You know I have love for "Trixie"

Well it was brought to my attention by Mr. Thomas that in my last post I was rather negative towards road cycling and the people around here who have ruined it. He told me that the only time I road this past year was with him so he thought I was referring to him. I'm here to say that the post he is mentioning had nothing to do with him. All of my road rides with the "local cult hero" as Greg calls him were great and alot of fun. If I ever ride a road bike in the future (which is highly unlikely) it will be because of Mike. Mike represents what road cycling should be about...FUN. I suppose my statements were made referencing the past. Although the TNR rides I did do this year were absolutely a joke. I never seen so many elitist assholes in one place in all my life. It's sad that most of them don't know what cycling is really about. To those sad individuals its all about racing and bragging about who was the fastest up and over Buffalo Mtn. It doesn't take alot of talent to sit back in the middle of the pack and not take a pull only to sprint up Buffalo at the end. Okay enough of that....

In other news, the newest member of the AKS family is already 1 month old. I have no clue where the time has gone. I suppose between work, 3 daughters and a wife, life can go by pretty fast. I have, however, been able to work out consistently for the past week and a half (thank you P90x), losing 6 lbs in the process. I have ridden twice in that same period so I'm happy about that as well. The biggest difference I can see in myself is my recovery time. I don't know if has to do with the fact that I have had nothing but water to drink for the past 2 weeks but I feel great. I will be making an appearance at the Short Track next week so that should be fun. My goal is 10 laps. If I can do that I'll be happy. The first and only time I did Short Track I only managed 7 laps but that was the week before I got sick with that Pericarditis that laid me up for over a month. I've got to get after it since I've committed to George about going out with him and Jeff again. Those dudes are beasts on a mountain bike. I've never seen anyone climb like that. It almost pisses you off...LOL. Alright I'm outta here.

If you are reading this Greg, what happened to you this week? I thought you were gonna call to go riding since you were off all week.

29er or Bust

Its official, I no longer own anything that has to do with road cycling.  I just sold my Bianchi steel bike complete with Campy Record.  I also got rid of all my extra parts (bottle cages, pedals, etc). I really have no desire to do it anymore.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, the road scene around here sucks now and its just not fun anymore.   I have much more fun in the woods (I can see Greg shaking his head now and saying "I told you so").  And since I really plan on not road biking again I have shifted all of my two wheel efforts into the mountain.   This gets me to where I am today and the dillema I face.  

I called Scooby the other day and asked some questions regarding the whole 29'er craze.  He answered like I thought he might.  It's hard to get an answer from someone who thinks every other bikes sucks except Specialized..LOL...just giving you a hard time Alan!!  But seriously I am intrigued with the whole idea of the 29'er.  I can't lie anymore but I have been riding here lately.  I've been to Warriors a few times and ETSU a few times hitting the trails.  I'm getting my strength and endurance back slowly but surely.   The one thing that I have noticed while on the Chameleon is the lack of being able to just "roll" over things.  I keep hearing that with a 29'er you make roots, smaller logs, and rock gardens look easy.  That's what I need.   I think the only thing holding me back is having to shell out money for not just a frameset but a new fork and a new set of wheels.   I will continue to do some more research and hopefully I will have an epiphany of some sorts.  Any input is appreciated...so bring it on!

A short one

Its been a week since my last post and to be honest not much is going on to post about. I've been so busy with the newest addition to my family, and work I don't have time to do much else. Claire is doing wonderful. Her two big sisters are a huge help and love her more than you can imagine. Now if only I could get more than a couple hours of sleep every night. With me being so tired I haven't done anything at all. No gym, no riding, nothing. I contemplated going to the Short Track last night but I'm just too tired. I would have suffered alot!! I really am enjoying reading all of your posts. I can live vicariously through all of you. I know I keep saying I'm going to post pics and I will this weekend I promise. So stay tuned.