Good Morning Palomita,
Hope today is blessed.
Hope today is fun.
Hope today is the day that you get everything you want.
Hope there's many more to come.
May the Creator Bless you and the existence of you on this day.
Too think not that long ago you were born and became a blessing to everyone in your home, Wow.
Happy Birthday my love OFFICIALLY!
LOS
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
ReJuVeNNatIOn: TaTOo HuNtiNg
I take my prep serious.
Just as meticulous as I am in searching for a dirty route to a location, I give the same level of attention to anything I get involved with.
So when It was time to bleed and make a small sacrifice to the creator by ritual body marking, I did some calling ahead and some researching and some prep work.
Ask yourself, without specific knowledge how do you pick a tattoo artist. Do you go by portfolio's? I mean who's to say or prove its even their work? I like to go by the old gangster process of vouching. I want someone to point to them and say, "hey I have seen that guy or been tattooed by that guy and he indeed can put ink into skin safely and with a degree of talent." That is the qualifier I use cause I go into a place and pretty much tell them what I am going to get anyways so their style never really played into what I needed when it came to all my other previous body markings.
So, a couple of days before I spoke with the most tattooed person I know and he recommended a particular guy. I could not get a hold of that guy so I attempted another one he recommended. I called that place asked for that guy, spoke to who I thought was that guy, made an appointment with that guy, showed up on Saturday after much arrangement making to meet up with him only to discover I had been speaking to the wrong guy all along.
OK, NOT super happy about that. We grab our things and walk out.
As we are walking out we stand by the Car WP and I and discuss our options. At this point I am ready to pull the plug, figuring it was just not meant to be, but she recommends that since we are out here lets go around and take a look and some other places, look at portfolios and get a feel for whats out there.
I take her to every place I know in the immediate area, and we stop at places that we just see along the way. She is impressed by some of the art, but at the same time not impressed by the actual shop, found one place that was OK, explored some price quotes. Were moving along and decided to head deeper into the Orlando area towards downtown where there are a couple of more places I am familiar with.
We step into a place Called Axiom tattoo which I have shopped at before when it was called Exotica. And one artist portfolio catches her eye. We start looking, and she likes it and we speak to him tell him our ideas and next thing you know, what we thought was going to be a no go turned into a go. And we are sitting getting tattooed. She had hers done first and then I had mines done and it wasn't till 2am till we left the building.
We called Maggi and met up with him he had just finished a Djing Gig in downtown.
Now I have been downtown plenty of times. Have seen what our economic climate has done for events and holidays. Halloween was extra special and nice this year, Christmas as well, seemed like everyone was more giving and appreciative. BUT, the mood that lingered in the air in downtown Orlando seemed to reek of desperation and the energy in the air was disturbing. As soon as we got out of the car and made our way to the spot to grab a quick bite a huge brawl broke out between 4 guys. They were swinging and kicking for the fences as they were unleashing their rage on one another. Then out of nowhere some guy jumps in to attempt to stop the debacle and he ends up getting clobbered in the face and punched a couple of times. I have no idea why this man felt the need to do that, but I really felt for him and his attempts to play the role of good Samaritan. As everything was going down, Maggii and I had instinctively backed up the Warrior Princess into a doorway, cause honestly we didn't know what was gonna happen with this melee that had ensued in the middle of the street. Eventually it died down and it seemed the only one who suffered most was the poor guy who tried to stop the fight.
Advice to anyone in the future, stay out of it, not worth it, none of your business, leavem be.
O well, eventually we made it home, right before Sunrise, mission accomplished, feeling rejuvenated.
We both now have new Art work upon our Flesh, and I am still contemplating if I should share a pic of it or not. If I do you will see it soon.
Laters,
LOS
Just as meticulous as I am in searching for a dirty route to a location, I give the same level of attention to anything I get involved with.
So when It was time to bleed and make a small sacrifice to the creator by ritual body marking, I did some calling ahead and some researching and some prep work.
Ask yourself, without specific knowledge how do you pick a tattoo artist. Do you go by portfolio's? I mean who's to say or prove its even their work? I like to go by the old gangster process of vouching. I want someone to point to them and say, "hey I have seen that guy or been tattooed by that guy and he indeed can put ink into skin safely and with a degree of talent." That is the qualifier I use cause I go into a place and pretty much tell them what I am going to get anyways so their style never really played into what I needed when it came to all my other previous body markings.
So, a couple of days before I spoke with the most tattooed person I know and he recommended a particular guy. I could not get a hold of that guy so I attempted another one he recommended. I called that place asked for that guy, spoke to who I thought was that guy, made an appointment with that guy, showed up on Saturday after much arrangement making to meet up with him only to discover I had been speaking to the wrong guy all along.
OK, NOT super happy about that. We grab our things and walk out.
As we are walking out we stand by the Car WP and I and discuss our options. At this point I am ready to pull the plug, figuring it was just not meant to be, but she recommends that since we are out here lets go around and take a look and some other places, look at portfolios and get a feel for whats out there.
I take her to every place I know in the immediate area, and we stop at places that we just see along the way. She is impressed by some of the art, but at the same time not impressed by the actual shop, found one place that was OK, explored some price quotes. Were moving along and decided to head deeper into the Orlando area towards downtown where there are a couple of more places I am familiar with.
We step into a place Called Axiom tattoo which I have shopped at before when it was called Exotica. And one artist portfolio catches her eye. We start looking, and she likes it and we speak to him tell him our ideas and next thing you know, what we thought was going to be a no go turned into a go. And we are sitting getting tattooed. She had hers done first and then I had mines done and it wasn't till 2am till we left the building.
We called Maggi and met up with him he had just finished a Djing Gig in downtown.
Now I have been downtown plenty of times. Have seen what our economic climate has done for events and holidays. Halloween was extra special and nice this year, Christmas as well, seemed like everyone was more giving and appreciative. BUT, the mood that lingered in the air in downtown Orlando seemed to reek of desperation and the energy in the air was disturbing. As soon as we got out of the car and made our way to the spot to grab a quick bite a huge brawl broke out between 4 guys. They were swinging and kicking for the fences as they were unleashing their rage on one another. Then out of nowhere some guy jumps in to attempt to stop the debacle and he ends up getting clobbered in the face and punched a couple of times. I have no idea why this man felt the need to do that, but I really felt for him and his attempts to play the role of good Samaritan. As everything was going down, Maggii and I had instinctively backed up the Warrior Princess into a doorway, cause honestly we didn't know what was gonna happen with this melee that had ensued in the middle of the street. Eventually it died down and it seemed the only one who suffered most was the poor guy who tried to stop the fight.
Advice to anyone in the future, stay out of it, not worth it, none of your business, leavem be.
O well, eventually we made it home, right before Sunrise, mission accomplished, feeling rejuvenated.
We both now have new Art work upon our Flesh, and I am still contemplating if I should share a pic of it or not. If I do you will see it soon.
Laters,
LOS
Saturday, March 28, 2009
ReSSureCtIon!
Thats it for now.
Laters,
LOS
Friday, March 27, 2009
BiRtH, ReJuVenAtIOn and ReSuRrection
Spring is about all these things.
And the weekend is going to kick off into a grand plethora of powerful partying.
The Bird is turning the page on another year of Life and I have the honor of being able to help her celebrate this momentous occasion.
Tonight, I will go and resurrect the cross.
Tomorrow Both the Bird and I will ceremoniously Rejuvenate through the fine tradition of Blood Letting Via Tattoos.
And All three days we will Celebrate the Birth that happened awhile ago the Birth of my Soul Mate My princess and Partner Palomita!
May all you all have a kick ass weekend as well, Enjoy, and if your out having a drink, hold one up to the Warrior Princess and drink in her honor!
