MountainBiking in the Cedar Valley

2006-01-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

I give credit to all of the people that have been on The Biggest Loser bube show! Last week my wife bought the DVD endorsed by the show. She is looking to get back into riding shape for the upcoming season...after being bikeless with me for so long.

I have always been a fit person and really didn't see the need for 'girly' stuff like aerobics. My current fitness, I thought, was amiable for me...NOT to be compared with some locals that regularly race and stuff. I was doing well with my Combat Conditioning workouts...so I thought.

Now, given I have never done aerobics in my life, I struggled with the different moves and such ( and I've learned that lunges are NOT my friend!). That said, even considering my oft flounderings, I got my ass kicked by this workout!! So much so that I immediately denounced it and told myself that it beat me...what the...this is THE drive that I need this year. I will not let Bob beat me down. Yes, my asthma flared up after about 15 minutes of thrashing, but I will consider this a good learning experience that I need to realize my air intake/exhaust limits and pace myself. Maybe it will lead to TransIowa 3...who knows where it will lead. But I'll tell ya this, I will be lean and mean this year and my DeKerf will plead me for mercy.

"...Lights OUT! Guerrilla radio..."

Latah~

2006...a breath of new air

2006-01-04T20:27:00.000-08:00

This year I have vowed to become a different person in all of my avenues of life. I have not set any certain or particular goals, per se, but am shooting for the broad stars to improve my life. I have had many things happen, both good and not so good, in 2005, and am happy it is over so that I may jump into the swell of hope that brings all procrastinators together every New Year.
Things definitely planned:
1) Lose about 20# that I gained when I quit ingesting all artificial sweeteners. I will still minimally use sugar-free gum in place of the 'real' stuff to keep the pearly whites happy. This is mostly in attempt to aid in asthma 'cure'. This weight loss will be mostly dealt with by being as 'intuative' as possible when eating. Eat only when hungry, then eat as healthy as I can depending on the type of food craved. I've longed to weigh in at a deuce, while being fit and lean...it has been said, it will be attempted. Definitally will hafta pump some iron to get there...from the current here.
2) I will try to keep this blog both alive, and as objective as possible. I will rant when needed, but will try to keep the self pity and loathing to a minimum for the sake of others. I originally began this as a small remedy earlier in the year, from a suggestion by The Jackal, to ease my MTB race woes. It has not worked as I thought and has become rather dark and whiney. I have put up a couple good posts, but I want to move away from that person.
3) Be a more attentive Father, spouse, family member and not so self-involved. Self pity, I have found, is an abyssmal pit of nastiness, and leads to all sorts of family issues. Not that my life is on the rocks, I just want to be all I can be when my wife, kids, and family are involved.
4) Do a better job at my new job. I was engraced a prestigious position within my foundry home. Not an actual "promotion", but a moral promotion. One where you are finally recognized for the grand job you have done. I am a worker that puts everything into the job...and I mean everything. I am compulsive by nature and when i do something well (work) I am all out. There have been musings of an actual promotion into the salary ranks, but I am happy with my current, "Trustee" (without guilt) position.
5) Be better as a home owner. I am a horrible procrastinator and want to move away from the meth addicts in my neighborhood soon, so I need to stay off my haunches and get some shit done. Git 'er dun!! Man I love that guy.
6) Follow up on my long time 'dream' of running a bike shop. Not to twist guts and send others reeling back, but I have wrenched on bikes (both mine and all others that ask) my whole life. I have done everything mechanically possible in the cycling, wrenching ranks except for actually welding up a frame...which I would like to eventually do. I am a crafty artisan of sorts that loves to dive in and git 'er dun. I once thought of running a 'Neighborhood Bicycle Repair' business out of my garage, but with the rather recent theft, I think it would be wise to keep that stuff somewhere else. It was bad enough having MY bikes stolen! I don't know how I would deal with myself if the same thing happened to someone else's bike while in my care. I have had my eye on a downtown Waterloo location for quite some time...I just need to do some real world research and make an educated, life-altering decision.

That's about all I can think of at the moment. 5:00am comes quick when up this late.

"...rally 'round your family with a pocketful of shells..."

Saturday in the trenches

2005-12-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

Today was a work day, the first Saturday in about three or four months...who's keeping track? Due to the new job, actual, physical work was applied to my human being today. It's not been like that for quite some time. I really want to get out to GW tomorrow and do some trail walking to keep the general directions in tow for those that wish to get out and ride...hopefully that will be me in about two weeks when Xmas shutdown occurs (this one will be a full two weeks). I used to XC ski, but that was MANY moons ago and I wouldn't know where to begin. Plus, I'd rather ride in four feet of snow than XC ski in six inches of snow...that's how I roll. Where's that front disc when I need it??!!

Latah~

Winter, officially here...

2005-11-30T20:33:00.000-08:00

This actually bites ass when compared to my usual, MTBing self any other year/winter. Before the whole bike theft debacle, I rode pretty regularly in the Winter...usually as much as the more favorable months, just not as long. Now, after not sitting on a good saddle for nearly three months, and not being acclimated to the cooler/colder weather, I just don't have the drive. There are still fit issues to deal with on Deke, and Winter is best left to trusty steeds in my mind. Not saying I won't ride, just living up to the realization, knowing it won't be as frequent as it has been in the past snowy seasons. I also have to get some shoe covers/snuggles that fit over my old shoes. Injury issues have driven me back to the original El Gato shoes...anyone interested is invited to gift some new ridin' shoes my way in this season of giving!

