Dragon: #1 vs. Jay: #0

G$ and I headed north Saturday after work to Salem, Va. After some pre-ride beers and final four action, the Dragon was to be slayed on Sunday am . We awoke to a beautiful spring morning w/ a slight chill in the air. The chill would be long gone by the 10 o'clock start. Our bellies full of Starbucks and the free continental breakfast we were off to the race staging area 20 minutes away. The drive was awesome through the Catawba valley with towering ridge lines all around. We knew it was going to be a FUN day...

We began with a short, 5 mile, motor paced start where G$ and I found ourselves in front of the 50+ competitors all out to slay the Dragon. This was some good PR for our sponsors. Once we turned onto the 1st gravel road I settled in to my pace while G$ took off to stay up front where the true studs live. We knew there were creek crossings but not 6 of them and not mid-thigh deep!!! What better way to start 40 miles, than get your feet and shorts wet in the first 12 miles. I sure was glad it would eventually be 70+ degrees.

I hit the 1st true test of the day: the Grouse trail, a 2 mile, 1500ft climb to the ridge. The 1st time up would be challenging but also making mental mile markers as I would repeat this trail in about 1 1 /2 hours. The Grouse was painful. I rode some of it, walked some of it, and even had to scramble up some. I did notice in sections it was just wide enough for me to walk, let alone push my bike. I wonder if the descent we're going down is like this????

I hit the ridge for the first time, hung a right, and proceeded to walk/ride the ridge top. 3 miles later I would encounter our 1st descent of the day. Hang a right on the Deer trail for 1 1/2 miles of downhill action!!! This trail wouldn't be very technical, but proved to be every bit as difficult as any dh trail I've been on. It was narrower than the Grouse trail I just went up and way FAST! At the bottom we crossed a road and on to "the Ring of Fire" a fun, narrow, and twisty single track that ended @ the 1st rest stop.

I refueled a bit, got some h2o, and took off down the gravel road. I was headed back to the Grouse trail for round #2. I wasn't fired up or feeling well @ this point in the ride. I got to the singletrack and just didn't feel it. However, against better judgement or common sense I headed up toward the ridge. It seemed like it took a week to get there but I made it and headed left or north toward rest stop #2. I knew from #1 to #2 it was 15 miles; Once on the ridge it would be 10 miles. This would be way more technical, more rocky, and more up and down than Walden ridge. I walked and pushed some along the ridge. By this point my body was not cooperating in my attempt to complete the 40 miles. My legs were cramping, my calves began to hurt from walking, and my stomach didn't want any more food or water. For those who really know, I don't like to eat or drink on rides no matter how long they are. I was doing all I could to ensure a good day on the bike despite my recent riding deficit.

I pushed on and found my self getting some very short lived spurts of energy and no cramps. I would ride more than walk, especially the short downs of the ridge top. It was so narrow in one spot I got my bars stuck between 2 trees. I had consumed 100 oz. H2O in the 1st 20 miles and had just run out of my 2nd 100 oz in 1/3 the distance...I was in trouble!!! I finally reached the EMT dude on top of the ridge. He asked if I was ok? I said in not some many words, NO!!! He gave me a few sips of his H2O and I sat down for a break which ended up being a 15 minute, flat on my back in leaves trying to take a nap! I got up and asked how to get off this ridge? He said I had to go 5 more miles to rest stop #2. I said NO and asked where that trail went? Pointing @ some singletrack going down and named the Turkey trail. I had heard rumor of this trail and how kick ass it was. The EMT informed me I had to go to #2 if I was going to DNF. I told him NO, in nice way, and informed him I would be going down the Turkey trail and call whomever he needed to tell 'em I DNFed!!!

I descended the 2 miles or so of Turkey trail, which was the BEST downhill of the day and totally kicked ass! I hit the gravel road from 5 hours ago and met a family out on a ride. They asked if I was racing? Which I replyed I had just quit. They also mentioned I didn't look very good and offered a shuttle back to the start/finish. I quickly took them up on their offer.

