Want to go?
Ever wanted to feel like a Kid again.
Ever wanted to just be on the road, feel the wind at your face and at your back. Riding thru various forest, foraging rivers, camping under the stars.
Ever want to ride dirty but cover a far distance and avoiding the open roads as much as possible?
Then My upcoming tour is perfect for you.
It will be personally guided by me, the Infamous Naked Indian. It will cover plenty of miles. It will be extremely adventurous and fun and it will be all wrapped up by Sunday afternoon.
We are starting at Croom and ending at Croom, crossing 20 or so towns, 7 or so forest and conservation areas, and most of it (80%) will be as dirty as a barely legal adult film star.
You should come and have fun. It actually is easier then you think to get a kit together. Email me at NakedIndian at singletrack samurai dot com. Everyone is welcome.
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The PrOGreSSIOn: PaRt 3
Fast forward to Modern day.....
I have to say apologize upfront for my lack of frequent posting. I have been SO distracted lately. Busy at work, Drama at the house, Emotional Rollercoasters, miles and miles of missions... Its been tough... BUT here it is.
These days my peers are the one's who motivate me and inspire me.
Luis Calderon.
First to take me to Pisgah and help educate me on the finer aspects of riding some serious mountainous terrain. As well, one of the few people adventurous enough to attempt some of my crazy ideas and concepts for rides, and the first to join me on a Group bikepacking trip in the state. Luis Is a good man. On top of that, he motivated me to become an even faster rider. Often when Luis and I would go riding with a group, eventually we would consume them all one by one, LOL. I miss riding with him and cant wait till he gets back on the bike.
Brett Wycoff.
Not even sure how him and I met, but Brett truly supports Singletrack Samurai Productions. In fact he is probably the only rider in the state that has made every bikepacking trip I have done and every crazy concept ride I have done with the Exception of the BIG O. I often wonder if Brett has emotions and feelings or if he is even Human and I must admit, only 1 time did I see him tired and it was on the Renegade Run 09, but before I knew it he recovered and came back stronger than ever. On top of all that, Brett is a man of deep honor and respect. I know for a fact that at the CFiTT he was offered a fully charged light at the 12 mile bailout, with only 6 miles to go in the race, he could have easily grabbed the light and finished and no one but him and the light offerer would have known. That folks is integrity. As well, the Idea for taking a swim at Silver Glenn was his, kids thank Brett!
Rob Roberts.
Out of nowhere, maybe searching for something different to do, showed up for the NK ride. That ride opened up his eyes to a new type of adventure and riding in Florida. And before you know it, he stepped up and helps me immensely in completing these monstrous routes or actually finding great portions of the route. The Entire Santos to Croom Section of the CFiTT was Rob's Baby. People spoke and spoke of Hey "dirty route to Croom", Rob made it happen. To this day he continues to help and develop the routes and has made a huge impact as well on the Eye of the Huracan route. On top of that Him and His wife are some of the best friends a person could ask for and in 2009, he has been there helping to keep me from falling off the edge.
Well Folks that wraps up the progression series. I am truly appreciative of these individuals and how they have helped to create a Butterfly Effect in my current riding and progression. The good news is, I am far from done, and as my riding continues to improve, and as I continue to grow as a cyclist and a person, the list will continue to get longer. It actually was very therapeutic doing this, kind of put things in perspective.
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
I have to say apologize upfront for my lack of frequent posting. I have been SO distracted lately. Busy at work, Drama at the house, Emotional Rollercoasters, miles and miles of missions... Its been tough... BUT here it is.
These days my peers are the one's who motivate me and inspire me.
Luis Calderon.
First to take me to Pisgah and help educate me on the finer aspects of riding some serious mountainous terrain. As well, one of the few people adventurous enough to attempt some of my crazy ideas and concepts for rides, and the first to join me on a Group bikepacking trip in the state. Luis Is a good man. On top of that, he motivated me to become an even faster rider. Often when Luis and I would go riding with a group, eventually we would consume them all one by one, LOL. I miss riding with him and cant wait till he gets back on the bike.
Brett Wycoff.
