jl's blog

Snippets of Moab

2008-01-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

I put together a short video from the Moab trip in November. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago, but I guess it was. Anyway, The Stallion did a great job of capturing some Moab riding footage of me and Hollywood, I captured a few frames myself. I took some time last month to compile a short video. Finally, a blog entry.

Enjoy...

Fruita Fall '07 Day 3

2008-01-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

The third day was to be done back in Fruita. I had to get back home in time to pack for a trip leaving bright and early Monday morning. The Crew packed up the bags and the bikes and we were at Dennys by 7:00a for breakfast. What a breakfast it was. A quick dose of eggs, bacon, french toast, and orange juice and we were headed out toward Fruita.

We decided to ride some of the classics at the Kokopelli trail head.

We did Mary's loop, Horsethief's Bench, and eventually made our way over to Mack's Ridge and ended on Moore's Fun. It was a pretty jammed packed day. After about 15 miles and 3.5 hours of riding it was time to hit the road back to the front range.

The sad part is the camera I brought on the trip was not taking good pictures and by the time I got to Fruita I only took a few pictures. The frustration of deleting over half of the pictures I had taken finally got to me. Who needs pictures anyway :-).

We ended up stopping off at Hollywood's house. Unfortunately, we had a little bike rack problem and I couldn't transfer the bike rack back on to my car. So I loaded The Stallions bike and bags into the back of my ol' LandCruiser. I left my bikes and rack at Scott's house and we proceeded to Fort Collins. Luckily, I knew I wouldn't be needed a bike this week because I would be out of town.

We ended up getting back to the house before 8:00p. Plenty of time to pack and to bedtime with the boys. It was a great, quick trip. Hopefully we can repeat it again sometime.

The only part of the day missing was having a final see ya later ride with BillyG.

Here's the slide show of the trip. I'll be posting a video soon.

Moab Fall '07 Day 2

2007-12-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

The second day started off with our, illustrious, Moab host trading in his biking helmet for a chauffeur's cap. BillyG shuttled the three amigos to the top of hazzard county, up in 'em thar hills better known as the Lasal Mountains. Bill dropped us off, took a couple of pics and told us he would see us back at the park.

The first ride of the day would be 25 miles of almost continuous downhill riding. Now that's what I call a shuttle. The best part is that it connects with the 'classic' portion of Porcupine Rim. Nothin' wrong with this ride...

About 4.5 hours, after we last talked to BillyG, we were back at the RV Park. Everyone had sore cheeks from too much smiling, sore hands from too much braking, and sore arms from too much descending. Luckily, legs were still in good shape for the traditional Moab classic.

After a great ride down Porcupine Rim, it was time to eat and head out to Slickrock. We ate some sandwiches at a little shop on main street. I can't remember the name, but the turkey sandwich and giant chocolate chip cookie hit the spot.

When we got to the slickrock trailhead, most everyone else was riding back to the parking lot. We on the other hand, donned on some lights and headed away from the parking lot. I've been on slickrock at night before, but I've never been there during sunset. It was great to be on the back part of the loop just as the sun was setting.

It was past dark when we got to the parking lot, only one other vehicle was there. Too bad the pickup at the South-end was playing really bad music, or else we might of stopped by and said hello.

We drove back to the hotel, took showers and hit Jax pizza for all you can eat salads, and 'za and a couple of beers.

All-in-all a very good day--over 35 miles and some really great riding.

Moab Fall '07 Day 1

2007-11-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

The elder statesman finally made his pilgrimage from Tahoe back to the promised land of Moab. Hollywood and I decided to make a trip out to Moab to visit BillyG and Marty, and get in some over due riding. I also asked the Stallion if he wanted to make a trip to Moab, since he had never been there, he couldn't pass up the opportunity.

On the way out to Moab, we had to make a BillyG honorary stop at the Grill 'n Chill Diary Queen. We pulled into Moab late Thursday night, we checked into the hotel and called it a day.

The next morning we met Bill at the RV park and got packed up to ride a "new-to-us" trail. Along for the ride was an ol' Canuck that Bill met last year in Moab--wildman Darch.

