Aztec Ruins

Loaded the car and had some food in the breakfast room.  Selected eggs and sausage (all lukewarm).  Gassed up the car and headed on the road.  The day was clear, decided to detour up to the Black Canyon - see if I could get some photos in better lighting.

Stopped at a couple vistas, one where I to walk a little to get to.  By then, I was a stop at the visitor's center and do some shopping.

Back on the way toward Farmington,I drove US 550 to Aztec NM.  I had forgotten the narrow, winding route that US 550 carves up and down the San Juan Mountains from Ouray to Durango, CO.  Encountered some snow in the air - thankfully, nothing sticking to the road. 

Made a wrong turn in Aztec, but with the help with a convenience store clerk, I fount Azrec Ruins National Monument.  Parked the car and walked up to the entrance.  Realized my camera SD card was about full.  Back to the car to get a cleared card.  The ranger gave me basic info about touring the ruins.

My body was about toast when I got back to the car.  As I got into Farmington, it took 2 different stops to find my hotel.  First  stop was at the Cottonwood Cycles.  Got the skinny on singletrack and bike path information in the area.

Checking in the room, I found me in a cracker-box room.  Not even a chair and desk/table to use my laptop.  Had to moved rooms - to a handicapped room.  By now, I was very tired and frustrated.  Took some time to move photo files onto the laptop.  Processed my files into HDR photographs.  Online, found a local brew-put for dinner.  Problem was that I was too tired to think about dinner.  Crashed into bed.

Recovery and Photography

When I got up Wednesday morning, I was hungry,  Stuck my head out of the door, it was obvious that it had rained over night.  At the breakfast room decided on having a waffle and coffee.  Back at the room, I crashed into bed again.

Worked some on the new pages for my web site. Ate my left over pizza for lunch (hit the spot).

In the afternoon, I was ready to get out the room a little.  Wanted to shoot a couple photos around Gunnison.Went to Hartman Rock to see what the place (and their trails0 looked like.  Particularly with my altitude problems, no way I was about to attempt riding singletrack (or even dirt roads).

Processed the photos and did some more work on the web site.  Pack bags for an early departute Thursday.  Altitude still giving me a problem, could not get in a good night's sleep.  Toss and turned all night.

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

A Short Ride on the Santa Fe Rail Trail

Just HAD to get on a bicycle today.  Did my coffee and waffle at the motel.  Putzed in the room waiting for the temperature to get up to into the 60s.  Loaded the hybrid on the car and headed to the Rabbit Trailhead on the Santa Fe Rail Trail.

At this trailhead, the trail is Paved to the North and crushed stone to the South.  I headed North toward the plaza.

Being a trail along the active railroad bed, I was thinking it might be relatively flat, or at least a easy grade.  NOT!  The trail follows the surrounding terrain, ignoring the rail bed cuts and fills.

In the upper photo, I-25 crosses the trail and a less used track.  I selected this photo for its aesthetic value more than to show the trail typography.

By the time I arrived at Rodeo Rd, I knew I had to turn back to the car.  Disappointed, as I had not hit the one mile mark.  But, i knew I would have a headwind and a rough hill to get back to the car.  Further, the two hills I had climbed getting to Rodeo Rd had me stopping to catch my breath.

Climbing the rougher hill, I had to get off my bike and walk the bike. I just could not get enough air to ride - even had to take it slow walking the bike.  When I got to the parking lot, I did some reconnaissance on the crushed stone trail to the South.

From the trailhead, the trail takes a big drop.  Then coming up to the track grade.  I know that if I were to ride this section of the trail, I would have to walk the bike back up to the parking lot.  I have been advised that further South, the trail is more like a singletrack.  See the lower photo.

By the time I was near my motel, I was hungry.  Stopped at a Dennys just down the block.  Just what the body needed - water and food.  Have been thinking of going to Plaza/Rail Yard area for a beer or whatever.  The spirit is will but the body says NO.

There are some trails in Santa Fe along the river and an Arroyo.  They might be better to ride, but there are not trailhead parking places noted on the trails map.  It was the climbing (short as the hills were) that did me in.  Some research this evening might be warranted.  Today's ride DID convince me that it is better than I NOT try to do one of the group rides.

Most Popular Mountain Bike Trails

Thanks to Singletracks.com for the map and the review of most popular trails in each state.  I am surprised how many of them I really have ridden a section of or at least checked out to see it I could ride it.

