It's mid June and I have yet to pin on a number and "turn my pedals in anger"- as Paul Sherwin would say. It feels a bit odd not having raced, and with that said I need to find a race fast for a whole host of reasons. With that in mind here are my top ten reason's I need to race soon:
10) Racing makes me feel better about the number of bikes I have hanging in the garage.
9) The time just before the start is where you pick up the best excuses for why you haven't been riding or can't ride fast.
8) You see people who two years ago should never wear lycra and now they look super fit- and you think to yourself, "that could be me".
7) It gives me something to stress about for a full 48 hours before the start.
6) It gives me something to second guess for a full 48 hours after the race ends.
5) It gives me blog and race recap fodder for this blog as well as for Big All at Team Bikeman.com World HQ.
4) It gives me reason for needing some new widget or cool piece of gear that I've never seen before.
3) At work I get to say, "yeah gotta leave early, heading to a RACE" and then the next day say, "yeah that blood is from the RACE last night."
2) Let's my wife continue to say, "I'm married to a bike racer." (not sure she's ever said that- but a guy can dream)
1) It makes me go, "HOLY CRAP ONLY TWO MONTHS TILL 24HOGG! I've gotta get my ass training!"
So there it is. If all goes well I'll head over to Thorn Pond at Attitash on Thursday for round one of the Red Jersey Summer Series. Here goes nothing!
Ride on.
DEA
Monday, June 14, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Getting Ready to Play Catch-Up
Last year at this time I was coming off of a busted tailbone, or to make it sound more dramatic a broken back. I had pretty much taken six weeks off and had dealt with the pain by helping out Sam Adams sales. With that in the back of my head I felt pretty good coming into spring and feeling like I was going to be able to crush this season and be super fit.
LOL. Not sure what I was thinking. I'm close to 10 hours of saddle time behind where I was at this point last year. Add to that my weight isn't far off from it astronomical highs of my beer induced month of couch surfing. How did this happen? A couple of things- I rode my bike a lot in the early months of 2009. Then I rode my bike a lot after my back had healed up. Compare that to this year where I rode a bit and figured I was just going to be fine. Oops.
Other factors- JJ is down with his wing being all rebuilt 6million Dollar Man style. But looks like he'll be at least on the road bike in a couple of weeks. A1 "never rides" but then avg'd 21mph to the base of the pitch during Krank the Kanc (and that first 18 miles is uphill as well). So the only one that I think I am riding better than is NK, who is a brand new dad so he's out. Even the reclusive PowderJew has been getting after it on the bike- despite bulging discs and a host of other issues. Leaving me feeling like a slug.
Ahhh but there is a silver lining. Five days- five days out on the bike with 6.5 hours total and a renewed desire to drop some lbs and get in some miles. I need to plan to put in a century here in the next couple weeks- big words.....
Until then keep the rubber side down and enjoy this great weather.
DEA
LOL. Not sure what I was thinking. I'm close to 10 hours of saddle time behind where I was at this point last year. Add to that my weight isn't far off from it astronomical highs of my beer induced month of couch surfing. How did this happen? A couple of things- I rode my bike a lot in the early months of 2009. Then I rode my bike a lot after my back had healed up. Compare that to this year where I rode a bit and figured I was just going to be fine. Oops.
Other factors- JJ is down with his wing being all rebuilt 6million Dollar Man style. But looks like he'll be at least on the road bike in a couple of weeks. A1 "never rides" but then avg'd 21mph to the base of the pitch during Krank the Kanc (and that first 18 miles is uphill as well). So the only one that I think I am riding better than is NK, who is a brand new dad so he's out. Even the reclusive PowderJew has been getting after it on the bike- despite bulging discs and a host of other issues. Leaving me feeling like a slug.
Ahhh but there is a silver lining. Five days- five days out on the bike with 6.5 hours total and a renewed desire to drop some lbs and get in some miles. I need to plan to put in a century here in the next couple weeks- big words.....
Until then keep the rubber side down and enjoy this great weather.
DEA
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Progress
On April 16 I had my left shoulder reconstructed after years of abuse. The Dr. reattached the torn labrum with a couple of anchors and some bailing twine. My rotator cuff was also a mess and that has now been tightened up too. Saw the Dr. yesterday for a follow-up and he checked me out and said I didn't need to be in a sling anymore. That was great news. I start PT next week and can actually start to rehab it. Only bummer is I'm still a couple weeks away from getting back on a bike, but its getting closer. I'm afraid to actually find out how out of shape I've gotten the past couple of months.
JJ
JJ
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
You know you're a.....
You know you're addicted to biking when.....
Your surgeon tells you need a heart valve replacement and you ask if you have a choice between presta and schrader.
A Power Bar starts tasting better than a Snickers.
You wear your heart monitor to bed to make sure you stay within your target zone during any extracurricular activities.
The funeral director tells you "NO!" you can't ride your Cannondale in the funeral procession, even if you keep your headlight on.
You experience an unreasonable envy over someone who has bar end extenders longer than yours.
You're too tired for hanky-panky on a Friday night but pump out a five-hour century on Saturday.
Your wife tells you the only way she'll let you ride across the country is over her dead body and you tell her, "If that's the case, you'll be my first speed bump!"
You no longer require a hankie to blow your nose.
You have stopped even trying to explain to your spouse why you need two bikes...you just go buy another one and figure it will all work out in the divorce settlement.
You buy your crutches instead of renting.
You convert your car's brake and gas pedals to clipless.
You see nothing wrong with discussing the connection between hydration and urine color.
You find your Shimano touring shoes to be more comfortable and stylish than your gunboat sneakers.
You refuse to buy a couch because that patch of wallspace is taken up by the bike.
You have more money invested in your bike clothes than in the rest of your combined wardrobe.
Biker chick means black spandex, not leather, and a Marinoni, not a Harley.
"Four cheeseburgers and four large French Fries" is for you.
You see a fit, tanned, Lycra-clad young woman ride by, and the first thing you check out is her bicycle.
You empathize with the roadkill.
Despite all that winter fat you put on, you'll skim weight by buying titanium components.
You use wax on your chain, but not on your car.
Your mud guards are made out of milk jugs.
Your first course when you eat out is a large banana split.
When driving, you yell "On Your Left!" on passing another car.
You yell "Hole!" when you see a pothole while driving your car.
Your bike has more miles on its computer then your car's odometer.