Not even sure how him and I met, but Brett truly supports Singletrack Samurai Productions. In fact he is probably the only rider in the state that has made every bikepacking trip I have done and every crazy concept ride I have done with the Exception of the BIG O. I often wonder if Brett has emotions and feelings or if he is even Human and I must admit, only 1 time did I see him tired and it was on the Renegade Run 09, but before I knew it he recovered and came back stronger than ever. On top of all that, Brett is a man of deep honor and respect. I know for a fact that at the CFiTT he was offered a fully charged light at the 12 mile bailout, with only 6 miles to go in the race, he could have easily grabbed the light and finished and no one but him and the light offerer would have known. That folks is integrity. As well, the Idea for taking a swim at Silver Glenn was his, kids thank Brett!
Rob Roberts.
Out of nowhere, maybe searching for something different to do, showed up for the NK ride. That ride opened up his eyes to a new type of adventure and riding in Florida. And before you know it, he stepped up and helps me immensely in completing these monstrous routes or actually finding great portions of the route. The Entire Santos to Croom Section of the CFiTT was Rob's Baby. People spoke and spoke of Hey "dirty route to Croom", Rob made it happen. To this day he continues to help and develop the routes and has made a huge impact as well on the Eye of the Huracan route. On top of that Him and His wife are some of the best friends a person could ask for and in 2009, he has been there helping to keep me from falling off the edge.
Well Folks that wraps up the progression series. I am truly appreciative of these individuals and how they have helped to create a Butterfly Effect in my current riding and progression. The good news is, I am far from done, and as my riding continues to improve, and as I continue to grow as a cyclist and a person, the list will continue to get longer. It actually was very therapeutic doing this, kind of put things in perspective.
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A NoT So HORrRiBLe RiDe
Were on a mission at SingleTrack Samurai Headquarters to put together an even LONGER mostly off road route around the state of Florida. AND, on this day we set out to map a dirty route from Clermont To Apopka. It started by rolling thru some tall ass overgrown double track, but IT ROLLED.
Before you know it it opened up to nice hard packed fast rolling stuff and we came across this. Above is the President of SSP Rob "THE ANVIL" Roberts.
Then we came to the edge of the lake and found, this interesting thing. I of course had to climb to the top, but it would be a killer spot to camp at. We quickly learned that this Lake has LOTS and LOTS of wildlife. I have ridden around Lake Okeechobee and I saw more wildlife up close and personal on this route. Warning to the racers, be extremely careful traversing this area at Night, there is a real danger of wild animal attack.
Everything was perfect and it all worked according to what Rob Had mapped off the web. Its amazing how much fun we have with our toys. We map off the web, we load it on our GPS and we go see what we got and we simply adore this kind of ridding. December 18th, Mike "The AFRO" Kanning and I will be rolling from Tucker Hill around 3pm to map the HURACAN ROUTE. Anyone who wants to Join is more then welcome, it will be totally recreational and totally fun. Once again, we are this close to putting together another spectacular and pristine route in the state linking together forest and conservation areas and single tracks taking us about 300 miles in one HUGE LOOP. Life is GOOD!It was FUN, on Sunday seeing all the HOrrible Hundred riders out there. Even Funner climbing by them on the wall, check this link to see my studly self EATING ROADIES ALIVE on the Climb up the WALL. (best part is the look on the teeny girls face, is she giving me the stink eye?)
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The PrOGreSSIOn: PaRt 2
About damn time.
Behind the scenes I spent several days trying to obtain the last names of some individuals that really inspired my riding and current level, but after an exhausted search no last names and no pictures, which really sucks for an article about showing some reverance, but O well, for what I get paid to do this ( which is nothing) I guess you all will have to suffer along with me.
Bill.
He is the one who coined the famous phrase to me "Friends dont let Friends ride junk". Bill worked at Bikeworks about 11 years ago. It was Bill who built me a Frankenbike, my first real bike, and Bill who was the first of many to kick my ass on the trail and inspire me to pedal faster. Bill, eventually quit biking, and I know that I am way faster then Bill now, but Still, Bill played a very important roll.
Mike. Mike actually told me and Aaron about the Florida State Championship series. Dood was really a good rider and very fast. We would hit without fail every Saturday Snowhill road he was there and I would watch him ride away, but he would wait as we suffered along. He never gave me any tips and tricks on how to get faster but he Gave Jason Abernathy tons of tips and I kind of just eaves dropped on the tips.
