tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029605765136793502024-03-12T17:58:23.072-07:00The Irish TsunamiThe ramblings of a stranger in a strange land.Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-81974330584525121992017-03-01T04:35:00.000-08:002017-03-01T04:35:38.118-08:00Adventure Cycling Association's Bike Your Park Day: Another Forced Family Outing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Life takes a lot of effort. The picture below proves it. One does not simply go to bed at night and wake up in the morning with 6 bikes maintained, loaded, and ready to ride. This picture represents the effort of doing Forced Family Outings. In this case, all anyone had to do (with the exception of Household 6) is wake up, get dressed and get in the truck. </div>
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By the way, this was the morning that I got up at 4 a.m. to get donuts in a town where donuts are hard to get before 6 a.m. Please see the paragraph in the Fakahatchee post about that.</div>
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This FFO was took us to the Shark Valley visitor's center at Everglades National Park. The occasion was Adventure Cycling Association's Bike Your Park Day. Although I am not an official spokesman, I think they had two goals; one to get people on bikes and to celebrate the wonderful national and state parks across the country. Now Shark Valley is no <i>Going to the Sun</i> highway, but it is paved and best of all....car free. </div>
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Shark Valley has a ~15 mile loop road that takes you 7 miles straight out into the Everglades has a tall observation tower so you can try to comprehend the vastness of the Everglades. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Notice the two knuckle heads running towards us. When we started the ride, they bolted, which drives me nuts. They had made it to the parking area (for bikes and the tour trams) and then ran a 1/4 mile back to great us.</span> </div>
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One characteristic of this ride is the alligators that line the roads during certain times of the year. This wasn't the time. However, we have been back several times and the road was lined with alligators. It is weird.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">This was the farthest that Newb has pedaled and he he did great.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">It is flat which makes it an easy ride for young children.</span></div>
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All said and done, the Shark Valley Visitors center is a great place to visit. It is an amazing way to gain a better appreciation for the Everglades. The kids did well and this has become a favorite place to ride. I am glad organizations like Adventure Cycling Association encourage activities like this. It probably would have been a while before I found this place.<br />
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<br />Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-22584650885734961982017-02-27T05:05:00.000-08:002017-02-27T05:05:32.184-08:00Off Road Drop Bars: Gary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The adventure continues.......in Miami. Of all places, this is the last place I thought I would end up. It is not a complaint by any means, there was some shock because I am not a big city guy. I like to be able to get away from chaos and Miami is chaotic at times....all the time. Though I quickly <span style="background-color: yellow;">figured out</span> that Southern Florida has a great resource for those looking to escape the busy roads and city....canals. A byproduct of water/flood management is hundreds of miles of gravel(ish) roads that parallel canals. </div>
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There is one near my home that I frequently ride, it is great on a Saturday morning because the paved roads to get there are not as busy. While most of the surfaces are pretty forgiving many of these roads have some gnarly stretches. Most of the roads are made from the fill created when cutting the canals. There is a ton of coral a few feet under the top soil. This means that there are some stretches that are unforgiving as chunks of coral rocks poke out of the ground as the surface erodes. There are a couple of things that I have done to mitigate this. The first is tires, this means that 40mm tires are the smallest that I can comfortably ride with out shattering teeth or getting pinch flats (which I did on a low pressure 40mm). </div>
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I love the Clement MSO in 40mm. They are smooth rolling and very nice feeling at lower pressure. However, I had one die so I ordered a set of Bruce Gordon Rock n' Road tires in a 43mm. These are a very nice tires with a tight center tread for a little lower rolling resistance but great traction in all conditions.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Life sucking and tire eating rock and gravel.</span></div>
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The next improvement I made was to the handle bars. I am on the third iteration but I think I have finally found what I am looking for. The Giant Revolt came with about a 44cm wide with a slight flare to the drops. Not bad but I was hoping for more, particularly when descending rough roads or trails. I picked up a used set of WTB Dirt Drops which were closer but not quite there. I wanted something that that felt natural in the drops. No weird curves where my palms rest. Then I saw it....<br />
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The Origin8 Gary Ergo Sweep OS has an amazing feel addresses my main concerns, a nice flare, adequate surface for my hands in the drops, and an amazing feeling of control and stability in the drops. <br />
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It took a little bit to get used to riding in the drops with the flare but the drops are amazing.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I don't mind the city too much, especially when only a couple of miles west is the Everglades. It is hard to believe that there are millions of people in the area and I love the isolated feel that the Everglades provide.</span></div>
Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-25523741200665008662017-01-01T07:14:00.005-08:002017-01-03T14:30:57.734-08:00Fakahatchee Grind: sufferfest Part II<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The start was an informal rolling start and with a shout it began. We hit the road and withing 200 feet I knew we were in for a painful day. The road was washboard and the shoulders were very soft sand so there was not mild areas. After a couple of miles, I adjusted the air pressure in the kids tires to try to eat up some of the chatter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Speaking of chatter, the kids were nearing mutiny. The first 7 miles took just over an hour with all of the little breaks to adjust. At that rate, we were moving at the speed of smell and were not going to be done anytime soon. We arrived at a small bridge and I decided it was a good place to lean our bikes for a few minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Nothing but blue sky....</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri";">Trying to look motivated....sort of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Managing fluid and calorie intake is not always easy with kids. I understand the concept, however, getting them to eat every 40 min or so is challenging. They snacked a little and then we hit the road, it seemed to smooth up a little bit and attitudes changed slightly. We </span>cruised<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for while when off in the distance I could see the I-75 interstate overpass. I seemed like an eternity to get there. This is actually one of the most challenging aspects of riding in Florida. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Whether it is trees like this or open glades, the view doesn't change and </span>the roads tend to be long and straight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We certainly know that </span>mountains<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> or even small hills, are not an issue in Southern Florida, but the strait line and distances of the roads kind of messes with the mind. I was beginning to get frustrated, you actually don’t feel like you are going anywhere. The horizon, it is a place, you can see it, but you can never get there. That is how it feels to </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">ride in the hinterlands of Southern Florida.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was the best shade we would have for a long while so we stopped under the I-75 overpass and had some decent food. I broke out the fruit and nut mix, hoping they would eat more than power bars and gels. This ended the first round of the Grief Cycle. It was a short distance from there to the Bear Island, Big Cypress Campground area and the roads were in great shape. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "\22 calibri\22 "; font-size: 16px;">As we turned into the Bear Island Campground, there were three rednecks fishing. Textbook coveralls and all. A man had just reeled in what appeared to be an Oscar. I had friends groing up that had Oscars, I never thought to fish for them…. Anyway, I asked the man and he confirmed that is what it was. He stated that they are invasive and easy to catch, especially with bread. Then the lady approached me and said they tasted really good too, not as good as bass, but good. Then another man said, “there is another fishing spot just around the corner, there is more room for the kids, but whatch out for the one eyed alligator. If it comes near, just get the kids out of the way.” Always nice to get good life hacks like this.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Smooth as glass........</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "\22 calibri\22 "; font-size: 16px;">We started turning the cranks again and found that this stretch was the best we would encounter all day. Shade and a packed sandy road that was smooth and hard packed as any asphalt road. We enjoyed seeing lots of alligators, but this stretch came to a quick end. It was time to start the return and we got onto highway 29 and began heading South, I thought that the kids would love being on pavement for a while, however this turned out to be the beginning of the second bout with the stages of grief. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri";">Sometimes it is necessary to taste the bitter in order to know what sweet is. This was hero dirt.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">It is Florida, in the middle of a huge swamp. We met the biggest alligator we have seen to date!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Off course there was a grass in front of my face. Oh well, </span>nobody wants to look at me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After this stretch, it was about 15 miles of pavement and it would turn out to be the no fun. The road runs through a panther preserve and it, like just about every other road is straight and the view doesn’t change much. As stated earlier, this also leads to a certain amount of frustration, especially since it was warming up to the low 80s. The no shade was becoming an issue and the crosswind was annoying. The grief cycle began again, for a second time. We eventually sought sanctuary under a large tree and sat in the shade a little while. Then we took off for the only water stop on the ride. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we arrived at the designated water spot, we found the ice chest full of ice and water. It was cold and refreshing and we filled hydration bags and water bottles. I planned on taking a longer break there since the grass was mowed and the area was shady. We were a few minutes from leaving when Karlos showed, he offered us sandwiches and cold Coke. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This truly saved the afternoon, thus ending the second grief cycle. We hit the road for the final few miles of pavement. Then it happened again, we turned East onto the final 15 mile stretch which included the first 7 miles of</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> the route. Fortunately for us, the other 7 or 8 miles was just as bad with plenty of washboard and prepared us for the final stretch. It was at this point that the kids began their third iteration of the grief cycle. Their was denial that the last 14 miles would be bad, then there was anger.....intense anger, followed by bargaining, then depression, and finally acceptance that they still had to get to the car.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Last stop before the finish, only 7 miles left!</span></div>
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We took our final break at the intersection that would take us South on our last seven miles. It was rough and slow. The kids continued to crank through quietly focused on finishing. I tried to pump them up with some music from the Rocky IV soundtrack (to no avail). In the distance I saw a car stopped and a guy hanging out with a camera, no big deal, probably an alligator sunning on the road. As we got closer I saw that it was a snake and Diga was heading right towards it. I yelled for him to move over, he looked back at me and asked "what." Just as I yelled snake, it opened it's mouth hissing at him from about one foot away. Nothing like a close encounter with a cottonmouth to liven up and re-energize the last three miles. This closed out the third cycle of grief.</div>
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The event ended with us spending a total of 7-8 hours on the course (total time moving and resting). The kids completed 59 miles, their furthest and no doubt hardest to date. <a href="http://www.singletracksamurai.com/contact/" target="_blank">Carlos </a>from the Single Track Samurai put together a great route, that was no doubt a challenge for anyone who participated. Next year, we will do the back country version and we might even train. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">An honorable mention from Karlos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="color: blue;">I wiped away a bit of dust (below brake cable) to demonstrate the layer of dust on Chick's bike.</span></span></div>
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Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-43398513674022312432016-12-31T21:05:00.000-08:002017-01-02T18:24:44.503-08:00Fakahatchee Grind: another sufferfest in the books.<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is too long for a single post so I will break it into two posts. Our latest FFO (Forced Family Outing) was the Fakahatchee Grind in Southwest Florida. The ride had three options, full century, half, and a backcountry that was roughly 79 miles. Truth be told, the half and full were a little longer, the half coming in at 59 miles. We chose the half, which took us through the Big Cypress National Preserve and along the borders of the Panther Preserve and Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. The other rides went through all of the above. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As with most of the great FFOs, little planning and preparation went into this event. Don’t get me wrong, it takes some effort to maintain bikes and load them in the truck, but training.......we did none. While not the preferred method, it can be done. So I loaded up the truck the night before to make sure everything would work. Then I took the bikes back to the garage, we live in Miami after all. I went to bed way later than I wanted too. I still needed to fill the truck with fuel so I planned on getting up early to do that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After four hours of slightly refreshing sleep, I jumped out of bed, got dressed and ran out to load bikes and get gas. As I loaded the first two bikes, “I thought, why am I doing it this way?” I have a redneckedly engineered system using 2x6s with bolt on fork mounts. One in the front of the bed and one in the rear that sit in slots for such a purpose. Then I ratchet strap those down to make sure the bikes don’t fly out when I hit a massive pothole. It works, it is far from pretty but it works. So back to my thought. I had the bikes alternating front-rear-front but I didn’t want to have to crawl into the bed of the truck so I pulled the board near the cab of the truck out, took the mount off and bolted it to the board near the tailgate. Then I remembered why I had them alternating. The flare on my off road drops is such there is not room for three bikes all pointing the same direction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So there I am at 4:15 am determined that I am going to.....wait, wrong story. We took the suburban….never-mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So after four hours of slightly refreshing sleep, I went to get gas. I filled up then decided that I wanted to get some donuts for the kids. I drove down the street to Dunkin’ Donuts where I saw people inside making the donuts. They didn’t open until 5 a.m. and it was 4:40 am so I listened to a radio show called Coast to Coast. I you haven’t listened to this show you are missing out on people who wear tin-foil hats and call in about conspiracies, Alien Stuff. In my case, it was a lady who called in to discuss this recent trend with ancestry and getting your DNA tested. According to her, this is a government conspiracy to collect and consolidate everyone's DNA into a central database. Hhhmmnnn, I just thought it was a ripoff…… So then at 5:00 am, I went to the door which remained locked with the lights off inside. People were cooking and putting out donuts, I waited about 10 more minutes before I realized they didn’t open until 6 am on Saturdays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Undetered, I went into a gas station to get donuts, apparently even though we are in America, donuts are not stocked in not so convenient stores owned by Columbians or Venezuelans, not even the little hostess white powdered donuts. So I went to the gas station across the street and there were three 15 passenger vans for a highway construction crew with about 20 people in the store in line to purchase one or two items each. So I drove to another corner store where they also didn’t have donuts. By this time it was 5:30ish am so I went home sans donut. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By the time we got the kids and bikes loaded it was almost 6:00 am and I had been up nearly two hours and still hadn’t got donuts. So we hit the road. About 1/8</span><sup style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> of a mile later I realized that I hadn’t tighthened the hitch rack cinch bolt and it was wiggling around and I left the special wrench needed to do so. So we turned around and I ran into the house, grabbed the </span>wrench, tightened it and we were on our way. By that time Dunkin Donuts was open and we grabbed a dozen for the road. So began the day. <span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-25837226544489055892016-01-30T16:34:00.000-08:002016-02-02T10:38:51.115-08:00Camping Adventures with the kids: Or Camping Part I and Camping Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Louisiana is hot, so our adventures have been reserved mostly for the winter. My boys love camping. I think the word love is an understatement! All I have to say is camp and they all have their backpacks packed and are ready to go. They are also full of energy so I decided that we would ride to the campsite. Some call it bicycle touring, some call it bikepacking. Call it what you will but we loaded up our rides and went. The first attempt was a little over the top. But I wouldn't expect anything else from the Tsunami. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">A little over the top!</span></div>
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To begin with, Newbie keeps track of camping by number, as in Camping part 1. He is up to camping part 5. Camping part I involved me loading up the <a href="http://www.bobgear.com/bike-trailers/yak" target="_blank">BOB Yak trailer</a>. The BOB trailer is a great way to haul gear. It is very stable when moving, aside from the weight of the gear, I barely notice it is there. The trailer can haul a lot and I pushed it beyond reason. When loaded properly it is smooth. It was not smooth. The draw back is when stopped, it is hard to park and tough to turn around in tight places. </div>
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It just so happened that when we arrived at our destination, I put my foot down on a fire ant home. I will spare you the gore and detailed photo of what fire ants can do. In a panic I lost control of the BOB and bike. Needless to say there was some carnage there with a bent deraillure hanger. There was also a need for benedryl and some days of pain to follow, the swelling of my ankle was intense. But this isn't about me, so I powered through.</div>
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Vance is a lucky young man with a <a href="http://www.porcelainrocket.com/" target="_blank">Porcelain Rocket Booster</a> to haul his sleeping gear. A shout out to <a href="http://stories.glenncharles.pro/" target="_blank">Glenn Charles</a> who donated it to the cause</div>
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The boys are great sports. Nine miles can be a long way with little legs. It typically involves a stop at the 5 mile mark where we get some refreshments at a gas station. A snack and a shared soda, sometimes a slice of Hunt Brothers pizza.<br />
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Diga loves the out doors. He finds toads and bugs fascinating. I personally hate catching grass hoppers. Diga, no issues. This is why we do it though. I would rather have them running around outside exploring nature than sitting around the house. </div>
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Vance found a stick bug. It is hard to see but it is there. The boy loves bugs.</div>
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Camping part two was a little different. I loaded up the Mukluk. Admittedly a slower ride with a 1x10 30 tooth crank. But I was riding with an 7 year old and 10 year old. I carried almost as much stuff and it is extremely stable. The Mukluk is an amazing bike and the Old Man Mountain Phat Rack and Porcelain Rocket handle bar bag are delightful. I have always loved the Jeff Jones Loop H-Bar on that rig.</div>
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The area we went camping had done some tree maintenance and there were some large limbs strewn about. They were green still and wouldn't burn well but the boys didn't know that. They spent time gathering these limbs.</div>
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Team Work!</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I suppose in a few years, if they read this, they will find out these wouldn't burn.</span></div>
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And more team work.</div>
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House Hold 6 brought Newbie out. They all ran around and then we started the fire. I allow them to poke at it. I don't know anyone that isn't mesmerized by a fire. In case you are wondering, she brought the chairs, those were not in the panniers. The run around until they absolutely crash. Newbie is usually the first to tap out and go to bed. </div>
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On morning of Camping part two there was a soul crushing wind so only Diga and I rode home. Nater and Newbie hitched a ride. I really only think Diga did it for the snack at the half way point. He is an easy one to bribe. A slice of pizza and some root beer and he is in.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Using the drops to get out of the wind! I love this guy!!!</span></div>
Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-56299397754252092922016-01-02T23:47:00.001-08:002016-01-27T05:44:54.478-08:00Summer Vacation 2015: Destination #2, Hilton Head Island, SC<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The second phase of the trip was Hilton Head Island, SC. A good “mid-way” point between Orange Beach and Richmond, VA. So we hit the road, after loading a metric short ton of crap in the car we drove off. We were about out of the parking lot when House Hold 6 “Seriously?” I replied “What?” She replied “Chick??” I looked in the rearview and saw Chick standing by the door of the hotel……. “yeah, I was just messing with her?!?”……Yeah that’s it.</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Don't judge, it is easy to leave a child when you have to keep track of four hippos!</span></i></div>
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With all of the kids in the car we hit the road and made it to Tallahassee where we stopped for lunch at you guessed it.....Chipotle. I love their food. Then somehow my daughter conned me into letting her buy a $6 cupcake at some gourmet cupcake place. We hit the road and we finally made it to our destination for a couple of days. </div>
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Hilton Head Island is an odd place for a good old Montana hick. Just about every square inch is used, however, it is an active place and there is a lot of foot and bike traffic. It didn't seem as packed as it is. Some of the roads look like bike paths and are paved around trees. But….there are bike paths everywhere. You could ride from one end to the other on bike paths. Now, that said, we picked up are key and looked at the map. It was a maze and you have to go through all of these little private area security booths. Again, bizarre for someone like me. </div>
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We got there late in the evening and the finally found our way in the maze of small sub-divided areas. The kids went and swam in the pool after we unpacked. The following morning I woke[up and decided I would explore before we made an attempt to go to the beach so I pulled out the Blackborrow. I found my way to the beach and cruised a little bit.<br />
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<i> <span style="color: blue;">A totally different experience. The beach is a hard packed sand and the Surly Lou tires were overkill.</span> </i></div>
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The beach was a totally different experience than Orange Beach. The sand is packed, you could probably ride a Pinerello with 22mm wide tires on it. I enjoyed the fresh salt air and rode into the wind so I would have a push back. I didn't put a ton miles in because I knew the tsunami would be stirring back at the room. </div>
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I headed back and making my way to the bike path. As I cruised down the path I noticed something.</div>
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<i> <span style="color: blue;">I was unaware that there were alligators everywhere.</span></i><br />
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When I got back to the room everyone was stirring. Especially House Hold 6's hair......almost as frightening as the alligator.<br />