Laters,
LOS
And the weekend is going to kick off into a grand plethora of powerful partying.
The Bird is turning the page on another year of Life and I have the honor of being able to help her celebrate this momentous occasion.
Tonight, I will go and resurrect the cross.
Tomorrow Both the Bird and I will ceremoniously Rejuvenate through the fine tradition of Blood Letting Via Tattoos.
And All three days we will Celebrate the Birth that happened awhile ago the Birth of my Soul Mate My princess and Partner Palomita!
May all you all have a kick ass weekend as well, Enjoy, and if your out having a drink, hold one up to the Warrior Princess and drink in her honor!
Laters,
LOS
Thursday, March 26, 2009
1 On 1
I have said it before and I will repeat it cause I always found the phrase to really hit home, The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement......
My Hobo Cross tour was part ambition, part practice, part reverence, part ceremony and part therapy.
The past month had been SUPER rough, emotionally. Just lots of challenges and obstacles and growth when it comes to raising and developing the younglings in my life. Kids can be a challenge. There is so much responsibility that falls on parents shoulders and sometimes it makes you wonder if you were truly cut out to handle such a monumental level of responsibility. You do your best and you still second guess if what you thought was your best or a mistake. You get advice, but what makes them experts, cause they read a book, cause they studied with some scientist that don't know shiola about raising a child... Right who truly knows, when it all comes down to it.
I knew what I needed and I have needed it before, I needed some Vision, some spiritual guidance from the forces that propel this universe we exist in: I needed a quest. And I got what I wanted, I learned what I needed and I got exactly what I was looking for, let me elaborate.
Lessons I learned on my 31 hour journey:
1. Never fear to go into the unknown, simply because it is unknown. Sometimes what may seem to appear flat and featureless has tons of beauty inside.
2. Never be afraid to take advice from someone you don't know.(Hobo at paisley)
3. Never be afraid to accept help, sometimes you cant do it all alone.(Chet with is car ride from Marshall swamp to Santos, Lady at Alexander who gave me directions to the store, guy at Alexander who offered me some highly processed, sugar filled food to help my hunger, but still the gesture was beautiful)
4. No matter how impossible the road ahead seems or how hard the challenges get, there are somethings you cant quit on, and I cant quit doing my best as a Father, no matter how hard the road seems.(6 Flats, and I still made Marshall swamp before I ran out of options and even then If I would of had to walk I would have)
5. Stay Flexible, although you may have had a good plan to start with, always have options to lean on too.(my bag adaptions, and the magical rotating rocket launcher bottles, on the road they worked great on the stays, in the trails I had to carry them in my rear pockets)
6.Pay attention, always, sometimes, if something falls off, you cant just leave it behind, sometimes you cant be afraid to go backwards to then be able to go forwards.(unceccessary time trial to retrieve my flat kit, tools, baby wipes, bike lock and spare cell phone batteries and GPS charger)
7.The best things I have in my life cost nothing to spend time with.(the nature and beauty that surrounded me the entire times, the hidden gems that lay within reach of everyone)
When I was done, I finished refocused. I realized I have some ridiculous habits and that I need to spend more time with the people I love. More time with my sons and my wife and less time with my ideas and thoughts. I need to follow my own advice and exist in the moment, MORE. Tomorrow is never promised and the past is gone forever, all we have is NOW.
Day before Yesterday I went outside and for the first time in my life, played a game of 2 on 2 basketball, Naked Indian and Lil Naked Indian VS. Two Neighborhood kids. Lil Naked Indian had never seen me or even knew I could play ball. I think he was surprised by my athleticism. What he doesn't know, is that I have acquired the attitude of a professional athlete. And as a professional athlete, whatever I do I work hard and try to do my best at it. Could be basket weaving or canoeing or hiking, don't matter, but I do my best. I think I impressed him and I had fun. BTW we won.
Laters,
LOS
My Hobo Cross tour was part ambition, part practice, part reverence, part ceremony and part therapy.
The past month had been SUPER rough, emotionally. Just lots of challenges and obstacles and growth when it comes to raising and developing the younglings in my life. Kids can be a challenge. There is so much responsibility that falls on parents shoulders and sometimes it makes you wonder if you were truly cut out to handle such a monumental level of responsibility. You do your best and you still second guess if what you thought was your best or a mistake. You get advice, but what makes them experts, cause they read a book, cause they studied with some scientist that don't know shiola about raising a child... Right who truly knows, when it all comes down to it.
I knew what I needed and I have needed it before, I needed some Vision, some spiritual guidance from the forces that propel this universe we exist in: I needed a quest. And I got what I wanted, I learned what I needed and I got exactly what I was looking for, let me elaborate.
Lessons I learned on my 31 hour journey:
1. Never fear to go into the unknown, simply because it is unknown. Sometimes what may seem to appear flat and featureless has tons of beauty inside.
2. Never be afraid to take advice from someone you don't know.(Hobo at paisley)
3. Never be afraid to accept help, sometimes you cant do it all alone.(Chet with is car ride from Marshall swamp to Santos, Lady at Alexander who gave me directions to the store, guy at Alexander who offered me some highly processed, sugar filled food to help my hunger, but still the gesture was beautiful)
4. No matter how impossible the road ahead seems or how hard the challenges get, there are somethings you cant quit on, and I cant quit doing my best as a Father, no matter how hard the road seems.(6 Flats, and I still made Marshall swamp before I ran out of options and even then If I would of had to walk I would have)
5. Stay Flexible, although you may have had a good plan to start with, always have options to lean on too.(my bag adaptions, and the magical rotating rocket launcher bottles, on the road they worked great on the stays, in the trails I had to carry them in my rear pockets)
6.Pay attention, always, sometimes, if something falls off, you cant just leave it behind, sometimes you cant be afraid to go backwards to then be able to go forwards.(unceccessary time trial to retrieve my flat kit, tools, baby wipes, bike lock and spare cell phone batteries and GPS charger)
7.The best things I have in my life cost nothing to spend time with.(the nature and beauty that surrounded me the entire times, the hidden gems that lay within reach of everyone)
When I was done, I finished refocused. I realized I have some ridiculous habits and that I need to spend more time with the people I love. More time with my sons and my wife and less time with my ideas and thoughts. I need to follow my own advice and exist in the moment, MORE. Tomorrow is never promised and the past is gone forever, all we have is NOW.
Day before Yesterday I went outside and for the first time in my life, played a game of 2 on 2 basketball, Naked Indian and Lil Naked Indian VS. Two Neighborhood kids. Lil Naked Indian had never seen me or even knew I could play ball. I think he was surprised by my athleticism. What he doesn't know, is that I have acquired the attitude of a professional athlete. And as a professional athlete, whatever I do I work hard and try to do my best at it. Could be basket weaving or canoeing or hiking, don't matter, but I do my best. I think I impressed him and I had fun. BTW we won.
Laters,
LOS
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
KoaCh KarLoS KorNeR
Reader writes:
First I want to say that I enjoy reading your blogs. I started off with your entry about riding around the big lake. I have wanted to do that ride ever since but haven't made it down there. I also read about how you went through your weight loss. I definitely need to get some one on one time with you on that. I am 33 and 238 lbs. Which wouldn't be bad I guess if it was muscle. I'm 6'3" so most people say the standard "you don't have to lose any weight" comment but I know that I'm not as healthy as I should be.
Thanks,
Mr. WTGH,
I would be glad to help you anyway you can with the weight loss thing.
Its actually pretty simple.
First I will refer you to this blog, read this and DO IT, you will NEVER REGRET IT. Not only will you lose weight but you will feel better.
Read this, follow it and do it. No matter how hard it is. It will suck at first, but once you get used to it and your body adjust, not only will you feel better but your body will be functioning at its optimal level and the benefits are off the charts. Read it and then reply to me with any and all questions you may have make a list and make your questions count.