Here's the ranking criteria on the list.

• Average trail rating
• Number of members who have ridden the MTB trail
• Number of members who want to ride the MTB trail

There's the list of trails I am familiar with (means ridden a part of the trail or tried to ride a section):
 

Santos, Ocala, FL

Cuyuna Trails, Ironton, MN

Tsali, Bryson City, NC

Jewell Park, Bellevue, NE

FATS Trails, Clarks Hill, SC

Centennial Trail, Sturgis, SD

Tanasi, Ocoee, TN

Palo Duro Canyon, Canyon, TX

Curt Gowdy State Park, Cheyenne, WY

In addition to the top trail per state, the web site also lists the 100 top trails.  Like those above, I have ridden a section of these trails.

#1 - Colorado Trail, Durango, CO

#19 - CAMBA: Namakagon Cluster, Namakagon, WI

#34 - Bent Creek, Asheville, NC

#85 – Nine Mile, Wausau, WI

Kanesville Krusher

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a race.  The venue was Lewis & Clark Historic Monument in the Loess Hills of Council Bluffs. This was the second race in the Psycowpath Mountain Bike series for 2014.  The singletrack at Lewis & Clark Monument is considered the most demanding course within a 3 hour drive of Omaha.

The day started at 8am with a trail runner race.  The race was followed with podium awards and photo ops,   At 10 am, the bicycles took to the trail.

First into the singletrack were the marathon racers.  These fold were pedaling up and down the hills of the Monument for over 4 hours.  Right behind them were the Category 3 racers followed by the junior racers.  These groups rode one lap of the 5 mile trail.

The Category 1 and Category 2 racers took to the trail about noon.  There were riding 4 and 2 laps of the course, respectively.  During the later race, I had had enough for the day and headed home.  Before packing up my cameras, I had a double cheeseburger cooked by the THOR "grillmaster".  Host for the race was Greenstreet Velo.

As usual, photos I took of the races are posted on my race and events web site:  http://win-photo.photoreflect.com.  Photo files can be purchased from the web site.  Photos posted on the web site are "proof" jpg's.  If you place an order, I will reprocess the file from the camera RAW.

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.

Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival

Today was the main day of the mountain bike festival. There were 5k and 10k runs early in the morning (before I got to the festival grounds).  The first function I attended was the Bicycle Parade (upper photo).  The parade route took the riders from the festival grounds, to and through downtown Crosby before riding back to the festival grounds,  Fewer riders in the parade than last year.

After the parade, it was time to prepare to shoot the crosscountry mountain bike race.  Riders rode their bikes from the festival grounds to the start/finish line at Pennington Lake.  This mass roll-out from the festival was to eleviate any parking problems at Pennington Lake.  Large group of racers.

After the group headed out of the festival grounds, I drove over to the parking area near Boot Camp (along highway 128).  Visited with a race trail guard as I waited for the racers.  I found a spot in the woods along the singletrack.  Caught most all of the riders as they came through.  Missed some when there were too many arriving at once and the camera couple not keep up processing the files.  Many of them I caught on the second lap.  Ended up with about 200 shots of the race. 

Back at the festival frounds, I was hungry.  Picked up a burger and Fat Tire at the vendors.  The first of the Twin Cities Fun Factory BMX stunt show was underway.  Smaller crowd watchng the show this year than last year.  Did not see the "money shot" I took last year "High Flying Bike".  They were having a second show later in the afternoon.

I took some time to head to the hotel to sort some of today's photo files.  Got some also posted up on the race & events web site.

Was pretty tired, but wanted to try to shoot the always popular kid's races.  The lower photos was the start of the kids race for the youngest riders.  After the kid's race, the moms and dads rode their kid's bike in a race.

I topped off the day with a sandwich and Fat Tire at Coach's Corner Sports Bar.  Now rest time, checking the weather, and probably packing the car for the trip home.

Switchback

Yesterday (Thursday) was travel day.  Was hoping it would clear off a bit, instead the day started spitting mist while packing the car.  Eventually got on the road.  Encountered "pea soup) fog just leaving Duluth.  I had to slow down to 40mph on I-35!

The fog was clear as I headed out on highway 210.  Was getting hungry when I reached Cromwell.  Had lunch at the Country Inn Restaurant.  What a lunch!  Ordered 1/3 pound burger, fries, cole slaw, 2 onion rings, and coffee for under $10! 

