Party Time!

Saturday was the annual Dirt Divas and Tarheel Trailblazers year-end party at Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. I woke up early in the morning with Little Miss Sunshine, although this day we would go our separate ways. She headed up to Chapel Hill, NC with her friend to partake in some college football goodness. After she left, I got Lunchbox up out of bed, and we started getting ready for our day. Clark and Goose were loaded up, and then we headed out to South Carolina.


Okay, I cheated. It's only twenty minutes away.

We arrived at Anne Springs on a beautiful, sunny fall day. The parking lot was filling up fast, even though we were a little early. There were several mountain bikers milling about.



Lunchbox and I changed into our riding gear and headed up to the barn to find out what was on the agenda. The group rides were scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m., followed by the food at 5:00 or so. After a little socializing with some of the regulars, we gathered near the barn to form our groups for the group ride. They divided up into three groups, based upon skill level and riding experience.


The ladies were discussing the groups.


The intermediate group was starting to form.

I ended up in the intermediate group, mostly because I didn’t feel like maintaining a “race pace” during the “party” ride. My race season is pretty much over, and I haven’t begun my training for next season. I figured I would let the “Hot Rod” riders get on it without my company. I wasn’t interested in setting any world record lap times.anyway. Besides, Lunchbox was also riding in the intermediate group, so I would be able to have a little quality bike time with him. I was excited. He is a pleasure to ride with.


Some people were making their group choices at the last minute.

Our group eventually took off, and we started out at a nice pace. I rode behind Lunchbox for most of the ride, giving him tips and advice. I’m sure he thought I was a pain in the ass. Anywho, we stopped every once in a while to let the group well, regroup, and we made some good progress on the trail. The Divas really did a great job as ride leaders, and gave encouragement whenever they could. At one point, we divided the group up into two subgroups, which ended the together time for Lunchbox and I. My group took one of the harder loops, while the second group took more of a straight shot back to the barn. We blasted through the remaining trail, but we all had to stop when one of our riders got a flat tire.



He changed the tire in record time, and we were on our way again. Not thirty feet later though, the same rider decided he wanted to test out the bicycle tolerance of a small babyhead on the trail. Not to anyone’s surprise, the babyhead won. He flew through the air in a glorious fashion, sending his bike floating through the air in a completely different direction. After we realized he was unscathed, we laughed our asses off. He hopped right back on his bike and acted like nothing happened. We couldn’t hide our laughter. My only regret is that I had already put away my camera. Damn.

We were really close to the end at that point, and we very quicly met up with the group that had Lunchbox in it. He informed me that he also had a flat tire, but he was ill equipped to fix said flat tire. Some other trail rider came to his rescue, no charge. I guess I should hook him up with a repair kit for future rides. We finally made it to the fire road that leads to the barn, and after 9 miles, the ride was over. We all had a great time. I think Lunchbox was ready to eat now.



We arrived back at the barn and saw a lot more people than before. There were lots of small kids running to and fro, and they were having fun riding around. What the hell? Who has fun riding somewhere other than a trail? I don’t get it. That’s crazy if you ask me. I guess they aren’t old enough to learn that mountain biking is serious business. So seriously, don’t let your kids ride anywhere but the trail. I’m serious about that too. Seriously.



We put away our trusty bicycles, and headed for the barn. There was a table set up at the entrance, and they were selling raffle tickets. I was told that if you don’t win a prize in this raffle, then you are just a loser. Behind the table, there was beer. I bought several raffle tickets and drank several beers. I was a winner already!

Our club president was deciding how many beers he can drink after he buys some tickets.


Wow, that’s a lot of prizes.

After settling down in the barn, the food had been set out for our consumption. We moseyed over to the food table and piled lots o’ munchies on our plates. The crowd had increased exponentially by the time we got our food. Luckily we had some cool people save us some seats.




Nice spread.

Race promoter extraordinaire Neal Boyd assumed the MC duties, while Lunchbox was by his side (as usual) for the pride awarding ceremony. He withdrew tickets from the jar, and Neal announced the winners. It was a fun time, and we made out pretty well.



I ended up winning some socks and gloves, which were immediately donated to Little Miss Sunshine. We also won an air pump, which is fitting since Lunchbox needs to learn how to change flats. We also won two helmets and a Kona baseball cap. Wow, I really am a winner!

As the night wound down, people slowly started to head home. Lunchbox and I were in no hurry, since Little Miss Sunshine would be home late from the game. We hung around for a bit to enjoy a nice warm fire on a cold starry night. Good times.



We would live to ride another day. Peace out.

IT'S BEEN A WHILE!

Thought I'd throw in some Florida pics while the boys were down at Anne Springs. We like mtn. biking and skateboarding down here as much as you fellas like it up there but one thing we like that makes us unique is our penchant for singing sandwiches. (Fakie rock on the hip at the Orlando pool. We love La Bamba.)

