tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51288094577891299122024-03-13T19:49:08.442-04:00B-43 World Domination? You betcha. As soon as we figure out how to get started.
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Mountain biking, skateboarding, and other nonsensical crap.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.comBlogger1525125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-62270381701343346562019-12-12T08:10:00.001-05:002019-12-12T08:10:52.719-05:00Adventure. Excitement. A Jedi craves not these things. <br />
I'm no Jedi. I'm just a person that signed up for a challenge, and I'm hoping this adventure includes lots of excitement. See what I did there?<br />
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In fact, I signed up for the <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">Cross Florida Individual Time Trial</a> before I fully understood what I was getting myself into. <br />
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It was basically me just talking to myself. A lot like this...<br />
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<b><i>"Wanna ride a bike across Florida?"</i></b><br />
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Things haves changed just a bit though since I <a href="https://b-43.blogspot.com/2019/10/we-all-need-goals.html" target="_blank">first posted about doing this "adventure."</a> Originally, the route was around 250 miles and included a ferry ride across the Saint Johns River. I was really looking forward to that part, since I've spent time on the river up around there but have never been on the ferry. Anyway, some hurricane damage from a few years ago still hasn't been completed, so now the route is 300 miles.<br />
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Map pic<br />
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So, instead of cross the river on a little barge, I get to take a detour up to Palatka and ride across on a big bridge (meant for cars.) Other than that though, the detour looks pretty fun. And besides, what's a few more miles?<br />
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Who gives a shit.<br />
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You can have a perfect bike, be super fit, but something could come along... weather, wildlife, mechanical issues, or some shit that could derail any semblance of a plan you had. That's where things like this test a person's will and mental state. That's the main reason I'm doing this. I wanted to accomplish something incredible (for me).<br />
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I hit the road for Florida later today. I will spend tomorrow getting my vehicle over to the finish on the west coast. Saturday at sunrise, I roll out of New Smyrna Beach and head west towards the Gulf of Mexico.<br />
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You can follow along here:<br />
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<a href="http://trackleaders.com/cfitt19">http://trackleaders.com/cfitt19</a><br />
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<br />TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-54259762393183567322019-12-11T08:32:00.000-05:002019-12-11T08:32:13.758-05:00It's The Final Countdown<br />
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Over the weekend I wanted to take one final shakedown ride to make sure everything is ready to go for the <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">Cross Florida Individual Time Trial</a>. Although I'm pretty confident that my gear is ready, I wanted to make sure my mind and body were ready too. I planned a short-ish route of about 45 miles that would make me at least <i>feel</i> like I did something. That's not much mileage compared to what I am trying to do this weekend, but it would have to do. Besides, it's not like I can get into any better shape at this point.<br />
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When planning my route, I found out that I've started to get bored with my usual treks from the house. So this time I did something completely different from my normal stuff. I headed north towards the Lake Norman area, specifically to my favorite bike shop, <a href="https://www.thecyclepath.net/" target="_blank">The Cycle Path</a>. The goal was to get there in time to watch the annual Christmas parade (as it is tradition now) but also to get in a fair amount of singletrack to make sure shit doesn't fall off of my bike while I'm riding on the rough stuff. And to make extra sure of that, I wanted to get as much off-road riding as possible.<br />
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I planned my route without a ton of certainty, hoping that the cut-throughs I saw on the satellite view were ride-able. I was rewarded more often than not.<br />
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As usual, I had to ride on a few roads, but I tried my best to keep that to a minimum. Cutting through neighborhoods happened quite a bit, but in one instance it led me directly into one of our local trails.<br />
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The trail was fun. I hadn't been to that one in quite some time, so even though it was once very familiar to me it felt like a new trail that day. Once I made my way through the singletrack to the exit, I realized that I did a pretty damn fine job with the whole weight distribution thing. Handling was great, even with me carrying a ton of extra shit attached to my bike. I patted myself on the back and kept rolling.<br />
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I reached the bike shop (after stopping to grab some foodz) and sat for a while, enjoying the parade and talking to my friends that were there. It was nice sharing with them my plans for Florida (hey, they asked first) and also just to spend time with good people. Eventually I had to roll out because I had non-bike plans later, so I hit the road. I didn't plan the return route at all though, instead deciding to just "wing it." I found a new (to me) greenway and and enjoyed the shit out of it.<br />
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Even though I never bothered to check a map to see where this thing would put me out, I didn't care because I was having fun, It was pretty back there and I had the place mostly to myself.<br />
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The greenway eventually ended and I popped out into familiar surroundings. From there I just retraced my steps home and rolled in feeling pretty confident that I am ready for the big adventure. <br />
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My dog Carl though, was full of judgement for some reason.<br />
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I think he was pissed that I was gone all day. Wait until he figures out that I'll be gone for ten days.<br />
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Yup, I'm as ready as I can be for CFITT. Equipment, fitness, and attitude. I'm going down there to have fun, see some backcountry Florida, and push myself beyond my norm. There's no turning back now. <br />
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I head south tomorrow. It's indeed the final countdown. <br />
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I should be back here one more time before I hit the road.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-71221639547699248692019-12-05T09:01:00.002-05:002019-12-05T09:01:47.942-05:00I'd Forgotten A Few Things<br />
Just as I was starting to feel good about the amount and style of riding I'd been doing over the last few months to get ready for the <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">Cross Florida Individual Time Trial</a>, I got a touch of anxiety again when I realized that I had a little equipment maintenance to do. You see, after taking a break from riding so much a few years ago I didn't have to do much of that for quite some time. But since May I've been putting in quite a few miles and my bike (and other stuff) was starting to show signs of wear.<br />
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Two out of three of my mountain bikes are single speeds, which means of course that I don't have to worry about adjusting stupid gears and all that. However, my geared bike is the one I selected for bikepacking (mostly because it was not really being utilized) and after riding it so much the past few months I needed to give it a little TLC. <br />
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Adjusting the shifting used to be a pretty simple thing for me, but I'm sorta rusty and it took me a while to get everything just right. I mean, I guess it's right. Even though that bike has gears, I still ride it like a single speeder. That usually means that don't shift until I remember that I actually have the means to do so on that particular bike. It's a habit that I've been trying to break, and it will probably help tremendously on that long ride next weekend. You know, to keep me from killing myself from pushing too hard.<br />
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The whole reason I even own that bike is because I was racing my single speed against geared riders and it became a disadvantage as the season went on. It wasn't always that way, but on some of the flatter courses I had trouble keeping up because I couldn't spin fast enough. So when I got on with <a href="https://ninerbikes.com/" target="_blank">Niner</a> and the opportunity came to get a different bike just for racing, I took it. It helped for sure, and probably does for this bikepacking stuff as well. Anyway, since I started wandering the earth on that bike I'd wanted to change the tire configuration. It was setup all racey, which meant (for me) that I had two different sized tires. On the front I had a <a href="https://www.maxxis.com/tires/bicycle" target="_blank">Maxxis</a> Ikon 2.35 and the rear was the same tire but in the 2.0 size. I kept saying I would replace the rear tire when it wore out but I never remembered to do it. <br />
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Well, that's when the panic set in last night, because I went way past worn out...<br />
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That thing was pretty much bald and was quite possibly a safety hazard. Luckily, I still have plenty of new tires in the shop here.<br />
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With three different mountain bikes and fewer rides (until I started on this adventure anyway) it had been a long time since I'd changed tires and set them up tubeless. I did all the soapy water Stan's stuff and fought to get them seated, and finally got some new meats on my wheels.<br />
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29X2.35 all around now</div>
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I wanted to wait until I was closer to my Florida trip to do this, but even for me this was too close to last minute. At least I will have time to get in a few rides before I head down there to make sure everything is good. It's not like installing new tires in rocket surgery or anything, but it had been a while. Panic for nothing I suppose.<br />
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Another item of neglect I found really has no excuse. While I have several bicycles and rotate through them on rides (usually), I typically only use one pair of shoes. And as a <a href="https://www.crankbrothers.com/" target="_blank">crankbrothers</a> pedal guy (and still somehow supported by them), those soft brass cleats wear down pretty bad if you don't pay attention. I knew they needed to be replaced, but I didn't realize that it was <i>that</i> bad.<br />
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Changing cleats on shoes is usually pretty damned easy. In this case though it was a major pain in the ass. I fought for more time than I'd like to admit getting those damned things off of my shoes but I finally did. And, I managed to get the new ones on in precisely the same spot on my shoes.<br />
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That was pretty much it. I realized bike maintenance is pretty boring (and even more boring having to read about someone else doing it), but it's necessary. If you take only one thing away from all of this, remember that if you use those particular cleats then make sure you stay on top of them to make sure they aren't too worn out. I realize a lot of you use other brands, but who gives a shit.<br />
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With my bike in proper working order I started to focus on my bikepacking gear. For months now, I've been carrying a ton of shit on my bike. This stuff was most likely crammed into a bag, never to be seen again even though I knew it was there. Obviously I'd dig into these bags every once in a while (especially when I got my new tent) but for the most part I wasn't really sure if I had exactly what I needed. In the back of my mind I was afraid to unpack most of it because I'd spent so much time trying to figure out where the good spots were for space and weight distribution. <br />
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I decided to tackle that beast and unpack everything to see what kind of shit I'd been carrying around all this time. Aside from actually removing the bags from the bike (that would be dumb) I laid everything out on the floor of the shop.<br />
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It wasn't as bad as I thought, but at least now I had a chance to go through my gear and make any last minute corrections. I guess this is a good time to talk about what I have there, how I plan to use it, and where it goes on the bike. So, working from the top left of the photo moving across row by row (kinda), here goes...<br />
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<b>Helmet and shoes.</b> Pretty important for a bike ride. These items go on my head and feet, respectively. Try to keep up here.<br />
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<b>Wet weather gear, consisting of a rain jacket and pants.</b> If it rains (which happens a lot during Florida "Winters"), I'll be prepared. If the forecast doesn't call for rain I'm bringing this stuff anyway. It will still probably be cold down there, and since this gear is also windproof is can be used for extra warmth. It's lightweight so I don't really notice it on the bike anyway. I keep it on top of the seat bag, secured with the built-in bungee straps.<br />
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<b>Tent.</b> If you've been following along, you know that I ditched the hammock in favor of a tent for several reasons. I'm still happy with it, and it is stored in the seat bag.<br />
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<b>Sleeping bag.</b> It might not look like a sleeping bag, but that's because I have it stored in a dry bag so, you know, it doesn't get wet. It attaches to the handlebar roll/bag.<br />
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<b>CamelBak.</b> I keep debating if I want to use this. Over the last few years I'd weaned myself off of having a bag hanging on my back for most rides. The exception was when I headed up to the hills, where hours in the saddle meant that I needed extra water. I'm pretty sure this Florida adventure will require extra water, but for some reason I'm struggling with the idea of wearing a backpack. I haven't used it for any of my bikepacking rides so far, but I'll test it out this weekend and decide from there.<br />
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Back on the left side...<br />
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<b>Safety triangle.</b> So I'm more visible. I'd like to not be dead so maybe this will help. Safety first, bitch. It attaches to the back of the seat bag.<br />
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<b>Emergency sleepy bag/bivy.</b> In case it gets extra cold at night and my lightweight sleeping bag doesn't keep me warm enough, I can bust this out for extra insulation. It's basically one of those emergency space blanket thingys, but in sleeping bag form (and a little thicker.) It resides in the seat bag.<br />
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<b>Inflatable camp pillow.</b> Um, it's a pillow. For my head. While I sleep. It also resides in the seat bag.<br />
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<b>Two water bottles.</b> For water. Duh. Since my frame bag takes up the space where the bottle cages go, these are in bottle bag things on the handlebars. <br />
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<b>Change of clothes.</b> I plan to ride for multiple days, so I'd like to not be in the same nasty shit the whole time. There is a jersey, baggy shorts with liner, and a pair of bib shorts. And of course a nice, warm pair of <a href="http://www.defeet.com/" target="_blank">DeFeet</a> socks.<br />
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<b>Windproof gloves.</b> These are good for really cold weather, but also work well for any temps not above 70. I have other gloves if it ends up being warmer than that, in which case these will go in my jersey pocket.<br />
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<b>Assorted tools and stuff.</b> Chamois butter to keep my bum happy. Battery packs to charge my phone. Crankbrothers pump (attaches to frame and it's the shiznit), multi-tool, small roll of Gorilla Tape, two chain quick links, spare derailliuer hanger, zip ties, bottle of chain lube, spare shifter cable, tube patch kit, and of course, spare tube with tire levers and CO2. There is another tube attached to the bike frame.<br />
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<b>Garming eTrex20X.</b> This is my main source of navigation. It has the course map and all the cues loaded on it. I also have my Garmin 800 (not pictured) attached to the bike for backup. <br />
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<b>SPOT Tracker.</b> This is so you folks at home can follow along. It will report my position so you can see my little dot cross the state along with everyone else. Link will be shared soon.<br />
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<b>Small first aid kit.</b> Just in case. I don't have a spot on the bike for this, but I really want to bring it. If I decide to rock the CamelBak, it will go in there. I hope I don't need it, but it's probably a good idea to have. It's not loaded like my trauma bag, but it will be good enough. <br />
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And, other than a few assorted snacks, that's it. It seems like a lot of shit, but once I put it out there in front of me I realized that it's not that bad. I've gotten used to the weight over the last few months, so I shouldn't have any issues. I definitely feel better now that I've taken an inventory. It's all back on the bike now, ready for this weekend's adventure/final shakedown ride.<br />
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I'll be back next week of course.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-87324777151979587882019-12-04T08:38:00.001-05:002019-12-04T08:38:46.945-05:00Nothing Left To Do But Keep PedalingNext Thursday will be here before I know it. That's when I leave for the Sunshine State, and two days after that I embark on what will be the biggest challenge I've even done on a bicycle. Back in May when (out of the blue) I decided I was doing the <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">Cross Florida Individual Time Trial</a> I didn't realize how much effort I would have to put in just to get ready. I mean, not only was I planning to ride more than twice as far as my longest distance ever, I also didn't know shit about bikepacking. In the past six months though, I've sorta figured the bikepacking part out and I'm really enjoying it. The distance part? I guess we'll see. I've done some pretty long rides with a fully loaded bike and all that, so I'm hoping a positive attitude can get me through my adventure.<br />
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Lately though, I've been a wreck. As the day gets closer, I seem to suffer from more and more anxiety. Although this is a "race" with many other people participating, it's really a personal challenge that I have to complete all by myself. Each day I feel the anxiety growing, but I know as soon as I dip my rear wheel in the Atlantic Ocean and roll off the beach towards the west coast of Florida I'll settle in and be just fine. <br />
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In addition to this event being the longest and most difficult bicycling adventure I've ever decided to do, it's also the most selfish. Once I made my decision I had the full support of my friends and family but it has come at a price. Over the last few months I've spent time alone on the bike to prepare, which has led to me missing time with those same friends and family. This is MY race and I'm solely responsible for getting ready and being able to drag my ass across the state, but I sorta miss being social. <br />
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That being said, I decided to do this for a few reasons...<br />
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First, I miss Florida. The REAL Florida. And what better way to see that part of the state than by bicycle, riding off the beaten path far away from most people and all the tourist-y shit that place is known for. I plan to enjoy the scenery while I'm suffering, and seeing the Florida backcountry for three (or more) days should keep me motivated.<br />
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Second, I needed a challenge. I was sort of bored with plain old mountain biking. Riding alone with a fully loaded bike for a couple hundred miles and camping along the way seemed like a good way to switch it up. It's been working so far. I like being alone, and I've definitely been doing that a lot.<br />