Checking at the Country Inn Deerwood.  Settled into the room and got stuff ready for a ride Friday.

Today, the morning was spent waiting for sun and higher temperature.  By noon, it was time to head over to the trails.  Talked with Dan (Owner @ Country Inn) about riding "Switchback".  This was a trail I had not ridden.  Parked the car at the Pennington Lake boat ramp.

Pretty good singletrack.  Just some climbing that was over my ability.  Did not how much I have gotten out of shape - be that from not active or health problems.  Was out of breath at times walking the bike up the trail.  From the upper photo, you can see where the trail gets its name.

Anyway, I had the GoPro camera on the bike and recorded the whole ride.  When I hit the end of Switchback, I rode the road to the Cuyuna Lake State Trail back to the car.

Back at the room, I downloaded the video.  Looks like I got the whole ride - even did not get the camera turned off while visiting at the parking lot.  Converted the video from MP4 to AVI.

The camera wanted to update the firmware.  That is done from the GoPro CineForm Studio.  The firnware update did not take.  Sent an e-mail from GoPro. While i was out for registration and pasta feed, I had instructions from GoPro.  Awesome customer support!  Downloaded the firmware and formatted the SD car.

Back at the Festival (Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival).  Bought raffle tickets (for a New Belgium Brewing cruiser) - drawing in September.  Food and beverages by Maucieri’s and New Belgium Brewing.  The band was playing.  Later there would be a night ride under lights (beyond me on unfamiliar trails).

No luck updating the firmware.  The camera seems to be stuck in a loop.  Sent another e-mail to GoPro support.  About time to call it a night.

Mountain Bike Festivals - 2013

Been a frustrating week (10 days) since my biopsy.  MRI and PET scan last Friday.  Got some info from my oncologist's nurse.  Scans look good and I could make plans for my mountain bike festival trip.

This weekend, I will be attending Festival of the Trails in Hayward/Cable, Wisconsin.  This will be the 3rd time attending this festival.

The next weekend is the Cuyuna Lakes Montain Bike fest in Crosby, MN.   (Sorry, Cuyuna, but your web site does not have an image I can hijack for the blog).  I have been attending this function for 3 three years since the trail; system opened.

Since its about 500 miles from my home to Hayward and same for Crosby, does not make any sense to drive home for the 3-4 days between.  Instead, I will be riding my bikes and play tourist in the Duluth/Superior area.  Bringing the full suspension mountain bike and the hybrid.  Think I can do some tourist activities by bike in Duluth.

See you on the trails...

Bike on the Intrepid Trail

This weather has really getting me down.  Most of my friends are feeling the same.  Last week I took the hardtail to the bike shop to get the tires and pedals changed - studs and flats for knobbies and clipless.  Thought MAYBE the weather is waiting me to signal Winter really was over. 

Alas, the weather is very slow in changing.  This week we are getting cool temperatures, overcast skies, and wind.  Rain is in the forecast for later in the week.  Even some predictions of snow!

Thought maybe a photo and thoughts of warmer temperatures, sunshine, and awesome scenery would brighten my spirits.  This photo was taken on my birthday.  The bike is my Trek Fuel EX7.  My "buddy" on the handle bar is "Fest-er" from the MidWest Mountain Bike Festive.  I was riding the Intrepid Trail at Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah.  Was topping a great day in the red rock country near Moab.

OH, to be there today!

Dirt (Gravel) Ride

Started packing up the roon this morning. No fishing tournaments because hassles to get permits on Lake Meade (about the only place to fish in the area). Figured to ride some dirt today. Had a late breakfast at the poolside cafe.

Checked with a couple locals about where the bike shop had suggested where I should ride. Headed out for Cottonwood Valley. Almost for lost because i did not think it would take that far out of Las Vegas. Eventually found the trailhead.

When ready to ride, I asked another guy loading up his bike - looking for where the trails started and a suggested ride. He took my photo for me and I headed up the hill.

Did not ride too far - just too tired. Got far enough to take a few photos - for next year's calendar. Had lots of fun ride back down! The trail here was combination of rocks, gravel, and some fine, loose gravel.

J.E.M. Trail

I over slept for any thought of going to Zion NP for the day or morning. Ate my waffle breakfast at the hotel and started preparations for a dirt ride.

