Ok ok, you have made your point. I have made a big, big mistake. In a previous post I said some harsh words about snowplow drivers. I am a grown man and I know when I have made a mistake. So please, please accept my deepest apology from the bottom of my heart. I really didn't mean it when I called you a dick. I especially didn't mean it when I gave you the the finger as I drove by.
I really appreciate all the work you do to clear our streets and make driving safe. The occasional snow bank is acceptable. I only ask that you try your hardest to pile the snow somewhere other than my driveway. I worked really hard to clear the driveway this morning only to come home this afternoon to this.
This photo makes it a little difficult to tell just what was left behind your massive snowplow truck. Here, maybe this is a better shot?
Is that clear enough? Whatever I did to make you upset I am truly sorry. Maybe next time your out and about you would like to stop in for a cup of coffee or some tea perhaps? I could even make you some hot chocolate if thats your flavor. I would even leave a thermos out front for you so you could continue the hard work in clearing our neighborhood streets. You just say the word. Leave me a comment and we will talk this out. I am confident we can come to an understanding.
As a measure of good gesture, I want you to know that I did not throw any snow into the street while I was clearing my driveway. I also cleared a path to the fire hydrant that is on the corner.
As you can see, I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart. Lets make up. My back can't take anymore. My body is shattered. Truce?
Winter has arrived and I know you guys are excited. Lots of snow to plow, piles to make, cars to cake with thick sludge, garbage cans to knock over, people to cuss at for driving too close, people to cuss at for parking their car on the street, coffee to drink, etc. Yay! Its a fun time. While I do appreciate all the work that you do to clear the roads lay the salt down (although my street seems to be LAST on your list) etc.
I have a small bone to pick with you. Last year I looked the other way when you piled snow on my park strip that was nearly 10 feet tall. Mind you there is a vacant lot right next door that you could pile snow on till your hearts content. But no, you just kept on piling. Normally this would not bother me, but the salt that you use kills the grass and all other living plants. This basically means that I have to re-sod my park strip every year. I am sure that you don't realize what a pain in the ass it is to scrape up dead grass, go to the yard store to get enough sod to lay on my park strip. Surely if you did you wouldn't be such an ass.
This year, you have taken it to a new level. It seems that you are just f&*^in with me now. Not only are you piling the snow on my park strip again but you have also been piling the snow in front of my driveway. Now I can appreciate the fact that you feel the need to give me a core workout but seriously, im not that fat. The first time I laughed. The 2nd time I laughed less, then you did it a 3rd time. I didn't laugh. I cussed. alot. This last storm was super heavy wet snow. My snowblower does not work well with slush. I think you know this. I came home last night to find a 3 ft snowbank in front of my driveway. Wet, heavy, slushy snow. After much work, I finally cleared my entry to my driveway. My back hurts, my arms hurt and Im pissed. Next time I see you, your gettin the finger instead of the neighborly wave I have been giving you.
After a nice ski day with Dug Friday (save that for another post) we went to dinner at Training Table. We went at 5 because I was starving! Anyways, I had to relieve myself so I went to the restroom and was confronted with this.
sorry bout the photo, I couldn't get it to rotate
Right off the bat when you open the door, if someone is at the urinal, you are violating a man code. Terrible. It felt awkward to pee knowing that at any moment the door would swing open, just missing you as they scoot by you to wait.
Terrible, just terrible. After reading several of Dugs posts about public/work bathrooms. I cant NOT go into a bathroom without noticing things that seem off. Thanks Dug!
Got an email from Dug yesterday saying that he was thinking of getting out this morning and wondered if I was interested. I emailed right back and said yes. I of course waited a few minutes so he wouldn't think I was overly excited. Truth is, I have been itching to get out and the timing just has not worked out over the last week or so. I know, a travesty, I haven't been skiin in a week or so. Conditions continue to be stable and that is always a good thing.
We started a little late due to the winter solstice and its still dark at 7. We met at the spot at 6 and made our way up to the top of LCC. Parked and watched a snowboarder dude roll right over Mikes ski tips. He hadnt put them on yet and they were just on the ground but still, really? Luckily they rolled over the flat parts and didnt do any damage. That would have been pretty sucky. We started our way up the Silver Creek headwall. This was a bit sketchy at times due to the slipperyness hidden just blow the fresh snow. We made our way to the top to take in what would be a pretty so, so few runs. Here's the up and a view shot.
