BBBUUURRRR

Wow, it is cold in Bend right now. Old Man winter has struck with a Heavy fist. No snow in town,but the mountain has enough snow for my Big bro to hit the slopes for a few turns. Went for a ride yesterday with Big J and my Bro.BBBUUURR it was fuckin' cold. Well, if I had one more layer it would have been OK. It takes so much longer for my Engin to warm up when its that cold.We still got 17 good miles in. Went to the Black Friday sale at Pearl Izumi. Picked up about $800 of layers for Brett and my self for about $275. What a savings. All the gear/clothes worked great. Thanks to LGB for the heads up on the gear. Having the right gear for riding is always important.Having someone cry on a great ride because of the wrong gear sucks. Wow just heard from Pinkus that one of her friends passed away from a heart attack.Big time cyclist,rode in the RAAM and bing- lights out! My thoughts go out to his wife and kids. Just sucks that another one bites the dust.

Viva Las Vegas

So I went Las Vegas for my Birthday and had one of the most enjoyable 10 day vacations ever.First, I have to thank all the people that made this birthday that much more memorable than all the rest.Except for the first one of course(thanks Mom).Well Mom was as big a part of this one as she was in the making of the first one.She traveled the entire trip via the inter-webs and a ton of phone calls.Next, my big Bro Brett for not only picking me up and dropping me off, but just allowing me the opportunity to go on the trip.Next would be Germy and Adam.If it weren't for Germy and Adam I would have not had such great company and riding partners in Flagstaff and Sedona,Az.Next would have to be Carey,LGB's older sister.She came up to Sedona and kept me company for a couple of hours.She also showed me around Slide Rock state park in Sedona.Next the gang at High Mesa Bikes in Gallup,Nm.They were super friendly and helpful about the trails in the area.Next would be Big Al from Big Al's Cyclery in Durango,Co.She was grinding up the Colorado trail in Durango and let me bust out the Best ride of the whole trip.Pinkus is next.She lives in Vail and is a long time friend of Matty and myself.Morgan,the man who built the Gooseberry Mesa trail,for giving me the personally guided tour of his wonderful back yard- Zion Nat. Park.Last would again have to be Carey.She flew up to Vegas for my last night of vacation.She had never been to Vegas and just had to come.We went to the Stratosphere and road the spinning throw-up ride.Over 1000 feet above the sandy grit of Vegas.Well, now that I am back at home, I can not wait to make my next trip the South West.Next time Big J and my Bro will have to make the trip with me.

Bend's Dirty little Secret

So the trails here in Bend could not have been any better yesterday.We started our ride at 10:45 and finished three and a half hours later.WOW it was just what we all needed.I leave for my Birthday trip to the 4 corners plus some on Thursday and really needed a good ride to kick it off before I box up the Engin.It was a little chilly start but warmed up nicely.Big J was ridin' awesome as usual.Brett my bro went out hard and faded fast,but it didn't matter.He finished the 29 mile loop.Just a year ago he could not do 10.Way to rock the shite outa that ole Trek 8500LT.So if y'all want to ride in Bend come in the Fall October or early November.Trails are rocking right now.Cold at night so the moisture leaks out as it warms up.Lighting through the trees is almost as good as it gets.Go early to beat the Shoe-Bees on there brand new R.E.I. bikes with toe clips and strap's 3 miles from the car ,in their winter parka's,over heating on the side of the Phil's trail pondering "Why the hell did I marry you.You trying to kill me?".Good to see them out there exercising though.Pics from Big J are coming as soon as he gets the interwebs back up at his "Big J's Compound".