We packed up and left SLC about 6:00 pm on friday. Got to Moab about 10, threw out our sleeping bags and settled in for the night. The next morning we awoke to clear skies and warm temperatures. A very nice day for the White Rim trail. We rode the trail counter clockwise which seemed to be fine to me. In fact, I think I'd rather spend the last few miles climbing up Shafer switch-backs than on that long, not so flat dirt road. In my opinion, it's better to get that out of the way first.
The trail was great, the conditions were perfect and the companie was even better. I'm defenatly going to put this on my to do list at leas once a year if not twice. In fact, I was thinking... In order to take it all in, why not take three days and ride it three times. That way you can be sure to get it all in. Who's with me? Hey! Check out some more pics here.
New works by Michael Page, Christian Rothenhagen, Shawn Webber and Corey Day/Colour Maisch October 16 - November 17, 2009 Gallery Stroll Opening Reception Friday, October 16 from 6-9pm
Shan and I just rolled in from a very nice weekend away with some good friends and as we pulled into the driveway the question comes up.. Where's the Accord?
STOLEN! Keep an eye out for this gem, she's almost all we got.
(this photo was taken about one year ago. the car looks exactly the same minus the slushy snow)
All across the Wasatch, blogs, tweets and facebook updates are being decorated with stunning fall colors. How sweet it is. I'd love to do the same but I've since given up my camera possessing rights to SDAY and Layla, as they document their daily adventures at home and in the park. So imagine with me...
We're riding some really nice single track, the air is crispy warm with a slight northerly breeze. Brightly colored leaves fall from the trees and decorate the trail as if the mountains we're celebrating our arrival in ticker-tape style. We pass along a babbling brook where a mother deer and her fawn stop to take a drink. We pass with care as to not disturb their quiet moment. Further up the trail we notice a family of squirrels gathering acorns and other necessities to bring back to their den, as old man winter is whispering of his arrival.
At the top of the trail we pause for a moment to observe two unicorns as they frolic in the wild flowers, chasing one another through the meadow and on the shores of a crystal clear lake. Over the mountain peaks in the distance the sun begins to set as the sky beams in gradients of red, yellow and orange. The soft puffy clouds that were once as white and pure, are now blending in with the vast and colorful forest that surrounds us.
Before we begin our decent, I reach into my pocket and grab what I think is a Clif bar but is actually a pack of Skittles. How ironic. Even our treats have take on the colorful scene that seems to be consuming us. Just as we finish our bag of delicious, sugar treats, the unicorns approach as if they have something to tell us. I display the universal hand signal to notify them that we are not a threat. The bow to show their acceptance and move even closer. Then, with no warning at all the unicorns begin to attack you with their sharp, sparkly horns. In a way it's beautiful. As they slash and stab, their horns leave a glittery trail through the air which only adds to the already beautiful scenery. As they finish their work, they now step closer to me. They pause for a moment. Then wings sprout from their back and open wide as they extend into the brisk mountain air. Rearing on the hind legs they begin to sprint across the lake, their hoofs barley touching the water. "Thank you" I yell to them as they magically fly away. Now I can rip the DH without you slowing me down.
In route to Moab this weekend when my father came down with something mean and nasty. We decided to call it and come home. I was excited to spend a little time in Southern Utah with my pops and do some quality riding, but instead got some well deserved time in with the family at home.
Layla was pretty happy about that.
Kashi was throwing cannon balls and practicing his long jump off the diving board and soon realized how much he likes to be held while in the pool. After that I couldn't keep him out.
My nephews birthday party at the cabin with moose sightings. Shan didn't like the idea of me following him around so she made me watch from the deck.
I've taken some nice time off the bike the past two weeks but I'm excited to get back into the swing of things. Fall is simply the best time to ride so hopefully we'll be filling the posts up with colorized onetrack photos. Layla's getting pretty excited to ride as well and just the other day she received her first official number plate. Ed and Sue know how to start em early.
Remember when you were a kid and it was the day after Christmas and all you could think about what waking up and checking out all the exciting things that Santa brought you. I feel that very same way every day now.
The PCP2P went off perfect today. A little bit of wind and rain to start things off made for sweet conditions all over. It took me about an hour and a half to actually wake up and start racing and then I crashed. No worries though. I bounced up like a rubber ball and kept on keeping on. After seven hours and twenty minutes, I finished the day off in fourth place, just behind Alex Grant, Bart Gillespie and Chris Holley. Firth rounded up the podium with a fifth place. Utah boys represent.
A HUGE shout out to Jay Burke, Shannon Boffeli, and their entire swat team of supporters who made it all happen. Also a big shout out for the entire camelbak of Carb Rocket that fueled my fire for the first half of the race. It's beautiful when you can throw in a drink mix for the first time and know it's going to be solid. Thanks BK. Primetime for handing out cash in the feedzones. An of course an even BIGGER shout out to SDAY and FDAY (my dad) for dedicating another full Saturday to watch me for a few seconds at a time over seven hours. I couldn't do this without you.
PC TV was there shooting some footage and photographers around every corner. I'm sure I'll post some more updates as the media comes in.
PCP2P = 75 miles, 14k+ of climbing and lots of really really good onetrack. Race starts at 7am, party at the Canyons after. Don't come because they're giving cool stuff away in the raffle and I want to win.
I'm truly amazed at what the human body can do. Over the years I feel like I've tested mine on many occasions. Just when I feel like I've hit the limit, there seems to be a little and sometimes a lot more in the reserve tank, just waiting for me to switch over. What's even more amazing than our ability to push our bodies to their limit is the ability and natural defense mode that occurs, when something traumatic happens.
Today I witnessed the worst cycling accident I've ever seen. My good friend Tolbert and I were in a group of riders heading down AF canyon when an SUV that was in front of us slammed on their brakes. As fast as everything happened I felt like I could see every aspect of the accident. Cyclists were going down in every direction, glass and bike parts as well. The man who took the brunt of the crash was now on the ground and in BAD shape. I was in shock as stood there for what seemed to be an eternity then in that instant back to reality. Everyone on the scene sprang into action. It was amazing. There was a lady on the phone with 911, she was calm and collective, providing dispatch with exact information on each of the victims while the rest of us began to direct traffic and tend to those in need.
A blessing was administered to the man on the scene and medics soon arrived. Two were taken by ambulance to the hospital and the other by Air Med. From the news report this evening the two were doing well while the other man had gone through two surgeries and was expected to improve.
I'm amazed that despite having his jugular sliced open from his chin to sternum, you could tell his body was working overtime and in defense mode to sustain his life and keep things going. This is just another testament to me of how amazing and fortunate we are to be such complex living, breathing spirits, created by the most amazing designer ever.
Got out on a nice ride this afternoon up Emigration canyon. Temps were right nice. After that I decide to cruse over to City Creek and see if the city was doing anything to prep for the Tour. They put up a sign! Also, Louder and his BMC squad was out dialing in their TT bikes. They wave at other cyclists. I'm guessing they weren't intensely training for LOTOJA. Though I do need to give a thank you to my good friend Weston, who offered me his brothers spot for the September event. Unfortunately I won't be able to take it. I appreciate the offer though. It's a good excuse for a weekend in Jackson.
