweeping turn to the right before heading into the woods (had to have good position before here).</p> <p>As the whistle was blown, the guy in front of me barely went anywhere, so I was watching guy after guy going ahead on the left side, finally the road opened up and I took off with all I had. Made it from ~40th position into ~20th by the hop into the woods. The curbing there had a section of sandbags allowing an easier transition over a curb, however that was clogged with racers, so I took a line to the right and bunny hopped the curb, gaining a few places. Next was a short uphill of dirt to the left and then a right turn around a tree – the course narrowed a good bit here and three of us all locked shoulders to squeeze through, barely missing the tree; luckily no one panicked and we all stayed upright. Then hammer down to move up some more through a slight depression and come to a hard right dirt corner that leads downhill around another tree with a barrier at the exit of the turn. Lots of people were sketchy in their balance here and further down the hill; so I picked my bike up and shouldered it over the barrier, keeping the bike on the shoulder all the way down the hill and around the next corner to the bridge (Thanks for the tip John!). By doing that, I passed at least another 6 people. As I went to get back on my bike, I was hit right as I committed for the remount causing me to hit the back of my seat and land on my tire; oh boy, not a good way to start the first lap! As I extricated myself, I’m passed by at least 6 other racers, dangit!</p> <p>Ok, time to gather myself and stay in the race. As I got back on my bike there was a group of six of us all vying for a line through the trees in a nice s-turn single track section that barely fits two – I decided to let the guy right next to me go ahead and then followed his wheel, ensuring my position through the slot between two aspen trees. The course then darted out of the trees with a hard left turn that required us to hug the last tree to hit a path of grass, or fly out on a concrete sidewalk and be forced to slow down. As the turn exited, we were faced with an uphill climb of ~50ft that is ~8ft tall, then another left turn in loose dirt and then an uphill right hand turn in the Aspens with a barrier in the middle of the climb requiring another carry of the bike. Once we got over the barrier and topped the hill, there was a loose dirt ditch that the course went diagonally though; its rideable, but if you miss the line, then you are going down. I chose to ride it and made the line, allowing me to pass some more. I was starting to feel the effects of my effort here as the pain in my lungs and legs was starting to go numb.</p> <p>The course made a slight right onto a ridgeline with course tape to the left and a soft dirt embankment to the right; all of a sudden dust was everywhere and the people in front of me were stopping, so I decided to try my luck on the off camber embankment. Turns out the side is too loose of dirt and I tumbled off my bike quickly, then barely scrambled back up to the course at the end of the ridgeline. The course then exited the forested area with a slight left-hander down a grassy, bumpy hill and onto a driveway. Somehow after all this, I was still around the top 20!</p> <p>Rather than providing a break, the driveway and following parking lot were really a drag race to go absolutely all out (like we haven’t been doing that already!) and get good position for the run onto a quasi grassy dirt lot . The bumps here were of the magical variety – hit them with speed and you skip across the top of the bumps and are able to accelerate; hit them slowly and all of your speed is sucked out of you worse than hitting quicksand. After the lot was a small bridge over a ditch and then a sweet downhill path of crushed red rock that flows back and forth beautifully; this part rips! On the exit of the path is dirt single track that flows nicely down a small hill and then across a rise and around a tree to the left (hug the tree tight as there is a concrete culvert if you swing wide), then a hard right and down into the sage grass. All of this section was a dream! I had ridden this section many time before and knew it well, allowing me to rest a bit while sticking to the wheel of those working much harder in front of me.</p> <p>The course then did a couple nearly 160degree turns in the field grass with an exit across a ditch, another great place to gain position as one line was very ride-able and that line was open for me! After a couple more corners we hit a double ditch section that was evil – fast run up then corner to the right to a ditch that looks ride able, but rarely was for me and then a second ditch that could swallow an entire bike; I chose the conservative way and ran both of them. Then there was a hill in about 20feet, so you had to get on the bike quickly, power up the hill, down to the left and then come to the double ditches again. For some reason I tried to ride the first one and superman’d over the handlebars – huh, didn’t really feel the impact; gotta love hypoxia! As I got back up and grab my bike – that’s where I was at the point of the intro to this post..</p> <p>….circling back to where we left off..