The weather this weekend is supposed to be less than good, so for today, I decided to get off this stupid little sand bar of an island and head up to Blue Mountain to ride. Could not have been a better day (well, unless you took all the damn bugs away).
I got up to the trail around noon, and rode for about 2 hours. The more I do these little solo excursions, the more I realize that it's as much about the mental as it is the physical. Getting out and by myself allows me to calm myself, be with my thoughts, and "un-focus" on anything that's troubling me. I have a tendency to over think most things in my life, but when I'm on the trial, something about not going over my bars and breaking my neck allows me to force stress to the back burner.
This is all cliche of course. Everyone who rides always preaches the benefits of being forced to focus on only the trail ahead of you. This is nothing new. I'm only rediscovering all the benefits riding mountain bikes has brought to me.
The rest of this weekend will be played by ear as far as riding is concerned. Not planned much and I want to keep it that way. I'm thinking I might try to get out on the road if that's possible, but more than likely I'll be hitting the gym and working on my strength. Things are progressing quite well in the weight department, and I'd like to keep the trend alive. I've got a feeling there will be many sunny days in my future to ride my bikes.
This is our new blog detailing our daily adventures, mountain bike racing, endurance sports, and maybe even some cooking (that's Anne's domain!). We will share our experiences with life, training, and most importantly, being a team-both in marriage and in our sport.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Problems
The problem with writing a blog (particularly one that you wish to update daily), is that you must have content. A problem I think a lot of people have, including me, is deciding on what exactly they should write about. I guess the answer lies in who you want reading your posts. I'd imagine that most of the folks that read my blog are athletes, but a lot of what I've been writing lately isn't exactly to that audience. I mean, some of it may translate, but I've really just been writing about what's been on my mind.
As I compete less, race less, and ride more for fun, I find there's less "interesting" things to write about concerning my days. I doubt anyone wants to hear about the great piss I took when I woke up, or some of the people I had to deal with at work (you know who you are!). In the end, though, it's more about writing whatever you feel. There are thousands of thoughts that enter and quickly exit my mind every day, and remembering to write them all down is impossible. That's not to say they're not important, it's just that if I don't get things down right away, they float off, lost perhaps forever.
Where am I going with all this? Not sure. Today was a bit blah, so there's really not much exciting or interesting to write about. I woke up, went to work, ate some food, took a power nap, rode my bike, and now it's back to work. Just another mundane day. Maybe I need to make some changes-all good ones of course!
As I compete less, race less, and ride more for fun, I find there's less "interesting" things to write about concerning my days. I doubt anyone wants to hear about the great piss I took when I woke up, or some of the people I had to deal with at work (you know who you are!). In the end, though, it's more about writing whatever you feel. There are thousands of thoughts that enter and quickly exit my mind every day, and remembering to write them all down is impossible. That's not to say they're not important, it's just that if I don't get things down right away, they float off, lost perhaps forever.
Where am I going with all this? Not sure. Today was a bit blah, so there's really not much exciting or interesting to write about. I woke up, went to work, ate some food, took a power nap, rode my bike, and now it's back to work. Just another mundane day. Maybe I need to make some changes-all good ones of course!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
I have seen the future...
...and it is Enduro! If you ride a mountain bike and don't know yet what Enduro is, you soon will. In the States we have Super D, which, in reality, is nothing even close to what true Enduro racing is. For lack of better definition, Super D can be generally defined as a long downhill race, generally less technical than that of a straight up Downhill race, with a hell of a lot more pedaling envolved. Enduro, on the other hand, is a long ride, "interrupted" by timed, technical downhill sections.
For most of us, Enduro is what we do on a regular basis with friends. Chill out, talk, laugh, talk shit, and race to the bottom. To me, it takes the best part of being on a mountain bike, rolls it into one day, and adds some good natured competition to the fold. It only takes a trail bike (somewhere in the 5-6 inch travel range-conincidentally the most popular selling category of mountain bike), some desire, and a smile. Contrary to most cycling-oriented sports (i.e. road racing, triathlon, xc mountain biking, etc.) you can have a "regular" life and still be competitive. Sure hours of training will make you better, but in the end, a lot more of your result comes from your skills rather than fitness alone. Though fitness is a big part of Enduro, a better skilled rider will have an advantage over one with great fitness and lesser skills.
