tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77031592115855951872024-02-06T23:01:05.510-05:00Random Thoughts with RobRandom Thoughts from a Random GuyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-29153813397217636802016-11-05T10:21:00.001-04:002016-11-26T10:00:58.582-05:00Trek Farley 5 ReviewSo, it is clear to see that having the Remedy is keeping me outdoors. I have had it for two seasons now, and have only blogged once. I can tell you a few things about it as an update. I have ridden it for well over 3,000 miles in the past two seasons. It has continued to perform well. I have done a few upgrades to it such as stem, bars and a dropper post. Those really brought out some more fun characteristics in the bike. In the last year, though I have blown all of the suspension bearings on the pivots, blown through five rear hubs, and cracked one rear swing arm. On the negative side, those are inconveniences. On the plus side, Trek has been very supportive and their customer service has been excellent. NOTE: Most of this is attributed to being a very plus size rider. My recommendation is to get solid wheels and hubs. For the rest, I just have to figure out how to actually lose weight...<br />
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Enough with the update on the Remedy. I want to tell you a little about a bike that matches my body type. I know I am late to the fat bike game. I know I didn't want to get one. I know I originally thought they were a bit of a fad (I might have been right to a degree on that, but they are still here and taking new forms...). I know I have become soft in my old age, no pun intended as I am speaking more about how I have disliked the cold after selling my snowmobile... That being said, I broke down and got a fat bike.</div>
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After a little searching, and a little thought, I chose to get another Trek. My reasons were two-fold. The first reason is the service I mentioned above. I know I am hard on bikes, and ask them to hold up to a really big guy doing things much smaller guys do. I know this breaks parts. As I mentioned before, Trek has been outstanding in the service department for me. The other reason is that it had the biggest tires and most solid components in the class at the price point I wanted to spend. Since I was taking a gamble on this type of bike, and I knew I was planning to use it mostly for inclement weather, I wanted to have a reliable big tired bike.</div>
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The components are similar to my Remedy. Shifting is handled by a Shimano Deore 2x10 drive train. I won't bore you with how they work. They are reliable and do what they are supposed to do when you hit the buttons. The brakes are Sram Level according to the website. Mine say Avid on them, but I know they are all part of the same family (I am playing a little dumb here). They stop the bike. I got a 19.5" frame. It's a little bigger than my Remedy. In all honesty, now that I have this, I think the next Remedy will be a 19.5" frame as well. </div>
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I can tell you that after the first ride, I replaced the handlebars, stem, and grips. My reasons for this are simple. The bike came with a 100mm stem. I felt this was a little long and tried to make the bike feel like an XC racer. Since I had replaced the stem and bars on the Remedy, the originals found a new home on the Farley. The stem is now a 70mm. If I had some extra money, I might get the same Race Face combo I have on the Remedy, but for now, this is a big improvement. The handlebars were replaced simply because the ones on the Remedy were wider, and the grips were just because I had won a set of clamp on grips. I have wide shoulders, and I like the feel of wider bars better.</div>
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So, I have three rides in on the Farley. My impression at this point is that fat bikes are fun! They don't ride like anything else. They have a learning curve, but it doesn't appear that it is a steep one.They are unique. When you feel like you are going fast, you're not. When you feel like you aren't going fast, you are actually going faster than you think. It's a weird feeling. I will try to explain...</div>
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Tires. They are big. The tires are 4.7" to be exact. They don't lend themselves to being fast on straightaways. I know, that was an obvious statement. One of the things I learned about being on straights, though, is that you need to be up one gear from what you think. I am not sure if this is scientifically proven. I just know the feel. You seem to go faster by pedaling smoother, not by pedaling more. What I mean is that if you get to pedaling too fast on a fat bike, you will bounce yourself right off the trail. My disclaimer here is that I have ridden flat pedals for quite some time, and it may be different if I was still clipped in, though I don't think so.</div>
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What else did I learn about big tires. You don't need to break into the same bermed corners you would on any other bike. For one reason, you might not be going as fast. The other reason you don't need as much brakes is that the big tires do hold you to your line. If there is a bank to rail, do it with confidence. I will add this statement, when you do need to brake, why do they only have 160mm rotors? I'd like to see bigger rotors on fat bikes. Maybe this is because I am a fat guy. I'd just like a little more power when I do need to use the brakes.</div>
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Big tires also climb way better than you think they would. You might think big tires would climb well for traction, and you'd be right. I think that most people with more petite body types, though, have told me that they have a harder time climbing on a fat bike due to rolling weight. I could see how this could be a problem for some. I think climbing may come a little easier for me because I am used to climbing slow. As a big guy I tend to be a seated climber, so as long as I can push the pedals, this bike is going up. </div>
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More on pedaling. I think the best comparison I can think of for riding a fat bike would be a single speed. You have to think a little more on a single speed, and you have to think a little more at first on a fat bike. Once you get used to either, riding them becomes second nature. Fat bikes are similar to single speeds in the way that you have to use your momentum. You focus on the spin. You use the trail to your advantage. </div>
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Fat bikes are a bit bouncy. The sensation is nothing like my Remedy. It isn't a "full suspension" feel. This is where I got into trouble on my first two rides. I like to play. There are some log crossings that I nose bonk. I am still learning how to do this on the Farley because my first couple of attempts threw me off the bike in a hilarious fashion. One of my dismounts ended in a perfect over the bars Superhero landing! After a few minutes of laughing, I tried again. This time I focused on getting the front tire over the obstacle. It was a much safer bet until I get used to the bike. The more used to the bike I am getting, however, I am learning how to play on this bike. The bouncing can be quite fun!</div>
