Brown House

There used to be a brown house sitting here.  I have no idea what it was ever used for.  This is now a parking spot for moto heads using the ANF, it's right next to the bike path along side Silver Lake Rd.  I wonder how many people remember it being there?  Back when I was riding moto it was common to meet "at brown house" for a ride.  We even had monthly club hare scrambles just down the road.

Testing, Testing

I unloaded the clay bike at Trout Pond trail head a couple of weekends ago to do my LT test.  The test itself isn't much fun but I do enjoy the ride down to Bloxham Cutoff and back.

Oh yea, they call that trail the GF&A.  It used to be a railroad when Helen was an active town.  Now it's just good spot to listen to the wind blow.

After completing the test I rolled back up to the pond and sat on the dock for a while.  

I love days like these.

A Trend?

I skipped the Urban Gorilla ride this past Sunday.  Just as I had bowed out on a group clay ride Saturday.  I did go with a group on a MTB ride instead of the clay ride, so that was kind of sociable.

I am beginning to see a trend.  Less group rides, more time on the bike alone.  I could use some more friends but you wouldn't know it by the way I avoid people.

Anyhoo, I'm in the first week of Build, Peak, Race.  Since the OMTP is not very flexible it doesn't yield itself to social rides (see above) but I do enjoy my solitary time at Forest Meadows.  Zone 4 and zone 5 intervals coming up from the lake on a cold winter afternoon makes me smile.  It really is a perfect place to ride.  Especially with Overstreet right across the street.  Throw in the trails that are orange and it gets even better.

I have managed to get a little more comfortable with Red Bug clockwise.  This route includes the rock climb, rooty route, and the climb after the long bridge.  All of these challenge me in some way.  My goal is to get really comfortable with these sections and be able to ride them with confidence.

Our group MTB ride on Saturday took place in the forest.  Munson and Gold Mine were in perfect shape.  Gold Mine is my second favorite trail system.  I really appreciate the woods elf that takes care of it.  After hunting season I'll hit the trails to the south of 305, maybe get in some 40 mile days.  We had a good group and I enjoyed the company.

For some reason my weight is up 2 pounds over my average for the past couple of weeks.  I don't think I've changed my eating patterns.  I wonder what's going on.

I was looking at the pictures of the 60+ class at cross nats last week.  Damn those guys look fit.  I have something to aspire to.  I wonder if they eat the whole bowl of chips at the Mexican restaurant?  Not that I do.

A Bad Idea

I am circling around the idea of a dual sport motorcycle.  Big Jim started this fantasy while we were eating oysters and drinking beer (something else those 60+ guys don't do).  I need one like I need a hole in the head...... but.  When would I ride it?  Cycling takes up so much of my time.  Still, it intrigues me.

Longer Days

Finally getting daylight back for my evening rides.  I don't even take the light with me anymore.  I need to work in some clay rides to get my butt used to 5 hours saddle time since the Dirty Pecan is coming up in a few weeks.

Older

Yep, in a few weeks I'll turn 62.  I was supposed to be retiring with a huge pension right about now.  My how things changed.  No complaints though.  I'm just damn glad to be here.