Death UNO...

Last night Rachael and I met up with Les the International man of Mystery, his wife Kathleen, fatmarc and Chunky Monkey, FFA Amy and Jamie at the Washington Street Ale House. After dinner and few choice beverages we made our way back to the Leach residents for more beverages and a few nail bighting games of Death Uno. Normally I would try to explain the game, but I don't really understand the rules anyway. I do know Kathleen kept winning, and I never came close. It was a good time though. I also discovered the music of Mojo Nixon. I like this guys message.

Well that is all for now,
Buddy

Up and Down With a Spinkle of Rocks...

Keith G aka Bobbies Boy and Buck discuss the plan before the ride.

Today fatmarc and I made our way to Dillsberg PA. This is the home of our friend Keith. I was excited about riding some of the stuff we had heard anbout. Also joining us was Shawn oOld Man Withers and another local Scott. The ride started with a nice warm up climb, about 5 miles or so.

We found these fellas waiting for us at the top. In case you can't tell they are in fact Rattle Snakes. There were more but I wasn't getting any closer. Unlike Buck and Shawn who rode right through them.

The riding out there is Awesome. Shawn described as Up and Down with a sprinkle of rocks. I would say it was more up,up,up, and down with a shit load of rocks. This was definitely one of my favorite rides. I really liked the trail they called The Gutter Trail. A very washed out down hill that was just loaded with surprises.

On our way back we rode a trail with this sign on it. Since it was so high and we couldn't really read it we ignored it.

After the ride Keiths wife cooked us up some burgers and dogs. That was great, nothing like a fresh cooked burger and a couple of beers to finish off a ride. It was good to see Keith again, it was even better to ride with him on his new turf. He has adapted well to his new surroundings and is riding as strong as ever. Thanks to Keith and Chrissy for there hospitality and good burgers.

Cheers Buddy 

4th of July...

Always top off your Stan's...

In the Past our little community would gather on any given holiday for a nice big group ride. We used to always ride at Brandywine. It has been a while since we had one of these big group rides at Brandywine, and yesterday was no exception. That being said It was still a great ride. Brent the Ti Domi of cross laid out a great loop. With fatmarc and Fitzy along we had a good time.

Some how both Brent and myself flatted despite the use of Stan's. In my case I later found a nice rip in my sidewall. The heat and humidity continue to be brutal around here. I for one am having a tough time dealing with it.

Along the way we ran into John Royal and his friend. They joined us for a little while. John has gotten really strong, for a roady.

John's buddy Mark and Fitzy wait patiently.

Later that day Rachael and I hit a couple of cook outs for some much needed food and beer. Oh! and a Happy Birthday to my Lovely wife. She hit the big 29 on Monday.

Cheers,
Buddy

Back in the Saddle...

After a much needed 5 day rest, I took to the trails again on Saturday. I really didn't know how I was going to feel, but I was hoping to feel fresh. This was not the case. I felt really stale, combine that with this oppressive heat and humidity and it was a rough 1st day back. Sharing the trails with me were Fort James and my friend Barry. Barry hasn't been able to ride a lot, but that didn't seem to slow him down much. The bright Spot was I did ride my shiny new Spot Brand 29er Single Speed.











It turned out awesome, and rides as beautiful as my other Spot. Frank, the new owner of Spot, went out of his way to get me this frame as soon as he could. Thanks for everything Frank. The biggest difference is the new Spots are powder coated by Spectrum Powder Works. The finish looks great.

Yesterday I headed out to White Clay. I had to get out early so I went out on my own. About half an hour into my ride I ran into James. I enjoy riding with James. I was feeling a little better but still not great. I tried to push the pace a little in the beginning, but I quickly decided it would be best to keep things easy. After 2 hours James and I called it a day.













The Other Half Moon.
Yesterday afternoon Rachael and I made our way into Wilmington for the Gathering Of Tall Ships. I have to say we both came away disappointed. About 10 years ago I remember going to Battery Park in New Castle to see the tall ships arrive. There were about 20 of them and it was a sight to see. This year there were only 4 and 2 of them weren't much. The other 2 were the Kalmayr Nickle, which is based in Delaware, and the Half Moon out of New York. Both are exact replicas.

You couldn't get a clear view of them from the shore, and after waiting in line in the blistering heat for over half an hour we were only able to board one of them. We finally got aboard the Half Moon only to be rushed right back off of it. During our brief visit I learned it was the ship of Henry Hudson. The folks on board tried to give us some of the details but they didn't have enough time. Hopefully in the future they are a bit more organized and prepared for a crowd.

Well I am off to ride,
Buddy