Jason Abernathy.
I watched Jason go from a kid showing up in Sneakers to a full on Super hammer head expert and a CAT 1 Roadie. He eventually left team bike works but he is back on there now, and although he may not be as thin as he was back in those days, the man is still incredibly fast and talented on a bicycle. He probably has like some special VO2Max if we were to take a measurement.
Justin Sapp was another of my Bikeworks Team mates. Really nice guy, very motivating and helpful and superfast. In fact it was watching Justin Ride single speeds that inspired me to throw my leg over one. Justin eventually broke his neck at Santos one thanksgiving many moons ago and retired from Racing. BUT, he is back, he still rides and his attitude and personality never changed or faltered.
Joey Desilva. What can I say about this guy. He was not only fast on a bike, but he could do some crazy type BMX stuff. AND he was always into having a bike different then everyone else. I think he really inspired that in me as well. My team pretty much rolls on specialized, IM always the odd man out. I actually didnt even know you could get custom made name stickers for bikes till I saw Desilva do it. He inspired me in so many ways and he is such a good spirited guy. Lot's of fun too, very funny, freaking hilarious.
Renae Blevins was my first and only coach. She actually gave me training tips and advice and we would go on training rides together to Clermont and she would basically yell at me and stuff to pedal harder or go faster or digg deep. She actually was the first to drop advice on the importance of supplement and it wasnt till three years later that I actually took the advice.
Osias Lozano.
It was always fun to ride with him. But I think watching him progress was the first time I noticed the championship mentality. Osias was once a Junior downhill champion back in Columbia. Started XC racing, didnt do so well, but because he had that championship mentality, he started training and doing it all right and within two or three seasons he was racing expert class. I was very impressed. We went from finishing laps at about the same time, to him riding 15 min faster than me. WOW.
Trevor Busby. Team Captain and all around great guy, it was just awesome watching him ride and seeing how smooth and in control he always was. Very strong rider, very fast and very capable of kicking ass no matter the situation. On top of that very humble. Just the salt of the earth. I always looked up to Trevor, no doubt.
Well, thats the list covering my past up until the present, tomorrow or soon after Part 3 I will talk about the riders I encounter in the present that continue to inspire and motivate me.
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Behind the scenes I spent several days trying to obtain the last names of some individuals that really inspired my riding and current level, but after an exhausted search no last names and no pictures, which really sucks for an article about showing some reverance, but O well, for what I get paid to do this ( which is nothing) I guess you all will have to suffer along with me.
Bill.
He is the one who coined the famous phrase to me "Friends dont let Friends ride junk". Bill worked at Bikeworks about 11 years ago. It was Bill who built me a Frankenbike, my first real bike, and Bill who was the first of many to kick my ass on the trail and inspire me to pedal faster. Bill, eventually quit biking, and I know that I am way faster then Bill now, but Still, Bill played a very important roll.
Mike. Mike actually told me and Aaron about the Florida State Championship series. Dood was really a good rider and very fast. We would hit without fail every Saturday Snowhill road he was there and I would watch him ride away, but he would wait as we suffered along. He never gave me any tips and tricks on how to get faster but he Gave Jason Abernathy tons of tips and I kind of just eaves dropped on the tips.
Jason Abernathy.
I watched Jason go from a kid showing up in Sneakers to a full on Super hammer head expert and a CAT 1 Roadie. He eventually left team bike works but he is back on there now, and although he may not be as thin as he was back in those days, the man is still incredibly fast and talented on a bicycle. He probably has like some special VO2Max if we were to take a measurement.
Justin Sapp was another of my Bikeworks Team mates. Really nice guy, very motivating and helpful and superfast. In fact it was watching Justin Ride single speeds that inspired me to throw my leg over one. Justin eventually broke his neck at Santos one thanksgiving many moons ago and retired from Racing. BUT, he is back, he still rides and his attitude and personality never changed or faltered.
Joey Desilva. What can I say about this guy. He was not only fast on a bike, but he could do some crazy type BMX stuff. AND he was always into having a bike different then everyone else. I think he really inspired that in me as well. My team pretty much rolls on specialized, IM always the odd man out. I actually didnt even know you could get custom made name stickers for bikes till I saw Desilva do it. He inspired me in so many ways and he is such a good spirited guy. Lot's of fun too, very funny, freaking hilarious.