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Another thing I see about riding a fat bike is that steering is a bit different than other bikes. For one thing, you don't have to be as picky about lane choices. Let the bike go straight regardless of what's under you. This is the same going up as it is going down. You don't have to do those little correction turns on climbs to make sure you get to the place with the best traction. You just let it rip! This felt better to me especially after I changed the stem. To me, a shorter stem seems right on the big tires. It keeps you from twitching the bike around too much. That being said, when you are going down a hill, you don't steer the bike as much as you let it lean where it wants to go. This is similar to riding a trail bike, but a little more exaggerated. </div>
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So, when I said, when you think you are going fast, you're not, but when you think you aren't, you actually are is true. I noticed the Strava times I had were all over the place on all three trails I've ridden this thing on. On the sections that I started to get the hang of letting the bike roll and I felt like I was going faster, I was nowhere near my times on the Remedy. I did beat times in areas I would never have expected. I beat times climbing. I set a number of Strava Personal Best's on this bike. Another thing to note on Strava times was that my overall times were quite comparable, and actually competitive to my fastest laps on other bikes. I set an overall fastest lap time on one of the trails.</div>
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I know this was more of a review of riding a fat bike than an actual review of my Farley, but that is why I tried to include some of my decisions into buying a Farley over other bikes. The bike is very solid. The frame and fork are excellent, and the company stands behind their work. Those are great reasons to buy a Trek if you are looking for a fat bike. There are also points to mount racks, etc if you plan to distance ride a fat bike. I may get to that point in life, but for now, I just want to extend my riding season through the year.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-32735429038341564962015-04-07T21:47:00.001-04:002015-04-07T21:47:23.457-04:002015 Trek Remedy 7 First Impressions from a Fat GuySo, I have been away from everything for a long time. This is true. I had a pretty bad car accident, a long recovery, then a flood that did major damage to our city. One of the things that was severely damaged in the 2014 flood in Metro Detroit was my 2009 Soul Dillinger 29er. I really liked that bike. It was a nice cross country rig that made me want to ride. That being said, I am older, more damaged, and fatter than I was. I am also a rider that likes more to incorporate all styles of riding on every ride I do, so a 29er cross country race bike doesn't always lend to that.<br />
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Over the last year I have been riding trials to regain my balance. I have two trials bikes that I really enjoy. One is a stock GU, and the other is a Because Street Trial. They are really fun rides, but they have very low gearing and don't lend themselves to long rides... What without a seat and all...<br />
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About 11 years ago I bought a 2004 Specialized Enduro Pro. This was literally the standard that I have judged all bikes by. It was a perfect blend of bike riding styles. I rode it hard and rode it often. I almost always left the trail with a smile on my face. <br />
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For my birthday this year my family pitched in and let me get a new bike.The Enduro was the type of bike I wanted to go back to. After a lot of internet investigation I settled on the Trek Remedy 7. As a fat guy, parts selection is just as much about durability as it is about the prestige of "top of the line" names. I had Sram XO/X9 on my Dillinger, but that was from great negotiation skills with running a race team. This parts kit is Shimano Deore/SLX, and it does the job well.<br />
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Yesterday was the first chance I have had to get the Remedy on the dirt. DISCLAIMER: I am nowhere near as fast or in shape as I used to be. What does that mean? It means I don't ride like I used to. I don't climb well. I am currently very cautious on descents. I have no lungs. I'm kind of like Beymax from Big Hero 6 riding a bike. "I am not fast."<br />
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So, as I was saying, I got the Remedy out in the woods. It was my first time on singletrack in two years! I rode a pretty mixed bag of trail. A few fast descents, a few big climbs, a few rocky and technical descents, a bit of rolling terrain, and a pump track. What were my impressions?<br />
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650b. I thought it might be a gimmick. In my mind the order was going to be 29" for xc, 26" for trials, 24" for street trials. Then I put the tires to the dirt. One of my fears was that I would lose the ability to throw the bike around... Fear WRONG! My other fear was that there wouldn't be a noticeable difference in rocks and ruts to a 26". Fear WRONG! 650b, or 27.5" wheels are amazing! They truly combine the best features I like about 29" and 26" wheels. They roll over things while still being small enough to give the bike the "play in the woods" feel I was looking for.<br />
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Trek. If you know me, I have had a long "love affair" with Specialized. How I even looked at a Trek is still a little beyond me. I have owned at least 10 Specialized bikes over my mountain bike career. Trek used to be a four letter word. Let's just say this. I have mellowed out in my old age, and the multiple concussions must have made me forget the past, and I am glad I did! The finish on the bike is very nice. The fit is literally the best "out of the box" fit I have had in years. This is the first time I actually rode a bike right out of the box without modifications or changing something other than suspension settings to my weight and the brake levers and shifters to my preferences. As a 6'1" guy, I got an 18.5" frame. It fit well right out of the box. I was centered over the bike right where I wanted to be.<br />
