No Longer Shooting Race Photos

This has not been an easy decision. I have had a good run of taking photos at the Psycowpath mountain bike races. Thanks to feedback from some riders, I have improved my photo composition. There were good and bad shots – too many times I had the camera just set wrong. For other times, needed to refine my techniques. All-in-all, it has been an educational experience and a better photographer.

Many of you know I rediscovered the bicycle as rehab from a heart valve replacement. The first 5 years, my riding got stronger. But for the last couple years I have been plagued by 4 different cancers. That, arthritis in the left knee, and getting older (turning 68 later this year), I cannot get around to get the shots I used to get.

There have been another crop of photographers that can get the shot better than I can. Add in that most folks just want small photos for the social media pages, its not worth my time to send a day shooting photos, posting them up to the web site, and hope there are a couple of sales. One rider told me he just grabbed the photos he wanted from the web site (there were big enough for facebook). He was nice enough to tell me about it and gave me a donation for the photos.

The first 2 years, I just posted my photos. The rest of the years, I asked for $5 for a cleaned-up photo. When I was shooting 400-500 shots at a race, I was not going to process all of the for sales of 2-5 photos. When a customer ordered a photo file, I start from the camera RAW photo, touched up exposure, shadows and highlights, and sent them via e-mail.

I did not take a portion of sales as a donation to THOR. What I did was donate any photos that the THOR and Psycowpath folks wanted for their web site, facebook pages, and publicity.   I appreciate the support from my customers and race friends.  Its time to move on to a new chapter in my adventure called "life".
 

There may be more changes in the works. I am now at over 10 years from the stroke, open heart, and first cancer. In the next year or two, my cancers will pass the 5 year mark. I will be getting more information about moving SW for better riding weather and less humidity. Watch for updates.

Last year race photos are still posted on the win_photo.photoreflect.com web site. They, and the Tranquility races will remain on the site for a month or two.

Enjoy your racing.

THOR Annual Meeting

Seems that the weather for THOR (Trails Have Our Respect) annual meeting is always bitter cold!.  This past Sunday did not disappoint us.

From what I count with the photo, there were about 70 attendees.  Chair Roxy Feagan welcomed the group.  It what a change from the attendance of the first THOR Annual Meeting I attended in about 80 years ago.  That meeting was held in the back of a bike shop and attended by 8 members!

Meeting was held at the National Park Service in Omaha.  The members learned about current status of becoming a chapter of IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association).  Breakout groups discussed the goals and future of THOR.  There was time to brain-storm to see what projects the membership would like.

Meeting ended with election of THOR's Board of Directors for the coming year.

Bring Your Own Kid Mountain Biking

Saturday, October 14th was IMBA's Bring a Kid Mountain Biking.  THOR (the local dirt trail group in Western Nebraska/Eastern Iowa)  re-branded the day as Bring Your Own Kib Mountain Biking.  The function was held at Walnut Creek Recreation Area, Papillion, NE.  Walnut Creek is the newest trail in the Trails Have Our Respect system.

Before the function got underway, representatives of Canfield Sporting Good Store (Omaha), presented THOR a check as proceeds to their mountain bike film night.

The temperature was a little chilly, so turn-out was not as good as expected.  The kids and parents had a good time.  There was a skills course to teach the basics of mountain biking (today's photos shows a dad helping a kid over the teeter-totter).

The group then headed down the trail to ride some singletrack goodness.  When they were back to the pavilion, waiting were makings of S moor's.

Photos I took during the function are at: http://win-photo.photoreflect.com

THOR Annual Meeting

Saturday, I had two functions I could attend - SWIARC (Amateur Radio) flea market or the THOR (Trails Have Our Respect) Annual Meeting.  I opted on the THOR meeting and glad I did.

The first time I attended a THOR annual meeting it was in 2007(?).  The meeting was held in the repair part of a local bike shop.  There were about 8 attendees.

The 2014 version brought out about 40 members to talk about an advocate for dirt trails in the area.  Awesome turnout for a bitter cold day.  Thanks for the National Park Service for the use of their space. (See upper photo)

The meeting started with welcoming message and goals for the meeting.  Short reports offered by officers, committee chairs, and trail leaders.  Quickly the group got down to the meet if the meeting.

Currently, THOR is an affiliated club of IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association).  There was a video presentation about the benefits of becoming a Chapter of IMBA.  One complaint about the video - The narrator talked way to fast (missed about half of the words) and the graphics flashed in too quickly. 

Break-out groups were given the task of defining what they wanted the singletrack/mountain bike community would look like in 2020.  Many ideas were introduced for future consideration.  It gave an idea of the direction the club wants to take.   (see lower photo)

There was another break-out session where topics of Trail Maintenance, Social  Functions,  Fund Raising, and Strategic Planning/Development were discussed.  I was somewhat surprised that the largest break-out group (over half of the attendees) were in the Trail Maintenance discussion! 

