PNW in CO

We headed up to higher ground today for a little adventure. Note:higher not drier

This is what we were greeted with when we reached our parking area today.


I gaze longingly at the start of the trail as we wait for the heavy stuff to stop falling. Soon enough, it slowed down and we set sail.


heading down the hallway


hail carpeted part of the landscape but it was tough to say when it actually fell.


Mining pollution is all too prevalent in CO but these signs are new for the 2009 season. I have no clue who went through the trouble to post these whacky signs or build this bridge but I have always thought is was a peculiar patch of earth so we stayed on the wood.


Jessica looking bewildered at how I made it over


wasting time as the rain sprinkled down


sometimes its better not to expose for shadows

A good time in the mountains despite the constant rain fall and it was nice to revisit one or two old friends who have been sleeping under blankets of snow all winter. I love that first track feeling you get as the trails open up for the first rides of the year. Hopefully next time we will catch a little break in the moisture and reach new heights!

peaks and valleys

up


down

"sweep the leg"

A 3 day weekend in the books. I was bummed that I did not get into the Growler but there is always next year, hopefully it went well for everyone in attendance. I doubt I would have made much of a showing but the course looks fun and I have never ridden there so it is officially on the list.

Despite the moisture, there was riding to be had this weekend as long as you were ok with getting a little damp and perhaps even down right violated by rain and hail. The last 4 day's rides all saw rain at some point but I would not give one ride back for anything...well maybe the attempt to bridge the gap to Shawn's house while in the sights of the nastiest storm of the week after 3 hrs at the Avery Tap Room wasn't the best idea but in the words of the Butthole Surfers, It's better to regret something you have done, than to regret something you haven't done. I played follow the leader and got served by the Cobra Kai of storms. Next time I lead and I care not who follows.

I put my Gore Bike Wear jacket to use this weekend and it's 75% off price tag has already paid me back in full as far as I am concerned.

I didn't pull the camera out much but maybe this week will prove more visual. If you are starving for some good photography, head to the Reed Photo Art gallery in Denver to see Matt Propert's show. I met Matt last winter and really like his work. He's a low key guy for sure and a talented one at that. He does not use photoshop which I find interesting in this day and age.

green trails lie ahead

got some time on your hands?

Do you want to work on your speed or just feel like throwing up? The Boulder Short Track Series begins tonight! Be prepared to suck in heaps of dust (unless you're in the lead the whole time) and ride at your limit! I have not done one of these in a few years but I know it's fast! I may try one or two this year on the 29er but not tonight. I am riding some trails this evening before the rains hit tomorrow.

cheers!

VOTE! then ride

I am late with this but get out and vote! One of Jessica's students made it to the finals of Doodle 4 Google, no time to explain... He did this on his own but if he wins, the school get's $25k for new computers and Sameek gets a nice scholarship. I don't know much other than it's good for the school, which struggles financially like every other public school. Go to the link, grades K-3 and Region 9 and vote for Sameek Das from High Peaks Elementary. Monday the 18th (today) is the last day to vote!

Finally, a weekend without ominous skies!


We decided to head down the road Sunday and hit some of the Buffalo Creek trail system as well as a piece of the CO trail. I was slacking in the photo dept but managed to snap a few off.

fun sections

A nice section of the CO trail awaits

this sign made me think of timmy in the land of enchantment

find the rider

Good times down there for sure. I would like to get back someday soon for to explore a few more of the trails we did not have time to ride. Happy Monday!

mmm yeah, I need to play catch up

You got that, right? Absent from the blog world lately but regaining control of the schedule.

I was saddened to hear of a very well known figure in MTB community passing on from this world recently. I was not lucky enough to know Anthony Sloan personally but there are many in the area who did. I have read several posts and comments on Anthony since his passing including kind words by EdE that have helped me understand and know a little about who Anthony was and how he touched the lives of many. My best to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Also, big Get Well Soon wishes out to Big Wheel Matt T who many know as one of the top endurance riders in the Rocky Mountain region and he does it all on one gear! Matt explains how his freak injury happened during 12hrs of MV on his blog. For someone with such a serious injury and the pain to go with it, he sure is maintaining a positive attitude. We'll keep turning the big wheels for you until you're back in the saddle buddy! Heal quickly.

So the riding has been fair given the wet weekends. The trails up high have not given up their wintry blanket easily this year but at least the air quality has been better. One thing about the front range that I could do without is our red air quality days. It is and was really noticeable this winter during our warm spell as it is during the summer. I had a strange cough for a few weeks during that warm spell that made me feel like I smoked the Camels, nasty indeed! It really makes me want to move off the front range one day.

Getting some trail when I can and road when I can't, nah mean?

Happy animals loving the cool wet spring. The thought of napping with these guys for a bit was inviting but I needed to press on.

Hit the combo of trails the other day. Heil to rocky rock to small ranch and back. Been liking the bigger gear on the SS lately and I will like it even more when I can get up in the real mountains. Can't wait until they are in the wake of spring and the higher trails open. I have been meaning to get down to Buffalo Creek one afternoon for a change of scenery as well.

Hit the climb to Ward yesterday evening under cold gray skies and a light spitting rain, perfect actually as I was offered up lovely Friday solitude broken only by the usual after work freak Wardo drivers going 65 in a 35 back up and buzzing intentionally close. It is no secret most of them hate cyclists but I still love them! I knew it was going to be cold up there but I needed to get something in with my limited time so I kept a quick pace. I tied a personal best to the water hose if not nipped it a bit then descended back through the cold to climb back up and over to town. I saw only one other guy up there, a familiar junior mtn pro heading up to a secret little climb that very few attempt. The kid is dedicated and talented.

Hopefully there will be a few good photos to post from the weekend rides. Cheers and happy trails!

Rain on tap

If it rains anymore, I will need one of these.

The weekend came and went as usual and like the last 5, it precipitated quite a bit. One good thing about the weather was that heaps of work has been done at the garden due to less bike time. We even double dug a serious potato area which I am excited about. I am a little behind but this next week will prove quite productive with everything prepped and ready to go. I have a great selection this year and can't wait to see it in motion.

Not all was peachy this weekend though. One thing that really caught us off guard was the Growler registration. We are now on some hail mary waiting list in case registered racers back out...weak sauce indeed but who knows, we may make it yet.

With peanut butter laden trails offering nothing after almost 3 days of rain. We hit the road for a spin today.

This stream usually is nothing more than a slow shallow tributary to the St Vrain.

The trees decided not to wait for the sun and have started to do their thing.

Doesn't everyone walk their lama and their dog at the same time? Had to shoot from the hip on that one so sorry if it is blurred.
Happy Monday to you all!

just because i'm bored

Warning:language not safe for children...say what?


This weather is great if you're an outdoor plant.

credit to dk for bringing the GI Joe psa remixes to my attention