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Third, who gives a shit. Yeah, this will be a difficult challenge for me, but not everyone will see it that way. My hardcore bike friends have done things way harder than this so it's probably not a big deal to them. My non-bike friends? They think the whole thing is crazy. Maybe it is, but who gives a shit. While I appreciate the support I've been given (and will hopefully continue to get), I don't have time for any negativity.<br />
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Did I miss anything? Probably. There are probably other reasons, but the simplest one is just that I want to see if I can do it (and of course have some fun along the way.) <br />
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Anyway, I'm not sure where I was going with all that. As the day approaches though, I'm still getting ready. After turkey was consumed last Thursday, I planned a ride for the next day. It was Black Friday, but that doesn't mean a damn thing to me. While a lot of people were out shopping, I was outside all by myself.<br />
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It was sort of eerie. Even the local greenways were pretty much empty.<br />
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I did one of my usual routes, but I added some extra adventure here and there. I tried to take cut-throughs that weren't there and ended up spending a lot of time backtracking. <br />
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Although I had a modest mileage goal of around fifty, the main objective was to spend at least 6 hours in the saddle. It's too late to add any fitness at this point, but it's definitely not too late to keep my mental game sharp.<br />
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Riding on varied terrain helped a ton.<br />
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Like most of my local rides, I spend much of the time on greenways too. Two in particular I rode to and from both ends.<br />
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About six hours in, I was only about ten miles from home. I figured I would come close to my secondary goal (mileage-wise) but I felt like I could stand some more time in the saddle. But then I felt like I should be social for some reason. I don't know why that thought entered my head at that particular time, but I obeyed it and took a detour away from my house and headed towards <a href="https://www.thespokeeasyclt.com/" target="_blank">The Spoke Easy</a> to break up my "training."<br />
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It was worth it.<br />
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What's unique about this is that it's the first time since I started bikepacking that I've stopped for a beer. In the past I would always wait until I got back home to reward myself. Even the overnight trips I did were without beer. I know, that's odd for me. Who gives a shit. I had a second beer, shot the shit with some friends I hadn't seen in forever, then hopped back on the bike towards home.<br />
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The beer stop was much needed. On the way back home I was in a better place mentally (and not just because of the alcohol.) I started to remember why I am riding bikes in the first place... for fun. Damn all the stress, I'm here to have a good time.<br />
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When I got home I ended up with a little over seven hours of riding time (and yes that's minus the beer stop.) I just stood in my garage thinking about what comes next and a sense of calm came over me...<br />
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Then I started looking at all the shit I still needed to do to get my equipment ready. More on that tomorrow.<br />
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Yeah, I said tomorrow. Two days of blogging in one week? You betcha.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-89997563916711634582019-11-27T08:30:00.000-05:002019-11-27T08:30:31.297-05:00Another Shakedown<br />
Time is almost up. Two weeks from tomorrow I'll be heading down to Florida for my <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">big bike ride across the state</a>. And honestly, I'm starting to become filled with anxiety. Seriously. Can I <i>actually</i> ride that far? Being off the bike while being sick didn't help, that's for sure. I'm trying to look on the bright side so that little bit of down time was a blessing in disguise though, like I <a href="https://b-43.blogspot.com/2019/11/lets-get-ready-to-get-ready.html" target="_blank">mentioned last week</a>. I had a chance to make some changes to my gear, and I had make sure I could pack everything up and ride with my new stuff. <br />
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Of course I had plans to ride on Saturday, but I still wasn't one hundred percent healthy. When I woke up, it was cold (45 degrees) and rainy. I <i>really</i> didn't fell like being out in that shit but I knew I had to get some saddle time in. Plus, there's no guarantee that the Sunshine State will live up to its name next month. In fact, there is a high probability that the weather will be less than pleasant for my little jaunt. Anyway, after spending the first half of the day making excuses for why I didn't want to ride I told myself to embrace the suck and get rolling. I suited up in some warm cycling clothes, donned my rain jacket and rolled out of the house to see where it would take me. No real plan other than to just get the hell out of my comfortable living room.<br />
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I cut through a few neighborhoods and ended up on a little bike path that I keep forgetting is nearby.<br />
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With only a rain jacket (I don't own rain pants... yet), I was at least dry from the waist up. Surprisingly I wasn't too cold though, sporting only shorts and <a href="http://www.defeet.com/" target="_blank">DeFeet</a> knee warmers and socks. I was out of the house at least, but I was questioning why TF I was out there in the rain.<br />
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I still didn't feel well. Who gives a shit.</div>
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Still with no plan, I just kept rolling. I took cut-throughs and grassy easements whenever I could, making sure to push myself to stay warm. I ended up riding some spots I'd never ridden before.<br />
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I was out of the house. That was the hardest part. I'd adjusted to the weather though and started to feel pretty good. I decided to hit up some more off the beaten path stuff and keep heading <i>away</i> from my house. It made for a tough ride, but I was actually having fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXYkQRshD-hk8oFwADZebcuyk5JBLKuXKhSFcBOUnWGjTTU4iNdesnUfZtIcr5KzIrz3hSfUp9GxDHg4XU0O9Ao9CMXznbtMpcCeuMw_-hiCX2O2JJSaL2XLANcBImPFfUPBovn3UsB0/s1600/SD4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="758" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXYkQRshD-hk8oFwADZebcuyk5JBLKuXKhSFcBOUnWGjTTU4iNdesnUfZtIcr5KzIrz3hSfUp9GxDHg4XU0O9Ao9CMXznbtMpcCeuMw_-hiCX2O2JJSaL2XLANcBImPFfUPBovn3UsB0/s320/SD4.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
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There are some good spots off of that railroad area. I've done part of this route before when I first started this bikepacking thing. Instead of pristine, groomed mountain bike trails, I rode pretty much every other kind of surface. It's all part of the adventure.<br />
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The plan wasn't to go out for a long time, rather just for a good time. The key results I wanted to see were a) if I could stand riding a fully loaded bike in shitty weather and b) If I would notice a difference with the new gear I'd packed up. This was technically a shakedown ride and it was exactly what I needed. I now have confidence that I can stand riding that heavy bike in all kinds of weather, and swapping out the hammock setup for a tent was the right call, at least as far as carrying that shit around. Am I still worried though?<br />
<br />
You betcha.<br />
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Being sick kinda knocked my fitness down, and it's really too late to build it back up. All I can do is make sure I'm mentally prepared (the real challenge anyway) and get a few more decent rides in over the next two weeks. Maybe in the 40-50 mile range. You know, nothing too crazy. Like 300 miles.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is Turkey Day, so like most everyone else I'll be eating tons of food. Friday and Saturday though?<br />
<br />
I haz other plans.<br />
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See y'all next week. Try not to eat too much, you fat bastard.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-48502306900536261362019-11-21T08:06:00.001-05:002019-11-21T08:07:50.384-05:00Let's Get Ready To Get Ready<br />
Blogging is not as constant as it was once upon a time, but riding has been at least. Except for very recently anyway. Since I wrote about my awesome camping trip, I haven't been on a bike at all. Not even once. I contracted some sort of death virus/cold thingy and felt like complete doo doo all last weekend. Usually I'll try to power through such things but this time I actually took it easy. I figured that if I fought it I would drag out the sickness, which would certainly put on damper on my "training" for Florida. So, I pretty much slept and drank whiskey.<br />
<br />
Pretty much what the doctor would order, right?<br />
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Anyway, during my convalescence I had some time to think about things other than riding, such as my choice of gear for my <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">upcoming adventure</a>. After many rides and some overnight tests, I sorta felt like I had everything dialed in. Through trial and error I'd figured out exactly where to pack everything (for weight distribution and all that), and I felt like I had enough gear but not too much. Things were going well and according to plan, but then I had to piss in the wind...<br />
<br />
<i>"What if I tried something else?"</i> I asked myself.<br />
<br />
<i>"Who gives a shit"</i>, I immediately replied.<br />
<br />
You see, the main piece of advice I received when I started this bikepacking stuff was to just start with what you have and go from there. Of course, I didn't have any bike bags and had to purchase them, but as far as camping stuff I figured I was fine. I'd just use that hammock I've had for a while and I'd have a place to sleep. Simple. Easy. Cheap (since I already owned it.) But then I realized that Florida "Winter" can be unpredictable and is usually rainy, so I had to buy a rain fly for it. No worries. Oh, and the cord for the hammock wasn't particularly long and that meant that my choices for hanging it would be limited. I bought some straps. Problem solved. Then after my first overnight I realized that a compact sleeping bag would be a good idea (instead of my plan to use an emergency blanket which was a shitty plan.) All of a sudden, my camping shit turned into a big pile of nonsense.<br />
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Still, everything worked well and most importantly it fit on the bike just fine. A couple of overnight trips had me feeling confident that I had good shelter and I'd be capable of comfortable sleep. Honestly though, it was a pain in the ass to setup and take down (and pack.) I didn't always feel that way, but I realized it when I saw one of the pictures of me doing so on my Veterans Day Weekend camping trip:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQtv9RY1stO6mKRxEWXWtor8qFKTUc22bt2nLTNAfat-UZZKDAr8p7AyW5fmekajN2KwcLJcyMXWTDcqbex_lBu9BxHlrKC08-_lAoXY3MaRL_jhIovkM6qPcQsC1n5mym50_RwibpZo/s1600/HammockSetup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQtv9RY1stO6mKRxEWXWtor8qFKTUc22bt2nLTNAfat-UZZKDAr8p7AyW5fmekajN2KwcLJcyMXWTDcqbex_lBu9BxHlrKC08-_lAoXY3MaRL_jhIovkM6qPcQsC1n5mym50_RwibpZo/s320/HammockSetup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo cred: Sergeant Major Todd</div>
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Here's what I recall from that day. This was a "real" campground with a huge pad for tents, campers, etc. and each site was surrounded by trees. A couple of folks had little campers and one had a tent. So I was the dumbass wandering around the perimeter looking for two suitable tress from which to hang my sleeping quarters. Sure, the hammock straps gave me a little more leeway, but it was still a pain. I obviously found what I needed, but even then it wasn't ideal. It worked out well, but the next day I was talking to Bill The Fire Bender about his setup. He had a backpacking tent that was just roomy enough for him and a little gear. I asked him if it packed down pretty small and he said it did. I was intrigued, but I figured it was probably still too big to carry on my bike.<br />
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As we were packing up to leave the campsite, I kept an eye on him tearing down his tent while I struggled to gather up all my crap and nonsense to place in various bags. In fact, he was completely packed up before I even had the rain fly packed away. I looked at the little bag that contained his shelter and realized that it was a little smaller than my rain fly, hammock, and straps put together. And as a bonus it even weighed less. And of course my favorite part was that it seemed like way less of a pain in the ass to tear down, unlike my mishmash of parts and pieces.<br />
<br />
Well shit.<br />
<br />
At that point I was ready to give up on the hammock. When I got back home I started shopping everywhere for a similar tent, or one that was even smaller. I was shocked at how much these things cost though, considering I already owned a pretty nice tent that fits ten people that I didn't even spend a hundred bucks on. I guess it's like technology; the smaller it is the more you pay. Still, I was determined to ditch the hammock for something easier. Eventually I found something I liked that wouldn't rape my bank account. I found it on The Internets though, which meant that I couldn't be certain that the measurements were correct. I'm 6'4", so compact and me don't usually get along but in this case the measurements did give me some hope. At 88 inches long, I'd have a foot of clearance (so I could really stretch out.) The width was 35 inches, which meant that I would have to snuggle up to my clothes at night (which would be good to keep them warm anyway.) And 42 inches tall meant that I could at least sit up first instead of just diving outside onto the ground. Were these measurements accurate though? Only one way to find out...<br />
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A few days later my new compact tent arrived. The bag was small (plus) and the weight was less than my current gear (big plus.) So far so good but I needed to see if it was big enough inside. I hauled it out to the garage where Lunchbox was waiting (probably to watch me fail.) Although it came with stakes, it was supposed to be freestanding. I figured I would just try to set it up right then and there. There was one problem though...<br />
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No instructions included.<br />
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I mentioned to Lunchbox that I should probably look on the manufacturer's website for instructions, but I am stubborn so I wasn't going to do that. I'll just wing it. He said that sounded like a solid plan. I pulled everything out of the bag and after a quick study of the parts and pieces, I had it put together in under five minutes.<br />
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I was impressed. Not only was it ridiculously easy to erect (I just had to use that word at least once because I am a juvenile), it looked pretty damn roomy for a "compact" tent. Lunchbox was also impressed. I said, "Well, I guess I should <i>get in</i>." I was able to get into it without any hassle and quickly noticed that I had plenty of room. In fact, much more than I expected. My only regret is that I didn't have him take a photo of me while I was on the floor of my garage um, "camping."<br />
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Overall, this seemed like a pretty good decision. Although I must admit, I'm feeling a little guilt about not using my hammock for my upcoming adventure. Something about riding three hundred miles and camping in a hammock along the way sounded pretty badass, but I'll also tell you that when it comes time to sleep during that ride and I happen to be near a hotel, I won't hesitate to take that option. I may be dumb for trying to ride my bicycle across Florida, but I'm not an idiot.<br />
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Anyway, after I stopped patting myself on the back for buying a tent and setting it up in the garage I realized that I still had more to do. I had to get the tent broken down, packed back in that tiny bag, and cram that shit on my bike somewhere, preferably in the same space where my hammock and stuff resided previously. Just like any tent, it was a little tricky getting it folded back up and into the bag but I had it all done in under ten minutes. Not bad. Then I packed it on the bike, along with everything else I have been riding with for the past few months.<br />
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I haz happiness now. I'm sure I'll change something else in the next couple of weeks, but at least I'm sorta prepared. There will be a test ride this weekend with some expert analysis to follow. Or more nonsensical crap. Who gives a shit.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-61562312850323718012019-11-15T08:04:00.000-05:002019-11-15T08:04:17.351-05:00Getaway Part DeuxSo, leaving off from <a href="https://b-43.blogspot.com/2019/11/veterans-day-getaway.html" target="_blank">yesterday</a>, we had left our new <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkqkqKvA-e1g6S78FEBhWSqNEC7MEKfuJslw7O1IHIBkIXzn2vVMNBiCYGhtixvrg9qAU_HdiPeBdnFyG70fQKj6_GYAJ5fqw_wGmj4NotBX89Yr8NrTQ9isPCJ_7QfOkwaiMC9gmwdk/s1600/VADayTrip+%252816%2529.jpg" target="_blank">doggo friend</a> and made plans to hit the rest of the trails at FATS. Instead of riding over there (it's a shitty stretch of busy, paved road) we all agreed to meet at the other parking lot. So I did something I never, ever do...<br />
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I got into my vehicle fully dressed for riding.<br />
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Let me explain. I usually avoid that at all costs. Sometimes I will have my cycling shorts on to save time, but I never drive with a jersey and cycling shoes on. It just seems dumb, and not to mention nasty. When I finish riding, I always change out of my sweaty cycling clothes into something much less gross. But since it was a short drive, I didn't want to waste time with wardrobe changes. It made sense, at least this one time.<br />
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Anyway, we gathered up quickly to hit the trail. This loop was my least favorite and I usually avoid it like the plague whenever I'm down there. But this time, it was fun. I'm sure it was because of the company I had with me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGdFZnTl-lHygR-6yy8UPfb9j2hbwcoiEGPc0pA9z8ngT9ZdaDuDNGiCnDFY1ZnjFbx2VlawR0EQB5xVTfUbYxaR582hBcHBDCVELxM0MlPpVCLZvd-omkb6iRK55Fej4xbLHCbJ5PWQ/s1600/VADayTrip+%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="713" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGdFZnTl-lHygR-6yy8UPfb9j2hbwcoiEGPc0pA9z8ngT9ZdaDuDNGiCnDFY1ZnjFbx2VlawR0EQB5xVTfUbYxaR582hBcHBDCVELxM0MlPpVCLZvd-omkb6iRK55Fej4xbLHCbJ5PWQ/s320/VADayTrip+%252815%2529.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo credit: Bill the Fire Bender</div>
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We climbed, we descended, we had fun. I was enjoying my time in the woods for sure, even if it hurt like hell on a rigid single speed (riding gears for my bikepacking adventures has made me a little soft.) That section of trail was much better than I remembered, but I chalk that up to riding with some good people.<br />
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L to R: Me, Chief Brian. Sergeant Major Todd, A-A Ron, and Bill the Fire Bender</div>
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While I'll admit that part had more climbing than I prefer, the payoff came up soon enough. We hit some fun downhill near the very end. We were flying, until I heard A-A Ron yell out in frustration.<br />
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Another random samurai attack had left him with a flat tire... again. With only a half mile to go, he was not pleased at all. Especially since instead of riding the last part of the trail, he had to walk out on the gravel road...<br />
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Carrying his bike:<br />
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Eventually Bill the Fire Bender rolled up in his truck and saved him from walking too far. Despite the frustration of two flat tires (two days in a row), I still think he a had a good time. We all did. Once we gathered in the parking lot (and I changed because we were done riding for the day), plans were made for the rest of the evening: food, fire, and hanging around the campsite until it was time for bed.<br />
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With temps in the 40s that night (instead of the 30s like before), I actually slept pretty well in my hammock, toasty and warm. And the next day I was again treated to some nice scenery from Mother Nature:<br />