I will, however, try to keep the light on JY's new trail at GDub. Breaking it in will be a moot point in the Winter, but I will try to walk it between snows and keep the light on, even though I did get lost about halfway through. I'll hafta get with him and graph the actual trailbed/path so we can keep an eye on it...can't let new trail go back to nature, especially when it has a real good flow...there are a couple of tight spots, but nothing that is boring and no-wanty-to-ridey-because-it-is-too-twisty...like a certain trail at Ulrich...nuff sed there.

I see congratulations are in order for G-Ted Productions!! His (www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com) was voted in the Top 5 for cycling-related blogs by www.goclipless.com ...beruse around and you'll find the correct page on that site.

Snow will beckon an early rise tomorrow. Lots of shoveling will be in order. Good work out for the newly appointed, 'non-worker'...hehehe. Began a new job and it is far less stressfull and physically requiring, so I'll need every bit of calorie burn I can get to slough off the holiday gains...

Latah~

SNOW...NO!

2005-11-29T20:42:00.000-08:00

Woke up this morning, on cue, prepared to commute by bike for the first time in three months...I did not realize that we were going to get as much snow. I can handle that. However, what I couldn't take was one of the worst mornings I've had in a long time. Nothing seemed to go right...the shovel caught up on every concievable crack in the sidewalk, as well as deck board screw heads that I had previously thought were OK for the winter. Shoveling this morning was a chore!! This, coming from someone that shovels four neighbor's areas and about 300' of sidewalk...what can I say, I love to shovel. It doesn't really matter if it is snow, sand, dirt, hogshit, foundry flash-iron, or whatever. For whatever crazy reason, I just like to shovel. I don't EVER see myself wasting good bike money on a $1K, winter, lazy machine. It is also a great workout to boot, provided ya keep your stomach muscles tight and taught to keep the lower back in alignment.
Also, because I've not commuted and built up a 'cold shoulder' to the elements, this much colder weather is going to make climbing back on the commuting horse a real chore. I may just hold off while some chronic injuries heal up...with the help of a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon (messed up knee). The knee is just beginning to emit some pain while extending the leg. It has 'clicked' for a number of years and for whatever reason, began hurting a touch over the last couple of weeks. Doc says a 'clean-up' of the region behind the patella will most certainly cure the chondromalacia he says I have. We'll see.

Had to get a few words in. Also, CONGRATULATIONS to MATT HOOVER on his new title as The Biggest Loser!! I have been a wresting fan most of my life and was really stoked watching this season's shows with him on it. It was extremely moving and quite motivational...maybe it'll help me lose the 25# I have gained in the last three months...no riding, and quitting diet everything!! Ta for now.

Latah~

2005-11-26T07:41:00.000-08:00

Spent some time yesterday reading the manual for my Fox Forx FLOAT100RLC. This is my first air-sprung fork and I needed to get at least the base knowledge of the tunings. Hopefully today I will get a chance to ride with my brother for a while and check out all the whatzits and hoodads. Maybe we'll be able to lure a couple buddies out for a ride as well.

Had a grand time on Thursday with Tracy and the kids. Just us, no other quarreling family members (from either side) around to ruin the day. It was a real nice day. We played Scene It and Taboo into the wee hours.

Not really much to type about, other than the weather...I'm glad it is going to be a touch warmer today. I am ready for winter, but as I age I seem to get more sensitive to the abrupt temperature changes. This may be brought on due to the fact that I haven't yet commuted on my new bike...I'll start Monday. Ta

Latah~

First ride on Deke...

2005-11-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

I've officially named the DeKerf, Deke. Don't know why, just did. Today I began on a thought of putting some passes on my new trail. That didn't go so well. With the rain yesterday and not drying up, coupled with the trail not being done, made the few passes (both ways) go rather ugly. It was like I hadn't ridden at all, ever. I couldn't make the bike handle at all. The tires clogged up with mud and that twenty or so minutes told me that I have some issues to deal with...

Issue #1: The new trail is going to need a much deeper bench cut than what I had previously expected. I also have to find a way to deal with the large amounts of moss that grows on that NW slope. I am going to hafta put lots more time into this trail...I hope it'll be worth it in the end.

Issue#2: I need to buy the correct cleats for the pedals that came on my bike. I could stay clipped in OK, but the amount of float was so huge that the ride on anything non-flat was so sketchy I couldn't really trust myself.

Issue#3: My ass is NOT happy with the Bontrager/San Marco saddle that currently adorns Deke!! I must revert back to the WTB saddles. They fit me best and are just damn good saddles. This should help out a lot with the fit issues I seemed to have with the new bike.

It was odd having all those gears to choose from today. I also need to print off a copy of the Fox Forx manual. I need to be able to dial that thing in, although, it performed quite well. I am happy at this point with the bike. It handles quite well and has that "steer from the hips" attitude to it. Much like both of my Bontragers did. This quality makes for a real nice ride that is quite predictable.

All for now.
Latah~

Arrival!!

2005-11-16T21:06:00.000-08:00

The DeKerf Generation arrived today. I am extremely happy with the outcome. I actually had taken faith on the fella's word, and bought the bike, site unseen. I am pleased, like I just said!
Here's the breakdown:
DeKerf Generation frame
Chris King at the rotational helms, with Mavic 517 hoops
Chris King headset
Fox Forx 100RLC
Shimano XT cranks, shifters, derailleurs, chain, cassette, & BB
Shimano XTR brakes and levers
Salsa QRs
RaceFace seat post, stem (Deus), carbon riser bar (NEXT)
Bontrager Ti railed saddle...will be replaced with WTB ASAP!
Michelin rubber...I'll have to try them out as I've never used Michelin tires before, let alone, tubeless tires
Bontrager grips...they feel good, but nothing on my bikes but Oury!!

