Desert Classic...

Hello Sunshine!

Follow That Bird...

Phoenix, here we come...

No Words Required...

Advantage Taken...

It seems as of late all I do is complain about the crap riding weather we've had for months. Well, the past few days have been a joy, due to some nice weather and dry trail. Now I'm not saying that every trail in KC is good to go, not even close. None of the local trails are actually dry...with the exception of my backyard skills trial and a secret trail that Shoffner and I got to rip apart on a beautifully perfect Spring-like day. Really it was a great day; Sunny, warm, dry trail, 12 pack of PBR, candy bar and my fixed gear. Zoom Zoom.

Of course there is always the bad. For example; Shoffner is headed to Austin Texas tomorrow for the Hand built Bike Show and some riding.  He, of course, toasts both bearings in his front hub (he was going that fast!). This is also his only wheel set, so he is screwed.. the day before a road trip. Bummer for him, the bearings in his Chub Hub are hard to find locally, and with no time there's no hope. Enter Burnsey "Hey man, you can borrow my 29er front wheel for your trip".  I hope he has a killer time down in Texas.

Upon returning to my casa, we spent a good half hour turning laps on the skills stuff. The loop will really get you breathing hard! The MTBJunkie and Dirtbag stopped by and tested their skills for a good hour and a half or so. It was good to see some more experienced freeride guys out on those fancy 'motorcycles w/o engines' ripping it up on the skinnies. They also were hitting a few obstacles differently than I had ever done, which is awesome and gives me more ideas on what potential the backyard trail has to offer.

So long story short; Dry trail ride; check. Skills ride; Check. Beers and Fun; Check.

For those pussies out there who did not take me up on my offer to ride dry trail - It's raining, sleeting AND snowing... bitches! Bet your thinking "shoulda, coulda, woulda"...

Maybe next time...

Backyard Fun...

 

Had a goodnight out with the boys to check out the new BikeSource location and drink some beer. Never a bad time. You should check the place out...more bikes than I've seen in one place since the Leadville Starting line.

Followed up that fine evening with a day of goods temps and DRY TRAIL. Yes, you read it correct, dry trail my friends...and in my own backyard! Above is a short video clip of one of the dozen or so features at my casa, and there is always an open invitation to come and play. Of course a photo/video never really does anything true justice. This skinny in particular is a tricky bastard...

I've been trying to commute to work; an 18 mile round trip. So far so good and it help's to save money for beer instead of gas. I even spun myself on up to the gym today and lifted weights. I wonder how long I can keep up that routine/\? I'm just dying to push myself on some epic rides this season! See you out there.

Training...

UFD 2011...

(Get Psyched)

Hot Cross Bottoms...

 

A little bit of good, old fashioned fun was had in the West Bottoms with the Hot Cross Bottoms race. Conditions were perfectly my style; Great temps with mud, ice, snow, slush, stairs, loading docks, moving cars, drops, snowbanks and of course; people eating shit around every turn. 

We all lined up after partaking in some PBR, Peeps and some even dared to drink the fruity toxin. We were off and rolling for 30+ minutes of intense danger. At least two riders had to change bikes mid race and then put the hammer down to keep up, even lap people. There was bonus points in the form of candy taped around every turn; bring back an empty wrapper and score extra points. 

Here is an action shot of myself trying to catch Tylor after a 'turn around the tree' in the background (which many a poor soul ate-total-shit while attempting). I can't say that I podiumed, nor that I give a rats ass. I can say that it was hella-fun, and that is was good to be back in the saddle putting the peddle-to-the-metal.

Saturday Warm(ing) Up...

 

Had a great morning with one of the Burnsey Boys spinning some laps on 66th...

Get Some...

 

You had me at "Beer Hand Up's"...

Ready 2 Roll...

Installed my new fork today. Now all I need are some dry trails and a few hours of pure joy could be had.

Goodbye Monkey...

Hello White Brothers Rock Solid 29er Carbon Fork! I think I could put three of these forks on my bike and it would still weigh less than the current Surly Karate Monkey steel fork that I have on there now. I am beyond psyched to get this puppy mounted on my bike tonight after the work day has passed. I got hooked-up on this sweet fork by a fella named Kevin who works at Highroller Cyclery in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was super cool and laid back in getting me this primo piece of weaponry in mere hours. UPS can work some magic! Special 'BIG thanks' to Kevin.

I'll be posting some photos of this sucka installed on my 29er very soon...stay tuned!

Lumberjack Saturday...

It is absolutely colder than a witches tit here in KC. Just freaking bitterly cold. So cold I get chills thinking about how cold it is. Luckily we had a strange warm feeling part-of-a-day recently and i got out for a quick ride. It was so nice in fact that I wore my red flannel shirt, some cut-off jean shorts (that I like to refer to as the Pat Warren Memorial Shorts) and summer gloves. It was great! I was warm and feeling as far from a lycra-wearing pansy as possible. Pure awesomeness.

I have to admit something. I love my 29er. It's all I've been riding. I have a new White Brothers Rock Solid Carbon fork on the way and I am going to rage some trail this season. Hope to see you out there!