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!!!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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???
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???
Monday, February 9, 2009
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!!!
Friday, February 6, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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:
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"!!!
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"!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
