Devil's Backbone, Bueno!

A whole crew of us headed north today to Devil's Backbone. The weather turned mild down lower today and the sun was shining and with the recent wind we knew DBB would be our best option for some fun on dirt. I've been riding alone lately so it was a really nice change of pace to get out with some friends today.

Paige, Dave, Randy, JimiJames, Me, Craig and Glenn.

Paige climbing the first serious hill, this picture really shows you the geography of the area with the Backbone in the background. Very lovely and wide open spaces, dry and desert like, I'm sure it roasts in the summer.

Time for a short break by the Cottonwood.

Taking the winter loveliness in at the top of Indian Summer and I don't just mean the boys.

Paige climbing Indian Summer on her Moto Lite.

Glenn cleaning a crux move on his sweet Titus El Guapo! Bueno!

Mr. JimiJames SSing it!

Dave cleaning the crux as well! He had an awesome blow out on his front tire earlier in the ride, wish I had gotten a picture, it sounded like someone decked and his tube was huge as it broke the tire away from the rim! That was a first!

Me clearing the crux but alas I'm making yet another goofy face..

Paige and Dave heading back..

We had great weather and it was a lot of fun spending the day with friends, being goofy, joking around and playing. I'm getting more and more used to my fork, it felt awesome. I felt like I rode well, as did everyone, clearing mostly everything. As Glenn would say Bueno!

Big Chocolate Love!

Craig can't quite fit his Giant Chocolate Bar in his nightstand!
I guess we'll have to put some of it in mine...hehehehe..

Boxing Day Ride

Craig and I decided to get out for a little winter riding on Boxing Day. Enough holiday food and sitting about watching movies and the like, it was time to get back outside for something other than a hike.
Today was colder and a little windy, maybe 35 degrees but the sun was out and I for one needed to get out and spin my wheels. So we bundled up and headed to Picture Rock in Lyons, a good winter ride. Craig also has some new trail shoes and some flat pedals he wanted to try out. We knew we would have snow packed and icy trail conditions but it would make an ordinary ride a lot more fun and adventuresome for us. The trail was deserted except for seeing one hiker, we had the place to ourselves. As we pedaled up and started heading south the wind abated and it actually started to feel pretty warm. The snow pretty much disappeared in the trees but there was still a lot of it around.

Craig excited to try out his new trail shoes!

Me Climbing Up the Snowy Trail, which was also Icy in Places, but Good Traction Over All.

Craig and the View looking Down the Valley North, it was Very Quiet out there Today.

The Car and The Bike.

Craig and I on Wild Turkey.

I couldn't decide which Picture to Post so I put them both up.

A Lovely Winter Afternoon Ride with my Craig, descending Back down the Trail, We had a Nice Ride. Now it was Time to get some Take Out and Head Home for a Delicious Hot Shower.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas to All Those Far and Near!

Holidaze..

The following was sent to me by a friend in regard to the stress so many of us feel during the holiday season!

As the holidays approach quickly and potential stressors give rise to both joy and a sense of overwhelm, I want to share some words of advice from Jeffrey Brantley, M.D., Director Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program at the Duke Center for Integrative Medicine:

Holiday activities can add stress in many ways. For example, there are likely to be more things to do, more disruptions of your usual routines of life, more disturbances of rest and sleep, and changes in what you eat and drink. While many of these are enjoyable, they can take a toll on body, mind, and spirit. And don't forget "time stress". This is the feeling of never having time enough to do what is needed, is often experienced as a restlessness and uneasiness, and may appear as legs or feet shaking vigorously as if to say "Hurry up, let's go" to the rest of the body.

What can you do to gain freedom from this seemingly endless round of busyness?

· Take time each day to stop and to be present with yourself and life, just as it is. For example, for 5 minutes 4 times a day, stop and practice "being" instead of doing. Bring attention to the sensations of your own breath and body and allow them to flow naturally as you simply pay kind attention to the experience. See the exercise at the end of this article for more instructions. Practice for longer periods than 5 minutes if you wish.
· Give yourself time each day for rest and play. You may need to schedule this, just as you would schedule a meeting or a lunch date with a friend. Also, learn to use the time you are waiting for something or someone as "free time." Practice being mindful and connecting and being present through paying gentle attention during these times.
· Give yourself permission to say "no" to invitations, or to leave events early. This will result in more time and flexibility for you. It also leads to a feeling of being back in control of your life.
· Look for ways to simplify your life, not only during the holidays but afterwards as well. For example, review your holiday patterns of gift giving, card sending, or party going. Look for ways to simplify without losing the essence or meaning of what you are doing. Apply similar review to other aspects of your life. Be willing to let go of anything that is no longer important or meaningful for you.
· Above all, have kindness and compassion (a little "holiday spirit") for yourself. Especially when you don't do things "perfectly." Or you forget to do any of the above or anything else you meant to do.

Remember, inner peace exists outside the domain of time. Learn to connect and "be" with what is here. This will lead you to dwell more in your own inner stillness regardless of the outer circumstances. As you do that, you will surely be "home for the holidays."