The color of the pics obviously depicts the hue of energy-efficient light bulbs that we are using in the house. I will try to get some good pics this weekend, outside...they should look lots better.

Latah~

Negative feedback

2005-11-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

I received some negative feedback from my brother today on the trail issues. He claims that, while Gary Dusenbury is a great guy and great park ranger, he has no time to be dealing with the issues of whether or not trails are being built, or not, in his park, nor does he really want to have to deal with it. He claims that because of his previous employment with INRCOG, he may have an 'in', but it is pretty vague. Also, because the great state of Iowa doesn't sanction the trails, they don't really count. Ya riiight. Just like the majority of bike sales in this metro area don't comprise of hybrid/roadie stuff...appeal to the masses and you'll achieve great things. I think I just may give ol' Dusenbury a call myself and pick his brain for a bit...I'll try and not piss him off, but I can't promise anything...hehehe

Andy also says that he believes my trail along University is a bust...the DOT, et al, will not tolerate having to deal with the liability. I told him that I will continue to build it and ride it until I get stopped and told not to do so. Hell, if the deer in the area can use it, so can I!

I am trying to be patient about the DeKerf coming either tomorrow or Wednesday. Not that anyone cares (and I do notice when people do care by the links they keep and don't keep), but I will try to post my first pics of it. I haven't done it here yet, but it can't be all that difficult from what I've seen.

Latah~

New trail...

2005-11-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

I spent a little time today working on my new trail. Progress was extremely slow due to me not bringing an appropriate trail building tool...I am going to have to buy a McCleod (fire rake) or a Pulaski for this trail. It's not like I won't ever use it again. I didn't remember the sheer amount of grass that was growing! There was a lot of it and the garden rake I brought clogged up a bazillion times. I did some more bench cutting, but am going to try to keep it to a minimum as the areas that need it have a pretty good game trail already there...it just needs to be ridden a lot to see what will need bench cuts. I also am trying to put some rolling grade dips into it as I don't want a continuous fall line to make problems with erosion. The second portion of the trail is going to take some planning as there are quite a few thorny trees to go around. The last thing I want to do is create propensity for flats!

When I do get my bike this week I will not immediately convert it to a single speed as that type of riding, for me, tends to be non productive for riding slow and staying on a direct path of trail...that said, I am going to ride it in a lower gear so that I can really give it a workout, over and over and over this coming weekend. It will also help out trying to ride through sections that are still really loamy with moss. Note to self: put on a really aggresive rear tire!

For those that want to know where this is, send an email or just reply and leave yours. I will be happy to tell everyone so that more than one person can help me out with the remaining trail design for the upcoming sections...particularly the gnarly second section that is next. I got a really good workout working on the steep grade, and so did my ankles, they're killing me.
All for now...

Latah~

Trail work bug

2005-11-12T20:08:00.000-08:00

Recently, a few of the racer-oriented riders in the area began some new trail work, as well as clean up of the older trails at George Wythe State Park. They were planning for a 6/12 race through the area. GREAT I say! A post by Carl spiked up some rather touchy memories of a new trail venue four years ago. I lashed out at Carl and as I have stated before, I am sorry.

All this, and the fact that my bike will be arriving this week, coupled with a 'gray' day, has sparked a forgotten trail that I began two years ago. Since the 'official' trail work at GW is cancelled because of the public issues, I will try to wake up early tomorrow and finish a portion of this trail that I had been working on. I had given up on it when the weeds overtook my efforts last year. Then my work schedule was so laden with overtime, I just simply didn't want to spend the time doing it.

As G-Ted has stated before, Autumn is the best time to build because of the lack of weeds and what not. It also makes progress visible, and gives the dirt time to settle and harden over Winter's freeze. I also allows for less break in time due to this, I've found. This trail, I'm hoping to link into Hope Martin Memorial Park, which will be really easy then to link to the Katoski Greenbelt trail 'system'. Don't know yet what it will be called, but I assure those reading (and not reading) that it will be a well-designed trail that I'm going to try and keep above the Black Hawk Creek floodplane...we'll see how that works out.
Permission: I am not going to seek permission for a couple of reasons, mostly because there's not much the officials can say about it after the fact. Not a very 'PC' outtake on the situation, but we all are coming to the realization that when we ask about building trails, we get shot down most of the time. That sums it up for now in that area...

Ulrich Park: Most of those in this area know that this is the area provides (us) with the best terrain for "mountain biking". We also know that trails with ZERO flow, that are too twisty (even though they are unique to the area) do not and will not get ridden enough to stay open. Anyone that has ridden a trail like this, knows what I am talking about. Most of the trails at Ulrich are real good...everyone keep their eyes open for what is happening in the area South of the train viaduct...I believe it is getting sold for development. Don't remember the guy's name, but he got a four-wheeler stuck by the lower train viaduct last Fall. He claimed to be the owner of most of the woods South of the Park and said we can build/ride as much as we want...I will follow up on who he is and secure permission. Also at Ulrich, the East finger trail needs building. I know that some fellas rode it as far as it went, but it wasn't finished and was disappointing for most. I want to get that finished!!! It is some prime trail land with LOTS of potential for a loop of about a mile. It is very close to Bossman's home and will be excellent. Let's put forth some effort to finish it!