We finally reached the trail head around 10:00 and headed out for the Baby Steps ride. I think Baby Steps is a great introductory ride to Moab. It has all the elements of Moab, slickrock, steps, dirt, sand, etc. and everyone was having a great time riding a new trail. The rider who seemed to be having the best time was the rookie Stallion.

We finished the Baby Steps ride, BillyG and Darch headed back to the RV-park, the 3 comrades headed out to Peace Tree to get some wraps. Then it was off to Amasa. To be safe, we packed lights and jackets in our packs. We rode to the very top of Amasa, took some pics and then headed back. On the way down we took another "new-to-us" trail and detoured onto Jackson's. This was a new thrill in Moab, definitely on the upper-end of technical. There were some gutsy moves made on the way down and at the end of the trail we had to climb out and head back to the car.

The ride ended with perfect timing--no light left as we packed up the bikes on the car. Day one, 25 miles and two new trails, not a bad day.

I think The Stallion was sold that he would be coming back, and we hadn't hit the 2 classics yet :-)...

Darch Mania

2007-11-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while you meet someone on the trail that defines passion. Darch is a crazy Canuck that came to Moab a couple of years ago, and is now making the journey south a couple times a year. Darch has the enthusiasm of a teenager, and is always looking for a ride, no matter where the trail. I had a chance to ride with him on my first day in Moab. I hope that when I'm Darch's age that I'm just as enthusiastic, and ready to ride, eh...

What I really like about Darch is that he does what he wants. He rides with his full-face helmet on his handlebars, and on his head. When the trail gets "Gnarly, eh" the brain bucket goes on. When the trail goes "easy climb, eh" the helmet hits the handlebars.

When we were riding with that Darch that first day, the funniest thing he said was, "I'm glad your President has turned the Dollar into a third world currency, it makes it a lot cheaper for me to come to Moab." The next day I'm went to San Diego, and there's a report in USA Today that Merchants in Cuba are asking Americans if they can buy goods with either the Canadian Dollar, or the Euro. I guess Darch knows what he was talking about.

After the Moab leg of the trip, we headed to Fruita, and low-and-behold, DARCH! "These are some really nice trails, eh."

Ride on Darch! I hope I can ride with you again in the spring, or next fall.

Hallin' Ranch

2007-11-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

In the past, I rode this trail a couple times a month. It's been about two years since I made a trip down South to ride Hall. The Stallion has never ridden in or around Lyons. Last Sunday, I finally made the trip back to Hall Ranch with the Stallion, and Hollywood.

The ride felt like a new trail that was hauntingly familiar. Hall is one of the most popular trails on the front range, and can be pretty busy on the weekends. Thankfully, by leaving later in the day, we missed a lot of the traffic.

There are a few technical challenges on Hall that are very doable, which makes this a fun trail to ride. It also provides a great opportunity to challenge one's self with a 'dab-free' ride.

We ended up riding every trail, along with doing the Nelson loop clockwise and counter-clockwise.

When all was said and done, we rode 14.4 mile and did approximately 2000 feet of climbing. At the end of the ride we ran into Mr. Redstone Cyclery. Dave is a great guy, his blog is on the right. If you have a Tuesday night open, ride with Dave.

Here's another short video of the rock garden.

The pics...

Spring Canyon Park

2007-11-03T20:58:00.000-06:00

Last week Spring Canyon Park was opened in Fort Collins. It has a huge playground area for kids. There is a lot of equipment to play on. It also has a mountain/bmx bike skills park. I went there with the kids and checked out the skills park an took a few pictures.

This could definitely be a good place to stop by on the way home after a ride. It should be fun to try and ride some bridges, ramps, and trees.

To reach the park, drive west on Horsetooth Road until you can't drive anymore...

Sawin' Sawmill

2007-10-26T21:15:00.000-06:00

In June of this year, I had a chance to ride with Dino here in Fort Collins. He has a great digital camera that can be used as a video camera. His camera also has image stabilization--cool feature.

Well, Dino strapped this camera to the top of his helmet and said, let's ride. Here's the result. I think it turned out really well.