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">The South Carolina humidity was taking it toll!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then it was time to get dressed and do some tourist stuff. For the record, Chevy Suburban and Hilton Head Island do not go together well. We went to the beach and walked around for a little while. The kids played in the ocean for a while and then we went to lunch at a place called the Salty Dog Cafe. The food was great and reasonably priced. I ordered a crab cake burger and it was outstanding. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We did a little more sight seeing and then went back to the room and back to the beach. The water was very different from the clear blue water of the Gulf Coast. It was warm and muddy in appearance. Probably due to the large river outlets. The tide was out and the ocean was flat as a dance floor. The kids dug in the sand and played for a couple of hours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our goal is to wear everyone down so they sleep at night. Sufficiently baked in the sun and worn out, we found all of the kids and headed back to the house. We made a run for dinner, I picked up Chipotle. Have I mentioned that I like Chipotle? We ate at the room and the kids played in the pool for a while and then it was bed time. I am not sure if they were tired, HH6 and I were.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next day the weather was going to turn for the worst. So I charged my headlamp and I got up at 5 a.m. so I could get a decent ride in. I was going to shoot for 20 miles round trip since we had a realy long drive ahead of us. I love to watch the sun rise. As a Montana boy, the beach is an amazing place. When the sun rises, it goes from dark to light in what seems like a flash. In the mountains, it could be light before the sun crests the mountains in the horizon. Same with sunsets on the beach. The sun just disappears and it is dark. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I ended up riding to the southern tip of the island and turned around at the 9 mile mark, making it 18 miles round trip. That was largely due to time since I spoke with a local for 1/2 an hour about the Salsa Blackborow and the Army. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I made my way back I was passing by a golf course when I noticed something lurking in the distance. A big alligator was walking across the fare way. When it saw me it lay flat. I was glad, I have been chased by many a dog over the years. I have been shot at (or at least in the direction of) by bird hunters....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWXYg65qFBrfRoDiTL7D6Ba_XIzlMeZ3dZAdwAijUUUD9BNQmokPPljXFA6KmNqcvSYMxejlRRfJU_tEK-35K3X4hefx-XLceeNU_q4cDKJRCseVTJ4cfV4R-tbdUZ0FZVRTwysbkRF8/s640/blogger-image-925864090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWXYg65qFBrfRoDiTL7D6Ba_XIzlMeZ3dZAdwAijUUUD9BNQmokPPljXFA6KmNqcvSYMxejlRRfJU_tEK-35K3X4hefx-XLceeNU_q4cDKJRCseVTJ4cfV4R-tbdUZ0FZVRTwysbkRF8/s640/blogger-image-925864090.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I got back to the house, HH6 had packed all the bags and we loaded up. It was time for the 3rd destination, Virginia. House Hold 6 and I agree that we could live there. The community is very active, with people walking the beach and riding bikes on the paths and beach. It was a great place for a fat bike like the Blackborow, though the Lou tires were definitely overkill. I would do this again. </span></div>
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Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-51679266557387899712015-12-31T06:41:00.001-08:002016-01-27T05:51:33.269-08:00Summer Vacation 2015: First Stop, Orange Beach, AL<div>
I love summer vacation. When I take time off, we try to pack as much fun in as possible. In fact, I usually come back more exhausted then before. Summer of 2015 was no exception. I decided that I would bring my new Salsa Blackborow and I designed the vacation to please the entire family. The agenda took us to Virginia by way of Orange Beach, AL; Hilton Head, SC; Richmond, VA area. The trip home was a little more direct through Brevard, NC for some serious mountain biking. </div>
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We loaded up 4 kids with all of their stuff, a cooler packed with Monster energy drink, and a five inch tire clad mountain bike and hit the road. I plugged in my iPhone and started my vacation drive playlist consisting classic 80's like Def Lepard added to my newer synth pop alternative. As soon as Def Lepard started, HH6 immediatly activated our satellite radio. I think her exact statement was I can't take this for 2,000 miles!" So there was that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFkhcCuf0hh9l6reiwxwpEhCkUIp76esMJbYJwe910FlUXlMBkvxt53Uh3gE2k1W9LC79hf3qELY5RzZg6EoVtTWQncam7pJL2RcY1P62p8O9YjkHB9KR03cMAjD9Zs0Z1N5YIjvDwKY/s640/blogger-image--1658312989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFkhcCuf0hh9l6reiwxwpEhCkUIp76esMJbYJwe910FlUXlMBkvxt53Uh3gE2k1W9LC79hf3qELY5RzZg6EoVtTWQncam7pJL2RcY1P62p8O9YjkHB9KR03cMAjD9Zs0Z1N5YIjvDwKY/s640/blogger-image--1658312989.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">While not the most fuel effecient (the bike or the Suburban), it hauls the six of us and all of our stuff very comfortably.</span></i></div>
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The first goal was to stop at Chipotles for a burrito in Baton Rouge. I love Chipotles and there is not one within 100+ miles of my location and it was on the way to our first destination, Orange Beach, AL. After eating we hit the road and immediately hit Interstate 10 stop and go traffic. So getting tired of hitting the brakes constantly, I diverted and we ended up driving along the Gulf and enjoyed the view. As we drove through Gulf Port, MS I saw another sight I haven't seen in some time. A Krispy Kreme with the "Hot Now" sign on. So I swung a hard U turn and sped in. I forget that many of my kids wouldn't remember eating at Krispy Kreme so I ordered a dozen flaming hot donuts. We all savored the sweet goodness. Seriously, there is nothing quite as good as a flaming hot Krispy Kreme. <br />
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<i> <span style="color: blue;">Nater enjoying the salty morning air.</span></i></div>
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After eating breakfast we all went to the beach to swim. The sand was deep and very loose and I couldn't wait to ride my new Salsa Blackborow and test the larger profile tires. It was hot and the water felt great. After a couple of hours we took a break and drove down the main strip to buy some food for the room. </div>
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<i> <span style="color: blue;">It is hard to determine the true width of the tires in this picture but they are amazing.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That afternoon we went for a walk down the beach and looked for shells. My kids love the beach and it is a great way to burn energy. I did a touch of riding just to scratch the itch. It rained the first night but cleared by morning. It helped pack the sand a little and cooled it off a little (but not for long). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The second full day we were there was going to be my ride day. I was going to ride to a state park about four miles down the beach, turn around and ride back. This turned out, like most of my adventures, poorly planned and completed through brute strength.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To begin with, Orange Beach, as for the entire stretch of beach is extremely crowded. It is not some Lost Coast ride where only a daring few take it on. There were people everywhere. It didn't take long for them to stir up the nicely compacted sand. The divots the foot prints made were deep, creating a surprising bumpy ride. The solution was to let a little more air out to absorb some of the shock. Of course that comes at a price, a little extra work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Blackborow is an amazing bike. It handled the loose sand like as designed. But the people......they were everywhere. And it was hot, very hot.</span></div>
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<strong> <i>Where I am from, 99 degrees by 10:00 a.m. is hot.</i></strong></div>
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I worked my way down the beach dodging people and chairs. Of course I got plenty of stares as I rode by. Did I mention it was hot? Of course there was no shade and all I had was one water bottle in the cage. Eventually I made it past hotel/condo row and the beach opened up. The water was beautiful and clear. <br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Finally, a quiet stretch of beach.</span></i></div>
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I made it four miles down the beach to a public beach that had a rest area and some shade. I was burning up and stood under the shower to try to dump some heat. I drank a ton of water, filled the bottle and hit the sand again. My legs were feeling it, it took a long while to get four miles. That is one thing I have learned over the years of riding in the snow, you don't use energy the same way and it takes way more time and effort to get somewhere than normal. </div>
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I was beginning to not enjoy the ride, the heat and humidity was unbearable. I was crawling at a snails pace in the loose sand. I stopped and jumped in the ocean. I didn't think it would cool me off, just a break from the cramping in my calf. I didn't bring much nutrition and I had sweat a ton. I climbed back on and began cranking. </div>
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Then the people, there were even more. Everywhere. I had about two miles to go and I was done. No water, except for the ocean of course, and the heat and humidity was crushing me. So I tried to make it to the road. Here is the catch, Orange Beach is private. I didn't realize this until I was on my way back. When you get to the hotels/condos the beach front property belongs to the respective building. That means codes to get through the hotel property and to the road. I finally made it to a small road that I assume is emergency/service vehicle access with about a mile and a half left. Of course the Surly Lou tire is not overly efficient at low pressure on roads, but it was better than the people and divots on the beach. Plus, there was some shade. When I got back to the hotel, I showered and drank a bunch of water, then <span style="background-color: yellow;">crashed </span>in the room trying to avoid cramps.</div>
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Orange beach for the family to go to the beach and swim, yes. Orange beach to fat bike......NOPE! Definitely a compromise.</div>
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Next....Hilton Head Island, SC.</div>
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Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-39988949328577698982015-11-21T21:42:00.001-08:002016-01-04T11:37:03.254-08:00Rouge Roubaix: Part 3 Finish and thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I was so happy to meet my new found friends again. After our hasty break we took off again. The clouds started to break and it started to warm up. We continued to work a paceline holding a steady pace. We did a lot of talking as we rode. I learned that the previous year Stephen had bought a bike days before and he and his friends had fought through every mile. That they picked up the older gentlemen on the course and bonded and this year they trained. </div>
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We were just about half way when one of the brothers began to bonk. The paceline fell apart and we all rode abreast talking and working our way down the road. We got to a small town (small is probably still to big) and stopped at a gas station. Two old guys, drinking "soda" from brown paper bags stood outside and stared at us. Of course we weren't the first group of spandex clad men to ride through, the main group went by earlier. We stopped and at some food. I bought a Mountain Dew and ate a candybar. We took a solid break becuase shortly after we started riding again we would hit the first climb in the Tunica Hills. </div>
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We wanted to make sure everyone was fresh, I was offered a Moon Pie, which combined with an orange soda is possibly the best bonk breaker in the world. Or so I was told. The old men were asking us questions, mostly along the lines of "what in the hell are you doing riding your bikes out here?" A completely reasonable questions with an unreasonable answer "why not?"</div>
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We started off and took a hard left, and then it began. The climb. It is at this point that I declare that I had no idea that there were steep, long hills in Louisiana. We bagan to climb and climb and climb. It was suprisingly tough and it was warming up.</div>
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I was advised to take my time on the climbs since there were multiple sets. They had a time goal that was pretty reasonable so we just cranked along.</div>
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The first set of climbs was realitively easy. A SAG stop at the top was appreciated. The ladies were there with their tables set up. They said that they were getting more traffic than the actual SAG which had amazing bacon and cheddar kolaches. They put the good stuff like the bacon and red bulls aside until we got there. Again, I felt honored that they would include me in the finer refreshments. Refreshed we took off again.</div>
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There were many miles of road cut deep into the Tunica Hills. I am not sure how much effort it took to cut these but it made for an interesting ride.</div>
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The goal was not to walk, if someone needed to stop and rest they did so, but they would do so in place and then ride.</div>
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The second series of climbs got old and I thought I would be glad to get back to some pavement. A reminder, we were all doing this on 25-28mm road slicks. </div>
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Then came the final strech, one that cuased a little pain and discomfort and reminded me that pavement is not always better than dirt.</div>
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Then there was this. The picture below is pavement and it was harder to ride on than the dirt roads.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOArKTDb7If64EmcDlqLbPI4zNDnaoF-JLffibq9P0DuJq0dfFzfIEBBqMhxAmFQ5HF7dPgmMoRhp4OAigxDXN6Pvna6QRGuKyzCbdNhlLPJVnuJeCCduxkyJd7p1BlJ1Lo307uRbWqpo/s640/blogger-image--1351948284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOArKTDb7If64EmcDlqLbPI4zNDnaoF-JLffibq9P0DuJq0dfFzfIEBBqMhxAmFQ5HF7dPgmMoRhp4OAigxDXN6Pvna6QRGuKyzCbdNhlLPJVnuJeCCduxkyJd7p1BlJ1Lo307uRbWqpo/s640/blogger-image--1351948284.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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The picture below is the original of the macro picture above.</div>
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This pavement is worse than many gravel roads I have ridden in the Mid-West or Montana.<br />
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Chickens, why not! My own lack of preperation began to catch up with me and the rough roads were causing discomfort. At some point we got seperated for some reason and I kept pedaling. Before I knew it I was on the final stretch and finished with the last climb into St. Francisville. The finish was next to an old church and cemetary, Fitting if you ask me. I fellt bad that I had broken away and didn't finish with the group. Their spouses were waiting patiently and I told them they wer enot far behind. </div>
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I was begining to get concerned about my co-workers. It wasn't long before one of them, an endurance junky, came along. New bike and tennis shoes, the race director told me he was impressed. The other one was some ways back. So I jumped on my bike and went to look for her. I think I rode about 5 miles and found her. Then 5 miles back. I was done. She toold me that she had missed every SAG and was running low on food. I was just glad she was there.<br />
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I rode back to the hotel, changed in the bathroom and loaded my bike. I began the long winding drive home. It was a painful drive only made possible by large quantities of caffiene. </div>
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This is a well run event. 28mm tires are probably best (if your bike will take them). I am gllad I didn't run my Clement MSO tires since there was far more pavement than gravel. Even the dirt is smooth and there was only a couple of places where I had to pay attention not to spin out on loose gravel. </div>
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I would recommend to anyone to pack as much food as they can in jersey pockets just in case. Three water bottles is probably sufficient (again if you bike will do it).</div>
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It is worth every dime, the swag bag included a shirt, a sweatshirt, waterbottle, food vouchers, and a chance to win a bike. The best part of the ride was easily the commaraderie and generosity of four men, for whom I owe a big thanks. </div>
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<br />Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-3243051348796644242015-11-21T11:55:00.000-08:002015-11-26T19:18:13.850-08:00The Rouge Roubaix: Part 2 The Ride<div>
As stated in the last post, even a blind squirrel will find the occasional nut. I happened to stay at the hotel that was the HQ for the Gran Fondo and race. For once all I had to do was roll out of bed, throw stuff in my car since I wasn’t spending the night and head to the starting line. </div>
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As I was getting ready a gentlemen approached and started to talk to me about the ride. He was there with some friends and said that they had done it last year together and they had done a lot of work to prepare for this year. The two co-workers who tagged along mentioned that they hadn’t done much and that one of them had bought a bike 2-3 weeks earlier and hadn’t ridden much. People looked at him because he wasn’t wearing bike shoes as is the standard fare for something of this magnitude. Instead he was wearing running shoes. The gentlemen then stated that he bought his bike a week before the ride last year and it was painful but he finished.</div>
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I am 609</div>
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The ride was a group roll out with police escort due to the busy highway. Before we knew it we hit the road. The roll out was fast, there were some folks that probably should have been racing and a gap widened. It went down the highway a few miles and then turned left off of the main road. It was not marked and my co-workers were waaaayyyyy behind. I decided to stop and ensure they made the turn when the race director pulled up. I inquired about them. Clearly annoyed he stated that they were waaayyyyy back there. So I went back, found them and got the to the turn. Then I took off. </div>
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Unfamiliar with the route, I wanted to find a group to ride with. I passed a few individuals but going back killed my chances of finding a pack of riders. I turned on the gas and took off. I was assuming risk by going too hard too early. The pavement turned to dirt, more of a wet sand. </div>
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Ironically, it felt smoother and faster than the pavement. I found the first official marker and was I pleased to find that it was a big sign and clearly marked. I was a little more comfortable at that point but there is safety in numbers.</div>
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Then I caught up to a group of four riders who were going a little slower than I would have preferred but realized I wasn’t going to catch anyone who would be riding at the pace I preferred. Not wanting to be a wheel sucker and not being a part of the group I didn’t want to jump in their pace line so I hung back a little. Then a gentleman began to talk to me. He invited me in so I jumped in. It was the same guy that was talking to me at the start.</div>
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He told me how last year, he bought his bike days before the ride and suffered through every mile. His friends (two brothers) and he picked up the fourth, an older man in his 60s, finishing the ride together. They had been training together for this go-around. I was welcomed in the same way. I was a welcome addition.</div>
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I was in front of the older man as we worked our way through the pace line, again, my pace was slightly faster and he would say “take it easy, there is plenty of challenge ahead.” The first check point came quickly and the SAG stop had a nice assortment of kolaches. I ate one, refilled water bottles and then went to start when the group called me over. All of their significant others were there hosting their own SAG stop. They told me to help myself. </div>
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Did they have a spread…..cold sodas, Redbull, candy bars, and bacon. He opened a container that was full of thick cut, perfectly cooked bacon. It was amazing. Then we were off down a stretch of pavement. It was overcast and misty with a perfect temperature for riding. Then it happened.</div>
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My phone rang, it was a work emergency and one I couldn’t avoid. So I told them to keep going and I hoped to catch up. I was hartbroken, these guys were great. </div>
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Before I put my phone away after taking an emergency phone call I snapped these photos. I love Spanish Moss.</div>
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We were talking and working through the line. After I resolved the issue, I cranked, again risking burning out early to try to catch them. I came to a small town and I looked for a gas station to buy some food. A sign marked a left turn and shortly after turning, there they were. The older gentlemens wife was there with a 12 pack of Coca Cola. </div>
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They had slowed their roll and waited a little longer in the hopes that I would catch up. I drank a coke and we were off again. What an amazing group of guys.</div>
Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-41857668073191527162015-11-21T11:51:00.000-08:002015-11-21T11:51:34.567-08:00The Rouge Roubaix Gran Fondo: Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">First off, this was an amazing event. It is well organized, challenging, and different. What really makes this event memorable for me though was the camaraderie of the participants that I rode with. I have said it before, I love moving around the nation and participating in different events. This is the epitome of that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The Rouge Roubaix is quite possibly one of the best rides I have been on. Advertised as a ride to determine true grit, it lives up to its name. There are two events, a bona fide race, and a Gran Fondo (pretentious for a non-completive century). Of course I don’t race so I signed up for the Gran Fondo. As usual, I did so late in the game. St. Francisville is a small between Baton Rouge, LA and the Mississippi border. I began to call for a hotel room and found a lack of them in the area. I booked a room at what turned out to be the hotel where the race starts. Sometimes even a blind squirrel finds a nut. </span></div>
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Upon looking it up I found that it wasn’t geographically that far away, but thanks to the rivers and swamps in Louisiana, it was a pain to get there. Driving anywhere in Louisiana is an adventure, the roads are horrible, most are narrow and winding as they pass through small town after small town.</div>
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I have gotten a little smarter over the years and with an ok paycheck and vaction days I now take the day off to drive and get there early the day before and when possible spend multiple nights rather than ride one hundred miles and then drive. When I arrived I was excited to see Mavic support outside of the hotel. </div>
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I went inside and picked up my packet, nice swag bag (the ride was pricey) with sweatshirt, T-shirt, and water bottle. It also came with a voucher for a few local restaurants. I unpacked, unloaded my stuff and went to dinner. I chose a place called the Magnolia Cafe and found something that reminded me of Missoula, MT. A restaurant in a house, some walls were opened but it was fun to be in what were obviously different rooms. </div>
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I ordered an amazing steak, far execeeding any of my expectations. Of course it was nearly $30 but with the voucher my wife would think I was being very reasonable with a “$18 meal.” I do enjoy alone time, work is hectic and it gives me time to reflect on life. So I savored my food and went to my room for the night.</div>
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My standard preparation applied:</div>
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I ordered a new set of 28mm Continental GatorSkins. The majority of those that race do so on actual road bikes with 25mm tires. I don’t have a traditional road bike and brought my Giant Revolt. It always looks odd with “skinny” tires since the roadies don’t consider 28mm skinny and my Revolt will take up to a 50mm tire (2 inches in American). I am pleased with my choice since, strangely the pavement was rougher than the dirt/packed sand of the Tunica Hills.</div>
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Nutrition: a warning to all those who try this for the first time. There are SAG stops with great food, however, I didn’t bring nearly enough energy/quick snacks. I was saved by my riding companions who adopted me and took care of me. The SAGs leap frog and if you are slow you will miss them. You will only have maybe 2-3 gas stations. This is remote. I drank a bunch of water the day before (I am getting better).</div>
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Ride as much as possible: As usual it is never enough. Family, work, and work always get in the way. I think the most mileage I got in on any one ride was about 30 miles. Plus there are no long climbs where I live. </div>
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Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-58448710246583802422015-08-02T17:56:00.003-07:002015-08-02T18:44:33.990-07:00Backpacks or Obsession?: Dana Design and Mystery Ranch Backpacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I saw a sales pitch on REI’s website “Every Pack Tells A
Story.” Then of course you select the
link to find that pack to tell the story.
There is a little truth to this and it got me thinking of all of the packs that I have had
over the years. While there has been no
single pack, there is a trend that is linked to a guy named Dana Gleason. I have had an infatuation with his back pack
designs over the years. Lets start at
the beginning.<br />
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I have always liked back packing, I am not sure why. It has always been painful, full of
discomfort, scary at times (not for me, but people who get scared); I have distinct memories of near starvation, and
exhaustion. All of that seems to be
overshadowed by:<o:p></o:p></div>
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-The mornings when I awoke on top of a mountain to the sun
rising on the horizon; sunsets are equally beautiful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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-The joy that comes with catching (and eating) trout in high
mountain lakes and streams. <o:p></o:p></div>
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-The feeling of relief when removing boots from tired
swollen feet, after working hard to get to the top of a mountain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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-The quite and serenity that comes at night in high mountain
areas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS-QUYO_ZOMpvgQFGx4nslfP_yeQBLB7JlqVFon7o56nGB6sHTtfRVHGbK-DnsZy57hcKYcU2rTQgtfxENCO-_ullu5eekdMvbsI9XKcnLW52t9oEig9T-AclzxT2-ifnM1gRRPE9SCo/s1600/100_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS-QUYO_ZOMpvgQFGx4nslfP_yeQBLB7JlqVFon7o56nGB6sHTtfRVHGbK-DnsZy57hcKYcU2rTQgtfxENCO-_ullu5eekdMvbsI9XKcnLW52t9oEig9T-AclzxT2-ifnM1gRRPE9SCo/s640/100_0128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Bob Marshall Wilderness</span></div>
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As a younger man, I spent my summers at Philmont Scout Ranch
in Northern New Mexico. The first two
years were as a participant, and the last two years were as an employee. I had grandparents with a great outlook on
life. They believed there was nothing to
be gained from working pointless jobs, (McDonalds…..) and that once out of high
school I would work the rest of my life; my mother followed the same philosophy.
Their funding made Philmont possible.