You wear your riding gloves when driving your car.
You wear your bike shorts swimming.
Your bikes are worth more than your car.
You buy a mini-van and immediately remove the rear seats to allow your bike(s) to fit.
When you move to a new area the first thing you look for is a bike shop.
You have more bike jerseys than dress shirts.
You take your bike along when you shop for a car - just to make sure the bike will fit inside.
You use the Yakima or Thule 'Fit Catalog' to pick your next new car instead of Consumer Reports.
You start yelling at cars to "hold your line."
You're comfortable bumping elbows with step vans.
You view crashes as an opportunity to upgrade components.
You clean your bike(s) more often then your car.
You're on the Board of Directors for a Bike Club.
You spend weeks during the summer spraying arrows on the sides of roads.
You and your significant other have and wear identical riding clothes.
You mount a $600 cap, on a $1,000 pickup truck, so your $3,000 bike doesn't get wet.
You can't seem to get to work by 8:30 AM, even for important meetings, but you don't have any problems at all meeting your buddies at 5:30 AM for a hammerfest.
You can tell your spouse, with a straight face, that it's too hot to mow the lawn and then bike off for a century.
You regard inter-gender discussion of genital pain as normal.
You know your cadence, but you have no idea what your speed is.
When driving your car you lean over the steering wheel, just like an aerobar.
Your car sits outside your garage because your garage is full of bikes and cycling gear.
You tailgate a semi-trailer to get the drafting effect.
You hear someone had a crash and your first question is "How's the bike?"
You smile at your evening date, and she politely points out that you seem to have bugs in your teeth.
You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends who are addicted to cycling.
Thanks to JJ for sending these along- I found myself laughing hard enough that I felt I got in my ab work out for the week.
Ride on.
DEA
Your surgeon tells you need a heart valve replacement and you ask if you have a choice between presta and schrader.
A Power Bar starts tasting better than a Snickers.
You wear your heart monitor to bed to make sure you stay within your target zone during any extracurricular activities.
The funeral director tells you "NO!" you can't ride your Cannondale in the funeral procession, even if you keep your headlight on.
You experience an unreasonable envy over someone who has bar end extenders longer than yours.
You're too tired for hanky-panky on a Friday night but pump out a five-hour century on Saturday.
Your wife tells you the only way she'll let you ride across the country is over her dead body and you tell her, "If that's the case, you'll be my first speed bump!"
You no longer require a hankie to blow your nose.
You have stopped even trying to explain to your spouse why you need two bikes...you just go buy another one and figure it will all work out in the divorce settlement.
You buy your crutches instead of renting.
You convert your car's brake and gas pedals to clipless.
You see nothing wrong with discussing the connection between hydration and urine color.
You find your Shimano touring shoes to be more comfortable and stylish than your gunboat sneakers.
You refuse to buy a couch because that patch of wallspace is taken up by the bike.
You have more money invested in your bike clothes than in the rest of your combined wardrobe.
Biker chick means black spandex, not leather, and a Marinoni, not a Harley.
"Four cheeseburgers and four large French Fries" is for you.
You see a fit, tanned, Lycra-clad young woman ride by, and the first thing you check out is her bicycle.
You empathize with the roadkill.
Despite all that winter fat you put on, you'll skim weight by buying titanium components.
You use wax on your chain, but not on your car.
Your mud guards are made out of milk jugs.
Your first course when you eat out is a large banana split.
When driving, you yell "On Your Left!" on passing another car.
You yell "Hole!" when you see a pothole while driving your car.
Your bike has more miles on its computer then your car's odometer.
You wear your riding gloves when driving your car.
You wear your bike shorts swimming.
Your bikes are worth more than your car.
You buy a mini-van and immediately remove the rear seats to allow your bike(s) to fit.
When you move to a new area the first thing you look for is a bike shop.
You have more bike jerseys than dress shirts.
You take your bike along when you shop for a car - just to make sure the bike will fit inside.
You use the Yakima or Thule 'Fit Catalog' to pick your next new car instead of Consumer Reports.
You start yelling at cars to "hold your line."
You're comfortable bumping elbows with step vans.
You view crashes as an opportunity to upgrade components.
You clean your bike(s) more often then your car.
You're on the Board of Directors for a Bike Club.
You spend weeks during the summer spraying arrows on the sides of roads.
You and your significant other have and wear identical riding clothes.
You mount a $600 cap, on a $1,000 pickup truck, so your $3,000 bike doesn't get wet.
You can't seem to get to work by 8:30 AM, even for important meetings, but you don't have any problems at all meeting your buddies at 5:30 AM for a hammerfest.
You can tell your spouse, with a straight face, that it's too hot to mow the lawn and then bike off for a century.
You regard inter-gender discussion of genital pain as normal.
You know your cadence, but you have no idea what your speed is.
When driving your car you lean over the steering wheel, just like an aerobar.
Your car sits outside your garage because your garage is full of bikes and cycling gear.
You tailgate a semi-trailer to get the drafting effect.
You hear someone had a crash and your first question is "How's the bike?"
You smile at your evening date, and she politely points out that you seem to have bugs in your teeth.
You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends who are addicted to cycling.
Thanks to JJ for sending these along- I found myself laughing hard enough that I felt I got in my ab work out for the week.
Ride on.
DEA
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
I'm gonna find my bike
The last week has been nuts with graduation taking place and all the craziness that goes along with that. The on Sunday and yesterday- I was in full on recovery mode and just couldn't find the energy to hit the bike. That will all change today.
Watching Dicky's PMBAR video and reading about CVV crashing out and Tyler taking a stage win got me fired up. That and my pants aren't fitting.
DEA
Watching Dicky's PMBAR video and reading about CVV crashing out and Tyler taking a stage win got me fired up. That and my pants aren't fitting.
DEA
Monday, May 03, 2010
DEA rockin his new shadesThursday, April 29, 2010
My $550 Dollar Trail Run
Running is stupid. I'm pretty sure I've made that comment a million times, and I do feel that way. It is the same way I feel about snowshoeing. However I do run and I do snowshoe- but then again I also pay taxes and I'm not always feeling so happy about that.
That being said I took the dogs out for a trail run yesterday after work. It was raining a bit and I'm lazy, so I figured it would be easier to clean up myself and the gear needed for a trail run than a bike ride, so there you have it- lazy trumps stupid.