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Climbing. As I said, I am not tall and fast like a gazelle. I am tall and fat like Rodney Dangerfield. When the trail turned upward I noticed that the bike climbed much better than I did. Whether I was seated or standing the bike was getting the power in the right places and propelling me forward. I am not using clipless pedals anymore, so I have to be careful about how I climb. The suspension didn't get in the way or detract from climbing. Fox has come a long way in the last 11 years when I had a DHX 5.0 rear shock. The Evolution Float DCRV didn't take input from above when mashing pedals. It just kept moving forward and soaking up bumps. Oh. Having a 2*10 drive train was a real plus as well. When you are a big guy, you find yourself needing the extra versatility, and I appreciated having them.<br />
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Descending. The rear suspension is so smooth. I kept wondering if I was riding over bumps or on a bike path. I am not sure if it is the design, the location of the pivots, the shock, the 650b tires, or the combination of them all, but I instantly felt at home on this thing. The memories I had of my Enduro were that it had points where it felt a little flexy and points where it felt a little choppy. Over the same trails I have ridden for decades I never found a moment where I felt that way on the Remedy. I felt stable. I felt in control. I felt smooth. I felt like I wanted to play. The RockShox Revelation RL was very smooth as well. I never felt like I wanted more suspension. Manuals, jumps, hard corners, and nose wheelies were all easily performed as well.<br />
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Technical. Like I said in previous parts of the post, I felt very much at home on this bike. The position I was in was comfortable and I felt like I could throw the bike around at any point. I never found myself riding outside edges of any trail feeling like I was about to lose control. I am sure a good part of that has to do with my own personal caution since the accident, but it was more than that. I felt much more in control and able to pick lines easier. I felt like I could point the bike easier. I didn't seem to have to make corrections from two years of rust. The bike went where I wanted to go and didn't make mistakes. <br />
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Pump Track. I rolled a little on a pump track just to see if a 650b full suspension bike would allow me to do a lap. To my surprise I was able to keep the bike rolling easily over everything without the need to pedal. I was able to maneuver the bike around the rollers with ease. I feel like I will be doing a lot of laps on pump tracks with this thing and smiling all the way.<br />
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I hope that gives a decent first impression of what the Trek Remedy is like. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-44722349235008150702009-11-23T07:31:00.003-05:002010-01-05T21:06:44.880-05:00A Long RoadI know I haven't posted text in a while. It isn't for lack of ideas, it may have to do with too many ideas. I can tell you that I want to write about a million and one things lately, but haven't been able to. Just to prove it to you, I will tell you some of the things I am not going to write about today.<br /><br />I was added to the pastoral team at Lord of the Harvest on November 1. Though I am very excited about this I am not going to write about it now.<br /><br />MTB-Life/Soul Cycles won another Michigan Endurance series. I was a part of it. I actually rode well for a fat guy, but, I am not going to write about that today either.<br /><br />My boys also won the points series for two man endurance team. They did an awesome job. They really tried and pushed themselves pretty hard. I am very proud of them.<br /><br />I coached a perfect season of soccer this year. We didn't win a single game. That being said, my girls, and the other girls on the team all played well. They worked hard and learned a lot about the game. But, this post isn't about that either.<br /><br />I want to write a number of faith topics as well. I want to write about the error or placing Conservatism over Christ. I want to talk about this badly... Some other time.<br /><br />I want to look at the church. I want to dive into the concept of the Bride of Christ. I will do this as I am studying it, but not today.<br /><br />I want to talk about the log and the speck. It needs to be addressed. Just not in this post.<br /><br />Okay, Rob... What in the world DO you want to write about today? Well, I will tell you. On August 1, I went to race. I entered as a solo racer for the Stony Creek Endurance race. I had no intention of winning. I am still very out of shape for that. I entered to push myself and see what I can do against other riders who are in shape.<br /><br />Less than 10 miles into the race I was in trouble. I was having a lot of pain in my left knee. It hurt to pedal. By mile 30, I gave up and called it a day. It was very disheartening for me. I know I won't be as thin or as fast as I used to, but I hate the feeling of taking steps backward in my health when I am trying to get some things stabilized. <br /><br />August then became a month of finding what happened to my knee. Several visits to a specialist and an MRI ended up not with results, but insults. I further learned that I am fat. I don't need a guy with a PHD to tell me the obvious. I need him to diagnose my knee and get me back in the game. He finally told me to go ride and see how the knee holds up.<br /><br />September 1 I got back on the trail. Nathan and I went out to Stony Creek to spin some miles together. About 3 miles into it I had to shake my hands out from riding on the gravelly two track. I did this as I entered a fun section of single track known as the Pines. I was just coming out of a left turn and into a little rolling down hill when I went to put my right hand back on the bars. Unfortunately I didn't do it in time. It ended up being a long endo. So long, in fact, that I nearly wrote a book by the time the crash ended. I was thinking to myself, "Hmm, knee isn't bad... When I get back to the car, I am going to post ""Back in the Saddle Again"" on my facebook... Oh no! This is gonna hurt... Why??? I can't believe I missed the bars... Try not to land on my head and break my neck again...OOOOOOFFFFFF... Was I really going that fast... OUCH... I hope Nathan doesn't have a camera... OOOOOOHHH... How many times can one guy hit the ground anyway??? OW!!! Why can't I breath??? Did my handlebars just go through my ribs??? Not on that shoulder again... Andrea is going to kill me..." Until finally I ended up in a heap on the bottom of the trail.<br /><br />Nathan came upon me and helped me get myself back together. We limped out of the trail as I broke my shifter, possibly losing it somewhere in my body. I was also hurt pretty bad. So, one month to the day later and I knew I was facing another setback. What I didn't know was how long I would be set back.<br /><br />After about three weeks the ribs started to feel a little better. They felt well enough for me to try to spin on my trainer. As I tried I noticed it was hard to put weight on my right arm. I had noticed that it was hard to move, but didn't think much of it. I thought that I had hurt it, but it was still a little bruised and it would go away eventually.