Have a warm and wonderful holiday!

The Christmas Tree

Today was COLD, we received about 4 inches or so of fresh new powder over night and it didn't really get above 0 degrees at our house today, that's right ZERO, brrrrr. So we decided to cut our tree today and set it up. I wasn't sure I wanted a tree this year, I'm missing my Mom something fierce and wasn't sure I could muster the energy it takes to cut, set up and decorate a tree which I normally enjoy doing. But then I know my Mom would want me to, she'd understand how I feel but she would want me to have a tree and celebrate even just a little for her. So we did.

The loveliness of winter in the mountains.

Craig and Randy cutting "the" tree down, it was getting crowded out anyway.

Bringing 'er down the hill.

Pretty.

Ringcicle.

Me and the sweet little tree.

Mostly decorated and set up. Here's to you Mom, wish you were here!

Saturday Mornin' Ride

For the last three Saturday's I've had the pleasure of riding with Ms. Emma, today we mixed it up a bit and added our significant others Scott and Craig. We met at Hall Ranch in the morning and had a virtually empty Boulder County Open Space trail to ourselves on a Saturday, can you believe that? Plenty of sun warmed our ascent yet a stiff wind would come and go for the entire ride. Wind is my least favorite element to ride in, it really seems to suck my physical and mental energy away. However it's that same sun and wind that dried the trail nicely since the last snow, however the lolli was a mix of packed snow, dry dirt and some mud, any more mud and the lolli would be out of the mix for riding, but for us it was delightful.

Getting Ready to Go! Ooh, and I got to wear some cute new socks I found in my sock box.

Emma Kicking It!! Scott and Emma both ripped it up on their new Motolites!

I must be working hard, just look at my face, oh god!
(Emma, picture credit)

Ms. Emma.

Scott Hydrating!

Craig Soaking in the Sun!

It was a fun ride, good climbing, good descending, nice to be outside knowing that tomorrow begins a period of intense cold weather for us, I think the high is supposed to be 18 degrees in Boulder tomorrow, brrrrr. After the ride we had some repose at Emma and Scott's sitting in the sun and having some tasty soup. Not too many actions shots but heh, we were too busy ridin'. Yea, for Saturday Mornin' Rides!

6 Things About Me..

Kim tagged me on a post that is going around in regard to 6 things that people may not know about you..so I gave it my best, thinking at first it would be difficult to think of anything but as I wrote more things came up and I found that I had to limit myself to just 6..funny how that works.

1. I can be scared shitless at times.
2. I can be quite fearless at times.
3. I used to rock climb all the time and got pretty good until my tendons wore out.
4. I've been to more than one Rainbow Gathering in my long ago past, Ha!
5. I like to read US magazine at times..don't you judge me!
6. I love a really nice pair of designer jeans!

I'll tag anyone who may feel like doing this, I invite you to run with it and let me know so I can read your post!

Ridin' and Stuff

We have managed to get some snow in the last week and then have it all melt in our freaky ass confused weather we've been having. The pictures in this post go from winter to spring time...

Emma and Me
(Emma, photo credit)

Rode Picture Rock again with Emma on Saturday. The trail was frozen snow and then wet dirt in the trees with a few mud puddles, not bad and really pretty. Though I had a mechanical with my right pedal that I could not repair on the trail so I had to ride out from Wild Turkey with basically one pedal to clip into and a clump of metal as my other pedal, not fun and very strenuous actually. Riding in the snow was strenuous as well, more so than when it's dry, had to use a lot of upper body to balance through slick sections, etc. I was exhausted when I got home.

Sun and Snow.
(Emma, photo credit)

Craig and I decided to huddle up in bed and watch a Christmas movie, an old one called The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant, David Niven and I can't remember the women's name but it's a good movie. I have a pretty good Christmas collection of movies...I'm sappy that way.

Sunday Crew

(Kim, Photo Credit)

Sunday morning was lazy until I spent an hour cleaning and tuning my bike, had to get it ready for my afternoon ride with Cynthia, Kim, Dan, Liz, John, Megan, Carrie, Arianna and Tracy, whew....I think that was it, a group of really nice folk. We met at Kim and Dan's house and headed out to the Nobo trails for some dry trail riding. The sun had come out and it was down right warm today. It was fun to ride and chat with everyone, people I knew and those I hadn't met yet. It turns out that Carrie and I are both from Northern Virginia originally and we were both born in the same hospital, Sibley, in Washington, DC, three years apart, how crazy is that, small world.

Me with the Flatirons in the background.

(Kim, photo credit)

Everyone else headed to the Rio afterwards, I would have liked too but planned on having dinner with Craig and his brother Randy. He made Chicken Enchiladas, mmmmm.
Good weekend, good people, good times..and I'm good and tired tonight.

Picture Perfect!

