Sprinting to Save My Socks

I train.  I train for several reasons...I enjoy riding my bike, I want to be healthy, because I feel passion for my sport.  This year I also begain training because it makes me better at life.  Today that training paid off and also saved my socks.

During that brief time period when we didn't have rain today I set out to ride from Shelby Twp to Columbus.  Most of this route was on the Macomb Orchard trail and even though it wasn't sunny, the temperature was mild and I found myself easily turning the cranks and enjoying the mileage.

At my turnaround point, somewhere in Richmond I was startled out of my cycledreaming by a fast moving object on my right.  Seventy pounds of snarling canine fury was coming in hot, fixated on me.  I pictured myself being pummeled by this beast and quickly decided to put down the hammer...and then...man...I was just going...

He gave chase, he was determined...but I really love my legs, my bike and my socks... 

Legs were burning, swear words were streaming...

I glanced under my arm...eyes were on me...too close for comfort.  I dug deep, laid it all out...

I looked back...he was faltering...

I pushed on...

I really, really love my socks...

Back on the trail, minutes passed and finally I slowed down.  I decided at that point that it's nice to train for life...it really comes in handy...



Revelations of A Stony 12 Hour

Revelations of A Stony 12 Hour

1.)  Always check your bag before you leave the house to make sure you're taking the essentials...



2.)  Don't underestimate the joy a pair of cool socks will bring to those on the trail!

2.)  A fantastic pit manager is a non-negotiable item and essential to keeping you on your bike...even if you beg and plead to be let off...you will always thank them later!



3.)  Never let your hydrapak out of your sight...or you will roll away without it...

5.)  Completing what you set out to do will always make you smile...





1x9

After riding "Big Mama" around for the past few weeks, it was an absolute treat to get on my now rebuilt Gary Fisher Paragon.  Outfitted with a 1x9 set-up and a solid front fork (thank you Josh), the difference in weight was significant...

In fact, I thought for a fleeting moment that I was going to be blown off the overpass while I was out on her maiden voyage, but thankfully, I am significant enough in matter to hold everything to the ground!  I also appreciate the Paragon's discretion, as she was a witness to my failed attempts at clearing a construction pile-on for some box jump practice (There were some canadian geese wandering around snickering at me...but I'm not going to let them get in my head.  Next time I'll max that jump).

The next few weeks have me shuddering, excellent time management is going to be essential to balancing work, training and some racing.  With a little luck everything should fall into place nicely for all three, but if not, I know some good sources to contact for assistance with time management tips!