Reduction

Yin & Yang too for that matter. The last few weeks have not been spent training. I rode last Tuesday at the Farm (aka Area 25.5) on the Ferrous. What wasn't a ripping downhill was an uphill walk. I was geared 34x18 which was too tall. A 21 would have been better given my lack of conditioning. Still, the rocky downhill ravine at full speed was refreshing. The fallen trees at the bottom showed me the awesome stopping power of the Stroker Carbons. 90 minutes or so of riding was enough as the winds picked up and sprinkles started. I thought I was going to get hammered by a storm so I headed back to the car. A pit stop at TBS West to hang out with Jesse delayed my getting home. His StuporFly rocks. A pure carpet fiber race machine will be providing many a rug burn to the competition.

Today I rode the Flyte with Dan & Brian at RockCut #3. I hadn't been on these trails before but they were worth the short drive. Intermittent showers changed the trail lap to lap, but it was very ridable and challenging. There's an "expert loop" which is a little more challenging with its rockier descents and log obstacles. The third rock drop off got the better of me in front of Brian. I thought I had the right line but my back wheel tried going faster than the front via a route over my head. I landed on my head and slid on my arm and leg... crash... flip... thud... grind... *DING*

The *DING* was my handlebar bell announcing the end of my crash. I was a little shaken up. I haven't had a real ass over tea kettle crash in years. But a swig of water and a bike check and I was ready to ride. the only bike damage was a little "kick"in the rear wheel. (sorry Russell)

Brian saw the error of my way...


I did maybe 3 hours of riding and felt pretty good... Oh yeah, the Flyte is now a 1x8. I only shifted maybe 4 times. Most of the time I was in a 36x21 but later I bailed and would drop it to the 25 for the rocky uphill corner. It was nice to have the gears if only because I have no power or strength. I could see running 1x8 for 24/9 though...

Added bonus... my bundle of joy came from Twin 6 yesterday. I wore my Argyle jersey today and it held up in the crash. It'd be super sweet if they made bibs. I'm just sayin'...

Images to come.