I dont eat grains, pastas, sugars or anything processed as a rule.
I eat natural whole foods every chance I can, just as my ancestors did for thousands of years. I am in better shape at 36 then when I was 19.
You can do it too. And I don't ride anymore or any less than I used too, it was all done by following this nutritional plan.
Thanks,
LOS
Thanks,
LOS
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
TuEsDaY
Second day in the week and its already been a crazy week.
Spring officially kicked off on Friday, but I think it kicked off weeks before that.
I am starting to get antsy about several things and peeved and perturbed but Im doing my best not to let it all get to me.
Conversely, some of my stress was greatly relieved this weekend by experiencing some good ole fashion suffering.
Convexly a whole new set of ideas and concerns have popped up.
I wont go too deep into any of them, but I am going to go ahead and give notice.
I keep a list of recommended blogs on the side, quite frankly you all are boring me to all get out. Some of you all have not updated your blogs in weeks or months. I am giving you notice. Update your blog or be evicted from my side bar. You know who you are, takes a minute to do, if your gonna start a blog, either keep up with it or delete it. The last thing I want to do is recommend someone read the same article for 6 months because you never update.
I'm stoked on the little gadget I added that tells me from where in the world people are viewing my blog.
I'm pretty sure all the Indian, Malaysian and Saudi Arabian Hits I got had everything to do with people searching for Naked Indian girls or something. You freaking pervs get a grip, this is not an adult site no where near it. If you want to see naked people, try some of the popular free video sites there are several out there and I would name a few, but I do my best to keep this blog pg13.
Friday, I resurrect the cross, Saturday I celebrate the Warrior Princess Birthday with Dinner and a blood Donation in the form of a new tattoo. Sunday, maybe I can talk the Bird into an Epic, but its her B day and we will do what she wants to do.
More later today or tomorrow... who knows... Im in a mood...
Laters,
LOS
Spring officially kicked off on Friday, but I think it kicked off weeks before that.
I am starting to get antsy about several things and peeved and perturbed but Im doing my best not to let it all get to me.
Conversely, some of my stress was greatly relieved this weekend by experiencing some good ole fashion suffering.
Convexly a whole new set of ideas and concerns have popped up.
I wont go too deep into any of them, but I am going to go ahead and give notice.
I keep a list of recommended blogs on the side, quite frankly you all are boring me to all get out. Some of you all have not updated your blogs in weeks or months. I am giving you notice. Update your blog or be evicted from my side bar. You know who you are, takes a minute to do, if your gonna start a blog, either keep up with it or delete it. The last thing I want to do is recommend someone read the same article for 6 months because you never update.
I'm stoked on the little gadget I added that tells me from where in the world people are viewing my blog.
I'm pretty sure all the Indian, Malaysian and Saudi Arabian Hits I got had everything to do with people searching for Naked Indian girls or something. You freaking pervs get a grip, this is not an adult site no where near it. If you want to see naked people, try some of the popular free video sites there are several out there and I would name a few, but I do my best to keep this blog pg13.
Friday, I resurrect the cross, Saturday I celebrate the Warrior Princess Birthday with Dinner and a blood Donation in the form of a new tattoo. Sunday, maybe I can talk the Bird into an Epic, but its her B day and we will do what she wants to do.
More later today or tomorrow... who knows... Im in a mood...
Laters,
LOS
Monday, March 23, 2009
ThuMbS uP oR ThuMbS DoWn???
Those Irc mythos cross tires really did me well for many miles and its a shame they failed so dramatically this past weekend. Normally when a product fails unreasonably I never go back to it. However, I dont know if thats the case with the mythos. Clearly I rode tons of off road miles with them and raced several six hours with them and lots of road miles and lots of dirt miles and nearly 7 more hours of terrain before they refused to hold air on saturday.
So, do I go for another set or do I give them another try.
I also have been looking at some maxxis raze and some wtb mutanoraptors and some other one they got for 15.95 each at cambria bike but they are 38mm the latter ones that is. I prefer the fattest I can fit. The fire cross pannies I got are 45c and they are too wide and roll really slow on pavement.
So some fast feedback is appreciated. I do listen to the advice given.
Laters,
LOS
So, do I go for another set or do I give them another try.
I also have been looking at some maxxis raze and some wtb mutanoraptors and some other one they got for 15.95 each at cambria bike but they are 38mm the latter ones that is. I prefer the fattest I can fit. The fire cross pannies I got are 45c and they are too wide and roll really slow on pavement.
So some fast feedback is appreciated. I do listen to the advice given.
Laters,
LOS
HoBo CroSS: ThE FinAL WoRd
Well, you know I have been looking at Failure related quotes for the past 24 hours.
Basically they all say the same thing, you can never find success without making an attempt.
My goals were clear, and although, EARLY in the game I climbed deep into a pain cave hole, I kept my professionalism and pushed through to at least my initial goal of Big Buck Camp.
Day 2 was going so nice, and then the unecessary time trial really put things in persepective for me. How important this gear that I am carrying is. I could not leave it behind, I could not just go into Cross Country mode and get it next lap or go ask lost and found after the race. I had to go back right then and get it. And the repeated flats. Wow. Thats a whole nother story. I guess I will chop it up to rookie mistakes. I want to blame the tires, but looking back I blame myself. I did race two 6 hours on those same tires, did numerous off road rides and training rides and commuting miles and I did get them back in 2006??? How long did I really expect them to last. I just didnt expect for the treads failure to be so catastrophic and dramatic. I seriously rolled into Marshall Swamp on my rims and two flat tires. Funny stuff.
Let's hit the Hightlight tape first, I will try to go in order so I can make sure to share all the things I really found to have worked for me well on this trip:
It was nice to be able to test the gear early on the Naked INdian trail and it was nice to be able to ride it out most of the way before I broke left after Lake Monroe park and started climbing the tall bridge out to Sanford.
It was the first Bikepacking trip that I did not pre purchase food and It was interesting to be out there making nutritional decisions on the fly. It is a skill I need to get good at.
It was nice to sit there and drink my coffee and relax, just enjoying the day.
Up to that point the ride had been spectacular and the 15 miles or so after were good as I traversed the Seminole forest I found a good change in the Ecological Fauna and I found some sweet singletrack. I popped out the other side, and after a couple of short calls, I hopped on the road for a bit. It wasnt long before I was back on dirt. Now is when the suffering began, but this is the Highlight reel.
I found it really interesting Once I made the Paisley MTB trailhead to meet an actual Hobo. I mean this dood has been living in the woods since January 5th, he smelled like he had not showered in weeks, but hey, I was on a hobo cross tour and I met an actual hobo.
It was in Paisley that I noticed my H2O deficit issue.
I was happy that once I emerged from Paisley even though I was tired and nauseous from eating nut bars all day long, I still pushed the 4 road miles to the country store. Very proud of myself for keeping it professional.
I was also happy that I remembered the ole roadie newspaper trick and grabbed several copies off the shelf. I bought3 cans of tuna and ate them on the spot, several bags of Jerky and several bags of peanuts. I also got baby wipes and tied it all to my rear pack and hauled ass. At that point I had decided to camp at Big Buck and once again was proud of my professionalism for pushing through anything I had endured in the past c ouple of hours and getting the job done.
Once there, even though I was pretty tired and physically damaged. I still got my stuff together, and took a shower, did laudry, did the fire set up my tent and enjoyed the stars. This is all part of Self Supported touring afterall and its not all Glamourous...
I bought a headband mount for my light and it worked great. When I ride Like this I like to wear my cap cause it keeps the sun off my face better than my helmet or any helmet visor combo can. I am in the works of maybe having a custom cap made that I can wear my helmet, cover my face and not die of heat exhaustion in the process.