Giro Del Dente

2007-10-23T09:50:00.000-06:00

Every couple of months it is worth getting out and doing a ride that is out of the ordinary. Something a bit longer, or more remote, or challenging is always a good way to revitalize the soul.

Last week it was time to do something that I've thought about for awhile, but haven't done yet. Ride every trail at Horsetooth Mountain Park. I knew this would be a longer ride, but I also didn't think it would be an absolute epic.

The ride started with four seasoned riders ready for some climbing. You know your ride is going to be good when Speedie (the only women) is riding this.

We did this ride at a very comfortable pace. Taking stops to eat, take pictures, talk--everything that makes a group ride fun instead of work.

For anyone that has ridden the 'tooth it has many elements from cruising singletrack to technical climbs and descents.

This little section is difficult with gears and suspension--big credit goes to speedie for cleaning this on the ol' bridgestone.

Speedie, and Smoothie did about half the 'tooth with us, but Smoothie's time was budgeted and he had to get back to the family around noon. So we said our goodbyes, and then there were two.

The ironic thing about riding with one other person is that you spend more time talking and less time taking pictures. We got a few pictures in, but not as many as before.

The Stallion is always pushing the pace...

One final artsy-fartsy pic.

We did take a quick moment to try out the video mode on the camera.

Overall this was a great ride and will be repeated sometime, maybe with some additional Lory trail action. In summary, the ride was about 5 hours with approximately 3700 feet of climbing in about 18.4 miles. Ride On!

A little slide show of the day... Flash is needed

Park City Week

2007-10-15T23:03:00.000-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa spend a week vacationing in Park City each year. Again this year, Cathy and I headed out for a visit. Last year I didn't have a chance to ride very much. This year I had to the chance to ride almost everyday. The best part of the week was the foliage was starting to pop.

I posted these pics on MTBR and James Bigler liked them so much he asked if he could use one for his blog. Sure why not :) daLink

Something Wicked This Way Rides

2007-05-24T16:10:00.000-06:00

Three caballeros headed out early in the morning for a ride that would entail many different elements. This ride had everything you would expect--crashes, bonks, vistas, broken parts, etc. Wicked was the keyword for this ride, wicked in terms of climbing, descending, exertion, and exhilaration. This was a perfect ride to get ready to head up to the high-country. Above treeline riding will soon be here.

The caballeros started off meandering up the road.

Even when your riding the road, you're susceptible to mishaps.

After a quick change of a tube, it was time to conquer the wicked climb.

Even when climbing mishaps occur. If you can keep a smile on you face, even while bleeding, it's all good.

Mountain Meadow Madness

By the pricking of my hide, something wicked this way rides.

And the climbing continues. At this point we've been climbing for over 2 hours and we aren't close to destination. But isn't the destination really the journey?

Then the climb gets really wicked...

Finally, the journey and destination collide...

Time for some descending....

Unfortunately, one of the caballeros was struck down by leg cramps. We had to wait it out until the rider down was ready to ride. After a small delay everyone was back in the saddle and ready to go.

There were a few technical section to maneuver through.

A couple of panoramas from the trip

The profile

A little map

Gira de Fort

2007-05-06T23:09:00.000-06:00

It was approximately 9:00am, when three enthusiastic riders decided to start the inaguraul Gira de Fort. The ride was to encompass part of every trail system between Loveland and Fort Collins. There would be some fun and surprises along the way.

Three Amigos

A little ride in the valley

The junction on to Blue Sky. Time for the first round of robe-derobe.

A ride up to Rim Rock.

A quick little loop on Rim Rock.

And then back to Blue Sky for a meandering ride to Horsetooth Mountain Park.

Once at Horsetooth, we were joined by up a couple of riders for a climb to the top, followed by a little singletrack descent.

The view is pretty good up here.

Then it started to rain, and rain, and hail. After the rain and hail it was time to head back down. The smarter riders parted from the dumber riders.

The dumber riders had to get off the trail before any real damage occurred.

