3 day wknd

Went for the classic.

We rolled into the outskirts of moab mid morning Saturday. Knowing the popular trails would be mobbed, we picked a couple trails off the map, and the beaten path, that we had never ridden. We found a great overlook and we did not see a single person on the trails.

There is just so much.


Wide open.

We saved Porcupine for Sunday knowing many rode it the day before. The town itself was crowded due to a car show but we stayed outside the madness and timed the rides perfect. We saw maybe 20-25 people total on Porcupine Rim which was great since I have not done this ride in 8+yrs. We set off just north of town and rode to the trail. Slick Rock was a junk show of course but once we got up the road, it was quiet and warm.

PR is just so much better when you ride from town.


Not a bad view. The descent was incredible, technical and fun! A couple full sus guys went down at different times around us while foolishly trying to plow through tech sections without actually choosing a line. It was funny and eventually we broke clear of the tomfoolery and it was smooth sailing.
Got back to town, ate a sandwich and headed east to Fruita.

Made it to Rd 18 for an excellent loop and just after the Fat Tire Fest crowd had shoved off, perfect timing.

sunset beer

The next day we hit several of the offerings in the sunshine while the front range was under cold dark skies.

We we were just riding along those hill tops moments before

I love it when a plan comes together.

and it was good

The Amstel Gold, another long one day classic road race, was a great distraction Sunday morning while the day warmed. An extremely strong finish and fine show. The classics are coming to an end.

Pancakes, coffee, and chores also happened while the race played. Soon, I was pumping up the skinny tires for a little road ride of my own. The trails were beyond wet after 3 days of constant rain and snow so the blacktop was the only option. I headed out into the beautiful fresh sping air without any real agenda.

Jamestown got a little snow of it's own. I knew this would be tricky with all the melted snow and new sand and indeed it was. On the climb, I eyed the corners of my soon to be descent to see how the sand could potentially play tricks on my 110lbs of pressure. The sand usually lines up from the cars but recent water can move the sand and close you out with devastating consequences.

There was a good bit of water running across the road up near town and sure enough, in the 3rd or 4th real corner of the descent, I came up on a crash. A woman had gone down and was not looking so happy. I was told all was good as they loaded her into someone's car and I proceeded with caution.

I headed north and spun loops by rolling muddy green fields through the moist air. Animals and plants alike seemed to be rejoicing in the spring weather. Melting snow gave way to green grass and you could tell the change was truly here.

This young one had it's head through the fence eating moments earlier proving that humans are not the only ones who think the grass is always greener. I'm not sure what he would have thought of Damian Hirst's cow in formaldehyde I saw a day earlier and in fact, I am still unsure what I think of it. I had a hard time looking away, I know that much.

Got a little dirt in today out east just for the mental. It was a very nice evening to say the least.

So, we are going to try and head west again this weekend, only this time we may go straight to Moab for Sat and Sun and if I can score Mon off, we can have a little Fruit for dessert. We want to avoid the festival of fat tires and hopefully hit the area after the crowds disperse.


Tried this beer tonight. Hercules dbl IPA from Great Divide Brewing out of Denver. I found it interesting that the only awards they boasted on it's label were won in Australia... Anyway, its not bad but a bit malty for me. Malt is great if you're talking Whoppers or those Robin Eggs you get at Easter but it can quickly become a wet blanket on the hops. Until next time.

things to do in denver when it rains

Our plan to run under the storm Friday afternoon and try make it to Fruita for the weekend conjured up some old memories. Needless to say, we never left the house and some of those who did that afternoon, spent several (5-7) hrs on a closed highway only to be redirected to a shelter for the night.