The Lakeland trails are comprised of ~ 1/2 mile loops called "fingers" that are made from an abandoned limestone quarry. The gators will get you if the steep drops and tight trails don't get you first. (Right) Santos is much larger and accommodates riders from the beginner with long flat rides as well as free-riders who regularly ride off the rock face shown. (Left) Skinnies, rock gardens, and tight twisty trails await at Santos. (Below)

The Big Stampede

Okay, I’m not really doing a post today about a bunch of crazy horses. I mean, things are slow around here at B-43, but not that slow. I’m talking about The Big Stampede Southeast Bike Expo & Swap being held this Sunday at Lowe's Motor Speedway. It’s basically a giant swap meet where you can find all kinds of bicycling-related crap and nonsense. And you probably know by now, crap and nonsense is our specialty around here. They have old and new stuff for sale and trade, and there are many bargains to be found. I figured it’s an interesting way to spend a Sunday morning. I may just find something I can’t live without. Tune in Monday to find out.


This Saturday is the big Tarheel Trailblazers and Dirt Divas year-end party. It is held at Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. We’ll start out with a trail ride and end with food and some malted beverages. This will be my first one. I’ve always had scheduling conflicts before (I’m just that busy I guess), so I am looking forward to it. Lunchbox and I will be in attendance. Little Miss Sunshine is taking a trip that day to Chapel Hill, NC to attend the UNC-Duke football contest. I know she will have a great time. Everyone will miss her at the party though.

Now that you have my tentative weekend schedule, I guess I should give you some entertainment. Here are some stupid things I’ve collected on the Internets. Yes, I am an Internets Art Collector in my spare time. Enjoy.


Very secure. Don’t even try to steal it.



The ultimate commuter/grocery getter.



I guess parts are hard to come by wherever that guys lives.



This is another example of a commuter bike. Just look at the storage capacity. Wow.



I’ve been workin’ on the railroad…

There. I hope you enjoyed my small, yet slightly hilarious collection. See you Monday.

The Mutt’s Day Off

"Ferris Bueller you're my hero."

I told you yesterday that I worked late on Tuesday evening, so I had the next day off. I didn’t have any plans, because I didn’t think I would work long enough to justify taking the next day off. I was way off on my assumption. I left work at a little after 2:00 a.m. yesterday, and I drove directly home. No middle of the night, kinda drunk, passing the time by stopping at the Steak and Shake for burgers and crap for me. I just wanted to go home and sleep.

I arrived at my domicile, took a shower, and went to bed. The alarm went off at 6:00 a.m., and I had to get up to assist Lunchbox with his getting off to school routine. Yay. We left the house at about 6:45 with dogs in tow, and walked to the bus stop. I could hardly stay awake on our walk. All I wanted was to go back home and pass out. I didn’t get nearly the amount of sleep that I needed. After Lunchbox boarded his bus and the dogs did their business, I hurried back home.

I got in the door and headed directly upstairs. I hopped in bed and tried to sleep, but that wasn’t working out so well. I tossed and turned for a bit, and then I decided to just get out of the bed. “Maybe the Internets would entertain me while I became tired,” I thought. Nope. In fact, I started to feel more awake than before. I decided that I would go ride my beloved Goose, instead of wasting the day away trying to recoup my lost sleep from the night before. Where would I go? How about the Uwharrie National Forest? Sounds like a plan.



I grabbed a quick bite to eat, loaded up Goose, and headed out in the direction of Albemarle, NC, the hometown of Kellie Pickler. I’m not sure why I just told you all that, but whatever. I arrived less than an hour later in the Uwharrie Mountains, and I was ready to ride the Wood Run trails. I was in for 11.4 miles of steep climbs, sketchy rock gardens, and ears pinned back downhill. I was so excited.


Goose was waiting for me to get ready.

Well, there is a 1.5 mile gravel fire road to get to the first loop. The ride seems like it takes forever. Today was different. It really did take forever. I ended up stuck behind some kind of work vehicles. There was a pickup truck, and then there was a giant wheeled machine of some sort. It had a long arm connected to a sawblade. It was really scary-looking. I figured it was some sort of tree maiming device bent on deforestation. I wanted to get away from it as soon as possible. They held me up for about a half mile, and there was no room to pass.



Eventually they veered off the road to cut some trees or whatever, and I was on my way. Next stop: Woodrun Hunt Camp.



There wasn’t much to see at the camp, except for a sign telling you which way to go.



I started out on Keyauwee, which has some hellacious climbs through some gigantic baby heads and root steps. Oh fun.


Root staircase.



Look at all those baby heads.


Yes, it was hard to climb. However, it was worth every heart-pounding pedal stroke. The views at the top were nice. Blue skies, fall colors, and mountains. Oh yeah. Just take a look.