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I didn't want that weekend to end. It was nice hanging out with other people riding bikes, and the ones with whom I was fortunate enough to share the campsite made it extra special. A few folks decided to ride again that day, and some people went home. As for me, I decided to celebrate Veterans Day properly by visiting a place right down the road where I'd spent some time while I was in the Army...<br />
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Fort Gordon, Georgia. I was there in late 1990 and again in 1992. A lot has changed since then, but I still managed to find some old relics (like me) hanging around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8XDYBjtVteadHgKfMdkJUBWJ30NpOQHmuBXV4QwL-SZGwD6ECQHmPg3nCSUcdDCoa4hEeoBAtWbiwbrC51uoDLrfloVbOtfWDGZ9S4EhH8DzM0aUYzqz7jsk2qrDxxogSqNtyfkahME/s1600/VADayTrip+%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1560" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8XDYBjtVteadHgKfMdkJUBWJ30NpOQHmuBXV4QwL-SZGwD6ECQHmPg3nCSUcdDCoa4hEeoBAtWbiwbrC51uoDLrfloVbOtfWDGZ9S4EhH8DzM0aUYzqz7jsk2qrDxxogSqNtyfkahME/s320/VADayTrip+%252813%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was the most awesome of weekends, and it needs to happen again really soon. But for now, it's back to the bikepacking stuff.<br />
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I'm less than a month away from the <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">big dance</a>. I still don't think I'm ready. <br />
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Who gives a shit.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-80399108391411587732019-11-14T07:59:00.001-05:002019-11-14T07:59:53.984-05:00Veterans Day GetawaySo last weekend I had the pleasure of being invited to go on a "boys weekend" at the Forks Area Trail System (FATS) down near Augusta, GA with some fellow veterans and staff from the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League. Initially I'd decided against it, thinking that I needed to spend every bit of free time "practicing" my bikepacking skills. But shortly after I made that decision, I reconsidered. There were several reasons why. First, I needed to ride with some other people. Just about every ride I've been on since May has been by myself, and I can turn into one cranky bastard when no one is around to reel me in. Also, the group was a pretty great bunch of folks, so I knew I would have a fun time. And since I still need to train for bikepacking stuff, I would have the opportunity to doing some camping with my hammock in not so warm weather. Seemed like a win-win so I was down for it.<br />
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The trip started with most people arriving on Friday to set up camp. I was arriving on Saturday so all I asked was for them to leave me a couple of good trees so I could hang my hammock. Of course that wasn't a problem, so I grabbed the camping stuff that has been living on my bike full time lately, along with some other camping essentials that I normally take on other trips. After spending most of Saturday with my dogs (I didn't want to leave them), I packed up and headed south by southwest. I knew the two and a half hour trip would be easy, but traffic in the middle of South Carolina changed that to shitty. Eventually I made it to Columbia, where I stopped for some weekend provisions. Back on the road, I made it to the campsite at a decent time. <br />
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I noticed that I might be in for more fun than I had anticipated when I saw this sign...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU3ohvFrno82GEJ5arCkN6YxC2kWLfGxXgblQwIqpjUpnOHeH5NzROR5ARCgDh6hRc-sriHEjHCHJo-XeIZ7-VmguYZB-GjQ44KyWuwDRR9mO8RQweVNX12TkZr_PXJYiYeKefWiwTyk/s1600/VADayTrip+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="1451" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU3ohvFrno82GEJ5arCkN6YxC2kWLfGxXgblQwIqpjUpnOHeH5NzROR5ARCgDh6hRc-sriHEjHCHJo-XeIZ7-VmguYZB-GjQ44KyWuwDRR9mO8RQweVNX12TkZr_PXJYiYeKefWiwTyk/s320/VADayTrip+%25285%2529.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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I looked around for some new friends but I was disappoint. It was too chilly outside for them to be active. Meh.<br />
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When I rolled up to our site, everyone was there. They had already ridden for the day, but I was just happy to be out in the woods with friends. <br />
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I setup my home for the weekend and made plans to relax.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60ZIbtrlY6LEe1Prp_j6M2Je5YHDo9QlvvmQQI13rAAeDkVZo2vT8ON7-CVi1TJ2X7aeowA4Qo9juKCgoCrRdV6F_RMaC_y5VFLeNB94FX1SHCRpkhvOfoXSsbjzBhbMM8-Lr_1CtCH4/s1600/VADayTrip+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60ZIbtrlY6LEe1Prp_j6M2Je5YHDo9QlvvmQQI13rAAeDkVZo2vT8ON7-CVi1TJ2X7aeowA4Qo9juKCgoCrRdV6F_RMaC_y5VFLeNB94FX1SHCRpkhvOfoXSsbjzBhbMM8-Lr_1CtCH4/s320/VADayTrip+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my usual setup, at least since I started bikepacking anyway. The only problem is, I hadn't really tested it in cold weather. My other trips had some cooler temperatures at night, but the low for this night would be around 30 degrees so I was a little worried. I stopped thinking about it, because... Who gives a shit. We cooked some food, had some adult beverages, and sat around by the fire for a while, just enjoying it all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2IYrRA_HWAPYqjbfDv-mkNqMw8X9hBWPJ4mNRJpfd6IsKw3DMF6kRdOOJvWsmVJQ1ZDBD-hMaQQ5OBTxmenuu82ipoxvC4CMjHtB1LF__EdNzYHOV7QF0ehEYIGP3fmt802jLKd9kuM/s1600/VADayTrip+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2IYrRA_HWAPYqjbfDv-mkNqMw8X9hBWPJ4mNRJpfd6IsKw3DMF6kRdOOJvWsmVJQ1ZDBD-hMaQQ5OBTxmenuu82ipoxvC4CMjHtB1LF__EdNzYHOV7QF0ehEYIGP3fmt802jLKd9kuM/s320/VADayTrip+%25287%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I drifted off to sleep but kept waking up. I thought maybe it was because I usually sleep on my stomach and a hammock doesn't work like that, but I didn't know for sure. I was plenty warm, but sometimes I just don't sleep so well (even in my own bed.) I never looked at the time while I was tossing and turning, but at some point I had to get up to get rid of all that beer. And <i>then</i> I was cold.<br />
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I let it out and hurried back into my hammock. Big problem though, the sleeping bag became cold instantly once I vacated it. I crawled back in, and once I finally stopped shivering I dozed off. This time until morning. Win.<br />
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I had my head covered up in the sleeping bag to stay warm, but when I peeked out I saw that the sun had come up. It was too cold for me to get up (so I thought), but at least I woke up to an amazing view. I grabbed my phone, and took this picture while I was still in my hammock:<br />
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Eventually I crawled out and put some more clothes on to warm up. I took another picture so I could remember that even though it was cold outside, it was still beautiful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZFQbn4xrXarvBupCoM8hdEhG-aF6N4crIfNRij0ShKKK4RdX-J_T3PI2_pwBzQjFZojKSn0u9K6Y2f3qbH94yFeXeh_BI32qDUSpF5b39P7xnHZX45sf26QnmuqmGWXtVbhQ606GfCc/s1600/VADayTrip+%252819%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZFQbn4xrXarvBupCoM8hdEhG-aF6N4crIfNRij0ShKKK4RdX-J_T3PI2_pwBzQjFZojKSn0u9K6Y2f3qbH94yFeXeh_BI32qDUSpF5b39P7xnHZX45sf26QnmuqmGWXtVbhQ606GfCc/s320/VADayTrip+%252819%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made some breakfast and we all started talking about ride plans for the day. If you've ever been to FATS, then you know there's a fun, flowy side, and a totally different side. Good side, bad side if you will. Not really bad, but totally different than the smooth, roller coaster type trails that place is known for. I found out that the crew rode the "good" side the day before, so we would be riding the other stuff. Well, with the exception of one of the trails on that side that they missed due to a tire issue. <br />
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Short version, it seems that A-A Ron had a problem with is valve stem that caused it to pop out like a samurai sword and chop down the forest and any rider in his way. He had to go to a local bike shop to get it fixed, but he was ready to ride again.<br />
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So we took off...<br />
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The campsite was only about fifteen minutes away, so we rolled out of the campsite to get our fun on. When we got to the trailhead, I was still pretty cold. I had plenty of warm stuff on though, so once we got moving I would be good. We hit up Great Wall first, which was the perfect choice for my full rigid single speed.<br />
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I suddenly forgot that I was cold. We were flying down the hill and making short work of the small climbs on that loop. I could hear everyone laughing and screaming with joy as we hit the little jumps and berms. We were having a great time. Once that loop was finished, we stopped for a snack and headed back out to ride the other stuff. A few miles in, we saw a little doggo running up the trail with no owner in sight. It was odd. She was friendly, and latched onto us while we rode. We would pass people here and there (hikers and walkers) but that dog stayed with us. She was a good trail dog though, navigating the singletrack like she'd been there before. While it was pretty cool to have the company, we all started getting concerned that she was lost. <br />
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Crap.<br />
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We stopped for a small break and I tried to give her some water. She didn't want it, even though she'd been running for miles and looked thirsty. We checked to see if she had tags so we could find the owner..<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo Credit: Sergeant Major Todd</div>
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There was only a rabies tag on the collar, and I noticed it was from North Carolina. That made us all feel uneasy. Was she really lost? Did someone leave her out there and return to North Carolina? Who TF doesn't keep an eye on their dog in a place like that? It was unsettling, so the plan going forward to to ride back to the trailhead and see if we could find anyone to claim her, or call the authorities to help.<br />
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I'm not gonna lie though, I was having thoughts about bringing her home with me if we didn't find the owner. I'm pretty sure that A-A Ron was too.<br />
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Anyway, we kept riding. The last part of that loop had quite a few climbs, so we stopped frequently to regroup (for us and the dog.) We'd passed a trail runner just before we stopped, but he never said anything to indicate that was his dog. Once he passed us (while we were stopped) she followed him down the trail. We eventually got back to the trailhead and there was no sign of the trail runner or our new doggo friend. Maybe that was his dog and she does that all the time, but he's kind of a dick if he lets that happen. But, that's just like, my opinion, man.<br />
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We were still concerned about her, but she was nowhere to be found so there really wasn't anything we could do. We made plans to hit the final loop out there and finish our day in the saddle.<br />
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And I just noticed that I'm getting really wordy today, so I'll pick it back up tomorrow with the conclusion.<br />
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Stay tuned... TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-73928902707814988432019-11-07T07:53:00.001-05:002019-11-07T08:27:15.718-05:00The Big Test Part Two - Electric Boogaloo<br />
Well, I woke up from a night of sleep. Not good sleep, just sleep. My camp neighbors were pretty loud and it was all I could not to go over there and piss on their fire. Instead, I yelled, "SHUT TF UP" from the comfort of my hammock. It worked, but then the thoughts in my head wouldn't shut TF up.<br />
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I was tired, no doubt. Sleepy? Not so much. I drifted in and out of consciousness throughout the night because I was full of anxiety. Why? Because I had just ridden a bicycle far, far away and had no idea if I could make it back home. At least I was comfortable. The new, compact sleeping bag? Perfect. I felt like I had the hammock camping thing worked out to my liking.<br />
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I didn't set the alarm on my phone, instead relying on the rays of the sun to wake my up. As daylight slowly creeped up on my campsite, I was out of the hammock and packing up. I ate a little food and drank some coffee stuff I'd bought at that "restaurant" the day before to get me going. And if that wasn't enough, I had my son there to cheer me on.<br />
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Well, Lunchbox isn't one for the cheering. He supports me though. </div>
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Anyway, with everything packed up just like I had it on the way out there, I hit the gravel road in the early morning hours while it was still cool. I really enjoyed the solitude, even though my legs were a protesting. Oh look, more climbing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTl26YXwM4WQvE0iG7azC7zoh8ZzTYogEOwTZgJ7_duxbMCuU4hW8e2Ta-tc80hJOf2-U31f3EpcpAlidvwLMoAYkpvmzgeBmuaTJCn9mSgrrjdcaGvEUxGsthb5uIkwhwaZL0XY5ZSg/s1600/UwharrieDay2+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTl26YXwM4WQvE0iG7azC7zoh8ZzTYogEOwTZgJ7_duxbMCuU4hW8e2Ta-tc80hJOf2-U31f3EpcpAlidvwLMoAYkpvmzgeBmuaTJCn9mSgrrjdcaGvEUxGsthb5uIkwhwaZL0XY5ZSg/s320/UwharrieDay2+%25282%2529.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
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The sun was starting to warm everything up and my legs were slowly coming to life. I knew I had a long ride ahead and the goal was just to pace myself and take it easy. I did that by enjoying my surroundings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XPFYFmP9EeWCLxa8rl1hss2U9HgCz9M4fCDbO0IluiVgv6fGnVWwoAS9vlvcBDtbpbLX_8S-j6_TAnxeMztCe0FzeS0g70eWsMMllkQtlnZkrkKzqeo5WEbliETgdDRr-uIn13ACLlk/s1600/UwharrieDay2+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XPFYFmP9EeWCLxa8rl1hss2U9HgCz9M4fCDbO0IluiVgv6fGnVWwoAS9vlvcBDtbpbLX_8S-j6_TAnxeMztCe0FzeS0g70eWsMMllkQtlnZkrkKzqeo5WEbliETgdDRr-uIn13ACLlk/s320/UwharrieDay2+%25284%2529.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
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Once I left the campsite, my route home was quite a bit different. Basically I think I was trying to ride every gravel road between there and Charlotte. Gravel grinding is for roadies, but this was bikepacking so it's okay.<br />
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Besides, dirt roadies don't want to mess up their Strava times by stopping for pictures and shit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0dxisig_Qx2UJPwqZBZ_-yONDJoasbgUS936M3FFXqArnyG8HFdpvRpTGZ5zVakCZDLZ8oJI8FLWgk1RFgVYKnPkNp3qWrcFhljmUd95JqB0lZDOPUzassllQhDuJt_K9cW2LQNUYWE/s1600/UwharrieDay2+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0dxisig_Qx2UJPwqZBZ_-yONDJoasbgUS936M3FFXqArnyG8HFdpvRpTGZ5zVakCZDLZ8oJI8FLWgk1RFgVYKnPkNp3qWrcFhljmUd95JqB0lZDOPUzassllQhDuJt_K9cW2LQNUYWE/s320/UwharrieDay2+%25285%2529.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
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I felt pretty okay. My legs were a little tired, but the main issue was that my ass was pretty sore from siting on the saddle for so long the day before. I just kind of ignored the pain and made sure to enjoy myself while I was out there. At one particular point I remember looking over my shoulder and seeing a neat view..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXLJqn9hhnCkgNQ3RMLwwCku4ZNh_VU4xLCeW8Z8mh63JaoB9zs9Z4Wz3I5ejp56ul32ZDi3_l6CKTFQLkx2opEk9o5QWb_uJZPkwTb5SvbOeUdq-ap7-xib7usaZKzl-nvYihxBm1FQ/s1600/UwharrieDay2+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1600" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXLJqn9hhnCkgNQ3RMLwwCku4ZNh_VU4xLCeW8Z8mh63JaoB9zs9Z4Wz3I5ejp56ul32ZDi3_l6CKTFQLkx2opEk9o5QWb_uJZPkwTb5SvbOeUdq-ap7-xib7usaZKzl-nvYihxBm1FQ/s320/UwharrieDay2+%25286%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Small mountains so you don't usually get views like that out there. I really dig it though.</div>
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I did less planning for the return trip and I'm not sure why. Did I think I would be on autopilot the whole time? Did I think I wouldn't make it back? Am I stupid?<br />
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Probably.<br />
<br />
I was definitely moving slower during the first part of the day, but as the miles ticked off I felt better and better. About 25 miles into my day I started to get hungry. I mean really hungry. Luckily I spotted a shopping center with a Subway in it, so I rolled up and ordered one of everything. Not really, but pretty damn close. I sat for a bit, trying to get my body to understand that I wasn't giving up and I would be riding my bike all the way back home. Once we had that understanding, I connected to the wifi there and let everyone know that I was on the way back and doing just fine.<br />
<br />
And most of all I was having fun...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXk1XQ7BhkIKo0KIAsicz3Mvb_k6WxfxhTf0bKeTRAtmN16PvhM7Ze1v929k_oZSQjm1xVAk7w2mMJOEeW2ug0ojBwqz7X5Tw0pmEr893zOhW7S3Sv6YZ7QK4QWADxbY_YMKa5uwGDps/s1600/UwharrieDay2+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="726" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXk1XQ7BhkIKo0KIAsicz3Mvb_k6WxfxhTf0bKeTRAtmN16PvhM7Ze1v929k_oZSQjm1xVAk7w2mMJOEeW2ug0ojBwqz7X5Tw0pmEr893zOhW7S3Sv6YZ7QK4QWADxbY_YMKa5uwGDps/s320/UwharrieDay2+%25287%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's really big, right? You know you wanna touch it.</div>
<br />
Just like the day before, I was looking for little victories. There weren't really any to be found though, other than not dying. The heat was getting to me and I had no idea if I would run out of food/water before I had a chance to fill up again. I just kept rolling though, because that's all I could do. And then, a small victory...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdCXj7f-I7SceN1SoCZdnxR-Kw-0qhXBTIY16IcWZm2bUTBNBsrTXFhwAjhYel4sf7W-8RX7fQx7ILr3kAl5360Ve8dlixtWfHQsnHQgOwTBmZFh_Lzix2v_bCxD7t1Ev03gQH96wXFQ/s1600/UwharrieDay2+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdCXj7f-I7SceN1SoCZdnxR-Kw-0qhXBTIY16IcWZm2bUTBNBsrTXFhwAjhYel4sf7W-8RX7fQx7ILr3kAl5360Ve8dlixtWfHQsnHQgOwTBmZFh_Lzix2v_bCxD7t1Ev03gQH96wXFQ/s320/UwharrieDay2+%25288%2529.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
I was closer to home for sure. After I took that photo I texted my cousin (who is a Purple Heart recipient by the way) for some motivation and he did not disappoint. Back in the saddle and I started heading towards a place for food. Any place.<br />
<br />
I ended up at another convenience store of course, and I had a pretty decent meal. I put down some sugary cola, a couple of chicken and cheese quesadilla thingys, and some chips. I topped off my water bottles and prepared myself for the last 25 miles home. I was so tired, but I was starting to feel like I might actually complete my journey.<br />
<br />
Once I started rolling again, it didn't take long before I hit a long downhill that cut back into the greenway. At that point I knew I had only about 20 miles to get home. I'd consider that another victory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rHXOMKVW-wZllzodEhz0a8E6LrFJwnQiF-o054FXI3ryD4itdXof7KlGTOZJfqQHZPJsHEQPADSri4Vf0KqIWXIgw00HMajSsl9vXslj_as1s6su23TO4iBFZc8sGbDTOvqFB6PPZK4/s1600/UwharrieDay2+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="726" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rHXOMKVW-wZllzodEhz0a8E6LrFJwnQiF-o054FXI3ryD4itdXof7KlGTOZJfqQHZPJsHEQPADSri4Vf0KqIWXIgw00HMajSsl9vXslj_as1s6su23TO4iBFZc8sGbDTOvqFB6PPZK4/s320/UwharrieDay2+%252810%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The greenway is mostly flat and more importantly, well shaded. While I normally love hot weather, it was draining me that day. The shaded path was a nice respite from the sun's glaring rays. Once I reached the end, I zig zagged across powerline cuts, parking lots, and back roads. I was almost out of gas and wondering if I had it in me to finish. Like someone flipping a switch, I was suddenly so full of doubt that it scared me. I was struggling, both physically and mentally. I'm not sure what happened, because only moments earlier I was feeling great and full of motivation.<br />
<br />
I guess that's how it is sometimes. I dunno. I tried not to let it get me down, but I was seriously considering calling anyone for a ride even though I knew I was close to home. And just when I needed it most, I got one more victory..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivONtxbekdRffx0FNSkNgzPWIXWNzt8Hdf4QWci6DZ406Q-01qBptIccUh08SkjEzyO_Pn7FOR0obG6Y9iQY0OuVPGqBS8o-7IcUN-HGLU_93Oyjg0IbdPH1ZNswoWfnr6NeUM7UcdShI/s1600/UwharrieDay2+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="726" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivONtxbekdRffx0FNSkNgzPWIXWNzt8Hdf4QWci6DZ406Q-01qBptIccUh08SkjEzyO_Pn7FOR0obG6Y9iQY0OuVPGqBS8o-7IcUN-HGLU_93Oyjg0IbdPH1ZNswoWfnr6NeUM7UcdShI/s320/UwharrieDay2+%252811%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I know this place well, since I pass by it on most of my rides these days. And I knew it was only about three miles from my house and that three miles ain't shit. I got this. And wouldn't you know it, two pretty shitty climbs later I was rolling into my driveway. I couldn't believe it. I really had no idea if I could do this, but like most things I tried it anyway. I was pretty worn out, my ass hurt, and I was an emotional wreck.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
