A Week of Riding

Last week I did a lot of riding. Starting Monday the 11th through yesterday, I logged 138 miles. Rode 7 of the last 8 days. Yesterday rode 0ver 20 miles on the trails of Lake Manawa (3+ laps). That was my best effort.

Last month, I set a goal of 1000 miles before Black Hills Fat Tire Festival. I achieved that goal, with miles to spare (1070 miles).

Finishing packing today. Heading off toward Rapid City tomorrow. Going to take an extra day on the road to play tourist and take photos.

It was 2 years ago that I started this blog at BHFTF. Watch for my postings from the festival (time permitting).

Platte River Battle Royale

My photos of Platte River Battle Royale are published. My apologies for the out-of-focus shots in the woods.

Bike to Work - Spoke & Hub

This Friday (5/15/09) is Bike to Work Day in Council Bluffs. Registration is at Tazze di Caffe (on Valley View)7:45-8:00 am. We will ride with Mayer Tom Hanafan to Bayliss Park. There will be a reading of the Mayor's Proclamation and press conference, following with a bike ride back to Valley View Village.

Saturday (5/16/09) is the Bellevue Bicycle Club's 5th Annual Spoke and Hub ride. This year's ride benefits the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. Breakfast and packet pick-up at Hayworth Park 6:30 - 8:30 am. See the flier.

Photo Shoot

Last night was a short night for me. Four of us did the Xtreme Wheels Full Moon Ride. The sunset was beautiful last night - it looked like the sun (fire ball) was setting right over downtown Omaha. Got home about 11:30.

Today was a day to shoot photos. Early breakfast with the ham radio group. Off to Platte River State Park for Battle Royale mountain bike race. I am still processing the photos - watch for the link here.

This evening I decided to head into town to snap some photos of the sunset. I was not disappointed.

Two Weeks until BHFTF

Its just 2 weeks until the Black Hills Fat Tire Festival!

If you have not registered, head over to www.bhfattirefestival.com. A fun, activity packed, long weekend is planned. I have attended the 2 previous festivals. You will not be disappointed. Rides, races, food, films, camaraderie, for all. I will be doing the 2 day Mickelson Ride.

Hope to see you there!

Oh, by the way, yesterday I hit the 900 mile mark for the year. Ride on...

I fought a sapling

And the sapling won!

Three laps (ex No 2nd Chance). Crashed in Woodchopper into my second lap. I got too close to a sapling. That was about 7 miles into my ride. When I stopped at the car, I washed the arm a little with water from my hydration pack. Then back on the trail – pushed it the rest of that lap. Took it easy (cool down) on the 3rd lap. That was the first time I did 3 laps at Manawa.

Took the old, trusty Trek 4300 for the ride today. The Trek Fuel EX7 is in the shop for shifting problems (again). Dropped off the 4300 at the shop - getting a squeak in the handlebar. Looks like the weather will not good for riding tomorrow. A good time to take a day off (though I still have the Trek 7200FX (hybrid) if I REALLY have to ride tomorrow.

Swanson - River City Shoot-out

Today was a great day for a bike race! Awesome weather.

This was the first race of the season (Race #1 of the series was postponed into June.) Some 155 riders took to the trail at Swanson Park. There was some confusion with the new categories but the organizers and USA Cycling officials worked everything out.

Special Thanks to Edge Physical Therapy for supplying the grub. It seemed that the hungry racers appreciated the food. I know that this photographer did!

I ended up shooting over 450 photos at the race. You can see my photos at http://win-photo.photoreflect.com. There are 4 groups of photos. The first group is general shots. Group 2 of 4 is the start of the Marathon, Category 3, and Juniors. Group 3 of 4 is the always popular Kid's Race. Group 4 of 4 is the Category 1, Category 2, and rest of the Marathon.