Fortunately, Enduro is getting some attention in the U.S., though we are a bit late to the party. Europe has been running these events for some time (see: Megavalanche), and have a leg up on us in terms of terrain and participation. I believe, though, that once people get a taste of the excitement and fun that can come out of these events, things are really going to take off.
As I've stated many times before, I've been competing in one sport or another for the great majority of my life. It's not that I'm washed up, but rather a bit burned out. At this stage in my life, and racing career, Enduro seems like the perfect fit: competition with the focus on fun and enjoyment. Just about the place I want to be at in my life. I've got a good feeling that much of this summer will be spent pursuing the fun aspect, and ripping up some Enduro courses.
For most of us, Enduro is what we do on a regular basis with friends. Chill out, talk, laugh, talk shit, and race to the bottom. To me, it takes the best part of being on a mountain bike, rolls it into one day, and adds some good natured competition to the fold. It only takes a trail bike (somewhere in the 5-6 inch travel range-conincidentally the most popular selling category of mountain bike), some desire, and a smile. Contrary to most cycling-oriented sports (i.e. road racing, triathlon, xc mountain biking, etc.) you can have a "regular" life and still be competitive. Sure hours of training will make you better, but in the end, a lot more of your result comes from your skills rather than fitness alone. Though fitness is a big part of Enduro, a better skilled rider will have an advantage over one with great fitness and lesser skills.
Fortunately, Enduro is getting some attention in the U.S., though we are a bit late to the party. Europe has been running these events for some time (see: Megavalanche), and have a leg up on us in terms of terrain and participation. I believe, though, that once people get a taste of the excitement and fun that can come out of these events, things are really going to take off.
As I've stated many times before, I've been competing in one sport or another for the great majority of my life. It's not that I'm washed up, but rather a bit burned out. At this stage in my life, and racing career, Enduro seems like the perfect fit: competition with the focus on fun and enjoyment. Just about the place I want to be at in my life. I've got a good feeling that much of this summer will be spent pursuing the fun aspect, and ripping up some Enduro courses.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Monday
Great ride out on the trails today, though I've got a bit to rant on today. In the past weeks I've been doing a lot of technical, rocky, rooty riding. The stuff that scares the crap out of you at least a few times a ride, but leaves you feeling completely satisfied at the end. It's the type of riding where no one actually thinks odd of you for wearing body armor (namely kneepads). It's also the type of riding that, for me, derives the most pleasure.
There are occasions when I like to get airborne, but more interesting to me, still, is actually riding obstacle. I like rock gardens, rollers (the bigger and steeper the better), and the like. Anything where there is a crazy line, or big step downs is great. I like tight switchbacks with impossibly steep angles. I like down better than up, and I like it when things get slow to the point that you have to actually balance yourself and the bike, and not just ride it.
Fortunately, there happens to be quite a lot of this type of riding around these parts-well, within 60-90 minutes anyway. Unfortunately, the local trails are pretty tame, and by all means getting more and more tame by the day.
While I was riding one of my favorite local spots today, as I often do, I spotted areas where "work" has been done. Now, before I really dig in, let me just say that I'm all in for keeping trails in good shape. That is, keeping them in good shape, not shaping them. Trails are what they are, and unless there is a specific problem, danger, or other thing not normally associated with mountain biking, the trail should remain "untouched". Of course this is open for interpretation. What one person may consider ridable another may completely dismiss. However, things like roots, small tree stumps, and small rocks are a no-brainer. NEVER should things like this be removed, even if they have been the cause of a crash. If they're small enough to ride over, they should be a permanent piece of the trail.
I saw today one of the most disturbing things I've yet seen on any of the local trails. I've seen small rocks removed, small stumps uprooted, and even exposed roots literally cut out of the trail, but never have I seen someone actually fill in the spots in between exposed roots to make the trail smooth over them. Keep in mind, it's not as if these roots posed an immediate danger to any rider, and there was a rather smooth and efficient line over and through them. Erosion was not an issue, and the roots were not damaged as to pose any problem to the tree/trees they branched out from. It seems that someone, in an effort to make the trail faster (read: more like the damned road), took it upon themselves to smooth things out. Ridiculous. I'm flabbergasted as to why anyone would do such a thing.