The years I got paid would barely cover my transportation to get
there. The journey and experience were
definitely worth the cost though (and lack of money at the end of the summer).<o:p></o:p></div>
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My grandmother took me to the Base Camp, a high end outdoor
shop in Helena, MT and hooked me up with the finest of gear. Previous attempts at backpacking were an epic
failure, and I guess she thought that since we were going to the effort we might
as well make it worth while. That was my
first encounter with Dana Designs and the running man logo. I was smitten. Deep smit.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpdKR65aFetd2fD1mka_hJ_fqKK1IzAGO7Za9jzu5BbilJft8Q3c7UlnZ9CTOquuBiNJvpBC2X3sCqXu1YereOKMQTPAJFis-CG3WE4dTczni8jXJqrzqHA6zuTG3dtaL5nWpBcKwhcU/s1600/IMG_2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpdKR65aFetd2fD1mka_hJ_fqKK1IzAGO7Za9jzu5BbilJft8Q3c7UlnZ9CTOquuBiNJvpBC2X3sCqXu1YereOKMQTPAJFis-CG3WE4dTczni8jXJqrzqHA6zuTG3dtaL5nWpBcKwhcU/s640/IMG_2019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I always took pride in the fact that these were made in my home state.</span></div>
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One year when we were going to a Montana State University
game I saw the building where they were manufactured. My grandmother and mother, both determined women, pulled in and we got a tour. To this day
I remember the rolls of nylon and sewing machines and think about how glorious
it was.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-align: center;">I am not sure how these manage to survive Emily's constant purging. 1992 is my favorite the, front flap closes and the buckle looks like it is connected. It is in tact.</span></span></div>
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Over the years I have purchased 5 of Dana Gleason's backpacks and my wife
has purchased two: the Yellowstone, the Clark, the Bangtail, Terraplane X, Mystery Ranch ? Tactical, the Bridger, and the Hoodoo Spire (I was envious of this bag when Emily bought it and somehow during a purge, Emily convinced me we should sell it) Sad Face!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuzvZj0us-tcerXGfrEiwAfp0Wpdd_lzRvqABwibn_l3Pg9ceeX3Sv_MWfLoBpdCH7AMo2eC1GV-qtphmmyU7ABmYfU0vXeRr1ZJyAlIpzKukqqjVnd0GB6e5Bmr7H_txeQ8mpPL_mKk/s1600/IMG_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuzvZj0us-tcerXGfrEiwAfp0Wpdd_lzRvqABwibn_l3Pg9ceeX3Sv_MWfLoBpdCH7AMo2eC1GV-qtphmmyU7ABmYfU0vXeRr1ZJyAlIpzKukqqjVnd0GB6e5Bmr7H_txeQ8mpPL_mKk/s640/IMG_2014.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Obsession?</span></div>
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They do tell stories
of peace and tranquility, as well as, hostility and war.</div>
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Anyway I will dispense with words and show some
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<span style="background-color: yellow; color: red; font-size: large;"><b>The Yellowstone:</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XrKZAg8tWb7-EZ3Dhl8iOO8I9Ls3OrZ68UGOIO5eKlvyjUe1qlilLSlx6SbkMThjS_5pVqoAty2IP0Jzx4x_nxrcrcq5GVkFpCCtITgHsi-1Xvza_c6dJwK183x-LVHG6jrVAUzAJI8/s1600/IMG_0691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XrKZAg8tWb7-EZ3Dhl8iOO8I9Ls3OrZ68UGOIO5eKlvyjUe1qlilLSlx6SbkMThjS_5pVqoAty2IP0Jzx4x_nxrcrcq5GVkFpCCtITgHsi-1Xvza_c6dJwK183x-LVHG6jrVAUzAJI8/s640/IMG_0691.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="color: blue;">Senior pictures, I damaged my arm the day before. My beloved Yellowstone from 1992. </span></div>
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I used the Yellowstone for a solid 4 years. Three of those were absolute abuse and it rarely showed signs though it did need repair once. When touring the facility I mentioned that I appreciated how quickly they repaired and returned it. The gentlemen said he remembered my pack, which stands as a testament of quality; you wouldn't remember it if it was one of thousands of repairs. I gave it to a friend who was traveling Europe, I am sad it is gone as my boys get older. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: yellow;">The Terraplane X: </span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEg1LNvfVPnMslGReOVmYWk6m6ix3DHPKk-czPtw_5snYXBk23BVyZ2Zpn0xldhDQ9A_Q5cYyi1DMTHOPIDkmjfLW2ZV6_mb-mu8wDhxmrSx_mObmoMOqPqMTY2VYRCQ9JIv92_iSu3A/s1600/IMG_2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEg1LNvfVPnMslGReOVmYWk6m6ix3DHPKk-czPtw_5snYXBk23BVyZ2Zpn0xldhDQ9A_Q5cYyi1DMTHOPIDkmjfLW2ZV6_mb-mu8wDhxmrSx_mObmoMOqPqMTY2VYRCQ9JIv92_iSu3A/s640/IMG_2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I still love the "Blurple" and yellow color of this bag.</span></div>
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This backpack has some great memories, especially with Emily. Essentially the same style as the Yellowstone, but with a better frame design. I had some great times with this backpack. I still own it and it will have many years of use in the future. I really wanted the 10th anniversary pack but I had no money that year; youth is wasted on the young who have energy but no cash. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjSKIodHFx_yaTZ-KRBoXRDKGP7G3BT8U5VEhYq2A1Iyib7A2LnaJ_xlYR2XYDzhlA8HTSRjFSApYjxkoFaR4Tcg7MPbzYoUwpzyJ5jMLqaArK2ARYhZ2CdgC_wXqgM2lMctx5GpNsko/s1600/IMG_0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjSKIodHFx_yaTZ-KRBoXRDKGP7G3BT8U5VEhYq2A1Iyib7A2LnaJ_xlYR2XYDzhlA8HTSRjFSApYjxkoFaR4Tcg7MPbzYoUwpzyJ5jMLqaArK2ARYhZ2CdgC_wXqgM2lMctx5GpNsko/s640/IMG_0698.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">1999 trip through Capital Reef National Park. It is a rare picture in which I have hair. </span> </div>
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<span style="background-color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Bridger:</b></span></span></div>
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Again the same classic design. Emily is a good sport and we have had many adventures. I always made sure I carried more weight to make it enjoyable. Of note was a trip through Capital Reef National Park. We were told that there would be easy access to water before we left for Utah. Upon arrival the Ranger chuckled slightly as he said "who told you there would be water?" That was on a 17 mile stretch through a canyon. I packed several gallons of water and she got the tent! Great times as I dug a hole near a damp spot in the creek bend to get enough to pool and filter. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCI37_4jmrmyYMBxqgeqXozV4JspdfLcaaU23nq-dUW04_qAGeZYKsCgEstSuQN_Xr5XlNSHIBerFZ3KgSlGjikytjGGf9ifQGdQNS60iehruvIS-xZUw9iE8mKZ74fiklqowl9oSeds/s1600/IMG_0699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCI37_4jmrmyYMBxqgeqXozV4JspdfLcaaU23nq-dUW04_qAGeZYKsCgEstSuQN_Xr5XlNSHIBerFZ3KgSlGjikytjGGf9ifQGdQNS60iehruvIS-xZUw9iE8mKZ74fiklqowl9oSeds/s640/IMG_0699.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"> I am not sure why we packed her bag that way. It looks strange and probably had to do with the fact that there was no water (imagine that in a desert) and I had to empty my bag to carry the heavy stuff. Over centuries water and wind carved this overhang. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6XFR75VN65pEMgde2R-Eg6h4IUpk1pVSonCaW4NnwcYXBs_eTOiIiO6r-77UDDq7TvLdcTRZuPTJZ3ODVOzYjXFHxN2QUXVoKCA_4pQFzXOcHD_5dmNxIBk1s7l2OVelfYCdRYZbeww/s1600/IMG_0700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6XFR75VN65pEMgde2R-Eg6h4IUpk1pVSonCaW4NnwcYXBs_eTOiIiO6r-77UDDq7TvLdcTRZuPTJZ3ODVOzYjXFHxN2QUXVoKCA_4pQFzXOcHD_5dmNxIBk1s7l2OVelfYCdRYZbeww/s640/IMG_0700.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I would love to go back.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwBDocoejkFZi85fMfzyyA6CMrMh8n2lAKwgHUuwQpCn_J1ukmRXoqPyEiX7cMINV3LW__NGrB0MeoD3sr4Eoz2uHwlz5ipKfFY6_QzCWVewOANVLRk_SkxDH2lu81QT4_WEalVSP6pQ/s1600/IMG_0701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwBDocoejkFZi85fMfzyyA6CMrMh8n2lAKwgHUuwQpCn_J1ukmRXoqPyEiX7cMINV3LW__NGrB0MeoD3sr4Eoz2uHwlz5ipKfFY6_QzCWVewOANVLRk_SkxDH2lu81QT4_WEalVSP6pQ/s640/IMG_0701.jpg" width="364" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">2000ish. Emily bushwhacking in the Mission Mountains in Montana. I am not sure what we were thinking on this trip. </span><br />
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Similar to the water situation in the desert we were told by the gentlemen leading this that it was great. As we climbed up (photo above) to go through a pass the two men (in their early 60s) both agreed that in all of their years they had never seen so much snow. It took great effort to climb a challenging mountain to the the left of the pass (probably should have turned around or used ropes) but we got over. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-jy2OAbws5PRESJGJsonrEDzvoadNOLh1hBjQah6ei3NvulQQ6J-usYksGLrRTRojhGHCqPwVkPdw1iB6Z0aNb6H8ajts14BG0qHPOGxvS9HzT6xPYa31w2dqOcw0eVqZWQWjTK1S8U/s1600/IMG_0702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-jy2OAbws5PRESJGJsonrEDzvoadNOLh1hBjQah6ei3NvulQQ6J-usYksGLrRTRojhGHCqPwVkPdw1iB6Z0aNb6H8ajts14BG0qHPOGxvS9HzT6xPYa31w2dqOcw0eVqZWQWjTK1S8U/s640/IMG_0702.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">This was the reward, a majestic view. Oh yeah, and there was a severe electric storm in which the flash and bang was near simultaneous and we spent whole day climbing so we camped on the ridge. It was mildly scary, for people who get scared, unlike me of course. </span></div>
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<b style="background-color: yellow;">For the record, I have never been "weary!"</b></div>
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Looking closely, you can see the bridge of snow above the waterfall. On the other side is an amazing turquoise blue lake. Well worth the hike. This must have been 2004 or 05. The Bob Marshall Wilderness is a true treasure. It's harsh features are its greatest beauty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFs-DSThiHlhJ4ioaWY5156KQKXnjYoGfXdfBHwf_qwrD4aJ1PK4Nxiqju9YoGQ_eHObBGCuiJFLWX0j_JEbD47JrDMWt9frLCg1Hv6et6v1YsRATmi554BXDXjpRKeEM0yFkn9wtXRI/s1600/100_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFs-DSThiHlhJ4ioaWY5156KQKXnjYoGfXdfBHwf_qwrD4aJ1PK4Nxiqju9YoGQ_eHObBGCuiJFLWX0j_JEbD47JrDMWt9frLCg1Hv6et6v1YsRATmi554BXDXjpRKeEM0yFkn9wtXRI/s640/100_0133.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lB0ZaC5yTpCbulmhksG-Aj-b_-AYjt3ayg7HSjjdJwYIDReFhjD500RRpF5Y9cLJ3f6fDOhWioltLSFKnYSdiGOP4d21__zTNXYiXEhyphenhyphenih_8-3NcZEngZKbHQU_Y9bbJd1u4buw5Aao/s1600/Molly+Montana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lB0ZaC5yTpCbulmhksG-Aj-b_-AYjt3ayg7HSjjdJwYIDReFhjD500RRpF5Y9cLJ3f6fDOhWioltLSFKnYSdiGOP4d21__zTNXYiXEhyphenhyphenih_8-3NcZEngZKbHQU_Y9bbJd1u4buw5Aao/s640/Molly+Montana.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Molly the Poodle has always loved to be outdoors. Don't be fooled by her fluffy appearance. She is a hunter and I almost lost her as she chased a mountain goat over the edge of a cliff. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgy9bfDwhs15OSUw-pYskiKgvfHXkUUu0QMvsJ3KbJHxgFeKIfSWv4F9qgOzpS9MbcptQYwuRukVfLKsKn3uw3z1RPuOYPHeUTx-LDp-3kKWCwD_-bJ3xCOhw0IBhtldcFSKlMf0YvTM/s1600/100_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgy9bfDwhs15OSUw-pYskiKgvfHXkUUu0QMvsJ3KbJHxgFeKIfSWv4F9qgOzpS9MbcptQYwuRukVfLKsKn3uw3z1RPuOYPHeUTx-LDp-3kKWCwD_-bJ3xCOhw0IBhtldcFSKlMf0YvTM/s640/100_0136.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">The Clark and Bangtail:</b></span></div>
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The Clark was a great bag for skiing, day trips, and travel. It fit well in overhead compartments on planes. I used it on a trip to Denmark. The Bangtail was my bike everywhere bag. Technically it could be called a fanny pack, but that would be an insult. It has an amazing waist belt and fit adjustment, you could put a days worth of books and crap in it and ride with no efforts. It was there before messenger bags. Intact, I may pull it out and use it. Both of these bags have had great adventures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHa7WiOqF0dEE-Jplv9ByauAWu88a-hwaQhxwqvjIZ4Tsc10b25z6ULbwP8qrO_L_sT2M-RW1eoDHxXDaz2mUlKzzNEemNIr_7cjmToYrbcdbi2NhyoCSsVePRtzXmp3a1lF6q7vWpN-A/s1600/IMG_2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHa7WiOqF0dEE-Jplv9ByauAWu88a-hwaQhxwqvjIZ4Tsc10b25z6ULbwP8qrO_L_sT2M-RW1eoDHxXDaz2mUlKzzNEemNIr_7cjmToYrbcdbi2NhyoCSsVePRtzXmp3a1lF6q7vWpN-A/s640/IMG_2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeHj9uF22IppAn6fF9bOg1QtARmY7omMhOynGLHysC6LiBhntM375f-TNS70PtDx1AIauXyKVK5TDnk2_5LJmSkYbNDBUkzEBMIODXQbR65dmmH1x-BMwk_YOu-Hauut4j9pBgoe9KCA/s1600/IMG_2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeHj9uF22IppAn6fF9bOg1QtARmY7omMhOynGLHysC6LiBhntM375f-TNS70PtDx1AIauXyKVK5TDnk2_5LJmSkYbNDBUkzEBMIODXQbR65dmmH1x-BMwk_YOu-Hauut4j9pBgoe9KCA/s640/IMG_2018.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I was sad when Dana Design was sold, the designs harvested, and re-branded. Then......</div>
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<span style="background-color: #999999; color: white; font-size: large;"><b>Mystery Ranch Tri-Zip:</b></span></div>
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Then we get to a less peaceful and serene time. War.</div>
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I am not sure if the bag actually had a name at the time. I found out that they had been doing some work for various special forces and I called and asked what I could get. There was not a production line set up for commercial sale at the time and they said they would do a custom color, gray (or titanium) to go with the new ACU digital (the worst camo ever). It set me back some coin but Dana had been on so many other adventures and journeys, I felt comfortable with it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhqczyoMrIkveaIQ0xkuLZvqNf1FhvoFUyjyiyG6vPaQYalHOkKMpisAKCZD_ik4n7pp70xDStGWlAVUXtDjtZYOufnDjfdg-KfOxbfJpCNRQ-ADw8OIZDxwmBsxZ38-e5xW_e46d6iM/s1600/IMG_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhqczyoMrIkveaIQ0xkuLZvqNf1FhvoFUyjyiyG6vPaQYalHOkKMpisAKCZD_ik4n7pp70xDStGWlAVUXtDjtZYOufnDjfdg-KfOxbfJpCNRQ-ADw8OIZDxwmBsxZ38-e5xW_e46d6iM/s640/IMG_2015.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">They Y-zip is genius.</span></div>
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The 3-Zip design is amazing. You can pack it and get to stuff at the bottom with ease. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_icCAHXQHQZNsQp6lbh1Tqv6_quOELpIMGLRiGRCCWMLjGDehXJy21afTnHSvKS1rE5TGM14saXOFyWaeLGIxi03rSdvEEwP3JRdZCW_OjT_XgPwUFw_UvmmdL52QlbOia2CE1DVDbY/s1600/brent+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_icCAHXQHQZNsQp6lbh1Tqv6_quOELpIMGLRiGRCCWMLjGDehXJy21afTnHSvKS1rE5TGM14saXOFyWaeLGIxi03rSdvEEwP3JRdZCW_OjT_XgPwUFw_UvmmdL52QlbOia2CE1DVDbY/s640/brent+1.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">You can't see the bag, but those are the straps. Taken in Dohuk, Norther Iraq 2005/6 time frame. We were able to drop our helmets and vests and walk around town for a couple of hours. So odd that one minute your life is in danger, then you cross an imaginary line and you can walk freely.</span></div>
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Subsequently, I spent some time in Pakistan, where it was recommended that we didn't carry anything military looking since we traveled commercial and through areas that don't always appreciate U.S. Soldiers. So I chose to leave it at home. That was a big mistake as I traveled within Pakistan and it fits so well on small military aircraft, I took it on a couple of short trips to Afghanistan, again it is an indispensable bag.<br />
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Soon I am starting another great adventure and I am disappointed that this bag does not match the current uniform camouflage pattern and sadly it will be left home and I will embark without a Dana Gleason pack for the first time in many years. It has been such a great bag to have over the years in both a civilian and military capacity. It will be used for years to come as a do-it-all backpack. <br />
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At the end of the day, it is I that am telling the story. The backpacks have been great companions and necessary tools to carry the objects necessary to have all of these adventures. <br />
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Out of all of the amazing experiences both in the wilderness and in war, there have been two constants; <b><i>Me and Dana Gleason's back packs!</i></b>Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-66023610145590601362015-05-09T19:47:00.000-07:002015-05-09T19:48:39.583-07:00A New Ride: The Salsa BlackborowEvery so often something comes along that gets my attention. I really like bikes and I would like to own them all. However, I move a lot and my housing options don't accommodate every bike I want. Therefore, I don't get something unless what I have isn't getting the job done. For instance, I see no point in owning a traditional road bike as long as the Salsa Las Cruces is fully functional. It does most of what I need on paved or dirt roads. <br />
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The same with mountain bikes, my real passion. At one point I had three fully assembled and a frame hanging on the wall. A lot of redundancy, so I decided to sell all but the Salsa Mukluk which became my do it all mountain bike. I have been looking at getting a Lynskey Fatsky for a while but truth be told, the only real difference is the frame material, no major functional difference. <br />
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Then <a href="http://salsacycles.com/culture/2015_introducing_blackborow" target="_blank">Salsa announced the Blackborow</a>, this is something that is dramatically different from the Mukluk. Suddenly I didn't care about a fancy titanium frame so I ordered one of these from the really nice people at <a href="http://rrcbicycles.com/" target="_blank">Red River Cyclery</a>. I went back an forth as to whether or not to get the DS or geared version. Ultimately, time, cost (of upgrades to include new Alternator dropout plates), and availability helped me decide on geared. Though truth be told I love the Forest Service Green, it reminds me of Missoula, Montana.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T9bJBOzWA6ayTSAg7Icc-zw7qREQ3Nxn5idD1sSIPCqaBPB3hStFrxypL8T8DY-bAo2Cnt_ZuwAd7zNWqZpHra1-GnxtPeleJ77tuJO0Sml79z-_fdFyk9vMkJwbCJ-AACCxx8RRDZk/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T9bJBOzWA6ayTSAg7Icc-zw7qREQ3Nxn5idD1sSIPCqaBPB3hStFrxypL8T8DY-bAo2Cnt_ZuwAd7zNWqZpHra1-GnxtPeleJ77tuJO0Sml79z-_fdFyk9vMkJwbCJ-AACCxx8RRDZk/s640/IMG_1644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I was near the end of a really painful couple of weeks when the guys at RRC posted this on Facebook. It made my day (Image Courtesy of Red River Cyclery)</span></div>
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I am not a good bike reviewer guy but here are some pictures. So far I like the bike though only time will tell. Here are some pictures in the wilds of Louisiana.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjE5JRErq1DYGOsAxeRBdGGX_1Fj1qxAFY29KIxbdHN9i7cw9gSU_OjidRHMG9rz7O6-1R9UWhnNa56EXlyzaZVwMvijUIDWRglNssQsSqlJmYjjQdVgo27zBrEnXRZ-kT17bdTfpiLbg/s1600/Blackborow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Louisiana mountain biking" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjE5JRErq1DYGOsAxeRBdGGX_1Fj1qxAFY29KIxbdHN9i7cw9gSU_OjidRHMG9rz7O6-1R9UWhnNa56EXlyzaZVwMvijUIDWRglNssQsSqlJmYjjQdVgo27zBrEnXRZ-kT17bdTfpiLbg/s640/Blackborow1.jpg" title="Salsa Blackborow" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLV12FGIjbk0av1XLWDVagIzoFL67yHxRQevJ36EOYu3RjyRL9nCHsn8FlBA1z8GHo8QyL2z2pOMqDnSujcVuIqZaFtWIKu0CajwF9LOiGqUz1ySmDfcaxolHXBnnrSpU3zd_kHWh0DE/s1600/Blackborow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLV12FGIjbk0av1XLWDVagIzoFL67yHxRQevJ36EOYu3RjyRL9nCHsn8FlBA1z8GHo8QyL2z2pOMqDnSujcVuIqZaFtWIKu0CajwF9LOiGqUz1ySmDfcaxolHXBnnrSpU3zd_kHWh0DE/s640/Blackborow2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">The elevation is ~400 feet above sea level. Anytime there is a big dip in elevation, there is standing water. There is no telling what is buried in the mud or how far it will sink. Some of these are surprisingly deep, the Blackborow with the 26x4.8 tires hand these spots like a champ.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqkXwyLaCNXnK3uykG5SIqnxQZFQwDFhkBOfSW5ymxlwy4q05F7EXUThaAMrFW-spNccrDcVzUrSAJphgceLd6r_1Xxjh6fexjeRnXjxhnC4BWRsvqVzcpdC7oBN2HE5_KRVuBJrEVYM/s1600/blackborow+spanish+moss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqkXwyLaCNXnK3uykG5SIqnxQZFQwDFhkBOfSW5ymxlwy4q05F7EXUThaAMrFW-spNccrDcVzUrSAJphgceLd6r_1Xxjh6fexjeRnXjxhnC4BWRsvqVzcpdC7oBN2HE5_KRVuBJrEVYM/s640/blackborow+spanish+moss.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"> I love the Spanish Moss.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVemLdXawH7HJ2cWY-ZeqVto_PoZOY6vxKOtHxSoBOal9vkMUX66aF2mpdPSQ4t1eNU8QxAidPIiMz7J5X0d7uBmKvf2M8KayUobUBVT7fusgE9Ho2QqXMyJcO_2dyRgBHSFGWqqzkyvI/s1600/Lou+in+the+mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVemLdXawH7HJ2cWY-ZeqVto_PoZOY6vxKOtHxSoBOal9vkMUX66aF2mpdPSQ4t1eNU8QxAidPIiMz7J5X0d7uBmKvf2M8KayUobUBVT7fusgE9Ho2QqXMyJcO_2dyRgBHSFGWqqzkyvI/s320/Lou+in+the+mud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Though the Surly Lou is not my favorite tire, the width is impressive and traction is great. I am looking forward to getting a 4.8 Knard tire when I get a second mortgage on my house!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQUYUcwkBT5czM1A66wKZ_RiGICljygGFsBc8cz_fdXao-fupa3CBzi1xzxt9_hlxoLYPA-SRz5fpYahs8wyc3_goNu1ZV5dlgE05coJyfSmKZ8Jl4iJjLpbHG0BwwCUNZxAaFY9RduU/s1600/blackborow3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQUYUcwkBT5czM1A66wKZ_RiGICljygGFsBc8cz_fdXao-fupa3CBzi1xzxt9_hlxoLYPA-SRz5fpYahs8wyc3_goNu1ZV5dlgE05coJyfSmKZ8Jl4iJjLpbHG0BwwCUNZxAaFY9RduU/s640/blackborow3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Crud Catcher?</span></div>