</p> <p>Dangit – I have a wheel that is non-ride able, a mouth full of dirt, my eyes are still crossed from the effort (which way does the course go again?) and I’m about three quarters a mile of a soft dirt and heavily weeded course from the pit where my spare wheel is. No chance of wining for sure, heck chances of top 20 much less top 50% are gone, is anything other than a DFL (dead fracken last) possible? Son of a monkey; my race is over…..</p> <p>Wait – I entered this race to race and I’m going to race! I raced duathlons this spring and summer and have been wishing for a bike -run-bike version; guess I got my wish – just didn’t really envision it in soft dirt, carrying a bike with spokes that occasionally stick my thigh and carbon cycling shoes that aren’t really the best for running in. Oh well, beggars can’t be choosers – So I picked up my bike, put it on my shoulder, and started to run. For some extra motivation, I had some Ozzy Osborne playing in my head; “I don’t want to stop” and “never going to stop”, I’ve used those before during hard sections of duathlons, so it fit here. Metal goes well with cyclocross, especially hard stuff with a lot of distortion, it kinda mimics the brain with hypoxia…ok, well, enough of that tangent, and back to the race..</p> <p>I had to do some cross country running to stay out of the way of those that were actually still riding their bikes in this <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">bike</span></em> race. After what seemed like 20 minutes, I came to the final switchback before the pavement stretch to the pits – here a course marshal took pity on me and instructed me to cut the last switchback and head straight to the pit. Small victory, though the last guy in the race was already close to a quarter mile ahead of me.</p> <p>After getting my spare front wheel on, I head back out on the course; riding my bike (novel idea, I know)! As I’m going up the pavement, I see the back end of the race heading down the hill on that sweet red crushed path; that makes me roughly a half lap behind. Oh well, head down and race my race – bad situation as I don’t have others to push me, great situation as I get to pick my own lines and don’t have to deal with other’s bobbles. Several other racers are on the course warming up and all pull over nicely allowing me to continue my solo flogging session.</p> <p>Another pass by the pits and I hear three to go called out right as I spot another racer from my wave in front of me. I used that as more incentive to accelerate and am able to pick off a couple more by the time I head into the woods. At the back of the pack, the racers are pretty well spread out and with some heads up racing , I time it so I come on each next racer as I’m able to pass so I can take all my lines through the technical sessions and not worry about another crash.</p> <p>The lead racer passes me right before the logs where I crashed and had to start my run. I had hoped to hold them off, but considering how long I had to run, I’m ok with being a lap down. For the next lap, two more from the lead group pass me, but I hold it at that and hang with them all the way around. I finished the race in 84th out of 96th. (official results showed 86, but chip showed 84??)</p> <p>I’m actually pretty dang happy with my placing; by all rights, I had every reason to call it a race and quit, but I decided that I wasn’t going to stop and fought my way back to the field and even up the field some; none of the terrible D's (DNS, DNF, DFL) for me!</p> <p>As I sat in the grass eating a Belgian waffle covered in Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut butter (umm, recovery food), my body started regaining sensation. Oh, ouch – apparently I had cuts and scrapes all over, some bloody and some not; a couple good bruises forming; dirt still in my mouth, sand in my hair, and one heck of a dirt tan making some of the still trickling blood a very dark shade of reddish brown. Just about every muscle is sore and a few joints are getting stiff as I sit here with a big ol’ dumb grin on my face. I realize how much fun it was and ride the exercise induced high that is flowing pretty good by now.</p> <p>Yup, it’s cyclocross season, and I love it!</p><p>-Ben S.<br /></p>Ben Saundershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14263958351588332414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-53399468509157406262010-09-29T15:38:00.003-06:002010-09-29T17:01:02.880-06:00Fighting the Good Fight...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlKLNxopSafS9pSGC51eaAYk-DOlC2HPwYOm6zyAH7drYBOhNpW-yUBKGB2XWXGrLpTBd3QO4ycP4A53LQ2_dBcDjJSk1fEHs6L3Rmr_1idW4DZ1g3HRYi9ND0CZFcnrNcVphZoHlXG1R/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jonathanpease.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/what-would-fonzie-do.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 396px;" src="http://www.jonathanpease.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/what-would-fonzie-do.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />It's been far too long since I last posted on the Blue Sky Blog. It's been a really crazy busy time for me (and I'm guessing for many of you cyclists out there spinning your wheels). I guess better than creating a lousy summary statement of what's been going on in my not too terribly thrilling, broken bone prone life, I thought I would bring up something important to me about cycling here in Boulder County.