Sand Canyon

Went South to ride dry singletrack on Tuesday with Paul and Kiviok out at Sand Canyon located about a dozen miles West of Cortez. It was the maiden voyage for the the new Salsa Selma Ti single speed and Sand Canyon is a great testing ground for it with the gnarly techy sections and rocky terrain. I was not disappointed with the bike as it performed great. We attempted several attempts at a few tech features trying to hone in the skills. I took a few falls due to my left cleat sticking at inopportune times. I think the shoe tread is/was the issue and I took the Dremel to the tread when I got home.

The weather was super ideal for a late December ride which typically would have snow on the ground. No jacket needed. The snow fall has been lack luster thus far but it will come in time. Maybe I will get a chance to use the new snow plow soon.

Kiviok cleaning the 301 feature.

Kiv makes it look easy.

Paul showing his skills.

Paul rethinking which line to take on the 301.

Killer Kiviok dabbing.

Me getting after it until I fell.

The left cleat was sticking so I couldn't get out of my pedal in time.

When in doubt carry the damn bike.

Uh...left foot problem again. Damn!

Me dropping in!

Killer at work.

Fun rock sections.

Kiv sitting on a cactus.

Me showing the boys how to ride.

The new ride. It was sweet........

Snow Biking

I know it has seem like forever since I last posted by not a whole lot going on these days but riding a bunch and I am proud to say that I haven't once been on the trainer this winter yet. A lot of that has to do with having the new fat bike and working nights has given me some day time riding advantages.

Lenny from Albuquerque was up visiting his parents outside Durango so we met up along with Kiviok to do a fat bike ride up Taylor Creek Road on Monday. It was pretty ideal riding conditions as far as snow goes. Bluebird day for sure. We were able to ride nearly 8 miles up with 2100 feet of elevation gain.

A Moonlander, a Pugsley and a Mukluk.

Lenny and I enjoying the perfect blue bird day.

Lenny and Killer Kiviok getting a good workout on the long climb up Taylor Creek.

Winter Time

I've been getting after it on the new fat bike of late. Lots of miles riding from the house and up to the snow routes. No trainer yet this year thanks to the Mukluk.

Fat Biking

I haven't posted in a while due to just being busy with the new job at the Sheriffs office working 12 hour shifts and riding the new Mukluk. The fat bike is a game changer for a single speeder mountain biker like myself. It is heavy and has gears. I've learned to use the gears even though I do tend to ride it like a single speed as I tend to stand a lot. It will keep me sane in the winter as I will not need to ride the trainer as much and get out in the elements with the fat tires. Let the fun begin.

Moab is a great place for a fat bike.

I think I can float across this obstacle.

It rained a bunch in Moab and saw water runoff like Ive never seen it before.

Rico.

Night ride after work on the Ilium Road near Telluride.

The Bar Mitts are great for the cold and keep the hands toasty while wearing light weight winter gloves.

Salsa Mukluk 2

It's here...my Mukluk 2 showed up today at Kokopelli Bike shop. Looking forward to pedaling it around in the snow this week.

Salsa Mukluk 2

More Moab

We took advantage of the great weather and jaunted on over to Moab with last minute for some warmer than Rico weather riding. I ended up with  50 miles and 4000 feet of climbing. Not big miles but fun miles and if you know Moab the terrain it isn't so easy.

The weekender mobile man cave. New decals from the bike shop.

New trail in the Brand area.

Overlooking the Sovereign area.

Lucy having fun.

The Ti-licious single speed enjoying some riding time.

Phil's Time Again

I had a mid week day off and took advantage to go ride at Phil's again before the storm rolled in that dumped a few inches of snow in Rico. I rocked the secondary bike; The Vassago single speed full rigid riding the big loop in just under two hours. I didn't see one person on the trail making it very enjoyable.

On the Ledges loop.

Stinking Springs Loop.



On Stinking Springs trail on one of several overlooks facing the sleeping Ute.



Phil's World Pre-Halloween Ride 2011

Halloween is almost here and it was time to ride Phil's World in costume. A bunch of the Durango folks and locals from the area have a tradition of riding in costume and having a parking lot party. SKA brew was on tap. After a good hard effort of 20 miles with Shawn, Krista and Todd Park we enjoyed some beers and snacks. Also this year a time trial on a 60 pound bmx rig was in store only of course after drinking a mandatory 3 beers.  

Yep, I rode all of Phil's in that mask. It was warm!

Yep, there is a helmet under there somewhere.

Laura the witch! She even had a broom attached to the seat.

Shawn Gregory in his Hawaiian get up on his full rigid clunker. Sweet skirt!

Mukluk 2

The next bike to add to the collection; Salsa Mukluk 2. A FAT bike for the snow and whatever else gets in my way. I should have it anyday now.

Fall in Rico

This time of year in Rico can be amazing when the weather is right; and right it is. (Until the snow starts to fly consistently). We have the bluest skies around. I'm sure of it.

It's been a good week of 'recovery riding" after the Zuni 100 ride. I rode home from work once this week already and a mountain bike ride on our local stuff in Rico as well as a 6 mile run on Barlow Creek Road. Tonight (Friday) will be another ride home on the road bike to start the weekend off in correct fashion. Maybe some Phil's World or Boggy riding this weekend. The high country is out of commission with the last snow fall sticking up high from 3 weeks ago. The temps have been in 20's for the overnight lows and I even saw ice midday in the shade in Rico. Stay low. I might even finish up my wood splitting.

Rico riding.

Rico. Just right outside the house.



Barlow Lake in the background. Brought the lights in case I got carried away running too far.



Mr. Beaver in Barlow Lake doing his thing.