Friday, at Over the Edge Sports, the folks suggested riding the J.E.M Trail just out of town (Hurricane). Had a little panic finding the map I had purchased at the bike shop. Found it in the tablet case.

For readers that might ride or hike in Utah's "Dixie", I recommend picking up a trail by Adventure Maps. I have the one for St. George, Hurricane, and Springdale, UT.

I had been directed to drive up Rt 59. After the climb from the valley, take the first left. I found the turn on the map and driving. I was told the trail to the left from the road would be the easier section of the trail.

Took the the trail and it was just my speed. The only problem was that it was downhill and I would have to ride UP back to the car. Back to the car (about 1/4 mile) and check out the up side trail. It was a little bit more technical but still something I could ride. Just had to stop at times to catch my breath and rest my legs.

The upper photo was taken riding back down the J.E.M Trail.

I stopped and turned around before I got too tired. There were a lot of folks on the trail today. A couple times I stopped to let down-hill riders pass. LOVE the ride back down to the car. Awesome ride (and the scenery had nothing to complain about).

As I was in the area, decided to check out Gooseberry Mesa. A few miles down Rt 59 and down at dirt road - 6.5 miles down the dirt road! Parked at the frist parking area I found.

Web sites show that the double-track was the easy trail. Rode almost 1/2 miles up, but it was just not fun like the J.E.M Trail singletrack. Back at the car, I checked the map and found there was another parking area further down the road. That was there was singletrack branches from. Oh well - the singletrack there was either black diamond or blue square - and I was not looking press my luck out there. Drove back to Hurricane and stopped in at the bike shop. Lower photo is the dirt road (which I rode) between the parking lots.

Wanted to tell them how much fun I had on the J.R.M Trail. the guy there agreed it is a fun trail. When i mentioned how far I rode, he said they were suggesting the trail be one way downhill in the weekends. Further, he lectured about the damage done to the desert when stopping off trail to let others pass.

Well "Excuuuuuse Me"! I had talked with the gal at the shop Friday, and she suggested I could make an out-and-back to ride as far as I want. No mention made about one=way trail downhill on weekend. Kind of put a damper on my enjoyment basking in the after-ride.

Stopped at Subway (third time food from a chain), Was a bit hungry from the ride. Only had a 6" as I am still planning dinner tonight.

Processed the photos from today. Posted a couple day's photos to facebook. Into town (Hurricane) for dinner Was going to eat at Ted & Allens - Closed. Next tried a Mexican restaurant - Closed. ended up at JB's. Good food and service. Topped off dinner with a Heath Blizzard at DQ.

Packing up the room this evening.

Frustrating Day

I was up VERY early this morning. Watched TV until there was a place to have breakfast. Was one of the folks in line at Ruby's waiting when the Restaurant opened. After breakfast, I quick stop back at the room and drive into the park to shoot some photos at sunrise.

A little late in getting in position. Actually, the sun was just up when I got Bryce Point. Was able to get a couple shots.

Was cold this morning - in the upper 30s. Loaded up the car and headed toward Red Canyon. Was still too cold when I got to the West end of the bicycle trail. So, figured I might as well head to Zion.

Zion National Park was a zoo. Traffic backed up at the entrance and tunnel. Most of the turn-outs were full. My plan was to get at the Visitor's Center to that I could check out the scoop regarding the shuttle buses. All of the parking lots at the Visitor's Center were full. Signs said to park in the town pf Springdale.

Even though I was needing to use a rest room, I said "screw it" and headed to Hurricane to find my hotel. Checked into the hotel. The desk clerk did not give me any hopeful signs that tomorrow morning would be any better at the park.

Decided to leave options open - plot some alternate plans. Since i also wanted to check out dirt trails, I found a bicycle shop in Hurricane. At Over the Edge Sports found out that this is Fall Break. That's why so many people in the park than it was a week ago.

There really isn't a good other place to spend the next 3 nights. So, guess I will rest, check out some singletrack, and do some local tourist activities, May go up to Cedar Breaks. Could even go the the Grand Canyon North Rim (it its still open). Across southern Utah, I found places closing for the season within the next week.

Canyonlands & Dead Horse Point

Got up for breakfast and tried the Moab Diner (down the block from my motel). Classic breakfast - and I could not finish it.