The Keyauwee trail was covered with dead leafy goodness, and it was pretty much a vegetable tunnel. I had a difficult time navigating the trail sometimes. I found myself veering off course often. I really had to pay attention to what was in front of me. Hidden baby heads and death traps are the norm at Uwharrie. The leaves just make it worse.


Is there a trail in here?


Ummmm, yep.

I finally made it out if the climbing, rocky, rooty hell that is the Keyauwee loop. I did have a little downhill fun, but the climbing pain was most prevalent. After about 5 miles, I arrive at the fire road, with a sign telling me the way to go.



Ah, the Supertree loop. Ears pinned back downhill, or so I’ve heard. After my quick stop for picture taking, I was ready to get to it. Immediately I noticed that the leaves weren’t so bad on this side.


Most of the Supertree trail was superfast downhill. I often reached speeds in excess of 25 miles per hour. It was scary sometimes, but a good kind of scary. There were slippery leaves all over the place, so I figured it would be a given for me to go down. I didn’t. Not even close, really. Goose and I made it through another adventure. I was so happy that I asked the fencepost to take our picture. It was glad to do so.


Our “play-date” is over.

After the ride, I paid a visit to my bike shop supporter, Middle Ring Cycles. It was nice to visit with everyone. I picked up a few of their new and improved t-shirts, and I was on my way. I was back to Charlotte in no time, and I got to enjoy a nice beer. Ah, I wish I had this kind of day off more often.

Medic!

I’ve been taking chances on some of my rides with first aid lately. Now that I am a certified Bike Patroller, I always feel like it’s my obligation to bring along my giant bag o’ first aid crap on every ride, even when I’m not patrolling. I once heard that with great power comes great responsibility or something like that. Damn you Uncle Ben! So now that I volunteer my services for the safety and well-being of trail users, I feel like I am always on duty. I guess I am, since I have this medical training and stuff. I will always lend a hand, even when I am not actively performing my duties as a patroller. I’m just here to help.



So, what’s the purpose of this rant? None really I guess. Don’t we all just ramble once in a while? What was I talking about? Uhhhh, first aid! I said Monday that Lunchbox and I went to the mountains for a ride, but I left out part of the story (as usual.) Again, I didn’t bring along my first aid bag for the ride, but it was in my truck in case we needed it later. There are park rangers all around to help, so who needs my measly little first aid kit?



Well, it turns out that I needed it, albeit not for anything serious. Lunchbox had a small encounter with the sharp pins on his Crank Brothers pedals, so he had a few gashes on his leg. It wasn’t serious, so we waited until we finished our ride and I cleaned him up. He didn’t even want a band-aid. I guess he wanted to show off his injury. That’s my boy!



After this highly complicated medical procedure was completed, I spoke to the patient. I told him, “Be careful. This could get infected and you could lose your leg.” I offered to amputate it right there on the spot to save him the trouble (and costly medical bills from “real” doctors.) He declined, which I imagine was a wise decision. I’ll save the power tools for another time I guess. He was happy that I saved his leg, and he was ready to walk on out of there. Me too. I’m not a doctor, geez.


All smiles after his boo-boo.

So yeah, I guess I take a chance every time I ride without first aid on my back. That doesn’t mean I’m not willing to help. I’ll do what I can. If you’re out on the trail and you see me without my first aid junk, don’t worry. I always have some kind of knife. And that my friends, will fix anything. A wise man once said, “Scars are tattoos with better stories.” I can probably give you a few scars if you want. Let me know.

DISCLAMER: I got stuck working most of the night last night doing a phone system upgrade. While my posts are usually full of mindless babble, this one may have been worse (or better depending on your point of view.) I got home in the wee hours of the morning, and I had only about 3 hours of sleep. By reading today’s post, you will be suffering as I am. Luckily, I have the day off today. I may just take Goose out for some “alone time.” Maybe I should just go back to bed.

Told Ya I Got Skillz (Clinic)

Yep, this one is actually me. While most people celebrate Halloween doing scary things like begging strangers for candy that could be poisoned or laced with razor blades, I prefer scary mountain bike things. I mean, every time I get on my bike there is the possibility that I will scare the crap out of either myself or some random observer. If I don’t frighten you with my super-fast racing ability, I’ll get you with my propensity to crash for no apparent reason. Couple these ridiculous things with the Introduction to Freeride Clinic, and you have one scary Halloween.



First, I would like to thank the Tarheel Trailblazers and Mark from The Cycle Path for putting on this clinic. I attended this clinic last year, and it was great. While I have somewhat mastered most of the skills they teach (yeah, right), Lunchbox and I wanted to support this event and also provide our assistance. This ride is similar to our bi-weekly kids rides, so we wanted to help out the little ones in attendance.