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So far I have very few complaints. Two obvious things that are only mildly annoying are the front brake cable routing which I am guessing will be addressed on next years model, my temporary fix is a zip tie to pull it way from the front tire. It looks tacky but is functional. The second is the tire clearance........or lack there of. I purposely bought this bike because of the shortened chain stays and quicker handling. But a side effect of this is the front derailleur is a crud catcher. I also added <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Allstar-Performance-ALL14275-Clear-Surface/dp/B003BZO05C/ref=pd_sim_263_3/186-5474457-6582534?ie=UTF8&refRID=1ZBVQ691Z8ZQFE2RXVN8" target="_blank">helicopter tape</a> (not cheap but unnoticeable and worth every cent) to the back of the seat stay to keep the thick mud from shredding the paint. I also added some to the small brace between the tire and BB which is also a major crud catcher.</div>
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<br />Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-19070315731913449532015-02-11T18:03:00.001-08:002015-02-11T18:03:56.919-08:00Exploring the Kisatchie National Forest on a beautiful day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeIdiz6RVX8DFaMpzlL0SfOrj_OYt-uLICZOG9TUI5K_VMceMkvvmbZKd5IDPa7ZJd2hLPHyZO_tNZHpVKqhqlYvu0q9ySgOZ8PQRTVu9IT4K-nFCd-cslcuqI-uT4ynNy8S9ntmYbfE/s1600/cross+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeIdiz6RVX8DFaMpzlL0SfOrj_OYt-uLICZOG9TUI5K_VMceMkvvmbZKd5IDPa7ZJd2hLPHyZO_tNZHpVKqhqlYvu0q9ySgOZ8PQRTVu9IT4K-nFCd-cslcuqI-uT4ynNy8S9ntmYbfE/s1600/cross+road.jpg" height="146" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">It isn't clear but there is a road to the right of my bike. It ends in a T-intersection at the green trees.</span></div>
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My job has very long hours and I don't always get the time that I would like dedicate to riding. As stated before, I bought a new bike that I thought would be fitting for my new environment. So far I am pleased with my decision to buy a Giant Revolt. The other day it was a nice 70 degrees and I had to get out. I was exhausted from a crazy trip to New Orleans the day before that involved getting home at 2 a.m. As I said, it was gorgeous so I forced myself out of the recliner and went for a ride. </div>
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I decided that rather than go for mileage I would explore a few roads that I ride past. There are many short side roads in the Kisatchie National Forest, typically they are not long. This meant that I would be turning around frequently, however, it is nice to see different scenery. The first road (above) was nice, starting out as a nice wide hard packed sandy road and ended in a leaf covered section with T intersection. I chose to go to the right and found that that the jeep track was very loose and it felt as though I had a flat rear tire. It felt sluggish on most of this stretch and I eventually hit a dead end.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqIgSQomUEfwNlbsNM21bF2_JeFpaZvrx_LOx9BLXfPTtZWFZ6qkI8BFCO2hVi1ox4edX2EVRJdVACSrNZWbB4ARyFW12A8Yo3E5AShV8bvfqTbj6sCrp2DfM2ByCiFNJUb9FB27nmvY/s1600/dead+end+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqIgSQomUEfwNlbsNM21bF2_JeFpaZvrx_LOx9BLXfPTtZWFZ6qkI8BFCO2hVi1ox4edX2EVRJdVACSrNZWbB4ARyFW12A8Yo3E5AShV8bvfqTbj6sCrp2DfM2ByCiFNJUb9FB27nmvY/s1600/dead+end+3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I turned around and headed back and took the other spur and found the same kind of road conditions. Again, I ran into a water hazard. I have found that if you go down hill, you quickly run into water. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEipiZHM5RjKcECS8mttU1y3wHkLjrJgLOZ_fXDqE0vhjOKrtCqJsIhVgP3-03KgFzxwsv9kAE_URdwgq7jopj_wGwMA0erArBFx_CweuT3ZoA9N4YISRHJzuGw5pZcP0nP9q4sYaSoE/s1600/Dead+end+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEipiZHM5RjKcECS8mttU1y3wHkLjrJgLOZ_fXDqE0vhjOKrtCqJsIhVgP3-03KgFzxwsv9kAE_URdwgq7jopj_wGwMA0erArBFx_CweuT3ZoA9N4YISRHJzuGw5pZcP0nP9q4sYaSoE/s1600/Dead+end+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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This water was surprisingly clear and reflected the trees above like a mirror.</div>
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The road looked good on the other side but I didn't want to cross it, get all wet just to find it only goes another hundred feet or so. I will do a map check later. So I turned around again and headed back. This time I returned to the main road in search of a new route.</div>
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I quickly found this and followed it quite a ways. A bulldozer had been down it and it looks like someone was building up humps to prevent road washout during rain. The tracks created a nice rumble strip. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroKCFB4mAextnIWirlXeaQHcNZ9Ifs-ZjLOSo3Xye6rp4i7s24vOADeFHVaMmhmXluTOASBETP0BMwB5hgBeeIrM6MK4LS57u_PV5IRxj9xaGIFQqxnFCYn2ZkC5vXxvrqdx2ckuj50I/s1600/obstacles+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroKCFB4mAextnIWirlXeaQHcNZ9Ifs-ZjLOSo3Xye6rp4i7s24vOADeFHVaMmhmXluTOASBETP0BMwB5hgBeeIrM6MK4LS57u_PV5IRxj9xaGIFQqxnFCYn2ZkC5vXxvrqdx2ckuj50I/s1600/obstacles+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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This stretch of road was a mix of packed and soft sand, possibly the best cyclocross route around. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX34CjHT5Bm7xdgT__WEwDwSA0GblBpxBCLuVL5_CY2Ox04wAXPxw5f1Pz-g9f2r8WqYOpIN6qthVePX_R-50D_Iyqx2CGqVNc9XaeCUwss1YWDQsedfBTthxqzqkoO278olnVVu2YxGU/s1600/Obstacles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX34CjHT5Bm7xdgT__WEwDwSA0GblBpxBCLuVL5_CY2Ox04wAXPxw5f1Pz-g9f2r8WqYOpIN6qthVePX_R-50D_Iyqx2CGqVNc9XaeCUwss1YWDQsedfBTthxqzqkoO278olnVVu2YxGU/s1600/Obstacles.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">The mounds of dirt are clearly there to keep the road from washing out in heavy rain. My tires cut in deep on several of them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDIiTjU8bvYibeW-Q8gi4fS2D2sDbTNjesOLz_tdbWFceSaVCAJLM5Yg-UUDGeZvta18rOpFcWQwiBjYfplP-dvYBnOR1r1QXUh95K5cxrWINOkEnvtcsqwqHzKM2rgaV9sbjLR9fpZU/s1600/Dead+End+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDIiTjU8bvYibeW-Q8gi4fS2D2sDbTNjesOLz_tdbWFceSaVCAJLM5Yg-UUDGeZvta18rOpFcWQwiBjYfplP-dvYBnOR1r1QXUh95K5cxrWINOkEnvtcsqwqHzKM2rgaV9sbjLR9fpZU/s1600/Dead+End+again.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I quickly ran into another wet area. I definitely was not going to cross this muddy quagmire.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU-PEBrISl-TmV6zhjgRZlXEt2cW1gp5YxvUWgN4V4YT1b6168hvwwFtQzuUR89atPcJaqW6NmRS0seFZGvUZyjmanjCaoqBATZDpkrQSL7ehOjk1ZWANGzqHPIS7q2SUT_u0FgOUM2w/s1600/drive+side+clearance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU-PEBrISl-TmV6zhjgRZlXEt2cW1gp5YxvUWgN4V4YT1b6168hvwwFtQzuUR89atPcJaqW6NmRS0seFZGvUZyjmanjCaoqBATZDpkrQSL7ehOjk1ZWANGzqHPIS7q2SUT_u0FgOUM2w/s1600/drive+side+clearance.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Mud clearance!</div>
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As stated before I bought a Giant Revolt because it is made to be a go most places bike. I have proven it can do basic single track with the <a href="http://irish-tsunami.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-ghorba-even-bigger-big-ring.html" target="_blank">Even Bigger Big Ring Challenge</a> (it was on the flier). The bike boasts the ability to run up to a 2 inch wide (50mm) tire. No other gravel/cyclocross bike that I know of boasts that. While I don't really see myself riding a 2 wide tire, this set up allows for amazing mud clearance. Something most bikes wouldn't have with a 40mm wide tire. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgmLS6-wNE-s7-eYIDjhUQcyotxNqAxICsq5J2RI3Rc2w4MIj105pQfHpJyyNAx8-LdJl9LFak2rNMOkdERaS-OTW9-soeJ4jwnrinwKxO0mmA-M1bAlPwlQ7aFyHHuO26o39cb9p-3g/s1600/sand+on+the+tires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgmLS6-wNE-s7-eYIDjhUQcyotxNqAxICsq5J2RI3Rc2w4MIj105pQfHpJyyNAx8-LdJl9LFak2rNMOkdERaS-OTW9-soeJ4jwnrinwKxO0mmA-M1bAlPwlQ7aFyHHuO26o39cb9p-3g/s1600/sand+on+the+tires.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">A little sand on the tires.</span></div>
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The road conditions in this area range from a red dirt road with clay to white sand. I have come to love the hard packed sand, which is often smoother than the asphalt in the area. <span style="color: blue;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MwsVvGz6vBQhBXo3BKgf3C4pKvme-2HZ3oLCdtUg-dOtxOMg_Qq46KLBKDwXy51MgmGile_0UZFK8QeW1IN3XWbdgwbOMls5JHYdM-oNNghuI915Yzg6QfKRiGCFaDAJJDou1v3eCQs/s1600/wood+pecker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MwsVvGz6vBQhBXo3BKgf3C4pKvme-2HZ3oLCdtUg-dOtxOMg_Qq46KLBKDwXy51MgmGile_0UZFK8QeW1IN3XWbdgwbOMls5JHYdM-oNNghuI915Yzg6QfKRiGCFaDAJJDou1v3eCQs/s1600/wood+pecker.jpg" height="330" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;">Anther interesting fact is that this area is home to the Red Cockaded Woodpecker. The trees with white bands are home to families of woodpeckers. Some interesting facts: </span><br />
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1. They love long-leaf pine forests<br />
2. They nest in only live pine trees<br />
3. They "bleed" the tree around the hole they nest in to prevent tree climbing snakes from entering their AO.<br />
4. They are endangered<br />
5. They along with the <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2008/oct/11/local/me-tortoise11" target="_blank">Desert Tortoise</a> are the only known force capable of stopping the U.S. Army. Fact!!! Not trying to give hints to anyone but if you want to stop a tank battalion, here you go.<br />
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Another beautiful day in Louisiana in February. <br />
<br />Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-36687640191992545532015-02-04T21:08:00.002-08:002015-02-04T21:13:09.778-08:00The GHORBA Even Bigger Big Ring Challenge Part II: Run whatcha brung and own the stupid.Before I begin I would like to point out that I don't race. You may find yourself asking "but you raced?" That is true, I did, however had either the Wild Azalea Trail Challenge or Even Bigger Big Ring Challenge required a race license and sanctioning I would not have done them. I just don't see the point in paying some organization to not win or earn anything seems ridiculous. That said, I don't mind paying when the money is for a reasonably good cause. In this case I thought it was a little overpriced considering there wasn't a shirt or even a complimentary gel or granola bar. But I will get to that later. The bottom line is that the money is for future advocacy and trail maintenance....the world is better.<br />
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The race started well, the first 1.5 miles were on a hardball road and it gave people time to get ahead if they wanted and there wasn't a big funnel at the trail head. Now for the hiccup. As stated before I probably brought the wrong bike (by probably I mean that I did). But you know what sometimes you have to man up and run what you brung (a bad attempt to rhyme). They echeloned the start by event. Of course I signed up for the 3 mile 50 lap ordeal so this started first. This would prove to be a mistake. I should have just started in the back because my poor narrow drop bars and 40mm tires didn't give me the speed I needed on the trail. As soon as I hit the trail I knew I was in trouble. There were roots everywhere. While there were no rocks and very little elevation change, the roots were devastating. Ironically everything the guy told me the night before was mostly wrong, such as the trail being sandy and loose after a group passed through. It wasn't bad at all.<br />
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It didn't take long for the second group to catch up with me. "bike back" and "passing" were constant. I clearly should have started in the back. Eventually they thinned out and I got it, this is a race but a few were a bit rude. I know that I looked crazy, but take it up with the race director for putting out a flier that said do all three on a CX bike. The first lap seemed the longest as I had to move to the right and let people pass but I found a couple of people who were new to mountain biking and I followed them. I eventually passed a couple so good on me.<br />
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The second lap was a little better, it was not until the last mile of the second lap that I was passed by the lead riders. I found myself with a nice lady that wanted only to finish the two laps she signed up for. She kept telling me to pass her but I declined because the moment we hit a rough patch she would pass me. As I rounded the second lap, I stopped and grabbed a few snacks out of my car and downed a couple of Exedrin with caffeine and downed a snack and headed out for the third lap.<br />
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It was on the beginning of the third lap that I began to feel cramping. The only difference was that the cramping was not in my legs but my triceps and hands. Having ridden 36 miles in drop bars clinging to the hoods was taking it's toll. It was then that I began to regret my decision. But what choice did I have.....only one and that was to finish. It was immediately clear that I was last. but what do you expect from a guy that is riding a cyclocross style bike with drops and 40mm tires on a root filled single track. <br />
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I just kept cranking. I shouted the occasional obscenity (if a guy who is on a cyclocross bike swears in the woods is there anyone around to hear him? No!). I just kept cranking away, root after root. As I came in the final stretch I was glad to see that there were a couple of people hanging around and they were still running the timer. I crossed the finish line and the lady asked me "did you see the two guys on the trail?' "You mean I wasn't last?" was my response. It turns out that a couple of guys (old guys) crossed for their third lap before me but stopped and took a break. It was at that point that the guy writing down time looked at my bike and said "you did 50 miles on that?" He looked both shocked and disgusted. I get that look a lot. I said "it was on the flier and I paid a lot of money!" <br />
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I had rigor mortis of the hands after this.</div>
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So there I was. I had to break down camp and drive the 2.5 to 3 hours home, with cramping triceps and fingers that had some sort of drop bar and hood induced rigor mortis. I went back to the tent and decided to take a quick nap. Again, someone asked what I had done. The common response was "50 miles on that?" Of course when I went to my tent the vulgar and offensive people were there so I bailed on the nap and packed up and left. Again, Infantry and combat were not as offensive as these people were.<br />
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Over the next two days I developed pain in my triceps and between my shoulder blades near the spine. Clearly I discovered stabilizing muscles I didn't know existed. I was pleased to have completed the race, no matter how much pain. Would I go back next year? That is debatable. <br />
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Again, not to sound like a curmudgeon (which I am) the group camping was a turn off for me. I understand when you are with a group of friends you can act crazy, rude, bigoted and whip out a joint. But the moment a newcomer has arrived I would recommend that you tone it down a touch. Again, you are representing an organization that wants to extract upwards of $65 for entrance, $9 to drive into the recreation area, $18 to camp, and then I spent $100 on gas. Could I recommend this to my Soldiers, absolutely not. Would I bring co-workers and other Soldiers to the event, I couldn't because if they experienced what I did and I recommended it, they would think that I condone that behavior. This would set a bad example. And finally, at least throw in a complimentary gel or sticker. Again, some could say the money goes to a good cause but a little overhead could go to swag that serves as an advertisement. Just saying. Sorry there are not many pictures, the nice lady taking pictures wants $20 for a digital copy. I really miss <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lanternerouge/sets/" target="_blank">Lanterne Rouge</a> and his free photos. He does it for the love.<br />
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Ok, what is next. I am thinking the Rouge Roubaix<br />
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<br />Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-34823516197736701152015-02-01T17:56:00.000-08:002015-02-01T18:06:47.159-08:00GHORBA Even Bigger Big Ring Challenge Part I: The Prep....or lack thereof.So following the disappointing DNF on the Wild Azalea Trail Challenge I immediately went home to find a similar event to prove that I could complete. I live in Central Louisiana, ain't much going on in these parts. It didn't take long to find something in Texas within a decent driving distance. The Greater Houston Off Road Biking Association was hosting a mountain bike marathon at Double Lake Recreation Area near Cold Spring, Texas. My Mukluk was still in need of some love following the last event and I was waiting on some brake pads to arrive with a new bike frame I ordered. I saw on the flier that you can use your cyclocross for all three events. Sounds good to me, I have my Giant Revolt it can do a lot of things. It would take up to a two inch tire but I didn't want to solicit anymore funds for fear that the whole operation would get shut down so I would run my 40mm Clement MSO tires. Then life happened and I didn't get a chance to ride for a couple of weeks. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Wr2LPMsObCZO653j4O8NWUTMMs2t2dnGF55wWr1zy5XmK8_lObssqkF1Q3TgX8_B8A85vq6ILsk_D4_AhE0nYafwsIsJITajJhdseuQcnhbgcjhlUkPOvyVN5xiVC1tyvXQW789BahU/s1600/Ghorba+CX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Wr2LPMsObCZO653j4O8NWUTMMs2t2dnGF55wWr1zy5XmK8_lObssqkF1Q3TgX8_B8A85vq6ILsk_D4_AhE0nYafwsIsJITajJhdseuQcnhbgcjhlUkPOvyVN5xiVC1tyvXQW789BahU/s1600/Ghorba+CX.jpg" height="640" width="388" /></a></div>
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But before I go into the race I would like to talk about the 48 hours leading up to the event on 17 January. It really is a reflection of the chaos that is my life. In Mid-December my wife knocked one of the bikes off of a hook and it dented the top tube of my Giant Revolt bike. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NWEMc9knEEKcG2KRbJac0jWTVnq_FHAYHLGrle-CkXXwv_8JtwIROr64nsGZ7THdI7ord7pClA_q2oAJMLUvhEelqPwkwBo2G7B2SMfPlhqfbO2QoR9UGGS4nz3yCKDEcYDpAlyAePQ/s1600/IMG_1337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NWEMc9knEEKcG2KRbJac0jWTVnq_FHAYHLGrle-CkXXwv_8JtwIROr64nsGZ7THdI7ord7pClA_q2oAJMLUvhEelqPwkwBo2G7B2SMfPlhqfbO2QoR9UGGS4nz3yCKDEcYDpAlyAePQ/s1600/IMG_1337.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was sad. I really didn't want to spend money on a new frame, at least one I already owned. I would like to spend $ on other stuff. Anyway, my favorite bike shop, Bike and Hike in Rock Island, IL ordered a frame for me. Then the holidays happened and it didn't arrive. I called and they shipped it and it arrived a few days before the event and much to my shock it was atomic blue! I was told it would be gray, had I known it would be this amazingly obnoxious blue I would have ordered a Surly Ogre to replace my old one that I sold. So 48 hours out I put it together after work but the steer tube was way too long and I didn't have a star nut. Great, the nearest bike shop is 50 miles away. But I had a plan, sort of.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"> I was expecting a grey frame. I was a little shocked when I opened the box. </span> </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">It is....BLUE. I figured it would grow on me. It hasn't!</span></div>