Once back G$ was already there, DUH??? He kicked ass doing all 40 miles in 5:16 for 13th overall and 1st on a SS. I knew he was strong but DAMN!!! Jeff Schalk former Trek/VW stud, hey I won Cohutta 100 last year, did it in 4:06!!!! I knew I had hurt myself today when G$ offered me beer and I said, "NO". I ate a little, we loaded up, and headed back to K-town. All in all, I did ride 30 or so miles, w/ 2 kick ass descents, and I had some FUN in a sick twisted way...the rest of you mtn bikers will understand!!!!

FUN????

That's what I said. It was the last thing I was having on Sunday!!! This was by far the MOST DIFFICULT trail, race, ride, or whatever it was I've ever done. Now, I'm not racer boy superstar or anything but I have ridden many really tough trails. This was simply soul crushing! It was however, probably some of the BEST trails I have ever put tires on.

G$ and I looked @ this numerous times but forgot to read the bottom of the elev. porfile where it mentions 8110' climbing over 40 miles...

Training ride...

As you know, I got all fired up for about a month and a half. I rode my SS several times a week w/ fury. I even road tripped to Pisgah 4 weeks in a row. I was training!!! Then, I fell off the wagon. It's been over 3 weeks since I rode my SS, I've been on a DH bike 2x since then, and I rode the tricross for the full moon.

I've had this event on my radar for about a month but didn't know whether I was going or not. W/ PMBAR lurking right around the corner; I thought it was time to get back on the bike. Yes, I know you don't begin a MAJOR construction/home improvement project in the spring!!! So yesterday @ work G$ and I signed up for the Dragons Tale; This after we commited to go Tuesday night @ AJ's baseball game. Of course, G$ can be a bad influence. I n his words,"Nobody comes off the couch like you do!" We'll see about that...

Its 40 miles w/ 2 rest stops and from the pictures: looks like it will be a SH*T load of FUN!

So in typical Jay fashion I stuck with my normal pre-race preparation. I rode exactly half the race distance last night on the greenway to the PUB for some carb-o loading. Jen and I joined the group from the house for a 22 mile cruise through west Knox into market square. Good friends, bike ridin', pizza, and of course, BEER drinkin'! GOOD TIMES...

We'll have a post-race report next week. Until then I'll be training

Spring has sprung

We've been busy as little... well you know! Jen has been working herself silly w/ a major landscaping project. She decided she needed a new flower bed but also wanted to take one out. Her plan was to remove the river rock edging from a bed on the front of the house and build a rock retaining wall in the back. I took her several days but she got it finished and created one heck of a muddy mess in the process. You know she did all the work during the recent monsoon season!



This is the bed she took the rocks from. Eventually, it will be much smaller and have a tree in the middle. We haven't decided on the tree: I voted river birch and Jen doesn't know what she wants? Any thoughts? Leave us a comment w/ you recommendation or vote, PLEAESE!!!



Jens' newly constructed retaining wall and some transplanted Iris.



Some of our bulbs begining to SPRING from the ground! Get excitied...



The bed in front of the house. It will eventually have the bush, on right, removed a stepping stone walkway, some sod, a tree, and shrink in size.

Beside the laundry room construction project, I've been busy too. It was round #2 of Amish Friendship bread. I have to awake really early to get in bread making mode. As you remember from a couple older posts; it's a very time consuming process. But I gotter' done!!!



What a masterpiece and oh so good...don't you wish you had some???

We're getting there...

The construction project is pluggin' along at a snail's pace. I find it difficult to work @ the shop all day and come home to do more than ride my BLUE couch or mow the yard! Sunday was a BIG day! I hooked up the 22o dryer plug w/o burning our house down! I also finished connecting the 2 hot/cold supply lines that feed H2O into the laundry room. This was the adventurous part of the day....

If you're not into caving/spelunking, this isn't the job for you! Plumbing is simply not my cup of tea. To say the least I won't be quiting my day job to take up a new career! However, the invention of Pex pipe and the shark bites connections make it soooo easy a CAVEMAN could do it! As long as you cut the connection end of the pex perfectly square. They even make a handy tool for disassembly that only cost $1.50!!!