I didn't know if I was proud of myself, or upset that I would even try such a thing.<br />
<br />
Maybe not a big deal to you, but a huge deal to me. I'd accomplished a goal that was set only a few months prior, and this should lead to a bigger goal.<br />
<br />
Am I ready to ride across Florida?<br />
<br />
Who gives a shit. I'm doing it anyway.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-75987546597615602982019-11-06T09:10:00.000-05:002019-11-06T09:10:08.327-05:00The Big Test<br />
Since it was only just last May that I decided to be a bikepacker and set my sights on <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">riding across Florida in December</a>, but Summer my "training" was in full swing. I'd been doing longer rides every weekend, and even <a href="http://b-43.blogspot.com/2019/10/overnight-alright.html" target="_blank">one overnight trip</a>. I learned a lot from the last overnight trip and I was ready for another. It came sooner than expected.<br />
<br />
When I set a goal of participating in the Cross Florida Individual Time Trial, I somehow decided that I would need one final test to see if I could actually handle something of that magnitude. And for some strange reason, riding from my house to the Uwharrie National Forest for the night (and returning home the next day of course) seemed like the logical choice. I still don't know why I picked that particular destination, but I was set on it for some reason and I wouldn't budge. At 140 miles round trip, it wasn't the same distance as the Florida event (250), but I figured that with the elevation it would be sorta equal, if not even more difficult. When I started this whole bikepacking thing, such a trip seemed impossible. I put it in my head that if I could build my way up to that before December came around, I would feel better about my chances down in the Sunshine State. I knew it would take a while o build up to it, but before I knew it the time had come.<br />
<br />
I had a free weekend and my route was planned. While it would be super hot during the day, nighttime temps would be cool enough to sleep comfortably with the proper gear. Since I got a little chilly on the last overnight trip, I decided to buy a compact sleeping bag that would fit on the handlebar roll of my bike. I was ready, for the most part. My route would take me mostly on back roads, with a couple of stretches on some busier roads (I couldn't help it.) And to keep from getting bored, the return trip would be a little different than the ride out there. I had 73 miles planned on the first day, with 67 the next to get home. Piece of cake.<br />
<br />
Saturday morning I loaded up and left my house pretty early. I figured it would take about eight hours to make the trip east of Charlotte to our little mountains, which would give me plenty of time to set up camp in daylight. I rolled down the hill and set off on my adventure, meandering through some neighborhoods to get to a greenway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVWGsfxLu0T4lXv2CfIIN4JDVba0Fn7NcrQUBANg6DN4li5FtZZOu6f9UlsSclp7o0e1jwTbMMCEtVV-UKWOGS_2oZPsfQ42CfKmeafLDjQcDQKsvxOduiSGLYcirMPSYk83raQP2BKc/s1600/UwharrieBP+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="988" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVWGsfxLu0T4lXv2CfIIN4JDVba0Fn7NcrQUBANg6DN4li5FtZZOu6f9UlsSclp7o0e1jwTbMMCEtVV-UKWOGS_2oZPsfQ42CfKmeafLDjQcDQKsvxOduiSGLYcirMPSYk83raQP2BKc/s320/UwharrieBP+%25281%2529.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
Just like the Florida adventure I have planned for next month, my trip to Uwharrie would have me on mixed terrain. Roads, greenway, gravel, and my favorite, singletrack.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRZvkw_7sJus_s-7SvjNbySSZdodj7KnbF73VVoxa8l22vzfa0qfrFVBqPSbtJrE17bfAgdJGhxW1lLXbosYdDeCEDyOEUW5FXozVkpr3y3L2oGH1jM0r3IsEDRcN7KIN2CbZoWqiB3g/s1600/UwharrieBP+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRZvkw_7sJus_s-7SvjNbySSZdodj7KnbF73VVoxa8l22vzfa0qfrFVBqPSbtJrE17bfAgdJGhxW1lLXbosYdDeCEDyOEUW5FXozVkpr3y3L2oGH1jM0r3IsEDRcN7KIN2CbZoWqiB3g/s320/UwharrieBP+%25282%2529.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
A little over twenty miles in I was still feeling good, but I had to hit a stretch of busy highway that I somehow couldn't avoid. Luckily there were super wide shoulders to keep me out of harm's way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MhG_mzqmF4Bq4feodJAy7_S49qarTjbnhZzielnErhGseiyx3Noh9BtDQl8hgLI6I44lInwGaDrcDZmPpyXBlLfLvBJlE9OpN3RdJBR5IODxLu11J-TTu05QdejGRlvz3sL-Tc0DllI/s1600/UwharrieBP+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="758" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MhG_mzqmF4Bq4feodJAy7_S49qarTjbnhZzielnErhGseiyx3Noh9BtDQl8hgLI6I44lInwGaDrcDZmPpyXBlLfLvBJlE9OpN3RdJBR5IODxLu11J-TTu05QdejGRlvz3sL-Tc0DllI/s320/UwharrieBP+%25283%2529.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
A few miles on that road and it was time for lunch. Since the rules for CFITT say that I can only use commercial establishments for food, etc. (in addition to packing some snacks), I decided abide by that on this ride and grab a bite to eat and resupply my fluids at a gas station, of which there will be plenty on the Florida route.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDUUQOXfz6u_iLEGORbQnD9-mdy3pHBm3Wb4p3Cj1rK6IDZatKGOXTGknvNTLk8FMr31m0dEJOMNYYRtPq3hSJLGtuYGRdDdS9a6mGK3g0od4CRKCoU06SBlnboIFL8OWphLi4lvQSyw/s1600/UwharrieBP+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDUUQOXfz6u_iLEGORbQnD9-mdy3pHBm3Wb4p3Cj1rK6IDZatKGOXTGknvNTLk8FMr31m0dEJOMNYYRtPq3hSJLGtuYGRdDdS9a6mGK3g0od4CRKCoU06SBlnboIFL8OWphLi4lvQSyw/s320/UwharrieBP+%25284%2529.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
I was still feeling pretty good, despite the daunting task of riding 40+ more miles. I ate a pretty decent sandwich, bought some water and snacks, and rolled out towards Concord. That section of my route was mostly out in the open, so I was baking in the sun. I like the heat, but I could feel the energy draining from my body. I tried to keep my head right and look for little victories, and soon I had one. I was in Concord.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSGIo6LYxcCsVeUwHoIR52GWnHPV68c95_NCf4Jt-xzTnfoJ9s1WBUzJYErFVJW4c0wAFBWWh6IqTk_mvrt-la683ThB0fktk_CDCjhFxJhfxTREWRz3MFKjvY1A9ZNcJha219mkjbfI/s1600/UwharrieBP+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSGIo6LYxcCsVeUwHoIR52GWnHPV68c95_NCf4Jt-xzTnfoJ9s1WBUzJYErFVJW4c0wAFBWWh6IqTk_mvrt-la683ThB0fktk_CDCjhFxJhfxTREWRz3MFKjvY1A9ZNcJha219mkjbfI/s320/UwharrieBP+%25285%2529.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, and here you can see that I have my new sleeping bag attached.</div>
<br />
The next part was a little bit of a blur. After cutting through their little downtown area, the roads turned country again. I had to keep checking my printed cue sheet to make sure I was going the right way and I (mostly) was. Once in a while I would look at the map and it really looked like I was in the middle of nowhere. That made me extra tired for some reason so I decided I would avoid doing that unless it was necessary. With nothing around except the occasional house and lots of farmland, I resorted to conversing with myself to keep my head in the game. <br />
<br />
And I also made new friends along the way...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihML4-GqCXKqBvXNYPyj_7iezWk7RzwlJfm7jDc8A0kMD9Ovm0v6PNjv9AKxDxubx4pvMykl7lMaiuosvmZ490Taf1i_JBrHPpXxT2CnEkSqGUCkVy_gJOV6eKBejPqmnk4v7P6t_Ezy0/s1600/UwharrieBP+%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihML4-GqCXKqBvXNYPyj_7iezWk7RzwlJfm7jDc8A0kMD9Ovm0v6PNjv9AKxDxubx4pvMykl7lMaiuosvmZ490Taf1i_JBrHPpXxT2CnEkSqGUCkVy_gJOV6eKBejPqmnk4v7P6t_Ezy0/s320/UwharrieBP+%252815%2529.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
While I was deep in the middle of nowhere, every once in a while the road would change from shitty pavement to gravel. Back and forth. I actually enjoyed that. And then I got another small victory in the form of a new county.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaSAzKtlZrk6Tn6y2GzLWCaJr3JqBqtTFo064pMV5F1c1q1TQFGVd9rJ1lOeCpeiYXSLdcgPSbH-btwK5fgwr-7mJS7W7Q_jgZKPAdTIayWBXSd27CzRSM9n_cIy8DA3OplVb3kGjuzY/s1600/UwharrieBP+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1188" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaSAzKtlZrk6Tn6y2GzLWCaJr3JqBqtTFo064pMV5F1c1q1TQFGVd9rJ1lOeCpeiYXSLdcgPSbH-btwK5fgwr-7mJS7W7Q_jgZKPAdTIayWBXSd27CzRSM9n_cIy8DA3OplVb3kGjuzY/s320/UwharrieBP+%25286%2529.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
I sorta know Rowan County, but obviously not well enough since I was surprised to be riding through it. I stopped at a small store for some drinks and chatted with a local dude that told me I was indeed in the middle of nowhere. Awesome. Back on the road...<br />
<br />
I didn't think I had very far to go at this point. I actually felt pretty good and I had been keeping myself hydrated in the hot sun. After a small navigational error I was back on some shitty (for cars) but nice (for me) roads. And I found another small victory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVY1ONd79mdxZoykuwqN7EHUeu65UEzEiOe5ZZU8ffA7lSOaNA1kNTINnxo7m4iRHrQpTElfNObp3jIX5Ht5YVo5JWvN-zdrEOKgavfe5pRwwLYWBQimJfsyLKYosCSpfeRr0Bpz3eu4/s1600/UwharrieBP+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVY1ONd79mdxZoykuwqN7EHUeu65UEzEiOe5ZZU8ffA7lSOaNA1kNTINnxo7m4iRHrQpTElfNObp3jIX5Ht5YVo5JWvN-zdrEOKgavfe5pRwwLYWBQimJfsyLKYosCSpfeRr0Bpz3eu4/s320/UwharrieBP+%25287%2529.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<br />
I definitely know Stanly county, and I knew that meant I was much closer to my destination. I texted the little lady and said I had maybe an hour to go and that I was feeling good. One of those was a lie...<br />
<br />
At this point I had been climbing here and there, but now it was getting tougher. I was nowhere near civilization, until suddenly I saw a restaurant that looked more like a roadhouse (not the chain restaurant, either.) I was hungry, but I had a planned food stop coming up soon so I skipped out on a potential bar fight to keep moving towards my destination. And then out of nowhere, I got a much bigger victory...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsQiUv6Vhwgn9n-qk4oFLfD7Rt4hnTCJwa1NkoS4qMNzHWzMOAPCUZ7mWduJG4LVO0Wwp5AJgu0GgEbxHqPRDfM-ScR4tEy7P4-m-5xwXML6LUpclwohDvdT6d18UjN__PhKHZcyRdmY/s1600/UwharrieBP+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="726" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsQiUv6Vhwgn9n-qk4oFLfD7Rt4hnTCJwa1NkoS4qMNzHWzMOAPCUZ7mWduJG4LVO0Wwp5AJgu0GgEbxHqPRDfM-ScR4tEy7P4-m-5xwXML6LUpclwohDvdT6d18UjN__PhKHZcyRdmY/s320/UwharrieBP+%25288%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I had reached the Yadkin River, and those are the Uwharries in the background. My campsite was over there somewhere, so that gave me some extra energy. After taking that picture I hurried across the narrow bridge and had yet another victory...<br />
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<br />
I've seen that sign a bunch. However, this was the first time I'd ever ridden a bike to it (the trails we ride out there are nowhere near it.) Man, I was feeling good. Until...<br />
<br />
Ugh. It got really climby. I had been feeling great with all the "victories", but all of a sudden I was super tired and my mental state was fucked. <i>"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Where the hell is that restaurant/store I'm supposed to see up ahead?"</i> <br />
<br />
I kept repeating that question to myself over and over, hoping that would make it appear out of thin air. I guess it either a) did not exist, or b) it was much further away. The latter would turn out to be correct, but it gave me much disappoint.<br />
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You see, that was supposed to be my next victory. One last stop before I rolled into the forest to camp for the night. In my hasty research, I found this "restaurant" on the map that looked like it had everything I would need. A meal consisting of real food, and supplies for me to take to camp (for breakfast and such.) I spotted an intersection up ahead. After double checking the map and seeing that it was indeed my planned stop, I found some extra energy and made the climb to the "restaurant."<br />
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I'm an idiot.<br />
<br />
It was a goddamn gas station. The reviews talked about the food and the service, so I guess I thought that meant it was a restaurant. I mean, they did have "food."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVnWj-4IMFXHNBsJmh-RpkyUmDqYlijNU65TzZfOqIa7448W6RYhOGLf9fbUnOJK6YnMOivAt9KHgCb49cIPCT_ZnzQj67g-uemwr6gAzuEcQHRM-hPY3Po-OTpXy49LmWzGniHVVuZI/s1600/UwharrieBP+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVnWj-4IMFXHNBsJmh-RpkyUmDqYlijNU65TzZfOqIa7448W6RYhOGLf9fbUnOJK6YnMOivAt9KHgCb49cIPCT_ZnzQj67g-uemwr6gAzuEcQHRM-hPY3Po-OTpXy49LmWzGniHVVuZI/s320/UwharrieBP+%252810%2529.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
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I grabbed the most edible things I could see and hoped like hell I wouldn't get food poisoning. I paid for my "food" and walked out to the parking lot to have a little picnic dinner. Remember earlier when I said I thought I only had an hour to go? That was two and a half hours ago. I know the little lady was probably wondering if I was dead so I figured I should text her. That didn't work because I had zero service. Well, I thought, I'd better keep rolling. Maybe I'll hit a pocket of signal and be able to tell people I'm okay. So I rolled on...<br />
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Oh look, another county!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoSrEbEsJos9Ac0Dp_XcGJLGfbJUv-Ee2pKqRgD2jXNMGHAeNSEjJrKK69Vlw6WKysvglMtPzS8xsGnrqtv-4HfmXAqddFK_wyhxH4IQQYzILV08JyDGWAX5zgCtlE832dNt5PkycC8I/s1600/UwharrieBP+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1254" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoSrEbEsJos9Ac0Dp_XcGJLGfbJUv-Ee2pKqRgD2jXNMGHAeNSEjJrKK69Vlw6WKysvglMtPzS8xsGnrqtv-4HfmXAqddFK_wyhxH4IQQYzILV08JyDGWAX5zgCtlE832dNt5PkycC8I/s320/UwharrieBP+%252811%2529.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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I was deep in the Uwharrie National Forest and it was hilly AF (of course.) I was tired. I didn't have far to go but my legs felt like concrete and I didn't have much energy. And it felt like I was constantly climbing. Maybe because I was.<br />
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No more victories (other than my campsite which was who TF knows where) so I just started taking in the scenery.<br />
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But the sun was going down. Fast. In the woods it was even darker, and that made everything look the same. I resisted turning on my lights, riding the gravel roads "Jedi Style." I was doing anything I could to keep motivated. I had a campsite reserved, but I started thinking about just rolling into the woods and setting up my hammock wherever the hell I was.<br />
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And then, out of nowhere, I saw a familiar road. I was in the part of the forest that I'd been riding for years. I got a nice little burst of energy from that and hauled ass to the campsite. I set up in a hurry and snapped a picture before it got totally dark.<br />
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I made it. It took a little over 10 hours to go 73 miles. Two hours beyond what I thought it would take, but I wasn't upset about it. I was able to connect to the camp host's wifi and let everyone know I was okay, then I sat down to have a snack, re-hydrate, and get some rest for the night. <br />
<br />
That would turn out to be one of the more difficult parts of my trip.<br />
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Part two tomorrow...TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-89905764198180237172019-10-31T08:35:00.000-04:002019-10-31T08:40:08.794-04:00Long WeekendsSo at this point, it's no surprise that I've been spending every one of my weekends doing longer rides. I really just need lots of miles to keep/increase my fitness level so that's pretty much what I've deemed worthy of my focus from now until December. Most weekends I make a plan to ride somewhere far with my fully loaded bike, then return. Pretty simple. But this past weekend was different. I had a couple of rides scheduled that I have been doing every October for the last couple of years. It's with a group called <a href="http://honorthewarriors.org/" target="_blank">Honor The Warriors</a> and if you click that link you'll see what they are all about.<br />
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To sum it up though, they take veterans out on bikes throughout the year and the weekend in October is the big one. As an Army Veteran, their cause is near and dear to me. So like every year, I took that Friday off and met the group near a park just a few miles from Uptown Charlotte.<br />
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Even though this is a "fun" ride, I still used it as training. So I brought my full bikepacking setup.<br />
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After talking about the route, we got ready to roll. This ride is unique in a lot of ways, but one of the best things is that the local Sheriff's department provided an escort and blocked off traffic along the route. These guys were awesome.<br />
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We took off just after rush hour, so as not to cause too much of a traffic disturbance. We rolled through the usual Charlotte neighborhoods...<br />
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And eventually we ended up at a school right in Uptown. While we were rolling up, you could hear the kids screaming to welcome us. We made our way inside...<br />
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The students (5th graders) put on a presentation for us, which included the Pledge of Allegiance, a song, and some poems that thanked us for serving our country. It was touching, and I'm sure there were some tears in the room. We eventually moved outside, where the kids spent time with us asking questions and looking over our bikes.<br />
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We had to say goodbye to our friends so we could head into the heart of Uptown Charlotte.<br />
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Then we meandered through the streets towards the local community college, where a catered lunch was waiting for us. We all sat back and enjoyed the food, conversation, and views of the city.<br />
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After a few group photos (I can't find them yet), we gathered up and headed towards the Sugar Creek Greenway. I had the honor of being asked to lead our group down the greenway towards Freedom Park, which was an awesome experience.<br />
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For some reason I didn't take any photos at Freedom Park, even though we hung out there for quite a while. We gathered up again, taking surface roads (with the police escort of course) back to the park where we started. Even though the distance was only around 18 miles, it was an absolute blast. It was like being in a five hour parade around Charlotte. I got to chat with some old friends and I made a few new ones. And the best part? I would get to hang out with them all the very next day.<br />
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Since I don't post on here every day anymore, I'll just get right into day two...<br />
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I was up Saturday morning at the crack of dark. I had to be at the Veterans Memorial Park in Mint Hill by 7:30 a.m. for the 8:00 a.m. departure. I grabbed some coffee and hit the road. I was rewarded for being up so early on a weekend...<br />
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There were three routes scheduled that day, a 15, 32, and 66 mile. I usually do the 32 since road riding bores me, but since I need to keep up my mileage I opted for the 66 mile route. I had this thought that it would be easy, since I'd been doing rides this long (and longer) on a fully loaded mountain bike. With a road bike, I knew it would be a piece of cake.<br />
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We took off early and I ended up in the front. While that wasn't unusual when I was doing cross country mountain bike races, it was kinda odd on a road ride where I was outfitted in baggy shorts alongside kitted up Strava dudes. Plus, we were pushing 20 plus miles per hour. Who gives a shit.<br />
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I kept up that pace for a while, then I remembered that I'm training for endurance, and more importantly, I was out there to have fun. I backed off of my ridiculous pace and let the super serious crew roll on by, no doubt with them laughing about how the baggy shorts dude couldn't keep up. I don't use Strava, unless it's in my truck. They can have that nonsense.<br />
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Anyway, once I eased into a comfortable pace I started looking around. The route was beautiful, taking us out towards the Uwharrie Mountains. I really was having a great time, which is rare for me when I'm on skinny tires. I only stopped twice, and used one of those stops to take a photo.<br />
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The route was well planned on quiet, country roads. There were two fully stocked aid stations, as well as a couple of convenience stores if I needed anything (I didn't.) A few hours later I rolled into the finish, feeling much better than I normally do when I come back from a bikepacking trip. It wasn't easy, but I felt pretty good. After that I sat with a few of the warriors from the other rides and had a delicious lunch and watched as more people came through the finish. I guess I wasn't going that slow, but it didn't matter.<br />