<br /><br />October came and the middle of the month held the last of the Michigan Endurance races. The boys needed to race one more time for points (BTW, they got robbed this year as the promoter put them in a wrong class for one race forcing us to have to make a decision about which class to race as he refused to fix his error. Did I mention that it ultimately caused the boys to win the series but NOT get the title and jackets they earned even though it was his error. Way to go in not encouraging the future of the sport and your future bill payers..) We hooked up with the team and got the last race going. The team had had a little rough of a year so I did my best to cheer them up. I was sending out emails telling them that I was at 80% and should be ready to kill it by race day. <br /><br />On my first lap I knew by the first bump that something was more than sore in my shoulder. I only rode the minimum of the day because that was all that my arm was capable of. I was in a lot of pain by the end of the night. I knew I had to go to the doctor.<br /><br />I will not bore you with the visits or the MRI details. I will just say that this time I was not picked on for being fat. This time I was told I have some sever tearing in my rotator cuff, and that I needed surgery to get back to normal. Since I can't pick my arm up without help this is the boat I am in. The surgery is scheduled for this Friday. I don't want yet another set back to losing weight and getting healthy, but since I can't function properly right now this is mandatory. I am hoping I recover quickly and can get back to normal as it has been a very long few months. I have been averaging about 3 hours of sleep a night and am feeling a little out of it more and more each day.<br /><br />But, this Friday offers me hope. If all goes well, I will be recovering and sleeping like normal very soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-76000038955596124992009-09-27T08:32:00.005-04:002009-10-04T18:08:32.047-04:00Another Sport I want to try... CyclocrossI gave up riding as a road biker back in 1990. After getting run over the sport didn't seem as fun to me. As a matter of fact I haven't really ridden on the road since.<br /><br />But...<br /><br />My buddy Andy, who races with me on the <a href="http://www.ridesoul.com/">Soul Cycles</a> / <a href="http://www.mtb-life.com/">MTB-Life</a> team, is also a cyclocross racer. He and I have been talking about the format. From his description it sounds pretty fun.<br /><br />My other buddy, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/mattmtb1">Matt</a>, is an avid videographer. He shot Andy's last cyclocross race. I don't know about you, but I watched this and was inspired to give cyclocross a shot!<br /><br /><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YmfExPouQxg&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YmfExPouQxg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="560"></embed></object><br /><br><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmfExPouQxg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmfExPouQxg</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-61255494539534532952009-08-05T07:04:00.002-04:002009-08-05T07:05:16.076-04:006/12 Hrs of Stony Creek<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/3782828771/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3782828771_7d6f83afa3.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.8em;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/3782828771/">Novi Stony Creek 083</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/rcelliott/">rcelliott</a>.</span></div><p>Well, on a whim, Andrea decided to let me and the boys race. We were at a wedding when I got the ok. I quickly called the boys and they started getting everything ready.<br /><br />Stony Creek is one of my favorite trails. It is local, which is a big plus. It has a variety of terrain. It is very fun to ride. All of this added to my excitement as I pulled up to the park.<br /><br />We unloaded quickly. We signed in quickly, and got ready quickly. The boys entered the 6 hour team event. I decided to go solo for 6 hours. The team was in it for the long haul as they were geared up for 4 person elite. <br /><br />So I get out on the trail a little behind everyone. I hate to say it, but I really had to go to the bathroom. No matter, I had no intention of actually winning. I just started riding my own race to see if I could hit my goals. Since the course was a little under 11 miles with a lot of climbing I decided to set my goal at about 6 laps. It felt doable...<br /><br />That is until about mile 4. I was catching up to the last rider ahead of me. My feet decided to ache something fierce. I slowed down to adjust my shoes. I got back in the saddle and caught up to that rider again. I wasn't able to pass because for no reason that I could tell my knee started to hurt.<br /><br />I hadn't crashed that day. Come to think of it I hadn't crashed on that knee at all the whole season. What the heck was going on???<br /><br />I got done with the first lap. I kept going. I just rode at my own pace at this point. It was becoming clear to me that goals were not going to get achieved. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I am fitter now than I have been in a long time. I can ride way more than ever. But, I can't seem to lose weight, and now this... To say I was upset would be a minor understatement. I pretty much wanted to fall down, crawl into the woods, curl my bulbous body into the fetal position, sob like a schoolgirl, and have the biggest pity party known to man during my second lap. <br /><br />So the knee is pretty bad by now. I get near the end of the second lap and decided to pull off the course. I was a good boy and listened to my body. Hey, with a body this big shouting at you, you had better listen!<br /><br />My buddy Andy (pictured) has a sister who is a physical therapist. She took a quick look at it and gave me a couple possible solutions. After sitting for a good portion of the race it felt better. I decided to go do one more lap, just to say I did. I rode out and was quickly passed by Marty, another friend from a long time of riding. We were on the first big climb when she passed me. She reminded me of my granny gear, which I think after that I spent most of the lap in. It was apparent t me that this was going to be my last lap that day... Possibly this year. <br /><br />All things said and done I finished that lap with a lot of singing to my knee to get through the ride. I was singing like Joe Cocker, telling myself I would get by with a little help from my knee. I pulled in and parked the bike. Disappointed, I packed my stuff and sat. I hadn't really broken a sweat the whole day. I wasn't winded. I didn't feel like I had even gotten started riding, but my day was over with close to 2 hours left in the 6 hour event.<br /><br />The boys worked hard and ended up with a 7th place. The team won. I was able to hobble out and get some pictures. You can see the rest here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/sets/72157621802343551/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/sets/72157621802343551/</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-43092411601670079612009-07-24T08:18:00.002-04:002009-07-24T08:19:00.344-04:0012 Hours of Ithaca<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/3738832584/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3738832584_28c417c244.