Brown's Ravine

Today at 0900 I joined the Folsom High mountain biking team for a training ride. The route departed Taco Bell at Blue Ravine and Natoma in Folsom. Up to the boat ramp, over the dyke, and into Brown's Ravine. I'd ridden this before with J. McMillen but it has been a while. It was about 50 degrees and the sun was bright.

Okay, I admit I walked a few of the inclines ... not to worry ... the Stumpy and I are just getting acquainted so its cool. The good news is that I didn't crash once. That makes me very happy. Sure, this little 12-miler kicked my butt but that's why I'm out there. So what if I am 4 X older than some of these kids. Fun is fun right.

So, now it's time to clean the bike and hang the Christmas lights. We say Merry Christmas at our house.

Got to Jump on it

Okay, a new blogger may tend to put too many words on the blog. So I guess I am guilty of rambling. Whatever ... it's all good.
Today, after what seems like way too long I am going to pick up a Specialized Stumpjumper 29er Comp. Going down to Elk Grove to see Bruce at Kinetic Cycles. He's been holding this rig forever and today he called to determine if I still wanted it. The deal, just like the bike, is really sweet. Heading down after work. My palms are sweating in anticipation. My mom once told me that anticipation is greater than the realization ... but wait ... she wasn't talking about a gorgeous black mountain bike was she? That will be a story for another day.
Four months from now the Stumpy and I will be back at Prairie City. I am determined to get in shape and be somewhat competitive next season. A shout out to Mark F. for setting me up with this.

Don't Stop Now

Been doing a lot of thinking about cycling lately. That's it ... thinking about it. Time to get off your butt and get out and ride. Tomorrow is a mountain biking day and ... well, I don't currently have a mountain bike. Duh.
Living here in northern California mountain biking is a natural. The times I've been have been so fun and totally unlike riding up and down the bike trail. Mountain biking and nature go hand in hand. Getting out and riding affords opportunities to see those areas less traveled and an abundant look at what God has provided for us on this planet. Beautiful trees, plants, streams, rivers, lakes, hills, mountains, wildlife and so much more.
Yes, it is time to get off the couch and hop on the saddle and take off.

Over the Bars

The year is drawing to an end and reflecting on my cycling exploits for 2008 I have a few things to say.

1. Being a lifelong roadie, never thought mountain biking would be so much fun and so difficult.
2. Didn't complete any centuries this year and have fallen a bit short of my goal. Still have my annual birthday ride coming up. The goal is to ride the number of miles I am years old. A day off on my birthday assures the time to do it ... so just do it.
3. Thanks to Alan, Devon, and John at work and Jason in the hood for their patience in waiting for the slow guy to catch up.
4. Kudos to Prairie City MTB racing series. Don't think my efforts could be considered racing but I did manage to participate in eight races with only one DNF. Going over the bars, crashing just about every week, and finally ending up at Mercy ER for a few stitches didn't squash my enthusiasm.
5. A special shout out to Bicycles Plus in Folsom for their undying attention to all my questions and concerns. Especially John, Sean, Armando and Brad.

Going forward I will continue to ride and, most importantly, enjoy the ride wherever it takes me.