Here we are ready to Harvest the goods. They all whored into my shot. Whores. Im in the meat in the sandwich here.
Looking straight into Silver Fork
Our fearless leader, photographer and guide.
Me after the climb, I mustered up a smile.
Some turns, it was all untouched.
Few more action pics here, here and dugs writeup. It was just a SO-SO day in the wasatch with Jamie, Dug, and Mike.
As good as the snow coverage has been this early in the year I couldn't find anyone to go skiing last weekend. I was going to get a workout in Sunday come hell or high water. I woke up and found the weather outside up top Suncrest to be rather pleasant. It was nearly 50 degrees. I sent Banks a text and said, hey we should get a road ride in. Banks waffled but made the appropriate decision within a matter of minutes. How perfect. It was a glorious ride. Temps were warm, I think we both overdressed. You can never be too warm as you roll down from Suncrest. The first few minutes are always the coldest of the ride. We got in a good hour and a half ride about 18 miles and I was home in time to watch the Cowboys game. Sunday glorious Sunday. His actual response was "F*ck it, I'm in" Im getting confused with the change in weather. Its going to be warm all week with no snow. Time for some bike rides I suppose.
Sorry bout the text, somehow it got screwed up and I couldn't fix it. Im an idiot.
I finally got Hannah up to Alta for the "ski free after 3" deal that they have for their small lift. This is perfect to get young kids out for some cheap thrills. Took us awhile to get up there since I left the backpack at home and had to turn around at the Draper roundabout. I'm forgetful at times. Anyways, she had a blast. I asked her at the end if she wanted to go 1 more time before they closed the lift and she replied, "I want to go 6 more times!" She's Hooked.
You might be saying to yourself, what? 5%? No Nate, its 10%. Well, some blessings come in other forms besides the 10% good mormons give back. In Utah blessings also come in the form of 5% powder. For those of you that dont know what the hell I am talking about, Utah powder is light. 5% is the amount of water in the snow. 5% means its light and fluffy and fast. 5% means your in for a very good day.
So, you may know that last Monday was my Birthday. The big 35. I had forgotten to ask for the day off but when Dug asked if I could go skiing I quickly responded with "I could make that work". So, we met up at LCC at noon with Sam, Steve W, Dug, and me. We made our way up Flagstaff and its many kickturns that I love so much. The skin track was slick that day. I was slipping a bit and thought it was just me but Dug said it was slick and Steve was havin a helluva time. Slow and steady was my pace. I didn't want to slide backwards so I wanted to be as sure as possible my footing before I put all my weight down. I'm gettin better on the kickturns. Anywhoo, the uphill was not the excitment of the day. The down was. We reached the top and Sam had some hot apple cider in a thermos that he thoughtfully shared with us. Damn, it was good. After that we had 2000+ feet of 20+ inches of classic 5% Utah smoke. Damn it was a good run.
After that we parted ways, I went home to change and get a shower. We piled in the car and made our way to my parents house for dinner. Lindy and Hannah made me a homemade cake from a box and it had crumbled butterfingers on top. It was good too! My mom had my favorite ice cream Mint Chocolate Chip with a slice of cake. Best Birthday yet! Thanks to Mom, Lindy, Hannah, Dug, Sam, Steve and mother nature for a great day.
My 2nd season of Backcountry action got underway yesterday morning with a Dawn Patrol with the likes of Dug, Mark,Jamie, Mike x2, Rick, and Sam. I forgot my camera so I borrowed these photos from Mark. Besides, I think he is a much better photographer than I am. Mine turn out blurry.
I also googled Days Fork and found a picture of the uptrack on Flagstaff.
Yep, thats ALOT of kickturns. My legs are feeling each one of them today, but its a really good feeling. I have been sick the last few weeks and havent been able to do much. You lose fitness sooo fast! I am looking forward to getting my fitness back. I think a few more DP's will help. I'm amazed at how fast Mark and Mike blazed up that thing. Homeboys got some serious fitness.
The backside into Days was nice. Im still working around some of my equipment. 2nd turn and my ski popped off. Luckily I wasnt too far below it and I could reach it with my pole. 2nd, I had an issue with my skins last year. The clips came off the back and got lost so there was no tension on the skin and it kept rolling back on itself. It was a nightmare. I was lucky to have some good help that day with Mark and Ben. I found out how it happens yesterday. On the kickturns if I try to hurry it and my tail rolls on the ski when I pull it up to turn the tail drags out and pops the clip off. I think this will go away once I get better at the kickturns. I felt like I did better yesterday and will only continue. That being said, I will be buying some extra clips for my pack just in case, as well as carrying some duct tape. Wow, got off subject there.