There are high school cycling teams being formed in the Omaha area.  A representative of the high school cycling league spoke about the goals of the league and asked for THOR member help.  Another guest speaker was a representative from the Omaha Mayor's office.  He attended the entire meeting and made some remarks.

Meeting finished with nomination and elections of required club officers.  For those missed the meeting - Officers were re-elected for another term.  Roxzanne Feagan (Pres), Mike Farrell (VP), April Eyberg (Secr), Dave Neef (Treas).  Meeting ended at time,  The club trailer was in the parking lot available to dropping off metal for recycling. 

Bring Your Own Kid Mountain Biking Day

The annual Trails Have Our Respect (THOR) event was held at Omaha's Tranquility Park on Sunday, October 13^th. The function was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 5^th, in conjunction with the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.

THOR's trail leaders rescheduled the event because of poor trail conditions (soft, muddy trails). This worked well, because the weather was perfect for fun on bicycles.

THOR's President Roxzanne Feagan reported there were 28 kids, ranging 3 to 10 years of age that participated. An estimated 20 adults were there for the function.

There was a little of everything to keep everyone busy. There were groups rides on the Tranquility Park trails. THOR's “Grill-master” David Packard and his crew fed the hungry kids. It was back for another group ride followed with riding skills events. The event was topped off with smor's.

All of my photos from the event can be viewed at:  http://win-photo.photoreflect.com.  Please note - for any orders, i will start from the camera RAW and reprocess the files (doing touch-up) before sending the file.

A great time was had by all.

Bring Your Own Kid Mountain Biking

Saturday was a blustery day for THOR's Bring Your Own Kid Mountain Biking day. This was held in conjunction IMBA's annual function. Temperatures hovered in the 40s with gusty winds from the NW. THOR's party was held in Tranquility Park, Omaha.

The photo is the kids on their bikes and ready to ride some singletrack.

The group headed out for a ride on the Tranquility Park trail. Then it was time for food. Dave, the THOR Grill Master, had grub ready.

After lunch, the kids tested their bike handling abilities with an obstacle course. The adults were ready to help learn techniques and offer some encouragement. The day ending with a pinata filled with candy.

There were plans for "smores" but folks were ready to call it a day, getting out if the cold. All-in-all, a good time was had by all.

Manawa "Trail Day"

Yesterday, I was thinking of a pavement ride - to get some miles. A bunch of the Bike Masters and THOR folks were planning at "Trail Day". Goal of The "Trail Day" was the ride in the new trail and offer comments.

The photo above is the group that started off on the ride. A few others joined the ride.

There is a little over than 3 miles flagged on the East side of the parking lot. Dale R rode with me for a while. I was able to ride about 2 miles before it was enough for me.

Some spots of the trail is very soft. Other sports have sand, dropped by the flood. The best section I rode was the newest section where Fast Track used to be. This section of trail seems to flow better. Just a couple spots where the flow is interrupted.

Previously, I had commented on the first section. There are some very tight spots in this section of the trail. A couple inches on each side of the handlebars. While some of the riders (and the TL) want it tight, I do not think it would be good for racing. Not good for my kind of riding, either.

Speaking of racing, there is a race scheduled of this new trail on August 11th. LOTS of work needed before then.

After the ride, we had a trail-side cookout. Brats, burgers, chips, ribs, and beverages. Thanks to Dave P for manning the grill: TL for the meat: THOR for the chips, papers, condiments. Was a nice way to end the day.

THOR BYOK MTB Day

Photos I took at the THOR Bring You Own Kid mountain Biking day are posted.

BYOK MTB

Why I Ride

Very simply, I ride to live.

Some folks say they live to ride, but I ride to live.

In March 2005 I suffered a stroke. The stroke was caused by a failed heart valve. At my cardiac rehab exit interview I was asked what I was going for exercise to continue my recovery. I was not sure but knew I had to do something.

You know how things just work out? I knew I did not enjoy running and walking – that’s “work”. I decided to check out buying a bicycle. I had problems finding a sales clerk at the local department stores. It was a Sunday, a bicycle shop in the area was open – I stopped to check them out.

Bill put me on a comfort bike. I had not been on a bicycle since as a kid. What are all of these levers for on the handlebar? With tentative pedal strokes I was on my adventure. In that abbreviated season I logged nearly 800 miles.

In no time, I “out grew” that bike. Bought a hybrid. In my first riding season, I logged over 2000 miles and added a hardtail mountain bike to my stable. I sent in my dues for THOR (Trails Have Our Respect – the local dirt trail advocacy group), Soon the singletrack was calling me. I fell in love with riding in the woods on a sweet singletrack.

I started feeling great – physically and emotionally. My speed and endurance increased. Asked my doctor if we could try dropping the anti-depressant that I was on. In no time, cycling became my medication.