Just about movie time with the family so I will wrap this up for now. I will post with new trail progress tomorrow.

Latah~

On the move

2005-11-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

Via the UPS tracking number, the DeKerf is en route to Waterloo! Finally, a concrete answer and not some bullshit reason for playing hopscotch with unicorns. I made a short round, on a bike purchased here in town, to the area where a good, stolen bike tip was given...no avail. By the way, GT, I was nearly in your backyard, but due to the darkness, I obviously did not stop by.
I am going to make plans to join in on the trail work this weekend. I will try to recruit a couple/few other fellas to get the maximum amount of work done. Guess this is all for now.

Latah~

I hate to wait!

2005-11-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

Worked 'til 5:30 today...long enough to be unable to do any business of any kind. Except for the business at hand with my bike. I called Kevin Glavas at Snocovers Sports (Whistler, B.C.), the cannuck I bought the sight-unseen DeKerf from. He doles out a bonified, UPS tracking number. I am like, WOW!! It's been a week since I spoke with him so I expected some great news from UPS...NOT. I was on the phone for about an hour with several people that I'm surprised weren't some key role models in "Deliverance". I am telling ya, I was speaking with some seriously dumb-ass people. Then, after yet another 15 minutes on hold at UPS...because they can't just have an actual person to speak with...I finally converse with a woman with some actual knowledge of her job. Thank you!! We get it narrowed down that, today, after sitting in a bike shop backroom (Egad! The thought of it) for a week and a half AFTER payment was received, they finally have the sense to ship it out today. This bastard has been telling me that the bike is on it's way for almost two weeks, when in fact, it was just shipped today. I at least am still empowered by my bonified UPS tracking number, that I'm told is now actually valid as of 5:26 today in B.C. time. UPS says a guaranteed delivery of no later than 15NOV2005. Another fucking week of no bike........I now know that I will never deal with a Cannuck again...rest assured I'll never buy another Canadian bike, regardless of how fucking good it rides...if I will ever find out.

Latah~

Is my head on straight...

2005-11-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

Well, don't really know who all will read this, so I will be all-inclusive as to my apologies. I had recent feedback with Carl about something he had posted on his blog. I wasn't really trying to be negative, but I did drop some bombs and I think some damage was done to this friendship. To you, Carl, I am truly sorry for attacking "you" about recent, and not-so-recent trail work. I hope I can patch this up and show you, and everyone else for that matter, that my trail interests are true and genuine.

On that note, an "official" invitation was given to me to help out with some trail work today by Carl. I didn't really screw it off, but I didn't really make adjustments to my day for the work. I SHOULD have been there to help and support the cause in the Cedar Valley, to help out Carl, Jeff Y., Jeff K., Jeremy, and whomever else was there. I remember reading five names, but don't remember the fifth...sorry!

To all that read this...I have been dealing with one of the worst years of my life. That said, and my huge propensity towards falling into the pits of depression, I am deeply apologetic to all whom I have shunned because of my moodiness. TJ would definitely be one of them, as would GT, Carl, Bossman, and all others that feel they should be noted here, as well as some of my family members that also have fell victim to my depressive moods.

I have been waiting for my DeKerf Generation to be delivered now for three weeks. The Canadian Customs department should be shot in their collective bean bags for holding this delivery back! I would like to think that it is coming tomorrow, but without a tracking number, and a seller that simply will not return emails and phone calls, I am very near skeptic that I will receive it all at this point.

Everything seems to be against me, or at least that's how I see it...but yet I am smart enough to be accepted by the Mensa upper crust...so how can I give in to negative energies...don't know. Maybe that's the cost for being intelligently ecclectic...pessimistic paranoia. Hmmm, good food for thought throughout the upcoming week. I have been trying to be more objective in my life, but have had major problems dealing with the ramifications of negative thought.

I will try harder to be a better friend/family member/trail worker-MTB socialite in the future...just y'all wait and see.

Latah~

2005-10-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

As I sit here, swilling beer, I dream of my 'new' bike being delivered. I know it will be at least a week yet, but dream and wonder of the glory and defiance to the meth addicts that stole my beloved Bonny. I will soon ride again, yet, atop a steed of like blood...aaah, DeKerf screams in the back of my mind.

It's been a long, arduous road...this "replacement insurance" fiasco. Lest ye whom reads...if you have ANYTHING of personal or physical value, make damned sure your insurance policy reflects that you will be fully reimbursed for your loss...in that aweful event. Having to 'front' 50% of a "replacement", and then having to wait for reimbursement is a fucking farse! THE largest scam in the world is the insurance business...and they have all of us by the beanbag!

I soon will be atop a new steed, bearing the DeKerf badge. You all will see, I will once again, arise from the ashes of theft and wreak havoc upon all that is singletrack. With a Forx leading the way, all the good bits will guide my way on the trek of new beginning. Can you say...Chris King Components are...good!!

All for now...beddy-by time. Sugar plums and green DeKerfs on the brain tonight.

Latah~

Bike thieves

2005-08-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we put out some fliers with pictures at several convenience stores, and gave the local bike shops some pics with our bikes' serial numbers. It was a daunting task that left me mentally drained. I just really can't know how to act in this respect...it's like losing...I really don't know. It's like having my freedom taken away...like the link in the previous post from NSMB.com.

Tonight, my son's birthday party. His birthday was yesterday, but since school's first day was today, we thought that last night would have been kind of hectic and he wouldn't be able to get to sleep after three months of Summer sleeping hours. It went off with a bang and he received mucho dinero (the gift of choice from relatives...he still likes actual gifts from us) for the celebration of his birth.