We didn't think the frontside of Flagstaff was going to be much more than just get to the bottom without blowin out your edge. Turned out to be really, really good. Not deep, but soft and buttery. I hit a few rocks up top but nothing deep enough to get a core shot.
Its great touring with guys that have so much knowledge, patcience and the willingness to take a newbie along. Dug takes the time to tell you about where we are going, why, whats a good route and what else you can access from the area. Priceless.
I was driving around today trying to find the X-mas light place that stores our lights. My plan is to pick them up to see how much of our house I can cover with our old lights and then decide what to do. First, I had to find the place. As I was driving around, I saw this house "for sale". It immediately made me start to think about all the tough houses I have sold over the years. I dont know that any of them would top this. I have sold a double wide trailer the day before the listing expired, I have sold a house and closed 2 days before foreclosure, I have been "paid" in appliances from a short sale. I have sold a house that was rented by a Vietnam Vet hippie that was always rockin his guitar and a doobie everytime I went over. He was actually pretty funny dude. I have sold the SAME townhome 5 times before it closed. You get the picture. There are some tough sells out there. This one ranks up there.
Must See Inside!
This house has a detached 2 car garage.
Also comes with a "Treehouse" or a guest house. I bet you are thinking to yourself right now, whats the catch? The catch is, thats I-15 right there! You are directly next to I-15. There is no on-ramp near by so you don't even get the convenience factor of being that close. Tough listing there.
To protect the innocent, lets call her Mary. Mary lives in this community.
Me-Hello
Mary- Oh hi Nate, this is Mary from the neighborhood.
Me-Hi Mary, what can I do for you?
Mary- Well, I just noticed that all my interior doors have locks on them? I have been here over a year and just noticed.
Me- yep, all the interior bedrooms and bathrooms have locks on the door knobs.
Mary-Hmm, where is the key? I tried my house key but it doesnt fit.
Me-You tried your front door key?
Mary-Yes, but I couldnt get it to fit.
So, in my head I am thinking to myself wow, am I really having this conversation?
Outside of the door, using a special key to unlock the door
Front door
A key that wont fit in the hole of the 1st picture.
Me- usually they leave they key to the door above the door on the door trim.
Mary-What does it look like?
Me- Its kind of hard to explain. Get a chair and look on top of the door.
Mary-Oh, I found it!
This has been rattling around in my head for awhile now and since the snow has been flyin around I thought it was fitting. I have worn a helmet while riding my bike since I was a kid. Yes, I was the ONLY kid in the hood that had a mother insist on my wearing a helmet. I hated it! Especially since the helmet she bought me was HUGE! Seriously, it was big and I felt lame that I was the only kid that had to wear a helmet. Well, the others came around shortly after a friend fell going down a hill nearby and would never be the same after. HAHA, jokes on them now. I set a trend. Anyways, Im getting sidetracked.
The helmet I had as a kid ranked up there with this one Riessen was sportin on our night ride last week. Sorry Riessen!
I guess what I am saying is I have worn a helmet while cycling since I was a kid. I havent been on a ride without my helmet since. Brainbucket is always there.
Skiing on the other hand well, I guess its still a newer concept. I have worn a helmet while skiing for the last 5 years or so. Its still not like cycling where most everyone wears a helmet unless your name is Sly. I would say above average amount of people where helmets while skiing but not all. I had this conversation with Dug last year while skiing. If I recall it went something like this:
Me-So Dug, you where a helmet while you ride your bike right?
Dug-Yea
Me-Is there a reason you don't wear one while skiing?
Dug-I don't really have an answer for that.
Me-What? You dont have an answer?
Dug-No punk, leave me alone.
Me-Is it like Old School?
Dug-Did you not hear me?
Me-A little sensitive here?
Dug-swung his ski pole at me.
Me-I shut up after that.
I may or may not have added some to that conversation. But, it got me thinking. A brain injury is a brain injury no matter if your skiing or cycling.
Exit question:
If your a cyclist and you wear a helmet AND you ski. Do you wear a helmet? If so, why? If not, why?