The amigos stopped off at the local bike wash. After about 20 minutes of cleaning the mud off the bikes it was on to the road, first dirt, and then pavement. There were no more pictures to be taken after this point. The three amigos headed back home after a great ride, but still knowing they hadn't finished the Gira. Next Year!!!

A little map...

Moab 2005 Part Two

2005-10-21T11:19:00.000-06:00

The cannon went off at noon on Saturday. I found myself running through the dirt and dust toward a large juniper bush some 250 yards in the distance. After circling the bush and emerging out of the dustcloud--I get on my bike and start pedalling. I start thinking, "How do all these people run so fast? I'm not slow, but, man, I'm towards the back of the pack, time to move up." I ride down the road passing when I can, staying at a good tempo, and then there's a left had turn and the climb starts. There are parts where the trail narrows, and everyone gets bunched up, there's one part which is fairly technical, and everyone is walking because of the congestion.

The Moab course is technically loaded on the front end, and speed loaded on the back end. The trail is really congested for the first 5 miles. Then we approach nose-dive hill. After nose-dive hill things started to spread out. Finally a chance to big ring and get moving. During the first lap, a young lady passes me, and then I pass her, and then she passes me, and then I pass her, this continues until the last 2 miles which includes a descent back to the finish. During the final descent my legs no longer have it, I'm pushing a headwind and I'm not making any tracks. Then a big train of 6 racers pass, they yell "Jump On!!!" I Jump, I'm riding with them and so is my young friend. I stay with them for about 3/4 of a mile and then the guy I'm following looses steam and falls off the train. I try to bridge the gap, but to no avail. Time to put my head down and ride it home. Not feeling that great, I wonder what's in store for the later laps. I finish the first lap and transition to the Cruzinator.

I had a chance this weekend to witness true Biking Passion--raw, pure, and unspoiled. Cruzinator wrenches at a LBS and has raced in the past, but hasn't done any racing this year. I asked him to race with us and he was ecstatic. I had a chance to see a young man race his heart out just because he had the chance. Before the race, the Cruzinator wasn't looking for the latest full-suspension bling machine, he just wanted a chance to ride his bike as fast as he could. Ironically his bike didn't look like anyone elses. And everytime he finished a lap it was great to see his enthusiasm and fire for riding. I've been to this race a number of times and this is the first time I've seen anyone try and tackle the course on a cyclocross bike.

The Cruzinator ended up riding just as fast as I but I didn't expect anything less. I also new when it got dark he would be pulling the fastest times. Next on the course would be CL. She was nervous at first, but by the end of 24-hours she was ready to head out for some more. She put in an excellent lap first lap. Then Speedie went out for another great lap. Finally, Hollywood would ride from dusk to dark. I met Hollywood in the transistion area in the dark. I headed out for the first entirely dark lap. The temperature was great and the course was in good condition. The rotation continued and I headed out on my 3:30am lap. It was colder, but I was more worried about the rain, it was spitting rain here and there throughout the course. I made it back in good time and handed off to the Cruzinator. He took off again ready to ride.

When I got back to camp it was pitch black, no more fire no more lantern, it was time to do some support. I got the fire started, I found a headlamp, then I got the latern going, and then I asked Speedie if her knee could handle another lap. She said she could ride, but would prefer not to to save her knee. No problem we'll move up the rotation. I helped get CL ready for the next lap, and then I ate some soup and oatmeal. CL headed down for her lap. I told Hollywood he would be next to ride.

And then I went into the tent for a good 45 minute nap before my oldest son asked, "Where's mommy?" "She's racing her bike, she'll be back in a little while." I tried to convince the boys that they were still tired and needed to sleep, but they would have nothing to do with it, the sun was coming up and it was time for a new day. I found out that Cruzinator had spent part of his lap racing in the sleet and rain. "It was great, the rain got rid of some of the dust and moistened dirt. My bike was really hooking up." Passion I say, pure passion!