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It just so happened that my daughter had a doctors appointment in a neighboring community on the 16th, the day I was going to head to Cold Spring, TX. By neighboring it is 40 miles East. I would take her to that then head North 30 miles to the bike shop in Alexandria where they could quickly cut the steer tube, install a star nut and I could be on my way 50 miles back to the house. Easy enough? Except......we had an issue at work that came up Thursday afternoon and I needed to go and deal with it the next morning at 8 a.m.<br />
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Also, I told a friend I would take his installation duty which is an overnight deal where you do some checks on post before midnight and after midnight. No problem......except he told me the wrong night and it turned out to be on the 15th which meant I wouldn't be able to pack the night before like I had planned. So I did my stuff at night and went to bed at midnight, then I got up at about 4 a.m. did the stuff in the morning checked out, went at 8 a.m. and negotiated for some training resources for an hour and a half and picked up my daughter and bike and hit the road. Easy, a day in the life of the Irish Tsunami.<br />
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We arrived at the doctors office and the room was packed. He is a specialist in a small town and we waited for an hour and a half. By the time we got out of there is was almost noon. We hit the road and headed north. An hour later we arrived and I dropped my bike off. They wanted an hour so we went to get lunch. The Chick wanted Taco Bell so we got tacos. Household 6 called and asked if I could go to a party store and get round checkered table cloths with the classic red plaid. So I found one, but it didn't have that style. We then headed back to the bike shop and I picked up my bike. <br />
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The owner and I spoke for a few minutes and I told him that I was headed to Cold Spring, Texas to tackle a 50 mile race. He asked me how much I had ridden since the Wild Azalea challenge two weeks earlier. My response.....NONE! He laughed and said "I like your training plan." We were off. I arrived home at about 3:30 in the afternoon. I quickly (and poorly) packed my stuff. What I have learned over the years is that there are essential items; bike, helmet, bicycle shoes, gloves. Everything else is optional. I have ridden in the wrong shorts, shirt, sock-less, water-less. But they require helmets and Crank Brothers need cleats. So I hit the road at 5 p.m. and it got dark quickly. The drive was only 120 miles but here they are <i><b>country miles</b></i> with narrow roads, lots of twists and turns, and a ton of small towns; all of which force you to drive slow. <br />
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It took close to three hours and I arrived well after dark. I had planned on camping for two reason as a cost saving feature and the little hotel reminded me of the Bates Motel. So I found the site. <br />
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<span style="color: blue; text-align: center;">As I began to drive down this "road" I thought it was a walking path or paved trail. It was very dark and I began to think of how many scary movies start just like this.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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It was there that that I instantly regretted my decision. It was a GHORBA group campsite and the guy that was putting together a nice fire was nice enough, but then three other people showed up and I instantly remembered why I don't do many group functions and my anti-social tendencies kicked in. First off, I have been on active duty for 13 years. I have been in combat and spent countless hours with all types of people and heard all types of conversations, but this group was a bit offensive for my taste. Yes, more offensive than the Infantry. The guy asked me about my bike, a bike designed for gravel and fire/logging roads which had 40 mm Clement MSO tires on it. I told him that the flier said I could do it on a cyclocross bike. He then proceeded to tell me all of the reasons I couldn't do it. I said "well then why did they put it on the flier?" Nothing like going through everything I had done for the last 36-48 hours just to be told that.<br />
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Then at about 9:45 I got an emergency call from work. Part of my job is to manage reportable incidents and emergencies. My task is to take the serious incident report and ensure that it is quality enough to send forward. It involves notifying my boss within a certain timeframe. I didn't have all of the facts but I didn't want to wait to call at midnight or 1 a.m. so I called my boss at 10:00 p.m. He didn't answer so I told the guy that called to call me when the report was ready for me to read and clean up (they always need to be cleaned up). It was getting cold (the low was 35 degrees) and I was tired from the day and the obnoxious company so I went to bed. <br />
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Cozy in my sleeping bag my phone began to chirp at about 1:30 a.m. I had my blackberry but it is hard to read documents and type, especially when it is cold. It was my boss and I gave him the details and I hit send after struggling to keep warm and type. I went back to sleep at about 2:00 a.m. and woke up at 4:45 a.m., my usual routine during the week. It happens fairly naturally. So I pushed the auto start, got dressed in the cold and jumped into my nice warm suburban with heated seats. I brought my MSR camp stove but I was cold and tired so I drove to a gas station and got a cup of hot water for my oatmeal. I then returned and got a good parking spot near the start and ate my oatmeal and read a mountain bike magazine in the warm confines of my car. <br />
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At 7 a.m. I went in to register and the organizer was there. I asked him about the cyclocross bike and he said yeah no problem. He said there are a lot of roots but it is doable. So I went out to the car and began to get ready. That is where I ran into a hiccup. Remember the bit about what is necessary and what isn't. Well I had all that was necessary but it was 35 degrees and I didn't have leg or arm warmers packed. Nor did I have any kind of wind breaker or vest. So I thought "at least I have a hat".......yeah no hat. The high was going to be close to 60 degrees but it would be a long morning. <br />
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So there I was waiting for the race to start. I finally saw a couple of cyclocross bikes but they were not signed up for the full 50 miles. And the race began. Stay tuned for Part II.Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-62246432806348862212015-01-25T19:20:00.001-08:002015-01-26T03:43:30.891-08:00Wild Azalea Trail Challenge: 50 miles (or slightly less in my case) of fun?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As with most of my stupid adventures I decided at the last minute to enter the <a href="http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=29357" target="_blank">Wild Azalea Challenge</a> by signing up for the 50 mile mountain bike race. I found out about it on 20 December 2014 and the event was to take place on 3 January 2015. At the point that I signed up I had only ridden my mountain bike on single track about 3 times since my shoulder surgery in April. So I followed my usual training plan. Sign up at the last minute and then:</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Ride as much as possible: As stated I had only ridden a mountain bike on single track about 3 times so I made an effort to check out part of the trail. One day I rode 10 miles, a few days later I rode 20 miles, then the final ride of 10 miles. I have done a reasonable amount of gravel and my legs felt strong. It rained a ton during the two weeks leading up to the event so it was limited use of the trails. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">2. Get a good set of tires: Meh, who can afford a new set of fat bike tires so I ran with good old Larrys.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">3. Drink a bunch of water: I actually made a </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">conscious effort at drinking water in advance for a couple of days and it paid off. I may need to make this a trend.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Shove my jersey pockets as full of calories: I bought a bunch of stuff though it was raining so hard that my plan of using a feed bag on the handle bars failed. I just made sure I ate something every 45min-1 hour. I am getting good at this and it makes a big difference. They have good food drops every 5-10 miles.</span></div>
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I truly love the Wild Azalea Trail, it has a very traditional feel to it. It is not heavily engineered for mountain bikes as some of the newer mountain bike parks. I have been on some mountain bike specific trails that if ridden in the intended direction they are smooth and flow but if you go the wrong direction they are unpleasant to ride. It is a 27 mile trail end to end with a large spur of trails and has some variety but can be ridden in either direction easily.....or not. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgeT7FtYELmLYIu9_6pdYYroasj6edOFT8Snpz4fs-wuNEIlkOn9G0zerEngIzwvCJKxbiemkQ6F-35igt2da5N1pfXlEKe8vedw0qaysm-bFKiCWd0mqpd5E7cFI9MN183bHzLGwsHA/s1600/Kisatchi+fat+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgeT7FtYELmLYIu9_6pdYYroasj6edOFT8Snpz4fs-wuNEIlkOn9G0zerEngIzwvCJKxbiemkQ6F-35igt2da5N1pfXlEKe8vedw0qaysm-bFKiCWd0mqpd5E7cFI9MN183bHzLGwsHA/s1600/Kisatchi+fat+bike.jpg" height="480" title="wild azalea trail fat bike" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Wilde Azalea Trail and this stretch on the Kincaid Lake Trail are well maintained. Clearly not taken on race day; this bridge was soaked and slick.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvc9sRSxypPf-W2E2RrjhzwaX591VPSMbHbAn8zasSQmoGMwbRIyyEwOgoi-Q0phaf4IfrxM3NvRu1V7Fd0Yu_YAf6X0oMxjKgBrGUXaO5EgHLK3uf41IZ7dGenbr1SxqDirE7bMtmkI/s1600/low+land+kisatchie+fat+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Salsa Mukluk" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvc9sRSxypPf-W2E2RrjhzwaX591VPSMbHbAn8zasSQmoGMwbRIyyEwOgoi-Q0phaf4IfrxM3NvRu1V7Fd0Yu_YAf6X0oMxjKgBrGUXaO5EgHLK3uf41IZ7dGenbr1SxqDirE7bMtmkI/s1600/low+land+kisatchie+fat+bike.jpg" height="480" title="Wild Azalea Trail fat bike" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a good image showing some of the lowland trails and you can see that will a ton of rain these areas become challenging. The higher areas drain well....into these areas.</div>
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The weather forecast was dismal. It got worse by the day and much of the discussion on the Facebook was geared towards the conditions with concerns about safety and cost of replacing parts. At no point was I turned off by the weather. My job has taught me to embrace the suck so really once you are soaked it doesn't matter.</div>
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At Woodworth, the start of the race was pretty uneventful, it was 1 1/2 miles to the trail head from the parking lot so the fast guys took off like lightning so there wasn't a bunch of crowding on the trail during the initial miles. Again, this a long trail and it is reasonably well maintained with some areas easier to ride than others. The first few miles were through pretty dense brush with nice wait-a-minute vines to grab hold of anything they can. Did I mention it was raining reasonable hard?</div>
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One gentlemen in front of me had his rear derailleur sheered off by something and down he went. As I progress I found that my brakes were obnoxious loud. No doubt there was muds and crud causing some of the noise but at times it was unbearable. It was not the pinging sound of a rotor that was slightly bent. It was just loud. But I pushed through....that is how I roll.</div>
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I would say that if you didn't know how to embrace the suck, the first 16 miles of this ride would be....well "suck." It was through some real low land with high water table which meant that it was swampy and muck. It was to the point where I just got off and pushed because my rear end was coming around. Did I mention that there was an ultra marathon taking place as well? Yeah well the 27 mile runners started a half an hour after us and I am proud to say that I was passed by one in this area. A 100 pound guy can move through a swamp better than I can pushing a Salsa Mukluk. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">At about the 13 mile mark I was pleased to leave that area and I had some open single track that flowed well, except for the amazing loud noise from my brakes. As I came out at a camping area at the 16 mile point my wife was waiting. I told her to meet me at the E. Kincaid boat launch where there was a big outhouse with some overhead cover where I could fight through my brakes.</span></div>
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Did I mention it was raining?</div>
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So Household 6 helped by holding my bike up when I discovered that my problem was that I was out of brake pad surface. The little metal spring that opens the pads was the braking surface and one of them had caught the rotor and was bent out making a horrible noise. At that point I was at the 20 mile mark. HH6 suggested I go back to the 27 mile route and just finish that way. If you know my family you know that isn't possible. <br />
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My grandfather liked to play cards. He always knew what everyone held and wanted to play. If he had a winning hand but that meant he had to discard something someone could use, he would keep it and give one of his winning cards up. This meant that when he lost, he lost big. But when he won....it was an epic win. Now you understand.<br />
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I had no choice but to continue. I fiddled with the brakes and bent the little spring and put it back in. It sounded horrible still and it didn't take but a few miles before I burned through what was left. And there I was, in the pouring rain trying to eek out another 25 miles. I had to walk down hills because it wasn't possible to stop. Finally I decided that like my grandfather this may have to be chalked up to an big loss. I called HH6 and coordinated a pick up at what turned out to be a 30 mile ride, longer than if I had just singed up for the 27 miles. Alas, I was a DNF. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RE_Ei5JEfW2H-ou4SF42Dk6EegIwE_bLIRoY6zUsKoD7ABh6d4Cg00x9Xq2n4Zf27ODq5ijJedMM_U650J-M16s0ShjUg1icW6R4BbSBccfZ9rSutfcCjpI860X-fu6bgB6223qHCLY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Salsa Mukluk" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RE_Ei5JEfW2H-ou4SF42Dk6EegIwE_bLIRoY6zUsKoD7ABh6d4Cg00x9Xq2n4Zf27ODq5ijJedMM_U650J-M16s0ShjUg1icW6R4BbSBccfZ9rSutfcCjpI860X-fu6bgB6223qHCLY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" title="Wild Azalea Trail Challenge" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
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Many lessons were learned that day and I was sad to call it because my legs felt strong and there was no question that I would finish 50 miles. That is what happens when you don't properly check your equipment. I spoke with the owner of a local bike shop and he stated they replaced a lot of break pads following that event and that he had burned through a set.<br />
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This race only solidified my belief that Louisiana has great cycling opportunities and I look forward to trying again next year. With a new strategy to check all parts of the bike. The organizers did a great job marking the course where there were odd intersections and hard to see turns. They had unmanned feed stations throughout with a nice variety of food and drinks. Thanks to them for the hard work. </div>
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Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-65502878623816022992014-12-01T19:39:00.001-08:002014-12-01T19:39:38.338-08:00Thanksgiving Traditions: mountain biking with kidsGrowing up we had large family gatherings at my grandparent's house. As memory serves they were always enjoyable times with cousins gathered and people having fun. Reality probably tells a different story, one of a stressed out grandmother and grandfather. Parents that were pinging and kids that were 100% commotion. But that is all gone now; a fond memory of an enjoyable time.<br />
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Last year I took Diga to a <a href="http://www.irish-tsunami.blogspot.com/2013/12/thanksgiving-success-beef-jerky.html" target="_blank">cyclocross race in Kansas</a> and we had a great time. Of course it reality was that it was a pain, from getting up early, getting him ready, to locking my keys in the car and calling my wife for help. But like the thanksgiving at my grandparent's house, all Diga will remember is the great time we had and the trophy he won, the beef jerky, and root beer! I am great with that. <br />
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This year, I took he and the Chick to explore the Wild Azalea Trail, a 31 mile stretch of single track multi-use trail. The ironic part is that I will remember this as a fond and enjoyable memory and they will probably remember it as "the time dad got mad because we wouldn't use our gears again and we whined because it was hard." <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">They are smiling now, give it about 20 minutes!!!</span></div>
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The great thing about life is that at a certain point you can create your own traditions. We don't watch football (you have to have cable or a satellite for that) so bicycling has become ours. So we got up much earlier than my daughter wanted and loaded up and drove off. It was about 50 degrees and beautiful. I love riding in the fall and the sound of leaves crunching under my fat tires.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBCByQOfbkp_fAsMdie5z7U3Hm6Y1ncykaITr0hKE2i-g1N-TZ8ZhM3Y9FYScftaLR30wDQRkXzuM1pKYE6ZE2sLEulsWbH3uQIqnQt_TCKgB6icg5WoUlhstk4OYvRSgprgABszrIVI/s1600/Fat+bike+Brent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBCByQOfbkp_fAsMdie5z7U3Hm6Y1ncykaITr0hKE2i-g1N-TZ8ZhM3Y9FYScftaLR30wDQRkXzuM1pKYE6ZE2sLEulsWbH3uQIqnQt_TCKgB6icg5WoUlhstk4OYvRSgprgABszrIVI/s1600/Fat+bike+Brent.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Crushing leaves under fat tires is a wonderful sound!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">We did about 2.5 miles out before we turned around. Notice the smile? Neither do I.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Diga on the other hand is quick to show a smile.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ9Y5ZP0mNSNtb8GXAuJtUGmt-rJ-AKazpmfFrzQVCYuBBRhQKcMD6e7t8ZRZQbMjpZ-ySmdOF0aEahgja17shOkD8lfDA-hDKgtog4X8xlKDpvAiTXQ3o5wbnf6okC6Pf3bS8KCg5u4/s1600/diga2+WAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ9Y5ZP0mNSNtb8GXAuJtUGmt-rJ-AKazpmfFrzQVCYuBBRhQKcMD6e7t8ZRZQbMjpZ-ySmdOF0aEahgja17shOkD8lfDA-hDKgtog4X8xlKDpvAiTXQ3o5wbnf6okC6Pf3bS8KCg5u4/s1600/diga2+WAT.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">This trail is nice but a little overgrown in spots. Diga cleaned up on this stretch. Strangely it took us significantly less time returning to the car. </span></div>
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I would consider this event to have been a success. It turned out to be a quiet ride on the way home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtJBR4KBVFNhKsGS5_rYwC45n5zh1MSlrEM0-8kEvxHS_6iHoD_TuKawxDUOtQXoapk00HD58lTwJhln7EC7G9ImMiP0quwiWy6yDRPtbjWeijKsFj4_uAkRSlJ2uXXLwUaXryjDGmqk/s1600/chick+sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtJBR4KBVFNhKsGS5_rYwC45n5zh1MSlrEM0-8kEvxHS_6iHoD_TuKawxDUOtQXoapk00HD58lTwJhln7EC7G9ImMiP0quwiWy6yDRPtbjWeijKsFj4_uAkRSlJ2uXXLwUaXryjDGmqk/s1600/chick+sleep.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The best part was that dinner was ready by the time we got home!</div>
Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-25261244681911584282014-11-06T17:18:00.001-08:002014-11-06T17:18:34.715-08:00The Tsunami Rides: FFO and Great Pumpkin Ride in Lafayette, LAI am exhausted! We decided a month or so ago that we would participate in a charity ride in Lafayette, LA. They were offering the usual assortment of distances to include 35 miles. So we signed up and "planned" a forced family outing. Household 6 (HH6) decided she and the two younger would do the 10 mile and I would do the 35 with Diga and the Chick. Notice the word planned is in quotes.<br />
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We had a really nice Chariot trailer to pull Newby in, however, he can ride without training wheels and Leavenworth, KS was not the bike friendly place that the QC area is so we decided to sell it. He cannot ride 10 miles just yet so we borrowed a much more low quality trailer and HH6 immediately lost the hitch for the bike. So a couple of attempts on Amazon.com landed a replacement. It arrived the day before we were to depart.</div>
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Additionally, it was a nightmare week at work and I didn't have time to pack. So Friday night, O Hallowed Eve, I got off work at 6:30, ran to the store to get some stuff, then I slam packed the trailer with 5 bikes and a borrowed kid trailer and what I hoped would be the right clothing for the blast of arctic air was to come that night. Yes, low 40 degrees is an arctic blast when you are used to 75 degrees for a low. By the way, I have great cycling clothing for that temp, my children don't.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYobaKUX1SFERZ-nO4_HWfJcFdstEs0iRR1GRRh6_jy6XQryNEGTIgBpiJtM-E2Ewl45fyZkx-X4BANhTaGUwGeTcNf-I6AwYRYh9NnUA2WWxvW1rSHmzOh8YLulQRLtskLwYO-YeIsBY/s1600/Trailer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYobaKUX1SFERZ-nO4_HWfJcFdstEs0iRR1GRRh6_jy6XQryNEGTIgBpiJtM-E2Ewl45fyZkx-X4BANhTaGUwGeTcNf-I6AwYRYh9NnUA2WWxvW1rSHmzOh8YLulQRLtskLwYO-YeIsBY/s1600/Trailer.jpg" height="480" title="Giant Revolt Road Bike" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">My dream is a small toy hauler trailer that we can also sleep in. </span> </div>
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We bathed the kids, put them in their PJs and hit the road at 9 pm for a 2.5 hour drive. As we departed I noticed the low pressure light. I stopped at the gas station for air. It was broke, the only free one I know of was broken. So we hit the road and stopped at the next station, put in $1 and nada. So we hit the road and 20 miles later we found another gas station $1 and bam air. Then another $1 because I decided to check all tires and needed to add more but ran out of time.</div>
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Then we hit the road for reals. We arrived at our hotel at midnight. HH6 has made it a goal to find the cheapest hotel ever. Last time it was the worst smelling smoking room we have ever stayed in. The only thing that could have brought the price below $40 would have been a chalk outline from a dead body outside. The beds were not queen as we were told so one kid hit the floor and HH6 crammed in with two and I crammed in with another. Asleep by 1 a.m. with alarm set for 6 a.m. We then fought the kids into their clothing and headed to the venue. </div>
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HH6 went to register while I pulled 5 bikes and a trailer out of our covered trailer and assembled. Then we ran into our first "planning" failure. The skewer was not long enough for the recently ordered hitch. Of course nobody carries a spare skewer! Team one down because it is highly unlikely that Nater can ride 38 miles. Needless to say I was a little frustrated because I should have tested everything before we departed but I just didn't have the time. </div>
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So I decided to at least attempt to ride the 25 and HH6 could pick him up if she had to. That lasted all of 10 minutes when he couldn't shift with his mittens on (remember with a 15 mph wind 41 degrees gets cold fast) and he was mad. She had to pin him down while we took off. I decided that because of the wind chill, lack of good clothing for the kids, and wind we would do the 25 mile ride. </div>
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Riding with kids can be a rewarding and enriching family experience. It can also be a painful experience. Enter the soul crushing headwind for 15 miles!!!! I don't understand why my kids have not figured out how to use gears. I coach them along but when facing a 15 mph headwind don't whine when you are in a high gear and you have many more options. I assured them that the return would be nice with a strong tailwind! Again, riding in the low 40s and into the windchill 30s is miserable all around if not well equipped. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soul crushing headwind with some sugar cane.</span></span></td></tr>
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The ride itself was nice, many of the roads were quiet and many had solid shoulders. Some a little narrow and high traffic. Again, I love scenery, in this case it was sugar cane. I had no clue it grew so tall. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBewiWIpR28LCLNc2TWrHgIeqWEWiNHC9srztvJBf_TXg8EzGJw0OGb6jLXKeLvFooQ1MG4Wa4X4Kbk_G_MixrzjejEX8l2DXv1drbIfLbqc0I9nhUDnCdvyJ0DDCUXnxds_gVprsoMY/s1600/sugar+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Redline Conquest 24" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBewiWIpR28LCLNc2TWrHgIeqWEWiNHC9srztvJBf_TXg8EzGJw0OGb6jLXKeLvFooQ1MG4Wa4X4Kbk_G_MixrzjejEX8l2DXv1drbIfLbqc0I9nhUDnCdvyJ0DDCUXnxds_gVprsoMY/s1600/sugar+1.jpg" height="480" title="Bicycle riding in Louisiana" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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At about the 13 mile mark we turned and headed back. We decided to stop at a convenience store and warm up and eat some real food. By real food it turned out to be one of those sandwiches that comes in the triangle package. They devoured it and Diga got a root beer. Once satisfied we hit the<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Not Casey's, a midwest treasure, but they enjoyed their turkey sandwich. I would have loved a slice of Casey's pizza, always delicious and hot on a cold ride.</span></div>
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road to find that the wind had shifted a little. At that point the Chick declared "Where is the tailwind dad!" It was not exactly a headwind but a stiff crosswind that made it less fun. <br />
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On the return the groups from the longer rides were linking up with the route we were on. Diga took this as an opportunity to attack. He blew past a few people who had just passed us. Granted they were not the fastest ever, but one lady said she like his bike and that set him on the attack to show her how nice it was. Then I warned that he is a wild card. One moment he is flying, the next he slams the brakes. While I attempted to control his attack and make sure he turned at the right locations, the Chick fell behind. She was mad and we caught an earful. <br />
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We finished a little slower than I wanted but the headwind took its toll. Then we ate some food at the finish line, packed up the bikes and I began the drive back, 2.5 hours worth. It was a long drive but well worth it, though we were both exhausted this afternoon. </div>
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Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-53160587389497768012014-10-26T20:26:00.001-07:002014-10-26T20:26:11.060-07:00Hotter'N Hell Hundred: What was I thinking??I crave adventure. Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew. While I usually choke it down, it can be painful. That was the case with the 2014 <a href="http://www.hh100.org/" target="_blank">Hotter'N Hell Hundred</a>. This is a ride I have wanted to do for a while. It get upwards of 12,000 riders which hosts a pretty fun atmosphere. I have never done it because I have never been that close to it and since I am not a bigillionaire it has never been an option.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Starting position depends on estimated finish time. Turns out that I was in the right group, the only problem is that it took about 30-45 min to cross the start line after the canon. When you are trying to beat the clock to Hell's Gate I was a little concerned. I also had a great time talking to people at the start.</span></div>
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After moving to Louisiana I was as close as I would to Wichita Falls, TX as I ever may be. By close I mean a 7 hour drive. Since I had surgery in April and I had to cancel my attempt at the Dirty Kanza I decided that I needed something exciting. So about 3 weeks out I managed to get a room at Sheppard AFB and implemented my standard training plan. Let see how I did with that:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Ride as much as possible: I rode as much as possible (which was not nearly enough). By now people who actually read this blog may be asking themselves "for a guy that likes to ride and has a lot of bikes, he sure doesn't seem to ride much?" This is a valid question with a sort of simple answer, I currently work a job that starts at 0600 with physical fitness training and ends between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. I am usually pretty tired and since I live very close to work riding doesn't do much. I do get a lot of riding in but not 4-6 hours at a time very often. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">2. Get a good set of tires: New 28c Gatorskins, need I say more? To be honest, the roads were mostly horrible and I </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">wish I had bought a new set of 32c Gatorskins. Either way there was not flatting, so it was a win!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">3. Drink a bunch of water: I did a lousy job of hydrating for the several days before the ride. As usual. But it </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">was not for a lack of trying, Louisiana is hot and virtually impossible to stay hydrated. As for the 7 hour drive, I may have overdone it with the Red Bull and Rock Stars. Though I was generally concerned about the heat and I drank a fair amount of water. As it turns out, Red Bull is not a good hydration tool. One thing I did use on the ride was </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes.elt.html" style="line-height: 18px;" target="_blank">Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes</a><span style="line-height: 18px;"> which were great as I didn't cramp and that is a common problem for me. I am usually not a big supplement guy but I would do this again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Shove my jersey pockets as full of calories: My attitude towards calories has changed over the years. I think it is more about timing than what you eat. I buy fewer actual "energy bars" and I like to eat every 45 minutes and I don't care if it is an "energy bar" or a candy bar or a burger. It takes all things when you are out for a 5+ hour ride. I done good on this. At the midway point Cliff Bar had a huge nutrition station with tons of free product. I was glad and filled pockets for the remainder of the ride.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I got to the parking lot at about 4:45 in the morning. I couldn't sleep well and I was unsure about how fast the parking lot would fill. This is the Giant Revolt bicycle which is a great all around bike. It is pretty relaxed for road bikes and it was a pleasure to ride. I wish I had left the third water bottle cage on the down tube. I made the saddle </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">bag and top tube bag.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">As for the ride I didn't get to many pictures. There is a reason for this, if you don't get to the 60 mile mark by noon or so they don't let you finish the 100 miles and reroute you on a shorter route. I didn't intend to spend a ton </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">traveling</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> there only to ride 75 miles. I was concerned with the heat and cramping so I didn't want to mess around. Honestly, I love harsh landscapes, I see much beauty in them where others may not. I am kind of sad I didn't get more but that is ok. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Admittedly it is the flattest century I have ever done, so when I say it was my fastest 60 miles on record it is not surprising. Though as I turned through the "Gates of Hell" it was hot, the end of the ride was well over 100 degrees and there was a horrible headwind so the record was easily wasted. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I didn't have any issues with leg cramps, but I ate religiously every 45 minutes. Water was the biggest issue for me. I chose to only run with two water bottles, there were a couple of reasons for this. The first is that I am an idiot and only managed to leave the house with one and I got a free one in the swag bag. The second was that I cannot reach the bottom down tube one and didn't think I would need a reserve. That was a mistake. Early on while it is not hot people don't line up at the SAG spots for water. By mile 80 the line is really long. <span id="goog_868567254"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">At one point I thought I was good and didn't want to waste time in line so I decided to go. Then the 100 degree heat and headwind took its toll. I could have used a third bottle. Then there was a surprise water only stop. I chugged and left. Though at the 90 mile mark I felt really dehydrated. I actually sat for a little while and chatted with some guys while I ate some bananas and oranges and drank Pickle Juice. It is nasty but cold and full of salt. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjflRRJJczixO_5ri-Rx_XuG_i3RBw2J2hlmwUsFQx_-jafDp9Ey9V0aE1rr0Xtbx_1LcmIPah4GHc_wcB48Fx26NN4s503z5n86KNlYmGOiYfMTjk4PCcPGAbxmM-QKlg8K_xsFOCt7c/s1600/HHH+Pickle+Juice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjflRRJJczixO_5ri-Rx_XuG_i3RBw2J2hlmwUsFQx_-jafDp9Ey9V0aE1rr0Xtbx_1LcmIPah4GHc_wcB48Fx26NN4s503z5n86KNlYmGOiYfMTjk4PCcPGAbxmM-QKlg8K_xsFOCt7c/s1600/HHH+Pickle+Juice.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Pickle Juice Sport Drink: Refreshing yet nasty. Keeps the cramps away though!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The key to HHH is that you want to do it as fast as possible to beat the heat, the course is well marked so you don't have to focus on a cue sheet. I finished strong and overall it was an enjoyable time. I always enjoy events with a huge turn out. The drive home was a little longer in that I was suffering from dehydration and was tired. Then I saw this?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHPQT-PnDUBUkg9g5bU_87X10zG7TkCOQTN5JmPcU4VqXZO8a9uDgAhWR2yJtbHgiU3Y4sYj6WYEYUHVqEoTU-KGWKHIQYpUXzo7NKMwUGUwpu2Y5UMNXneH-1Kc6wxgG3fTQwHr2iNg/s1600/HHH+weird+load.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHPQT-PnDUBUkg9g5bU_87X10zG7TkCOQTN5JmPcU4VqXZO8a9uDgAhWR2yJtbHgiU3Y4sYj6WYEYUHVqEoTU-KGWKHIQYpUXzo7NKMwUGUwpu2Y5UMNXneH-1Kc6wxgG3fTQwHr2iNg/s1600/HHH+weird+load.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Buck Piñata?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Well worth the drive and effort though. Plus I "won" a medal!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAke_4B0Yt6clipZ6pYSc3k-tGNTksuHEim_q29cIN0UaHKiz1lhZoch6uhMW4HxkM-hPr65LAmS0_PX1uXJJg6Kra9V8eRhyXQroYeW9qpwNj5-GZdG7qppvangXPzL4ShIEeIXHrifg/s1600/HHH+Medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAke_4B0Yt6clipZ6pYSc3k-tGNTksuHEim_q29cIN0UaHKiz1lhZoch6uhMW4HxkM-hPr65LAmS0_PX1uXJJg6Kra9V8eRhyXQroYeW9qpwNj5-GZdG7qppvangXPzL4ShIEeIXHrifg/s1600/HHH+Medal.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-48601908358658022632014-10-25T13:55:00.002-07:002014-10-25T17:37:35.029-07:00The Tsunami Rides: Riding 33 miles on the Le Tour de Bayou with a 9 and 12 year old. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuiT4fwq5jPrIHpIXPh18V0AsGV0eYZB420rhRYqgT0MQDlkEqVw_MpO5oUTOMd6Sk2tFdAdXvBso5ldb4_wvHXDwFU7uvz8FhWDRkF26AidCJSEQgRubGBlnMOMHji6jP5bdwmCxTtg/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuiT4fwq5jPrIHpIXPh18V0AsGV0eYZB420rhRYqgT0MQDlkEqVw_MpO5oUTOMd6Sk2tFdAdXvBso5ldb4_wvHXDwFU7uvz8FhWDRkF26AidCJSEQgRubGBlnMOMHji6jP5bdwmCxTtg/s1600/photo-4.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Irish Tsunami rides!</b></span></div>
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I have become the king of the forced family outing (FFO). On September 20th we participated in an event in Alexandria, Louisiana to support a historical site called the Kent Plantation House. As usual ride strategy/preparation included:1. Ride as much as we can: This was almost nil except for the fact that the kids to endless laps through the neighborhood. Me not so much though we would only be going 30ish miles at about 10 mph. I am good.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Get a good set of tires: Yeah, I got new tires for the Hotter N' Hell Hundred, but somehow they ended up on the Chick's bike. For me it is the same set of Gatorskins I have been using for years; I bought these for the 40th running of RAGBRAI. They have have at least 1500 miles on them and they are probably going to need to replaced soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">3. Drink a bunch of water: I did a lousy job of hydrating for the several days before the ride. While it is hard to stay hydrated in Louisiana, I drink more water here than say.....Iowa.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">4. Shove my jersey pockets as full of calories as possible: Check. Though I love Pearson's Salted Nut Rolls they are not an easy to find Item in Central Louisiana. The next best thing are the cherry pie Lara Bars. The kids love them too. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The difference was that it wasn't just me, I had a 9 year old and a 12 year old with me. This is the longest distance I have ridden with them and there are many lessons learned. But as for the <a href="http://www.letourdebayou.com/" target="_blank">Le Tour de Bayou</a> it was a perfect for this experiment since there were no hills and they had SAG support at every 10 miles.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">On a different note no FFO would be complete without an adventure. In this case my "Tough and unforgiving" wife who is also incredibly cheap got us a hotel room for $47. The Army has sent me to some rough places. This was rough. We smelled like cheap hotel and cigarette smoke for the entire day. Everything we brought in the room smelled horrible which meant that my Suburban smelled horrible. It smelled so bad I couldn't sleep as the pillow odor kept me awake. FFO, heck yeah.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs4t2OQoE5jRsM8Tnd9tTGR7Hddgn7SL-OVHMyx5QBEW3U2IBxttT5giBJUlSSBhMmma30r3ZqxDYiCM8tlQt1OMzvQg25ozma2YwLG4M41lFu1okHCaho4F1ObinB-kXwO-RNg8NCw0/s1600/Chick+and+Diga+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs4t2OQoE5jRsM8Tnd9tTGR7Hddgn7SL-OVHMyx5QBEW3U2IBxttT5giBJUlSSBhMmma30r3ZqxDYiCM8tlQt1OMzvQg25ozma2YwLG4M41lFu1okHCaho4F1ObinB-kXwO-RNg8NCw0/s1600/Chick+and+Diga+Rock.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">The SAG stops were well spaced. The last one was at a nice road side rest stop that had a great hospitality center and rocking chairs. The Boy Scouts were running it and passing out Coca Cola. I told Diga to keep drinking as much as he wanted. This confused him because I don't let him drink it ever. The Chick doesn't drink soda so she had an apple. She didn't approve of photo ops.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGowrzZd6sjD_L2JoRA6_dd5jWMrSN_zdQ19jVivUcmoolsMEECFdEV3GCMFjpGLOvrmc808wEeE6Ffjn3A6xv3huBuCL7mJp8Ecm39u473mNXrvfH0fCIylDht1Uk2wHocoGliodWpQ/s1600/Diga+Cotton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGowrzZd6sjD_L2JoRA6_dd5jWMrSN_zdQ19jVivUcmoolsMEECFdEV3GCMFjpGLOvrmc808wEeE6Ffjn3A6xv3huBuCL7mJp8Ecm39u473mNXrvfH0fCIylDht1Uk2wHocoGliodWpQ/s1600/Diga+Cotton.jpg" height="480" title="bicycling cotton fields" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">One of the things I enjoy the most as we move is seeing new things. At one point we found ourselves riding through beautiful cotton fields. It was fun seeing cotton balls drifting across the road.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HibVzzYVqlAvGZ6JV6UVJFpYKY1t9wlaXIn2uQ1RA6PvPx8Hp1O1H-8DbyXV4sVeHmt_wcTCbw9otB29hw4V3bL5jcMRYEXo72iH6aamHzIh4JPfuK28IJK-Jas6EpJrnvAwT3H2HWo/s1600/Chick+Cotton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HibVzzYVqlAvGZ6JV6UVJFpYKY1t9wlaXIn2uQ1RA6PvPx8Hp1O1H-8DbyXV4sVeHmt_wcTCbw9otB29hw4V3bL5jcMRYEXo72iH6aamHzIh4JPfuK28IJK-Jas6EpJrnvAwT3H2HWo/s1600/Chick+Cotton.jpg" height="480" title="bicycling cotton fields" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live in one place for my whole life. Then I get to experience new places with my family and I know that I would long for that too. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskkfPinGbG-iIeue2jZrN3pFN-4RYJAGuOaIz6lBzicEppuSRVcjgNwSKc1QpsBZrmwEFJ-eC4S2S4kukRrJKQ1KgPtYzMN4HR1hCIaedG9O2PH_pGQ-FHpr_I72NrwLEnk2y4ln0V-Y/s1600/Tired+Chick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskkfPinGbG-iIeue2jZrN3pFN-4RYJAGuOaIz6lBzicEppuSRVcjgNwSKc1QpsBZrmwEFJ-eC4S2S4kukRrJKQ1KgPtYzMN4HR1hCIaedG9O2PH_pGQ-FHpr_I72NrwLEnk2y4ln0V-Y/s1600/Tired+Chick.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">A very tired Chick after 33 miles. I didn't get a picture of Diga because there was a free bouncy house with slide. He dropped the bike and sprinted to run and jump. The boy is a machine!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ikTxh2FsH-PDPa3em27z3I-HNzl34HURKs7pBtDNkObOD14zXuLdKmdqLiPSZnRTLvrNFmmxUu6_y6abJaSNUlcH-_5ay9PkbEzp3apgP5qo18DivWs0X7dPrbV2_rW2PiY1egg_hag/s1600/Chick+Spoils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ikTxh2FsH-PDPa3em27z3I-HNzl34HURKs7pBtDNkObOD14zXuLdKmdqLiPSZnRTLvrNFmmxUu6_y6abJaSNUlcH-_5ay9PkbEzp3apgP5qo18DivWs0X7dPrbV2_rW2PiY1egg_hag/s1600/Chick+Spoils.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">At the end of the ride the Chick realized that chocolate milk is amazing post ride. We also got a Louisiana special, Spicy Cajun Crawtators. That is right crawfish flavored chips. Delicious.</span></div>
