Birthday Fun

So, I am about to turn 35. On a rare day for October, I headed to Lake Hope for a couple of hours of singletrack to celebrate (have not been on a trail since the Farmhand XC). About 20 minutes into my 30 minute drive, after going through swarms of lady bugs, I hear a loud bang followed by a burnt smell. I thought I had run over something and was expecting to have a flat tire.... on the car. Hmmm, car still drives fine, oh well. Get to the lake and drop the bike off the rear rack. Wait, the front tire was fine when I left home, how did it go flat on the car? Downfall of a 29er I guess, the tire was a little too close to the exit of the muffler. It literally melted through the sidewall of the tire, even melted the rim strip. No riding today. Killed a few more lady bugs on my way back home.

Thought I would salvage the afternoon and take the Jamis out for a dash down the back roads. Nope, flat tire on the rear. Found a small piece of wire through the tire tread and a hole in the tube.

Played guitar instead.

Ohio Pawpaw

The Ohio Pawpaw festival was held on Sat. at Lake Snowden in Albany. It is a rather organic festival with local food, music, and organizations. With a focus on the pawpaw, there is a wide variety of dishes, from pawpaw pancakes, pawpaw chili, pawpaw popsicles, and even pawpaw soda and beer. Started the day with the Double Nickel, a 55 miles road ride around SE Ohio. Had to opt for the 22 mile option as Ethan had two soccer games. Still, a great fall day for a ride and some pawpaw pop.

I disappoint myself once again...

The Bob Evans Farmhand XC race was held yesterday (Sun. 13th). I went down to the farm on Friday evening and the trail was already marked. I rode the full lap. Some very tight and technical areas. Some steep climbs (even a couple uphill switchbacks). Felt decent.

Sunday: arrived to register about 10:30a. Decided to race in the expert class. Two laps, about 20 miles. I knew I would be last, but heck, get my money's worth and stay out of the sport class mayhem. Followed the back of the expert field from the start into the woods. Wasn't a 1/2 mile before I was mobbed by the front of the sport class. Not much stagger in the start.

A couple climbs and I was feeling it. Half way through I had to pull over. Energy level seemed fine. I drank fluids all morning so I wasn't dehydrated. I even used a Camelback for drinking. My stomach hurt like I had been running the 400m in high school. My head was pounding. Made it through the first lap after letting a beginner rider pass me. An extra 9 miles sounded like a bad idea and I pulled out.

Big DNF.

Not sure how I always manage to blow it on race day. 23 miles at Lake Hope and I felt good. 55 miles at the Quilt barn and I felt good. 10 miles on Friday at BEF and I felt good. Race day = feeling bad. Stomach still hurts a bit today.

Singletrack Vacation

After a couple of long weeks at work, I was able to take my one day summer vacation. Loaded the Redline up and headed out to Lake Hope. After having a "classy" HD rider drive over the rumble strips at me on the road a week ago, and then having a dog try to bite Ethan on the bike path last Sunday, I was pretty well sick of people. Spent 23 miles, by myself, on Lake Hope's single track. Saw a couple deer and a bunch of squirrels. Great day, I needed it.

Race to the Hills - Lake Hope

Ethan and I Raced our first MTB race, Race to the Hills at Lake Hope State Park. Ethan entered the kids race, 3.5 miles of some road and trail. He did great, placed 3rd overall and 1st in his age group, 31 minutes. He was really excited, especially when they gave out the awards... a set of orange Oury grips for his red/black G-F.

I entered Sport - Vet class. Little did I know this would be the largest class and they would start the full sport men's division at one time. The start area was packed. 15 meters into it, a crash in front of me put me to the back of the pack. Once into the woods, it seemed I could not get my rhythm as somebody was always stopping to climb. Must be due to being in a big pack. I was not able to get out of the pack, could not get a drink of water (note to self: get a Camelback). I finally just pulled off the course to drink and get out of the group. I was much faster after this as I could ride at my normal pace. Official time - 1:46:46.9 for 16 miles. I have done better on the same loop riding by myself, but I did finish and did not finish last. I am a little disappointed in my time and the race, but at least I got my first race under my belt.

The LUV Handles were great, perfect sweep. Thanks again Rody!

Groovy Day

Work has been overwhelming at times. But I did manage to talk to Rody at Groovy Cycles today. Ordered a set of Groovy Luv Handles and they will be here Friday! Rody is the real deal. I really hope that I can stop by his shop or visit one of the races he sponsors.

Thanks Rody!

Speaking of races, OMBC at Lake Hope this Sunday.

Quilt Barn Ride

Did the Athens Co. Quilt Barn Ride. Beautiful day, cool temps, lots of riders. The optional 26 mile loop was a little lonely though. Finished at Boogie on the Bricks with some BBQ. Congrats to Bob West for winning the Peletonia entry. Thanks to Athens Rotary and Athens Bicycle for a great day.