Monday, was the day to finish up the framing, hang some drywall, and get a door. After demo of the back wall was done. It was time for insulation and new drywall. The insulation was simple, stuff it in between the studs and staple into place. The drywall would give me fits on this day. That crap is heavy and I wouldn't advise hanging it by yourself! I got 2 of the 6 sheets hung and it was time to move on to framing the 2x4 wall.

The wall went together seamlessly! Getting the proper measurements for the rough opening of the door was the real fun part. They recommend 2" + whatever the door size is. I wanted a 36" door= ease of moving washer/dryer in/out of laundry room in future! It was of to Home Depot to buy a door. I got a SMOKIN' deal! I wanted an insulated door b/c we won't have heat in the room. They only sold insulated doors w/ drilling for a door knob and dead bolt. Who needs a dead bolt in a laundry room? So I found an all oak wood door, unfinished, pre-hung, and single drilled hole. Oh and did I mention it was a LH swing. All for $90!!! I'm thrifty...





Once the door was home, I measured it, roughed the opening 1/2" smaller than I had planned, and put that baby in. The opening was all square but it's funny how out of square the door was. Good thing I went ahead w/ the purchase of a pack o' shims. Installing the door wasn't rocket science. It went way better than I'd expected. It opens and closes w/ ease and stays put where you stop it. There's also a nice even crack all the way around between the door and the jam when closed! Watch out I'm gettin' dangerously good @ this; Maybe I will quit my day job...



Tuesday, proved to be another adventurous day...it was back into caving mode to hook-up the washing machine drain. Crawl under house, dry fit 4 90*'s, 40' of 1 1/2" pvc, hold it in place to get the proper fall, and tie it into the existing sewer; Simple, right? I was under the house for over 2 hours dry fitting and cutting. Once I began gluing it all together it went pretty quickly, I think...I may have passed out a few times from the pvc glue/primer high!

Makin' bread...

So this past week has been quite the blur! We went to a b-day party last weekend for Noah. He got a really cool new bike and was super fired up about it. Brian and Tara gave us a starter of Amish Friendship bread. If you haven't had it...u don't know what you're missin'! I was placed in charge of the daily bread obligations: letting the gas out of the bag from the fermentation process and "mushing it" daily. After a few days, you add some milk, flour, and sugar; then repeat a few more days and then do a whole lot to it! The recipe requires a ton of stuff but the finished product is, well...TO DIE FOR!!! After all is said and done you have two loaves and four starters to give out. Anybody wanna make bread?

Construction is coming along slow but steady. We are making progress and doin' it the BEST way I know how. We are into part of Phase#3/Walls and Phases' #4/Plumbing & #5/Electrical. Basically the plumbing and electrical had to be routed underneath the sub-floor and through the existing garage wall into the crawl space of the house. This required some fancy tools I didn't need to purchase. THANK YOU Jason Stephens for supplying me w/ the BIG ASS drill and hole saw. This made life sooo much easier.








Saturday was the 1st annual AMBC Poker Derby produced and directed by Harvest the Ride fame, Thomas Gaines. It was a beautiful spring day for a cycling event. The people came out of the wood work for this one. I never heard a final head count but it had to be close to 80!!! The coolest thing was watching the controlled, mass start roll down the greenway behind the shop. It was AWESOME seing all those bikes headin out for a FUN DAY! A post ride awards was held @ El Mezcal and party followed @ Union Jacks where the Yazoo Brews flowed.

Sunday required a break from construction. What better way to rest than go to Windrock for some DH action w/ the gang. The word was out and people showed up from all over. 1Speed Brian, Murray, Eric, T, Profro, Loonatic and his boys, Lil' Joey, B.Hann, and a few others rode on one heck of a spring day. Many runs were made, new trails were worked in, and FUN was had by all. The gang seems to be fallin' into the groove of DH @ Windrock and all are kickin' ass! Its fun to have some fresh faces around to ride w/ up there. Not that I'm tired of chasing T down the hill. He still challenges me every run we make together.

CONSTRUCTION....

For those of you who know...I didn't stay @ the Holiday Inn last night?!?

I just think I know what the hell I'm doing here! A little history to shed some light on our current situation I've gotten us into....I HATE HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS!!!