<div><br /></div><div>In my secret life, when I'm not sporting the red, white, blue and black attack of my BSV kit, I live a dark underlife of suspense and intrigue as a board member for BMA (Boulder Mountainbike Alliance - yes, I know "Mountainbike" should be two words, and yes, I have tried to change it, but the forces that be have thwarted my attempts many a time until I caved). </div><div><br /></div><div>This part really isn't that important. It's what I learned in my book "how to write humorous blogs and what to do when you're just not funny" is called "background". Ahem, as I was, I am serving on the board of BMA. What is BMA? Well, if you weren't aware, it's the mountain bike advocacy organization for Boulder County. That means that people who are members of BMA build trails (when the government (from here forward, know as "the Man") says they can) and talk to all of the people who make the decisions about where trails are and what they are used for to try to get more riding trails. </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, I promise, we're almost to the important stuff here... crack another cold one, or if you are riding your bike and reading this on your iPhone (oh please say it ain't so), shift into a really high gear and grunt for a second. </div><div><br /></div><div>This year has been personally tough for me. I have had a lot of setbacks and I have had to challenge myself some days just to get up and get going. I have worked my booty off trying to start a civilized conversation with some people who simply do not wish to discuss what the future of cycling in Boulder is going to be like. </div><div><br /></div><div>My background is in both ecology (MA in Biogeography, BS in Ecology) and Business (MBA in Sustainable Business). I feel strongly that if we are going to move into a future that is free of fossil fuel (most people now seem to think that this is an inevitable as the smell of Greely on a warm day) we need to plan on a lot more people on bikes. Also, I see kids these days riding the wii instead of a BMX bike. Needless to say their increasing backsides still don't cushion well against those boxy controllers when they try to mount them and that people who don't get out into nature don't really appreciate it.</div><div><br /></div><div>My work this summer has been trying to get trails that allow people to ride from town to out of town, but still be in open space. It's been really hard. I had to wear dress pants and a nice shirt a few times - that's how hard was (although I did wear spandex underneath to stay in touch with my true nature - and for some extra support which is always nice on a rough day). I spoke a bunch of times to people who would listen and even more times to people who wouldn't listen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the important part... really...</div><div><br /></div><div>There are several issues coming to a head right now in the Boulder area that deal directly or indirectly with biking and I really could use the support of our "Nation".</div><div><br /></div><div>First, the County Ballot Issue 1B. You've probably heard something about this already unless you don't read the Daily Camera or Longmont Times-Call (have to say I can't blame you if you don't - man, the public comments make me cry). </div><div><br /></div><div>Basically, the County has used up it's money to buy and do cool stuff with open space. If you're like me, you're probably thinking stuff along the lines of, "Dang, I lost my job this year and I haven't been able to find more than a few hours of tutoring to pay for a new set of tubular wheels. Why the heck do I want to pay more money for open space?" Well, you might not be quite as underemployed as me, but I'm sure you get the idea. </div><div><br /></div><div>But, here's the deal: I talked with the head honcho at County Open Space (aka "the Man" Open Space) - Ron Stewart, and he said that one of the main targets of this dough would be to purchase a place called Gold Hill Open Space. You might recognize the name as it's been damaged by the Fourmile Fire. They have to get this land from another government agency and as part of the deal THEY HAVE TO PUT IN TRAIL ACCESS. This area would be like another Hall Ranch only further up in the mountains and it would be open for hiking, biking, bird watching and probably lolligagging. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other big thing that they want to get ahold of us a property along Hwy 36. The current owners can't afford to keep it and it's zoned so that it could be more than 250 homes. If you ride 36 and look off to the east between Nelson and St. Vrain Rds., you are looking at "the Leukonen Property". The County is trying to pick this place up. If they get it, several things are going to happen. 1) There won't be a huge bunch of homes, 2) The Man has said that putting in a "regional connector path" is a possibility, and 3) the land will stay in agricultural or ecological use in perpetuity (sorry if you were hoping for a new Wendy's on your riding route). Also, if you live in Longmont, this is an area that would change your view from rolling hills in front of the foothills into homes in front of the foothills.