When I was rolling my pace was well, modest and honest. Looking at the numbers tells me I was out for a total of 31 hours. I covered 115 miles, and only 10 hours and 10 minutes of that was spent rolling. So, not a bad average speed, considering I was riding Mostly off road the entire way and it was some interesting terrain. I marvel at the hidden jems that lay within our local forest right in our backyard.
I was also proud that I rode that entire distance and I didnt have to look at a map even once!
Finally, I am once again completely amazed by the Carousel Design Rear Pack Jeff made for me. Not only did I use it for its intended use, but I pretty much used it like a rear rack and it took it all, miles and miles of riding and never failed me.
THe Low lights:
I forgot my freaking sunglasses soon as I left the house. I had to buy new ones, no way I could ride the whole way without sunglasses.
Next time its in the 50's at night, I either bring my sleeping bag or think outside the box. In retrospect, when I laid down in Paisley and wrestled with my cramps for 30 minutes, I prolly should of just set up my camp and slept for a couple of hours. Then got up and rode well into the night into the dark. Reason I say that is, cause of the cold I could barely sleep. So I had a pretty restless night. That time could of been better spent ticking the miles away were I would not have been cold riding. Then in the morning when it was warmer I could of squeezed in some sleep under the shade of a tree or something. Now I know for next time.
I am obviously going to purchase some new tires, but I am also going to put some mechanical disc brakes on my cross bike. Its still my road bike and I still am going to need it even after my next build comes in when it comes in. Disc brakes will alow the wheel to get a wallop and me not to have to fiddle or play mechanic. AND it allows me to reroute the cable, as it is, the cantilever brake hanger was forcing my rear pack to sit sideways instead of the way it should have been sitting.
Before I left I remember looking at my Co2's thinking, If I get a flat I only need my pump. I was right, but that didnt account for numerous and repetitive flats. There were so many times I had a co2 cartridge to hit them tires up with air. My arm was dead every time I had to pump up my tires and I had to do it so many times. It was a grueling day.
I definetely tested my nutritional limits as I rode most of Saturday with only300 calories as my fuel. I made it, I was able to survive. But when I got to Santos I could tell my nutritional needs were way on the emaciated side as I could not even pinch an inch of fat on my body. Not a good place to be.
I wish I had my custom frame pack. I would have alot more room. If and when I get my frame pack done, I am going to do the top section seperate compartment then the bottom section. I figure I can use that top section to put a hydration bladder in there instead of carrying it in my pack. I am also looking for a bungee set, that kind of looks like a net, so that next trip I can hobo out my rear pack again. I am going to keep exploring the packless ride style. Although I had my pockets stuffed with stuff, It was still better than the extra weight of a pack. I think... Only way to find out is to keep testing the process. Dont get my wrong I got two back packs that I love, but most people would agree if you could avoid a backpack you would. I came across three hikers that weekend. All of them packed to the hilt. And I kept thinking, wow, I can camp just like them and I dont got to carry as much stuff.
Finally, bringing the cooker next time. There were so many times I needed deep good hot food nutrition and I could not get it. O and Fridays during Lent is not a good day to start a bikepacking trip. My body functions well of Protein. And on Fridays during Lent, I dont eat meat. Ya.. Ok... Im already looking at the Calendar and planning my Hobo Cross Rematch.
Thanks to all the kind messages, comments, text and words, you guys Rock.
Huge thanks to the Warrior Princess who is always there watching over me.
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
Basically they all say the same thing, you can never find success without making an attempt.
My goals were clear, and although, EARLY in the game I climbed deep into a pain cave hole, I kept my professionalism and pushed through to at least my initial goal of Big Buck Camp.
Day 2 was going so nice, and then the unecessary time trial really put things in persepective for me. How important this gear that I am carrying is. I could not leave it behind, I could not just go into Cross Country mode and get it next lap or go ask lost and found after the race. I had to go back right then and get it. And the repeated flats. Wow. Thats a whole nother story. I guess I will chop it up to rookie mistakes. I want to blame the tires, but looking back I blame myself. I did race two 6 hours on those same tires, did numerous off road rides and training rides and commuting miles and I did get them back in 2006??? How long did I really expect them to last. I just didnt expect for the treads failure to be so catastrophic and dramatic. I seriously rolled into Marshall Swamp on my rims and two flat tires. Funny stuff.
Let's hit the Hightlight tape first, I will try to go in order so I can make sure to share all the things I really found to have worked for me well on this trip:
It was nice to be able to test the gear early on the Naked INdian trail and it was nice to be able to ride it out most of the way before I broke left after Lake Monroe park and started climbing the tall bridge out to Sanford.
It was the first Bikepacking trip that I did not pre purchase food and It was interesting to be out there making nutritional decisions on the fly. It is a skill I need to get good at.
It was nice to sit there and drink my coffee and relax, just enjoying the day.
Up to that point the ride had been spectacular and the 15 miles or so after were good as I traversed the Seminole forest I found a good change in the Ecological Fauna and I found some sweet singletrack. I popped out the other side, and after a couple of short calls, I hopped on the road for a bit. It wasnt long before I was back on dirt. Now is when the suffering began, but this is the Highlight reel.
I found it really interesting Once I made the Paisley MTB trailhead to meet an actual Hobo. I mean this dood has been living in the woods since January 5th, he smelled like he had not showered in weeks, but hey, I was on a hobo cross tour and I met an actual hobo.
It was in Paisley that I noticed my H2O deficit issue.
I was happy that once I emerged from Paisley even though I was tired and nauseous from eating nut bars all day long, I still pushed the 4 road miles to the country store. Very proud of myself for keeping it professional.
I was also happy that I remembered the ole roadie newspaper trick and grabbed several copies off the shelf. I bought3 cans of tuna and ate them on the spot, several bags of Jerky and several bags of peanuts. I also got baby wipes and tied it all to my rear pack and hauled ass. At that point I had decided to camp at Big Buck and once again was proud of my professionalism for pushing through anything I had endured in the past c ouple of hours and getting the job done.
Once there, even though I was pretty tired and physically damaged. I still got my stuff together, and took a shower, did laudry, did the fire set up my tent and enjoyed the stars. This is all part of Self Supported touring afterall and its not all Glamourous...
I bought a headband mount for my light and it worked great. When I ride Like this I like to wear my cap cause it keeps the sun off my face better than my helmet or any helmet visor combo can. I am in the works of maybe having a custom cap made that I can wear my helmet, cover my face and not die of heat exhaustion in the process.
When I was rolling my pace was well, modest and honest. Looking at the numbers tells me I was out for a total of 31 hours. I covered 115 miles, and only 10 hours and 10 minutes of that was spent rolling. So, not a bad average speed, considering I was riding Mostly off road the entire way and it was some interesting terrain. I marvel at the hidden jems that lay within our local forest right in our backyard.
I was also proud that I rode that entire distance and I didnt have to look at a map even once!
Finally, I am once again completely amazed by the Carousel Design Rear Pack Jeff made for me. Not only did I use it for its intended use, but I pretty much used it like a rear rack and it took it all, miles and miles of riding and never failed me.
THe Low lights:
I forgot my freaking sunglasses soon as I left the house. I had to buy new ones, no way I could ride the whole way without sunglasses.
Next time its in the 50's at night, I either bring my sleeping bag or think outside the box. In retrospect, when I laid down in Paisley and wrestled with my cramps for 30 minutes, I prolly should of just set up my camp and slept for a couple of hours. Then got up and rode well into the night into the dark. Reason I say that is, cause of the cold I could barely sleep. So I had a pretty restless night. That time could of been better spent ticking the miles away were I would not have been cold riding. Then in the morning when it was warmer I could of squeezed in some sleep under the shade of a tree or something. Now I know for next time.
