Hang Up The Bike - Wax Up The Skis

Before leaving for Chicago a few weeks ago we were able to get out for one last ride before the snow covered the trails. Rob and I tested out a new trail where the free-riders have been going crazy building jumps, ramps and log rails. Not a good idea for the single speed, rigid fork guys like myself but for the riders that like it painful....looks like fun!

Mt. Bachelor went from an eight inch base, before I left, to an 80 inch base, when I returned. A group of us got out early this morning for Dawn Patrol on the cinder cone. Conditions were better than expected and big smiles all around as we farmed out some of the first turns of the season.

Trail Art

I got out for a few hours of riding today. The winter is closing in fast and it looks like snow will be here by the weekend. That could put an end to the trail riding for the season. I hope to get one more long ride in tomorrow before the storm.

Breaking the Five Hour Mark

The beginning of a long day.....

With two hours of biking down, I stash the bike in the woods and get in a run.

Back on my bike, I was able to finish the day with a total of 5 hours 35 minutes.

Whoa Pilgrim!

Some of us pilgrims gathered in the Ochoco Mountains this last thanksgiving weekend to give thanks for still being mobile in our old age. It was a good chance to get some training in. We took a spin up Lookout Mountain thinking the trails would be hard and firm. With unseasonably warm temperatures (50’s), the permafrost gave way to thick, sticky mud.

What is the GDR?

2,490 miles of riding...Ouch!

200,000 feet of climbing....Ouch, Ouch!!

Self-supported race across four states from Canada to Mexico....Ouch, Ouch, Ouch!!!

No matter how you look at it, this is going to hurt. Call it a MLC (Mid-Life Crisis), chemical imbalance, planetary alignment, I have locked my sights on this event and fully intend to give it a GO. The GDR is a self-supported race starting in Roosvile, MT on the Canadian boarder. Riders have 25 days to complete the route which ends in Antelope Wells, NM on the Mexican boarder. According to the rules, riders are allowed to resupply in towns along the way but any pre-arranged, outside support is prohibited. This means I can buy food along the way, do laundry and even get a hotel room. It also means I cannot accept any outside assistance with food, navigation, bike maintenance, or the occasional foot massage. Call it lonely, call it sick, but in the words of Lou Reed - "It's the beginning of a great adventure".