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wonder where this is? Click on this link: http://goo.gl/maps/YX9s</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a view of the area looking from Hwy 36. http://goo.gl/maps/qAeu</div><div><br /></div><div>I am reaching out to you, the Blue Sky Nation, and asking you to support cycling through this ballot initiative. If you spend $100, you only pay a tax of 15 cents (that means that if you spend $10 on a burrito and a beer you could plunk down one penny and then with your massive strength, cut another one in half and leave that behind and it's what you'd pay for this tax). Heck, if you threw down some massive cash and got a shiny new Yugo for $10,000, you'd only be paying $15 for open space. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do feel strongly that Boulder County has become so beautiful because we have done well in preserving our land. Our quality of life an property values reflect that (for reference, feel free to drive to Brighton to our east and check it out). Seeing the Leukonen Property turned into homes, I feel, would be a blight on an otherwise wonderful scenic ride along 36 (especially now that they've covered the chip seal with tar). </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, if you vote for it and come tell me, I'll give you a beer. No joking. No kidding. I'll give you a beer (or a soda pop or fruit drink beverage bag with a straw if you are a teetotaler). Really, you could even lie if you want to and I'd drink a beverage with you and I'd be cool with it. Believe me, I really need to relax after this summer. Just come tell me next time you see me and I'll get you a cold one. Honest. Think of the economics! One beer is about $1.50. That means that I just covered all the tax you would have to cough up for $1,000 worth of purchases! </div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't believe in this proposition, I understand. My only request is that we can all be in a state of Fonziness* and not be mean to each other!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>* Fonziness - being like or of the Fonz. Cool. See Arthur Fonzarelli. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fonzie</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and if you've read this far and just wanted something that didn't have to do with local politics, here is a video clip I took of a Bull Snake doing an impression of a Rattlesnake. Bull Snakes aren't poisonous, but their way of scaring of predators (or skittish hikers) is to imitate a Rattler - complete with shaking tail. But, unlike their poisonous cousins, the rattle noise comes from some tricky breathing, not rattles on the tail.</div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy16Fq6Q9joXW4gVumvBVko2MQALb70o5oWc7RQkQGbJeN4KO6PKi3NriWPMuII2a-6qhkcZa9ItbyTkG0tDQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlKLNxopSafS9pSGC51eaAYk-DOlC2HPwYOm6zyAH7drYBOhNpW-yUBKGB2XWXGrLpTBd3QO4ycP4A53LQ2_dBcDjJSk1fEHs6L3Rmr_1idW4DZ1g3HRYi9ND0CZFcnrNcVphZoHlXG1R/s400/IMG_0118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522472683203130130" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div>Oh, and here is a picture of some of the rangers and staff from around the state of Colorado at a an open space conference I went to a couple weeks ago. We all went out and rode the Centennial Cone (in Jeffco). Most of them really kicked butt - even in their silly ranger duds! So, one bit of advice - if you are on the trail, unlikely you could outrun the Man! :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously though, they were really nice and had lots of great things to say about riding around the Front Range!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hup Hup everyone!</div><div><br /></div><div>KBK</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>KBKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04077244771937157641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-39021335733520569292010-09-11T15:39:00.016-06:002010-09-11T16:35:46.838-06:00CX Clinic 2 - Amy Dombroski rocks!First off, let me just get this out there ..... Amy Dombroski (no 'W'!!) is our new BFF.<br /><br />Once again Amy offered up a great cyclocross clinic today, as only she can. The weather was perfect with not a cloud in the sky. Mad props also to Paul McCarthy for getting the gang together and organizing.<br /><br />Come on people, wake up! Its time to get crossy ! Here Paul has his hand up because Amy asked who's a brown-noser.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVdZHeUBpqxwuTrBnN_ve4HG1ygvAii8uVzzQZKSngeBmrMAo6ZwAa2KO36nFZksnLs5O1CDzEHGZCeT00mXTv6SYRHVQzLUS1NM5gpBCjLEgBZqbwi2kUobvVAvhztpyEW4-_7Gl7ir_/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVdZHeUBpqxwuTrBnN_ve4HG1ygvAii8uVzzQZKSngeBmrMAo6ZwAa2KO36nFZksnLs5O1CDzEHGZCeT00mXTv6SYRHVQzLUS1NM5gpBCjLEgBZqbwi2kUobvVAvhztpyEW4-_7Gl7ir_/s400/IMG_3024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515776075865516882" border="0" /></a><br />It was a great turn out today ....... and a new location out at Redstone Park in east Longmont. It was off the hook at the park with football games and soccer, but we found some un-used nooks and crannies to get our game on.