Found the Moab Regional Hospital - needed a blood draw. Napped in the room until temperature got nice (60s). Loaded the trail bike and riding gear.

Plan was to check out Canyonsland - Island in the Sky. Then Dead Horse Point for a bike ride and photos. There was a knot in my left calf, so figured I would do what I could. Tried to walk it out, but no luck.

Stopped at almost all of the turn-outs, taking photos. One big omission was Upheaval Dome. The parking lot was fill and I did not want hike up to the view point. My legs have been about toast every night.

When I got to Dead Horse Point, I checked in with the ranger. Getting directions to the trailhead. Unloading the bike, asked a couple of biker to take my photo. Seems that the Gal was from Omaha!

Was not that good of a ride. Seems that I had forgotten about riding rocks and slickrock. That, an my A-Fib, left knee and altitude. Made a 1 miles ride/hike on the Intrepid Trail.

Ended up at the Dead Horse Point view area. Took some photos at the lower view point. Just not enough energy to haul the tripod.

Had dinner at Eddie McStiffs (was my plan). For many years, any time I came through Moab, I stopped in at Eddie McStiffs. Not looking for a big meal but needed my salad and a brew. Opted for a burger.

Thanks to Jill for buying me a birthday beer. Ended up having 2 - Rock Amber Ale. Soon bed time (see if I can complete the blog posting before i crash).

Mom called for my birthday. So, the day is complete. Will process photos in the morning. Night-night...

Hello Moab

I was just too tired last night to blog. I woke up early on day 2 of the trip. The day dawned overcast and threatening rain. Had my coffee and hotel breakfast. Loading the car and the rain starts.

Still threatening when I got to Colorado National Monument. Getting to the East entrance of the monument from west-bound I-70 is not well marked. I followed Business I-70. About the time I was sure I had missed the turn, I saw the brown sign for the Monument (appropriately named Monument Road).

Was a bit cool (about 43 deg) during the drive of Rim Rock Drive. Stopped at almost all of the turnout along the road. Some times it took a short hike to the vista.

The upper photo here was taken at one of those turnouts along Rim Rock Drive.

Stopped in at the Visitor's center. Talked a little with the Ranger, nothing in the store I didn't need. So, finished Rim Rock Drive, dropping down to Fruita. Filled up the car and on towards Moab.

If you map a route to Moab from the East on I-70, Google Maps will take you to Crescent Junction, Exit 182 Highway 191 to Moab. What you need to is exit I-70 at Exit 214 (older maps label it exit 212). The exit is labels Danish something, but it takes you through Cisco, then a Left on 128.

The first 10+ miles of rt 128 is nothing to write home about. and you will wonder "Why so much traffic on this road"? This is the scenic route into Moab. Once the road follows the Colorado River. You will he treated on some beautiful vistas.

As I reached the junction of highway 120 and 191 just North of Moab, it was obvious you saw this is a bicycle town. A beautiful Mid-October day and bicycle riders were out in full force.

My first stop in Moab was the Visitor's Center. Got some information, directions, and reading material. Next was my lodging - The Virginian Motel. Checking in there and unloaded some of the stuff from the car.

The Viginian Motel is an older place. Rooms are roomy enough (places to park my 2 bicycle) and a kitchenette. Yes - even a small stove with oven, but no microwave.

Wanted to get recommendations for singletrack trails to ride. Googled the local Trek Bike dealer. It is Poison Spider Bicycles. Not sure how far, I opted to drive. WRONG! I should had used one of my bicycles! Traffic in town (this was a Saturday afternoon during one of the peak tourist seasons) was terrible. It was much faster (and less aggravation) riding a bike to get where you wanted to go.

Anyway, Eddie and one of the customers (don't you just love bike shops - staff and customers were always ready to help) suggested Intrepid Trails at Dead Horse Point. There, I would find some easy trails, with little climbing, but awesome scenery. Just what I wanted for my Birthday Ride on Monday. I thanked Eddie and promised to be back for some shopping before leaving town.

Back at the motel, I unloaded more for the 4 nights stay in Moab. Soon, it was time to look for some food. This was a "salad day" so was looking for a dull meal, or at least a place that has a salad bar. And, no chain restaurant!