Molly, Jake, and I headed out and settled into a nice groove. For me that means constant motion and only one nearly rolled ankle out of every 50 footfalls. We had completed the first part of the loop and I decided I wanted to do a bit of exploring for some future trail building I've been planning. So we hopped over a small stream and picked our way through the woods. We had just come across a really cool spot that had about 30 largish boulders and rocks strewn about and I was envisioning cool northshore style elements that I'd likely never ride- but sure would look agro out in the woods. I was mentally mapping where we were and just picking our new heading when Molly took off. I didn't think much of it other than thinking "Squirrel" in the voice from "UP". Then I heard her barking- and I knew it was one of four things: skunk, porcupine, bear, or another dog.
Now this list of four is not random, in fact it is quite well researched. My dogs have a tendancy to get themselves into a bit of trouble. My wife and I were trying to figure out how many skunks and porcupines the two of them have gotten into over the last few years- we lost count. Add in the handful of bears that Molly has faced off with (or the one my wife faced off with when it looked like Molly was about to get into a bit of trouble), and a King Kong sized handful of dogs that our two have scrapped with- you get the idea.
Of course being the responsible dog owner I am, I have no leash so Jake follows me as I go charging through the woods to find the barking Molly. I then hear the first yelp, followed by more barking- so my list of four remains firmly in my head. I then find her, trying to bite the ass end of a porcupine.
Now the thing about porcupines is that they don't move very quick, so this 80lb dog is yapping and trying to bite off its backside- but is is still moving at a Sunday stroll pace. And Molly, well she looks like she's got a full beard now- face full of quills and it doesn't seem to phase her- yet.
I yell to Jake to stay (this is when the leash would have been helpful) and he does for the most part. I run over and pull Molly of the porcupine and wait for it to start to scamper up the tree. But this is toooooo much for Jake, he's about 15 feet way and just vibrating- and then it happens- he busts forward grabs the porcupine (now about three feet up the tree and moving slooooooowly) by the leg and the thing falls on Jake- filling his side, paw, and part of his face with quills.
If it wasn't for what I knew was coming soon, it would have been sort of comical to watch. Now I grab both dogs and try and encourage the porcupine that moving up the tree a bit faster this time might be a good option. Of course if you've ever trying to hold two dogs by their collars while their faces are now pin cushions and at the same time trying to not get pulled over by them onto a porcupine, you'll know that there is a moment where you wonder how bad the jokes are going to get about the fact that your face is full of quills. Fortunately that didn't happen.
Next we begin the trek home. At first the dogs were fine, but they kept getting their heads a bit to close to my legs, and now the frustration of knowing I've got to pull quills, or more likely, will need to finance another significant vet bill, starts to creep into my head (there goes that new road wheelset!) At the same time I'm having that thought the dogs start to become more aware of their new Pinhead look. Jake is rubbing his face and side on the ground about every 20th step and Molly grabs at her face with her paws and tries to pull them out that way. But we slowly head home.
We get to the house and the dogs stay on the porch. I go in to let K and the girls know about the dogs and to grab a pair of leather gloves and pliers. The girls want to see and K is already on the phone with the vet. I get about 40 quills out, but each one is at the risk of loosing my hand as Molly is getting pissed and pretty snappy with her mouth. Jake is just so full on his side and is so squirmy that I just can't make much progress.
K comes out and says the vet will meet her at the office and she loads the dogs and heads out. Now the guessing game begins- how much will this one run?
About three hours later K comes home with two very dopey dogs. Molly is very out of it as they have to sedate her just for her shots, so a quill removal requires and elephant tranquilizer. Jake is a bit gimpy as his dragging his side on the ground drove a couple quills pretty deep and they had to cut him a bit to get some of them out. The total bill $550.
Remember how I started this- running sucks.
DEA
That being said I took the dogs out for a trail run yesterday after work. It was raining a bit and I'm lazy, so I figured it would be easier to clean up myself and the gear needed for a trail run than a bike ride, so there you have it- lazy trumps stupid.
Molly, Jake, and I headed out and settled into a nice groove. For me that means constant motion and only one nearly rolled ankle out of every 50 footfalls. We had completed the first part of the loop and I decided I wanted to do a bit of exploring for some future trail building I've been planning. So we hopped over a small stream and picked our way through the woods. We had just come across a really cool spot that had about 30 largish boulders and rocks strewn about and I was envisioning cool northshore style elements that I'd likely never ride- but sure would look agro out in the woods. I was mentally mapping where we were and just picking our new heading when Molly took off. I didn't think much of it other than thinking "Squirrel" in the voice from "UP". Then I heard her barking- and I knew it was one of four things: skunk, porcupine, bear, or another dog.
Now this list of four is not random, in fact it is quite well researched. My dogs have a tendancy to get themselves into a bit of trouble. My wife and I were trying to figure out how many skunks and porcupines the two of them have gotten into over the last few years- we lost count. Add in the handful of bears that Molly has faced off with (or the one my wife faced off with when it looked like Molly was about to get into a bit of trouble), and a King Kong sized handful of dogs that our two have scrapped with- you get the idea.
Of course being the responsible dog owner I am, I have no leash so Jake follows me as I go charging through the woods to find the barking Molly. I then hear the first yelp, followed by more barking- so my list of four remains firmly in my head. I then find her, trying to bite the ass end of a porcupine.
Now the thing about porcupines is that they don't move very quick, so this 80lb dog is yapping and trying to bite off its backside- but is is still moving at a Sunday stroll pace. And Molly, well she looks like she's got a full beard now- face full of quills and it doesn't seem to phase her- yet.
I yell to Jake to stay (this is when the leash would have been helpful) and he does for the most part. I run over and pull Molly of the porcupine and wait for it to start to scamper up the tree. But this is toooooo much for Jake, he's about 15 feet way and just vibrating- and then it happens- he busts forward grabs the porcupine (now about three feet up the tree and moving slooooooowly) by the leg and the thing falls on Jake- filling his side, paw, and part of his face with quills.
If it wasn't for what I knew was coming soon, it would have been sort of comical to watch. Now I grab both dogs and try and encourage the porcupine that moving up the tree a bit faster this time might be a good option. Of course if you've ever trying to hold two dogs by their collars while their faces are now pin cushions and at the same time trying to not get pulled over by them onto a porcupine, you'll know that there is a moment where you wonder how bad the jokes are going to get about the fact that your face is full of quills. Fortunately that didn't happen.