Renae Blevins was my first and only coach. She actually gave me training tips and advice and we would go on training rides together to Clermont and she would basically yell at me and stuff to pedal harder or go faster or digg deep. She actually was the first to drop advice on the importance of supplement and it wasnt till three years later that I actually took the advice.
Osias Lozano.
It was always fun to ride with him. But I think watching him progress was the first time I noticed the championship mentality. Osias was once a Junior downhill champion back in Columbia. Started XC racing, didnt do so well, but because he had that championship mentality, he started training and doing it all right and within two or three seasons he was racing expert class. I was very impressed. We went from finishing laps at about the same time, to him riding 15 min faster than me. WOW.
Trevor Busby. Team Captain and all around great guy, it was just awesome watching him ride and seeing how smooth and in control he always was. Very strong rider, very fast and very capable of kicking ass no matter the situation. On top of that very humble. Just the salt of the earth. I always looked up to Trevor, no doubt.
Well, thats the list covering my past up until the present, tomorrow or soon after Part 3 I will talk about the riders I encounter in the present that continue to inspire and motivate me.
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The PrOGreSSIOn...
Its Turkey Month. That's Right folks time to give thanks and appreciate the things we value in our lives the most.
2009 has been a real challenging year, BUT, I got to keep the head up. Things definitely took a turn, and I guess in the end all of this will make sense. I have grown from all these trials and tribulations and I have had some victories. BUT, that's not what this post is about. This post is about talking about the people who influenced me to ride harder and to step up my skills to the next level. The ones who I look up too, who may not even know I looked up to them, who inspired me to be where I am today. It will be several articles over the next couple of days but I feel the need during November to reflect and share.
Aaron Watson.
Been my friend since I was 12 yrs old. Our association started as Skateboarders. Aaron was and Is an excellent skateboarder, I at the time, very similar to present day was on the Fringe of Deltona Skateboarding and was a lone dog. I would skate alone, not part of any particular clique. Back in those days, there was no videos and no Internet so we were innovators in the sport for our town. Eventually we grew up, but we always kept in touch. Then I discovered MTB and We started riding together. He would straight up kick my ass in all the XC races. He would do some Ned Overend shit and come from behind and beat me. Because of him I worked my ass off to get faster and before he retired from racing, I did manage to beat him a couple times. We are still very good friends but we never ride together anymore, but that's fine cause we still skate.
John Stamstad.
Quite Interesting enough, Aaron showed me an article from a magazine cant remember which about Stamstad's ride across the GDMBR. It was funny cause he said to me, I WANT TO DO THIS. Well, for now it looks like Aaron never will, but I kind of carried his tradition. LOL, it was actually Aaron who inspired me to ride single speed and cyclocross and to get into bike packing and the whole Tour Divide thing. BUT Stamstad directly inspired us both. I relegated in the stories of him signing up to do 24 hour races solo before anyone ever thought about it. Indeed Stamstad was a huge influence in the man I am today.
John Moorehouse.
As far as I know the first Ultra Endurance athlete from the Central Florida Area. Read alot about his 24 hour efforts and about his rides to Athens, I was just impressed by his raw ability to ride and ride. I heard a story about him, don't know if its true, but he rode from his house in the Orlando Area, to Hardrock in Ocala, raced the expert class then rode home. He definitely inspired all the crazy stuff I do today and he probably is completely unaware of his influence on my cycling. PLUS, on top of all that he was at arms reach, I would go do Urban Assault rides and he would be there riding with us doing wheelies for miles and miles, pretty sick rider and really humble guy.
These individuals helped shaped my thoughts and efforts in my early years of cycling, but they were not the only ones. Check back tomorrow for part 2 and see who else I got hero worship for.
LOL
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
2009 has been a real challenging year, BUT, I got to keep the head up. Things definitely took a turn, and I guess in the end all of this will make sense. I have grown from all these trials and tribulations and I have had some victories. BUT, that's not what this post is about. This post is about talking about the people who influenced me to ride harder and to step up my skills to the next level. The ones who I look up too, who may not even know I looked up to them, who inspired me to be where I am today. It will be several articles over the next couple of days but I feel the need during November to reflect and share.