Sure, I have bad days, but nothing that a bicycle ride couldn't cure!

For 4 years I served as Webmaster for THOR and spent time on the South West Iowa Nature Trails board (Wabash Trace Nature Trail). In 2009 I logged over 3000 miles in my bikes, which now included a trail bike.

Every time I made a trip out of town one or two bicycles were on the car rack. I started searching new trail to explore. Singletrack, Rails-to-Trails, country roads, and bicycle paths – they are all routes to adventure.

Late 2009 I hit a speed bump in the road of recovery. A lump on my shoulder turned out to be cancer. A later biopsy confirmed that it had spread into my lungs. But I did not let this stop me. When the trips for treatments seemed to be more than I could bear, I went out for a bicycle ride. I ended up over 300 miles pedaling during 7 weeks of radiation and 11 weeks of chemo.

For a reward for seeing through the treatments, I bought a road bike. Rule #1: The authorized number of bicycles is equal to the number currently owned plus 1.

My cycling friends and cardiac rehab folks consider me as an inspiration. For me, I want to spread the word of what cycling has done for me and how it can help others.

For over 30 years, you would not see me without my pipe. Was always off for a smoke break. With the week in the hospital I decided to stop smoking. Now, I have not been able to lose weight by pedaling, but my cardiovascular system is in much better shape (my cardiologist is very pleased). My balance is greatly improved (but still can't do a track stand). My depression is basically gone.

I have learned about singletrack design and maintenance. I have cleared brush and downed trees from trails. Six years ago I learned to speak all over. Now, I feel confident enough to speak about what cycling means to me. I want to spread the word.

As I and writing this, I am in the hospital to “freeze” a tumor on the left kidney. A biopsy will decide if it was cancer. In about 6 weeks we will do the same thing all over again for a tumor on the right kidney. My cycling is giving me the drive and determination that I will tame that beast. After all, there are a lot of more bicycle trails to explore. More folks to get on the cycling bandwagon.

That is Why I Ride

THOR Meeting

Saturday was the annual meeting for Trails Have Our Respect. our dirt trail organization. Pretty good turn-out for a Saturday afternoon.

VP and Marketing Chair "Roxy" chaired the meeting. The meeting started with a reminder of THOR's mission and goals. Next, a Roxy enumerated the planned actions and accomplishments of the year. It was a very busy year for THOR.

Time for election of officers. President Kent had expressed his desire to step aside as did Webmaster Tom and a trail leader or two. Roxy was elected President.

From there, the group split into committees (Trail Leaders, Fund Raising, Social, and Marketing). The committees started plans for the year.

Once I receive info, changes will be made to the THOR web site (contact list, etc).

THOR Family Fun Day

Suspicious characters were found riding bicycle in the woods at Lake Manawa State Park (IA). It was THOR's Bring Your Own Kid Mountain Biking day. Kids of all ages had fun on their bikes.

The awesome weather (great scheduling there, Dave), great food, and good conversation rounded out the day.

The photos I shot are on my photo web site

10 Days on the bike

OK, not constantly on the bike for 10 days - I have ridden every day in the last 10 days. During that period I logged in 193 miles. One of the days I only rode 3.5 miles - during trail work. The rest of that day was shooting the cyclocross race at Swanson.

Its harvest season in the heartland. With wall-2-wall sunshine for the last 2 weeks, the combines have been busy. That kind of weather has been perfect for bike riding.

After 2 days riding in the Wabash Trace, the last 2 days I have ridden the loop around Council Bluffs. Looks like the Missouri River is slowly receding - again! Will take some time before we will be able ride the full loop at Lake Manawa.

Thankfully, West Sidewinder is (and has been all year) above water lever and rideable. Weather is gonna be awesome for THOR's Bring Your Kid Mountain Biking festivities on Saturday at Lake Manawa.

Lastly, today I (finally) topped the 1500 miles mark for the year.

Speaking of bike rides

Last week I rode over to check out the new South Omaha Bridge (Veteran's Memorial Bridge). From the Iowa side, its looking nearly completed. They are pouring the decorative red concrete in the median. i have heard that one of my cycling friends has ridden across the bridge.

The new bridge has a bicycle/pedestrian lane on the North side. This will then give us another safe river crossing.

There is still a section of the Veteran's Memorial Trail from the levee to the motel that have not been completed.

While riding one day this week, I started thinking about how many miles I have ridden in the less than 5 years I have been riding. Thinking that it has to be near 10,000, I totaled it up. I am at about 10,600 miles! Some time last Fall I hit the 10K - no fan fare, just pedaled past it.

Yesterday, I attended the THOR Trail day at Lewis & Clark Memorial. Taking it easy, I took photos and procured refreshments. Check out thee photos at http://thor-trails.blogspot.com

Treatments and Adams Park Meeting

Thursday was the half day of treatments and doctors. Well, it was supposed to be.