Next we begin the trek home. At first the dogs were fine, but they kept getting their heads a bit to close to my legs, and now the frustration of knowing I've got to pull quills, or more likely, will need to finance another significant vet bill, starts to creep into my head (there goes that new road wheelset!) At the same time I'm having that thought the dogs start to become more aware of their new Pinhead look. Jake is rubbing his face and side on the ground about every 20th step and Molly grabs at her face with her paws and tries to pull them out that way. But we slowly head home.
We get to the house and the dogs stay on the porch. I go in to let K and the girls know about the dogs and to grab a pair of leather gloves and pliers. The girls want to see and K is already on the phone with the vet. I get about 40 quills out, but each one is at the risk of loosing my hand as Molly is getting pissed and pretty snappy with her mouth. Jake is just so full on his side and is so squirmy that I just can't make much progress.
K comes out and says the vet will meet her at the office and she loads the dogs and heads out. Now the guessing game begins- how much will this one run?
About three hours later K comes home with two very dopey dogs. Molly is very out of it as they have to sedate her just for her shots, so a quill removal requires and elephant tranquilizer. Jake is a bit gimpy as his dragging his side on the ground drove a couple quills pretty deep and they had to cut him a bit to get some of them out. The total bill $550.
Remember how I started this- running sucks.
DEA
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Rider Down Update #1
So on April 16 I went under the knife. I had a pretty bad left shoulder that would dislocate without much trouble as a result of a little too much falling down associated with bike riding and winter snow sports. So due to the lack of stability and concern about early onset of arthritis I had decided to get it fixed. My original plan was to wait a couple weeks later and get one race in for the season to have some goal to shoot for before being relegated to the couch. My choice was to do the bike leg of Tuckerman Inferno Pentathlon. I had done this last year and it was a nice way to get motivated to ride early in the season.
Problem I had was the surgeon's schedule did not fit with my plans. If I didn't get it done on the 16th I was going to be looking at mid to late May before he had an open slot to slice me up. Knowing that the usual rehab timeline is 6 months until a full return to action, I didn't want to push it out any further as I still have hopes of some early Fall riding in the woods.
With all of that to consider I opted to pass on the Inferno and go under the knife the day before the race was scheduled. The morning after surgery I woke up and saw that we got a dusting of snow. I checked the weather and saw that Pinkham Notch had gotten 10 inches overnight. That is the finish area for the bike leg of the race I was going to do that day. As I laid there I though I was pretty much OK with not doing the race on skinny tires with almost of foot of fresh snow while riding up a mountain pass.
The surgery went well so they tell me. What do I know as I was knocked out the whole time. I woke up with my arm in a sling and some new holes in me. Bummer now is I'm supposed to wear the sling for 4-6 weeks and it doesn't hurt so I keep wanting to use my arm. Supposed to see the Dr. tomorrow to get the stitches out and see how it looks. I am hoping everything is at least on schedule so we shall see.
JJ
Problem I had was the surgeon's schedule did not fit with my plans. If I didn't get it done on the 16th I was going to be looking at mid to late May before he had an open slot to slice me up. Knowing that the usual rehab timeline is 6 months until a full return to action, I didn't want to push it out any further as I still have hopes of some early Fall riding in the woods.
With all of that to consider I opted to pass on the Inferno and go under the knife the day before the race was scheduled. The morning after surgery I woke up and saw that we got a dusting of snow. I checked the weather and saw that Pinkham Notch had gotten 10 inches overnight. That is the finish area for the bike leg of the race I was going to do that day. As I laid there I though I was pretty much OK with not doing the race on skinny tires with almost of foot of fresh snow while riding up a mountain pass.
The surgery went well so they tell me. What do I know as I was knocked out the whole time. I woke up with my arm in a sling and some new holes in me. Bummer now is I'm supposed to wear the sling for 4-6 weeks and it doesn't hurt so I keep wanting to use my arm. Supposed to see the Dr. tomorrow to get the stitches out and see how it looks. I am hoping everything is at least on schedule so we shall see.
JJ
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Knee Pain
Is it a sign of getting old or getting fat when your knees hurt after every ride?
That is my question of the day.
Good thing there is this thing called cold beer to ice down the knees!
Ride safe.
DEA
That is my question of the day.
Good thing there is this thing called cold beer to ice down the knees!
Ride safe.
DEA
Monday, April 19, 2010
Big Mama
They always say if you've got something that is hard to say that you should just come out and say it, so here it is- I love my Big Mama. Now before any of you go running to my wife and tell her I just called her "Big Mama" on the interweb, first understand I am talking about my new bike. And before you go running to my wife and telling her that I just said I loved my bike and didn't say that I loved her, well now you are just twisting up my words- so I'll clear that all up- I love you Karen. Here is her expression to all of that.
Now that that is all out of the way. I have fallen in love with squishy bits and geary changy bits once again. It is obviously part of my ongoing evolution (or de-evolution) as a rider- who knows, but I started out fully rigid geary (first mountain bike was a LL Bean Explorer built by Cannondale that had- get this, a Sun Tour MTB drive train on it), I then stayed rigid and bought a Specialied M2 Stumpjumper, which I loved. I eventually built an S-Works M2 Stumpjumper with a carbon FSX suspension fork (bought two- one for my then fiancee and one for myself, my then fiancee then married me and my then wife eventually became a mom and my then little child grew and that then little child is now 11 and rides that bike that was originally bought for my then fiancee 15 years ago- got all that?)Anyway I rode my S-Works until Miah at the Red Jersey told me that I was missing out on the dual squishy thing and I got myself onto a Kona Bear De-Luxe. I road that for a bit and then built up a Santa Cruz Blur. All was good in the land of squishy bits and gears, and then A1 got the bright idea of Single Speeds- so I pulled the trigger and bought a Gary Fisher Rig, I road that for about 8 months and then built up my Salsa El Mariachi- which I still own and love (although it is for sale- so much for love). I was now hooked on the 29er thing and the SS thing and the rigid thing- but I figured I should have a 29er hard tale with gears and front squish just so my quiver was balanced, so I built up a Salsa Mamasita. Well that biker rarely got ridden, so I converted it to a SS but left the Reba on there, it still didn't get ridden. So I bought a Origin 8 carbon fork like JJ did and then I fell in love with that bike. So that became the goto bike. All along I was getting older and living up to the "Weak and Feeble" mantra. To make a long story longer and to give it no real point, I saw the Big Mama and wanted to have a 29er dual squishy with gears- so now I have one.