I felt that time was running out on the high country Wasatch so when the opportunity presented itself for a ride the day before a big cold winter storm was about to slam into us I couldn't pass that up. I rolled up to the Top of Millcreek and parked at the Big Water Trailhead. The parking lot was not very busy so I felt that I was in for a pretty good ride. It was a bit chilly in the parking lot but figured once I got started I would warm right up. I started just before 4, I decided to pack my lights so I could stay out a little longer. It gets dark by 7 now.
I forgot how nice the climb up Big Water is. There are some grunt sections but mostly a pretty pleasant climb. The views were pretty ok.
Climb up Big Water
Red Pine Lake
Desolation Lake with some snow flurries
Dog Lake
The trails were all in great shape, a few small muddy patches but nothing more than a few feet. Big Water, Crest, Dog Lake, MMT. Finished a little after 8, in the dark. Super fun decent with nice lights!
I saw a few oddities. One group of 4 right by Desolation. Looked in over their heads. Not uncommon on that trail. They all had their hooded sweatshirts with the hoods on, no gloves. Hopefully they made it out ok. I also saw one dude in full on armor heading up Dog Lake. He was ready to rip that mean downhill apart. Dog Lake? Seriously? I have to admit it was not as busy as I was expecting. I had plenty of carrots to keep me rolling but there was never a time that I was frustrated by people. Overall a pretty great ride. I would rank it in the top 5 for the year.
Carpet of Yellow Aspen leaves
My phone died shortly after. Hopefully this storm doesn't completely rule out any more rides before the snow really flies. I would like to ride some more of that singletrack.
I love where I live. I love the fact that I can roll out from my garage and be on these trails in less than 5 minutes. I don't care who you are, its some good stuff.
Sundays ride was one of those rare rides when the flow is just about perfect. I felt the presence of Jesus, I just followed his line.
Let the Indian Summer continue....Snow will come soon enough.
Also found out....... Hannah's going to be a big sister to a little brother or a little sister!
I am sure many of you have read several accounts of pain, suffering, delusions, possibly hallucinations, trimph, bitterness, what ifs, could haves and the overwhelming feeling of a phenominal accomplishment. I felt a little like this video clip. I signed up for this? Wow! You all know how I got into it and from previous posts have read about other failures. Well, I was looking at PCPP for some sort of redemption. Something to say my summer of riding was not a waste. Although, how could a summer of riding a bike be even close to waste? Impossible. Anyways, lets start out at the beginning.
We decided to stay overnight in PC so we wouldn't have to drive up in the morning for a 7 a.m start. This was nice. I got a better nights sleep than I did before Butte so I was already feeling much better. Ate a bagel with some peanut butter and honey and half a bar with some water and coffee. Rolled to the start area around 6:30 a.m and quickly found the rest of the crew. It was a bit chilly but not too cold. I really never felt cold once we got going. I "self sorted" to the 10+ hour finish time, mostly because I had miscounted and missed the 9-10 hour start. I self sorted on accident. Does that still count? Had I known what was to come, I would have self sorted more to the back of that group. The 12+ hour finish time. Oops, just gave it away. Round Valley was good, fast twisty singletrack, cool temps and good vibes. I found it comical watching people bust their ass to pass people only to get stuck behind 200 "other" riders, or better yet crash into a bush. Seriously, its a long day and I didnt feel that the energy required to pass people was worth burning. That said, I did pass people that I found going extremely slow. It had to be done. E.Bright went to pass some dude and the dude turned right into him knocking his bars out of alignment. Bright yelled some choice words as he rode away. I was glad to find out later that it wasnt anything major. Enough to piss you off though. We rolled through the first loop in just under an hour and we started the Skid Row climb. I felt pretty good over climb. There were still lots of riders around and passing was tough so we mostly just settled in. Passed a few people on the short downhill sections only to catch up to another "group" of riders. My stomach started feeling shitty about half way up the Deer Crest climb to Silver Lake. I can't really put my finger on it. I was staying fueled, had 2 gu's and a pack of honey stingers over 2 hours. Stayed hydrated but I just didnt feel good. I had good legs but my stomach was not good. I let some people pass and then got passed up by the rest of the guys in the hood. I rolled into Silver Lake wishing I was done. I painfully knew what was before me and it reminded me of hell. Not that I have been to hell but if you had mtn biking in hell, this trail would be there as well as a few others that we rode.