I am obviously going to purchase some new tires, but I am also going to put some mechanical disc brakes on my cross bike. Its still my road bike and I still am going to need it even after my next build comes in when it comes in. Disc brakes will alow the wheel to get a wallop and me not to have to fiddle or play mechanic. AND it allows me to reroute the cable, as it is, the cantilever brake hanger was forcing my rear pack to sit sideways instead of the way it should have been sitting.
Before I left I remember looking at my Co2's thinking, If I get a flat I only need my pump. I was right, but that didnt account for numerous and repetitive flats. There were so many times I had a co2 cartridge to hit them tires up with air. My arm was dead every time I had to pump up my tires and I had to do it so many times. It was a grueling day.
I definetely tested my nutritional limits as I rode most of Saturday with only300 calories as my fuel. I made it, I was able to survive. But when I got to Santos I could tell my nutritional needs were way on the emaciated side as I could not even pinch an inch of fat on my body. Not a good place to be.
I wish I had my custom frame pack. I would have alot more room. If and when I get my frame pack done, I am going to do the top section seperate compartment then the bottom section. I figure I can use that top section to put a hydration bladder in there instead of carrying it in my pack. I am also looking for a bungee set, that kind of looks like a net, so that next trip I can hobo out my rear pack again. I am going to keep exploring the packless ride style. Although I had my pockets stuffed with stuff, It was still better than the extra weight of a pack. I think... Only way to find out is to keep testing the process. Dont get my wrong I got two back packs that I love, but most people would agree if you could avoid a backpack you would. I came across three hikers that weekend. All of them packed to the hilt. And I kept thinking, wow, I can camp just like them and I dont got to carry as much stuff.
Finally, bringing the cooker next time. There were so many times I needed deep good hot food nutrition and I could not get it. O and Fridays during Lent is not a good day to start a bikepacking trip. My body functions well of Protein. And on Fridays during Lent, I dont eat meat. Ya.. Ok... Im already looking at the Calendar and planning my Hobo Cross Rematch.
Thanks to all the kind messages, comments, text and words, you guys Rock.
Huge thanks to the Warrior Princess who is always there watching over me.
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Its over. After 115 miles and 6 flats I have pulled the plugg. Even if I would have scored 2 new cross tires and four tubes (of which the odds are not good to begin with) Since it took me so miserably long cause the mechanicals the time table was destroyed. I made Santos thanks to a kind Stranger named Chet. Walked my double flatted cross in and met up with Harvey. Scored some food from a vendor and I was instantly feeling better about the demolished status of my Hobo Cross.
More tomorrow gonna go mingle while I wait for my ride.
Laters LOS
HoBo CroSs Is It Over?!?
Life sucks...need 4 tubes and two cross tires and a ride to Santos. At Marshall Swamp now.
HoBo CrOss flattties fit fine
picture says all the words. pretty much ready to pull the plugg. but imma make santos first I hope.
Hobo CroSs Unecessary Time TriAl and Flatti Patties....
At this point Croom seems so far away. I left camp all was going well. Legs felt a bit mushy but I got into a flow on some sweet singletrack and was having a nice time of it. I notice 3 miles later that some of the items on my rear pack were missing. So I turn around and ride time trial pace with the hopes of getting it before someone else does. It ended up being right back where I started. Rode 10 more mile and got a flat. YiPeeee!!! Done fixing that, gonna dip my feet in the Oklawahhaa river and see what the spirits advise me on next. Croom seems so distant at the moment... In the meantime I need to get out this forest!!
Laters.
LOS
ShRed,
LOS
Friday, March 20, 2009
hObO cRoSs UpDate...Hungry and abused.
The last 20 miles have been pretty grueling. Long wash board dirt road followed by 11 miles of rutted sandy singletrack. I got caught up once again While crossing the Seminole Forest and got behind the eight ball on hydration, I rested in the forest drank most of my water and wrestled with cramps in my thighs, hands and back. Got to Alexander springs and had to pit stope to refill my bottles. My body is literally sick of the nut bars and I was craving real food. headed to the park with high hopes of a store. Lady told me it was close d but there was a country store down the road. Being as hungry as I am I went for it. I got here restocked on food and got supplies. Looks like Making Santos may be a tall order. So imma head to bigbuck and set up camp. They got a fire ring there so i will be able to make a fire and do some laundry. I stuffed my shirt with newspaper to get warms...Lol...will try and uodate later if not it will be in the morning.
shred.
LOS
shred.
LOS
HobO croSS upDate In Ocala National forest.
Made The paisley Mtb trailhead. 51 miles into it. About 11 miles of my est mileage but I am now in the forest. Met a hiker at the trailhead and we chatted a lil bit. Seems he has been out here since January 5th. So far so good. Gonna rest for a minute, try to estimate the distance I got left, then roll out. I need a lil break.
Laters,
LOS
HobO croSS find #2 lil cReeK
LOS
HobO croSs trail find one: a shelter.
LatersLos
HoBo croSs xocaltl and eSspReSso
stay tuned.
shred..
LOS
Hobo croSS RoLLs
LatersLos
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
HoBo CroSS PhAsE TwO
I have adopted a slightly different strategy this time around. I packed an extra set of cycling gear cause I don't want to get cheek sores like I did the last time. What you see here is all the clothes I am taking on the ride. I plan one day to wash some clothes and dry it next to the fire so everyday I got fresh clothing.
Now I took all that clothes, which was 2 shorts, 2 shirts and 2 pairs of socks and packed it neatly into my Custom Carousel Design Rear pack.
Now because I cannot use my Custom Carousel Design front pack this time around I have to either carry my hammock on my back or carry it in the rear pack. I chose the rear pack, since the point of this trip is no back pack.
And here it all is in my rear pack. Go ahead and envy, you should.
Now here it all is. What you see is my blanket, which is all I will sleep with, and my waterproof stuff sack. Since I am sleeping in my hammock there is no room for my gear. So That bag unfolds into a gigantic stuff sack that I can put all my stuff in while I sleep and put it under my tarp or under my hammock to keep it dry.
Now here is the bike. Fully loaded, minus the bottles and the midpack being filled, but the packs are still on there. I rode it around and it handles great.
Total Hobo party going on. I had to use bungees to make sure and keep the stuff sack and blanket tight to the pack while riding so it wont rub the rear tire.
And finally a Samurai never travels without his sword. Its all ready to go, there is zero pedal interfarance. It is noticeably a heavier bike now, but I am touring not stunting and I think once I get her up to speed she will roll like a champ.Day one will be Santos Or Bust or Maybe not, it is the Equinox that day so Maybe my spirit will request that I sit by the lake for the night or maybe my spirit will request the company of other humans, we will just have to wait and see what happens. Come 9am Friday I am on the road again, keep your eyes on the blog as I will BRING BACK THE VIDEO UPDATES~!~~
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
KoAcH KaRLoS' KoRnEr
Karlos,
I seem to remember reading on several post that you and your family go out and do rides together. Some of them even in the 20 to 30 mile range. How the heck do you get a 8yr old to ride 30 miles?
Thanks,
Wanting to ride with the kids.
Hey WTWTK,
There are several important things to consider when it comes to your kids and getting them to ride:
1. Get them on the biggest wheels you can and the lightest bike you can. Those 24 inch geared bikes are cool in theory but they weigh a ton. Specialized makes 13 inch frame 26 inch bikes. With a modified seatpost and a super short stem you can get your kid on there fitted pretty well. Chances are your sons 7 speed 24 inch MTB bike weighs more than your full sized 27 speed geared bike. I tell you what, you ride that thing around the trail and you will most likely want to shoot yourself before the day is done.
2.Get them the proper gear. Bike shirt and shorts and a good seat, there little asses will hurt just like yours. Performance will sometimes have good kid selections, for tiny little bodies. In Orlando I know Orange cycle would sometimes have tiny clothing in stock.