It sat in the box for two weeks, then after being built say for another two weeks. Then CA and I headed over to North Conway a couple weeks ago for a shake down ride. It took me a solid hour to remember how to ride a bike like that, and at first I hated it- then the skies parted and light shone down on my brain and I got the knowledge. Unfortunately my legs were not as enlightened, but I was getting the feel once again. Then I took it out for a spin on the trails that need to be named, but that have been built (many of them) by CA in his spare time (I'm gonna miss him next year when he's off at college). I really started to get a good feel for the bike and started railing corners and making tech climbs in a way I haven't done in years on a SS. By the end of the ride I had fallen in love with the Big Mama.
For a moment I thought it meant I had gone soft, gone the way of gears and suspension. Then I realized that as long as I am still pedaling my own butt through the woods I haven't gone soft. However I did just see one of these:
and while I know that it really isn't trail ready I think it could make navigating the aisles of WalMart a bit more manageable.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Bike, where art thou
It's April. It's frickin' nice outside and I'm not out riding, grumble, grumble...
I've been having an interesting later winter/early spring- started with a torqued back that took me out of skiing and riding for a couple/three weeks. I nursed it back to partial health and had a great run of skiing for about two weeks. Was able to get in a bunch of days with K and the kids, a day at Wildcat with Webb, a day for just the adults in my house at Bretton Woods, and then capped it off with a weekend up at Sugarloaf with the family and the family of the notorious JJ. In that two week run the only real issue I had was a very fat head on Saturday morning of the Sugarloaf trick but that was due to some sneaky sneaking of full beer bottles into my hand until 3am by JJ. I'm all better now.
Then came Monday and I was stretching and doing push ups and something in my neck went all wrong. It's Friday now and I still feel like my head may just fall off, which I assume would be bad- although if I shot video of it with my phone and posted it before I blacked out it might make me the next interweb video clip sensation.
I'm wondering if I chaulk this all up to just getting old (if that is the case then getting old sucks), or if I should chaulk it up to being in piss pore shape and that I need to really start taking better care of my body. Hmmmm. I think we all know the answer- it must just be something in the water.
So there is my sob story. I am going to try and duct tape my head securly to my shoulders this weekend and get out for a ride, might even try to drag CA out for a bit and do my best to not showcase any bad influences. Temps are supposed to be in the 80's, so I'm guessing I won't need my winter shoes!
ride on
DEA
I've been having an interesting later winter/early spring- started with a torqued back that took me out of skiing and riding for a couple/three weeks. I nursed it back to partial health and had a great run of skiing for about two weeks. Was able to get in a bunch of days with K and the kids, a day at Wildcat with Webb, a day for just the adults in my house at Bretton Woods, and then capped it off with a weekend up at Sugarloaf with the family and the family of the notorious JJ. In that two week run the only real issue I had was a very fat head on Saturday morning of the Sugarloaf trick but that was due to some sneaky sneaking of full beer bottles into my hand until 3am by JJ. I'm all better now.
Then came Monday and I was stretching and doing push ups and something in my neck went all wrong. It's Friday now and I still feel like my head may just fall off, which I assume would be bad- although if I shot video of it with my phone and posted it before I blacked out it might make me the next interweb video clip sensation.
I'm wondering if I chaulk this all up to just getting old (if that is the case then getting old sucks), or if I should chaulk it up to being in piss pore shape and that I need to really start taking better care of my body. Hmmmm. I think we all know the answer- it must just be something in the water.
So there is my sob story. I am going to try and duct tape my head securly to my shoulders this weekend and get out for a ride, might even try to drag CA out for a bit and do my best to not showcase any bad influences. Temps are supposed to be in the 80's, so I'm guessing I won't need my winter shoes!
ride on
DEA
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Duathalon of sorts
Sunday we had the Cranmore Race Team end of the year cookout at Cranmore Mountain. Got to race a pro-style slalom course which was a lot of fun. Spring skiing was great but the warm temps of the last couple of weeks had taken it's toll on the mountain. After skiing with the family, and both my wife and oldest son winning their respective race categories we headed home.
On the drive home I was thinking about going for a ride. A friend had sent me a text about a mountain bike ride they took the day before and that the trails were in pretty nice shape. So I dug out the SS and headed out to Sticks & Stones which was in fine shape.
After a lap there I decided to go see what the Sidehill trail looked like. I anticipated some Ice on the climb up which was there but not that much for mid March. I walked those sections and when it was gone the trail was dry. Once I turned onto Sidehill I was surprised at how good it was. The ground wasn't spongy or soft at all.
I crossed the bridge without issue and then proceeded down the rest of the trail. Aside from a couple of blowdowns the trails were nice. I was amazed to be riding in mid 50's on dirt in March. Don't think I can recall doing that ever in NH. It has been raining since then so maybe it was a very small window of riding, but I was happy to shake the rust off this early.
Hard to beat a day of skiing and mountain biking. My kind of duathalon.
JJ
On the drive home I was thinking about going for a ride. A friend had sent me a text about a mountain bike ride they took the day before and that the trails were in pretty nice shape. So I dug out the SS and headed out to Sticks & Stones which was in fine shape.
After a lap there I decided to go see what the Sidehill trail looked like. I anticipated some Ice on the climb up which was there but not that much for mid March. I walked those sections and when it was gone the trail was dry. Once I turned onto Sidehill I was surprised at how good it was. The ground wasn't spongy or soft at all.
I crossed the bridge without issue and then proceeded down the rest of the trail. Aside from a couple of blowdowns the trails were nice. I was amazed to be riding in mid 50's on dirt in March. Don't think I can recall doing that ever in NH. It has been raining since then so maybe it was a very small window of riding, but I was happy to shake the rust off this early.
Hard to beat a day of skiing and mountain biking. My kind of duathalon.
JJ
Thursday, March 18, 2010
early miles
With surgery looming at the end of April and knowing that I won't be able to ride for quite some time after that I have been trying to get some riding in. The nice thing is that the weather for March has been very cooperative so far and very un-March like. Yesterday it was pushing 65 with a light breeze. The early morning ride was in the 20's so still a bit chilly. I was underdressed for my morning commute and overdressed for the ride home.