Over a year ago, I talked Jen into me attempting to tile our kitchen floor. It took countless hours, some really BIG tools (not me or Brett), and countless BEERS to demolition and remove the numerous layers of old flooring. There were many head-scratchers along the way: the numerous layers of old floor, whether to take out the cabinets or not, and finally, the sub-floor in the pantry was rotten b/c the washer hook-ups had been leaking for who knows how long? All damage repaired, tile floor in, and life back to normal, right???? WHOA Mule!!!! I made the executive decision NOT to put the washer and dryer back in the kitchen pantry. They didn't fit anyway b/c, you know who, didn't measure before we bought 'em to make sure they fit. So we've been going to the redneck laundr-o-mat for a while, now that we have $2000 of laundry equipment rendered useless just sitting in the garage.

We decided it would be easy to build an 8'x8' laundry/mud room inside our existing garage. Simple right? B.Hann drew me some plans in 2.4 minutes on a 2x2 post-it note. I'm GOLDEN, Baby! This was 2 weeks ago and after several bids of $85/sq. ft. x 65 sq. ft. = Jen and Jay can't afford it!!! I decided, it's not "Rocket Science", I'd build the laundry room myself.

We began this past Sunday w/ phase #1: Demolition. We had a small room in the back 1/4 of the garage that had to be removed before we could build anything. It was 2x4s and Sheetrock...nothing too difficult to tear out, unless you don't have the right tools! It's like trying to build a bike w/ a straight screwdriver and an adjustable wrench?



As you can see, most of the wall/room is gone and we're on to phase #2:Sub-floor construction. This process required way too much thought. Measure once, cut 5-6x??? Get the board level??? Make it square, what? How do you do that?






As you can see, I've made ok progress. I still have all my fingers and toes. We're @ stopping point b/c it's now time to figure out the whole electrical & plumbing thing and where it all needs to go. We may have some professioanl help on the way:

I LOVE this sport! It's the only other thing besides mountain biking I can drink BEER while participating!

Maybe by the weekend we'll have moved on to phase #3: Walls????

Mind BLOWING!!!

We live in a pretty sweet location for riding some really kick ass places!
On Saturday, Jen and I hit the Snake in Dalton, Ga. Sunday, I was able to hit the DH scene @ Windrock w/ Profro, the Champ, T-Dog, Patrick, T. Gaines, and 1speed for most of the day. We were killin the runs when Thomas washed the front wheel out in a rock garden on the old windmill. His right hand took the brunt of the crash. A lengthy trip to the ER revealed NO break, only a major impact which will result in severe bruising. I'm sure glad it wasn't broken! Following the incident everyone bailed on me; so I hooked up w/ Tryon, Josh, and Tommy from Nash-Vegas for a few more runs. All in all I got 12 runs, 2 crashes(myself), and had one killer 2nd day of the year on the DH rig!

For a recovery ride, BIG Al, Burrito, and I headed to BSF on Monday. I can't say enough about this place. It's simply MARVELOUS!!!! Joe Cross has done a tremendous amount of hard work to keep the trails in shape and advocacy for mountain bikers to time share several hiking trails. We rode Grand Gap loop and John Muir for 20 or so miles of the most scenic singletrack trails you can ride in the South. We didn't see any other riders, only a group of backpackers from Ohio on a spring break trip. Rumor has it there's going to be a race there sometime in '09!!!

Team Ed decided to properly celebrate daylight savings w/ a Tuesday night "Full Moon" ride. Nine souls arrived @ the Back Porch in Walland for a cruise into the Cove. We took the greenway to "Y" hung a right and headed up into the Cove. Upon our arrival, the moon was Full and brighter than I'd ever seen. Cades Cove was lit-up w/ minimal clouds and no fog. We cruised from the gate to Rich mtn road where we lost 2; the rest of us continued around the Loop to Hyatt Ln. After a quick G$ photo shoot, it was off to climb Rich mtn and to the cars. It was AWESOME being able to ride the Cove and the climb up Rich mtn w/o lights. We made it to the car where our sub-3 hour 35-mile effort was handsomely rewarded w/ a nice cold BEER!!! Courtesy of this guy????? It was a FANTASTIC ride w/ GREAT company, and SPECTACULAR scenary. The post-ride Huddle House was extremly good. Thanks "TINY" for the waffles, oh and Wally needs more BUTTER!!!!