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXBMV1zWjSe9ExbMqa2PaNBJrOH812P_nxFu2GroSniVAi97CAl-uXh5Xj9F4zPnh3v5K1KE92keupMXoRtJdDPEho4evO_OtukS10PtHfzgJ1Udu3ZCP2d7Cd35f18kV_1AyIampdZ9S/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXBMV1zWjSe9ExbMqa2PaNBJrOH812P_nxFu2GroSniVAi97CAl-uXh5Xj9F4zPnh3v5K1KE92keupMXoRtJdDPEho4evO_OtukS10PtHfzgJ1Udu3ZCP2d7Cd35f18kV_1AyIampdZ9S/s400/IMG_3025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515776083499397314" border="0" /></a><br />It was great.... young and old, first timers and old hats... Amy dished up something for us all.<br />It was great to see some old friends .... love how CX will bring us all out of the woodwork.<br /><br />Amy's great with working with people at all levels.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9h7gVyTFegXrgKKYhkQKgaxdWMHgVgOuTQ70ofcdHkcmCvEkU-LxOWImEWfB6ovDNpN-O4vCR0H2P1Qgw6s8Kvv-7TuaLqNgtbRsnFaDIaE5U9Ag8sCm_zfB3MaCDIdxpF8Il_5umHVC/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9h7gVyTFegXrgKKYhkQKgaxdWMHgVgOuTQ70ofcdHkcmCvEkU-LxOWImEWfB6ovDNpN-O4vCR0H2P1Qgw6s8Kvv-7TuaLqNgtbRsnFaDIaE5U9Ag8sCm_zfB3MaCDIdxpF8Il_5umHVC/s400/IMG_3028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515776115366827458" border="0" /></a>Skillz, skillz, and more skillz. Practice makes perfect people!! "Your skills don't thrill, need to do drills!" Lots of drills. On the bike, off the bike. Pick up the bike, put down the bike. Pedal fast, stop and turn around stuff. Ride your bike, lay down in the shade ... oops that last one wasn't one of them. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Find something that works for you - then perfect it!"</span> She makes it sound so easy.<br /> <br />In this picture you can almost see the cloud of knowledge flowing out of her head into ours.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxX7yTHY3Bmn70qmQidRbAspzibNeuoggCMMwUH2JafxMTpTs7a5rM_7hXZxaapjPL7esZJeEEfrQK_XFP5nqY5Rc4zU2HkA6zcEiPoSTR4uDycAiem-OEMpSRa1j53VooSOLr1ZCGWUv/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxX7yTHY3Bmn70qmQidRbAspzibNeuoggCMMwUH2JafxMTpTs7a5rM_7hXZxaapjPL7esZJeEEfrQK_XFP5nqY5Rc4zU2HkA6zcEiPoSTR4uDycAiem-OEMpSRa1j53VooSOLr1ZCGWUv/s400/IMG_3027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515776094957061906" border="0" /></a><br />Here's she's saying "I saw Dave dancing with his bike like this.."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEfwndILPEQGtexDSz5XNpse8uAWxocb7Kd5RmwHu7pk-ePENMQtjFXJhoFP9F-Y-z7I2D8V2ZmV-3Lsofiva7WnaaosOxGS7M3Fz06Wvk69cWXa2dAjDED7B1eejuNAt8c_lYfiyeRdM/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEfwndILPEQGtexDSz5XNpse8uAWxocb7Kd5RmwHu7pk-ePENMQtjFXJhoFP9F-Y-z7I2D8V2ZmV-3Lsofiva7WnaaosOxGS7M3Fz06Wvk69cWXa2dAjDED7B1eejuNAt8c_lYfiyeRdM/s400/IMG_3026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515776091687556578" border="0" /></a><br />Its great to get the full knowledge of someone who's raced at the highest level, all over the world. And its great because she's so down to earth and grounded.<br />Anyone else see the theme in these shots that she's the only one tough enough to hang out in the sun while we all cower in the shade ?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc2HqnXo8YQsvy3JlofVYJTxQDZmNMBhPtmi8k3ZvLi9rwkbPprZyW3yOO2BnOSPTDG7oSU_F8QDDvLU7DEurbOQNbUSBFOhBZ9oDA6bLdE2NRB8qvdMsgT4dxzGxI6ctlRqI5fP3sWUS/s1600/IMG_3031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc2HqnXo8YQsvy3JlofVYJTxQDZmNMBhPtmi8k3ZvLi9rwkbPprZyW3yOO2BnOSPTDG7oSU_F8QDDvLU7DEurbOQNbUSBFOhBZ9oDA6bLdE2NRB8qvdMsgT4dxzGxI6ctlRqI5fP3sWUS/s400/IMG_3031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515779210089468978" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://crosspropz.com/">CrossPropz</a> portable barriers put the icing on the cake!! Thanks to Paul for bring an entire gaggle of them!! It helps so much to have those sweet break-aways (or we'd all have cut shins!). Doing tons of mounts and dismounts sure got my heart rate up, and showed I still have a few off-season cobwebs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81ZvzrVKTIJ5WMnjvUpZ9bmJdUDPwUlptH3zMqx77L162gALXfOyVHtDZnEahuEa3uYPyzpHYeg9evyi-4SzQbT60hKBrCfWuVLtvHtc2MjT1QyU6Ob5hEgUdbCWjys6AG7SZnC2lvlFV/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81ZvzrVKTIJ5WMnjvUpZ9bmJdUDPwUlptH3zMqx77L162gALXfOyVHtDZnEahuEa3uYPyzpHYeg9evyi-4SzQbT60hKBrCfWuVLtvHtc2MjT1QyU6Ob5hEgUdbCWjys6AG7SZnC2lvlFV/s400/IMG_3029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515779201041052274" border="0" /></a><br />So after lunch, after too many chocolate chip cookies, it was GAME ON! Relay fast starts happened. Then "last man standing". Then ... the dreaded ... hot laps. All riders mano a mano. Each lap the slowest one heads to the shade to chill and heckle, while everyone else keeps going until there's only 3 people left. Oh my I guess I have some work to do on my fitness!!!!<br /><br />Unfortunately, she forgot to go over the "don't make contact with the ground with your head" rule early enough, and we had one small casualty. I won't name names but luckily the skull in question is a thick one :-) Feel better ________!!!!