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I love this event and hope to keep doing it for years to come. Riding bicycles with fellow veterans and sharing stories, food, and making memories was a great way to spend my weekend.<br />
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Now, it's back to bikepacking. In case you hadn't heard, I'm doing a <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">big ride in Florida</a>.<br />
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See y'all next week sometime.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-15649128971393061662019-10-24T08:23:00.000-04:002019-10-24T08:27:13.268-04:00Overnight Alright <div>
When I left off <a href="http://b-43.blogspot.com/2019/10/getting-prepared.html" target="_blank">yesterday</a>, I was settled into my hammock for the night. The ride to the campsite that day was hot. Real hot. It wasn't really an issue since I like the heat. Once I was setup for the night I did everything I could to cool off though, which mostly consisted of drinking fluids and a wonderful wet wipe whore bath. I was comfortable in my hammock for sure. Even though it had been hot all day, once the sun went down the temperature was quite pleasant.</div>
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My setup was pretty simple. I had my hammock with the rain fly over it. There was a zero percent chance of rain, but I wanted to set it up anyway for "practice" since I know that December in Florida can be wet and I will most likely need cover down there. I had a little inflatable pillow that packs away small and is very comfortable. It wasn't supposed to be too cool that night so I had no sleeping bag, instead packing a couple of those emergency space blankets in case of you know, emergencies. Besides, at this point the only sleeping bag I owned is a big bulky one that I got in the Army sometime back in the 90s. Not ideal to pack on a bicycle at all. And other than some fleece pants and a t-shirt that I wore as pajamas, that was it. I figured I'd be good.</div>
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I was tired from being out on the bike in the hot sun all day and my setup was awesome for relaxing. However, I wasn't sleepy. Since I was sort of in civilization, I ended up watching Netflix on my phone until I got sleepy. That took a lot longer than I thought, but I finally dozed off somehow.</div>
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Sometime in the wee hours of the night I woke up chilly. Not freezing, but very uncomfortable. Even though I didn't think I would need a blanket or sleeping bag I'd neglected the fact that I needed a liner in my hammock. All of my body heat was escaping through the bottom and I couldn't go back to sleep. While that was a dumb mistake, somehow I had the foresight to put one of those space blankets in the pocket of my hammock. I grabbed it, and in the darkness of night I'd managed to remove it from the package, unfold it, and wrap myself up like a burrito. If you've ever unwrapped one of those things, you will understand how difficult that was. Anyway, I figured that I would be good to go and would fall right back asleep.</div>
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That did not happen. I tossed and turned (normal for me anyway), but every move I made in that blanket sounded like I was in a fight with a potato chip bag. I was so annoyed and couldn't stop thinking about how I needed at least a lightweight sleeping bag from here on out. Lesson learned. Eventually I fell back asleep and didn't wake up until daylight peered through the opening in the rain fly. I woke up, answered the call of nature, and started tearing down my campsite.</div>
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Whatever chill I fought in the darkness was gone with just that little bit of sunlight. I wasn't too tired and for some reason felt like I'd managed to get a decent amount of sleep. While not an ideal night in the woods, I already had several things upon which I could improve. As I munched on some shitty, processed breakfast pastry thing and a large can of coffee/energy drink combo I finished packing up everything and rolled out of the campsite towards home...</div>
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It was only a little over twenty miles to get home, and I was pretty excited about the route I had planned. Lots of gravel roads through beautiful forests. As a bonus, it was so early in the morning that I had those roads to myself. Definitely the best kind of ride.</div>
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My biggest concern before my first overnight bike trip was how my legs would respond after riding all day, sleeping in a hammock, and riding again the next day. It turned out not to be a big deal. Sure, my legs were a little tight and my ass was sore from the saddle, but spending time in a hammock with my legs elevated made for a good next day bike ride. The first part of the ride home was pretty hilly with some punchy climbs thrown in for good measure, and I had no issues at all. I was exploring the woods in the early morning hours on a beautiful day, having a blast trying to figure out where these mystery roads would take me.</div>
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Trespassing? Who gives a shit.</div>
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Eventually my time in the forest came to an end and I wound up near the airport here in Charlotte.</div>
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I don't live too far from there which meant that my adventure would soon come to an end. I was a little disappointed, but very happy that I'd done something like this. As I spun through the last couple of miles towards the B-43 Worldwide Headquarters, I starting going over what went wrong/right for my first overnight bikepacking adventure...</div>
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<b>Distance:</b> I had really underestimated the amount of mileage I could do for this trip. I've been spending every weekend since May putting in big miles, but for some reason I was afraid of not being able to get home if I pushed to hard before I camped for the night. What a crock of shit. Next time I do an overnight trip I'll push myself harder.</div>
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<b>Gear:</b> During each ride I'd done up to this point, I've been carrying everything I needed for an overnight trip, even though this was the first one. Weight is not an issue since I'm used to it now, but I realized that after waking up cold in the middle of the night I should probably invest in a lightweight, pack-able sleeping bag of some sort. And it wasn't just about the cold either. The emergency blanket should be used for just well, emergencies. The noise from that shit was irritating AF and it slid around so much during the night that it barely kept me warm. That was the biggest lesson learned.</div>
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<b>The <i>actual</i> ride:</b> I had no issues with the ride and total distance whatsoever. I felt good the whole time, and that's no doubt because I've been riding so much with all my shit on the bike. I know my body pretty well at his point too, so staying hydrated and fed is something I don't even worry about anymore.</div>
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Overall, it was an awesome trip. Even though the end game here is to <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">drag my ass across Florida</a>, I think I may have found a new hobby as well. I really like camping anyway, and riding my bike to/from makes it moar better. </div>
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The next step in my "training plan" is to build up to even longer distances as I begin planning the next big overnight trip.. </div>
TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-15908826089883799322019-10-23T09:55:00.000-04:002019-10-24T07:04:21.881-04:00Getting PreparedSo, now that you know <a href="http://b-43.blogspot.com/2019/10/we-all-need-goals.html" target="_blank">why I've been doing the amateur homeless person thing</a>, I can start getting into more of the specifics. My friend James from down in South Carolina does the bikepacking thing quite regularly, so I've been hitting him up with random questions and soliciting advice for things that I hadn't figured out on my own.<br />
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Spoiler alert, I usually make my own decisions and then tell him what I'm planning to do.<br />
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One thing I didn't really think about for the whole "suffer across Florida thing" was the camping aspect of it. I've been camping quite a bit, and I've even used my hammock sometimes. For the <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">Big Florida Bike Death</a>, I figured all I would have to do was ride a bunch and build up to some crazy mileage... and camp at night. Easy AF.<br />
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Then James hits me with, "You need to do some overnights."<br />
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For some reason, that clicked and I didn't even question it. I mean it makes sense to practice for the way I would be riding down there but that wasn't really what I was thinking. What I really needed was to see how my body would react to riding all day, sleeping in a hammock, and trying to ride again the next day. Doing back to back rides from my house after sleeping in my comfy bed wasn't going to cut it. I needed to <i>really</i> camp.<br />
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Since my last long ride was out to Crowders Mountain, I figured that would be a good route to do again (but camp in between of course.) I didn't want to have my sleep interrupted by camping someplace I shouldn't though so I looked for a campsite to reserve (for safety or some shit.) The weekend I had planned didn't have anything available. I looked at nearby Kings Mountain State Park in South Carolina, because the smart guy I am said I could add some extra miles no problem. Well, they were all booked up too.<br />
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Shit.<br />
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I found another campsite here in Charlotte (at the McDowell Nature Preserve) that fit the bill, except that it was only a twenty mile bike ride away. I really needed to ride a much longer distance that would test my body and camping setup so I had to come up with a plan. I started looking at some of my past routes and got slightly creative. I figured I could just ride a really long distance the first day, camp, then ride the twenty plus miles home the next day. It wouldn't be a death march for day two but at least it would be a big enough ride to see what kind of toll riding the day before and sleeping in a hammock would take. I reserved my spot and planned my route.<br />
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I was ready.<br />
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I knew it wouldn't take all day to ride the forty five miles I had planned for day one, so I left around noon. The heat of the day would add to my suffering and could be beneficial to my "training." It was still summer when I did this (last month), so it was plenty hot. I meandered along my route and made it to Gaston County...<br />
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Even though I end up on the road quite a bit, I'm getting really good at finding shit off the beaten path. The combination of roads and not so roads will be similar to Florida anyway, so it's all good. Anyway, I finally made my way back to the little greenway over there and took it to the end.<br />
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Then, more roads. At least I manage to find lightly traveled roads, and it's not like I'm taking the most direct route anyway. A couple of hours in I decided that food was required. I carry some snack stuff with me, but in Florida I will be "living off the land", which means stopping at commercial establishments is okay. Piss poor planning at this point in my journey (I was sort of in the middle of nowhere) left me with two options... Random Mexican Restaurant or Subway. Usually Mexican food and bikes pair well together, but that would be a shitty idea for a bikepacking trip. Pun intended of course.<br />
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Who gives a shit.<br />
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Subway it is.<br />
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They also sell water and that popular sports drink, and as you can see I stocked up. I still had a long way to go but plenty of time. With a full belly I pedaled through the southernmost part of the county looking for anything to keep me motivated.<br />
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'Merica</div>
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And then I finally did see something that kept me going, but ironically I had to stop to get a picture of it.<br />
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I crossed into South Carolina, and at this point my superior Google Maps scouting led me to some more off the beaten path type stuff.<br />
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I may or may not have been trespassing. I'm not sure. I didn't see any signs so it's okay. Well, except this sign...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n5I7lnG9joEYDmq51uodTu-CU0YkJ5gnd0hSYsAgErKVtP86IcYw52Ma-tP3iymndSekhrM2iQOEboW_SwIzNFy89XklSDMLQVJbAOo0-wIccGGEx8N9mm-CWDTIQ8WFU7ud4eYTVts/s1600/OvernightBP+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="726" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n5I7lnG9joEYDmq51uodTu-CU0YkJ5gnd0hSYsAgErKVtP86IcYw52Ma-tP3iymndSekhrM2iQOEboW_SwIzNFy89XklSDMLQVJbAOo0-wIccGGEx8N9mm-CWDTIQ8WFU7ud4eYTVts/s320/OvernightBP+%25288%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After I popped out of the woods I was in "civilization." And let me tell you, it sucked. I was in the Lake Wylie area and it's busy AF down there. Drunk boaters driving all over the place looking for post-lake food would normally make for a dangerous situation for some dude riding a bike piled full of bags of things. Luckily there were sidewalks to keep me safe. I tried to quickly get through that mess, but not before grabbing some provisions for the night.<br />
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All stocked up, I grabbed a picture of the lake and saw the woods where I would be staying.<br />
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One big final climb and I made it to my destination.<br />
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Riding into the park, I felt a little sense of accomplishment. I had to stop at the gate to check in, and the lady there said, "Where is your car?"<br />
<br />
"I rode my bike here."<br />
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"From where?" she asked.<br />
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"I don't know. I've been out for hours."<br />
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She just kind of shook her head and walked away. It was a boring conversation anyway, and I needed to get my camp setup before dark. It didn't take long before I had a home for the night.<br />
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<br />
I felt pretty good but I was tired. I'd ridden a little over forty five miles and I was hot, sweaty, and hungry. I cleaned myself up (wet wipes are awesome), ate some food, and just relaxed in my hammock hoping to fall asleep.<br />
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That would prove to be more difficult than I thought...<br />
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<br />TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-62547185623967503532019-10-15T08:33:00.000-04:002019-10-15T08:33:32.045-04:00We All Need GoalsSo...<br />
<br />
I wasn't completely honest when I said I started bikepacking <a href="http://b-43.blogspot.com/2019/10/trying-to-stay-regular.html" target="_blank">because I wanted adventure</a>.<br />
<br />
Well that part is true, but what really happened was this...<br />
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I was tired of the same ol' routine; driving to a trail, riding some singletrack, and driving back home. I really did want to have some adventures, and the road bike sorta did it for me for a while because I could ride all over the place and check out the scenery, all while getting some miles. I tried to do some of that on my mountain bikes on the way to the local trails too, and then I remembered an event I'd heard about the last few years.<br />
<br />
So instead of just stumbling into bikepacking, I <i>intentionally decided</i> to become a bikepacker/amateur homeless person just so I could do this:<br />
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Yes folks, without any prior bikepacking experience I decided to go all out and set a goal of riding across my former home state in an event called the <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/central-florida-individual-time-trial-cycling-event" target="_blank">Cross Florida Individual Time Trial</a>, or C.F.I.T.T. for short.<br />
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Here's some information from the <a href="https://www.singletracksamurai.com/" target="_blank">Singletrack Samurai</a> website:<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">The Cross Florida Individual Time Trial is Florida’s Premier Off road Ultra Endurance Event. It is a one of a kind coast to coast bikepacking/Ultra Running challenge, the only one of its kind in the United States.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: yellow;">The route is 250 miles of mixed terrain: Singletrack, forest road, paved roads, bike trails, double track and grassy abandoned easements. Typically the event includes the use of the Fort Gates Ferry in Welaka, Florida. In the event the Ferry is not running, riders can expect a detour north Thru Palatka. The ride takes place on the Coast to Coast Northern Cross Florida route and can be ridden at anytime. The Second Saturday in December, Riders from all around gather for a grand depart and go at the route at the same time. </span></b><br />
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<br />
Now for the important stuff, the rules...<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">1. You must complete the route under your own power. Once you set foot in a motored power vehicle you are voluntarily withdrawing from the challenge. THERE are exceptions made to this rule in cases of medical emergencies.. If you are injured and need help, get healthy and you can rejoin the course at your convenience.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: yellow;">2. There is a no drafting rule in effect.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: yellow;">3. You must be able to safely carry yourself the length of the route. You can only obtain supplies from commercial establishments along or near the route. You cannot pre arrange any kind of support or supplies and there are no SAG vehicles allowed. NO TRAIL MAGIC ALLOWED. THIS MEANS ANYONE OFFERS YOU ANYTHING YOU SAY NO.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: yellow;">4. There will be 3 checkpoints that you are required to provide photographic evidence for. Some checkpoints may require video documentation. In an effort to prove that you passed these areas you can either email your pics and videos or you can post them on your facebook wall for me to see and verify.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: yellow;">5. You can take as long as you need to complete the challenge, there is no time limit and no cut offs. Every rider/RUNNER will start participate in a mass start in they start with the group the day of the event.</span></b><br />
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Most of this stuff is common to ultra endurance type events. This will be my race/ride, and I am not to receive help from anyone. That's fine. The key rule up there for me is number five...<br />
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<i>Take as long as you need.</i><br />
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I know a few folks that have done this in just one day. My goal is three days. That's still a lofty one considering that I've never ridden this far on any kind of bike. And that's why I've been spending so much of my time riding with a fully loaded bike. I'm trying to get ready for this dumb idea that just randomly popped into my head.<br />
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On the surface, this looks like it could be a real hoot. Riding a not so direct path across the state where I spent most of my life won't be easy, but I'll get to spend some time back in the Florida that I actually miss...<br />
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The parts without too many people.<br />
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Can I do it? I have no idea. With a little less than two months to go, I'm still preparing myself for the sufferfest. Now that you know why I've been posting about bikepacking, prepare to see my progress in future posts as I ramp up to do something that may very well kill me.<br />
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Okay, not really, but I guess there is a chance of that.<br />