We started out in the grassy field by the parking lot, where the guys had set up some structures. They had a bar set up for bunnyhops, a few jumps, a skinny, and a teeter totter. The adults gave a brief demonstration, and then everyone was given a chance to try each obstacle (with spotters of course.) When it came time to try the teeter, Lunchbox was ready to show everyone how it’s done. He was confident, surprisingly since he went over the bars on the exact same obstacle last year.

Lunchbox likes to play on the seesaw.

We played around on the obstacles for a bit, and then it was onto the trail. The trail at Fisher Farm Park is a little over 4 miles, and the difficulty ranges from Green (easy) to Black Diamond (difficult.) We stopped on the most challenging trail features to assist those that needed assistance (just like on the kids rides.) The trail was a little slick from rain the day before, so some things were a little more difficult than normal. I didn’t get any good photos from the trail, so please, use your imagination.


We had a great time, and no one really got hurt. That’s a good thing, since I didn’t bring my first aid bag along for the ride. I figured that the trail was short enough and I could easily make it out to get the necessary medical supplies if needed. I hope that we can combine the skills clinic with some of our regular kids rides in the future, especially since children are our future. Believe it.

Another Busy Weekend

My weekend started a little early, thanks in part to my job giving me a vacation day, and Lunchbox getting a day off of school. I mentioned last week that Lunchbox and I were headed out to the Kerr Scott Trail System in Wilkesboro, North Carolina on Friday morning. We left pretty early in the morning, and headed up Interstate 77 northbound.


On the road again.

We arrived on the scene at around 10:00 a.m., and had to hit the bathrooms after such a long drive. We changed our clothes, got the bikes ready, and we were ready to hit the Overmountain Victory Trail, one of three trails in the area. It is a six mile out and back trail, and it is full of fast downhills, slow steady climbs, and really fun banked turns. This day was made even better by the beautiful fall colors. The leaves were in full effect.

Trail entrance.


We tried to start out at a slow pace, but that was nearly impossible after the first few minutes. I led the way at first, and I wanted to make sure that Lunchbox didn’t have too much trouble keeping up with his awesome racing dad. He stuck with me for the most part, but I still made sure we took plenty of breaks. This was a fun day on the bikes, not a race. I wanted him to enjoy the trail, and most of all, enjoy riding in the mountains. How else would I get him to ride more of these mountain trails?

So far so good.

There is a loop off of the main trail called Shiner’s Loop, and it has this really neat jump on it. At the risk of being selfish, I asked Lunchbox to take my picture as I hit the jump. I was hoping that I wouldn’t bust my ass while he took a picture. I’m usually “camera shy”, which means I will crash when there are cameras present.

Successful attempt!

The trail was nothing but fun. The singletrack snaked around all of these pretty views, and it was it prime condition. We circled a lake, and we also saw some steep drop offs. Lunchbox enjoyed all of the fast downhills and banked turns. He took everything like a pro.




Lunchbox played cameraman again and got me riding some downhill bank action. Little did he know that I am too fast for film. If it wasn’t for his cat-like reflexes, he wouldn’t have captured my photograph at all.



We hit the halfway point after six miles, and sat for a little bit at a picnic table. We ingested some carbs, checked our equipment and headed out again. On that side of the trail, we saw several small deer, and even some really fat squirrels. It was nice to see nature’s creatures in well, nature. Beautiful fall day, excellent views, and a few critters were the highlights of our day. We took the trail back to the beginning a little faster this time, and it was even more fun. I recalled one crazy drop-in I saw on the way out that I knew I wanted to hit when I came back. Lunchbox positioned himself with the camera, and off I went. It took a few tries to get a good shot, and I still didn’t have a horrific crash. Lunchbox said it would have been cool to film me crashing. He is such a funny kid.


Crazy death drop action.

In all, it was a great day. We left the trail and headed out for some lunch to stuff our faces and talk about our great riding experience. We got back on the road headed for home, but we quickly made a detour. Remember when I said that there was an Amish Paradise in North Carolina? Well, Lunchbox insisted that we stop there for a visit. We made a trip to Shiloh General Store in Hamptonville, NC.

No, there is no website link. Amish people don’t have computers, do they? Well, it wouldn’t surprise me if these ones did. While at the store, we heard the telephone ringing, all while we were standing in an air-conditioned room with tons of electrical amenities. Amish Lies, is what Lunchbox calls this store. I even witnessed a young Amish lady taking out the trash.



They are still traditional Amish people I guess, with their values and stuff. These particular people just liked a little comfort I suppose. As far as I know, they are hard-working people, and they make a nice living working the land and such. Why, just look at this ad I saw on the bulletin board.

Train your way? I wonder what that’s all about.

What an interesting day. We started out the day as gnarly mountain bikers, and ended up in Amish country. Who the hell does all of these things in one day? Welcome to the world of B-43. I told you we were weird. One day you will get it. By then, we will have gotten worse. Tune in tomorrow for more weird junk, if you dare.