Most everyone had left for the night, and I answered the phone. Caller ID said "pay phone". I just picked it up. The voice on the other end sounded rather 'high strung'. He said that he had info about my stolen bikes...WOOHOO. Claiming that he may have seen some meth addicts having their way with our bikes. He had seen our fliers and was fairly certain that he saw the bikes pictured. He gave an address of people that he claimed to be drug addicts...saying that they kept stolen bikes in the basement during the week and brought them out on weekends to carouse and whatever. He also included a nearby Pathways station where people are required to attend classes due to alcohol and/or drug related crimes. We drove past it and, indeed, saw about two dozen bikes. Mine were not there...damn! Anyway, we called the Police and gave them some pictures and the serial numbers (NO ONE would accept the serial numbers previously because they were not the originators of the report...like it fucking matters!!!). Don't know what will come of it, but it does invigorate my passion for posting more fliers and, ultimately, finding my bikes. This guy also had stated a number of times how many bikes that "they" had stolen.

Definitely an upswing in this case...

Latah~

Ever been really depressed?

2005-08-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't post until now. I've been in a downward spiral since Thursday morning at 5:50 am. That is when I found out that my most prized possessions were stolen from my garage. I owned a '96 Bontrager Race, a '96 Bontrager Privateer, and my wife's bike-'92 Specialized Rockhopper Comp FS. I had toiled endless hours over the course of the last several years making sure that every single component functions flawlessly...not to mention the mental toil I have given just selecting which component do I want to change now. The cleaning, lubing, taking apart/putting back together, then the most fulfilling part...the riding of the bikes, is now gone. It has been such a huge part of my life, much more than a hobby, I really, truthfully, do not know what to do with myself. I know it will get better, that the gaping wound will heal, but Hell man! I found this to be a really good read for me:
http://nsmb.com/trail_tales/bike_thieves_01_02.php It really makes sense of how I feel. I hadta file a claim with the police...like that will do any fucking good...they've allowed these fucking low-lifes to cook meth for several years, and not busted them, so why would I begin to think that the coppas are going to help me find my bikes. I also filed an insurance claim...yes, I DO want to pay higher insurance premiums so that these worthless fuckers can get high on an illegal drug and continue to steal from honest people. Just making me so sick right now, I cannot continue.

Latah~

Ulrich Park

2005-08-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday marked the first time in I think three months I saddled up for an off-road ride. For many reasons, I have not had the time to ride, mostly due to spending lots of time fishing, the lesser reasons are due to either my leg injury (that never really was cured through physical therapy), or the depressive funk I have been in for quite some time. I am like that from time to time, and most of it is self-cured through riding...kind of oddly ironic, isn't it.

It also marked the 'maiden voyage' for Clyde, my Bontrager Privateer, freshly built up. The ride quality was very much like Bonny, the other Bontrager I have. Who'da thunk that? Now, down to the real dirt of this blog...

The trail condition/s at Ulrich were abyssmal! Not that the singletrack had seriously eroded, or anything really bad, structurally, just really unkempt. I have NEVER ridden, anywhere there was an estrablished trail bed, that provided me with such a propensity to allow 'Stick Tites' to cling to me! The weeds were seriously overgrown, as I previously had expected, but even my expectation was shocked. That, coupled with so many derailleur-breaking sticks (didn't matter to me due to the single speed thing), it was just pathetic.

I'll be the first to admit that I hadn't been to the park for several months, and that is my own ball o' wax, and also the reason I hadn't done any trail work this year...at all. But, in my defense, I also hadn't even been there...unlike the trail whores, whomever they may be, that have continued to ride and ride, but give nothing back to the cause and do a little trail work. I have been coined a 'Trail Nazi' by a couple of regular riders, but I really don't care. Those trails are the fruit of some very displeasing events in a different area. Ulrich was 'offered', literally, to us as an alternative to the Lookout Park fiasco four or five years ago. Lots of blood, sweat, and tears have been put forth to get these trails built and ridable. Hell, the trail reviews at MTBR.com reflect a very well-kept riding area, when, what I saw Sunday reflected just the opposite.

OK. Rant is over. There are some areas that need to be addressed. AND, I will note that someone, bless their soul/s, have re-treaded the lower stream crossing with large, flat, concrete pavers that has improved it mucho over what it was in the past. On that note, the other stream crossing needs to have the same done to it. It turned out very nice. Kudos to those involved. This trail really needs nothing except for clearing out a couple of blown down trees, some light weed whacking, and that's about it.

The trail on the other side of the tracks is a different story. It is even more overgrown, and has about three times the amount of sticks on it. I cleaned up some of them, but didn't even come close to making a dent. Also, closest to the second set of train tracks is a huge blown down tree...about two feet in diameter, right across the trail bed, handlebar-high...not ridable currently. Someone has taken the initiative to begin chain sawing the behemoth, but it really need to be all cut up and removed. This will be a big job that no one should attempt alone...really big tree!

The trail leading back to the Matyr's River Trail is seriously overgrown as well. It never really did get finished, and needs that as well. We need to rent a TroyBilt pasture mower (or whatever they're called) to accomplish this. I rode the tracks to River Trail and down the 'ramp' into what has turned into a freakin jungle. I know there are those that have toiled endlessly over this trail and it is a great trail to ride. Flat, yes. Fun, yes. Rebuildable, certainly.

The other trail at Martyr's needs to be finished...it never really did get a proper take-off on the building process. It should be a good Fall for doing this.