On the ride home something happened to me that I have never had happen before. I was rolling along as a State Trooper cruises past me. As I watch it pass it pulls to the side in front of me, I start to think "Is he pulling me over?" "I'm on a bike." I know it's St. Patty's day and all but I'm on a bike. Maybe he had informant in the bar I was in at lunch time.
I pulled up to his window and looked in to see that I knew the Trooper. I asked him if he was pulling me over, he laughed and said "Ya, on your bike" It was funny but he thought I was someone else. Either way we each went on our respective ways after a little laugh. I think it might have been funny trying to do field sobriety tests in road shoes in lycra. Its odd what runs through your mind when these sorts of goofy things happen.
JJ
On the ride home something happened to me that I have never had happen before. I was rolling along as a State Trooper cruises past me. As I watch it pass it pulls to the side in front of me, I start to think "Is he pulling me over?" "I'm on a bike." I know it's St. Patty's day and all but I'm on a bike. Maybe he had informant in the bar I was in at lunch time.
I pulled up to his window and looked in to see that I knew the Trooper. I asked him if he was pulling me over, he laughed and said "Ya, on your bike" It was funny but he thought I was someone else. Either way we each went on our respective ways after a little laugh. I think it might have been funny trying to do field sobriety tests in road shoes in lycra. Its odd what runs through your mind when these sorts of goofy things happen.
JJ
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
I felt that
Snuck out for a lunchtime spin yesterday, it turned into a ride that lasted for a weeks worth of lunches, but that was ok. Took the Chilli out as the roads are still in rough shape, that and I still haven't swapped out the stem on the Primero (stripped bolt on the face plate- three probably are enough but why risk it).
I ended up riding a route I've never ridden before, heading out around the big side of Moose Pond. The route had some awesome views, and much more climbing than I had thought it would have. Ended up with almost 1700 feet of climbing. Not that that is a lot, but at this point in the season I am not looking to climb!
I'm hoping that they do some work on the Mountain Road as the loop is nice, just not one I think I would want to run 23cc tires on. With that said I've been thinking about trying to find a pair of 27 or 28cc tires to run as my standard road tire. There are just too many crappy roads around here that 23's just seem a foolish choice. Plus I'm getting old and am looking for comfort!
On the Big Mama front, it's built and seems to fit. I need to dial in the boinging parts and I'm going to swap out the bars for a riser and then get a set of Ergon's for the love of my hands. I'm anxious to give it a go. It feels sluggish riding around, but that may be the fact I've been on a fully rigid bike now for a few years- any bit of give when riding around on pavement or grass feels sluggish- so I won't know until we go railing into some nice singletrack- soooooon!
That is it for now. Ride safe.
DEA
I ended up riding a route I've never ridden before, heading out around the big side of Moose Pond. The route had some awesome views, and much more climbing than I had thought it would have. Ended up with almost 1700 feet of climbing. Not that that is a lot, but at this point in the season I am not looking to climb!
I'm hoping that they do some work on the Mountain Road as the loop is nice, just not one I think I would want to run 23cc tires on. With that said I've been thinking about trying to find a pair of 27 or 28cc tires to run as my standard road tire. There are just too many crappy roads around here that 23's just seem a foolish choice. Plus I'm getting old and am looking for comfort!
On the Big Mama front, it's built and seems to fit. I need to dial in the boinging parts and I'm going to swap out the bars for a riser and then get a set of Ergon's for the love of my hands. I'm anxious to give it a go. It feels sluggish riding around, but that may be the fact I've been on a fully rigid bike now for a few years- any bit of give when riding around on pavement or grass feels sluggish- so I won't know until we go railing into some nice singletrack- soooooon!
That is it for now. Ride safe.
DEA
Monday, March 08, 2010
Build underway
Made the trip to Team Bikeman.com World HQ on Saturday to pick up a very large box. It was very large, requiring a bit of finagling in the ManVan AKA The Toy Box. I had not expected such a large box, but big wheeled bikes of the dual squishy kind require a fair amount of cardboard to cover them up.
In addition to picking up a new bike for me we also stopped at NAPA to pick up some new colors for Emma's bike. She'd been bugging me to paint her bike for awhile so we made it a date to get it done this weekend. Let me say that it took me a lot more time than I had anticipated and it didn't come out quite the way I had hopped, but it Emma was happy with it so she's off and digging her new color scheme (which reminds me an awful lot of the Cannondale road bike that is now hanging as a bare frame in JJ's basement).
With all the painting and stuff going on in the garage I didn't really dive into the build of the Big Mama until last night. I have to say builds these days aren't as much "fun" as so much of the build is done at the factory. Instead it's rechecking their work and making sure things are torques and greased, so more of a un-build then build. The exciting part is cutting all the giant zip ties and pulling off all the packing foam to reveal the bike. She sure is purrrrty.
It is strange looking at all the squishy and shifty parts on a mountain bike again. It's been a couple of years since I've spent any quality time on a mountain bike with gears and suspension, I hope I like it!
What will be interesting is to see the rotation in the fleet, what do I put the most time on? Hmmm, hard tellin' not knowin'.
A possible shakedown cruz this afternoon, we'll keep you posted.
DEA
In addition to picking up a new bike for me we also stopped at NAPA to pick up some new colors for Emma's bike. She'd been bugging me to paint her bike for awhile so we made it a date to get it done this weekend. Let me say that it took me a lot more time than I had anticipated and it didn't come out quite the way I had hopped, but it Emma was happy with it so she's off and digging her new color scheme (which reminds me an awful lot of the Cannondale road bike that is now hanging as a bare frame in JJ's basement).
With all the painting and stuff going on in the garage I didn't really dive into the build of the Big Mama until last night. I have to say builds these days aren't as much "fun" as so much of the build is done at the factory. Instead it's rechecking their work and making sure things are torques and greased, so more of a un-build then build. The exciting part is cutting all the giant zip ties and pulling off all the packing foam to reveal the bike. She sure is purrrrty.
It is strange looking at all the squishy and shifty parts on a mountain bike again. It's been a couple of years since I've spent any quality time on a mountain bike with gears and suspension, I hope I like it!
What will be interesting is to see the rotation in the fleet, what do I put the most time on? Hmmm, hard tellin' not knowin'.
A possible shakedown cruz this afternoon, we'll keep you posted.
DEA
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Spring?