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In the future I am going to capture some thoughts on longer rides with kids.Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-16494266265961413402014-09-22T20:36:00.000-07:002014-09-22T20:36:15.604-07:00Kisatchie Mud: Fat biking in Louisiana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have neglected my fat bike, The Panzer, lately. While my shoulder has been recovering from surgery I swore off mountain biking (the source of the injury). That hasn't been hard since there is not much single track in my neck of the woods. </div>
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It was kind of sad to go to Montana on vacation and not mountain bike, but I resisted the urge. Anyway, as I have been riding on forest service roads on my Giant Revolt, I have noticed plenty of areas that are ideal for a fat bike. Specifically, inhospitable terrain such as muddy roads, barely roads, and severely loose roads. Perfect for the Salsa Mukluk.</div>
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I decided that I would head out and do a little stomping around the Kisatchie National Forest. It gets a fair amount of military traffic and recreational off road traffic. The result is roads that aren't all that great. Perfect for the Panzer </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQUuZmQ7bAVpEzK5z2YLnrsXa9MK71xeYeQcLQ6jGi_n7xM3NY0EqdYfBY4aFqp8nr0_cGJFP81Fzr6NfCUFjkXql61swxXfiGU1DJQP5-9q3etMM5oc2f0MWvHD90ZVZwCHHOKDBtgM/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kisatchie national forest fat bike" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQUuZmQ7bAVpEzK5z2YLnrsXa9MK71xeYeQcLQ6jGi_n7xM3NY0EqdYfBY4aFqp8nr0_cGJFP81Fzr6NfCUFjkXql61swxXfiGU1DJQP5-9q3etMM5oc2f0MWvHD90ZVZwCHHOKDBtgM/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" height="276" title="Salsa Mukluk" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;">Such as the bend in this road which turned out to be deep and slick. I was barely able to power through it. </span> </span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwLjblIDVxX9J_Y9NRNeTeaNFqhCyJdU60kpOVlweQ_PZTUM2_Ho6RtGjc32gnHbypooIUdY1HMYcj43jWcKTMOufqoDbGMv3ACCPrKGLaGorXENSwXvi2RnS94kE48cIzmX7EadqjB0/s1600/IMG_1022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwLjblIDVxX9J_Y9NRNeTeaNFqhCyJdU60kpOVlweQ_PZTUM2_Ho6RtGjc32gnHbypooIUdY1HMYcj43jWcKTMOufqoDbGMv3ACCPrKGLaGorXENSwXvi2RnS94kE48cIzmX7EadqjB0/s1600/IMG_1022.jpg" height="640" title="Salsa Mukluk fat bike Louisiana" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"> I was wishing I had a set of Nate tires for better traction. The Larry tires were quickly overwhelmed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VLgYSjZl1FZLPT4_ByCHoAEtpGkpE9bAdlOw3VEOkL1bOgVXMVOHgsoqYhrWcVaS8W9edhVOwGpRIVOKnsTPxzVE20eb2P8onEC2p02n_Y8LIoizUtD5cddGFc_fWwK3HJoQSWgEEvU/s1600/IMG_1023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VLgYSjZl1FZLPT4_ByCHoAEtpGkpE9bAdlOw3VEOkL1bOgVXMVOHgsoqYhrWcVaS8W9edhVOwGpRIVOKnsTPxzVE20eb2P8onEC2p02n_Y8LIoizUtD5cddGFc_fWwK3HJoQSWgEEvU/s1600/IMG_1023.JPG" height="480" title="Salsa Mukluk in Louisiana" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmMs6iiJlNO8yeivgfRclonBhHUakwO2K27Au4Y0Kut3auIDh913WVneLSbUSWWi7fGV_odG_H4eK6ra0THtomd_kBLuV_LETHBCznAnVObzTtjUMjAV4D1_GW5NqCVvPZZJBPV1VnOw/s1600/IMG_1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmMs6iiJlNO8yeivgfRclonBhHUakwO2K27Au4Y0Kut3auIDh913WVneLSbUSWWi7fGV_odG_H4eK6ra0THtomd_kBLuV_LETHBCznAnVObzTtjUMjAV4D1_GW5NqCVvPZZJBPV1VnOw/s1600/IMG_1025.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="color: blue; text-align: center;">There were a lot of roads like this that were very loose and soft. It could be done on a normal </span><span style="color: blue;">mountain bike, but this is much more fun.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkymUMVuKQrLrKYK6clF8uSzryvyHB41qEVcpOFPf9KXzrbtl9sZNLgDbLDkQhBvTeWCJXpKs7JozqiHlJGBob9cOk6Mhxz_xU5_Dnu4FFCp2OYIT8MmRhPDNHkYLSJwum3q4BDXHeOX0/s1600/IMG_1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkymUMVuKQrLrKYK6clF8uSzryvyHB41qEVcpOFPf9KXzrbtl9sZNLgDbLDkQhBvTeWCJXpKs7JozqiHlJGBob9cOk6Mhxz_xU5_Dnu4FFCp2OYIT8MmRhPDNHkYLSJwum3q4BDXHeOX0/s1600/IMG_1026.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">There are a lot of unimproved Jeep track. You can sort of see the road but it has a tree across it. No Problem to go around with the Panzer!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_p-spxLEk_uu2fY3x7QmW38FsgYKIpRTphWG8gS9gej5PgOHET7uQEy7wm__9yRigbWq-nMecL88ZPC0W9Tvob5xAoabzyu-ESHGXMgy0C-TC2vBoPumhdPJTen-bJT4f31ZF4rhCPY/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_p-spxLEk_uu2fY3x7QmW38FsgYKIpRTphWG8gS9gej5PgOHET7uQEy7wm__9yRigbWq-nMecL88ZPC0W9Tvob5xAoabzyu-ESHGXMgy0C-TC2vBoPumhdPJTen-bJT4f31ZF4rhCPY/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Again, there was barely a path. This is ideal terrain for fat tires. </span></div>
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Over all, the Kisatchi jeep track is a nice alternative to the less than ideal paved roads. The Salsa Mukluk is a Prime candid for this terrain. I am still cleaning sand and dried mud from odd nooks and crannies. </div>
Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-61158404411825735132014-09-02T18:00:00.001-07:002014-09-02T20:19:11.521-07:00Louisiana: Bicycling paradise?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have taken a liking to riding on dirt/gravel roads. It provides a change of scenery and some challenges. Gravel Grinders have become very popular throughout the Mid-West and beyond. I have said it before, I missed out on a lot of opportunities in Montana because I thought mountain biking was king, if it wasn't single track it was garbage. Life changes and so has my view of riding. Since I don't do as much mountain biking I started road biking. Then I moved to the Mid-West and there was an abundance of gravel roads and gravel enthusiasts. </div>
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I bought the Surly Ogre and that was my first "gravel bike." I am a big guy and I need to have slightly larger tires and most cyclocross (to include my Salsa Las Cruces) wouldn't accept the tires I wanted. When I found out I would be going to Louisiana I quickly settled on a Giant Revolt road bike. This is truly a different beast but it suits me well. Disc brakes, drop bars, third water bottle mount, and the ability to run large tires. Specifically a 40mm Clement MSO. </div>
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When I told people I was being stationed at Fort Polk I got the customary nose scrunch and "oh, I am sorry!" I saw something different, small population, no amenities, and lots of dirt roads. Simply put, heaven on earth. I called my go-to "LBS" <span style="color: orange;">Bike and Hike in Rock Island</span>, Illinois put one on order. Steve and Phil take great care of me and since I move so much I don't mind supporting them, after all they are a brick and mortar bike shop not some online outfit. Even more important since the nearest bike shop is 55 miles away.</div>
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Aside from military traffic, the National Forest roads see little traffic. There is a lot of variation in road types. Some is heavily graveled. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_khXiR5qKGZ-RINmMaOyqaVO6_4ngzzKf6QC4Q8RVl7h3ZoYyPWBwK-u7IL21CDHgHI4-emIm16zLxEQ92vVPr2i1Q_udYBh40vOGa8AL98E5nwpgCi47PVu1Cz_LdDT8RfeitVUW6M/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Giant Revolt forest service road" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_khXiR5qKGZ-RINmMaOyqaVO6_4ngzzKf6QC4Q8RVl7h3ZoYyPWBwK-u7IL21CDHgHI4-emIm16zLxEQ92vVPr2i1Q_udYBh40vOGa8AL98E5nwpgCi47PVu1Cz_LdDT8RfeitVUW6M/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" height="480" title="Giant Revolt" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;">Others are Southern red dirt roads.</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3w-Vo2usSrC3DJm8NQVUEzZnHRPtkHnA5T7F1tJh3wCAiZRvkZRs5cxzP-eRYHjA5k7maX2SwTaeyh62qVIKlv1SAvWowiO-6KRabeJRzP340D7_ZzOrqZjM-0lOtbCj7XxWul-8238Y/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Giant Revolt bicycle Jeep track" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3w-Vo2usSrC3DJm8NQVUEzZnHRPtkHnA5T7F1tJh3wCAiZRvkZRs5cxzP-eRYHjA5k7maX2SwTaeyh62qVIKlv1SAvWowiO-6KRabeJRzP340D7_ZzOrqZjM-0lOtbCj7XxWul-8238Y/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG" height="480" title="Giant Revolt 2 Bicycle" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Some are soft sandy jeep track.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v1q0jfQreWELoQWHgmUszOEd-RFegP5Rei3RpxR8ned0_Xs7Kd9Ix4XzJJruK_wnhyphenhyphen0fKZqPM916zneOLDpL1qkFr5z8Rb7Bw2OMZHBVHwYiBPabO7tgPySvLzvDgYcLmNzK30vH83o/s1600/IMG_0980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v1q0jfQreWELoQWHgmUszOEd-RFegP5Rei3RpxR8ned0_Xs7Kd9Ix4XzJJruK_wnhyphenhyphen0fKZqPM916zneOLDpL1qkFr5z8Rb7Bw2OMZHBVHwYiBPabO7tgPySvLzvDgYcLmNzK30vH83o/s1600/IMG_0980.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Some are.......</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuNjmUS8pFxGgnVH7StZzEsdtJorgU3GTWg3C54bkm30XUFYEiB1oVl86-ZsPxHniFwfiFFOSXh2Bg7UMlKGLPICdVZHqBDHf02vacXLEmkitpQYI-yCprh8l5My58EXz1zG1tLrtGJ8/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Louisiana Gravel Grinder" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuNjmUS8pFxGgnVH7StZzEsdtJorgU3GTWg3C54bkm30XUFYEiB1oVl86-ZsPxHniFwfiFFOSXh2Bg7UMlKGLPICdVZHqBDHf02vacXLEmkitpQYI-yCprh8l5My58EXz1zG1tLrtGJ8/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG" height="480" title="Giant Revolt Gravel Bicycle" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Rough!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJknwQyvyNXjpZY1BLhiquhEJ8pI3jF5Rg4EhTor0vykjsdeGt1cb6Q_jypvmbpsQkQO5XV5F4ySgzKwku-hElIELpXltLJu-B0V1lPZolB4lnJxxizw0KySVg4jM8mdPIvl-aue8y40/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJknwQyvyNXjpZY1BLhiquhEJ8pI3jF5Rg4EhTor0vykjsdeGt1cb6Q_jypvmbpsQkQO5XV5F4ySgzKwku-hElIELpXltLJu-B0V1lPZolB4lnJxxizw0KySVg4jM8mdPIvl-aue8y40/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Even the pavement is rough! These are gaps as big as two inches in places. Tooth rattling.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYVQNlU5ERvV-ved581VL941uWqjP4qJII9c17DruzxK8aKHmf7gf_mUefmtiQCiBlE3aQWiIN1lt_p8vUgHAZX-AhThzBnBTn2zIpfE7sHfo0WfUngNWM1l3HA2mBPhxEojAQ7Krubk/s1600/IMG_0775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYVQNlU5ERvV-ved581VL941uWqjP4qJII9c17DruzxK8aKHmf7gf_mUefmtiQCiBlE3aQWiIN1lt_p8vUgHAZX-AhThzBnBTn2zIpfE7sHfo0WfUngNWM1l3HA2mBPhxEojAQ7Krubk/s1600/IMG_0775.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">No shoulders and big seems. If you drop off the edge it could be a bad day!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHfXdfe9StktPdNX6yPmRfUYTNpDSStF3r4FXefCGPRK_TJFXkbK9_YLcCNAh1470b6ip3LFDEZyt2TJCKV5txw7YJXIptfnJFJ9gl8zqngwixzbYpVoqG_7S9DeR1JByH6Nkn37GrSk/s1600/IMG_0986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHfXdfe9StktPdNX6yPmRfUYTNpDSStF3r4FXefCGPRK_TJFXkbK9_YLcCNAh1470b6ip3LFDEZyt2TJCKV5txw7YJXIptfnJFJ9gl8zqngwixzbYpVoqG_7S9DeR1JByH6Nkn37GrSk/s1600/IMG_0986.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Or you can ride roads that are sand. The smoothest road surface in LA is the damp sand. These are better than many of the paved roads. which is why I like riding the gravel. At least if it is rough there is a reason. The Giant Revolt can handle them all!</span></div>
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All in all, I love it here in Louisiana with national forest right out my back door. For all of the neigh sayers, Fort Polk is a great place. For all of those concerned about a lack of riding, lose the skinny tires and get out and enjoy something different. <br />
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Paradise indeed!Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-40200724593778145022014-09-01T19:14:00.001-07:002014-09-01T19:14:07.842-07:00Big Changes in Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We recently moved to Louisiana. Not my first choice but hey, I haven't disliked a place I have been sent. So far I love it. Doing some research I found that I would be in the middle of "no-where." Lots of National Forest with little legitimate mountain biking (that is single track, there is plenty of jeep trails) and really bad roads both paved and dirt. It actually suits me well, I enjoy small Army bases and out of the way locations. In fact, moving to a place called the Sportsman's Paradise is far superior to an urban traffic jam. The only real issue are the roads. Louisiana is in the top ten states with the worst roads. I was also going to be living in a considerably smaller home with no garage. This meant that I had to make some decisions when it came to bikes. I had, yes had, many wonderful bikes but not all of them were suited for Louisiana, at least the parts I am in now. The nearest single track is about 35 miles away and it is only 10 or so miles. </div>
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I had to cul the herd. At the beginning of 2014 I had 6 bicycles (mine, not including the families), so I decided that I would have to pick my favorite three bikes. Then I became a bike selling machine. I sold the Basso, El Mariachi frame, the Surly Ogre, and the Giant Anthem X29er. I planned on keeping the Salsa Mukluk, Salsa Las Cruces, and I added a gravel bike a Giant Revolt which I will explain later. </div>
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<b>Here is what went and why.</b></div>
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The Basso: A great bike, I didn't put many miles on it but the gearing was very limiting which meant is was not a go-to bike. It looks great and was a great conversation starter but since I have limited space and am an introvert, it had to go.</div>
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The Giant Anthem X29er: An amazing bike. When I bought it I knew I would never do it justice. I don't like a lot of maintenance but with hydraulic brakes and suspension, it added a little more maintenance than I wanted to deal with. Then there was this time when I wrecked last year in Kansas at Wyandotte County Lake. A great and relatively secret location where I may have been trying to do the bike the justice it would never see from me. It resulted in a torn Labrum and surgery which I am still recovering from. Due to a serious lack of single track and it is jinxed. Easy decision except bikes depreciate and I took a bath on this one.</div>
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Surly Ogre: This one pained me a little bit. It was a genuinely hard decision. It is such a versatile bike and I loved playing with it. But really it came down to the lack of mountain biking and type of mountain biking. This frame went quick. I live less than a mile away so I don't need a serious commuter. I decided that I really only needed one mountain bike so I stuck with the Salsa Mukluk which is an ideal bike for these parts. It would be great for bike packing but I don't have time for that with my current job. I sort of miss the Ogre but this opens the door for an ECR or Krampus later in life.</div>
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Salsa El Mariachi: I would love a new El Mar with the Alternator Drop outs. Bottom Line, I disliked the EBB. I am a big guy and I never felt like I could mash the pedals without slippage. This was easy.</div>
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<b>What I kept</b></div>
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The Salsa Las Cruces: My favorite bike of all times. It needs some updates component wise but it is a great ride. It is near and dear to my heart for a number of reasons. It suits roads in Louisiana since I can get bigger rubber in it.</div>
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Salsa Mukluk: Need I say more. Yes, but that will be a future post.</div>
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<b>What is new</b></div>
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Giant Revolt</div>
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I like weird bikes. Most of the bikes I buy are jacks of all trades and masters of none. I enjoy riding gravel roads (plenty around these parts) and I am big so I need more than a 32c tire. I know there is much controversy over Gravel Bikes, but I don't think Giant calls it that specifically. What they do advertise are jeep roads, logging roads, gravel roads, and pavement. It will take up to a two inch tire and is great for all surfaces. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjwzyLDEtuvaUuhNVt10LfU4zZsJYSvHiDATfM5t1PJUvB9UhbZEuVtEu0Wn53h4yoIQfOeuJX6NXGnEV7nJi2zLMCAMJzAxyN_qqqvsx3Vs6pgGjWiLIm8ttq-R8VtacBjGYVnO8bQY/s1600/IMG_0635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjwzyLDEtuvaUuhNVt10LfU4zZsJYSvHiDATfM5t1PJUvB9UhbZEuVtEu0Wn53h4yoIQfOeuJX6NXGnEV7nJi2zLMCAMJzAxyN_qqqvsx3Vs6pgGjWiLIm8ttq-R8VtacBjGYVnO8bQY/s1600/IMG_0635.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">It is an odd looking rig!</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyrZAN9zHkqFL3XxSugW-4n0pI4SJG8o0Df_N7_1nDKRzkYPU0Z6ySJTzyq8GaDfaI6UsaLaZZilyuIOh-025A0SdydQ-GtVg-8Lzs8lUtWr_7R79I1xaaDG4faQ3oY_fN2QVThFaR4M/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyrZAN9zHkqFL3XxSugW-4n0pI4SJG8o0Df_N7_1nDKRzkYPU0Z6ySJTzyq8GaDfaI6UsaLaZZilyuIOh-025A0SdydQ-GtVg-8Lzs8lUtWr_7R79I1xaaDG4faQ3oY_fN2QVThFaR4M/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">It has a longish wheel base, by no means twitchy or ultra responsive like some road racing rig. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbOK2X_vVnpDtjfIZ0lUryiUy_zscUeYfAvJ-Zjfj2z5UmNgpzrnsTaGhKO3XgdjINXb7vZ-XPQ9tR8pXBo2GCtrcurWfO5EAdq_BSBpOJBjHlcFeElegAkyH4MufmShiUhyphenhyphenZM7tK4qk/s1600/IMG_0638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbOK2X_vVnpDtjfIZ0lUryiUy_zscUeYfAvJ-Zjfj2z5UmNgpzrnsTaGhKO3XgdjINXb7vZ-XPQ9tR8pXBo2GCtrcurWfO5EAdq_BSBpOJBjHlcFeElegAkyH4MufmShiUhyphenhyphenZM7tK4qk/s1600/IMG_0638.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Nice wide bars with flared drops for stability.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Carbon fork and disc brakes</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPSaGNuCT2fm9A5Yp_Dj_va57H4a6HAHBFPprzN2RaQbo7EcBSaFEOMTNT4pSJfmA8PTD0BeiFJQrUzIaGuGyVgDuzQKue0Ao3sJt-ApZE4wChPTpooSarhuc3pCDi6noMnAxF3AM_Ns/s1600/IMG_0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPSaGNuCT2fm9A5Yp_Dj_va57H4a6HAHBFPprzN2RaQbo7EcBSaFEOMTNT4pSJfmA8PTD0BeiFJQrUzIaGuGyVgDuzQKue0Ao3sJt-ApZE4wChPTpooSarhuc3pCDi6noMnAxF3AM_Ns/s1600/IMG_0640.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I don't know what is going on with the rear end. The only thing I can think of is that it allows for a lower bottom bracket.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmQQ1lQ-yb8RoHQWMGsPcF-wzoH3FuNZgaployP5E8dCzdG-2S3c4jYYDszGlFl-CTpBNBuc6cHQNxadXPHYVHrfKOFE3XRi9-CSM9urvPLD04y81zmgu7xRbFkDHvOVQzdYS1aA6ZKY/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmQQ1lQ-yb8RoHQWMGsPcF-wzoH3FuNZgaployP5E8dCzdG-2S3c4jYYDszGlFl-CTpBNBuc6cHQNxadXPHYVHrfKOFE3XRi9-CSM9urvPLD04y81zmgu7xRbFkDHvOVQzdYS1aA6ZKY/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Down tube protector and full cable housing. It is a weird plastic thing and is necessary for cable routing. I would like to see it go but I don't see an alternative. </span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBK_GjhQSF0FYoJnRtm9fi7mkQmyGI2XRrYd1LHn33YQU6tLOCWRxnPY96JXu7Z1uR0vlHwd9aVXGxgvHJtKEou5_rKqFVL_z0r-k3Sxbv7LfLaxwBAFO2FtZCmRjQYV6vHz1hSXopMVU/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBK_GjhQSF0FYoJnRtm9fi7mkQmyGI2XRrYd1LHn33YQU6tLOCWRxnPY96JXu7Z1uR0vlHwd9aVXGxgvHJtKEou5_rKqFVL_z0r-k3Sxbv7LfLaxwBAFO2FtZCmRjQYV6vHz1hSXopMVU/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">It has a detachable "fender" which I have removed. I don't know that it would keep much muck off but I will try it this fall.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWwhNoeGmDKRnjMuNQrQfvRS3VAGtzMucLXgsNsiOaVwxvh6wc2N7vawx1K8A_kLC-dpzGv1rpLKmyR3VSPklkSjgOgKIvZwHqkQ_-VWM5LsJs5QmRpiVLuzu18iErl20h_OORT_ypfQ/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWwhNoeGmDKRnjMuNQrQfvRS3VAGtzMucLXgsNsiOaVwxvh6wc2N7vawx1K8A_kLC-dpzGv1rpLKmyR3VSPklkSjgOgKIvZwHqkQ_-VWM5LsJs5QmRpiVLuzu18iErl20h_OORT_ypfQ/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FNzUqcdQZLai-YHybGPv-lrromZVb5AANlW5R2aDtp0OFZRU_nktcXvRqr9iHC3H9Ea9LEn-a0a5Iaz0p4bXDy5Hk44YxMnlPRwbWgD-JAt35_80PlZaquEJnTMeoT1vPnJLpQvvlhs/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FNzUqcdQZLai-YHybGPv-lrromZVb5AANlW5R2aDtp0OFZRU_nktcXvRqr9iHC3H9Ea9LEn-a0a5Iaz0p4bXDy5Hk44YxMnlPRwbWgD-JAt35_80PlZaquEJnTMeoT1vPnJLpQvvlhs/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is a third water bottle mount under this plastic thing. One hole is pre-drilled to hold the plastic thing on. I had to drill the second. Really, three water bottles are necessary for certain rides and in the heat of Louisiana. I don't like riding with a Camel Bak with it is 100 degrees.</div>