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Tune in for my not so precise training plan, including longer rides and gear testing. In the meantime, check out this little video that does a pretty good job explaining what my dumb ass is attempting to do.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TgqPCjwDvz4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TgqPCjwDvz4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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It's old, but you get the point. See y'all back here soon.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-63599723193407481612019-10-09T08:19:00.001-04:002019-10-09T08:23:23.154-04:00I'm Only Happy When I'm SufferingJust so you can keep up, this is part two from the <a href="https://b-43.blogspot.com/2019/10/so-why-bikepacking.html" target="_blank">last time I posted</a>...<br />
<br />
More climbing. That's what you get around here, especially near Crowders Mountain. My legs hurt, mostly because this was the longest ride I'd attempted in a very long time. About two miles into my return trip, I started having regrets about not camping overnight. But then I did something I've done a million times...<br />
<br />
I embraced the suck.<br />
<br />
My legs hurt. It was hot. My bike was loaded with everything but the goddamn kitchen sink. Who gives a shit. I had to get home under my own power. So I kept going.<br />
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I made a brief stop to check out the view though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbdoBUVEK0drrZ4MbL086uepxlZxMKJt6vkpW2I-33qztE_Kd_XT7hhp3GdTeITRp0Lw1UZXvgvh2lorGuH60cimS9lglIwk7KaiZim7RXHTgtNYO8BjxzstMYHr2CRDKGRjhO2t-wgI/s1600/CMReturn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="577" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbdoBUVEK0drrZ4MbL086uepxlZxMKJt6vkpW2I-33qztE_Kd_XT7hhp3GdTeITRp0Lw1UZXvgvh2lorGuH60cimS9lglIwk7KaiZim7RXHTgtNYO8BjxzstMYHr2CRDKGRjhO2t-wgI/s320/CMReturn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a little while, my legs felt sort of okay. I remembered back when I rode all the time and this type of mileage wouldn't have been shit to me, so I used that memory to keep pushing forward. The plan was to build up to something bigger, and you can't grow without some pain. I started looking for little victories. That shitty road section, the steep ass climb, the energy sucking grassy easements. Anything that I could tell myself was progress.<br />
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Even signs...<br />
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<br />
Though it's sorta right next door, Gastonia seemed forever away. But it was closer to home. I was taking a different way home and made a wrong turn that put me on the main drag, but at least I had the safety of side walks. I stopped to check the map to correct my course (to get TF out of civilization as much as possible), and when I turned around I saw a shit storm brewing.<br />
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Almost literally.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDSKDp09qF9GiYZgS0pJPK470aazIeLarHYFopqR-YTLQAe7pOF9k_XH952avjQoGZz2-RKoFCUr8emRSV5A10N52YksXQWS70m_EE4rAPT-2nmv-lbfbulLMWB6KxZqhAJNS86oucqc/s1600/CMReturn+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="577" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDSKDp09qF9GiYZgS0pJPK470aazIeLarHYFopqR-YTLQAe7pOF9k_XH952avjQoGZz2-RKoFCUr8emRSV5A10N52YksXQWS70m_EE4rAPT-2nmv-lbfbulLMWB6KxZqhAJNS86oucqc/s320/CMReturn+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay, maybe I didn't think <i>actual shit</i> would fall from the sky.</div>
<br />
That was some ugly sky action creeping up on me. Before I had a chance to make a plan, it started pouring rain. I had a rain jacket with me, but pouring rain turned into a storm that a light jacket would not repel. High winds, lightning, and stinging rain sent me for cover. Since I was in "civilization", cover was easy to find. I darted towards a bank drive through to wait it out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wg6Ck5oCt8r9j4-5efE8etluTnrPIhXPNZq4m3yfNUATBHvlurW81oDlUHPR-TQfmHoEGojzAXxujabPZWthwQiDIu_NXFmBOlyJ5fyjvCMEub0yBn65c5Ad9k_sIi7luQZhc9eT8g0/s1600/CMReturn+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="433" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wg6Ck5oCt8r9j4-5efE8etluTnrPIhXPNZq4m3yfNUATBHvlurW81oDlUHPR-TQfmHoEGojzAXxujabPZWthwQiDIu_NXFmBOlyJ5fyjvCMEub0yBn65c5Ad9k_sIi7luQZhc9eT8g0/s320/CMReturn+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
My legs didn't need a break, but I also didn't need to get struck by lightning. However, since my legs felt okay I was worried about taking an extended break. So I used my time wisely to stretch.<br />
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<br />
After what seemed like forever (which was only about 45 minutes), the rain slowed and the lightning stopped. I kept going because I <i>had</i> to. With the sky still looking really ugly, I took my chances and got off the main drag. It was barely sprinkling at this point, and the cool rain felt good to me. After some more cut-through shit I found myself crossing one of the two rivers in my path on the way back home.<br />
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<br />
That was another small victory for me, but I was actually running out of energy. I was so close to home but daylight was fading. I pressed on through the hurt, eventually crossing the Catawba River and making the climb back towards home. A power line cut and a shitty road section later and I was home. The whole thing took me over ten hours, including the time I waited out the storm. The time is important, because my goal is to improve upon this in the future. Little victories, remember?<br />
<br />
I'd completed a hair over 50 miles, which was the longest bike ride I'd done in quite some time. Despite some bad weather and a little discomfort I was home safe and sound. The important lesson I learned that day was that I could actually do all that in one day, as opposed to the stupid plan I had of doing an overnight and riding it in two days. I also learned that I am actually happier when I'm suffering. Or at least when the suffering is over.<br />
<br />
I still had an overnight trip on my mind though, but I would have to ride a longer distance to make it worthwhile. So, I started planning some longer day trips to build up to an acceptable distance for an overnight.<br />
<br />
I'll get into that next time I guess, and maybe tell y'all what the big goal is.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-83039777838473619232019-10-04T08:36:00.000-04:002019-10-04T08:36:36.723-04:00So Why Bikepacking?Other than just needing some adventure? Well...<br />
<br />
Who would want to ride for so long that their ass goes numb, every part of their body hurts, and they can barely see straight? Well, I would. I mentioned in the <a href="https://b-43.blogspot.com/2019/10/trying-to-stay-regular.html" target="_blank">last post</a> that I am an idiot. There's more to it than that though. The simple fact is, I ride a desk all day inside a climate-controlled environment. I get up and walk all over my building, up and down stairs on occasion, but mostly, I <i>sit.</i> Our bodies are not designed for that shit. Everyone wants to take it easy, relax, etc., but is it really relaxing when you don't do a damn thing in the first place? I'm not saying that having a job like this <i>isn't</i> difficult, but it's not hard on the body.<br />
<br />
I know most people (here where I work and I would venture to guess most other places as well) do the following: Wake up, climb in a little box on wheels, drive to another box, sit all day in that box, and when work is over climb back into that box on wheels, and ride back to the home box for the night. Sure, there's eating, laundry, etc. but lets face it... They are in a box all damn day. Those same people complain about the weather (right now it's too hot, but soon it will be too cold.) But why? The weather makes you uncomfortable for what? Maybe fifteen minutes out of the day while you get in/out of the aforementioned boxes? And you need to relax? <br />
<br />
GTFO with that nonsense.<br />
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<br />
Some days, I spend all day inside those boxes too. You know, because life. I guess that's fine sometimes. But most people I see spend the majority of their lives this way. I guess it's because they don't want to be uncomfortable. Or they just like bitching about anything and everything. I'm no expert though. Who gives a shit. <br />
<br />
Anyway, back to bikepacking. When I decided to suddenly become a bikepacker (or amateur homeless person, thanks <a href="https://teamdicky.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dicky</a>) I went all in. The rides got longer, the bike bags multiplied, and I suddenly figured out what kind of shit I needed to put in those bags. I started with short day trips, but I knew I would eventually get to using this:<br />
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I've slept in that hammock in The Pisgah before, but not because I packed it on my bike and rode there to do it. So naturally I wanted to do an overnight trip, and my pal James told me I should (because of the big plan thing I haven't talked about yet.) I didn't want to ride way too far, camp, then ride home (for fear of not having the legs to actually make it) so I planned something small(ish.)<br />
<br />
I found a good route of mostly back roads and off-road to Crowders Mountain State Park, west of here. I figured at twenty five miles out and twenty five back I'd be okay, and with all those trees I could throw up a hammock pretty much anywhere. I know, fifty total miles in two days doesn't seem like much, but for someone that had been riding very little it was a huge step. My fitness was like my love for riding...all but gone.<br />
<br />
With a solid route and all my gear loaded, I was ready. Then some home stuff took away my second day, my my stubborn ass wouldn't change the plan (much.) I'll just ride out there, set up the hammock as if I were camping, pack it up, then ride home the same day. I wasn't sure if I had that distance in me, but you know my motto... Who Gives A Shit.<br />
<br />
I took off, meandering through some back roads across the river towards the monadnock that is Crowders Mountain.<br />
<br />
I took some quiet roads...<br />
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Grassy easements...<br />
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And even a greenway conveniently heading in my direction...<br />
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About fifteen miles in, I stopped for food/drinks at the last sign of civilization. Then I looked up and saw my motivation for the day...<br />
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<br />
After that it was back roads and even a really backwoods dirt road I stumbled upon. I took a chance with it, even though there were shotgun shells scattered everywhere and dogs running around.<br />
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I made it out, hit a little section of paved road, then a steep ass climb finally put me at my destination...<br />
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I was pretty tired, mostly because that was one of the longest rides I'd done in quite some time. I set up my hammock, ate my lunch, and relaxed while I wondered if I had the legs to get home. I sorta felt okay, but I really wish I could have just slept in that hammock for a while.<br />
<br />
After digesting my food and getting re-hydrated, I packed up my hammock, etc. and started my journey towards home. My legs felt like shit.<br />
<br />
Tune in next week to see what happens next, even though it's pretty obvious that I'm not still out there.<br />
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<br />
<br />TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-55304339997087701852019-10-01T08:18:00.001-04:002019-10-01T08:18:32.376-04:00Trying To Stay Regular...<br />
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<br />
I attempted to get back to blogging a while back and stopped again. No excuse. I'm just plain lazy and forgetful. I'm really trying, Ringo.<br />
<br />
Well, I'm trying <i>again.</i><br />
<br />
So let's just jump right in. I've been pretty regular on the social medias during my hiatus at least, posting pictures of rides I've been doing. And yes, I've been riding... a lot. Those that follow along know that I've changed things up a bit but only a few know exactly why. I have some big shit planned (coming up in a few months), but there is a reason why I started planning this big shit. And not just so I could write the work "shit" repeatedly. Shit. Uh, I mean, who gives a shit.<br />
<br />
I always used to say, "I ride all kinds of bikes, but I'm primarily a mountain biker." I said that shit like it meant something special. And it did (to me), at the time. I loved riding in the woods on trails more than any other kind of bicycle riding.<br />
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<br />
Noticed I said "loved." I somehow got into a funk and just got burned out on the whole scene. Local trails were boring to me. Mostly because everything is pretty much the same nowadays (with few exceptions.) People want that fast, smooth, and "flowy" shit, so everything you see is just that. But it's boring. I like that stuff sometimes, but when that's all everyone wants to ride (and build) it gets old really quick. And I really don't get it either. Most folks I see are riding full suspension machines built for them thar hills because they are "comfortable", but my full rigid singlespeed is just as comfortable to me. I enjoy suffering though. I'm also an idiot. <br />
<br />
And that's the other thing. Everyone keeps jumping onto the next "new thing", trying to play keep up in a game that's designed (by bike industry people) not to be won. And honestly, it's not just prevalent in the bike world. People do that all the time in everyday life. Some may call it clever marketing, but I think people are just sheep and want what everyone else tells them they should want. I'm no innovator or trendsetter by any means, which I guess explains why I don't feel the need to stay with the times. But if this shit keeps up, everyone will be riding electric bikes on paved paths and pump tracks, comparing Strava times likes it's an old fashioned dick measuring contest. No, thank you.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this is not a rant and this is just like, my opinion , man. I made the conscious decision to do my own thing, because trying to do what everyone else does is just so exhausting. Racing was fun for me when I did it, and sure, I miss riding with most of my bike friends. But while they are worried about their PRs and how much travel that new bike they saw has, I just want to go on adventures. That's really what this is all about...<br />
<br />
Adventure. I yearned for it.<br />
<br />
When I was a kid I rode my bike everywhere and is was always an adventure. When I started riding again as an adult, I was able to capture that feeling of adventure again. Eventually, I started being like everyone else and didn't even notice that feeling was gone. But when I was stuck in a job that kept me traveling all the time, I managed to find some adventures every time I went to a new city. Unfortunately, that turned out to be the only time I was able to ride. Once I was free from traveling for work, I decided I would try to do more adventure riding.<br />
<br />
It started with the road bike, mostly because loading a bike on my truck, driving to a trail, and riding in circles didn't seem like much of an adventure to me. But the road wasn't really doing it for me. I wanted more, and I definitely missed being <i>off</i> road. A buddy of mine told me about a shortcut to the trails near my house, so I started exploring that area. Those boring (I've ridden them a bunch over the years) trails became fun again, because of how I got to them. Not having a predefined path to ride was exciting...<br />
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<br />
I started doing that for a while, and the destination didn't even matter anymore. I was having adventures in the woods, instead of trying to see how fast I could finish a particular trail. Then it dawned on me...<br />
<br />
Is this what those bikepacking people do? I wasn't sure since I had never really paid much attention to it before. I thought it was just another form of gravel grinding, i.e. dirt roadie shit. Maybe it was, but it was starting to look fun to me. It was riding a bike, and bikes are supposed to be fun. I needed to find my fun again...<br />
<br />
Could this be it?<br />
<br />
Just like everything else I do, I jumped right in. I did a little research, made some ridiculous plans (more on that later), and even asked one friend who I knew had some great knowledge about bikepacking (shoutout as promised to James.) I took a bike that hasn't seen much use since I stopped racing, and starting putting some bags on it.<br />
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What was I supposed to put in those bags? I had no idea. I just knew I needed bags. Then I started planning rides. Hours of staring at Google Maps, local knowledge, and a little luck allowed me to find some cool(ish) routes. I hit paved roads, gravel, powerline cuts, and singletrack. And even some bushwhacking for good measure. Riding bikes was fun again.<br />
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This was a dramatic change for me. I had been in a funk and bikes just weren't as fun as they once were. I remember being on a trail, even riding with friends, wishing we would hurry TF up and get to the end. I was never in the moment, instead just going through the motions. Once I started these new little adventures though, hours would pass before I would realize that I was tired and probably should start heading home. It was a huge difference for sure.<br />
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And it was only the beginning.TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-54781787399934422882019-08-16T08:05:00.000-04:002019-08-16T08:05:05.854-04:00Someone Left The Lights On...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And I don't know who's paying the bill but screw it... I figured I would come back here to see what happens.<br />
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It's been a long time. Same old excuse: I was busy at work. A really cool job turned into really long hours and lots of traveling, which meant little time for bikes and no time (or motivation) to talk about anything on here. I changed jobs back in December of last year and now I'm pretty much stress free. No more travel and no more long hours. So after contemplating it for a long time, here I am... again.<br />
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This place has always been like my diary. Do you young fuckers even know what that is? Look it up. I'll wait. Once upon a time, I was here just about every weekday, coming up with shit to write without putting a whole lot of thought into it. I would sit down in the morning, stare at a blank screen, and words would just come out. I once thought that the easiest posts would be race recaps, but the truth is it was the days when I had nothing to say that I would come up with the best(?) posts.<br />
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I mean, everyone was reading this on the toilet so it passed the time, no matter how shitty it was. Pun intended? Who gives a shit. Okay, maybe that one was intentional.<br />
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So the burning question is... Do you still ride bikes? Why yes, yes I do. I've been posting pictures out on the "popular" social media sites because blogs are ded AF. I never really cared about that though. When I started blogging, it was like my personal diary (see statement above if you still don't know what that is.) Then when I started racing a whole bunch, it turned into race recaps, shameless self promotion, and promoting companies that supported me while I did bike stuff.<br />
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Racing is pretty much dead to me. I'm uh, "retired." Remember? After the finishing first overall in my class in the 2015 Southern Classic Series, I attempted to do it again in 2016 before "officially retiring." I did the first race in the series that year, but then a couple of health problems (high blood pressure, broken ribs) kept me from doing anymore races in the series. After a lengthy recovery I suited back up at the end of 2016 for an endurance race and got on the podium... one last time. That was my last "competitive" race.<br />
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I've still been doing one race a year, the 12 Hours of Santos. I'm not really racing it though. It's more like my annual escape from the cold, since here in North Carolina it's usually freezing and riding in Florida is a welcome change. These days I just end up doing a few laps and enjoying some beer with friends.<br />
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But yeah, I'm still riding. In fact, I'm riding more than ever. Just by myself for the most part. I sorta checked out of the bike scene for a while, for reasons which I'm sure I'll discuss in more detail later.<br />
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For now, I'm back. Back to what? The bike? Drinking beer? Blogging? Two of those for sure, a definite maybe on the third. If I don't write another post in the next few weeks I guess we'll all know the answer.<br />
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I think it feels good to be back again... again.<br />
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<br />TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-21044297198167885472018-04-10T08:50:00.001-04:002019-02-26T12:44:33.574-05:00Let's Ease Into ItI'm here. You know the story. I took a break again. No excuses though. I was just plain lazy. I lost my motivation to post about crap and nonsense.<br />
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That's it. I have been lazy AF.</div>
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So I'm back. For how long? I dunno. Probably not gonna post here daily, but I'll try (again) to make a better effort to be here often.</div>