Certainly, Long Island is no hotbed of mountain biking. You'll never see it as one of the mountain bike "Meccas" in any glossy publication, and it'll never be discussed in mountain biking circles anywhere outside of the Long Island Sound. With all that, I've since I've begun riding I've always defended it as a riding location. "It is what you make of it," I'd say, insisting that it was not exactly the "pussified" trails everyone off the island insists that it is. With what I saw today, though, I can't say that I'm any longer justified in taking such a stance. I'm beginning to believe the hype, drink the Kool-Aid, and talk the talk: Long Island Mountain Biking is a FARCE!!!!!
With people making changes to the trails as I've detailed, it makes it impossible for me to go on saying that our trails are even decent. They are, in fact, turning into the garbage that everyone insists they already are. And the worst part of it all, is that there is no end in sight. The local group that is responsible for taking care of the trails are stuck in the early days of mountain biking, when simply riding a two wheeler on anything but a paved surface provided an adrenaline rush. I'm beside myself over this.
I've spoken up before and made my voice heard, but it has time and time again fallen of deaf ears. Perhaps folks are content in riding what they ride, and not interested in developing as riders any further.
I'm not of a one track mind regarding this situation. I realize that people progress at their own level and will only push as far as they are comfortable. I'm not delusional, believing that everyone aspires to ride at a very technical and proficient level. I'm fine with this. What bothers me is the fact that all parties are not being heard in this situation.
In order for things to progress, a change needs to occur. Otherwise, the local trails are going to be what they have been reported to be, and deserve the reputation of being great trails to "teach your little sister how to mountain bike."
There are occasions when I like to get airborne, but more interesting to me, still, is actually riding obstacle. I like rock gardens, rollers (the bigger and steeper the better), and the like. Anything where there is a crazy line, or big step downs is great. I like tight switchbacks with impossibly steep angles. I like down better than up, and I like it when things get slow to the point that you have to actually balance yourself and the bike, and not just ride it.
Fortunately, there happens to be quite a lot of this type of riding around these parts-well, within 60-90 minutes anyway. Unfortunately, the local trails are pretty tame, and by all means getting more and more tame by the day.
While I was riding one of my favorite local spots today, as I often do, I spotted areas where "work" has been done. Now, before I really dig in, let me just say that I'm all in for keeping trails in good shape. That is, keeping them in good shape, not shaping them. Trails are what they are, and unless there is a specific problem, danger, or other thing not normally associated with mountain biking, the trail should remain "untouched". Of course this is open for interpretation. What one person may consider ridable another may completely dismiss. However, things like roots, small tree stumps, and small rocks are a no-brainer. NEVER should things like this be removed, even if they have been the cause of a crash. If they're small enough to ride over, they should be a permanent piece of the trail.
I saw today one of the most disturbing things I've yet seen on any of the local trails. I've seen small rocks removed, small stumps uprooted, and even exposed roots literally cut out of the trail, but never have I seen someone actually fill in the spots in between exposed roots to make the trail smooth over them. Keep in mind, it's not as if these roots posed an immediate danger to any rider, and there was a rather smooth and efficient line over and through them. Erosion was not an issue, and the roots were not damaged as to pose any problem to the tree/trees they branched out from. It seems that someone, in an effort to make the trail faster (read: more like the damned road), took it upon themselves to smooth things out. Ridiculous. I'm flabbergasted as to why anyone would do such a thing.
Certainly, Long Island is no hotbed of mountain biking. You'll never see it as one of the mountain bike "Meccas" in any glossy publication, and it'll never be discussed in mountain biking circles anywhere outside of the Long Island Sound. With all that, I've since I've begun riding I've always defended it as a riding location. "It is what you make of it," I'd say, insisting that it was not exactly the "pussified" trails everyone off the island insists that it is. With what I saw today, though, I can't say that I'm any longer justified in taking such a stance. I'm beginning to believe the hype, drink the Kool-Aid, and talk the talk: Long Island Mountain Biking is a FARCE!!!!!
With people making changes to the trails as I've detailed, it makes it impossible for me to go on saying that our trails are even decent. They are, in fact, turning into the garbage that everyone insists they already are. And the worst part of it all, is that there is no end in sight. The local group that is responsible for taking care of the trails are stuck in the early days of mountain biking, when simply riding a two wheeler on anything but a paved surface provided an adrenaline rush. I'm beside myself over this.