At the beginning of the race I decided to try out Brads new CR333 stuff in moderation. Meaning, instead of 3 scoops, I would use 2 and only utilize a few bottles throughout the race. Just as a way to get some extra calories in. Mistake. I tasted the stuff the night before. Sweet and tasty. First drink I took from the bottle at Silver Lake I thought it was going to come back up. I was doomed. Half Evil was pure evil on my stomach at the time. I dropped my camelback off so Lindy could refill it while we rode this shorter section and put the camelback back on as we headed out to the mother of all mothers loop. I could barely get 1/2 the bottle down and my stomach was growing angrier and angrier. I got into a good flow on the downhill of flagstaff loop. Thats such a good piece of onetrack.
I took a few minutes to gather myself at the 2nd stop. I had just arrived as the rest of the crew were heading out. I was able to drink some coke and some water and get some food in before heading out. Team Big Bear was good. TG was good. I got into a decent rythm put my head down and just pedaled. (man i missed headphones in this race). For some reason, TG started getting rough. Really rough. I started thinking man did I blow my shock and my fork at the same time? Nope, im just a pussy and the trail was kicking my ass! Then the fun began. Johns Trail. I spent the entire time on Johns Trail (felt like an eternity) thinking to myself who in their right mind would ride THIS trail when there is so much buttery smooth singletrack around. Seriously, who? What a god awful section. nuff said. Like gettin a wax, just rip it off so its done. Not that I have even been waxed, just sayin. I wanted nothing more than this section to be over. Alas, as soon as its over, you get to climb your ass back up to 9300 ft to shadow lake. It was hot, long and I thought I was going to die. That sums it up pretty well. There was walking, crying, contemplating and suffering. The voices in my head said stop. Turn around, you made a valiant effort. Your not going to make the cutoff. I kept going. I felt I could make the cutoff. And at this point, that was my immediate term goal. Get to the #3 aid station before they say, sorry try again next year dumb ass. That descent was ripping! I have no idea how I managed to hold on to my bars. Fastest descent of the day by far. I rolled into the aid station #3 at 3:30 an change. I made it. It was here that I found out the others were not too far ahead and that ERIK had been in the portopotty for the better part of an hour. YIKES! He emerged long enough to congratulate me for making it to the cutoff. I started asking around for Banks. He hadnt been through. I was puzzled. I mean, I know I was deeeeep in the pain cave but I would have noticed my good pal Banks if I had passed him. I had been chasing that group all damn day. Nothing. I asked a few of the other guys I came in with if they saw him, nope. Then he emerged from a different direction. SHIT! He overcooked a turn and got off course. I was bummed. I know this meant as much to him as it did to me. I felt a bit deflated. Don't worry Banks! I am 66.6% IN for next year. (never thought I would say that Saturday afternoon)
I somehow talked Riessen into tredging forward with me to the finish. I am not sure what the conversation was like. Probably like this. Riessen, I need someone to care for me if I dont make it. Your a Dr. and my best shot at survival. He probably said HTFU I'll kick your ass all over this section even if I have been pissing out my ass for the last hour. GREAT! I have company. This was huge because I was cooked from being solo for so long. No ipod meant the voices in my head were much louder than I wanted them to be.