Aaron Watson.
Been my friend since I was 12 yrs old. Our association started as Skateboarders. Aaron was and Is an excellent skateboarder, I at the time, very similar to present day was on the Fringe of Deltona Skateboarding and was a lone dog. I would skate alone, not part of any particular clique. Back in those days, there was no videos and no Internet so we were innovators in the sport for our town. Eventually we grew up, but we always kept in touch. Then I discovered MTB and We started riding together. He would straight up kick my ass in all the XC races. He would do some Ned Overend shit and come from behind and beat me. Because of him I worked my ass off to get faster and before he retired from racing, I did manage to beat him a couple times. We are still very good friends but we never ride together anymore, but that's fine cause we still skate.John Stamstad.
Quite Interesting enough, Aaron showed me an article from a magazine cant remember which about Stamstad's ride across the GDMBR. It was funny cause he said to me, I WANT TO DO THIS. Well, for now it looks like Aaron never will, but I kind of carried his tradition. LOL, it was actually Aaron who inspired me to ride single speed and cyclocross and to get into bike packing and the whole Tour Divide thing. BUT Stamstad directly inspired us both. I relegated in the stories of him signing up to do 24 hour races solo before anyone ever thought about it. Indeed Stamstad was a huge influence in the man I am today.John Moorehouse.
As far as I know the first Ultra Endurance athlete from the Central Florida Area. Read alot about his 24 hour efforts and about his rides to Athens, I was just impressed by his raw ability to ride and ride. I heard a story about him, don't know if its true, but he rode from his house in the Orlando Area, to Hardrock in Ocala, raced the expert class then rode home. He definitely inspired all the crazy stuff I do today and he probably is completely unaware of his influence on my cycling. PLUS, on top of all that he was at arms reach, I would go do Urban Assault rides and he would be there riding with us doing wheelies for miles and miles, pretty sick rider and really humble guy.These individuals helped shaped my thoughts and efforts in my early years of cycling, but they were not the only ones. Check back tomorrow for part 2 and see who else I got hero worship for.
LOL
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Monday, November 09, 2009
2010 The NaKeD InDiaN RiDe JaNuArY 2nd
For a moment I contemplated not even doing the ride.
Mainly cause I am pretty focused on getting things ready for the Eye of the Huracan Race and then I got the SSAR right after, wow, I'm getting busy...
BUT, its a down home good feeling fun ride and I didn't want to disappoint, plus maybe some new folks will come out and fell the fun of riding a bunch of stuff put together in a conglomerate of swift kick in your ass.
The ride will be extremely informal this year. Basically if you want to participate all you got to do is show up at the start ready to roll by 10 am.
201 Howland Blvd
Deltona, FL 32738
You put that little address right up there in your GPS. You enter the Wal Mart Parking lot from the Howland Blvd side and then hang the first right and drive to the back and park.
Again, keeping it informal, afterwards we will hit a Place called Scorpio's for food and drink not even 5 minutes from the park, we can drive there or pedal there.
Again after, if anyone feels they would be a danger to themselves and other, I offer up my backyard for camping.
Again, all very informal, but fun nonetheless. I don't even know if anyone will show, but I would love for more people to come this year than last year.
The route will pretty much be the same, I will go out and catch a FRESH gpx of the route and will email it to those who express interest in having such information so that they may program it into their GPS unit and have some good ole fashion fun.
I will be glad to personally guide you on the route however, but It will not be marked, save for the marks that never came down from last year. SO, if you can manage my horrible pace you never ever have to worry about where your going.
For those that are unaware, the route is a mix of Urban singletrack, singletrack, double track, dirt roads, technical jeep roads, ATV track, Road, bike path, witch towns, private roads, powerline trails, fence hopping and pristine no trespassing sings. If you are one who fears this type of mix then that's cool the price of admission should keep you home. BUT for those that have come before and enjoyed it will want to come again. For those that DNF'd last year, this is your chance at redemption.
This is the very first and one of the coolest of the SingleTrack Samurai Productions. It offers a no stress ride that is easy to bail out on if you get stuck. It is self supported but plenty of water and food along the route, AND there will be a Photo Scavenger hunt for the Sacred NK 2010 Trophy. Mike Kanning Killed it last year and he will probably come back and KILL IT again.