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.8em;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/3738832584/">12 Hours of Ithaca 007</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/rcelliott/">rcelliott</a>.</span></div><p>I finally had a chance to contribute to the team at a race. As a bigger guy it can be a real challenge keeping up with the fast riders. This race, though, was right up my alley. I was able to keep on a pace slightly slower than my teammates.<br /><br />The boys did well, too. They ran very consistent laps for the 6 hour race. We changed things up a bit to keep them going and I think it really helped.<br /><br />The rest of the gallery can be seen <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/sets/72157621730811214/">here</a>. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/sets/72157621730811214/"> http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/sets/72157621730811214/</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-14729181497472257912009-06-19T18:45:00.002-04:002009-06-19T18:46:23.801-04:00Daddy Daughter Ride<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/3640505747/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3640505747_b056310cfb.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/3640505747/">Tiger Stadium and Girls Ride 152</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/rcelliott/">rcelliott</a>.</span></div><p>Yesterday at around 4:30 I got this text from Andrea. <br /><br />"R U Biking?" was what it said. <br /><br />In my car, I read this message while nursing some really bad pain in my shoulder from three consecutive crashes. "Biking? All I want is an ice bag and a pillow." Was the thought in my little head. I thought of an out.<br /><br />"Do the boys want to go?" I knew they didn't. They were still recovering from the race last weekend.<br /><br />"No." Was the reply. I thought to myself how I could relax and let my shoulder heal...<br /><br />Then the phone rang. It was Allyson. "Dad, the boys don't want to go riding, but can we go? We haven't ridden any trails with you all year."<br /><br />"Are you sure you want to go?" was my reply. Ally isn't the first kid in the family I think of when it comes to biking.<br /><br />"Yes. Should we get the bikes out now?"<br /><br />In my body, all I could think of was pain, but in my heart, all I could think of was my girls and how I haven't gotten to spend time with them lately. This was the easiest "YES" any kid has gotten out of me to date. Time with my girls??? Absolutely.<br /><br />I got home and we loaded up the bikes. I chose to take them to the skills park at Stony Creek because I felt it would be safer if I didn't have it in me to ride. This way, they could ride and I could enjoy.<br /><br />It ended up that we all rode. We all rode and had fun. We had a great time! We got to ride, then we rode around the park and took some pictures. We even got to see a male turkey showing off for some females! We capped it off with chocolate shakes and came home. My shoulder didn't matter one bit. Take a look at the rest of the gallery <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/sets/72157619873119401/">HERE</a>.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-35026763876503135052009-06-16T07:24:00.004-04:002009-06-17T00:47:17.913-04:008 Hours of Cannonsburg<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" align="center"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/3632356826/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3632356826_f4e8b17680.jpg" /></a></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-TOP: 3px" align="center"><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/3632356826/">8Hrs of Canonsburg 165a</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/rcelliott/">rcelliott</a>.</span></div><p>Well, the 2009 Michigan Endurance Racing season has had a bumpy start. First, Addison Oaks, which is the season opener, got rained out. It got rained out not once, but twice! Then came the 12/24 hours of Boyne. We couldn't make that race.<br /><br />Finally a race came that we could make. It was 6-13-09 at the 8 Hours of Cannonsburg, in Grand Rapids. Nathan, Jordan, and I packed up the car and drove out early in the morning, despite the lack of sleep from the Detroit Redwings debacle the night before. We unpacked with our team members Nate, Andy, and Justin. But, in the clouds, was it... Yes it was. It was raining.<br /><br />Fortunately the rain didn't last very long and before we knew it we were riding in prime conditions. The course was nice and had some great, flowing singletrack coupled with some long climbs. There was a great fast descent that led into the start/finish area.<br /><br />We all had a great time. The boys finished third in their class, and we finished second overall in the elite class. Pictures can be found <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/sets/72157619751746204/">HERE </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/sets/72157619751746204/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcelliott/sets/72157619751746204/</a> </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-24345964680711672572009-04-11T16:48:00.002-04:002009-04-11T16:48:56.671-04:00First Dirt 09So, the kids went to Grandma's to die Easter eggs, and Andrea had to wok for the Detroit Partnership. We toyed with the idea of putting in a gravel patio, but It would take longer than a day, so we passed on that. I thought about going on the roof to fix the leak, but my neck and shoulders are really hurting for some reason, so I didn't want to risk it. Andrea always gets crabby when she has something to do and I don't so she made me go biking. <br /><br />I was a little afraid to go biking today because my neck and shoulders hurt so bad, but you never argue with an Italian. I don't have an xc bike set up right now, but you never argue with an Italian. My favorite riding shorts are in the wash, but you never argue with an Italian. So... A few minutes later, and Big Brown, my Enduro, along with my gear was in the van and I was on my way to Stony Creek to ride the pump track and see if I could get my upper back moving again.<br /><br />After going through all of the construction I arrived at my destination. It appeared that the skills park held up great over the winter. I unloaded my bike and started rolling. Nothing too hard. Just rolling. One thing I can say is my Enduro is a fun bike to ride. <br /><br />I must have done about 30 laps on the pump track, and about 25 on the jump line by the time I had left. I lost count at 20 of each, so I might have done more on the jump line. I had a total blast. I got to help some young new riders and teach them how to maneuver through the pump track without pedaling. I also helped them on their jumping. <br /><br />I considered going over to the trail, but after two or so solid hours of pumping and jumping, my neck was feeling pretty rough so I just called it a day.