Riessen and I started out that steep fireroad to connect with the Spiro Trail. Spiro was great, until it wasnt. It was nice to get into the shade and we had a good conversation going. Not the most enlightening conversation ever. We pretty much told each other about our dark moments and how shitty we were feeling. WHERES MY IPOD? Sorry Riessen, my inner monologue was already kicking my ass. We eventually just started talking about random stuff. If you have ever ridden with Riessen, you know how he talks and its so scientific and Dr. like. It sounded like this at the time, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. No offense Riessen. I normally like it when you talk. Because that means Im not talking. Man, Spiro seemed like it took forever. I have no idea how long it took us. 50 minutes maybe? an hour? Then the hell would begin. MMT Reroute. This trail has been well documented. While riding fresh, you can power through this section and its not that bad. While riding tired after 60 miles of technical, twisty, rooty, rocky onetrack this section felt like the devil was grabbing my tires. I walked a good part of this. I was drunk and it felt like I was staring at every rock TRYING to smack it with my tire. I just kept thinking, keep moving forward. If I have to walk, walk. If I cant ride, walk. Move forward. Neither one of us could eat or drink much of anything. We were both battling that feel good one minute, feel terrible the next. This was the enemy. We contemplated bailing at each and every road crossing, or dirt road that looked like it might take us into town. Nope, I am finishing this fucking race. If I have to walk, crawl or sit here in the bushes to take a crap and then keep going, Im going to finish. (I only had one trailside dookie. Sorry bout that) So, really long story here. I will try to sum it up. We endured, we were triumphant, atleast in my mind. Coming over the last hill, you could hear the bass thumping. I thought for sure the party would be over and everyone would be packing up. Site for sore eyes. We saw the forum. I started to cry again. Seriously, the emotions of the day were so messed up. We ripped the downhill the best we could. We were both exhausted mentally and physically. Rolled onto that asphalt and made our way to the finish stretch. I made a wrong turn and went to the left of the tape instead of the right. I didn't care. I heard the cheering, I felt the warmness of the fans bringin us home. It was such a good feeling. I was eladed to be done. I crossed the line with one of my good friends. I wouldn't have made it without his company over the last stretch. The nice lady asked me what size feet I had. At the time, I thought what a bizarre question. Then I remembered. OH! My socks! For some, that craving of food keeps them going to the finish. For me, it was the socks, Lindy and Hannah waiting for me at the finish. Good stuff.
Suffer well? Hmm, I certainly suffered. Not sure if I suffered well. I finished. Thats all there is to it. My time estimation was clearly overestimated. I learned some stuff along the way. Overall, the experience was amazing. The vibe at this race was phenomenal. The trails, (most of them) volunteers, staff, marshals, mechanics, and most of all Lindy and the Draper Crew Girls. PHENOMINAL. We need to get them shirts for next year.
Thanks to all the crew from D-Town. The rides and company were all more than I could have asked for in a summer. Should we do it again next year? Maybe.
The badass award definately goes to BRIGHT. Riding the last 18 miles with a bike with no seat is hands down badass.
6 long months ago on February 14th I signed up for an endurance mtn bike race. Not just any race mind you, Park City Point 2 Point. This race, in its 2nd year sold out in under an hour for the solo category. In under 1 hour 200 other crazy bastards signed up for this race. I am almost positive that many of them have spent the last 6 months training, watching calories, studying maps and profiles, testing out foods and other things all leading up to this. The final countdown. It comes to this. The cold winter days skinning up mtns in the Wasatch Backcountry, trying to stay in shape throughout the long cold winter. The dark mornings of crawling out of bed just to ride your stationary trainer in a cold concrete prison room in the basement. The hours on the bike. The pain and suffering of training rides with people faster than you. The early wakeup calls throughout the summer to get some time on the bike before the rest of the world is awake. The time away from family. The support of Lindy. The cheering of Hannah, "umm, my daddy is beating you". The deep burning desire to NOT be the slowest guy in the group this year. It comes to this.
The Park City Point 2 Point race is by far the largest event I have ever entered into. It is known across the country by professional endurance mtn bike racers. There is envy from those that tried to get in but missed out. There is the shock and awe of those that think I and others are just plain crazy. To those I say, that might be so, but its just one of those things. As Dug said, Once your hooked, your hooked.
I have ridden nearly 1600 miles so far this year. There is still 2 months left of the season atleast. 1600 miles is nearly what my mom drives each quarter. My training has gone nearly to plan. I am looking forward to finishing the PCPP race with a smile on my face come late Saturday afternoon.
So, theres nothing left to do except Pedal Dammit, and Suffer Well. I also like what Dug had to say. Many other posts about PCPP showing up right now. Its all good stuff.
Picking up where we left off. A few weeks back while riding in Park CIty, my bike began making a weird creak noise. It would happen under pressure or riding in certain parts of the trail that a creak wouldn't normally happen. If that makes any sense. Probaby not but it was making noise. I couldn't pin point it to an exact spot except the rear hub area or somewhere in the rear. I got out my headlamp and started to investigate. Didn't really know what I was looking for but, I saw something that I was concerned about so I took it in to Revolution for a professional look. Worry confirmed, it was broke. I didnt know how to react. 2 weeks away from PCPP, what bike would I be riding. Not a good feeling. I tried not to freak out but my stomach was in knots. Matt (the cannondale rep) just happened to be on his way to the shop, so I hung out.
