Miller Rock Rocked

It's also known as Ceran St Vrain, but I've always referred to it as Miller Rock. This ride doesn't always rock, sometimes it's too crowded, too short, or I'm not on my game mentally or physically. Regardless Craig and I rode there yesterday afternoon, close to home, however I failed to remember to bring my camera so no pictures and it was a picture worthy ride. Sometimes everything comes together on a ride and it feels close to perfect and effortless and that was the kinda afternoon it was for me. The weather was perfect, cool fall day with brillant sun inside the trees making for a warm, golden glow all around. The trail was empty and buff and if you've ever ridden this trail you know the first section along the river is fast and fun with some good technical sections (mainly climbing skills) here and there to keep you honest. It was nice to be out with Craig as we don't ride just the two of us a whole lot, so we were in our own space with each other. The foliage along the trail is starting to change color as well. We made our way up to Miller Rock and enjoyed the views while we ate my favorite snack Sharkies and then headed down on the ST back to the main trail. This piece of ST is technincal and requires focus and it was even more washed out then I rememer it the last time. I felt good on this ride, better than I did on Sunday, so my strength is coming back, yea! I cleared every technical ascent on the trail which made me feel stoked, love it. The fact that there was noone else on the trail was awesome as well, you can really get a flow on without having to stop for other trail users, that doesn't happen often on this trail and it's too be avoided on weekends all together. I've been riding Miller Rock for over 15 years and this trail never ceases to be fun, even if it didn't quite rock, I'm always smiling after the ride and it's a beautiful trail too.

NOCAL '07

Found some images from our trip to Northern California last August. The drive is full of very beautiful landscapes and I love the Pacific Coast, the weather, the plants, so different and amazing in it's own way.

Island of rock out on the Sand Flats near Bonneville, UT

Evening on the Sand Flats, Western Utah

Small and funky local fish shack on beach north of San Fran

Grasses on Dune above Pacific

Craig waiting for his fish and chips at the Fish Shack

Pacific Ocean

Me and the Pacific Ocean

Day Dreaming

For many years I have been riding out around the Boulder Res. in Nobo twice a week over lunch, year round, in the winter it's sometimes the only riding to be had. I head out from work and park at the entrance to the res. I gear up and take off and usually ride the Eagle Trail lollipop and then make the loop back to the truck around the res. itself. The ride is easy and pretty much a no brainer but I enjoy these afternoon rides because I get to daydream and not think about what I'm doing for the most part. There is some ST next to the WIDE dirt paths, so that's good, mixes it up. I get to look at the mountains, swerve around the dog walkers, do the subtle finger wave to other cyclists and runners, check out the huge diversity of birds out there (Bald and Golden Eagles, Osprey, Hawks, Falcons, Cranes, Pelicans, the lists goes on), watch the Prarie Dogs run about (I actually ran one over this year and killed it, sorry!), I try not to spook the horseback riders, so I always say HI to them. But it's just a chill way of getting some miles in and riding my bike without having to think much about it. You see so many different types of people out there, from the wired hardcore tri-athletes in training to the folks just out for a walk, it's good and now that summer is winding down it's quiet, not as much traffic out there.
Now I just need to take a camera with me so I can have pictures for my entries..

Back in the Saddle

Kim took this picture of Brian, Me, Craig, Kim and Dan..(Thanks Kim!)
However I, the Jolly Green Giant, managed to make yet another silly face, what's with the tongue?

Well Saturday was a good day of ridin' in the early fall of Colorado high country. The air was crisp, the trail was buff and the people were good and happy. I was particularly happy to be out ridin' again after my fall, good to be turning the wheels and feeling the flow. I wasn't 100% yet, maybe 75% but that was good enough to get out for 3 or 4 hours, I took it easy on myself.
Craig and I met Kim and Dan up at South Mag. we were also joined by a nice fellow named Brian, it was all good and Kim and Dan hadn't ridden from this point before so it was new for them. I enjoy showing other riders new trails, especially when they're up for an adventure which Kim and Dan are. Kim and Dan are both very skilled and confident riders and it's a blast to ride with them. We got up to the Eldora Nordic trails and rode a loop up there and meandered back to the vehicles on some fast and fun trails, all on ST for the most part, some of it pretty obscure.

Kim also took this picture of Me and Brian ascending..

We saw some other riders but lost most of them as soon as we ascended away from the School Bus trail. Just the way I like it.
I had the familiar mechanicals with my drivetrain I've been having lately but between Craig and Dan we were able to tune it well enough that I was able to forget about it.
I need to get better about taking pictures when we ride but I'm lazy and didn't take a single shot so please take a look at this link if you want to see more of Kim's images from the ride. Thanks Kim, you're so good.

http://picasaweb.google.com/kimluks/SouthMag90608#

Today my head kinda ached, I think it was due to some of the bouncing around and the head still not 100% but it's really nothing.
I even got a ride in on the Backside trail behind the house with my brother-in-law Randy, that was the first ride I've done with him since he broke his back, back in March. He did really well and again it was a beautiful day and nice to be out in it.
I also did some purging in the studio, getting rid of stuff so my studio is spiffy for Open Studios, I need to make a dump run for sure.
Next weekend I hope to show Dan and Kim another local down low favorite trail of mine.
Stay tuned..

Sweet Pea

Just couldn't resist putting a picture up of my nephew Aaron, he's so cute on his way to preschool!

Itching to Ride

Sedona/March '08

It's been a week and half since I landed on my head and I'm starting to really want to get out and ride, I take this as a good sign. I want to get back on my bike and build my confidence, it would be great if I could ride that bridge I fell off of, as I know that I can, but that will have to wait until next season as Keystone is closed for the winter now.
I'm going to pedal around the trails in NOBO tomorrow, see how I feel and if all goes well do a ride this weekend.
The weather has gotten so nice lately, very fall like with cooler temps, the best time of year to ride really.
I've been doing plenty of walks with the dogs, mostly Ringo, Josy and Root can't walk very far anymore, they're just too old and arthritic.
I've also been working a lot in the studio, getting ready for Boulder Open Studios which is the first two weekends in October. Never done it before but hope that it's successful and opens some doors for me locally.
That's about all for today..
Here are some ridin' pics from this past year...

Primo/'07

Somewhere in BC (Boulder County) '07

Buildin' Ladders and Jumps

We spent most of the day on Monday moving the wood we got for free up to the riding area behind the house. Once that was finished Craig started working on building two new ladders. One for a jump and the second for a bridge probably. It's exciting to build new stuff for our little bike park, though it may be another week or so before I'm playing around out there due to my bruised noggin. I'm healing but it's a delicate process.

Craig working on the ladder platforms.
(We also cleaned out the shed before we started so there's a lot stuff laying about)

Craig inspecting his handy work.

Placing the ladder into location and making legs for it. This will be a solid 2' drop into a transition.

Ringo sleeping on the job!