3. Plan the route. Spice it up with playgrounds, swimming holes, Ice cream the movies and pizza. Make a tour of it, break it up and you will be surprised how far they will ride.
4. Encouragement. Always encourage them and teach them safety, kids can love cycling as long as you show them that it can be a lovely experience.
Best of all have fun.
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
BiKePackAcroSSFLoRIdeR
This weekend I got a mission planned.
My departure time is not set in stone. The route is pretty firm though and the distance estimates put this trip at close to 300 miles. It will be the longest mileage I will do in a single weekend, but its what needs to happen to get me to the point where I can be prepared to do the GDR in 2010.
The plan is to cover ground from my house to Big Buck Lake Group Camp estimated 80 miles with a whole new strategy and plan to get there. I'm pretty excited about the route and hope it turns out to be butter smooth, dirty and pretty. Once I get there I will set up and hunker down for the night, hopefully I can get there early enough to watch the Sunset and hit the sack early to rise early and ride to Santos.
Once At Santos I plan to ride the system out towards the Pruitt Memorial, past the Memorial down Thunderbolt Alley, hang a left on some unknown road that will dump me onto SR 200. At that point I will head towards the Citrus trail head of the withlacoochee. Once on the Withlacoochee I will descend towards croom, eventually reaching Croom road and heading up towards Tucker Hill where I will camp for the night, Estimated 120 miles.
On Sunday when I get up, I will take the Withlacoochee out to SR 50 and head East towards Clermont. Once At Clermont I take the Lake Minneola Scenic Trail to the South Lake Trail to the West Orange Trail to Apopka. Once in Apopka I ride through Erroll Estates out to Longwood where I take the Seminole Wekiva trail back towards Sanford and take the 415 BAckdoor home to Osteen (estimated 100 to 120 miles).
This is the Benefit of a Blog, I can tell the entire world essentially where I will be and everyone knows the route. Here is the cool part. The Fat tire Festival is going on in Santos and the Clean Air Century is going on in the Withlacoochee giving me plenty of opportunities to draft and see people and talk and make friends alogn the way. Should be a good weekend.
Here is the Kicker. I plan to go Super Light. No backpack, no front pack(cross bike wont fit it) Just my rear pack and my small frame pack. Bare Bones. LOL, wait for the pics I got a real hobo look going on with the bike at the moment. No cooking this trip. I plan to treat it like a mini GDR and have strategically planned my refuel spots for food and water.
Stop 1 Heathrow for food and water refill and a Large Latte.
Stop 2 Santos for food and water refill.
Stop 3 If needed near the Citrus Trail head on the Withlacoochee.
Stop 4 Nobleton for a big restock before hitting croom and the unknown stretch to Clermont on Sunday.
Stop 5 Anywhere I need to stop on my way out of town to eat or restock as I expect there to be several towns and stores between Ridge Manor and Clermont. Once on this portion of the route its all as needed as I will be back in Civilization.
My other only dilema is music. I tend to use the music when on the road, I hate to hear cars repeatedly buzzing by. Afte trying numerous different music methods I found my skull candy ole school headphones and they kick ass, BUT, I cant wear a helmet with them. I went with just a hat on Saturday and I loved the Freedom and Frankly I am touring not stunt riding and even the last trip I forgoed my helmet on many occassions. I believe in the importance of skull protection but at the same time, If I get to a point I dont wanna wear it I have no real place to secure it.
So, Helmet or no Helmet? Leave the skull candies at home. Take two different music phones, one I can wear while riding and tape into my ear and then the skull candies when I make camp. Buy one of those kick ass helmets with surround sound built in. Forget the whole thing? I dont even know...
This is whats on my mind on a Tuesday morning....
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
My departure time is not set in stone. The route is pretty firm though and the distance estimates put this trip at close to 300 miles. It will be the longest mileage I will do in a single weekend, but its what needs to happen to get me to the point where I can be prepared to do the GDR in 2010.
The plan is to cover ground from my house to Big Buck Lake Group Camp estimated 80 miles with a whole new strategy and plan to get there. I'm pretty excited about the route and hope it turns out to be butter smooth, dirty and pretty. Once I get there I will set up and hunker down for the night, hopefully I can get there early enough to watch the Sunset and hit the sack early to rise early and ride to Santos.
Once At Santos I plan to ride the system out towards the Pruitt Memorial, past the Memorial down Thunderbolt Alley, hang a left on some unknown road that will dump me onto SR 200. At that point I will head towards the Citrus trail head of the withlacoochee. Once on the Withlacoochee I will descend towards croom, eventually reaching Croom road and heading up towards Tucker Hill where I will camp for the night, Estimated 120 miles.
On Sunday when I get up, I will take the Withlacoochee out to SR 50 and head East towards Clermont. Once At Clermont I take the Lake Minneola Scenic Trail to the South Lake Trail to the West Orange Trail to Apopka. Once in Apopka I ride through Erroll Estates out to Longwood where I take the Seminole Wekiva trail back towards Sanford and take the 415 BAckdoor home to Osteen (estimated 100 to 120 miles).
This is the Benefit of a Blog, I can tell the entire world essentially where I will be and everyone knows the route. Here is the cool part. The Fat tire Festival is going on in Santos and the Clean Air Century is going on in the Withlacoochee giving me plenty of opportunities to draft and see people and talk and make friends alogn the way. Should be a good weekend.
Here is the Kicker. I plan to go Super Light. No backpack, no front pack(cross bike wont fit it) Just my rear pack and my small frame pack. Bare Bones. LOL, wait for the pics I got a real hobo look going on with the bike at the moment. No cooking this trip. I plan to treat it like a mini GDR and have strategically planned my refuel spots for food and water.
Stop 1 Heathrow for food and water refill and a Large Latte.
Stop 2 Santos for food and water refill.
Stop 3 If needed near the Citrus Trail head on the Withlacoochee.
Stop 4 Nobleton for a big restock before hitting croom and the unknown stretch to Clermont on Sunday.
Stop 5 Anywhere I need to stop on my way out of town to eat or restock as I expect there to be several towns and stores between Ridge Manor and Clermont. Once on this portion of the route its all as needed as I will be back in Civilization.
My other only dilema is music. I tend to use the music when on the road, I hate to hear cars repeatedly buzzing by. Afte trying numerous different music methods I found my skull candy ole school headphones and they kick ass, BUT, I cant wear a helmet with them. I went with just a hat on Saturday and I loved the Freedom and Frankly I am touring not stunt riding and even the last trip I forgoed my helmet on many occassions. I believe in the importance of skull protection but at the same time, If I get to a point I dont wanna wear it I have no real place to secure it.
So, Helmet or no Helmet? Leave the skull candies at home. Take two different music phones, one I can wear while riding and tape into my ear and then the skull candies when I make camp. Buy one of those kick ass helmets with surround sound built in. Forget the whole thing? I dont even know...
This is whats on my mind on a Tuesday morning....
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
Monday, March 16, 2009
LeAd FoLLoW Or GeT ThE HeLL OuT oF ThE WaY!!!
Update: I got 8 followers now... 2 more and the ridiculous widget goes up on the sidebar!
I Just noticed I got a new follower. All the way from England. Pretty cool!
I want more people to follow.
Why not.
I will make a deal. I get ten followers I will add the doggone widget to my sidebar. Lets see if that makes me get more followers.
Thats it, carry on...
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
I Just noticed I got a new follower. All the way from England. Pretty cool!
I want more people to follow.
Why not.
I will make a deal. I get ten followers I will add the doggone widget to my sidebar. Lets see if that makes me get more followers.
Thats it, carry on...
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
PaCKLeSS!!