Hollywood went down to the transition area and I predicted he would be back in around 10:20. We had a decision to make, who would go next, and would we go for 16 laps. I asked the Cruzinator if he wanted to make the run under 1:35 or did he want me to try. He said, "You're the captain, you can decide." Well, I told him, he was heading out next! I thought, if anyone deserved to get in an extra lap it was Cruzinator. He should get the glory of riding a fourth lap, and if he didn't make it in on time, odds were I wouldn't be able to make it in on time either. Then it was time for a little nature hike.

Cruzinator headed down for his last lap. Hollywood, despite breaking a chain on his final lap made it in by 10:20. It was now Cruzinator's turn to get in before noon. I found a spare jersey and shorts packed in my bag, got dressed,lubed the chain, and headed down to the transition area. It was time to finish this thing off. I looked up the road and saw this bike hauling faster than all the other bike heading toward the finish line. I told Hollywood, "that's Cruz." "No he said, he was wearing a white helmet." "I don't care what color the helmet is, that's him, he's hauling @ss." It was him, he made it in under the cutoff, I was ready to go. I found out later that he had a flat tire on his last lap, unbelievable.

I told myself I wouldn't let the Cruzinator's hard work go to waste. I was going to push hard on this last lap. As I was riding on the course, the racers were now seperated into two groups. Those trying to make up time, and those just finishing off the lap. It was the extremes of the race being played out on the final lap of the race. Everything was clicking, and when I headed back to the venue, there is a small hill before the final sprint to the finish. On the first lap, this hill almost did me in. On the last lap I was stoked and motivated, I had the bike in the Big Ring and I was standing up and rolling by everyone. It was a great way to end the race. I rolled into the the transition tent, turned in the Baton, and headed back to camp with a huge smile on my face. Time to pack. We packed up and finally left the venue about 3:30pm. It was a long drive home, but there were a lot of stories to be shared. It was great to spend the drive home talking to my wife about each of our experiences. Another good race experience. 'til next year...

Moab 2005 Part One

2005-10-18T15:20:00.000-06:00

If you look at the entire population, only a small percentage of people have a passion for mountain biking (the crazies). Out of these crazies a smaller percentage race their bikes (the freaks). Out of these freaks a smaller percentage take their families to a24-hour race (the wackos). Out of this wackos, only a few would race with their spouse and with the kids (the insane).

I admit I am one of the super-crazy-insane-wacko-freaks.

CL and I headed out west this weekend for a little event called the 24-hours of Moab. We signed up three other friends (5-person open team). These are true friends, individuals who are willing to do a 24-hour race with the super-crazy-insane-wacko-freak family. And without these friends, we would not be able to race, so I thank you.

The irony of doing a 24-hour race with your family is that your focus is not on the race, it is on your children and your spouse. You're concerned that your kids have a great experience, and your wife has a great experience. In between playing, reading, hiking, eating, story telling, and pottying, you ride your bike as hard and fast as you can--so you can get back to camp and do the first part all over again. :).

We had an eclectic team this year, CL, Speedie, Hollywood, Cruzinator, and me. CL had never raced at night, Hollywood was returning from ACL reconstructive surgery, Speedie is always up for a Moab race, and the youthful Cruzinator was along for his first ever 24-hour event.

When I called The Cruzinator about joining are team, he said, "I only have my Single Speed Karate Monkey. Is it okay if I race on that?" I said, "I don't care what you ride just come out and race." "All right," he said, "I'm in." When I showed up at the venue The Cruzinator had a suprize. "I'm going race this bike on the day laps and the Monkey on the night laps."

Other people were more dumb-founded than me. I know one thing--what ever the Cruzinator rides, it goes fast.

The usual suspects were at the race again this year.

And there was one special and honored guest. An ol' friend of mine who wanted to try this solo thing after his retirement. Excellent job Darth :).

Everyone had a great race and a great time. I want to give a special thanks to Steve and Cruz at The Roubaix Bicycle Company for getting the bikes ready to race in Moab.

Everytime I do one of these races I come home with a new set of gifts. The gifts are there if you are willing to receive them. The same thing happened again this year.People ask me why I would do a 24-hour event. The answer is not that simple to explain or to understand. The answer lies somewhere in stories behind these pictures--that is the reason.