I've spoken up before and made my voice heard, but it has time and time again fallen of deaf ears. Perhaps folks are content in riding what they ride, and not interested in developing as riders any further.
I'm not of a one track mind regarding this situation. I realize that people progress at their own level and will only push as far as they are comfortable. I'm not delusional, believing that everyone aspires to ride at a very technical and proficient level. I'm fine with this. What bothers me is the fact that all parties are not being heard in this situation.
In order for things to progress, a change needs to occur. Otherwise, the local trails are going to be what they have been reported to be, and deserve the reputation of being great trails to "teach your little sister how to mountain bike."
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Chillin'
After a great bunch of rides this past week I'm taking today to reset my body and get back on track. Less and less I've been getting my full nights rest, not for any specific reason I suppose, but I notice that my brain isn't quite functioning like it should. I'd compare it most to being jet lagged. You know what's going on, but you're not quite all caught up with everything you should be.
All too often it's easy for me to overload myself with the things I want to do, and neglect the things I have to do. More times than not this takes place when comparing things like riding my bike and cleaning my kitchen, but at times like this it comes when comparing working out to resting.
More than most things in this world, I love riding my bike, being active, and having fun in a physically demanding way. Unfortunately, just like anything else, when not in moderation, even the "healthiest" of pursuits can produce adverse effects. Such is the case when riding your ass off all week and then wanting to thrash yourself in the gym on a Sunday afternoon. Feeling like a lazy ass sitting on the couch doesn't do much to help this feeling, but you've got to remember that you're not gaining anything by breaking yourself down beyond repair.
Our society is so work oriented that we feel only hard work will yield results. Certainly this is true in many forms, yet when it comes to matters of the body, you need to offset that effort with equal (or often times greater) amounts of rest. Along with this comes healthy eating, moderation of sugar and alcohol (my biggest downfalls lately) and consuming a more than fair amount of water. Simple things, but so elusive to so many.
With all that, I'm planning on siting on the couch today. I'm sure that my body will thank me for it come tomorrow.
All too often it's easy for me to overload myself with the things I want to do, and neglect the things I have to do. More times than not this takes place when comparing things like riding my bike and cleaning my kitchen, but at times like this it comes when comparing working out to resting.
More than most things in this world, I love riding my bike, being active, and having fun in a physically demanding way. Unfortunately, just like anything else, when not in moderation, even the "healthiest" of pursuits can produce adverse effects. Such is the case when riding your ass off all week and then wanting to thrash yourself in the gym on a Sunday afternoon. Feeling like a lazy ass sitting on the couch doesn't do much to help this feeling, but you've got to remember that you're not gaining anything by breaking yourself down beyond repair.
Our society is so work oriented that we feel only hard work will yield results. Certainly this is true in many forms, yet when it comes to matters of the body, you need to offset that effort with equal (or often times greater) amounts of rest. Along with this comes healthy eating, moderation of sugar and alcohol (my biggest downfalls lately) and consuming a more than fair amount of water. Simple things, but so elusive to so many.
With all that, I'm planning on siting on the couch today. I'm sure that my body will thank me for it come tomorrow.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Shreddin' the gnar
Had another one of those "game changing" rides today. Went up to Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill, NY and whooped it in the whole time. The goal was to get up early, hit the road, complete the 1 hour and 30 minute drive in about an hour and ten minutes, and rip it up until the rains came. I didn't get out exactly as early as I would have liked, but I was still able to get about 3 hours of rolling time in.
Truly one of my most favorite places to ride, Blue Mountain really has it all. There's a lot of techy stuff, some scary stuff, and some flawy downhills to make everyone happy. It's a place that is equally suited for a light free ride bike or a hard tail cross country bike. Just as many other trails, you ride what you want, and make of it what you will.
Again, one of the best parts about these rides is meeting other folks like myself. It's not always about who the strongest rider is, or who can clean the most gnar, but rather how good the company is, and I've been lucky to meet some real cool people so far this season. Also, the biggest piece of advice that anyone should take is to ride with locals. Kind of a no-brainer in reality, but the better the people you ride with know the trail, the better and faster you'll ride as well. It's not just about picking lines, or watching someone ride something you didn't think was possible, it's about directions and the motivation NOT to give up because you know people are watching.