<br /><br /><b>"Remember People, don't be a SQUARE! Cyclocross Rulz! Get crossy!" **<br /></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSlAs1kPvWk5kDgMubaWmBUFfHBSUzvVDPtN24WofmNm11i7-r69xN9XW2OkiRm30lmx4usSJlT8RPvfacy0nSFI6NvjPs_5sL8nZvjMx0ngoN5U1R4GsIJe7SakJN-y-caaU5hfBerl4/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSlAs1kPvWk5kDgMubaWmBUFfHBSUzvVDPtN24WofmNm11i7-r69xN9XW2OkiRm30lmx4usSJlT8RPvfacy0nSFI6NvjPs_5sL8nZvjMx0ngoN5U1R4GsIJe7SakJN-y-caaU5hfBerl4/s400/IMG_3032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515779226795155474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">** Not actual quote from Amy, she's not that dorky</span><br /><br />To follow Amy D. or find out more about her, go to her <a href="http://www.amydombroski.com/amy/index.php">website!!<br /></a><br />ps. quick shout out to Steve Capstick who could not attend, .... we were going to have him on the jumbo-tron via satellite uplink to monitor us ... we couldn't get a live feed :-)Turkey Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613641238471987054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-343718181190180562010-09-07T10:42:00.008-06:002010-09-07T12:54:18.300-06:00Steamboat Stage Race - Race Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflIN45feWFw9c5IU5yaSj40yeVXeXgVxYngVcQLblprTKyhAAox6r17fNmNc0-MLPkwJxQIw2tfgIDkDlIs6SLGwro1q0C6-Z45_OIV4NZ7yhmWB3x9vo_LTcOp13Us7EGuQbMEIcnrV9/s1600/Crit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflIN45feWFw9c5IU5yaSj40yeVXeXgVxYngVcQLblprTKyhAAox6r17fNmNc0-MLPkwJxQIw2tfgIDkDlIs6SLGwro1q0C6-Z45_OIV4NZ7yhmWB3x9vo_LTcOp13Us7EGuQbMEIcnrV9/s320/Crit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514231331540368002" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>First, I would like to thank all of you that were giving me words of encouragement over the last week for this race. It meant a lot and I really appreciate it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I used to live in Steamboat, so this was a special race for me. I have never done a stage race before, so I was a bit nervous going into this. I didn't know how I would hold up over the 4 days of racing. I have been feeling pretty good lately, so I had set some high expectations for myself which added to my nervousness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>My Goals:</div><div>1) Put as much time into the skinny guys in the TT as I could.</div><div>2) Don't get dropped</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Prologue-</b></div><div>The opening prologue was a fairly short rolling 10k that did an out and back along the Yampa river and then finished with a short climb up Mt. Werner Circle. I was fairly confident going into this one as I can usually do well in a TT. I went as hard as I could and ended up 6th overall (22 seconds down). Not a bad way to start the weekend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Marabou Circuit Race-</b></div><div>Marabou Ranch is a private community and is not open to the public except for this race and one of the town challenge mountain bike races. I had never been there before and there was no elevation profile posted, so I had no idea what to expect. I knew there was a climb, but I had no idea how steep or long it was. I was able to park pretty close to the course and I was watching other racers laboring up the hill to the start/finish. I don't pretend to be a climber, so at the last minute ditched the 11-25 for the 11-28 I bought for the Centurion. Good call there as I would later find out. On tap was 6 and a half laps of a 4.5 mile loop. The first lap was fairly mellow while the group scouted the course. With each lap, the pace seemed to increase a bit. The first few laps hurt and I found myself really having to dig to stay in contact over the climb and then descend like a banshee to catch back on again. The descent was really fun. The roads were perfect and you could really hang it out if you wanted to. The last few laps felt a bit better and I was still in the front on the final lap. On the final climb, all hell broke loose though and I lost a few seconds. 14th on the day and I dropped from 6th to 9th on the G.C. Still pretty happy that I was able to hang with the leaders though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a short video from the local paper. You can get a bit of a feel for the course.</div><a href="http://www.steamboatpilot.com/videos/2010/sep/04/2073/">http://www.steamboatpilot.com/videos/2010/sep/04/2073/</a><div><br /></div><div><b>Road Race-</b></div><div>When I used to live here, I did have a road bike, but it got limited use due to the world class Mountain Biking Steamboat has. My knowledge of the Road course was pretty limited, so I didn't really know what I was in for. Ignorance is bliss as they say. On race morning, I felt okay. A little stiff from the circuit race, but not too bad. The weather report said it was going to be windy, but I had no idea what was in store. It is never windy in Steamboat, so I didn't pay much heed. My race time was at 12:20 and as the morning progressed it was starting to get "Boulder Windy". At the start, the wind was blowing really hard. It was going to be a long day. A big