<br /><br />Here is what I have to say. All that time on the trainer has been good to me, but nothing beats actually riding. Also, no matter how much time you put on the trainer, you can't get ready for pumping. My upper body burns and my neck and shoulders are totally in pain, but I am glad I listened to my wife. Sometimes it really pays not to argue with an Italian!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-85428024580988581732009-02-28T06:19:00.001-05:002009-03-03T08:23:50.511-05:002009 Season Training Video<object height="300" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3392561&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3392561&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/3392561">rob elliotts work out video</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user292117">caveman</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-64156154328939805432009-01-03T14:57:00.001-05:002009-01-03T14:57:48.136-05:00Jaw Dropped!!! Uh<object width="440" height="361"><param name="movie" value="http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/player.swf?mediaId=3803494"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/player.swf?mediaId=3803494" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="440" height="361" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-33800727888081331972008-09-28T19:15:00.001-04:002008-11-26T07:26:06.620-05:00Test of FreecasterIn case some of you were wondering what is going on in my world I wanted to have my blog at my own site. Unfortunately every time I attempt to start my blog at my site, things go wrong. This latest attempt was just starting to get going then I was hacked!<br /><br />This has been pretty frustrating for me. I really wanted to get this right at my site. I have been testing other methods for blogging, but the one provided by my host is pretty limited. I am having a hard time getting the old one redone, and I can't find many other alternatives that I like.<br /><br />Andrea recently set up a few blogs here at Blogger. I have also been helping some of my friends get their blogs going here, so I have decided to give it a try.<br /><br />One of the things that will be here is mountain biking. One of the cooler sites to see race coverage is freecaster.tv. Not many of the blogs I have tried using seem to accept the code for freecaster. This post is a test. This post is Sam Hill. He os one of the most amazing mountain bikers of our time. Watch the speed he carries through this run.<br /><p></p><br /><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-08375955061284716 visible ontop" href="http://play.freecaster.com/v3/FCPlayer.swf?id=cEtleT0yJmFwSUQ9MTAwMDAwNiZjSUQ9MTAwNTE0NCZlSUQ9MTAwMDA2OSZ4aXRpSUQ9MTM="></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-008538881091022643 visible ontop" href="http://play.freecaster.com/v3/FCPlayer.swf?id=cEtleT0yJmFwSUQ9MTAwMDAwNiZjSUQ9MTAwNTE0NCZlSUQ9MTAwMDA2OSZ4aXRpSUQ9MTM="></a><object height="288" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://play.freecaster.com/v3/FCPlayer.swf?id=cEtleT0yJmFwSUQ9MTAwMDAwNiZjSUQ9MTAwNTE0NCZlSUQ9MTAwMDA2OSZ4aXRpSUQ9MTM="><param name="FlashVars" value="autoplay=0"><embed src="http://play.freecaster.com/v3/FCPlayer.swf?id=cEtleT0yJmFwSUQ9MTAwMDAwNiZjSUQ9MTAwNTE0NCZlSUQ9MTAwMDA2OSZ4aXRpSUQ9MTM=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="autoplay=0" height="288" width="480"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01916229680074514072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-30689654884835511202008-08-20T16:13:00.001-04:002010-05-29T11:23:17.674-04:00My First Solo Endurance Race!If you would like to hear about it, follow this <a href="http://www.mtbmichigan.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64:well-we-went-solo&catid=1:the-blog&Itemid=50">link</a>.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661583602799129279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-88937973581392165902008-04-24T03:39:00.001-04:002010-05-29T11:25:06.933-04:00A Baseline to Measure my RidingTuesday I needed to get a break in. Andrea was sensitive to the fact that I have been running ragged lately, so she graciously let me go mountain biking with my racer buddies Eddie and Andy, and my co-worker, Ed.<br /><br />I was able to head over to the Novi Tree Farm to meet the guys. After about 20 minutes of setting up bikes and letting everyone get ready, the four of us were off. <br /><br />Novi is a relatively flat trail. I would be surprised if there was 200' of climbing. That is not to say that it is an easy trail. Novi is twisty and tight with few sections that allow you to build good speed and momentum. The climbs always come after tough switchback turns. There are a lot of bumps and obstacles that throw off your flow, too. In its eleven miles a rider can get pretty surprised at how he can bomb and blow up if he is not careful.<br /><br />Andy is the fastest singlespeed rider I know. He is young, light, and full of energy. He has some of the best, well rounded skills of any rider in any discipline to boot. Eddie is a muscle, health freak. He is a former downhill racer and rides everything like it was his last ride. Ed is 55 and a former open heart surgery survivor. Don't let that fool you. He is an accomplished road rider and has calves the size of bowling balls. Then there is me. I am fat, and look like Andre the Giant compared to the three of them side by side. Tell me how you think this ride is going to turn out???<br /><br />Well, we got going. In the first two minutes I was in front of the group so Andy could see how the big bike moves. Not long into this I hear "crack kills", and check my shorts. They were pulled up all the way. Man, I must be so big that my rear end reaches to my shoulder blades... It was about then that I let them pass.<br />After each section of the trail the guys waited for me to catch up. The sections were all about 2 miles or so. The order of riders would always be Andy, Eddie,.. Ed,....... Me. They would stop and wait, but I would just catch up make some small clothing adjustments and continue to ride. I made it my goal not to stop for more than thirty seconds at a time. <br /><br />Overall, Andy and Eddie turned in a 57 minute run. This was expected for them. Ed turned in a 1 hour and 3 minute run. I came in at 1:15. I was very excited with this baseline. It was slow for many riders, but for a fat guy on a big bike to be within 18 minutes of two state champion endurance racers, I was really stoked! I think the guys were really happy about this as well. They have been really good friends to me through a long time and know that riding like this is a real challenge for me. <br /><br />This baseline gives me something to shoot to beat over the coming months.