It BLOWS my mind that more people don't do this ride or for that matter, get the F' out of Haw Ridge for one weekend a month and travel outside Knoxville! I mean REALLY? A short 2-2 1/2 hour drive you can be at any one of a dozen destinations that will blow your mind w/ killer singletrack, tech descents, breath taking views, and the real deal BIG MOUNTAIN ride vibe that you can't get ridin' the greenways of HAW! Comeon' R U SSSSSSKKKKKEEEERRRRREEEEEDDDDDD???WTF!!!!

I'm off my box...

PARTY like it's....1979!!!!

Happy 30th B-Day Mary Beth Tugwell! We'll never forget this evening...

Freddy presenting his lovely bride w/ a flaming cupcake?

The Crew

What??? Farrah Fawcett...where?

Which "ANGEL" is she?

I made my last $100 billion in oil! Does she really just like me for my facial hair? How'd he get out, I just hand-cuffed him to my bed?!? Beaker escaped the Muppet show to try out a new science experiment...I think the ALIEN likes it!

The SNAKE went into the SNAKE hole!

Another Snake has come and gone. The 2k9 edition proved to be more challenging for Jen but hey that's what she signed up for? This year she decided the 34-miler was going to be her poison. Following a strong performance in the Jan. TT w/ fellow Knoxvillian Ms. Parker, we were headed to GA for the final round. The usual suspects were there, including some celebrity appearances. Pisgah Bruce was in town for a short ride before the Cougar Nat'ls in Chattown. Willow(3:13) and Sam Koerber(2:36) showed up and threw down. I traveled down to "ride" the snake. I got hooked up w/ Jut, Bruce, and Pills for 4 miles or so before pulling into the 1/2 way stop. Jut and I decided the BEER back @ the parking lot sounded better than the second 1/2 of the ride...we BAILED!!!! Jen came in while we were still hangin' and looked really fresh. She wanted to bail but marched on...and I'm really proud of her for that. This race is really NO F'N JOKE! The Pinhoti is as hard and technical as anything in Pisgah. Jen rocked it out finishing w/ her BEST time to date 4 1/2 hours for 34 miles and 2nd overall. She took 16 mins off her time from Jan. CONGRATS babe I'm proud of you!

Women Under 30 34
443 Buerkle Chrissy Feb 9:54:47 14:16:16 4:21:29
229 Smelser Jennifer Mar 9:51:34 14:22:16 4:30:42
437 Parker Emily Jan 10:13:35 14:58:42 4:45:07

Jen rockin' the "Team ED" kit

Damn I'm tired of CLIMBING!!!!
Jen solo on the Podium

Welcome to our world...

This past week has been a little slow in our world. It was however, the 6th annual UT Outdoor programs' "Outdoor Festival". This festival celebrates the outdoors and the PLAY we enjoy in them! All to benefit the Access Fund through the Telluride mountain Film, a bouldering comp, and trail day @ the Obed.
Here is a short film that Jen and I both could relate to...our morning ritual



Fellow CAT owners will find the HUMOR in this!!!

Retreat...retreat...retreat!!!!

This past Sunday and Monday was the Zoo Crew 2k9 Retreat. Myself, G$, Bacon, SparkleHorse, Ed, Clark-O, and the Model kicked off Sunday morning in style w/ a little pre-game meal @ Cracker Barrel. After a small roof rack, bike tray fiasco we were on the road. The snow was on the ground in east TN and made from some beautiful scenery on the drive over. We were in for a rude awakening once we hit the mountains. Can u say "BLIZZARD"??? A quick pit stop @ the rest area unveiled a truly harsh reality...it was f*ckin' COLD and SNOWING!!! We trudged on, not sure what would await us once we arrived in North Mills river.