Terrific ride again today and I've got that sweet mellow feeling. Gonna ride this out for the rest of the weekend and hopefully into next week.
Truly one of my most favorite places to ride, Blue Mountain really has it all. There's a lot of techy stuff, some scary stuff, and some flawy downhills to make everyone happy. It's a place that is equally suited for a light free ride bike or a hard tail cross country bike. Just as many other trails, you ride what you want, and make of it what you will.
Again, one of the best parts about these rides is meeting other folks like myself. It's not always about who the strongest rider is, or who can clean the most gnar, but rather how good the company is, and I've been lucky to meet some real cool people so far this season. Also, the biggest piece of advice that anyone should take is to ride with locals. Kind of a no-brainer in reality, but the better the people you ride with know the trail, the better and faster you'll ride as well. It's not just about picking lines, or watching someone ride something you didn't think was possible, it's about directions and the motivation NOT to give up because you know people are watching.
Terrific ride again today and I've got that sweet mellow feeling. Gonna ride this out for the rest of the weekend and hopefully into next week.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Holy Geez
Not sure why I titled this post with that, just felt the need. Been thinking a lot about life today. Not entirely sure why, just been thinking. What I've come up with is the fact that you just can not regret anything you do. You've got to just let go and do what feels right.
I met with some financial advisors today, and we talked about life insurance. I've never really contemplated my mortality (in a real sense I mean. Sure I've thought there were times when I was going to die, but I never have actually "planned" for it in an economical sense). Anyway, it just got me to thinking how ridiculous this all is. Not exactly in the sense of leaving people with a bill upon your unfortunate passing, but just the fact that we, as a species, actually plan in our future for our deaths. Follow me here. Do any other animals actually make arrangements for their demise? Do they not just live every day as if it were their last?
Michael Landon once said, "Someone should tell us all, on the day we are born, that we're dying so that we'd live life to it's fullest." So unbelievably true. Every day we are slowing decomposing. We're breaking down. Little aches hurt that much more, wrinkles are that much deeper, and our skin sags just a bit more. The question is, are we really living, or are we just biding our time until we return to the dirt?
I've always said that I want to be a grandfather with stories. Nothing amazes me more than sitting with someone who has lived their lives, scared, broken, and battered, with a smile on their face, recounting it all in a light than can only be possessed by the one whom is experienced.
It sickens me sometimes how much of my life I spend sitting and contemplating, rather than getting up and doing. Each second that passes is lost in a time I'll never get back. Every hour is gone to a place I'll never see and never go. The days I've wasted are lost. The weeks I've worried away are gone, and the months spent in worry are nevermore. The time is the present, and the future is what I'm concerned with because that is where my days will be spent. The only regret I want is not regretting anything.
Sorry for going all deep there, just thoughts in my head brought out by the beers I had at happy hour. Here's to life!
I met with some financial advisors today, and we talked about life insurance. I've never really contemplated my mortality (in a real sense I mean. Sure I've thought there were times when I was going to die, but I never have actually "planned" for it in an economical sense). Anyway, it just got me to thinking how ridiculous this all is. Not exactly in the sense of leaving people with a bill upon your unfortunate passing, but just the fact that we, as a species, actually plan in our future for our deaths. Follow me here. Do any other animals actually make arrangements for their demise? Do they not just live every day as if it were their last?
Michael Landon once said, "Someone should tell us all, on the day we are born, that we're dying so that we'd live life to it's fullest." So unbelievably true. Every day we are slowing decomposing. We're breaking down. Little aches hurt that much more, wrinkles are that much deeper, and our skin sags just a bit more. The question is, are we really living, or are we just biding our time until we return to the dirt?
I've always said that I want to be a grandfather with stories. Nothing amazes me more than sitting with someone who has lived their lives, scared, broken, and battered, with a smile on their face, recounting it all in a light than can only be possessed by the one whom is experienced.
It sickens me sometimes how much of my life I spend sitting and contemplating, rather than getting up and doing. Each second that passes is lost in a time I'll never get back. Every hour is gone to a place I'll never see and never go. The days I've wasted are lost. The weeks I've worried away are gone, and the months spent in worry are nevermore. The time is the present, and the future is what I'm concerned with because that is where my days will be spent. The only regret I want is not regretting anything.
Sorry for going all deep there, just thoughts in my head brought out by the beers I had at happy hour. Here's to life!
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