Sure, I’ve been here for years, but this was the first ride as a full-time New Mexican. Still working on my paperwork, ID’s, plates, etc. but I’ll get there. It was cold, colder than I thought it would be at … Read More
Adventure: The One Bike Theory
I love bicycles. Yes, the bike has become a political pawn, like many things here in America, and it truly pains me that this is the case because the bicycle is one of the most innocent yet impactful inventions of … Read More
Adventure: The Slow Climb Out
Chronic illness is no joke. So you could look at today’s little journey in one of two ways. I’ve still got a long way to go. Or, I’m doing okay. Roughly two months ago I did a double ride over … Read More
Adventure: Primitive Delivery
The bicycle has become a symbol of something far more interesting than a basic mode of transportation. Not that the basic transportation aspect should be overlooked or marginalized, but what I’ve found is the bicycle has become a lightning rod … Read More
Adventure: California Training (for Texas)
Ya, so there’s this thing. In the middle of nowhere. A race. Point A to Point B. Or something like that. I’m gonna go. I need to train. It’s on foot, so no bike. The cardio is no problem. The … Read More
Adventure: Buffet of Good
Just to give you a little window into my mind. How about four things that might seem unrelated. Me no think so. Go see “Free Solo,” a film that documents climber Alex Honnold. Technically, I’m a climber too, but there … Read More
Adventure: California Training
So the Bianchi is broken. Not entirely but enough to make things difficult. So yesterday I take out the Salsa, complete with 2.2 Racing Ralphs and slime tubes. Ten miles into the ride I realize I have no extra tube, … Read More
Adventure: Near and Fargo Time
Okay, so there’s this bike race. Yep. It’s just a race. That’s all. What’s the big deal? Well, it’s in Kansas. So there’s a drive to get there. And it’s 200 miles in one day. So there’s that. And it’s … Read More
Adventure: New Mexico Training
Up the hill once again. This time with friends. I hadn’t touched my bike in three weeks, which was reason for me to be curious as to how I’d ride. When I ride frequently I can feel myself finding better … Read More
Adventure: New Mexico Training (Phase 2)
I’ve been here for less than a week, but I’m okay with the altitude, so it was time to stretch things out a bit. I started on Monday with a totally open half day. Drove to Aspen Vista and just … Read More
Adventure: California Training
I had a good weekend, a fun weekend. But I’m tired. I’m not twenty. In eight months I’ll be fifty. But right before the hike you see below, I stopped to talk to a guy who had an Outside Van … Read More
Adventure: New Mexico Training (Road, Dirt, Singletrack)
Mr. No Shoulders waiting for me to bunny hop him/her. I screwed up. One trail for miles thinking it will connect with another. It doesn’t. So I backtrack the ten uphill miles to town, find the right trail and begin … Read More
Adventure: New Mexico Training
I’m a cycling God. You should know this by now. I’m lying. Average at best. Today was fun because I was unprepared. Now, a temperature of 39 might be balmy to you but not to me. I had no gloves … Read More
Adventure: New Mexico Training
Up at 5AM for coffee. The sun just a faint tint of blue behind the Sangres. The coffee goes so fast. I want more but decide no. Some weird gluten free breakfast mix that kinda looks and tastes like oatmeal … Read More
Adventure: California Training
I didn’t intend to ride 61 miles. It just happened, in two stages. Thirty-seven with my neighbor and then twenty-four with the wifey. The first ride was great, felt strong, no issues. Second ride started great then I hit the … Read More
Adventure: California Training
In case you are wondering if altitude training works let me be the first to say “It does.” Four weeks in New Mexico and upon return to California I felt like a pro after two blood bags. MORE than enough … Read More
Adventure: New Mexico Training
I finally got a decent ride in. I did this same ride four years ago, pre-Lyme, on a hot day with not enough preparation. It’s only 33 miles but on that first trip up the mountain I was cramping by … Read More
Adventure: New Mexico Training
I’m only posting this because it is so beautiful out here I can’t stand myself. This ride was nothing, but the scenery, weather and atmosphere are so interesting I find myself daydreaming of living in my truck and just spending … Read More