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More about this bike in the next post. I will say that there have been a lot of changes over the last year. So far no complaints. Who can complain about crawfish étouffée or boudin sausage? Not this guy! </div>
Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-12691853904969828252013-12-15T07:52:00.002-08:002013-12-15T07:52:19.832-08:00Thanksgiving Success: Beef Jerky, Rootbeer, and trophiesWhile most people sit down to watch football on Thanksgiving, Digga and I took a quick trip down to Kansas City to participate in a friendly cyclocross race. It started out rough, which I will get to in a moment, but on the way home I bought Digga a piece of beef jerky and a root beer (with sugar). <br />
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He said to me "Dad, this is the greatest Thanksgiving ever." I asked him to explain and he said "I won a trophy, I got beef jerky and a root beer, and I got to spend time with you." How can you argue with that?<br />
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So here is how it went down, Digga and I go to a tuesday night cyclocross practice in Leavenworth, KS. One of the guys asked if we were doing this event. I hadn't heard of it so I looked it up and it took some digging since it was an unsanctioned event. As it turns out, there is a nice park along the Kansas River that is home to a cyclocross training course. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV-39-RehbMzzoX6i8vxbRWrJk-vM38iTg0FZGiNeRQmKMJRuPB5gy1HgRyHWXbpdmj5IBIq3U1bHWZ65Ig-3ze4RV0twly9V9QdSuuTxNhmmuCzCzrK7G25OGhJ2Rir_pt-luuk5ehY/s1600/RiverfrontCX_CourseMap_11-5-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV-39-RehbMzzoX6i8vxbRWrJk-vM38iTg0FZGiNeRQmKMJRuPB5gy1HgRyHWXbpdmj5IBIq3U1bHWZ65Ig-3ze4RV0twly9V9QdSuuTxNhmmuCzCzrK7G25OGhJ2Rir_pt-luuk5ehY/s640/RiverfrontCX_CourseMap_11-5-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was chilly, high teens/low twenties depending on the breeze but not a deal killer at all. I told Digga that I wanted him to leave his pajama bottoms on under his wind pants so that he would have a little extra layering. He informed me that this would not be acceptable. Appearently no self respecting dude wears pjs under his pants. I brought them just in case and off we went.<br />
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Finding the location was not hard but it was deceiving and I always worry about getting lost in the middle of nowhere along a river (I watched the deliverance at a very young age and it has pretty much scarred me for life). Funny thing is that as I left I noticed he had spray painted arrows at the intersections....whatever. <br />
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Upon arrival, Digga jumped on his bike and began riding through fields while I got my stuff ready. I grabbed my stuff out of the back of the Suburban and shut the tailgate at which point I heard a familiar "beep-beep." I looked around and noticed that I had the only Chevy in the lot and instantly grabbed each door handle with desperation. My car, which is designed to not lock with the keys in it turned on me. The lady in the car next to me offered some wire hangers but cars these days don't really do that well, everything is rounded so you can't get a wire around anything. Of course someone had to ask "you have on-star right?" Come on man.....I am too cheap for that crap. <br />
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So I borrowed a phone and called my wife. In the mean time I had what was needed to race. The lady that let me use her phone warned against it...it was cold and what would I do after I got hot and sweaty and stopped in the cold.<br />
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My response was simple and from the heart. I said "Ma'am, I am an idiot. Because of this, I have to be stronger than the rest, it is an evolutionary trait." She laughed, though I don't think she took it seriously. I am dead serious.<br />
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I went to put on my biking shoes and bam, they were in the car. So I angrily walked over to the course with Digga. In the end it worked out because some of the obstacles and run ups would have made it impossible for the boy. So I ran around to cheer and support. Here is a run down in photos.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcQWze2c7FScpkykA9kf1JNK1bKsGoc_YfMfMpbtbrZhY5vZaIDFGLW8WT_VGsnPvFK0R5hO57TO9EQpiv33V8lw_98wX9tFZiPoZ9h0YYWHjST5fYCfKzu3euqLTX2oIoCwWd76zMS4/s1600/vance+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcQWze2c7FScpkykA9kf1JNK1bKsGoc_YfMfMpbtbrZhY5vZaIDFGLW8WT_VGsnPvFK0R5hO57TO9EQpiv33V8lw_98wX9tFZiPoZ9h0YYWHjST5fYCfKzu3euqLTX2oIoCwWd76zMS4/s640/vance+start.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Digga at the Start, he showed no signs of intimidation around all of the adults.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FOGcC2arwj439EHq6YS1XaGoD5AKFeP0EbibxF-yH21VaXkj2Cq7i1l6HCIn1uYCmFX1c9y8xQFcMjGVs5-D6hlZeAo414wfJRdDoTVBsBwmliWH5xe5aD084Vu7eRUdCZantSs2sWM/s1600/vance+cycle10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FOGcC2arwj439EHq6YS1XaGoD5AKFeP0EbibxF-yH21VaXkj2Cq7i1l6HCIn1uYCmFX1c9y8xQFcMjGVs5-D6hlZeAo414wfJRdDoTVBsBwmliWH5xe5aD084Vu7eRUdCZantSs2sWM/s640/vance+cycle10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; text-align: center;"> I think it is fun to see his little bike and body crank away amongst the crowd.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3yNA5py9ocK7iuWue_APBjiydDk_pEATenxHKW9UeBHzr9p3jD-3MsLHzl4VgVeEDnfqoLwRHXlxHFxNZXbUMJW-ZyF7RSA2KJtAQIOftfMnGplV-CDinCTtY9CnLHCVIQqm_MjbfaY/s1600/vance+and+dad+cycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3yNA5py9ocK7iuWue_APBjiydDk_pEATenxHKW9UeBHzr9p3jD-3MsLHzl4VgVeEDnfqoLwRHXlxHFxNZXbUMJW-ZyF7RSA2KJtAQIOftfMnGplV-CDinCTtY9CnLHCVIQqm_MjbfaY/s640/vance+and+dad+cycle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I was probably shouting for him to change gears. This is something I cannot get across to my kids.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1X1vJkw3Z1ss_wdoLVEJKjx9rOgUd_otv_D87gE7qAmKPI-VcEhmrHTmeKueVBgeE8Frol3kXUKc4dYtg-8LjpXY4rz-eOajyo_HMBybIG6WBvhnPeCJq4N_YWKxFQ5t5iAteAReglOU/s1600/Vance+cycle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1X1vJkw3Z1ss_wdoLVEJKjx9rOgUd_otv_D87gE7qAmKPI-VcEhmrHTmeKueVBgeE8Frol3kXUKc4dYtg-8LjpXY4rz-eOajyo_HMBybIG6WBvhnPeCJq4N_YWKxFQ5t5iAteAReglOU/s640/Vance+cycle2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I don't care who you are, this is a painful event. He makes it look effortless even with small wheels and scrawny legs!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeDjfMF-qwXmTSrKvzv8l2PY6Btmpn8DWQ8JKxmsPMLRjNTNk_X1MBEEE-UykvleDgaPqAkT8nAGDmVbeOwf3w82scklBIuNUH3zJfPe56-9nXivbZh_aSUNrS3YlLxAy5XJOlQlteT8/s1600/vance+cycle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeDjfMF-qwXmTSrKvzv8l2PY6Btmpn8DWQ8JKxmsPMLRjNTNk_X1MBEEE-UykvleDgaPqAkT8nAGDmVbeOwf3w82scklBIuNUH3zJfPe56-9nXivbZh_aSUNrS3YlLxAy5XJOlQlteT8/s640/vance+cycle3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkjcRG9oSxcZdyoDtoZkYeRczEAVQdv166y2eVxEruX6HAk3CYqLh711CVCQAQdAS1aj8rZqpAf9k_U4JJ2lZo0DPgRLUJ6d6S5qRwKfAXqBeaIvjjivsTCIoNJSHtnVlmk3T9tCie5Y/s1600/vance+cycle5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkjcRG9oSxcZdyoDtoZkYeRczEAVQdv166y2eVxEruX6HAk3CYqLh711CVCQAQdAS1aj8rZqpAf9k_U4JJ2lZo0DPgRLUJ6d6S5qRwKfAXqBeaIvjjivsTCIoNJSHtnVlmk3T9tCie5Y/s640/vance+cycle5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">To say the run ups were a challenge was an understatement. I carried his bike and he is jumping back on!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlevUb-goQYl4i3nRktfqc_H7JARC_oWyKZpWhmHp6S6YrIQ-R0TiWR8974JZ_hM8G-x2HXbSRi5m3GHwnKEhMttCC8-DS7TTQdkn6qah-lzR5Gg93XErD41JbXl7MwrVxlp6YcrXIIQ/s1600/vance+cycle8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlevUb-goQYl4i3nRktfqc_H7JARC_oWyKZpWhmHp6S6YrIQ-R0TiWR8974JZ_hM8G-x2HXbSRi5m3GHwnKEhMttCC8-DS7TTQdkn6qah-lzR5Gg93XErD41JbXl7MwrVxlp6YcrXIIQ/s640/vance+cycle8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAa2AvhKdKfPYebWenv7GfJuqNA6U5_ZoWbatC6J_Q9mX7bw6r-7UEGcQ8Ujq4fKJ6IMeWvbYoJLchp30-r6ZGMYkFjzBQU93PQPYSPyb5YQoPY6-0o0BpXrsizbUA-_wzk8wa20LeLnM/s1600/vance+cycle+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAa2AvhKdKfPYebWenv7GfJuqNA6U5_ZoWbatC6J_Q9mX7bw6r-7UEGcQ8Ujq4fKJ6IMeWvbYoJLchp30-r6ZGMYkFjzBQU93PQPYSPyb5YQoPY6-0o0BpXrsizbUA-_wzk8wa20LeLnM/s640/vance+cycle+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfAmJSVRoKixH4xFtqAKUO0gkp_8deH9R4QGMofDcU8BSqDH2nRTkOd4O8wMhkEotDZWDfELeIszTO46pCkWcAyBxIb8ICqO7wAhmn40UU6Nr-6MmdOotYoj5wfdFIpD2nmZidtvzvgY/s1600/Vance+cyclocross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfAmJSVRoKixH4xFtqAKUO0gkp_8deH9R4QGMofDcU8BSqDH2nRTkOd4O8wMhkEotDZWDfELeIszTO46pCkWcAyBxIb8ICqO7wAhmn40UU6Nr-6MmdOotYoj5wfdFIpD2nmZidtvzvgY/s640/Vance+cyclocross.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">He makes it look easy!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">He got second in the youth category. There was one other kid in his early teens who got first. Vance was stoked (I didn't tell him he was the only other kid). Besides, I doubt there were many kids his age getting up at 0630 to go race cyclocross in the freezing cold.</span></div>
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By that time my darling wife showed up with the keys. I was glad she didn't get lost, that may have made her grouchy. At that point I was able to grab my shoes and hustle down for the relay. Digga and I were going to rock it! As you look at these photos I ask that you don't judge, I look nowhere as suave and debonaire as Digga. In fact I look pretty pathetic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IlRMMBq7RSHHwR5eC0xaBc9rNUowjzmC08KAnsuGAL3aXwDnNC5lOugqNPHKpPlDSv504wD4djKXQSdRC4sU1DyFk2F2ZgnruO5oguZ7BkeavTmwuoZuzFNBjxg320FUI_ZCQ-2cR7I/s1600/brent+nose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IlRMMBq7RSHHwR5eC0xaBc9rNUowjzmC08KAnsuGAL3aXwDnNC5lOugqNPHKpPlDSv504wD4djKXQSdRC4sU1DyFk2F2ZgnruO5oguZ7BkeavTmwuoZuzFNBjxg320FUI_ZCQ-2cR7I/s640/brent+nose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">About half way through, I had snot pouring out of my nose. Stay Classy KC!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp5f1zjTjJJh8TXh6tK5f4JUTXzLmXgLjSt1drEL5bDsKA__dAye8DFdIwD1BgVxHGUtjB8HnLPwqn-1UDwnC75chGayUwLBhHZBBJ1eMNonmE3ZCZD9W43ryhE7PSh19VK4VxOXC6fo/s1600/brent+rivercross2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp5f1zjTjJJh8TXh6tK5f4JUTXzLmXgLjSt1drEL5bDsKA__dAye8DFdIwD1BgVxHGUtjB8HnLPwqn-1UDwnC75chGayUwLBhHZBBJ1eMNonmE3ZCZD9W43ryhE7PSh19VK4VxOXC6fo/s640/brent+rivercross2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAib_YlmBrSeMMPNx05cd8ziR8a4xE7jdFggu9BJZeDZeoJSkoX1OPjacloTQlcA5IV02lyhPnnxBbP33EH8pFl0VupLrqlDz2QJi4PgaAaN1RoEwFyz3HvStTBN5bpat1dXvxwkWHgs/s1600/river+cyclocross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAib_YlmBrSeMMPNx05cd8ziR8a4xE7jdFggu9BJZeDZeoJSkoX1OPjacloTQlcA5IV02lyhPnnxBbP33EH8pFl0VupLrqlDz2QJi4PgaAaN1RoEwFyz3HvStTBN5bpat1dXvxwkWHgs/s640/river+cyclocross.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">These photos don't do the run ups justice. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oxw9KTGVxIxaAoaQLrnHmdcF-yuBtGs1P9YK4q82TKDmOX0THwcKhyLDPDhnDKwTgW0YqgOH3fXfhMYFpEZeAgS2q5ATzcCM9s40z-ENzmQBM1lAJ61PuI3npYK0CHD04pcxBQ-DLgc/s1600/brent+run+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oxw9KTGVxIxaAoaQLrnHmdcF-yuBtGs1P9YK4q82TKDmOX0THwcKhyLDPDhnDKwTgW0YqgOH3fXfhMYFpEZeAgS2q5ATzcCM9s40z-ENzmQBM1lAJ61PuI3npYK0CHD04pcxBQ-DLgc/s640/brent+run+up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I am terrible at mounting the bike.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRmXqLwvbSN0g82Ykg9BoX3cDQ7RfXejUu9UxdXC8oHsHuFPEp1sIoW9nBgvZZTnSlFppL1oKJJhvKhqu0ykUTv3Nvio41a9LuQ8RKYR4LvFs4YRZ3iFydMCMM6cqr-ywbJ6P5lVspr4/s1600/dang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRmXqLwvbSN0g82Ykg9BoX3cDQ7RfXejUu9UxdXC8oHsHuFPEp1sIoW9nBgvZZTnSlFppL1oKJJhvKhqu0ykUTv3Nvio41a9LuQ8RKYR4LvFs4YRZ3iFydMCMM6cqr-ywbJ6P5lVspr4/s640/dang.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">As memory serves, that log was about twice that size. I thought the camera was supposed to add to the size. Again, no grace on my part.</span></div>
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Coming in for the handoff.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKXhHvc_1_9kW4QMiQdXtQAZhinPWCAWGBW63aVTdWvx-6KE3vO-yyZFGSqRvKAQVkIbdhxzYcES9hMXqZuvAmqPnvr0-PEIfN3HFIoUTaP0yFxmxBvlPpmUHYLNMQULMjgKFuyyNmX4/s1600/vance+relay1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKXhHvc_1_9kW4QMiQdXtQAZhinPWCAWGBW63aVTdWvx-6KE3vO-yyZFGSqRvKAQVkIbdhxzYcES9hMXqZuvAmqPnvr0-PEIfN3HFIoUTaP0yFxmxBvlPpmUHYLNMQULMjgKFuyyNmX4/s640/vance+relay1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULvwqG85xNi9qkoRWSqGilPValXKo4-hpaRbFxLyIOG0Q_gBzKw43wFjbsG-4WItpkkHe53mJ37psZUaOA7CSLMtUg55QpZPnsrOnmXJpOjy26zqePCGZeT3G3NepC8KHKCxw9VJ9Wic/s1600/vance+relay3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULvwqG85xNi9qkoRWSqGilPValXKo4-hpaRbFxLyIOG0Q_gBzKw43wFjbsG-4WItpkkHe53mJ37psZUaOA7CSLMtUg55QpZPnsrOnmXJpOjy26zqePCGZeT3G3NepC8KHKCxw9VJ9Wic/s640/vance+relay3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0rXjKb08jky-UjYG6G_Wzb_4yTiHKZFsH-dzQMWxy52Y4t_fcDOM-G4q5_BxGk94TG7CamszC7qTvGOo9u4zR5MftXZMIpIx0TpwgwMEpBzfWvPf9URWvSzfCybpI0icRvWe0GlQ1uI/s1600/vance+relay4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0rXjKb08jky-UjYG6G_Wzb_4yTiHKZFsH-dzQMWxy52Y4t_fcDOM-G4q5_BxGk94TG7CamszC7qTvGOo9u4zR5MftXZMIpIx0TpwgwMEpBzfWvPf9URWvSzfCybpI0icRvWe0GlQ1uI/s640/vance+relay4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMomYxQJyjCSLDOk89e79eGs4__aEsTkpwIjLiLFYNNboPOLowcgqo2BOuYqe5EDWrb375kDupUKfgSdqnPqGoZpd-QMqBStJUJgIoeGchQT7iewNg363BJuyEutHC9HucscsAcs8r1s/s1600/vance+relay5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMomYxQJyjCSLDOk89e79eGs4__aEsTkpwIjLiLFYNNboPOLowcgqo2BOuYqe5EDWrb375kDupUKfgSdqnPqGoZpd-QMqBStJUJgIoeGchQT7iewNg363BJuyEutHC9HucscsAcs8r1s/s640/vance+relay5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Our mouths are gaping open, his is joy while mine is pain. Keep in mind, this was my first lap and he had already finished the first race.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0tLv9jg2_979N4XAJQ9LsdamQ1DOTmOeBA1PCQg7LuZk4oJ-bSw0kLFF85KJZ_UttCi-7AuPphe8877IFlOz1ZXR-kID3Wr9bbscgatA5ByavevDQ44Rh_hLMCuAUWr8SXNvlQtX5po/s1600/relay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0tLv9jg2_979N4XAJQ9LsdamQ1DOTmOeBA1PCQg7LuZk4oJ-bSw0kLFF85KJZ_UttCi-7AuPphe8877IFlOz1ZXR-kID3Wr9bbscgatA5ByavevDQ44Rh_hLMCuAUWr8SXNvlQtX5po/s640/relay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I quickly ran over to meet Digga at the first obstacle, these drops were steep and loose so I helped him a little. </span></div>
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At the end of the day we walked a way with the P award. As in we came, we raced, and we lost....I have never been so happy to receive a participation award! Digga summed it all up, Thanksgiving was a success; trophies, beef jerky, root beer (with sugar), and spending time together! It doesn't get better than that.</div>
Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502960576513679350.post-89031591346446203672013-11-15T16:48:00.000-08:002013-11-15T16:48:45.411-08:00Busy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEA2eiOqOIlLUyUiAb7oJoSvxWThDo0UDKoZIDrrSZqg8hyphenhyphenUp_7WAHus4ZOMuEcba3-uNo3ZIkArDS8OjXu_EAdRsQJ4HkIXtcu8ofhus4NEUiXZe1MnOP52CBmw1OolZ1nLCrscZ1d4/s1600/gravelicious-2013-h19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEA2eiOqOIlLUyUiAb7oJoSvxWThDo0UDKoZIDrrSZqg8hyphenhyphenUp_7WAHus4ZOMuEcba3-uNo3ZIkArDS8OjXu_EAdRsQJ4HkIXtcu8ofhus4NEUiXZe1MnOP52CBmw1OolZ1nLCrscZ1d4/s640/gravelicious-2013-h19.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am currently in a professional school and unlike college, I am getting paid. Because of this I feel compelled to apply myself, again, this is unlike college. The result is that I am spending many hours a night reading, writing, and studying for exams. So in my free time I have to make some choices; I can ride my bike, spend time with family, study, or write on this blog. You guessed it, the blog gets neglected. The great thing is, I have been working hard on cycling.<br />
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Since I am an introvert and borderline anti-social, I typically ride alone. However, I have changed that up a little bit. The LBS, Santa Fe Trail Bikes has well organized group rides. This has forced me to challenge myself. My style of riding is push it when I feel like it, slow down when I feel like it, stop when I feel like it......I think you get the point. However, when I am around this group I feel compelled to push myself, even to the point of racing. Many of the riders are genuinely fast and I work hard to keep up with them and by the end of the 25 mile rides I am done in. <br />
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While pushing it that hard is not my style it has helped me a lot. Additionally, I entered a cycle-cross race. I have never officially raced before that, mainly because I don't see the point of paying a whole bunch of money to lose. I obviously take the Ricky Bobby approach "if you ain't first, your last" since I don't win anything to make the entry fee worth while. Anyway, I decided to challenge myself and do it anyway. More on that another day!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">In Pain!</span></span></div>
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I have also been enjoying the vast amount of gravel roads that Kansas/Missouri has to offer. I had to back out of one great looking event because of the large amount of studying I have. However, I also entered a ride called Gravelicous. That was a challenge, more on that another day! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhq5rGVk9_5qTSGoGaMGJuYaj9pQkskzdwlIiWddw3B5Ql6r2cbxJDSKfTDN_ummwpVspbjYoUXimlcP7qvGNPVsOKbBTlgCFOeGwWV58Sa_6P_G2PIafUwn_f_1779qaF6rIbzcew7w/s1600/gravelicious-2013-h20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhq5rGVk9_5qTSGoGaMGJuYaj9pQkskzdwlIiWddw3B5Ql6r2cbxJDSKfTDN_ummwpVspbjYoUXimlcP7qvGNPVsOKbBTlgCFOeGwWV58Sa_6P_G2PIafUwn_f_1779qaF6rIbzcew7w/s640/gravelicious-2013-h20.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Look at the size of my Quads (in an attempt to get you to look away from the dumb look on my face)! BTW, that look is pain. </span> </div>
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Overall, I have less time to tinker with bikes and ride, but I have been making the most of the opportunities I have.Irishtsunamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370725131051466052noreply@blogger.com0