George Wythe........an endless abyss of trail work! I haven't even ridden there for about two years. Needs a total overhaul.

Note to all that read this: I was not trying to piss anyone off, just trying to wake y'all up and see that we need to group together and stop trying to be 'clicky' when it comes to OUR trails. We all ride them, and should all lend a hand in keeping them respectable. Also, it opens for more trail building in other areas as well. Ya, most of our local land is boringly flat, but we all live here by choice and should take care of our trails in a selfless manor.

No, I'm not dead yet

2005-08-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

Today marks the last treatment appointment of physical therapy for my IT Band overuse syndrome. I will actually be leaving when I get done with this. I initially saw a huge improvement with some ultrasound therapy. Then they began having me do weight training...I personally think this exasperated the injury because I have been having dull sensations even when I'm just sitting in front of the toob. It's not like I really needed extra weight training, even the therapists commented on how much weight I could/can leg press. And I don't do leg presses, ever. Just been cycling all my life. I don't have massive quads like Carl, or am I extra-lean like Kerkove, but much more built than the average Joe. I will be beginning my new training regimen now that most of the pain is gone in my leg. The link for those that care is in the side bar...Matt Furey. That, coupled with a new dietary outlook, which will be REALLY difficult for me, should propel my fitness and mental health to an all-time high. Just been in a depression-like funk for a few months...can be directly linked to the MayDay race thing. I really haven't ridden anything off-road since then. Hell, I didn't even clean the dust from the gravel roads getting to/from the race off from Bonny for two months. I didn't even really want to look at 'her' in the eyes for fear she would buck me off like a wild horse. Heading out today for some cave spelunking with Tracy and the kids. Should be a good turnaround point of focus for me. That, and the fact that the weather will be cooperating for me to get my lazy ass out on the trails...which should be interesting because I'm pretty sure there hasn't been much maintenance going on. Probably all over-grown, just screaming for a good weed whacking. Time for my last PT appt.

Latah~

DoH...the deer

2005-06-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

On my way home from the ol' foundry today and was just about taken out by a whitetail doe. It was pretty windy riding along Fletcher Ave. (South). I had recently ridden across University Ave, rogue-style, and was trying to beat a co-worker to Seargent Road. I had my head kind of down, barreling along, just about to where the old pay phones used to be. I hear something to my left. I looked up instantly and grabbed the binders when I saw a doe about two-three feet to my left-front. SCARED the shit out of me. When she hit the gravel on the shoulder, the small pebbles were thrown up into my face. Truly, one of the most scariest moments in my life. I really don't know how I/we avoided the collision. That would have been one for the record books.

Because I have been bowhunting for about twelve years, I have been in pretty close proximity to live deer lots of times. The closest was on the ground, still hunting, and had a young doe within probably fifteen feet. Definitely the closest to a live deer...until today. If I had been attentive to the whole situation, I probably would have been able to count the hairs on her tail as she sped by my front wheel by less than a yard...or REAL close to that. Something I will not forget, for sure.

Not much riding lately due to lots of things. I think it mostly has to do with the rainy weather we'd been having. And now I just can't get back into riding for some darned reason. Maybe it has something to do with the May Day race at Ingawanis...depression has reared it's ugly head yet again in my world. This weekend will prove to be different. Way less beer drinking and way more dirt assaults at Ulrich/Martyr's. Anyone game, that sees this?? Let me know.

Latah~

Back in the 'saddle'?

2005-05-31T20:48:00.000-07:00

Had a major, teenager-induced virus on the ol' 'puter over the course of the last week. Back in bidness and ready to roll. Cycling took a back seat to family fun over holiday weekend. Spent some $$, drank enough beer for Bob Fahr to rethink his inventory, and now am just getting back into the swing of everyday life. All this, AND, it is a four day work week!

Threw some monofilament around over the weekend and was sorrowfully skunked, or at least very near skunked. Too late after the cold front I am guessing. I can't wait for my fishing skills to start paying off in mass dividends. Most spawning is now passed and I will just hafta wait until the water levels go down a bit and the fish recover from Spring twitterpating. Shouldn't be too long.

Back onto the ol' single speed commute this morning...woke up fine, but had about zero ambition to actually make it beneficial to any sort of training regimen. Too many beers, too little sleepy...methinks was the major cause. Should be a no-brainer considering all that transpired over the long weekend. Will be starting PT this week, it should prove to be refreshing and rejuvenating considering the chronic, nagging tendonitis (basically) that has had me holding back since late October '04. I will most definitely have to be rethinking my training regimen when fully healed as I have layed off from the Combat Conditioning until fully healed...I have noticed a difference already after only about 1.5 weeks or so...must be working.

Leno's almost over, "The Deadliest Catch" is over for the week, and fatigue has begun to set in. After all, 5:15 AM comes up very quickly. All for now.................
Latah~

Been a few days...