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661583602799129279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-15013889460848006832008-04-21T02:24:00.001-04:002010-05-29T11:25:38.817-04:00First Dirt 2008It is that time of year again. Everyone says that at every season or holiday. Ah, but this is special. This is the time of year when I can finally ride my bike on the dirt. After 4 months of spinning away on my trainer I finally get to commune with nature. It is a wonderful thing. <br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2430297721_331a07fe58.jpg?v=0" style="display: block;" alt="" /><br />Here is how it happened. We were at the <a href="http://mbfellowship.com/">Master Builders</a> Spring Regional (audio <a href="http://www.lhcf.net/main/content/blogcategory/19/31/">here</a>) and my buddy, Pastor Ken's daughter, Mimi, starts playing the cute, sweet card to see if I will take her biking. Well, I had a lot to do, but I really wanted to go, so I didn't answer. Mimi took that as a yes and the next day of the regional her and dad showed up with all of their biking gear. Needless to say As soon as it was over and all of the cleanup from the luncheon was done we were on the way home to pick up the boys and the bikes.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2430299573_b32e7b2843.jpg?v=0" style="display: block;" alt="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2430299573_b32e7b2843.jpg?v=0" /><br />This was my first ride back on a cross country bike in a looooooooooong time. Normally I like to do downhill and freeride stuff, so this was like a challenge to me. I also like to ride my Enduro as it is the best bike ever made, so this new Soul Cycles Dillinger 29er was a really different feel.<br /><br />First impressions of the first dirt for the year. Well, I can tell that I have been on the trainer. I had a lot of energy and was pedaling smooth. I was able to ride everything and really enjoyed it. All of the kids had a great time and that was a plus. Pastor Ken was pretty happy to get out and move. It ended up being a really fun afternoon. <br /><br />I noticed this bike is tall. 29 inch wheels are a lot taller than you would think. I had done a lot of research as I have two new frames I could have built up. I am actually glad I started here. The 29er does have its quirks, but it seemed to fit my riding style quite nicely. I was able to adjust to handling this big rig in a matter of minutes and went from timid to terror. Ok, I didn't really go to terror as I am very slow. The training helped my endurance, but I still have no speed to speak of . <br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2430301561_c3e5468dcd.jpg?v=0" style="display: block;" alt="" /><br /><br />The lack of suspension didn't bother me either. I must admit that I think that I like a full rigid bike for xc. I was thinking that I may need to get a suspension fork, but it ended up feeling nice and responsive on its own, and the big wheels seemed to roll over stuff more easily. I also liked the rigidity of the rear end. I was able to climb things I haven't climbed in the last year. That is a big accomplishment as this body isn't meant for climbing. <br /><br />Nothing notable happened on this trip. It wasn't like one of my previous <a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rcelliott/143384/">first rides</a>. It was just a fun, relaxing, enjoyable afternoon on the bike with my boys and my friends. Since my schedule is going to be jam packed this summer I will be sneaking in my rides as much as possible. I think I will probably be riding during lunch just to fit it in...Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661583602799129279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-39512509175886623642008-03-04T02:34:00.001-05:002010-05-29T11:31:31.045-04:00Six Word Memoir<a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/anotherblogonthefire/491516/">Anotherblogonthefire</a> tagged me to sum up my life in six words. At first I thought this was going to be so hard as I am a pretty talkative fellow, but then I remembered I have a personal slogan:<br /><br />Live the Faith! Ride it Out!<br /><img alt="Live the Faith! Ride it Out!" style="display: block;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2044/2126887126_5a67f46d07.jpg?v=0" /><br /><br />For info on how to do this tag, go <a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/anotherblogonthefire/491516/">here</a>:<br /><p>to start a six word memoir meme here are the rules: </p><br /><p><em>1. Write your own six word memoir<br />2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like<br />3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this <a href="http://bookbabie.wordpress.com/2008/02/18/6-word-memior-meme/">original post</a> if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere<br />4 .Tag five more blogs with links<br />5. And don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!</em></p><br /><br />I tagged:<br /><a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Kalene">Kalene</a><br /><a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AuntLisa">Lisa</a><br /><a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Christina31">Christina</a><br /><a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Emmy">Emmy</a><br /><a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/kingdomlifemom">Cheryl</a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661583602799129279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703159211585595187.post-69300380002940834612006-05-31T08:03:00.001-04:002010-05-29T11:11:52.436-04:00The First Bike Ride<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span> </p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Over Memorial weekend I was finally able to get away for a few hours to ride mountain bikes with my boys.<span style=""> </span>Normally I have over 15 rides in by this weekend, but this has been a very busy year.<span style=""> </span>Since I am going to Guatemala in a few weeks, and there will be a lot of climbing involved, I chose to take the boys to the hardest local trail I could think of.<span style=""> </span>Yes, this is the Polish logic in me coming out.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Well, the trail is like this.<span style=""> </span>It is a technical trail with about 1300’ elevation over ten miles long.<span style=""> </span>It is a beautiful singletrack with long climbs, off camber sections, and some fun downhill runs.<span style=""> </span>We were very excited to finally get out together.<span style=""> </span>We joked together that we would ride this trail then ride another trail on the way home.<span style=""> </span></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">With the bikes unloaded we began to take to the trail.<span style=""> </span>I knew this was going to be one of those rides the kids and I would be talking about for a long time to come.<span style=""> </span>I had it in my mind that we would really have a good time. Five hundred feet into the trail was the beginning of the reality.<span style=""> </span>“Dad, where are you?” was ringing through the woods.<span style=""> </span>We hadn’t even hit a turn yet before my younger son was screaming this at the top of his lungs.<span style=""> </span>“Shut up, for cryin’ out loud we’re right in front of you” was the reply of my older son. Yep, this was going to be a great ride.