Went to radiation. The computer did not registered that i had checked in. So the therapist and I were waiting for me at different areas. Part of my treatment schedule is blood draw on Wednesday so they are available for Thursday Chemo. Late start on radiation. Then quick chat with the doctor. That is going well, other than the burn I am getting.

Checked in for chemo, eventually vitals and to the treatment room. Finally, the nurse came in, said has to call my doctor because one of the blood counts is low. They are too low for treatment, so went home without chemo treatment. Hmmmm, you think they could have told me later yesterday or earlier this morning?

Later in the day, It was time for the meeting at Adams Park. The meeting is where THOR (our trails group), Activate Omaha, The Omaha Parks Dept, and National Parks Service advised the community what is happening in their park. The partnership brought in the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew.

In the photo above, Trail Care Crew members Steve and Morgan Lommele and discussing the efforts with Adams Park Community Center Director Orentheian Everett.

Wedding Photos

The photos I took of Roxzanne and Ryan Feagan's wedding are on my photography web site. I was debating about posting the photos on that site. Decided the the trail group could use the money, so all monies I get from the wedding photos will be donated to T.H.O.R. (TrailsHaveOurRespect.org).

http://win-photo.photoreflect.com

Manawa Ride

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a ride in the woods mid 70s, sunny, a bit windy. There were several others riders at Manawa. I stopped two to chat. They are new mountain bikers - starting this season. Talked them about THOR membership.

Anyway, I continued making my laps. The trail conditions are pretty good, except for 2 dead falls on East Sidewinder. One had been there some time, the other is new. Both were trees damaged in the June wind storm, just decided to come down in October.

One reason for riding at Manawa yesterday was to check out the fork re-build of my trail bike. No problem with the fork on this ride. I had a leisurely ride - 7.7 mph. Just what I was looking for. Even had a good conversation with 2 potential THOR members.

Hoping to ride again today, before the weather turns colder and wet over the next couple days.

Lake Manawa Tail Work

The delayed trail work at Lake Manawa took place last evening. Over a dozen of the Trail Crew attended. Under guidance of our Trail Leader, we made quick work of trail clean-up.

Goal was clear dead falls from the recent storms, weed-wack the trail, and lopped branches to trim the trail canopy. Steve manned the mower, giving the trail a hair-cut.

Thanks to everyone than helped.

Race Season is Off and Running

The Psycowpath mountain bike racing season kicked off this morning with the Maskenthine XC Classic. Tired of winter, shaking off cabin fever, over 100 riders took to the trails.

The weather was windy, cool in the morning, and with hazy sunshine (but compared to last year season opener - who could complain). The trail was in good Spring riding condition. There were a couple of soft, damp spots.

The race was hosted by the Elkhorn Valley Cycling Club. One racers won a KHS singlespeed bike (compliments of Cleveland Bike & Sports of Norfolk).

As usual, yours truly was busy photographing the races. Once the nearly 400 shots are processed, they will be on my web site (or a link will be on my web site).

On the way home, I was able to do some PR work. At the West Point McD, a guy stopped to chat. He is a mountain biker but had not raced in some years. He directed me to Wilderness Park in West Point - it now has hiking trails. They could be upgraded to mountain bike trails.

In Bennington, at a convenience store, the Manager talked with me. A friend had showed him Tranquility Park - he had had no idea idea we had such trails. Gave him my card, suggesting that he check out the T.H.O.R. web site. Guess it was the Bike Masters jersey and Iowa ball cap!

A busy, enjoyable, productive day.

3 Years and Counting

Three years ago, I was in the hospital. I had suffered a stroke. As my doctors planned tests, my health made a nose dive. Instead of tests, I found out they rushed me into surgery. I had a deteriorated heart valve.

A week in the hospital (including a mechanical heart valve), 5 weeks of home care (Thanks to VNA of Pottawattamie County), hours of speech therapy, and cardiac rehab put me on the road to recovery. It was time for me to find a way to continue improve my health. Thanks to Bill (Xtreme Wheels), I found cycling.

As they say, the rest is "history".

I have found places to ride - city bike trails, the Wabash Trace. Rode charity rides (local and regional). Started working with SWINT. Joined IMBA and T.H.O.R. Became very involved into the local cycling community.

You, my friends in the cycling community, are great. You give me the strength to keep pedaling through life. Mountain biking has made me feel younger and healthier.

Thank you all, for indulging me with my passion. Cycling, particularly singletrack, is my passion. See you on the trail and at the races. Bring on year 4.

RIDE TO LIVE

Swanson Park Trail Day

Great job, Martin. Thanks to everyone that participated in the T.H.O.R. Trail Day. I counted at least 30 members and friends (many came after this photo was taken). AWESOME!

Watch the T.H.O.R. web site for photos of the trail day.