Broke, cant tell from the pic though
Matt came in and checked it out and immediately was on the phone to Cannondale. Awesome! Oh wait! Backordered until October! Shit! He said he would find me a bike to ride and thought maybe he would be able to track down a frame. Told me to call him later that night. He pulled a rabbit out of his hat and got me a new frame. Less than 5 days later, I have a new frame all built up and ready to roll.
Sweet brand new frame!
I took it out this morning on its maiden voyage and broke it in real good. I took a digger coming down Jacobs. Trail is pretty washed out in a few sections and rutted. Got caught with my pants down in a rut and wasn't able to pull it out. (no pun intended) Crashed into a huge sagebrush bush and some small oak trees. Broke my sunglasses and scratched me up pretty good. Pretty lucky actually, I was expecting it to be much worse at the speed I was going. Too bad nobody was with me. I am sure it was a spectacular crash to watch, only Lord of the Blue Dome witnessed.
On to the Queen Stage of the Tour Of Utah. I have been looking forward to this stage for a long time. I wasn't able to watch last year since I was crawling up LCC just before the pros came haulin ass through. I got to watch the finish but I really wanted to be lower in the Canyon where I could get close to the riders. It didn't disappoint! We arrived at Tanners Flat around 1:30 ish. We were able to get a great spot up towards the top before it bends right. We could see the whole straightaway. We got the chairs out and hung out for an hour or so and waited for the support cars to roll up. Once we say them we knew they were getting close. Plus I was following where they were on my phone via Twitter.
We went to the other side of the road since it was less crowded and everyone seemed to follow us. Dammit! We had a great view and we were near this guy.
This dude was pumped to be there!
He also came with a chick dressed like the Wendy's chick. Couldn't get a good pic of her though. Anyway, Tanners Flat came unglued when the riders started rolling through. I jumped right in and ran alongside the riders, screaming and yelling, ringing my bell. It was a blast! We saw Levi roll through and Burke, got some decent pictures. A few of the riders off the back asked for a push, I ran alongside them while pushing. They were all suffering. America's Toughest Stage race had taken its toll on everyone.
GO Levi GO!
Hannah started school back up on Tuesday. She was pretty pumped to go back to school. We will take advantage of that since it won't be too long before we are throwing cold water on her to wake her up!
Woke up this morning pretty sore. I went out for a easy mtn bike ride to see how my body felt. Felt decent on a bike. Rollin up to PC tomorrow to ride the last 2 sections of the PCPP course. Should be a good time.
In an attempt to catch things up a bit I thought I would try to do it in a few posts.
The Tour of Utah rolled through last week and I know alot of us did whatever we could to catch a stage or two, or three. I was able to catch 3 of them. I really wish I could have made the Park City Crit but was unable to pull that one off.
I cruised down to Nephi and watched them climb the backside of Nebo. It was a ton of fun to see all the support cars, media etc roll through there before the riders. Unreal how these guys climb. Here are a few photos from that stage.
Next up for us was the Time Trial. We decided to make the drive to BFE because I had the day off and it had some kids stuff goin on that I thought would help keep Hannah entertained. We got to meet the Bees mascot, we got to stand within 4 feet of Levi while he warmed up and we finally got a front row seat to watch the last 15-20 riders cruise in through the finish. Average speed 30+mph!
I really wanted to hug him but he wouldn't let me.
We all had a really great time watching the Time Trial. Although, the Time Trial is probably not the greatest fun since you only see them for a split second.
I had decided that day while riding up AF canyon that I would do the Snowbird Hillclimb the next morning. I could do that and still make it to work. Since my Scalpel broke (more on that later) I was unable to do some PCPP recon friday and wanted to get some good riding in. So, I surprised Lindy who was planning on going to the Farmers Market the next morning. She was a good sport and was able to come see me about half way up the canyon and still make it to the Farmers Market. I was pretty pleased with my time. 1 hour 6 minutes. Fastest by about 4 minutes unless you count the climb 2 years ago when it started over towards Big Cottonwood. A bit shorter I think. I felt pretty good and was able to finish strong.
The previous week, the good DR. and I made our way to Park CIty to ride some pristine one track. The trails in Park CIty are very nice. Good flow, smooth, technical, demanding climbs etc. You name it they have it. We fumbled our way around the course and ended up with 30 miles. Not what we had planned out but good riding nonetheless.
Come back for the news on my broken bike, the Queen Stage of the Tour Of Utah and possibly some other stupid stuff.