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I think the last time I was here was August. Wow. So here's what's been going on:</div>
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I've been riding bikes. Mountain bikes to be specific...</div>
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I've been making (and drinking) beer...</div>
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Blowing up paper targets with Lunchbox...</div>
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Playing lots of guitar...</div>
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And on a sad note, we lost our sweet little Beagle a few months ago...</div>
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But Carl ended up with a new little sister shortly after that...</div>
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It's got really cold for a while, so instead of moving back to Florida I rode this stupid thing...</div>
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Oh, and speaking of Florida I took my annual trip there...</div>
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Then the little lady and I took our yearly vacation and rode some bikes...</div>
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And I made sure to mix in the proper amount of mountain bikes with friends...</div>
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And I even started building a new trail near here...</div>
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Oh, and I've been working hard again this year to get more kids on bikes...</div>
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There. You are (mostly) caught up. If you follow me on social media, then you've seen these photos before. In the future, I'll start providing witty commentary again. </div>
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Wait, again implies that I did before. </div>
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Who gives a shit.</div>
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TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-62059791279925353102017-08-11T08:30:00.001-04:002017-08-11T08:30:37.485-04:00It Aint OverVacation. Still talking about it. This time though, it's all about bikes. After spending some time in Northern Virginia, Lunchbox and I visited with some family (and had a great time) before we headed down to Richmond. <br />
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Richmond? Yeth. They haz awesome trail system.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUV9OhRUdJW9zvwetH6H7QO2xcLuDbCuzKutCa9Xs38gfPJCg8PVueMLZe5jx90cXr5-xVISVwNnLRBZOhzDmoz1C5abMuTgRAtCBMSxYmPUikAq-R_nWHgsQkkYBeNPWnNpJ9I65-gg/s1600/Richmond+%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUV9OhRUdJW9zvwetH6H7QO2xcLuDbCuzKutCa9Xs38gfPJCg8PVueMLZe5jx90cXr5-xVISVwNnLRBZOhzDmoz1C5abMuTgRAtCBMSxYmPUikAq-R_nWHgsQkkYBeNPWnNpJ9I65-gg/s320/Richmond+%252814%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We've been there before but it's been a while. We took off out of the parking lot, climbed a ramp, and found ourselves on a pedestrian/bike bridge underneath the Lee Bridge that crosses the James River. It provided an excellent view of the city.<br />
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As soon as you cross the river there is a most excellent skills park under the bridge. We rode around for a while and had fun, but Lunchbox really impressed me with his bike handling skills.<br />
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He may be big, but he can ride. He haz skills that the super skinny dirt roadie folks don't. Yeah, I said it. Who gives a shit.<br />
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On the island (Belle Isle), we rode some of the trails that wind around through some historic shit. We stopped at an old power plant and explored a bit.<br />
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Then we rode some more trails...<br />
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We crossed another bridge over the rest of the river and rode some more singletrack. We made sure to take in the views, especially when we saw some kayakers going out to brave the rapids downriver from us...<br />
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We rode some more trails, crossed another bridge, and ended up on some really flowy singletrack. It was fast AF, but I stopped anyway to take photos...<br />
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And I just had to take a photo when we got up near the historic Hollywood Cemetery.<br />
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Then it was back to the flow stuff...<br />
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I forgot to mention I had a pretty bad crash at the beginning of our ride. While goofing around on one of the many pump tracks under the bridge, I took a hard spill. I twisted my ankle and landed on my back. I also scraped my elbow, which turned out to be the most painful part for some reason.<br />
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I'll live. Hell, I finished the ride with no issues.<br />
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I also forgot to mention that Lunchbox did a little product testing on our ride. You see, since he knows some people he got his new socks a week early. Yes folks the Lunchbox socks are out and he was the first one to take them on a mountain bike ride...<br />
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I know most of you that ordered probably have them by now. The pictures have been coming in like crazy. Facebook posts, Instagram, and even some text messages of happy customers with the greatest sock that <a href="http://www.defeet.com/" target="_blank">DeFeet</a> has ever produced. Okay, maybe that last part was made up, but I know you folks are happy to have them.<br />
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Lunchbox is a cool kid (well, man) and we really appreciate those of you that threw your support behind him. Most of you have watched him grow up (even if it's just here on this blog), so the fact that he has a few fans out there makes me a proud dad. I've been a supporter of DeFeet for a long time now, and this just reinforces that. <br />
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Oh, and Richmond is pretty damn rad. If you ever find yourself in the area (or with a free weekend), definitely check it out. Just like those cool new socks you have, the trails up there in RVA are "Lunchbox Approved" too.<br />
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<br />TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-24777288179881808672017-08-10T09:25:00.001-04:002017-08-10T09:25:07.837-04:00Vacationed OutI've been back for a couple of days, but I've been sorta worn out and had some catching up to do. Like I mentioned last week, Lunchbox and I went on our annual "Mancation." It was awesome as usual, but I am le tired. It all started when we left Charlotte after work on Thursday...<br />
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We arrived in Manassas, VA (my family's hometown just outside of Washington, D.C.) late at night. We both had worked the full day, so it was rough. And after driving for about six hours I still felt like I was moving down the road. The next morning, I felt like I'd been up all night drinking.<br />
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Saw this the next morning outside the hotel. I feel ya, buddy.</div>
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We slept in a little and grabbed some breakfast, hoping to miss most of the horrible rush hour traffic from Virginia to DC. We did okay for the most part, and about thirty minutes later we'd arrived at the Metro station to ride the rest of the way into DC.</div>
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We had quite a few plans for the day, but we started off with some sadz. We decided to drop by the Pentagon to check out the September 11th Memorial since we'd never seen it. I hadn't been to the Pentagon in close to thirty years (not much to do there unless you're in the military) so we hopped off at the nearby Metro stop and walked to the memorial.</div>
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It was very moving to say the least. The layout was pretty awesome, even though it was sad. They had these benches representing each person that lost their life that day...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy86JY292EFMusxT1WeXdFlRrNhovaKBSzB3Ndmcsh0plQ6I6gAAh1HfJkn3MROUxkNt4v1t5a0PTLYQvAiZLA9ZTUAcvE6GlNnyKnvLP1XEglRXrcQHqiBIhRutb02NTetHe1YFDP7vE/s1600/DC+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy86JY292EFMusxT1WeXdFlRrNhovaKBSzB3Ndmcsh0plQ6I6gAAh1HfJkn3MROUxkNt4v1t5a0PTLYQvAiZLA9ZTUAcvE6GlNnyKnvLP1XEglRXrcQHqiBIhRutb02NTetHe1YFDP7vE/s320/DC+%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And they were arranged depending on where the person was at the time the plane crashed into the building. The benches facing away from the Pentagon were those that were inside, and the ones facing the building were people on the plane.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJE1VPJ9n1fns2fGOYnuJ1DTfnwJtcl_aeu8tQ7q6fB5It1VWwws_vuILk0yN1IZ1tQNiMCKNY21rGdGYnszVPEA2R2aa6pbEku_qaaq6usaOtotlrCjreqJjjDc7T2j5-G6TZVA2pmY/s1600/DC+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJE1VPJ9n1fns2fGOYnuJ1DTfnwJtcl_aeu8tQ7q6fB5It1VWwws_vuILk0yN1IZ1tQNiMCKNY21rGdGYnszVPEA2R2aa6pbEku_qaaq6usaOtotlrCjreqJjjDc7T2j5-G6TZVA2pmY/s320/DC+%25286%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Like I said, sad. But very respectful. I'm glad we stopped by.</div>
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Anyway, we hopped back on the Metro and rode to the next stop. More sad, but also respectful. We spent some time at Arlington National Cemetery to pay our respects and take in some history.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpgr8vPTxqG0hhc1Zx3RaUbqeTDIbClVsSFN8hg0CVK85iUKr0RYrivtbux5KF0Wm3Zwk1YoHKyyZrYHcjpx0tWgogoJYZh7rRzxGEpU6oepCyQCcGdHo_IhSJM1PM5x8BlcPVZz3PpE/s1600/DC+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpgr8vPTxqG0hhc1Zx3RaUbqeTDIbClVsSFN8hg0CVK85iUKr0RYrivtbux5KF0Wm3Zwk1YoHKyyZrYHcjpx0tWgogoJYZh7rRzxGEpU6oepCyQCcGdHo_IhSJM1PM5x8BlcPVZz3PpE/s320/DC+%25287%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We walked around there for quite a while, eventually spending some time at the Tomb of the Unknowns.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUN4ddQryea97P7SszJ-wCZygeM11n9ETWKF1nWvpBnw0saegyuwAOddUy1N1OrewKwd3Xz4ZA3VDXnMcNUB4kuVmkfHQ6BzeW00ZEi6fzc-miG6fAvwxrzlsMf4W5zSPNuPo2QUfJp6g/s1600/DC+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="1048" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUN4ddQryea97P7SszJ-wCZygeM11n9ETWKF1nWvpBnw0saegyuwAOddUy1N1OrewKwd3Xz4ZA3VDXnMcNUB4kuVmkfHQ6BzeW00ZEi6fzc-miG6fAvwxrzlsMf4W5zSPNuPo2QUfJp6g/s320/DC+%25288%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We watched the changing of the guard ceremony (twice actually) and it was awesome. Between the two we watched I was explaining to Lunchbox how sometimes the sentinels have to yell at the crowd when they won't shut up (that's disrespectful.) I told him that there are plenty of YouTube videos out there that show it and we would look at them later. Well, we didn't have to. It happened three times while we were there. It amazes me that people don't know how to show respect, but whatever.</div>
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Anyway, I wasn't taking any video, but here is a link to one that someone else filmed...</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsdHxUXf2CE" target="_blank">Tomb of the unknown - soldier yelling at laughing crowd</a></div>
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We eventually got out of there, but no doubt the sentinels had to yell at the crowd again after we left. We hopped back on the Metro and headed up to the National Zoo to take a quick stroll. We mostly just checked out the Pandas...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-ECgfrn6iM1iTM1vG_jFo0XObMXMZ1upX6O6OslQOWL7KiFWMtO8xGSdbU514Q_ziUqUZ5QdtcVbp3Gr6VnPzlkhzlThI-VaBebmKIl3rsu8JQLyKFuHV9vCcp2aA3mTH-cK0zCJK5E/s1600/DC+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1165" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-ECgfrn6iM1iTM1vG_jFo0XObMXMZ1upX6O6OslQOWL7KiFWMtO8xGSdbU514Q_ziUqUZ5QdtcVbp3Gr6VnPzlkhzlThI-VaBebmKIl3rsu8JQLyKFuHV9vCcp2aA3mTH-cK0zCJK5E/s320/DC+%252810%2529.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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And we spent a good bit of time with the various Great Apes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6j4rHENoBVSXdbZkiO2hp5BpwyKMI2suTO4pNvNu3kazjIRM6mwg3avvR4pr4aedfuC6zrFP3-00XvDRlYav44_YTBcXL6KintzXqEcOHjAkQkw9PH0Yau6Vyn-quSIziDT4Zamc75A/s1600/DC+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6j4rHENoBVSXdbZkiO2hp5BpwyKMI2suTO4pNvNu3kazjIRM6mwg3avvR4pr4aedfuC6zrFP3-00XvDRlYav44_YTBcXL6KintzXqEcOHjAkQkw9PH0Yau6Vyn-quSIziDT4Zamc75A/s320/DC+%252811%2529.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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That was the end of our "planned" activities. We did what we always do when we exit the zoo, and grabbed a few bikes from a nearby station to explore the city.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XEgDFl4IsfXJrpRMcjdaP4g25-2fb-dpLgHoqEf4RcU8vsn8ooMw6ByTXmzl8f6JxRoDZdqohzc_stCnoGSnNzSMSHPTEC8Lvhn-3J0CIWCPmVcAxxipo7LncBowC5OsIg7oMrpD7Yo/s1600/DC+%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="216" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XEgDFl4IsfXJrpRMcjdaP4g25-2fb-dpLgHoqEf4RcU8vsn8ooMw6ByTXmzl8f6JxRoDZdqohzc_stCnoGSnNzSMSHPTEC8Lvhn-3J0CIWCPmVcAxxipo7LncBowC5OsIg7oMrpD7Yo/s320/DC+%252812%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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It's quite a long ride back to the heart of DC from the zoo, but we made it in no time (probably because we are experienced cyclists.) We grabbed some lunch, then continued our exploring on foot for a while. We headed down Pennsylvania Avenue and happened to catch some street performers doing crazy shit in front of the Treasury Building.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCusoayn4t5r6n7qPtq2qhh7pI1yIW6tUps0l_tK2wlxkRwiKPFPp-gESuG0jgLhYSR_qC9UlU617AxMG9fbN3d3SqtW2h4kQKGiKvXTI-2Nkwirfg_sh9kyKokLtntYL6oO53YmoKL4/s1600/DC+%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="474" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCusoayn4t5r6n7qPtq2qhh7pI1yIW6tUps0l_tK2wlxkRwiKPFPp-gESuG0jgLhYSR_qC9UlU617AxMG9fbN3d3SqtW2h4kQKGiKvXTI-2Nkwirfg_sh9kyKokLtntYL6oO53YmoKL4/s320/DC+%252813%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then we tried to hang out in front of the White House, but there was some shit going down (a regular occurrence for sure) and we couldn't get close.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0sBq6SSHaDqgg2Moy7ZTxd0TDo4aPN9kCI-GB8CXJft-PcX3PDTCaKU4hULh5PXMPHUv61tGVVPAG_Y1NTrNnW3J-snx7yIai3X6Elacl5l9F0501q8nmsDE12Eo5hpiMWNNUt25SmQ/s1600/DC+%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0sBq6SSHaDqgg2Moy7ZTxd0TDo4aPN9kCI-GB8CXJft-PcX3PDTCaKU4hULh5PXMPHUv61tGVVPAG_Y1NTrNnW3J-snx7yIai3X6Elacl5l9F0501q8nmsDE12Eo5hpiMWNNUt25SmQ/s320/DC+%252814%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To me, it doesn't matter who lives in that house because someone will always be upset with them. It's been going on since this country was founded. Who gives a shit. I love history and I love this country, so no matter who happens to be in that building I still respect the Office. There is a difference, so take your political beliefs somewhere else. I still enjoy visiting the White House.</div>
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Anyway, we stayed on foot and explored the National Mall. The Washington Monument was closed for elevator repairs, so we just looked at it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQVKIfB4kEZe2pPsphCuHV9a0qnr13JNdbaTL0LaAhh3pbl_2-EbI4VgLig7ky-p-jxBIXfVC2IstGzEk6_tf4nO-gyT-YIxMmWaihSiKKUi-oNdDDWjjZTlylPg-qxD0ODsi6RH-IpE/s1600/DC+%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQVKIfB4kEZe2pPsphCuHV9a0qnr13JNdbaTL0LaAhh3pbl_2-EbI4VgLig7ky-p-jxBIXfVC2IstGzEk6_tf4nO-gyT-YIxMmWaihSiKKUi-oNdDDWjjZTlylPg-qxD0ODsi6RH-IpE/s320/DC+%252815%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Then we walked down to the Lincoln Memorial...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID3ZCpyP-rQK14XJZ_rPQHLBDTufjxdaydCQP-p9R6jx7jPyCN75qDwgqh9gRBi5hwhjAB06-P2lB55fE1KiXMRKx6M84l0A3EMpBLH0f1qvC0v4GhT3jMiLnOuI0Y4jWGE6NnKvvyFM/s1600/DC+%252817%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID3ZCpyP-rQK14XJZ_rPQHLBDTufjxdaydCQP-p9R6jx7jPyCN75qDwgqh9gRBi5hwhjAB06-P2lB55fE1KiXMRKx6M84l0A3EMpBLH0f1qvC0v4GhT3jMiLnOuI0Y4jWGE6NnKvvyFM/s320/DC+%252817%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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And sat on the steps to watch the sun go down...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHyS0JvuGfSwfSy08_wHzBsq6xx8XknwaM-J8YMAiMJZab9m1zRTstUnKHVmeSfQB_G4Yy-qcd95oESh4Lkb0L-KbedIbiQHa3Tu5le8IQgNugKorYarouVxEUHOTrEOJzhdQLLKvrjc/s1600/DC+%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHyS0JvuGfSwfSy08_wHzBsq6xx8XknwaM-J8YMAiMJZab9m1zRTstUnKHVmeSfQB_G4Yy-qcd95oESh4Lkb0L-KbedIbiQHa3Tu5le8IQgNugKorYarouVxEUHOTrEOJzhdQLLKvrjc/s320/DC+%252816%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We talked to a Park Ranger for quite a while, and that dude really knew his history (some of them don't by the way.) Once it got dark, we grabbed some bikes again and rode over to the Jefferson Memorial. I didn't take any pictures of it (Google it), but I did get a photo of the Washington Monument at night from across the Tidal Basin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcwMs-UG0jU4rU917gjiWfhGBIRZGiqQt9es0mtuPtre-zd1Khg3MgDaHlWl96vBe24kKija46j-hcPbNQ6cLJEuhZ4iZfkSFEQTLjjlLFzIRyQxDH3HgNbH09-lmjkXknXv2ayLRfBU/s1600/DC+%252818%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcwMs-UG0jU4rU917gjiWfhGBIRZGiqQt9es0mtuPtre-zd1Khg3MgDaHlWl96vBe24kKija46j-hcPbNQ6cLJEuhZ4iZfkSFEQTLjjlLFzIRyQxDH3HgNbH09-lmjkXknXv2ayLRfBU/s320/DC+%252818%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We kept the bikes and took off towards The Capitol. It's always neat to see at night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RKK3R3b1UpUtnNwap8gqGIOuStqRHGphfMJiY0O8Y1MMAr059oRjJsQypqs98JPvzHCpDUX4U6leWTUoDO_diK5ddstfrgE_9Jxp2b8uwPIQMaEBbuT8tymeIQ7C2TzbBEMcEXFYeyo/s1600/DC+%252819%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RKK3R3b1UpUtnNwap8gqGIOuStqRHGphfMJiY0O8Y1MMAr059oRjJsQypqs98JPvzHCpDUX4U6leWTUoDO_diK5ddstfrgE_9Jxp2b8uwPIQMaEBbuT8tymeIQ7C2TzbBEMcEXFYeyo/s320/DC+%252819%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were running out of gas. We'd been out since early in the morning. We decided to get out of town at the last minute (the Metro stops running at midnight) and headed back to the station where I'd parked. It was a long day, but fun as usual. Like I said before, I really dig history. And despite problems within our government, Washington, D.C. is still my favorite place to visit. <br />
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And it's easy to see it all in one day if you can ride a bike. You should try it sometime.<br />
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TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-76492733555206683292017-08-03T08:59:00.002-04:002017-08-03T08:59:44.119-04:00On The Road To VacationWow, three days in one week. I'm not sure why, but...<div>
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Who Give A Shit. I'm trying to make a regular habit of this (again) I guess.<div>
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I'm here to tell you that I'm leaving. The man child and I area heading out on another adventure starting a little later today...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmoMxvJ4RSu-KmW-dg_PLf5NG7n87uxR52yrQYdBbR9tz2GpTJYhBipTRURPQSW_dIcq2lLQXWoJ9lpDy95X2lsg3rU2qdkpevt4viaNqv97-HklNYnKfAaru73VDjqRDig_52chllKM/s1600/dafuq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="592" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmoMxvJ4RSu-KmW-dg_PLf5NG7n87uxR52yrQYdBbR9tz2GpTJYhBipTRURPQSW_dIcq2lLQXWoJ9lpDy95X2lsg3rU2qdkpevt4viaNqv97-HklNYnKfAaru73VDjqRDig_52chllKM/s320/dafuq.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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See? I got my trip planned out and everything.</div>
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Actually, we're heading up to Washington, D.C. for a little while on our yearly Mancation. Last year we went down to the swamps of Florida, but D.C. is our usual destination. You know, history, family, and all that stuff. Anyway, I'll be back doing this thing sometime later next week and hopefully I'll have a few things to write about (we are bringing bikes.)</div>
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So until then, I'll leave you with something.</div>
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Remember when <a href="http://b-43.blogspot.com/2017/07/almost-too-late.html" target="_blank">I was almost too late to beg you to buy some socks</a>? Well, I wasn't and it worked. Thank y'all so much for the support of my son and my favorite cycling company, <a href="http://www.defeet.com/" target="_blank">DeFeet</a>. My desperate sounding (sorta) blog post got a few more sales and we well exceeded the goal. For those of you that ordered, go wait by the mailbox. Your Lunchbox socks will be here any day now.</div>
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Moving on, I'm gonna ask you to buy shit once again. Not out of desperation though. And they are socks of course...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbQYLofxez85A3D3eVUpQthz5jT54XVyiIIUMg-amOnGhWNucNDu5e3TJaaFepbBwpfvR6EZLId2BWCxl9Pue-7Bcha6JwQrYpjcn5HFyxx3p660WIrHhLKGOpETlUGMC-if05je8uBA/s1600/Tacos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbQYLofxez85A3D3eVUpQthz5jT54XVyiIIUMg-amOnGhWNucNDu5e3TJaaFepbBwpfvR6EZLId2BWCxl9Pue-7Bcha6JwQrYpjcn5HFyxx3p660WIrHhLKGOpETlUGMC-if05je8uBA/s320/Tacos.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tacos? You betcha.</div>
