Lesson Learned...

Chris and Bob look on as I repair one of many flats. ( photo by big Ben)

I met up with the Beans gang for a ride at French Creek today. Ben, Bob, and Chris were kind enough to let me tag along.
You see for the past 3 years I have been riding tubeless tires. I always ran 38psi. Since going to the 29er I had to switch to tubes, and I set them up with the same pressure. That was my big mistake. I managed to triple flat today. Thanks to Ben and Bob for their extra tubes. Other than the flats I felt really good today. I was climbing well but descending like a jackass, hence the 3 flats. The ride was awesome though, Ben put together a great loop. The climbs were tough but doable and it seemed to flow very well. I am looking forward to my next ride at French Creek, one where I don't flat.
That's it for now, thanks for reading,
Buddy

Times they are a changin'...

On Wednesday Matty (run forrest) and I hit Fair hill. It was pretty cool, he was riding his new SPOT for the first time. I am getting more and more comfortable with the 29er, Matt was saying how much different the SPOT is from the GF Rig he's been riding. Me thinks he likes the SPOT more.

On Thursday I met up with www.fatmarc.com for the WW shop ride. It was a lot of fun. We rode Rittenhouse, an out and back that is flat but technical, and a little loop at Iron Hill. We had to call it early because of some lighting issues, which was OK because afterwards we went to La Tollteca for some fine Mexican food.

Last night was a bit strange for me. We had a Wooden Wheels team meeting. The purpose of it was for me to step down as captain and to turn things over to Ted Logic. I have been fortunate to be associated with the team for the past 5 years, and Captain for the past 2. I have really benefited from being a part of this family. I have grown as both a cyclist and a person. I will still be a part of the community, I will just be wearing a Spot jersey.
Well I am off to meet Ben and the boys for a jaunt around French Creek, bring on the rocks baby.
Thanks for reading,
buddy

Awesome...

Today was my first ride on the new SPOT 29er. I was joined by Bill Doh and Lwebb. We hit White Clay / Middle Run for a couple of hours. I have to say this bike is better than I anticipated. I thought it would be a little sluggish but it was just the opposite, it handles the tight twisty stuff like a dream. I am also a big fan of thr Rock Shox Reba fork, It is the stiffest fork I have ever ridden. The 29er takes a little to get it rolling but once it's movving look out. I thought it climbed well too. It didn't feel slow and heavy at all. Coming from a super light Ti bike I expected to notice the extra weight but it wasn't a factor. I can't wait to test it in the rocks, hopefully this Saturday.
Well thanks for reading,
Buddy

It's OK, Go Ahead and Drool...

It is done and ready to ride. I had to borrow a set of wheels from Matt, but otherwise this is it. I Love being a Spot Brand Whore.
Well I have to go ride.
Later

That's All Folks...

Yesterday was my last race of the year. It did not go how I wanted it to. I was not even going to do it, but figured what the hell. I sold my Eagles tickets and decided to give it a shot. Matt decided to come out and play as well. The course was really tough. All of the trails were freshly cut, with plenty of rocks and roots, add some rain the other day and it was a slippery event. L Webb and Andrew did a pre ride lap and decided to not even race. They both said it was too much walking and not enough ridable sections. I should have listened to them. I felt pretty good at the start, but I quickly got frustrated by not being able to stay on the bike. I spent more time running and walking than riding. Once the negative thoughts started creeping into my head I was done. I almost pulled out before finishing my 1st lap, but I really wanted to see this down hill I heard so much about. It was fun, very technical and slick but a lot of fun. I was going to go out for my next lap and see how I felt then I hit the mulch sections, that's right thick soft mulch, the stuff that just robs your power and momentum. There were two big stretches of the stuff. Finally I just called it a day. I hate not finishing a race but I was not having fun, the leaders way out in front of me, and my position in the standings was not going to change.

I want to give big props to Jeffery (Jebagger) Banshon who won the overall in his class. Which just happens to be racing with kids older than him. Way to go Jeb.


Congrats to Topher who won today, Big Ben took second and Tim D grabbed 3rd. Matty, run forrest had a good ride to come in 4th. I am not sure of the overall but I think it went like this,
1 - Wes
2 - Topher
3 - Tim
4 - Big Ben
5 - Myself
My season started very strong this year, but I think the points chase and the fact that this was my first year expert caught up to me in the end. I had some pretty good races this year and I am already looking forward to improving next year. Now it is time to just ride my bike and have fun.
Thanks for reading,
Buddy