2005-05-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Since the last post. New content...single speed, three-wheeled, BMX-style races going on at the ol' JD FDY. We have begun to commence 'racing' BMX style in a subterranean 'pit' at the foundry. This hole was home to many huge sand belts, gear boxes, catch hoppers, hydraulic pumps, etc. back in the day of '3 Line. It is now probably doomed in the upcoming years to a stockroom of sorts. But for now, we have created it into a race track for 3-wheeled bikes...many of them are Worksman brand. They are MOSTLY single speed, with some of them boasting gear ratios of 50 gear/inches. (This has me checking all the gearing on the bikes, and punching ring/cog combinations into gear calculators in an attempt to make the gear combos as close to each other as possible...for fairness purposes. Anyone have some BMX chainwheels or freewheels that they don't need...I could use rings about 36t or so, and cogs about 20-22 or so). Not a lot by many people's standards, but when coupled with BMX racing on truly flat, and really smooth concrete, in and out of I-beams, sand belt runs, and the like, it is kind of like the "Road Warrior" of racing...without spikes and weapons...so far. For those that remember, or care, the track is about the length of the old BMX track at Burton Ave...Black Hawk BMX. There are no jumps, no berms, and no starting hill, only the desire to race one another in a brotherly fashion. We have deemed that any path goes, because if you take a shortcut, chances are that your momentum is broken enough for the shortcut to be a mostly moot point. We've been doing this for about two weeks or so, and have begun to create a lunch/break time ritual of getting sweaty and back into shape, for those that need it. Believe it or not, a couple people have said that they have not 'worked out' this much in many years...and we work in a frikking foundry for the love o' Pete. Nonetheless, I am trying to create a bike society with the people I work with, and spend half of my life with. Imagine racing; BMX-style, a 40-65#, three-wheeled bike through steel I-beams and hair raising hairpin turns through said I-beams, with head level obstacles that could (and probably will) cause concussions...all at speeds exceeding 15mph. Sound fun...it IS! A yet-to-be-named person at said location, whom is affiliated with DirtInTheHouseBMX will be a new acquistion to include into the racing mix. That is, if he'll step his highness down to our level...we should be so lucky. He'll kick all of us silly with his madly insane BMX skills, but it isn't always about winning, is it?? Albeit, the tendonitis in my right leg has flared up in rare form. This will send me to the Doc this week for sure, for some PT and electro-therapy for the tendons/ligaments...this all spells fun. For those of you out there who've never had the electrical PT treatment, you're missing out. It feels great and is a total high that is actually productive in healing tendon-related issues. Don't know how all of you feel about my blog, or your own, or reading someone else's, but I find it very difficult to 'write' this in proper writing form. I must head on to the Ponderosa for the night.
Latah~

2005-05-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

Very much wanting to get onto some dirt trails, but I see no immediate plans for that here with all the frikkin' rain we are incurring. It may prove, however, a great weekend to get out and do some much needed trail building/maintainence. Yes, I said trail maintainence. There are new trails that need to be completed, but what happens to the current trails when building is the current, key focus? Answer: they suffer and get innundated with sticks and such. That just makes riding them not as fun...whether you're on a single speed or a gearie. And trust me, you don't wanna be ridin' no gearie when lots of small sticks are on the trail bed. I have completely destroyed two XT derailleurs when an errant twig decides it wants to spoil your day by taking out your derailleur. Not really a concern on an SS, but trail conditions need to be addressed by those of us that matter to the masses. Think about that for a moment.............Our trails, whether we make the upkeep happen or not, are an extension of who we are as an MTB community of trail riders and citizens of our outdoor community. The reviews state just this at www.mtbr.com . I, personally, would like for out-of-towners to know that we have the best possible riding for our area/terrain, and will go the extra mile to assure that people who travel to ride in our areas have a grand time...just as the fellas at ICORR do at the famous SugarBottom trails. We have the potential, we just need some unity and direction. That's all for now....

Latah~

2005-05-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

A rather grim/surreal mood has emarked on my wife and I after watching "The Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery Channel. This series, for those that don't know, is devoted to a real-life documentary of the crab fisherman that risk their lives year after year on the Bering Sea to catch crabs...Alaskan King Crab and Opelio Crab seasons are the current ones to watch. The King Crab season went without any vital hitches, however, the Opelio season hadn't even opened and one ship (91' boat) has sunk. One survivor to this point...out of six.

I don't know how to describe the mood/feeling. Kind of like losing a close friend, which is something I have personal experience with. Coming up on one year ago I lost one of my oldest friends to a heart attack (he was 37 and in good health), and another friend...on the same exact day. Very dim day, and following weeks for me then. And get this, they are both buried in the same cemetary. Zoinks! Goosebumps!

Enough gloom...Took one of my longer loops to work today and road the Seargeant Trail for about a mile or so. Soooo smooth. It makes me want to put smoothies on the commuter...what the Hell am I thinking!! I put clip pedals on the 'muter with MUCHO success. The pedal revo is much smoother and back to what I am used to. Flat pedals suck.

Training info: Squats...goose egg! Too much personal, financial stuff going on at home today to worry about an intensive workout. Pushups...improved from yesterday by two. 22 Hindu pushups. Did some free weight curls at work today...41.5# three reps with each arm. Don't sound like much until you are at true muscle failure...and I didn't do the "cheater" curls and pump the weight up, it was a controlled movement up and down. I don't claim to be a strong person by any means, but I think that is pretty respectable to begin with, and am striving to improve. Wall chair...I tapped out at 1 minute today. Pretty good for what I remember. I know when I was younger that I was somewhere near 2 minutes. We'll see how long it takes to re-progress this exercise. Back bridge went really well this morning. Didn't time it but it felt better than yesterday at approximately 30-40 seconds.

For those wondering, www.mattfurey.com "Furey Cat" in training here.

That's all for now.

Latah~

Very blah Monday

2005-05-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today was a brutally boring work day. Wow, glad it's over. Very nice, extended commute this morning. One of those that you just don't want to end by arriving at work. Beginning a new workout regimen...Body weight calisthentics will begin to dominate my off-bike workout duties. It will also mark an actual beginning of anything concrete up to this point. There are several of these exercises that I used WAY back in my days of BMX racing that I believe worked very well then and will again.