thanks to Eric Scroger for wishing me luck at the start! The pace started out like all cat 4 road races. Pretty manageable for the first half of the race. The biggest issue was the wind. Guys that were rolling the deep dish wheels were all over the road. There was no where to hide either. You would get in a good spot and then the road would turn and you would be taking the brunt of it. It seemed like we had been riding a long time already when I looked at my computer an we had only done 15 miles. uh oh. Finally, we approached the turnaround/feedzone area and it was chaos with everyone trying to get more water. One guy in the pack asked if negative humidity was possible. The moisture was literally being sucked from us! As I fumbled around trying to get a bottle in my jersey pocket, the pack was not slowing down. I had to bury myself to try and catch back on and then there was a big acceleration climbing out of there (see profile below) that spit me out. I had a bit of company though and 4 of us worked together all the way back in. We kept picking off guys that were getting spit out along the way, so we were going at a good pace. Still, 4 can't keep pace with the main group in that wind. I was just happy I had some guys to work with. The last 2 climbs were brutal. I just wanted to be done. I ended up losing 11 minutes and change. My G.C. hopes were done.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPT12mL0m0OLX6hV0c_vptsjYTZZM-spV-z5jSFGITlOI6S_YAJgQJYFuG5zH0WVR0L5083E8nX1IpQ81ZGD-xMSDURgaS7J1P9BfSPfSofmvZKKsGZ0L1y51c99afOmPgwj8PS_Jd4Kk/s320/RRProfile.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 88px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514226896081433026" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Downtown Criterium-</b></div><div>My start time was at 8 am on Monday and the temps were supposed to be near freezing. When I woke up, it was in the low 40s but still a bit breezy. No problem though. Downtown, you are sheltered from the wind and I like it when it is cool. A little embrocation and I was good to go. The group was a bit smaller today. Either some guys decided to get a jump on traffic or the buzzards got them in the Road Race. The Crit was really fun. There was a bit of a power climb up 4th Street and then a long decent all the way down Pine. For the whole race, I felt pretty comfortable at the front. It was going to be about position at the end. On the last lap, I thought I was in a good spot coming into the last corner. However, someone cut the corner in front of me and I had to hit the brakes or be taken out. It was now a drag race all the way up Oak street. I passed quite a few guys, but the gap that opened coming around the corner was too much to make up. I ended up 9th on the day and 20th on G.C. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is another video with some crit footage.</div><div><a href="http://www.steamboatpilot.com/videos/2010/sep/06/2074/">http://www.steamboatpilot.com/videos/2010/sep/06/2074/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, it was a great event and I would for sure do it again. Hopefully, next year we can get the crew up there for a strong BSV showing.</div>Derek Teuscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02395798773023275297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-66015952233080581292010-08-25T15:31:00.000-06:002010-08-25T15:35:58.200-06:00If gazelles could talkTuesday evening, 4 intrepid soles and I joined Kirk and Eric of TriKirk Coaching (www.trikirkcoaching.com) for a running clinic at Skyline High School in Longmont. They started us out by describing the various stages we go through as we progress from walking to jogging to running and how those different activities ingrain bad mechanics in our running style that make us slow and injury prone. On the track infield they led us through a progression of 5 simple drills to help us learn various aspects of good form. After that, while we practiced as a group running around the track, they met with us one-on-one for personal coaching. We ran a little ways, received tips on things to focus on, and ran again until we got it dialed in. The drills were simple to do and easy to remember so we can incorporate them into our workouts as needed to focus on various aspects of our form.<br /><br />During various points in the clinic, Kirk and Eric would demonstrate good style to give us concrete examples of what to shoot for. We often use the term ‘buttuh’ to describe something super smooth but that doesn’t even begin to describe how these two guys run. Absolutely fluid and effortless. What was most inspiring, was that they both got to this point after earlier points in their careers where they had the same running flaws we all go through like over striding, heel striking, and the injuries those create.<br /><br />Later that night, after riding home from the clinic, my whole body from my hips down was absolutely screaming at me. I knew I had asked my muscles to operate in a mode it wasn’t used to but I wasn’t prepared for how sore and out of sorts I felt. But then the most amazing thing happened, next morning I woke up absolutely pain free. My body was initially traumatized by the new motions, but everything we did in the clinic emphasized good style such that I had none of the normal next day soreness. Sorry Advil, I won’t be needing you today.