I opted for Pizza. Zax is just 2 blocks from my motel and they offer a pizza, soup, and salad buffet. It the start of dinner time. The place fulled as I was eating. Since I had not eaten (other than a couple snacks) since my hotel breakfast, I was getting hungry! Had my salad. Beer Cheese Soup was one of the offerings - how could I pass THAT. And, of course, beer goes well with pizza. Decided for a pint of Dead Horse Amber Ale brewed locally by The Moab Brewery.

Back at the motel, I transferred photo files form the camera to the laptop. Was getting very tired as I finished up processing my HDR photos (all 93 of them). Crashed into bed.

GnomeFest Photos

Photos I took at GnomeFest Nueve (Nine Mile Forest - Wausau, WI) have been posted on my events and race photo site. There are also photos I took that Sunday on the Mountain-Bay trail.

Comment: It is very difficult to contact the folks promoting Gnomefest. i would like to send them the link to my photos. The Gnomefest web site does not include any contact or "about" information. Facebook page is locked down so that visitors cannot post or comment, and the only contact info is the web site.

Link to photos: http://win-photo.photoreflect.com

Enjoy!

Bikes & Beer

Today was a day filled with Bike & Beer (with some singletrack thrown in). It was rough getting out of bed this morning. Had some breakfast at the hotel. The coffee did not seem to help.

Off to the festival, bringing the Fuel EX7. The first function was the Ladies Ride with MTB Hall of Famer - Jacquie Phelan. After the ladies headed out, the guys (me included) hit the trails.

I rode up to behind the chalet. Found number 4 singletrack trail. The area is full of Nordic ski trails. Many of the ski trails also had sing;e/double track trails down them.

From Trail 4, I turned right onto Trail 7. Rode this loop trail back to the intersection with Trail 4. Back on Trail 4 to the chalet. Was a good 2.7 mile ride. Most of the trail I was able to ride without problem - Blue trails. Had to walk sections where heavy rooted and specially rooty climbs.

Next, we met the Ladies Ride at another parking lot. That's where the Dirt Cat started (ending back to GnomeFest City Hall). After the group departed, I went back to the hotel. Picked up "good" beer for the Beer Pot Luck. (I selected Totally Naked by Glarus Brewing - figure the Penske truck)the name was at least appropriate for the function) Then some food at Texas Roadhouse.

Was thinking of maybe riding again in the afternoon - but we were hit with a shower so put the bike in the room and headed to Awards and Chili Cook-Off. The storms were brewing in the West, so moved things into the chalet (thanks to Marathon County for letting us use the chalet).

We got a couple of deluges just before and during the awards. Was a bit noisy in the chalet, but I suffered through. shot photos, ate some chili, drank some beer, and hoped to be a winner in the raffle. Winning a raffle prize was a bust.

Back to the main meeting area with the evening's bonfire. Chatted and took a few photos. Drunk O’Clock (dark) – The Dwarfcycle Figure Eight Death Races was on the schedule. This old body had just had enough, to headed back to the hotel. Downloaded photos and wrote this blog posting.

Watch for photos posted on my race/event photo site - Win-Photo.photoreflect.com

GnomeFest Nueve

The party is on!

About 6:30 I made my way over to Nine Mile Forest to register for the festival. When I got to the registration truck, I saw my FORC friends Carol & Dave. Visited a little while in the line. Stopped by their group campsite after registration.

Soon it was getting dark. The bonfire was lite and the first 2 kegs were tapped (Oktoberfest & Pilsner). (see photo).

Little tired from the driving, I called it an evening early (8pm). Folks were getting ready for a night ride. In the morning i will check on trail maps and recommendation for riding.

Its getting to be bed time. OH, in case you are wondering where the festivities are being held (where is Nine Mike Forest?), I am in the Wausau, WI area.

Drive and a Ride

Back on the road for another mountain bike festival. Today, I drove across Iowa to Scott County. Checked into my hotel in Davenport, changed clothes into my cycling kit, and headed to Scott County Park.

That's the location of the MidWest Mountain Bike Fest. Got registered, visited a little and headed off for a bike ride.

Rode the Long Grove Loop. About 1.5 miles of singletrack and another mile getting to the trail and back to the festival shelter. Problem was I was in A-Fib for the whole ride, per my heart monitor. The ride really tired me out.

Treated myself to a beer, drank my G2,took a couple photos and headed to the room. Early to bed tonight. Today's photo - "High road or low road", a trail junction.