A ride in the Dark

I never really had this type of experience for very long...sure maybe 3 miles and not too fast...but tonights ride was a a ride in the dark. I was unable to participate in the Saturday morning ride because of my fantasy football draft and sunday I am home with the kids. This left me with an evening ride. The plan was to be home around 3-4 and ride until sunset. Well, that didn't work out, because someone else had other plans. I wasn't able to get on my bike until 7ish.

I wanted to do my loop from home which is 47.5 miles and knew that I would be finishing in the dark. I did have the front light and a tail light as I was riding on the road. The last 15 miles were different. I couldn't see how fast I was going and couldn't see past my head light (5-10 feet). I have to say I was more focused and aware of my surroundings as reaction time had to be instant. There was a very unique part on the road where the trees on both sides of the road come together and make a tunnel and it was pitch black. I could see the less dark at the end of the tunnel and I actually said out loud "this is cool".

I finished the ride without incident, but have to say the 3 miles of bike trail from stacey to wyoming were the most tormenting, as I came across two walkers and a casual rider all without lights. The biker was going my direction and started to move "into the light" which just happened to be me. I think that he might have been tipsy as he seemed surprised that the light was moving and there was a voice behind the light.

The good news is I was able to burn off some frustration and calories gathered from the great food at the fantasy football draft. The ride was great and I have new admiration for those who spent nights riding on RAAM.

Time flies by

Yes, It has been months since I last posted:( Sorry Neil. I have had some really great times on the bike. Just finished RAGBRAI and can say it was a blast. I will post pictures as soon as I can get them. A week long ride across Iowa (the motherland) is just about right for the glutes. The DBR held up very well with only the need for a minor adjustment. I also finally saw another DBR podium 4 on the road for the first time in 2 years! It was a great site to see as it flew past me in mach 4 as only the DBR could do at the hand of a skilled rider.

I can say that I have enjoyed the summer and all the miles along the way.

1st outside ride of the season

The warm weather tonight was a blessing. The wind only made the workout effect well, harder. What a nice turnout of friends for the first ride, I believe at least 11. Lots of strong riders and great smiles to be out on a nice warm night (66 deg F).

I tried to pull a Rotauch but it ended spectacularly. I jumped a few twigs on the trail then had to try the bigger stick. From experience, I wouldn't recommend this trick if the trail curves right after. I made the trick went off the trail, front tire sunk in the ground, I made a nice front flip (with the bike) and managed to avoid the trees (thumbs up). Luckily the sticks and soft ground broke my fall (I just wish that I would have had the video). I have been keeping my guardian angel busy this year with the skiing and now off road biking adventure (thanks for keeping me safe despite myself).

Biking out doors is really great! Oh by the way, the bike and I are doing fine.
Neil happy 40th!!

Had some computer problems toward the end of my vacation. Am back now and had a great time.

The weather was great this weekend and I was unable to enjoy it on the bike:( Armyman this weekend was very busy. Hope to get on the bike and ride this tuesday as my monday evening will be busy with water aerobics. I am behind on the miles as ironman is very soon upon us. On the plus side it was great that we broke into the 40's today.

HOT WATER

Now here's a guy having a great time. The temps in this pool were 109 deg F. It sure was nice after another awesome day of skiing. The hot springs really loosened up the muscles.

We are meeting some very nice friendly people on this trip. While at the springs we met a Forensic Engineer from Lake City Co. A makup artist for the movies from los alamos, some people from NY and some locals. All with very interesting stories. However most were transplants from Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan or some midwest area. Really enjoying the scenery and the people. Definitely a place to come back to.

On Top of the Divide

Made it up to the top of the divide and the view was inspiring. Really cool views looking at other peaks and being at the same top level. What is really cool is watching the young kids doing the blue and black runs without a worry. What a wonderful day.

Forgot to put on the sun screen today. Now if this were christmas, I could give rudolph a run for his money. I found out the tip of your nose is really sensitive. Ah the lessons one learns in life. It could be worse...this could be the last day of skiing...but it's not.

Had a great treat for supper. Stuffed Sopapilla's. In New Mexico a sopapilla is a type of indian bread that is lightly deepfried and stuffed with meat and topped with green or red chile. Well in Pagosa we found a resturant that serves just that meal (It's been years, 18) and man was it good. I will be getting some of that bread to eat on the drive back home when reality comes crashing in. Well now I really do have something fond to think of when I reminise about the great ski vacation of 08.

The skiing is great, and the runs are excitingly long. I should say that the legs are getting a good workout. Should come in handy when I can get the bike out on the road. Tomorrow will be a good time to visit the Hot Springs and let the hot mineral water do its magic. Having a great vacation.

Let it Snow

Most people went on spring break to warmer weather, not I. I went to Pagosa Springs, Colorado to get some serious skiing to end the ski season on a tremendous high note. Wolf Creek is a great hideaway for skiing. I was up to 11000 ft today on a run where the crowds were scarce (I saw 2 people on the run) and the snow is pretty much like Minnesota's right now. The spring skiing here is fresh snow on top of some snow melt (icy).

The accomodations are great. The kids (unfortunately) could not make this trip so the wife and I have a nice one bedroom condo with a jacuzzi (which was great after a hard day skiing) and are celebrating our 20 yr anniversary. Woo Hoo. Am having a great time and enjoying colorado. Today was snowy and cloudy. Hope to have some more pics for tomorrow or the next day. The open air and spectacular sites are definitely worth the trip. Still thinking about the bike, but consider this cross training (I'm still going downhill).