A book is on the way, but a loose schedule will dictate workouts until the book arrives with a better layout. Legwork will comprise of: Hindu squats, wall chair, calf raises, and a copious amount of stretches. Back bridging will help keep the ol' spinal cord and neck in line and hopefully block out disc-related issues. The front side of the back will be worked by some 'yet to be announced' ab exercises. Hindu pushups, chinups (or pullups...whichever feels better on a given day), free weight curls, and handstand pushups (don't know about these yet) will round out the upper body. ALL of these exercises will be done, not in "sets", but to complete exhaustion, in one large set.

I began my day with a back bridge that lasted only about 30 seconds. Kind of pathetic I thought. I also did about 15 minutes of rigorous stretching...more than I usually do in a week. After work was hectic, and I had only enough time to do the pushups...20 of them in all. It lasted about five minutes, but I thought my fricking shoulders and triceps were going to burst off of my body and fly to the moon. I will try to keep this stuff updated for those that care, and as a running log so that I may track my progress. On-bike training will mostly result in what I have been doing...daily commute, paved trail riding with wifey, and as much dirt riding as my schedule will allow.

Latah~

07MAY2005

2005-05-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well, after nearly a week, I am putting the DNF behind me. With some kind words (and some ribbing) from pals, it is no longer in my every thought. I won't forget it, that's for sure.

Commuting earlier this week was brutal. With temps well below freezing, it made for a couple of rather unpleasant rides to the 'salt mine'. On Tuesday, it was only 21 degrees when I left. I'm glad that is over as commuting is definitely more pleasant in nicer weather.

GuitarTed posted something about the Seargent Road Trail being done, or rather, not done. Well, for those that don't know yet, it is fully asphalted from Hudson to Highway 218. This pleases my wife as she does not share the same lust for dirt that I have. We rode it Thursday evening. I was surprised at the quality of the work done. Riding the commuter at 40/17 (61 gear inches), with dirt tires, on the perfectly flat trail made the first half into the wind a welcome workout. I think we averaged right around 19 mph, counting all the street crossings. Not too bad spinning around 110 rpms, but I will definitely have to put some clip-in pedals on for next time as the flat pedals made it rather unpleasant for that long of a ride. Although I will say that my chronic right leg issue was not happy with it. Going to have to get to the Dr for a physical therapy session or two to calm down the issue...I had gone to see him at the end of 2004 and was told that it was "iliotibial band friction syndrome". He prescribed therapy to calm the ligaments, but I was working too much overtime to get to the office for therapy. Now that that has ended, I'll hafta git r dun so that the rest of the year with be pain free.

After the rain, I don't think dirt riding will be going on today. No worries though, I think I'll buy my fishing license, try to catch a few pike, and forge into the woods later on for some tasty Morel mushrooms...at least I think they'll be popping up this weekend. Mmmm, I can taste them now.

Latah~

The day after...

2005-05-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

Today was a day full of regret, but after reading an email from a good pal, it has ended up being not so bad afterall. I still have a problem with my performance at the race, but have definitely learned from it. I just wish I had not quit. I was extremely fatigued from blasting out the start. I will just have to train to do it differently next time.
I found out that I'm not as fit as I thought I was, that's for sure. I know that I don't want to go racing every weekend, or even more than a few key Iowa races each year. But, I do know that I want to be able to finish gallantly, whether I am last or not. I must formulate a training regimen that will key on my riding style. I have grown to be most happy while gutting trails out on a single speed MTB. And, while the local trails (and SugarBottom) have been 'conquered' by frequent riding, the Ingawanis trail definitely kicked my hiney. I knew that Ingawanis had more elevation changes than the local stuff I ride. I even tried to account for that by gearing down to 32/18 (I usually ride a 2:1 ratio at 36/18). That, coupled with the cold, rainy weather, very sticky trail, tires that were probably too wide and too aggressive for the wet trails, lack of a regimented training schedule, and a mind that was not in the groove for racing. I really don't want to toss in the asthma part of it because I really haven't had an attack for quite some time, but it does play a part in not getting enough oxygen in, and OUT, of my lungs. I have large lungs, but if I can only take in 50% new air because the 'old' air is stuck in my lungs...I may as well consider the fact that I have 50% lung capacity. Usually, after about an hour or so of riding (with stops here and there), I get my second wind and can finish quite swimmingly. The big difference yesterday was that the fatigue, then to be followed by lack of mental fortitude, kept me from getting to the second wind that I normally plan on attaining.

Looking back, I think I took it too lightly for the most part, then became intimidated by the sheer amount of riders that had their game on when it counted...on race day. Lesson learned.

First blog

2005-05-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

What the heck is a 'blog' anyway? Just set up this account and am going to try keeping a journal of sorts to better keep track of thoughts and any training I may be doing at a given time.

Tried out my first mountain bike race today...my result was abyssmal! Can't really peg the reason(s), but the cold weather definitely was a factor, it didn't play well with my asthma. Not that an actual attack came about, but, well, it just was not a good day. I really don't like to make excuses, but something was definitely was awry with my karmic agenda today. I signed up for the Sport class which was to race two laps of 9 miles each. I ended up not finishing, or the dreaded DNF for those that know. Quite embarrasing, and rather shameful, but I know that at my current fitness level, I pushed the limits right over the cliff, down to the bone(and ego)-crushing rocks below.

This is all for now. The whole day has been a mess, one to remember, AND one to forget.

Latah~