Crash Bang Boom

Sunday's roadie to White Clay was one to remember. We covered the bulk of the park in a little over 2 hours (riding time) which, according to our resident White Clay expert, was a record fast pace. Unfortunately for me it was little too fast - as I applied some bad judgement on a downhill section and did my best (and last) JackAss imitation. I'd like to say my helmet took the worst of it (it is now showing some wear) but actually I took a pretty good licking. I will leave it to others who were there to provide the "color" as my memory is a little sketchy. Aside from that buzz-kill move on my part, the ride was awesome and I think White Clay is back at or near the top of the list for all 6 riders.

That's all for now, I am heading back to the couch to lick my wounds.

Check Your Pulse

For those of you having difficulty dragging yourself out of bed for the Tuesday morning rides, I have a solution...tape the attached picture to your nightstand on Monday night when you set the alarm. If that doesn't do the trick, then maybe it is time to check your pulse. Picture taken around 6:30am last Tuesday on the Struble.

This Sunday's Roadie is taking shape -- likely destination is White Clay where there are no lung busting hills, just miles and miles of fast rolling smooth single track. There is still some room in the Riley bus for another rider or two. Don't be shy -- if we have overflow it will become a caravan which even more fun. Confirmed in so far are CD, JA, MR, AS, and likely BG (unless the surf is up).

I've had a few requests for an early departure so let's tentatively say underway (that means bikes loaded and "goin' down the road feelin' bad") by 8:00am, which should get us home before 1:00pm. We will be rolling from Mike's house (119 Kaiser). Please bring $5 for the driver (gas and aggravation surcharge).

Finally I'd like to move tonight's ride time up in order to catch the evening light or maybe even a sunset. I am thinking of rolling sometime around 6:30 or 7:00 but am flexible. Let me know if interested and time preference.

Saddle up!

Chris

"That bike chick sort of digs you but she's not looking for a beginner"
-- R.I.

P.S. Don't disappoint that bike chick, get out there and ride!

Four for Six

If you ask Andy I think he will tell you that I have been providing a unrivaled entertainment value on recent rides (especially after this morning's ride). I remind you that this entertainment is being provided at my own (bodily) expense. I am now keeping score, four "notable" injuries in the last six rides. Usually I go a couple of months between notables. This morning Sara observed that it looks like I "have two knees on my right leg" and my other leg is still so purple it is gross. Not sure who will fill the void in my absence but I feel sorry for them already, maybe our recent ER patron will take up the slack?

Chris

“I'll take the Pain and Humiliation Combo, super-sized”

What Doesn't Kill Me Only Makes Me Stronger

If the last roadie was a "beat down" then this evening's ride was a "beaten down." Sincere thanks to the duo of Rob and Bob who took us on a 90 minute lung-busting whirlwind tour of the park. I know it was race-pace (for me) because my fingers were tingling and my field of vision had narrowed so much it was like looking through a toilet paper tube. Good stuff and I look forward to getting beaten down again real soon - "what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger" and all that good stuff.

I am off to the Adirondacks for the long weekend so will miss the Thursday and Sunday rides. I know Mike stumbled, badly, as ride leader last Sunday (an honest stumble for an Irishman) but I can see the fire is back (no fire last Sunday) and so I will pass the baton to him, again, confident that he will rally the troops (and confident that you troops rally to his war cry).

The customary ride times are Thursday 8:30pm and Sunday 8:00am departing from Mike's place - feel free to adjust to suit your needs. Of course a curfew is in effect for Mike on Wednesday and Saturday night.

Have a great weekend.

Chris

"Chicks Dig The Long Ball"
-- Randy Johnson (as reported by Rob. I don't know what this has to do with biking but it was funny at the time.)

Showboat

Good intentions were yet again overtaken by alcohol and debauchery when Riley failed to answer the bell Sunday morning. I feel like piling on more Irish references but that would be too easy so I won't. Thanks Bob for carrying the torch when our red headed immigrant from a small European beer and whisky drinking island nation couldn't.

We have a LATE BREAKING STORY -- the 2 year string of no-biking-related-trips-to-the-emergency-room has finally been broken (so you can relax). Summary - the incident occurred on Saturday, it involved a possible equipment malfunction (click here for illustration), no helmet, and perhaps a touch of show-boating. There are many more details, some possibly embarrassing, that add considerable color to the story and of course you are wondering WHO -- but as you know you have to show up for a ride to get the full report!

Now if THAT doesn't drive up attendance, I don't know what will...

Chris

"Pain is temporary, Glory is forever"
–Anonymous, but we heard it first from Rob

Rookie Mistake

Welcome Steve M back to the ranks of the perpetually sore but always smiling biking gang after an 8 week hiatus. He may be sucking a little wind after those sleepless weeks in the rocking chair but he still pounded through every rock garden and over every treacherous bridge crossing we could throw at him.

On this ride he was also reminded of the value of being behind the buffoon who rides with one hand on the handlebars and head tipped back drinking from a water bottle, because when his front wheel hits that little dip in the trail his bike is going to step dead and he is going to take a serious spread-eagle trip over the handlebars with Gatorade spraying from the bottle, leaving his bike on the ground pointing the other way and handlebar imprints on the front of his thighs. This is why we are supposed to use Camelbacks (oh, and to avoid drinking from a water bottle contaminated by horse manure).

Thursday schedule is up in the air for some of us who have Indian Princess business to attend to that evening. I am throwing it out there in the interest of keeping Steve on the come-back path with the Thursday night ride. I am 40% probable -- if others are planning to ride please chime in so we can keep the candle burning...

Chris

Put Some Fun Between your Legs

Sunday was a winning combination - cool early morning start and blistering fast trails. We were even treated to an expert guided tour of the blockhouse on the dam and a history lesson on the tram.

One rider MIA due to failure to set the alarm (8am for Pete's sake!). Hats off to our newest rider who turned in an impressive performance...but after 3.5 hours last weekend and 2+ today on that old school all-rigid frame that chode (taint, nifkin, whatever you call it) has got to be showing some wear. Keep it up and you'll be sportin' that mountain biker callous in no time.

One "I'll probably be there on Sunday" did not show - you know who you are and so do I - but your dirty little secret is safe for now. Hope to see you jumping back into the fray soon.

Also we have a new father who has been conspicuously absent from recent rides. Consensus today was that your grace period has expired, you need to re-establish the routine before it is too late. Expecting to see you out there soon (no names, but looking forward to seeing that spanking new green bike).

Ride schedule this week:

• Tuesday 6:00am (home by 7am, get your butt out of bed!)
• Thursday 8:30pm

Chris

"Put some fun between your legs"
-- Ron Jeremy (famous mountain biker no doubt)