The plan was to ride Laurel Mountain in Pisgah but 1206 was finally closed for the "controlled burn". Our back-up ride was still going to be FUN!!!! The ride: 5000~Spencer branch~Trace ridge~Never ending road/FS5097~Spencer branch~Spencer gap~FS 142~Lower Trace~Wash Creek~FS142~5000~Car= 19 miles 4000+ elev. It was a GREAT day w/ one of the BEST descents in Pisgah! Now time for a little r&r @ the Luhn House and then Papas & Beer! A stop for breakfast supplies, more BEER, and saddle sore supplies; we were on our way to the cabin. The evening brought many entertaining moments.

Monday morning, we continued on the theme "Out of Control"! G$ whipped up some blueberry pancakes and bacon while Clark-o figured out the coffee maker. All while we watched a motivational speaker get us FIRED UP for a day of riding. SparkleHorse and Clark-O headed back to K-town, the Model stayed home, and the rest of the gang went to ride DuPont. Today would bring sunny, blue skies and at least 10 degrees warmer temps. The ride was a variation of my standard Tour de DuPont, hitting 90% of the BEST trails it has to offer. 3+ hours, 30 or so miles, and a SH*T ton of climbing; we were done and headed for food and BEER! I elected to take the group to another one of A-ville's fine dining establishments.

Asheville pizza provided the nutrion our weary bones needed w/ some kick *ss BEER and pizza! It was back to the BEER store for some of Asheville's BEST and home to pack and relax before heading back to K-town early in A.M.!!! A little hot tub action and a movie was just what the DR. ordered for the fat kid after a long days' beat down by Bacon, G$, and team ED. Again tonight would be taken up a notch by the Model and Ed getting all warm and cudly w/ BIGFOOT!!!

The Zoo Crew 2k9 retreat went of w/o a hitch and gave me many excellent times and memories. Thanks guys for the FUN!!!!

One time on a Mountain Bike...

This was the BIG V-Day massacre group ride. Jen and I arrived early to the Zoo, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the group. I wasn't sure who would actual show for a FUN day in PNF. The later it got the more brave souls, slowly rolled in. Jen and I, Kelley, Stegall, Allen, B. Hann, T, Clipper, Ross, Burrito Beau, Keith, and Jacques were in for a march around the Hatchery. I wasn't really fired up about doing this loop again, 3rd x in 2 weeks. But it's PISGAH...enough said!!!!

The group immediately got separated before we left the parking lot. 2 cars- needed coffee and took off, eventually wanting to take 276 up/over the BRP. The other 3 cars stuck together until...Stegall turns everything into a damn race? In the mountains, he took off like a, well you know. We stopped @ the rest area for a quick pee break. In the car about to leave and in pulls the 2 cars that left before us for a break as well. We left and 10 minutes later...we got a phone call:

Redneck Billy in his S-10 blazer, loaded down w/ prizes just found dirt cheap @ the flea market with his old lady in the car. Decided his S-10 blazer could go as fast as a vette and handle just as well. In that brief 10 minutes, he piled it up BIGGER then dang it between our splintered caravan. The group, stuck behind the wreck, said he must have hit some gravel on the shoulder after taking the corner too wide, lost control ran off the road hit the 40'-50' embankment,, and barrel rolled his beloved speedy S-10 blazer down the road. They also reported he got out and started beating the sh*t out of the car, like it was it's fault?!? His wife got out w/ no injuries, stood up right, passed out, and cracked her head on the pavement!!!

We got the report and kept headin' for the Hatchery. We arrived and decided to take off on our first loop. We had just hit Cove Creek CG when my phone rang. They were about to enter PNF via 276 and would be @ the Hatchery soon, after sitting for an hour at the wreck. I sent the group on to Daniel Ridge while I rode davidson river trail back to get them. We would re-join @ the new bridge on Daniel Ridge. My group was itchin' to hit some singletrack, while the other was 2/3 of the way done w/ their ride. I gave 'em 2 options: (1)ride w/ me and the "B" group or (2)Jen would take over as ride leader of the "A" group and continue on w/ out us. They chose option #2, so they could get home.

It's all good! My group ended up having a FANTASTIC ride and for those PNF 1st timer's...they're hooked! As for the other group, they too had a GREAT ride w/ a little dissension going up 475 toward Glouscester but they worked through it. I am really proud of Jen for taking over as ride leader and kickin' ass!!!! They had no map and she finished the day strong and in style. We met up and headed to eat Mexican's @ Papa's & Beer.