It's almost mission impossible to do a bikepacking trip without a back pack.
But, I have been meticulously playing with set ups and planning to eliminate the back pack for this next trip.
I just liked how this past Saturday I felt riding with out a back pack and I want to play and experiment.
These times where I practice is the safest touring I can do cause I can always call the Bird and get bailed out, so I have Ideal opportunities to experiment.
I think I almost got it and I am sure if I had my Custom Frame Pack I could do it, no brainer.
I have to add to water bottle holders to my seat stays and that will give me four bottles on the bike, more than enough considering I will encounter water sources every 2o to 30 miles.
I also plan to stop more frequently to restock on food so as not to carry as much.
What I wanna hear some feedback on is cooking... Should I leave the cookware at home for this trip?
Its not heavy, but it is taking up space. I am doing about 300 miles over 2.5 days so I may not even have too much time to sit and warm up some food. There will be options along the way and on Night 2 is where I will be most remote, I could just cook over a fire?
These are the things I am pondering on a Monday morning..
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
But, I have been meticulously playing with set ups and planning to eliminate the back pack for this next trip.
I just liked how this past Saturday I felt riding with out a back pack and I want to play and experiment.
These times where I practice is the safest touring I can do cause I can always call the Bird and get bailed out, so I have Ideal opportunities to experiment.
I think I almost got it and I am sure if I had my Custom Frame Pack I could do it, no brainer.
I have to add to water bottle holders to my seat stays and that will give me four bottles on the bike, more than enough considering I will encounter water sources every 2o to 30 miles.
I also plan to stop more frequently to restock on food so as not to carry as much.
What I wanna hear some feedback on is cooking... Should I leave the cookware at home for this trip?
Its not heavy, but it is taking up space. I am doing about 300 miles over 2.5 days so I may not even have too much time to sit and warm up some food. There will be options along the way and on Night 2 is where I will be most remote, I could just cook over a fire?
These are the things I am pondering on a Monday morning..
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
Sunday, March 15, 2009
ImSoLucKy
To have the blessing of a bicycle.
Yesterday I got up, packed up the Cross bike that I had meticulously set up to go bike packing and exploring with and rolled out the door.
Rolled 2 hours later than I wanted to and boy its always hard to leave The Princess, but she had a place to go to and I figured waste not what not.
Took me 24 miles before I reached the spot where my adventure would begin.
Didnt take long to find the spot where I had made the wrong turn before. And before I knew it I was navigating. Im riding and riding, and taking what I thought was the right direction.
I come across forest vehicles and found a super nice spot by the river where someone was boating and barbecuing. And after a couple of more miles, I accessed the GPS to see where the closest spot was and bam, I was back wherre I started. Did a nice big circle. So attempt one was a fail, but I had a plan B.
I rode the forest road back to CR 42 and made my way towards Deerhaven Road. Got on Deerhaven road, found the spot I missed, where I should have come out of
If my plan had worked, and continued to ride some of the sweetest clay hardpacked dirt road I have ridden all day. Eventually it turned to Sugar Sand and the Hike a bike fun began. All in all, combined with my first little attempt and then the traverse across lord knows where I hiked a good 3 miles that day. Its all good though, 3 miles of hiking is only one hour of walking, could be much worst. I eventually popped out on a good forest road, and once again, made the wrong choice and turned left only to pop out on CR 42 again. What I had wanted to do was pop out on Paisley road and then continue North to the End of the Alexander Springs MTB trail and then take that back to the lot and then jump on the road to Deland.
Well, I was done by that point, frustrated and out of time, so I continued up the road stopped a the store and refueled on water and rode back into Deland. By this time The Bird was done with her activity and we met up and rolled to Apopka. Spent the evening watching my very first comedy show and reading magazines a Borders. Not such a bad day, 50 plus something miles, and a little closer to solving the riddle.
At least now I found a good spot to enjoy the river, I rode some cool jeep roads back there and I am confident with the new info that I can navigate my way out of that place over to Deer haven road and make the dirt connection. The Question is, do I want to hike that stuff again? I was on my cross bike and the narrower tires make the sandy sandy alot harder than my 29er would, I would love to see that section when its not dry, still, I would rather be hiking on a Quiet forest road, then riding on the road being buzzed by cars every second.
Regardless, the dream is to get to Paisley via dirt road and Mission has been accomplished. Funny part is I didnt even have to leave my house, a little bit of common sense and Internet research provided me the answer and next weekend I will test it out.
The bike worked great and I really enjoyed the heck out of it. The saddle I got off the War Machine is much better than what I had previously on there, I was comfortable and the thing was flying on road and off road. Also a lil video I watched on the net on how to best set up cyclocross bars was a HUGE help. Im thinking hard about next trip on how to make myself even lighter. I may skip the cookware,(MAY), I may mount an extra watter bottle holder and plan my water refuelings accordingly. I did 50 miles in some good heat with only needing to refuel both bottles at mile 45. Three big bottles should do me well. This of course all hinges on how the bottles fit after I put the Jannd Frame pack on the bike. Cause if I cant fit the Frame bag and the bottles, then this is a moot point and its back to doing this ride with a pack.
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
Yesterday I got up, packed up the Cross bike that I had meticulously set up to go bike packing and exploring with and rolled out the door.
Rolled 2 hours later than I wanted to and boy its always hard to leave The Princess, but she had a place to go to and I figured waste not what not.
Took me 24 miles before I reached the spot where my adventure would begin.
Didnt take long to find the spot where I had made the wrong turn before. And before I knew it I was navigating. Im riding and riding, and taking what I thought was the right direction.
I come across forest vehicles and found a super nice spot by the river where someone was boating and barbecuing. And after a couple of more miles, I accessed the GPS to see where the closest spot was and bam, I was back wherre I started. Did a nice big circle. So attempt one was a fail, but I had a plan B.I rode the forest road back to CR 42 and made my way towards Deerhaven Road. Got on Deerhaven road, found the spot I missed, where I should have come out of
If my plan had worked, and continued to ride some of the sweetest clay hardpacked dirt road I have ridden all day. Eventually it turned to Sugar Sand and the Hike a bike fun began. All in all, combined with my first little attempt and then the traverse across lord knows where I hiked a good 3 miles that day. Its all good though, 3 miles of hiking is only one hour of walking, could be much worst. I eventually popped out on a good forest road, and once again, made the wrong choice and turned left only to pop out on CR 42 again. What I had wanted to do was pop out on Paisley road and then continue North to the End of the Alexander Springs MTB trail and then take that back to the lot and then jump on the road to Deland.Well, I was done by that point, frustrated and out of time, so I continued up the road stopped a the store and refueled on water and rode back into Deland. By this time The Bird was done with her activity and we met up and rolled to Apopka. Spent the evening watching my very first comedy show and reading magazines a Borders. Not such a bad day, 50 plus something miles, and a little closer to solving the riddle.
At least now I found a good spot to enjoy the river, I rode some cool jeep roads back there and I am confident with the new info that I can navigate my way out of that place over to Deer haven road and make the dirt connection. The Question is, do I want to hike that stuff again? I was on my cross bike and the narrower tires make the sandy sandy alot harder than my 29er would, I would love to see that section when its not dry, still, I would rather be hiking on a Quiet forest road, then riding on the road being buzzed by cars every second.
Regardless, the dream is to get to Paisley via dirt road and Mission has been accomplished. Funny part is I didnt even have to leave my house, a little bit of common sense and Internet research provided me the answer and next weekend I will test it out.