Anyway, almost racing into the snow storm had me thinking of a day at sea when I was a young boy and I learned that mother nature reined supreme. I grew up near the water on the east coast and the open water was a big part of my life from NY to MD. I remember one fishing trip in particular on the Chesapeake Bay. I was with my father when a storm rolled in hard and fast while we were on the open water. We were cornered into making the only move that many on the open sea are often forced to make in such a check position. That choice is to run directly into the storm. The obvious reason is, you have a much better chance of taking heavy seas head on as opposed to being rolled over while hastily running towards the light. This was the first time my dad had handed me a life vest and told me to put it on with nothing but grave look of concern and a, shit already hit the fan tone of voice. Several waves came over the bow of our 25 footer that afternoon but luckily, none of them held her down. I was scared shitless needless to say but when you make it out the other side of something like that and you realize you got the straight up from an elder, it's a pretty cool feeling. Much respect.
I digress, we stayed on the front range and blew Saturday away in Denver. Is was fun, inspiring, and unusually rainy. Sometimes I miss being near a city but most of the time I just enjoy the trails.


the museum of contemporary art

famous pizza, the best slices around

the used book store

back in time

We then went home and I tried a new beer. A little on this IPA, this was recommended by the "beer expert" at Bottles. Now, Imperial IPA is a favorite of mine so I thought I would give it a try after his rave review during which he compared it closely to Maharaja. I normally would have furrowed my brow at someone who so haphazardly juxtaposed this $4.99 per pt bev next to the mighty Maharaja but I figured what the hell, I will give it a try. First impressions of the Green Flash Brewing Co. Imperial IPA put it in the true imperial category. Some brewers double hopped or imperials leave much to be desired. This is a super hoppy beer though with a fine piney finish. According to the brewer, this is brewed like a "San Diego style IPA" which in turn (I assume) was influenced by the British Empire style. Either way, a great new find and a good fill in for the seasonal Avery greatness I am so fond of. They also have a West Coast IPA that is rumored to be exceptional. Fine beer is much like wine, which I also enjoy. That said, I am pleased that I was able to find this offering from the hop gods and will revisit it again soon. Highly recommended for sure.

Classics

"...they plowed a dirt road, flew over it with a helicopter, and then just dropped a bunch of rocks out of the helicopter! That's Paris-Roubaix. It's that bad - it's ridiculous." Chris Horner

The Roubaix tomorrow morning! My favorite classic happens in 6 hrs and I will be up early watching it (a good bit of it anyway) live on the cycling tv website. The classics are the best of the Pro road race season IMO. Flanders was really good last Sunday and for the first time, I was able to watch the "real" highlights from Gent-Wevelgem which took place on Wednesday. The attrition rate rises with every mile on the cobbles and Paris-Roubaix clocks around 165miles with 27 sections of cobblestones to rattle the teeth. Looks like a chance of rain too, all the better for a true classic. Big George needs to get out there and at the very least, let it hang out on the front just to make a statement if not for all the glory. Boonen, Devolder, an Ital like Quinziato or someone with Van in their name are probably top pics but I'm hoping Hincapie can show up. One day Leif Hoste will show back up too. As for Hincapie, none of this tomorrow, 06 crash I couldn't believe that one even while I watched it happen... that commentary reminds me, hopefully you all know Peter Van Petegem, that Belgian was tough as nails.

OK, enough about the Roubaix. Riding here has been good and Belgian like on certain days, which I like. Cool to cold, cloudy, maybe a little wet, I can dig that on the road but you can keep the wind. Mountain has been up and down with the weather. The stall on the new frame plans has me tapping my foot but all will end well I'm sure. I rode with Foghat during feb and march so hopefully that serves me well for the handful of events I hope to complete this year. Which reminds me, the Iron Horse or Growler? I know others are wrestling with this. The Iron Horse is the only "road race" I would do and I first heard about it back in the mid 90's but the Growler is calling!

At the Velopress 75% off sale last month, I grabbed a GORE rain riding jacket for $45 and DVD of the Coors classic and Red Zinger races from the late 70's to mid 80's for $15. Now, I had no idea Alexi Grewal was such an emotional ass but I also had no idea how great Davis Phinney really was until I watched these DVDs. The guy could really win some sprints.

Found this today, can you guess where?

That's right, Stan left that in my front tire from last year. Coral reef or tire sealant?

The beer has caught up to me, time for bed. See you tomorrow for coffee and cobbles, peace

Busy

Life has been full speed lately. Riding, work, life, etc. I have a post I started last week but it will have to wait as it's dated at this point. I'll give it another go in a day or two. Until then, enjoy life.