Burrito and I stayed for another day in the mountain of Western NC. Thanks to Kevin for letting us crash @ the cabin. It is sooo nice when you do a BIG dumb ride and don't have to drive back to K-town. We hung out drinking some beer and noticed some rather large snow flakes falling. It was going to be nice on Monday w/ sunny skies and temps in the mid-40's. We slept in b/c we had no where to be in a hurry. After breakfast @ Sunrise Cafe in Brevard, it was off to DuPont. We did the BIG loop w/ near perfect trail conditions and weather. After a quick dinner and BEER stop it was on to 40 west and back to reality???

MUST...KEEP...RIDING!!!

The past three days have been well worth the PAIN! Beautiful February weather prompted two long days in the woods, a B-day celebration, and a nice recovery ride in the Foothills of the Smokies. Saturday, Jen bagged the Snake and opted for a 3+ hour Team Ed ride @ the Coon. We had amazing weather, almost perfect trail conditions, and ended w/ a gymnastics B-day party for our niece Annie. We got home late and crashed b/c the alarm was going off way early for a BIG day!

The wheels were set in motion mid-week for a Sunday trip to Pisgah. We met the gang for Cracker Barrel, once fueled and coffeed up, we headed across the mountains. With no specific ride in mind we ended up @ the Fish Hatchery. Having just been there Monday, I was still amped to ride the seasonal trails b/c they're just to die for. G$, the Hammer, Team Ed, Harkleroadster, and Doug had joined Jen and I for a romp through the forest.




Another 3+ hour day in PNF, a butt load of climbing, killer descents, and just a ton 'o FUN w/ good friends!
Monday, the plan was a chill recovery spin in the foothills w/ Wally. We drove in to Walland and rode the CLOSED section of the parkway. I had never done it and couldn't believe that's been under my nose this long??? If you haven't...you need to!!! Spectacular views, long gradual climbs, and 18 miles round trip= just what the doctor ordered. I could not have asked for a better 3 days in February!
For those of you in the Know...we're in: May 2nd!!!

Goin' RACING!!!

I told her it would eventually pay-off...all that riding with Ed, the long days being the only girl being dragged through the woods by the Epic Ride Mafia, and just doing it b/c it doesn't SUCK!!!
Through the kind gesture of local stud and all around BAD ASS Matt Googe, Jen is going to ride for a newly created, grassroots team out of California: http://www.teamtomsshoes.blogspot.com/
I am very excited for her to be a part of something really cool! No pressure to race every race, no pressure to podium every time out, just go ride your f**n' bike and have FUN!!! Exposure is the name of the ball game. Adam, the team director, works for Specialized and got the Rider's Club hooked up with Toms Shoes, who does some tremendous International outreach. Check out their site, it's a GREAT idea and opportunity to help: http://tomsshoes.com/shoes.aspx
Anyway, we'll keep you posted on what's happening and where we're racing!!! I can't wait, it's gonna be a BLAST!!!

Training days???

On to round #2:
I had fired up Big Al mid-week for his 1st trip to Pisgah. I couldn't back out b/c my legs had nothing for a BIG day in Pisgah and the threat of rain/snow. I awoke early to check the weather. It was overcast here on the home front w/ rain fast approaching. The intraweb wouldn't lie though; it forecast sunny skies and mid-50's in PNF. I was off, scrambling to gather my ride gear and get to Al's by 8am. As the last bit of gear hit the truck rain began to fall. Loaded up and rollin' the rain came down, @ times w/ fury! Approaching the state line it stopped and as we hit 26 the beautiful blue skies and sunshine were w/ us. Off the interstate, we got a report from Jen snow was fallin' rapidly and K-town was going into shut down mode. All we could do was LAUGH!!!!!!
This is what we arrived to @ the Hatchery:

Allen Pre-Ride

We began our ride w/ mid-50's temps. The 475B proved to be a bit more warm-up than expected. We needed a quick stop 3/4's up to shed some layers. We hit the 1st singletrack descent w/ Al giggling like a little girl foolin' around for the 1st time! All I could say was "It only gets better!" The ride went off w/ out a hitch.