The bike worked great and I really enjoyed the heck out of it. The saddle I got off the War Machine is much better than what I had previously on there, I was comfortable and the thing was flying on road and off road. Also a lil video I watched on the net on how to best set up cyclocross bars was a HUGE help. Im thinking hard about next trip on how to make myself even lighter. I may skip the cookware,(MAY), I may mount an extra watter bottle holder and plan my water refuelings accordingly. I did 50 miles in some good heat with only needing to refuel both bottles at mile 45. Three big bottles should do me well. This of course all hinges on how the bottles fit after I put the Jannd Frame pack on the bike. Cause if I cant fit the Frame bag and the bottles, then this is a moot point and its back to doing this ride with a pack.
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
Friday, March 13, 2009
PuBliC SerVice AnNouNceMent
For those who dont know, I am a big anti grain and sugar proponent.
For those of you who wonder why.
Read this.
One of many reasons why the typical American Diet is a diet directly created to make the Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies rich, and you fat and sick.
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
For those of you who wonder why.
Read this.
One of many reasons why the typical American Diet is a diet directly created to make the Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies rich, and you fat and sick.
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
TrAnSfOrM!!!
The thing I love about 29ers and my cross bike
is that they are so versatile. For example, I still have not received my magical frame to build the GDR bike, and I don't want to take the Fixed Black apart and make it geared, so instead, I'm taking the skinnies off my cross and putting the fatties back on. Switch the stem around, put either Cross bars, or Moustache bars If I got them here in time and presto, I got a capable bikepacking off road machine. 
Seems fitting since the next route I take will have a fair amount of pavement, should help me make some time having the smaller cogs and bigger rings. My next bike packing trip will take me from my house to Croom and then back home, riding across Santos in the process. The interesting part of that trip will be the new nutrition strategy I plan to test since there will be plenty of refueling opps along the way. BUT, I want to find the dirt road from St. Francis to Paisley, so tomorrow morning, for a test run I plan to take the cross out just to see if I can finally connect the satellite lines and find what I tried to find a couple of weekends ago. Should be fun, but a long trip and I only got a couple of hours tomorrow to do it. 
I also put my seat and my post from the war machine on to the cross since that seat is a lot more comfortable then the one that was on the bike now. Should be a good time, I will let you know how it went.
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
KoAcH KaRLoS' KoRnEr
Karlos,
I am a Cross country racer. Been doing it for a couple of years, but I can never seem to get in front and run with the fastest of the bunch. I almost feel like I am wasting my time training, cause as soon as I get on the the start line, I know that they guys who are winning are too fast for me to hang with. Got any idea for helping me get in the lead group.
Thanks,
Middle Pack mentality
MPM,
Although I don't race the short races, it was at one point my Obsession. I do know a thing or two about it.
1. All XC racers that train hard have about the same speed and capability.
2. It doesn't matter if your fast or slow if the guy is in front of you, he will always seem to be going faster.
3. The sprint at the start is the key to winning the race, go as hard as you can, and catch your breath later.
What ultimately got me on the podium when racing the short race, was a change in mental attitude. For years I had the same mentality as you that I could NEVER get in the Lead group.
And for years I never did. Then my wife, introduced me to a book and I recommend you or anyone read it for that matter. The Four agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I would sit here in detail and tell you all about it, but that would defeat the purpose. Read that book. I read that book, and made the podium and got overall awards after racing bicycles for YEARS. All it took was a mental shift, and maybe that is all you need as well.
Thanks,
Karlos
If you have any or desire any advice on any subject, I assure you I am no expert but I will gladly give you some. Email me at Nakedindian99 at aol dot com.
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
I am a Cross country racer. Been doing it for a couple of years, but I can never seem to get in front and run with the fastest of the bunch. I almost feel like I am wasting my time training, cause as soon as I get on the the start line, I know that they guys who are winning are too fast for me to hang with. Got any idea for helping me get in the lead group.
Thanks,
Middle Pack mentality
MPM,
Although I don't race the short races, it was at one point my Obsession. I do know a thing or two about it.
1. All XC racers that train hard have about the same speed and capability.
2. It doesn't matter if your fast or slow if the guy is in front of you, he will always seem to be going faster.
3. The sprint at the start is the key to winning the race, go as hard as you can, and catch your breath later.
What ultimately got me on the podium when racing the short race, was a change in mental attitude. For years I had the same mentality as you that I could NEVER get in the Lead group.
And for years I never did. Then my wife, introduced me to a book and I recommend you or anyone read it for that matter. The Four agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I would sit here in detail and tell you all about it, but that would defeat the purpose. Read that book. I read that book, and made the podium and got overall awards after racing bicycles for YEARS. All it took was a mental shift, and maybe that is all you need as well.
Thanks,
Karlos
If you have any or desire any advice on any subject, I assure you I am no expert but I will gladly give you some. Email me at Nakedindian99 at aol dot com.
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
AnD So It BeGinS...
Post one of a long series of post to come for the SSAR write up. As I post pics and photos I will follow with commentary.
FOr starters my file of pics.
Friday night we headed up a day early, seemed like the smart thing to do since we were starting crazy early the next day. We got there to find a nice surprise as Sand Pine had set everything up. We threw up our tent and got busy hanging out as participants slowly trickled in to camp and hang out. After attending the Double Dare Last Ocotober in Pisgah Forest, I was inspired. All the other places have races that we just dont get into this far down south and I think its a travesty. My mission is to add more fun and more dynamics to the types of races that Floridians can participate in, thus the SSAR was put together and put on. Admittedly inspired by Eric Wever and the Double Dare, with its own distinct differances.
Team Jenkem: Mike Kanning and Jonathan Stewart. 2nd placeThe start was a 24 to 34 mile time trial with the only rule being that you had to stay on single track. Teams started 2 minutes apart and were pulled radomnly from a hat. I had Teams Flaking right up to the last minute, thankfully we had 5 teams, so we at least had 1o competitors, a team was put together that very morning. In retrospect I made it too easy this race, next one I guarantee will be alot harder.
Team Speedy Turtles: Kevin and Bill Hoover 5th place
Team Ebony and Ivory Morrison Carbolinas and Robert Roberts, time trial winners with 24.1 miles covered in 2 hours and 1 min. 3rd place
Team Acid Police Cristian Arroyo and Dave Ruckstuhl 4th place.
Team Bad Ass Mother F****** Brett Wycoff and David Hawkins 1st place, overall winners.
Pruitt memorial is beautiful and it was the perfect place to meet up with the racers to distribute the checkpoints and for their special test.
Sand Pine, assistant and race hound.
The man the myth the legend. 
Treadlight rolling in, looking good, Brother rode strong all day.
Robert Roberts, I expected him to get here first since he is the one who showed me this place existed.
The challenge was to drink 5 beers in ten minutes OR hit a can on the other side of the circle with three throws. Number one Rule of MTB adventure racing is to drink for the point. Warrior Princess was the only person that day to hit the can. Took her only 42 tries.
Only two teams eared the beer points. Acid Police and Team Jenkem. Because they got there second on the Time Trial and they got the point for drinking, Team Jenkem was in First place for most of the day.
He actually hit the rock right below the can, very, very close, but NO POINT.
In the spirit of adventure, there extreme creativity was rewarded with a victory. The original clay mountain we called the wall was closed off. But there was another freeride wall there, and they conjured up the cojones to ride down it. As the race promoter and only judge I felt that truly embodied the spirit of the game. Not settling for a close off, but instead finding a wall to ride down close to the described location. The other point they managed to get had to do with the 49th ave trail sign, that could not be found. As well the checkpoint sheet said 49th st, a typo. So, the team rode to the trail head and found a green and white lettered sign that said 49th avenue, I had to award the point for goinng above and beyond and finding the closest thing to what was on the sheet. Congrats guys!I had a lot of fun watching and seeing everyone enjoying the fun and adventure. All this and the race was free. Maybe one day I may have to start charging, but these days, its this type of event that brings us together to enjoy a fun format and adventure on a budget.
Enjoy,
Laters,
LOS
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