It was just Emma and myself out for the first winter like ride of the season. We chose Picture Rock up to Wild Turkey as our ride. Snow in the area over night changed trail plans for the day and since Emma lives right by Picture Rock she said it looked ready to go and she was right, it was perfect. Couldn't ask for a nicer day to be riding there, no crowds, saw only 4 other riders and the trail was in top notch condition, no mud just nice and tacky. So we bundled up and headed out, a fun ride with a good friend, can't beat that with a stick.

Emma and Me about to head out.

Trailage early on. It was solid, no mud just tacky, just right.

No Disco Allowed!

Emma taking a quick picture break.

Emma's snug little house above the valley floor.

Taking a ride in the "Car"

Winter Loveliness!

Waiting for the bus at the top..

Me Coming Down from Up Top.

The snow almost completely disappeared as you got toward the top of the ride, the trail was almost completely dry in most places. We had fine ride to the bottom, bumpy and lumpy as Picture Rock is, just nice to be out enjoying a lovely winter day in good company and spirits!

Pass the Fruit-a

Turkey Road Trip to Fruita Cancelled due to Bad Weather!

Maybe we'll get out there in Decembuuurrrr!

We'll be staying local and hanging out, doing things with friends, riding if the weather here permits. I was thinking of making a shepard's pie for Thursday with some wine and cheese. Watch some movies, have fun, play alot, work on the step downs, ooh and bake a gluten free pumpkin cake, that sounds good. I'm a huge pumpkin nut, pumpkin bread, pie, cake, anything with pumpkin in it is fine by me. It's all bueno!

Puttin' It Down!

Can you see my newish fork?

I finished building up my front end with Craig's help on Friday night. The nearly new Fox Talas runs great, I took the 160mm of plush travel for a spin on the trails behind the house early in the day Saturday. But the fun didn't really begin until I got home and Craig and I decided to play around out back on the step downs. We decided to give the bigger step down a go today, Craig first of course. He really had the balls to send it first, that was the one thing I was waiting for, to see the landing. And of course it was perfect, so fun, a steeper transition for sure and scarier approach but sweet and inspiring once dialed. It took me a couple tries before I was landing seamlessly into the transition but what a feeling. So here is a picture of me and a couple of videos, one of Craig and one of myself sending it..Awesome, I'm so glad we finally did it!

Emma's New Bike..

I was planning on hanging out with Emma last night and I told her to bring her new bike by, I wanted to check out the lovely brand new Titus Moto-Lite. So when I finally got the chance to take a look at 'er this is what I saw! Too funny..

Emma's Sweet New Moto-Lite

Naturally she had piles of stuff from Costco everywhere around and on top of things, Keenan's birthday party is Saturday. I think I see her helmet and Dakine Nomad in there as well. Those are some nice FSA wheels and a new carbon fiber rear triangle! This looks like it could also be a potential camping trip as well. Fire roasted pizza, yuummm...I know she's gonna love the new rig!

Having Fun Being Obvious

Emma, Craig, Eddie, Jim and I headed out Sunday to ride PWDH. The riding was top notch and everything was very dry, what a warm and dry autumn we've had. I know Eddie is ready to get out and do some turns in the high country on his snow board at this point, so it was nice to have him a long for a late fall ride. We did the new version of PW we all seem to prefer, the PWDH shuttle.

Ready for some descending..
(image em)

Me ascending.
(image em)

I was really under the weather on this ride, my head cold kicked in and I didn't really even feel very present, I think the word is discombobulated. Note to self, when you have a head cold you'll probably ride like shit!

I had just sat up from laying down, feeling a little dizzy..
This is my chocolate outfit..
(image em)

Eddie taking a break, looks like he's saddled up.
(image em)

Craig giving his over the shoulder Blue Steel.
(image em)

Jimmijames getting ready to munch..
(image em)

Eddie..
(image em)

Craig..
(image em)

Jimmijames...
(image em)

Ready for the long DH.
(image em)

The weather at this point in the day had turned cloudy, windier and cooler. I was hoping to stop and take some images from the DH but didn't. I really didn't take any shots the whole day, just not feeling it. So thank you Emma and Eddie for all of these shots.

Emma on the DH..
(image by eddie)

Carey on the DH..
(image by eddie)

These images don't do justice to this DH section, it's a full on sweet and tricky descent that keeps you focused and on your toes.

Emma and Eddie waiting for our ride and basking in the late afternoon sun..nice!

Local Super Hero, Jimijames!

A good day for all mostly. As for the title of this post, well after our ride a passing motorist and fellow mtber, who's name I won't mention, passed us as we were getting ready to take off. He decided to turn around and come back and admonish us, apparently he was concerned we were being too obvious and we'd somehow give away the not so top secret riding we'd just done. I'm not sure how anyone would figure out where we'd just been from just seeing us as they drove by, we weren't parked by the trail head or anything for that matter. The guy came across as a self-rightous ass and I stopped listening to him after a few moments because he was pissing me off and I didn't feel like getting into it with him. This same person has shown many riders "secret trails" in the area and has been shown "secret trails" by other riders himself, it was just bullshit. Some people just feel like they have to lord over things I guess.