We returned to the car just in time to beat the rain.

3 hours or so riding, perfect Feb. 2nd Pisgah Hatchery loop trail conditions, 3 of the BEST descents in Pisgah. Again: 2 back-to-back days on a bike mid-winter, AWESOME! We had a quick lunch @ Papas & Beer w/ another stop by the beer store as the snow began to fall. CRA-ZZZZZ!!!!
Back in K-town it was a winter wonder land. OH, the IRONY:

WOW!!!!

What a past week...I did a HUGE Norris ride last Monday and boy did it hurt!!! It was below 40, windy, and cloudy; however, the trails were perfect. I regrouped and recovered the rest of the week, all while planning a BIG Team ED training ride this past Sunday. The plan was Tour de Tanasi w/ Team ED and a select few. It ended w/ me, Jen, lil' bit, the "Model", Super Dave, Team ED, and Kelley. 29er's were the wheel of choice, poor D-Rock didn't get the memo. It was a 4 hour pain fest but thats what I need these days. Everyone did FANTASTIC, including the weather: 60 w/ sun for Feb. 1st, UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Post ride parking lot beers, quick bite to eat, and bust a move back to K-town for a Superbowl bash @ T. Gaines. All the usual suspects were there to watch, the 1st half, the BEST game ever! My team wasn't there so I pulled for the Cards but all I can say is "the CATCH"!!!

Crazy winter weather...

So in December, East TN was hit with a deluge of rain and actually carried over into the first week or so of the New Year. Filling the gauges to not only end '08 on a "+" rain total but put us 3" or so ahead for this year. All while being absolutely cold as, well you know! Then earlier this week it was down in the single digits for lows and highs not getting above the mid-20's. We even saw some of the white stuff; I think they call it SNOW! No major accumulation but it did cover the ground and get this...CLOSED SCHOOLS!

This week the weather God's must have decided to smile on me. I just happened to trade my normal Monday off to help out G$. He and the fam went on a snowboarding weekend. This meant Thursday was my day for a little action. I began checking the future-cast early last weekend and noticed the possible high was going to reach 50! I formulated a plan: a little cabin fever mountain bike ride. As the days counted down the forecast was still looking good for my evil scheme of a late January ride on the SS. I put the word out for a Thursday hookie ride. I had one taker, Alan Carnell. We decided a little Raccoon Mountain action was needed to cure our cabin fever.

I awoke to a beautiful sunny sky w/ a few white clouds. I knew this would be a GREAT day! I wasn't too concerned w/ trail conditions as the SORBA-Chatt crew has done a tremendous job building the trails down there. We began our ride with a slight chill and light breeze. However, we knew being in the woods and the sun would warm us up quick on the SS. The BIG WHEELS were rollin' strong on the dry, hardpack. The turns got interesting in spots w/ some grease here and there which made for perfect 2 wheel drifts. We did find some soft and slick spots on a few of the climbs, snow in a couple areas, and some crunchies scattered along the trail. All in all this was the PERFECT late January day for a mountain bike ride!

Pimp my ride!!!

I've had the Tricross for 6 months or so and have to say it's a really cool bike but by far was my least favorite and least ridden of any bike I currently own. I don't know if it simply feels too much like a road bike or I was just never comfortable on it? I THANK Jen for buying it for me but it's tough to show enthusiasm when you don't like something.
I needed to be fit properly and had issue w/ reaching the levers in the drops. The was problematic on the FUN gravel road descents of parsons branch and rich mountain. I decided to try a few things before totally ditching such an AWESOME BIKE! As with any bike I own, it's got be tweaked! I sold off the wheels and '08 Rival group to PIMP MY RIDE! The wheels were upgraded to a King classic road hub (red) laced to mavic cxp 33 rims (black) using paired dt swiss revolution spokes ( black & silver w/ black and red nipples). The brakes were upgraded to Paul's so I could slow down a little better. I also got the '09 Rival group which is not only all black but has reach adjustments for the brake and shift lever. G$ also adjusted a few things for me getting the fit really dialed in.