It's late February and the snow is mostly gone. I'm in a weird place as I'm not sure I really had my fill of winter yet, but at the same time I'm not sure there is enough base out in the mountains to make more snow a worth while thing. Of course I also have to realize that I have very little say in the matter, other than how I react to any future storms.
Normally I get very excited for spring snow. It means great back country trips, good spring bumps, a few powder days, plenty of sun and snow. It's a good time. But right now I'm starting to think that riding in the woods could be very fun, but that requires a bit more melting and drying. So the mess with this whole thing is that the trails will not be clear anytime soon, and any snow we get won't do a whole lot for the BC skiing. Hmmmmm.
Of course I also just tore my back up again so I'm not skiing or riding at this moment, so maybe this is my chance to put in a few quality weeks in the gym getting my core into some semblance of shape.
Who knows.
In other news the Big Mama will arrive into the quiver at some point in the coming weeks/months. For that I am excited. I am looking at either selling the El Mariachi as a SS or converting into a Fargo wannabe. The challenge with that is that I have hydraulic disc brakes on the bike and would like to run a drop bar, like the Woodchipper, but not sure if I want to set up a cable actuated brake or run the hydro levers up on the flats- hmmmm.
If I did this I would do it because I could, not because I need this bike- but it could be a fun rig to have. The other option is to sell it. So if anyone is looking for a fully rigid 29er SS let me know and I can get you the details and we can talk price.
The other bike that may find a new home is my Surly Cross-check. Currently set up as a flip flop wheel so it can run either as a fixie or a SS. I love this bike, but I don't ride it very often and that makes me feel bad as it (and the El Mariachi) seem happiest when they are out on the trails or dirt roads. If anyone is looking for a 58cm steel cross frame that can be built up into any configuration you can think of let me know, if I know it'll get ridden I'm sure I could find a reasonable price to let it go at.
One other bike in the quiver that needs a new home is my wife's road bike. A Trek WSD 1.2 road bike. Since I built her a cross bike she really has no need for a regular road bike considering how often she rides. Meaning another bike that may need to find a new home.
That's about it in my world. Now get out and ride.
DEA
Normally I get very excited for spring snow. It means great back country trips, good spring bumps, a few powder days, plenty of sun and snow. It's a good time. But right now I'm starting to think that riding in the woods could be very fun, but that requires a bit more melting and drying. So the mess with this whole thing is that the trails will not be clear anytime soon, and any snow we get won't do a whole lot for the BC skiing. Hmmmmm.
Of course I also just tore my back up again so I'm not skiing or riding at this moment, so maybe this is my chance to put in a few quality weeks in the gym getting my core into some semblance of shape.
Who knows.
In other news the Big Mama will arrive into the quiver at some point in the coming weeks/months. For that I am excited. I am looking at either selling the El Mariachi as a SS or converting into a Fargo wannabe. The challenge with that is that I have hydraulic disc brakes on the bike and would like to run a drop bar, like the Woodchipper, but not sure if I want to set up a cable actuated brake or run the hydro levers up on the flats- hmmmm.
If I did this I would do it because I could, not because I need this bike- but it could be a fun rig to have. The other option is to sell it. So if anyone is looking for a fully rigid 29er SS let me know and I can get you the details and we can talk price.
The other bike that may find a new home is my Surly Cross-check. Currently set up as a flip flop wheel so it can run either as a fixie or a SS. I love this bike, but I don't ride it very often and that makes me feel bad as it (and the El Mariachi) seem happiest when they are out on the trails or dirt roads. If anyone is looking for a 58cm steel cross frame that can be built up into any configuration you can think of let me know, if I know it'll get ridden I'm sure I could find a reasonable price to let it go at.
One other bike in the quiver that needs a new home is my wife's road bike. A Trek WSD 1.2 road bike. Since I built her a cross bike she really has no need for a regular road bike considering how often she rides. Meaning another bike that may need to find a new home.
That's about it in my world. Now get out and ride.
DEA
Friday, February 12, 2010
Getting out for a ride with Chris
Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Untitled
Snuck out for a ride this afternoon with Chris and we hit up some of the local snowmobile trails. It was great to get out and made me realize I've been missing the boat this winter when I get out on the cross bike- the snowmobile trails are the place to be!
We ended up riding about 1/3 of the TWAFHGGPT route, and Chris finished much stronger than his last time out on some of these trails. We both hit the deck a couple times trying to make it across glaze ice, but no damage was done. The 29'er with Rampages was the tool- the only other bike I would have wanted would have been a pugsley. We even took a short spin out on the lake, just to say we did.
When we got back we did a quick wash down of the bikes and then I noticed that a package was on the front steps, it was my SRAM order. Sweet! The funny part was I couldn't remember what I had ordered- but then it dawned on me- a bunch of stems to keep working on fit, chains and cassettes and a new crank for K's cross bike.
In the end- a great day, started with a skin up and ski down over at Shawnee Peak where I ran into another skier I know on his first trip skinning up. A good day at work followed by a great "lunch" ride. Hmmmm how to cap the day off....
ride on,
DEA
Snuck out for a ride this afternoon with Chris and we hit up some of the local snowmobile trails. It was great to get out and made me realize I've been missing the boat this winter when I get out on the cross bike- the snowmobile trails are the place to be!
We ended up riding about 1/3 of the TWAFHGGPT route, and Chris finished much stronger than his last time out on some of these trails. We both hit the deck a couple times trying to make it across glaze ice, but no damage was done. The 29'er with Rampages was the tool- the only other bike I would have wanted would have been a pugsley. We even took a short spin out on the lake, just to say we did.
When we got back we did a quick wash down of the bikes and then I noticed that a package was on the front steps, it was my SRAM order. Sweet! The funny part was I couldn't remember what I had ordered- but then it dawned on me- a bunch of stems to keep working on fit, chains and cassettes and a new crank for K's cross bike.
In the end- a great day, started with a skin up and ski down over at Shawnee Peak where I ran into another skier I know on his first trip skinning up. A good day at work followed by a great "lunch" ride. Hmmmm how to cap the day off....
ride on,
DEA
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Utah trip
The NorthEast has been suffering through a very tough stretch of no new snow. We had a nice base but a few weeks ago we had a terrible day of warmer temps combined with 3 inches of rain. It decimated the snow cover to the point where it is looking more like April then February. To add insult to injury we have to watch the news and see places like Virginia getting storm after storm. They don't want the snow nor do they even have the capability to deal with the 3+ feet they have gotten and the next dump they are supposed to get later this week.