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Finally, us mountain bike folks are getting what we want. No snobby stripes or plain ol' roadie style socks this time. Nope, cool stuff. Like tacos. Who TF doesn't like tacos? Just about every mountain biker I know goes out for Mexican food after a ride, so this sock is appropriate AF. Pair it up with a cold beer and your post ride refreshments are complete.</div>
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Want some? Yes, you do. Go here:</div>
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<a href="https://www.defeetbespoke.com/projects/taco-sock/" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.defeetbespoke.com/projects/taco-sock/" target="_blank">TACO SOCKS</a></div>
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Click that link. It's easy.</div>
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At the time I'm posting this, they are sitting at 40% funded with plenty of time left. So, no begging from me.</div>
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Yet.</div>
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And while you're there, check out the other projects they have going on. You might find something else you like. </div>
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TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-73869646304518197172017-08-02T09:01:00.000-04:002017-08-02T09:01:15.122-04:00Like A FishThere aren't enough hours in the day. That is especially accurate on weekends. Still, that doesn't stop me from trying to squeeze every second I can out of any free time I have. Sometimes though, it catches up to me and I feelz ded.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nEhOnYZXvfnGGK2gx5_nZUTbPHInyD7F1Yzwv7z2w9FP1oys49UItQE6uUcuJcM2YAYU-6TQujMG0YobLJsf1vFvZEqA7BUUDZgEhlg3DrW0NyBZ_uzC01czKIAnTQog5vxBZ0_4Hpo/s1600/LakeDay+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nEhOnYZXvfnGGK2gx5_nZUTbPHInyD7F1Yzwv7z2w9FP1oys49UItQE6uUcuJcM2YAYU-6TQujMG0YobLJsf1vFvZEqA7BUUDZgEhlg3DrW0NyBZ_uzC01czKIAnTQog5vxBZ0_4Hpo/s320/LakeDay+%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Where am I going with this? Out on the water of course. Even though I'm riding more (finally), I'm also trying to spend time on the water with the kayaks. Since we'd planned <a href="http://b-43.blogspot.com/2017/07/urban-fun.html" target="_blank">an urban ride</a> for last Sunday we pretty much had all day Saturday to be out on the water. So, the little lady and I loaded up our kayaks and headed north to put our little boats in Mountain Island Lake.<br />
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She was so excite about it that she almost didn't wait for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzw_4k1MAlDJqOt9tcRgLb13vhZj6YfvXik6K5L1PPTXol10lrX6NKYRFjh-SGurzQPkGjflrBNSLRvMclW7c2z1G_jQQrgJiZ1t_jYDvqC778_H-yDITJzjdfRYMx3BknazT51dq5AqA/s1600/LakeDay+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzw_4k1MAlDJqOt9tcRgLb13vhZj6YfvXik6K5L1PPTXol10lrX6NKYRFjh-SGurzQPkGjflrBNSLRvMclW7c2z1G_jQQrgJiZ1t_jYDvqC778_H-yDITJzjdfRYMx3BknazT51dq5AqA/s320/LakeDay+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While it's called a "lake", it's really just a dammed river (like everything around here.) But, it's still pretty rad to paddle around and explore. We've been putting in at the same spot the last few times because the options for exploration are plentiful. We took off in a different direction this time and found some big ass rocks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlblPUss_R0B8T69dDnbv_mNk2hBuObTO8dUJOvUCSJmPuP3zcsIslJdTrq6PIdVbbWk8m5IkcPReVU378LM-gjMulW_nXVdC0x1tpQdf1f-u01BfBtE8XU1jjBVBu-1660TXmHtuhns/s1600/LakeDay+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlblPUss_R0B8T69dDnbv_mNk2hBuObTO8dUJOvUCSJmPuP3zcsIslJdTrq6PIdVbbWk8m5IkcPReVU378LM-gjMulW_nXVdC0x1tpQdf1f-u01BfBtE8XU1jjBVBu-1660TXmHtuhns/s320/LakeDay+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And lately I've been bringing my snorkeling gear so I can explore underwater too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_fgomeAryMNWtBsQv9cOIH26na1fWNqHC3yca5gmNJ8O3k8zX05JweiAUdqzkPTKTM07sJl11JyRL-q9swCb-pohKIzhTO2BVwyJymI-fraSy5QgWsvGTRvoYnl-xpaxzGgYeONwnQs/s1600/LakeDay+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_fgomeAryMNWtBsQv9cOIH26na1fWNqHC3yca5gmNJ8O3k8zX05JweiAUdqzkPTKTM07sJl11JyRL-q9swCb-pohKIzhTO2BVwyJymI-fraSy5QgWsvGTRvoYnl-xpaxzGgYeONwnQs/s320/LakeDay+%25287%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Photo credit: Little Miss Sunshine</div>
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I spent quite a bit of time in the water growing up in Florida and I missed it. It's nice to be able to do this stuff again, even though up here in North Carolina it's quite different. Instead of alligators poking up their heads in the water, there are rocks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcAMFW0Maa8tbziWi4pDKfV82IkVy3vQybbT0O96N9s1zYn3L3YzRf0wgmZi5GQFHRKuulxiRJW5RW0w39nzgq3Nu5BhyphenhyphenyGlGaF7Sr8xjivwOZw-11hbYuk8T-0mmDB1fHBBOpd2sjVw/s1600/LakeDay+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcAMFW0Maa8tbziWi4pDKfV82IkVy3vQybbT0O96N9s1zYn3L3YzRf0wgmZi5GQFHRKuulxiRJW5RW0w39nzgq3Nu5BhyphenhyphenyGlGaF7Sr8xjivwOZw-11hbYuk8T-0mmDB1fHBBOpd2sjVw/s320/LakeDay+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And you just can't plant your ass on an alligator and drink beer.</div>
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Buying a couple of boats turned out to be a really good idea. I've missed being out on the water, but more importantly I enjoy the exploration aspect of it. That's what I love about being on my bikes too, so I can say for sure that I will be making time for both of these fine hobbies. I'll even cram as much shit as possible into my little bit of spare time so I don't have to choose one over the other. </div>
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You know, because I'll get all the sleep I need when I'm dead.</div>
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TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-69949317982894742282017-07-31T09:17:00.002-04:002017-07-31T09:17:45.110-04:00Urban FunI actually got out on the bike again over the weekend. If I keep this up I might be able to call myself a cyclist again. This ride was sort of a special occasion. Some of our friends just moved to the Queen City from the Lowcountry, so we decided that an urban ride would the best way to get them familiar with their new surroundings.<br />
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We met up near the Sugar Creek Greenway and shot the shit while we got our bikes (and ourselves) ready. There were a few flat tire issues that eventually got resolved, but not before the parking lot was splattered with sealant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9bopfahVSlEmaRzhs41V99zQxCyW8NX_A-47MOW1v4cIZwMXRIK-r1PoHM5PXeD_8t33pw-jSvGYLV9FR_VghAkBY12lUlBvugygasqg1cCUePRcTPv3jBfZihs5LUOsaXTqygTN5E0/s1600/Urban+%252817%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9bopfahVSlEmaRzhs41V99zQxCyW8NX_A-47MOW1v4cIZwMXRIK-r1PoHM5PXeD_8t33pw-jSvGYLV9FR_VghAkBY12lUlBvugygasqg1cCUePRcTPv3jBfZihs5LUOsaXTqygTN5E0/s320/Urban+%252817%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Yes, that's the only photo I took of the fiasco.</div>
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I didn't mind waiting around, because it was nice that for once I wasn't the one everyone was waiting on. About forty five minutes after we met in the parking lot, we finally hit the greenway. It was just a fun ride, so we cruised around with no particular destination in mind. We eventually ended up on a bridge in Freedom Park.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezzQzSrUdxVpHj0TgSwqsomgicMLcjPzfobgtal9IpZODWQB1FNr3XsMNnM2UoTQnZP7CKQXHMgo1aC21Nf-S-aJFec6Nr5va4UvGjiRWYpuYmz94_fob_JKhDkod2_v0xjO6kdjp5N4/s1600/Urban+%252818%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezzQzSrUdxVpHj0TgSwqsomgicMLcjPzfobgtal9IpZODWQB1FNr3XsMNnM2UoTQnZP7CKQXHMgo1aC21Nf-S-aJFec6Nr5va4UvGjiRWYpuYmz94_fob_JKhDkod2_v0xjO6kdjp5N4/s320/Urban+%252818%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Photo cred: Punky</div>
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Our friends were having a blast, enjoying our awesome network of greenways around town. We decided to give them the full tour, so we stopped by one of the coolest bike shops in town, BikeSource.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VzTgoR5a0lzCBqwmK-0xVHDCPhWPFvS4AaRtOq3wN73-11DkvWzgMXG8v6TJFpOucB45M77jcOh9EtXpcfDU3rUowvQE2HGG05D_AZfyb26Vq4kosZJg-0gdwKgTF-MxvfvEPxtftko/s1600/Urban+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VzTgoR5a0lzCBqwmK-0xVHDCPhWPFvS4AaRtOq3wN73-11DkvWzgMXG8v6TJFpOucB45M77jcOh9EtXpcfDU3rUowvQE2HGG05D_AZfyb26Vq4kosZJg-0gdwKgTF-MxvfvEPxtftko/s320/Urban+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I spy <a href="http://defeet.com/" target="_blank">DeFeet</a> socks in the background...</div>
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We shot the shit with some folks that I hadn't seen in a while (because I'm a recluse these days) and eventually got on our way. We shot across town and caught the next greenway by the light rail.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQy-oQV4Hk2lXP1IvmrS6s4byXO3z4WNnT2b69P2MwLNXM_XYjyjptCIICPGFn68Xj5llQFaPFIAwA8Nxwv-JzP7K2M4Hea3FGvkOajmsXkITlZsagkFbl0U3L1DooIv1D8tJaxC2bdB4/s1600/Urban+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQy-oQV4Hk2lXP1IvmrS6s4byXO3z4WNnT2b69P2MwLNXM_XYjyjptCIICPGFn68Xj5llQFaPFIAwA8Nxwv-JzP7K2M4Hea3FGvkOajmsXkITlZsagkFbl0U3L1DooIv1D8tJaxC2bdB4/s320/Urban+%25282%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Even though I haven't told much of a story up to this point, we'd actually been out for quite a while. It was time for food and beer. We turned around and headed back toward the city, looking for a place to take a break and get some grub. We found such a place and parked our bikes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFaBuvnsW37zeH3dTkiMH74UJuNITJ3Rx9aH_2smgHwbcjFi8V7RhtNBXQ4WA-TH0MKhmzz81Sx8l4DwbWr3zPsJzrB9Cv4zteNRPF98YxEqBHqXSyZAfwBMaq7nku8PvCcirH5HmMaA/s1600/Urban+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFaBuvnsW37zeH3dTkiMH74UJuNITJ3Rx9aH_2smgHwbcjFi8V7RhtNBXQ4WA-TH0MKhmzz81Sx8l4DwbWr3zPsJzrB9Cv4zteNRPF98YxEqBHqXSyZAfwBMaq7nku8PvCcirH5HmMaA/s320/Urban+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We decided to try a new place (new to me anyway) that showed a little promise...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpXdX7x9JxxGf4n4WzH-CN41D-MpJHrPTrQ7fe46qV6nituKSBeUpPtc2fHX3I-aOCHSLNE_iqwV_DP8k62Ch6Te2Ozsscrpmx9NMZh1Eh41_8_Ow70Gu7NlqkYp4MM7YUZqxdGOX7MI/s1600/Urban+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpXdX7x9JxxGf4n4WzH-CN41D-MpJHrPTrQ7fe46qV6nituKSBeUpPtc2fHX3I-aOCHSLNE_iqwV_DP8k62Ch6Te2Ozsscrpmx9NMZh1Eh41_8_Ow70Gu7NlqkYp4MM7YUZqxdGOX7MI/s320/Urban+%25284%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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They had good beer, and the food was excellent. The service though? Shitty. I mean, really bad. We waited forever to get our order (it wasn't very busy either) and our server had less personality than this thing:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CPS8Lwt2oB1Z1VUJdAcCJ07nMTk8KpxDmKm_MP2jbjXrVlhUdO9f8k51HJcqev7xbsZIx0HuByNjUFTOpDxebGXnsf5fsaBItsWdvvV31yUIM7GzOx1oKRv2NSTHRXhbSgwip6c9v5k/s1600/Urban+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CPS8Lwt2oB1Z1VUJdAcCJ07nMTk8KpxDmKm_MP2jbjXrVlhUdO9f8k51HJcqev7xbsZIx0HuByNjUFTOpDxebGXnsf5fsaBItsWdvvV31yUIM7GzOx1oKRv2NSTHRXhbSgwip6c9v5k/s320/Urban+%25286%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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I won't be going back. Ever.</div>
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We were there for what seemed like hours, which cut into our ride time. We got back to it, enjoying some cool water on a hot day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIALKNMst0jUQF7auoorKl5McIHgibpd0Ll5cdrE3i189m66OnML_TNC94m65CmVYrpVLvrtTnWTjNu0Z-l7zCT58_4DEI8GdxUneHxg6AXiR6tHpwNq7KOj_VXR2uO6f6fRsz5J_5Pd4/s1600/Urban+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIALKNMst0jUQF7auoorKl5McIHgibpd0Ll5cdrE3i189m66OnML_TNC94m65CmVYrpVLvrtTnWTjNu0Z-l7zCT58_4DEI8GdxUneHxg6AXiR6tHpwNq7KOj_VXR2uO6f6fRsz5J_5Pd4/s320/Urban+%25287%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBDJCzihxwc0pqRYtzNYTzMcLAOa-Jy7hOlPop4alpybD0yStgE6Bzy5NBWD8EVAJ4rNjA5ymgCp7_GFs4zWEZ1-bADarCf7QItKL1vHmbIVxe5yRcVyOreA1Lo9IuMbb-1pu80gSFh4/s1600/Urban+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBDJCzihxwc0pqRYtzNYTzMcLAOa-Jy7hOlPop4alpybD0yStgE6Bzy5NBWD8EVAJ4rNjA5ymgCp7_GFs4zWEZ1-bADarCf7QItKL1vHmbIVxe5yRcVyOreA1Lo9IuMbb-1pu80gSFh4/s320/Urban+%25288%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After that it was time to go into the concrete jungle...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix02s7SDmtWGdWmeG_4xsklbfCQxaB7NGXT-qzSpcqVMC0YhrTqxfq7LKJ-SlOMx9AgKtP1xxSl_f7zJ7a4EdbswQRAgDZ2EHwtZT0CuCbkXpMUguX8clyq1HyFz5NMhDbshv3rl3Nmko/s1600/Urban+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix02s7SDmtWGdWmeG_4xsklbfCQxaB7NGXT-qzSpcqVMC0YhrTqxfq7LKJ-SlOMx9AgKtP1xxSl_f7zJ7a4EdbswQRAgDZ2EHwtZT0CuCbkXpMUguX8clyq1HyFz5NMhDbshv3rl3Nmko/s320/Urban+%25289%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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And I rode through the Disco Chicken:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk0XjZPeWcL3rWCAMrQT0SVJJZO0IgKhT3d8o9N1V1C8gx9YhxMcHOxAVYPLmq29arrdMZPvoqYUwNY3xaTGh6928DNJOGyfxj_n4JmXyldEopZ0D4oajOHB30hbQOE3IKlr9g8W2cfA/s1600/Urban+%252819%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk0XjZPeWcL3rWCAMrQT0SVJJZO0IgKhT3d8o9N1V1C8gx9YhxMcHOxAVYPLmq29arrdMZPvoqYUwNY3xaTGh6928DNJOGyfxj_n4JmXyldEopZ0D4oajOHB30hbQOE3IKlr9g8W2cfA/s320/Urban+%252819%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We even did some gravel grinding...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0T4NYFWc_19P9HS8_u-o8YXiPqXnXEwR47CJvc_1Rxdgtds9sSjWXyr_rQADLUvinD8uD3-mBqHbuLPAd3nJxtY_7MzZpKg1mOrjvRQ8gCFNXAW7KsqwqENLaXeTnxt66AX16wLvzic/s1600/Urban+%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0T4NYFWc_19P9HS8_u-o8YXiPqXnXEwR47CJvc_1Rxdgtds9sSjWXyr_rQADLUvinD8uD3-mBqHbuLPAd3nJxtY_7MzZpKg1mOrjvRQ8gCFNXAW7KsqwqENLaXeTnxt66AX16wLvzic/s320/Urban+%252813%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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I still don't get it. Maybe I'm not doing it right.</div>
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We'd been out for hours. Our city's newest residents were having a blast, but it was time to head back towards our vehicles. We made one more stop at the Government Center, where they have some fun shit to play with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSbivRMOBbyMef0D0YL_sBWITVTvCj6WAIFS5I_tQ0BnWSaYn7AKbVESb7p0JhPlepuo1xd_5OAGvZmXI9z9glBCGThOmbEJjg_-ERMhr4yz89V0PKrqxXIxnfuVF6md1Slrua0OxPa8/s1600/Urban+%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSbivRMOBbyMef0D0YL_sBWITVTvCj6WAIFS5I_tQ0BnWSaYn7AKbVESb7p0JhPlepuo1xd_5OAGvZmXI9z9glBCGThOmbEJjg_-ERMhr4yz89V0PKrqxXIxnfuVF6md1Slrua0OxPa8/s320/Urban+%252814%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3F8MFnIdjYJtDoE9ITiGoaNdgrHOjWfCzfHE1n_r8-IBKhZAkDYBXMWCrw9RVLBPDgWfAZhV2CAu7thrYUCbYM-myO6ve1H8lW295PCr_rHFikZoKtRQrFx-c3N4yAFFywtaevPgHuo/s1600/Urban+%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1062" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3F8MFnIdjYJtDoE9ITiGoaNdgrHOjWfCzfHE1n_r8-IBKhZAkDYBXMWCrw9RVLBPDgWfAZhV2CAu7thrYUCbYM-myO6ve1H8lW295PCr_rHFikZoKtRQrFx-c3N4yAFFywtaevPgHuo/s320/Urban+%252815%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That stuff was for kids. Probably.</div>
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What an awesome day. I hadn't been on an urban ride in a long time so it was extra special for me. It was also nice that when our friends left us they didn't have to drive all the way back to Charleston. </div>
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I can't wait to do it again. Hell, I can't wait to get back on my bike again. </div>
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Which will be sooner rather than later I'm sure.</div>
TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5128809457789129912.post-52423819309328785532017-07-25T09:10:00.000-04:002017-07-25T09:10:47.601-04:00Almost Too LateSince I haven't been around here much, I just about missed a prime blogging opportunity. I've been slacking, to say the least. Anyway, it involves my favorite cycling company...<br />
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<a href="http://www.defeet.com/" target="_blank">DeFeet International</a><br />
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Despite the lack of blogging, I'm still riding and repping their awesome socks but sometimes it feels like I'm the only one doing it on the mountain biking side (except for <a href="http://www.sonyalooney.com/" target="_blank">Sonya</a> of course.) Anyway, I digress. What was the almost missed opportunity?<br />
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It has something to do with this guy:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm584jwj5cuN6tEZqec-A0tAeMQ-lpJsqrA0J52UhbMgWZpzBaj3CcehIdkbDm4AlwSw4OZWy34UdZUblKZR5m1ajAC7L5wCR9FhwbZA0omz2BPVQxdjrNq3L0w0eY7_UJtvLnlPSDm0/s1600/LBFixie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm584jwj5cuN6tEZqec-A0tAeMQ-lpJsqrA0J52UhbMgWZpzBaj3CcehIdkbDm4AlwSw4OZWy34UdZUblKZR5m1ajAC7L5wCR9FhwbZA0omz2BPVQxdjrNq3L0w0eY7_UJtvLnlPSDm0/s320/LBFixie.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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And the fact that he has his own sock design....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPCTCgEQrOTn81zwJIBkOHRnhh6PsUdQGbiQWmIz9GuCbRbnPD2Wt-Vgm_5UI7yEmPU_3EyxdGCrxQHRaVkhVQkq29cUZ3eJNqw62VTMGfoX1VBHfKg8gT4HWqN1sJNfhafYTAueH2q8/s1600/LBSocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="363" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPCTCgEQrOTn81zwJIBkOHRnhh6PsUdQGbiQWmIz9GuCbRbnPD2Wt-Vgm_5UI7yEmPU_3EyxdGCrxQHRaVkhVQkq29cUZ3eJNqw62VTMGfoX1VBHfKg8gT4HWqN1sJNfhafYTAueH2q8/s320/LBSocks.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because he's so popular around our local bike scene (and down on the coast too), the folks out there in the hills that pay attention decided to let him come out with his own socks. The description on the page pretty much says it all...</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #999999;">If you’re looking at this sock then you know who the talented young man is already. For everyone else we will share a little of the back story. As a long time DeFeet family friend, we’ve watched this kid become a man and are lucky to call him one of our own. He’s a local Charlotte artist and mountain biker. A big “kid” known for racing in crazy costumes, eating tons of food and bringing fun to local trails.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #999999;">The Lunchbox sock embodies the spirit of the Charlotte cycling scene – well, the not so serious part anyway.</span></b><br />
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Does that sound kinda familiar? Probably because I had to come up with most of it. Wait, don't they have a marketing person? Um, yeah. <span style="color: red;">*</span><br />
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Anyway, Lunchbox and I (plus all of our friends) have been doing all the legwork to get these produced. With no promotion whatsoever from the company's crack marketing <i>team</i> (save a FB share or two from the Chief Sockologist who shouldn't be the only one there doing such things), we've managed to get these over one hundred percent funded. I guess that's a pretty big accomplishment, but I wish we'd had a little more help. It's crowdfunding, so they have to know they will be able to sell a certain amount before they produce them. And these made the cut because we all worked hard to make it happen (yes, you too.)<br />
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Why am I still talking about it then? Because I want to give everyone one more chance to grab a pair of these limited addition socks. If you're a local, then you know Lunchbox. You've cheered for his races. He might have taught your kids to ride the local trails. Hell, you probably made it through more than a few local races because he was cheering for you in a crazy costume or some shit like that. He's helped build a lot of the trails you ride, and yes, he still rides too. He doesn't care about making connections with people in the industry just to look fancy or seem important, because he's as real as it gets. He's grown up around cycling, and now he designs the best socks in the world. <br />
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These in particular are just that much better because they have his face on them (even if it is a funny one.)<br />
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They are limited edition so once these are made, that's it.<br />
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You have one day left, so click the link below to order yours today:<br />
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<a href="https://www.defeetbespoke.com/projects/lunchbox-sock/">https://www.defeetbespoke.com/projects/lunchbox-sock/</a><br />
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And HUGE thanks to those of you that helped make this successful. You're not only supporting a local artist and a great young man, but a great cycling company that's based right here in North Carolina. <br />
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<span style="color: red;">*I'm not bashing anyone. Just calling it like it is. </span><br />
<br />TheMutthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672609115018543834noreply@blogger.com1