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">I took the time to explain to both sons that I was not going to ride very fast.<span style=""> </span>I also reminded them that neither one of them asked my permission to be mean to each other and that I wasn’t about to give it anyway.<span style=""> </span>I also reminded them that they were both experienced riders, boy scouts, and anything else I thought might help.<span style=""> </span>That seemed to help…<span style=""> </span>For about five minutes.<span style=""> </span>My older son was letting me know that he really didn’t like mountain biking anymore, and this trail had too many up hills.<span style=""> </span>I told him I would take that up with the management.<span style=""> </span>My anticipation turned into a prayer, “God, please let this be a good ride.”</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Okay, now we are finally finding our groove.<span style=""> </span>We are more into the freeriding thing than cross-country, so we are begging for a downhill.<span style=""> </span>The first one hit us.<span style=""> </span>After climbing forever, the trail turned downward.<span style=""> </span>We began the fun and finally had something to cheer about.<span style=""> </span>I was especially happy, as I was sure my lungs were going to explode.<span style=""> </span>The trail continued rolling along for a few miles and we had fun.<span style=""> </span>The complaining turned to laughter, and the fighting turned to encouragement.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Enter mile four.<span style=""> </span>We decided to stop for a break.<span style=""> </span>“I don’t like raisins” was the first thing I heard.<span style=""> </span>“I don’t like nuts” was the second.<span style=""> </span>As a father, you really want to encourage your boys and remind them to be polite.<span style=""> </span>At this moment I realized that I was 100 pounds overweight, my lungs were sure to stretch out, and that the stars out that day were too beautiful to listen to this.<span style=""> </span>Wait, why are there stars anyway?<span style=""> </span>I digress.<span style=""> </span>I told the boys that unfortunately there was no McDonald’s near by, and that this was the only thing on the menu.<span style=""> </span>Being the man and head of the house that I am, I did what any father who wanted to have a good time would do.<span style=""> </span>I begged them to eat this stuff, as I was sure to die out here if I had to carry them.<span style=""> </span>They agreed to eat and I got a chuckle as I watched one eat nuts as the other chewed raisins.<span style=""> </span></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">We went to start riding again then I heard my older ask my younger for a drink.<span style=""> </span>“Uh, guys, we have six miles to go, why are you out of water?”<span style=""> </span>“I drank some and I had to wet my hair,” was the reply.<span style=""> </span>Okay, dads, this hair thing, what do you do about it?<span style=""> </span>I want my son to be who he is, but is a big shaggy mess a fighting topic?<span style=""> </span>I wanted to shear him right then, but the water was a much more pressing problem.<span style=""> </span>I knew the trail got tougher from where we stood.<span style=""> </span>I decided hair is not important, but trying to conserve water and survive was.<span style=""> </span>I love my son, so instead of blowing up, I told him not to use any more water on his hair and that we could share.<span style=""> </span>This was also a good time to teach on the topic of nutrition and how important keeping hydrated is.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Well, we were in luck for a while as it was another long rolling section.<span style=""> </span>We attacked the downhills and had tons more fun for the next half hour.<span style=""> </span>We were back to the encouraging and everything when out of nowhere a mountain sprang out of the ground.<span style=""> </span>I am sure I don’t remember climbing anything like that on my previous trips there.<span style=""> </span>Slowly we made the climb. Stopping to sip water was about the only time we spoke.<span style=""> </span>All energy was devoted to climbing.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">We continued like this for half an eternity.<span style=""> </span>I began cramping up, and the boys were looking pink.<span style=""> </span>We needed another break.<span style=""> </span>It is amazing that when you are staring death right in the face if you don’t eat something that will give you energy, raisins and nuts are like the best things in life.<span style=""> </span>My boys attacked the foods with all their might.<span style=""> </span>We rested and drank a little water.<span style=""> </span>We realized that we were under attack.<span style=""> </span>A mosquito air force decided to take us on.<span style=""> </span>We took off as fast as possible.<span style=""> </span>Four hundred bites later we were gone.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">This was a bad move for “daddy fatty” (a name given to me by my littlest girl).<span style=""> </span>I was convinced that I was in a time warp.<span style=""> </span>Things were moving very slowly around me.<span style=""> </span>I was looking for the medivac.<span style=""> </span>I was talking to trees and asking them for help.<span style=""> </span>It was the end.<span style=""> </span>The boys would have to bury me there.<span style=""> </span>Good thing they were boy scouts.<span style=""> </span>They would know what to do with my body…</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">As we were walking along…<span style=""> </span>hey wasn’t this a bike ride?<span style=""> </span>As we were walking along, God finally smiled on us.<span style=""> </span>You know the scripture about all things working together for good?<span style=""> </span>Well, at this point in my life, I was sure the devil had planted a mountain here in flat Michigan to kill me.<span style=""> </span>God worked it together for good as He, in His infinite wisdom, knew exactly when I was having enough and dying.<span style=""> </span>For every uphill, God will give us a downhill exactly when we need one.<span style=""> </span>This downhill was one of the funnest I have ridden in a while.<span style=""> </span>No it wasn’t on par with a downhill racecourse, but it was great nonetheless.<span style=""> </span>It flowed well, was very long, and allowed all of us to regain consciousness again.<span style=""> </span>It allowed me to have all of the fun I had missed in the previous months of not riding.<span style=""> </span></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">We finally finished riding, and put the bikes into the truck.<span style=""> </span>“Dad, thanks.<span style=""> </span>That was tough, but it was one of the best rides we have ever been on.”</span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0px;"></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661583602799129279noreply@blogger.com0