<br /><br />So to our initial premise, yes gazelles can not only talk, they can be very gifted coaches and instructors as well. If you are not 100% happy with your running form, give these guys a call, they can get you on a path to the best running you’ve ever done.<br /><br />Kevin Graboski<br />Blue Sky VeloKevin Graboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15765030787590282637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000880134481886363.post-73291542830828215122010-08-08T19:40:00.012-06:002010-08-09T08:13:34.524-06:00Stellar Cross Clinic August 7th, 2010It felt like summer to most folks this past Saturday in the 100 degree weather. But, to those <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">crossers</span> attending the 1st <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">BSV</span> cross clinic of 2010, we dreamed of fall breezes, cold rain, winter snow and knee deep mud. Let the cross training begin!<br /><br />Luna's Amy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dombroski</span> shared experience and tips for all kinds of cross riders whether a beginner or expert. Drs. Jen & Andy Harmon (yes they are married!) provided secret training stretching tips and Paul McCarthy brought the great barriers on behalf of CrossPropz for everyone to fly over during drills. If you missed it, definitely come to the next one! Here are a few pictures to wet your appeitite.<br /><br /><div align="center">'Bumpin' was Michelle's favorite Drill</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503231212058471778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb2E3GLPCZ99eV6r0jEvwiso-3DOCLg73kLfiH3HX5szDbU_Ers9f983Tn6PTT3VDd52gCTX-BB9iyGAQejLQyinEIWr4ngc89yDzQUOP_nELnOwNuTnIxo8pBXR_Bd56_ZwZF5FyADI/s400/IMG_2999.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503231202934169506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAG6CqREtXFoa_ttxi8UNN3v46vS_ywjFUeU4Rt9VU7QZ6xM9y-G4iSaRJvBZ9qq8f3fXBZkp9u3xMlkzr_ohyphenhyphen5JXz3EF3eLTkjLsjQzYyj8CQhXiGoBqRLThV4pyp0LytjceHT-cASHs/s400/IMG_2998.JPG" /> <p align="center">The entire crew (including our youngest cross racer - Derrick; excluding the photographer - Michelle)</p><p align="center">Amy tellin' it like it is after stretching<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503231195714651650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwGOJBHjuM7pCR4m1PCsoavOvLYzMUiJjEC3IhyphenhyphenG2JrNy0P4nnfKLIsszAz7N-iyju9ka2C6Ec_VntbSX1ALtQZBdCeWo26BLwNxWL-unjowTlk1T880LRUNL1OqXSXQhFoZIInbfvh0/s400/IMG_2990.JPG" />Who doesn't love a single speed with pink handlebar tape?</p><div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503229820362994194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydyJuq1BA85vt33q-Dxi4OHOW8TtcbxmxRbvpipKJsGPx3kkDGgXDTSvmQ-BA2iHsmnNV-5F8eBDOrpUBsnJSmmlKge2_nIpujqZSIy6L0a70Diy5hOm5Xx5qq5eq9sUX2r9zpcE-VTs/s400/IMG_2986.JPG" /><br />More of the crew<br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 401px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503229812516613570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU18DsLc6O42KqXqbPeX-ka4_frvuyfujdSGlRZQpiovMY67IbQfvG0J_aNgWEuS6hQryrhts3wZBiasEcz1L46bS_7SvQ1z9BEqc7v8O2gN0m0h_r1Xt4p3iiQ8OxamQohjmzDn1gkeA/s400/IMG_2984.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_we13TV1bFTd8_Hls7YcLtyUEhYEODWJVKpr6V1SVim7Uzkqsdw5sfw5AyT0Z-Ip-82fNXPOQfoDyooCDfkEo96Ff2-Y2-xGRePfMluv42trg22ZCjftfu9gei64qKhg51iR2Ho5IYM/s1600/IMG_2983.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503227361453490466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_we13TV1bFTd8_Hls7YcLtyUEhYEODWJVKpr6V1SVim7Uzkqsdw5sfw5AyT0Z-Ip-82fNXPOQfoDyooCDfkEo96Ff2-Y2-xGRePfMluv42trg22ZCjftfu9gei64qKhg51iR2Ho5IYM/s400/IMG_2983.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">Paul & Amy kicking off the clinic with an AD/CD bang</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Capstick holding back his excitement before jumping on the bikes<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyvglY-J0wdZCouhWd8smfAMCQ_j6EJ8MUhmXcRYCmjAoC_dXJG3PHAUZz2SpN2Rd9aHo3p3voJ7a_yypvuafCNzyt_MA-XgVZlWUjLx0pb773pI30STx1DHYnc0J9x4WH_hO8XE77KE/s1600/IMG_2982.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503227348320782898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyvglY-J0wdZCouhWd8smfAMCQ_j6EJ8MUhmXcRYCmjAoC_dXJG3PHAUZz2SpN2Rd9aHo3p3voJ7a_yypvuafCNzyt_MA-XgVZlWUjLx0pb773pI30STx1DHYnc0J9x4WH_hO8XE77KE/s400/IMG_2982.JPG" /></a> Some of the cross ladies<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPShOL0OietsUgOL0VSk9ghS2n8xPN-hu_NBpDMvM4izkTdrGqC4poKfTkhilkKFe2RPED6FPhFcXe8ywwpAK04AqHqpCsWOJ6aaKFLibkatyPYg6SnIVrgiLQr83yGHemcD8CVh8jtjE/s1600/IMG_2981.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503227340614259154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPShOL0OietsUgOL0VSk9ghS2n8xPN-hu_NBpDMvM4izkTdrGqC4poKfTkhilkKFe2RPED6FPhFcXe8ywwpAK04AqHqpCsWOJ6aaKFLibkatyPYg6SnIVrgiLQr83yGHemcD8CVh8jtjE/s400/IMG_2981.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div><br /><p></p><p>- Posted by Michelle Vercellino</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1