We want it and can't get it. (sounds like we have an issue)
With the snow drought I have made an escape from the iceball that is Hew Hampshire and head to Park City Utah for the week. So far we have skied/snowboarded three days.
The first day we spent at Solitude which is located about 13 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. We had gotten about 8" of fresh the night before so the riding was spectacular.
The next day we went to The Canyons. Only an inch of new snow but there was still some untracked pow in the trees, so that's where we went.
Yesterday we made the trek over to Snowbasin, the host of the alpine speed events for the 2002 Winter Olympics. It is an amazing place with really impressive views as well as top notch skiing. We were blessed with a bluebird day and skied from opening til close. Nothing like top to bottom skiing on 3,000 vert.
Today is an off-day for some recovery. Tomorrow we'll be back on the snow. Hope we get some fresh.
JJ
We want it and can't get it. (sounds like we have an issue)
With the snow drought I have made an escape from the iceball that is Hew Hampshire and head to Park City Utah for the week. So far we have skied/snowboarded three days.
The first day we spent at Solitude which is located about 13 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. We had gotten about 8" of fresh the night before so the riding was spectacular.
The next day we went to The Canyons. Only an inch of new snow but there was still some untracked pow in the trees, so that's where we went.
Yesterday we made the trek over to Snowbasin, the host of the alpine speed events for the 2002 Winter Olympics. It is an amazing place with really impressive views as well as top notch skiing. We were blessed with a bluebird day and skied from opening til close. Nothing like top to bottom skiing on 3,000 vert.
Today is an off-day for some recovery. Tomorrow we'll be back on the snow. Hope we get some fresh.
JJ
Monday, February 08, 2010
It Takes A Lot of Clothing
I wanted to get out for a ride yesterday. No big deal. The temps weren't crazy cold- upper teens lower 20's, but the wind was pretty strong. I didn't feel like being cold so I bundled up. It was a good ride, out for 75 minutes with a good chunk of climbing.
When I got back I started to strip down and as I did I started laughing. Take a look at this pic and you'll understand why. All this for one ride!
When I got back I started to strip down and as I did I started laughing. Take a look at this pic and you'll understand why. All this for one ride!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Super Weekend
Friday night we went to see High School Ski Jumping under the lights. It was awesome. I took a video clip with my phone which just doesn't do it justice. My 10yr old, D3 and I worked the jumping comp. as landing spotters to be able to let the officials know how far each jumper flew. We were about 6 feet from them as they either landed in front of us or flew past. What makes this even more cool is that I am told the New Hampshire is the last state in the Country that still has ski jumping in High School. A great Tradition for sure which I guess whichever school is the state champ can also lay claim to the title of National Champs as well.
Saturday we had some amazing weather for January in Pinkham Notch when my wife and I went to Great Glen Trails and took a skate-skiing lesson. We had a blast. You go so much faster than on classical skis. DEA can attest to my limited X-C skiing abilities but I found skating to be more intuitive and I liked the amount of speed you got for the effort you gave. I guess I have some more gear that I need to be on the lookout for. Maybe DEA has some in his garage??????
After 3+ hours of skiing we were wrecked. One problem with skating is once you are cooked there's no easy way to just shuffle along like you can do on classical gear. It's either skate or walk.
We left Great Glen and headed down from Pinkam Notch into Jackson where we stopped at the J-Town Deli where we had a wicked good lunch made fresh by the Anzaldi's who are very nice people and have some of the best food in the area. It's worth stopping in for lunch.
Sunday we had an early morning as D3 had a J5 Giant Slalom race at Wildcat Mountain. We lucked out again with a second bluebird day in Pinkham Notch. The skiing was great. The fresh snow earlier in the week had been expertly groomed into some fine cord. After a while it had broken up and we were just cruising around on the loosened up packed powder. Add temps in the low 30's and the sun and it was almost perfect. D3 had a descent first run in the GS race and was standing in 10th place. The times were pretty close together so that if he laid down a fast second run he could move up a few places. Unfortunately that was not to be. About a third of way into his run he ended up crashing onto his inside hip. It scrubbed all his speed but luckily he didn't have to hike or lose a ski. He got back up and finished the run but the fall had killed his shot at moving up and he dropped instead.
We tried to tell him that crashing is OK, (I've gotten pretty good at it) as long as you were giving it your all and having fun. Hope to have some pics up shortly as we had some awesome views of Mt. Washington and Tuckerman Ravine from Wildcat.
Too bad the forecast for today is 2 inches of rain with temps in the 40's.
JJ
Saturday we had some amazing weather for January in Pinkham Notch when my wife and I went to Great Glen Trails and took a skate-skiing lesson. We had a blast. You go so much faster than on classical skis. DEA can attest to my limited X-C skiing abilities but I found skating to be more intuitive and I liked the amount of speed you got for the effort you gave. I guess I have some more gear that I need to be on the lookout for. Maybe DEA has some in his garage??????
After 3+ hours of skiing we were wrecked. One problem with skating is once you are cooked there's no easy way to just shuffle along like you can do on classical gear. It's either skate or walk.
We left Great Glen and headed down from Pinkam Notch into Jackson where we stopped at the J-Town Deli where we had a wicked good lunch made fresh by the Anzaldi's who are very nice people and have some of the best food in the area. It's worth stopping in for lunch.
Sunday we had an early morning as D3 had a J5 Giant Slalom race at Wildcat Mountain. We lucked out again with a second bluebird day in Pinkham Notch. The skiing was great. The fresh snow earlier in the week had been expertly groomed into some fine cord. After a while it had broken up and we were just cruising around on the loosened up packed powder. Add temps in the low 30's and the sun and it was almost perfect. D3 had a descent first run in the GS race and was standing in 10th place. The times were pretty close together so that if he laid down a fast second run he could move up a few places. Unfortunately that was not to be. About a third of way into his run he ended up crashing onto his inside hip. It scrubbed all his speed but luckily he didn't have to hike or lose a ski. He got back up and finished the run but the fall had killed his shot at moving up and he dropped instead.
We tried to tell him that crashing is OK, (I've gotten pretty good at it) as long as you were giving it your all and having fun. Hope to have some pics up shortly as we had some awesome views of Mt. Washington and Tuckerman Ravine from Wildcat.
Too bad the forecast for today is 2 inches of rain with temps in the 40's.
JJ
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