So once again the year is almost over, and holy crap did it fly by, and it is that time of year when people start to make plans for the future.... My plans are not as clear cut as most.  Other than a few registration plans for some epic races ( Leadville 100 and Dirty Kanza 200) I am leaning towards scaling things back in my life.  Take more time for me and not putting out so much effort to make everyone else happy.  I want to ride my bike. I want to rock climb. And as long as I can pay my bills along the way.  I should be happy.  Here is to the coming year and making life a little less crazy. Cheers!

R.I.D.

Who said that the tires on a road bike are too small?

R.I.D

Ever wonder what it would look like if your toothbrush had sex?  Enjoy.

Training for the North O!

Okay, so everyone who really knows me can attest that my dedication and follow through can sometimes fall off from time to time.  I participated in Dirty Kanza this year with hardly any training.  Gravel Worlds came and went faster than I anticipated and wasn't able to participate.  Now I am looking forward to the North O Rock Road Jackrabbit Hundy. 

With all that being said I have not ridden gravel since Dirty Kanza.  So I decided to hit the road to try and get in some kind of shape for the North O Hundy.  Three weeks ago started out riding my Redline 29er figuring train heavy, race light.  Played with fueling and messed around with a few setups to eliminate the issue that I had at DK with running out of water.  Also found out that rural Nebraska is actually quite pretty once you get off the interstate.  Feeling pretty confidante about what I have discovered.  Realistically I probably won't be first but at least DFL is a place.  Enjoy some snap shots I took along the way.

This is how I'm feeling today

And

R.I.D.

Best advertisement EVER.  Watch the chainrings.  Ouch!

R.I.D.

It had been a while since our last R.I.D. for one reason or another.  Here is an image that I feel has the essence of what the last few weeks have been like for me.

NEW Steed to the stable

Ok, so it has been a while since I have been active on the social grid, electronically or otherwise, but I have decided to come out of hiding and have a new toy to do it with.  It showed waaaaayyy earlier than I expected but I'm not complaining in the slightest.  I traded in the S-Works Single Speed and opted for something a little more versatile.  Hot off the presses!!  A 2011 Stumpjumper Hardtail 29er EVO.  Ten more millimeters of travel (100mm), still a 29er hardtail, alloy frame instead of carbon and I didn't go with a full drivetrain, only a 1x10, and my bike is only three pounds heavier than the s-works coming in at 24lbs. with cages and pedals.   Made some personal upgrades off the bat but I am super stoked to get a ride in.  Stupid Rain.  Here it is:

Marathon Category here I come!

R.I.D.

As if you needed a more clear description as to what your pet is thinking.....

R.I.D.

You really have to wonder why nobody caught this or if they did they decided to not say anything.....

I wonder what the basement looks like.