Thanksgiving Day Double

The weather has finally turned to winter. Snow and temps in the 20’s, yowzers. Out here in rural northern Missouri, the roads aren’t that safe, so I rode around until I found the ultimate training spot, the country club golf course!! Hopped the gate and got to it. What a great place to ride! In the interest of not getting into too much trouble if I got caught, I stayed close to the cart path on the grass or gravel trail. Rode for about an hour in the spitting snow then headed back to the house, by the time I got home my feet and ears were frozen. It took hours for the toes to come around even after a hot shower. Ate like a champ and of course the Thanksgiving post-meal coma set in hard. Took a 2.5 hour nap, holy crap… that never happens. Woke up about 4:30 and thought, “hmmm, maybe I should go for another ride?”. Geared up and headed in a different direction this time. It was starting to get dark so I steered to one of the nearby dirt roads that led to a conservation area. It was actually a nice ride with lots of up and down. I went by this big group of cows and then they started pacing me down the fence for a long way. The whole bunch of 30 of them, running next to me on the road was kinda funny. I had to stop and take a pic… eyes in the dark. Got chased by one dog , it was hard to tell how close it got, but I just stayed on the gas and he never got my leg so guess not too close.

The Fields Have Eyes

Fave Riding Partner

Today was a rest day, so Ella and I cruised it up for a good hour or so. She chatted away in the back with her dolls while I played sled dog up front. Mush Mush daddy! Pulling the chariot around isn't easy, but definitely enjoyable with her.

Do They Grow on Trees?

Since there aren't any races in the metro for another couple weeks, we must improvise. Today a few of us gathered at Loose park for the circuit. Set up a couple barrier sections and went for it. The wind was jammin' (30-40mph gusts) and the 80 degree day made it exceptionally tough in the tall grass. Mitch and Brent are captured here approaching the barriers before wind tunnel hill.

Brent's De Rosa was hangin' out in the tree, just ripe for the pickin'.

Cross Season is here

Well today the rain finally fell and the temps dropped into the 60's. Oh how I've been longing for this weather, cloudy and cool. This morning I was able to get out in the pouring rain for a quick 25 minute run and that was nice with the little one. Although she stayed dry in the Chariot, I endured the downpour. I just sold my 2007 Trek XO2 so thought I'd take her out for one last spin on the brewpub road ride tonight. Will be exchanging it for some duckets tomorrow so wanted to keep it somewhat clean ready for delivery. I got lots of comments tonight like "It looks like you're ready for cross" or "Do you race cyclocross?", duh you fools. Cyclocross is eminating from my very soul each and every day, so my response was always a pleasant "Yes" with a shit-eating grin on my face. The first real race isn't for a couple weeks so all I can do is prepare and prepare and prepare. Got in an easy 30 miles and looking forward to the final cross clinic tommorow night.

Good Times in the Saddle

The last week has really been great for getting time in the saddle. Despite the ongoing scattered showers, was able to log some miles and hit several trails. 110 miles on the Road and 11.5 hours Off-Road

Sat 5/19 Clinton Lake 3.5 hours MTB Vinny and da boyz
This was fun but only for me and Brent. Several guys went out with Vinny and one had never even ridden a mountain bike, didn't know that till about 8 miles out on an out and back. He was sufferin', i think those boxers were ridin him high and diggin in! He had no water or food, thought he was going to die. Had to load him up with gel and water. The lake out there was so high the lower trails were under water but if you stayed high they were dry. We turned around and turned it on.... met at the lot nice trails with some up here and there.
Sun 5/20 Road Ride 40 miles
Tues 5/22 BuRP 2 hours MTB
Serengetti way overgrown and itchy!!
Wed 5/23 Landahl 2 hours MTB
Rode loops of Tasty, RimJob,Wills trails were perfecto. Had to be one of my better rides out there. Finally getting the knack for that place. Hadn't been out there very much till this year, but I like it ... a lot. There was some new trail cut that kept you out of that draining, always mucky area. Thanks to Scott, Craig, and the others for keeping that place one of the best around.
Grinders post ride >- BoB was hawkin' the server again whilst we grinded slices and down beverages
Fri 5/25 Landahl 4 hours MTB Vinny and da boyz
Lots of riding OMG. Rode about everything out there and just about got lost on the other side of the creek. Not sure where the hell we were, but was fun.... just had a timeline to work around so was haulin to get back and finally found Scotts Gunbarrel to get back to the lot.
Sat 5/26 Road 45 miles 2.5 hours
It was off and on raining for at least an hour. Lots of spray from the road was great. My skin was all hived up when I got home... probably some toxic crap out on the road eating my flesh, holy shit it itched... killed it with some cort after a shower, but man it lasted.
Sun 5/27 Road 25 miles 1.5 hours recovery ride with LT

Monday I didn't make it out. There were 2 road rides offered up to me but felt I should take a day off as my legs were aching and back was breaking. Not sure what the plan is for tonight, but need to get out and ride.