Regardless, if you want the GPX file when they become available sometime in December, email me nakedindian at singletrack samurai dot com. That way I can put you on the NK Ride GPX mailing list.
BUT, it will be very informal, if you plan to follow me, just show up, it will work that way.
Ok....
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Mainly cause I am pretty focused on getting things ready for the Eye of the Huracan Race and then I got the SSAR right after, wow, I'm getting busy...
BUT, its a down home good feeling fun ride and I didn't want to disappoint, plus maybe some new folks will come out and fell the fun of riding a bunch of stuff put together in a conglomerate of swift kick in your ass.
The ride will be extremely informal this year. Basically if you want to participate all you got to do is show up at the start ready to roll by 10 am.
201 Howland Blvd
Deltona, FL 32738
You put that little address right up there in your GPS. You enter the Wal Mart Parking lot from the Howland Blvd side and then hang the first right and drive to the back and park.
Again, keeping it informal, afterwards we will hit a Place called Scorpio's for food and drink not even 5 minutes from the park, we can drive there or pedal there.
Again after, if anyone feels they would be a danger to themselves and other, I offer up my backyard for camping.
Again, all very informal, but fun nonetheless. I don't even know if anyone will show, but I would love for more people to come this year than last year.
The route will pretty much be the same, I will go out and catch a FRESH gpx of the route and will email it to those who express interest in having such information so that they may program it into their GPS unit and have some good ole fashion fun.
I will be glad to personally guide you on the route however, but It will not be marked, save for the marks that never came down from last year. SO, if you can manage my horrible pace you never ever have to worry about where your going.
For those that are unaware, the route is a mix of Urban singletrack, singletrack, double track, dirt roads, technical jeep roads, ATV track, Road, bike path, witch towns, private roads, powerline trails, fence hopping and pristine no trespassing sings. If you are one who fears this type of mix then that's cool the price of admission should keep you home. BUT for those that have come before and enjoyed it will want to come again. For those that DNF'd last year, this is your chance at redemption.
This is the very first and one of the coolest of the SingleTrack Samurai Productions. It offers a no stress ride that is easy to bail out on if you get stuck. It is self supported but plenty of water and food along the route, AND there will be a Photo Scavenger hunt for the Sacred NK 2010 Trophy. Mike Kanning Killed it last year and he will probably come back and KILL IT again.
Regardless, if you want the GPX file when they become available sometime in December, email me nakedindian at singletrack samurai dot com. That way I can put you on the NK Ride GPX mailing list.
BUT, it will be very informal, if you plan to follow me, just show up, it will work that way.
Ok....
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Sunday, November 08, 2009
DiRRRty
The mission was simple. Dirty route from Apopka to the Sanford area.
We succeeded.
The purpose is to finish the Eye of the Huracan Route. In Fact, even more pavement keeps coming off the route, its actually pretty impressive, if I do say so myself.
In Fact, Soon, very soon, Like early December soon, I plan to go out and do the whole thing in its most dirtiest of versions.
After much ado, we met up at the Panera in Heathrow. I intentionally did not have breakfast and Intentionally kept my calories low on the ride, I wanted to burn some excess fat I had unfortunately accumulated. And although I could not put down any big efforts, It worked, I did lose some pounds on Saturday.
We rolled via the Seminole WeKiva Trail out of Heathrow towards Sanford, got off the trail and jumped on the roads snaking over to 46. Once on 46 we continued to the entrance to Rock Springs Run.
It proved a little tricky to follow my route, saw tons of bear tracks, the most I have ever seen. Eventually the track got seriously over grown, and we had to do a bit of bushwhacking. Made it out the other side to find it nice and groomed again. The Mental Note I made was to find the way in from the other side since its so groomed from the opposite direction. We found a kick ass camp site that I will most definitely use in the future right by the river, then back tracked to the spot where Rob was sure that the original mapped route I had traced was going. We went and followed it and had to do even more bushwhacking, but eventually found the river and actually crossed at the spot that we were supposed too. It was shallow enough to wade across and before we knew it we were in Wekiwa Springs state park.
At that point, we explored a little more and made our way out. Then eventually out of the park where we did a little more exploring to examine other entrances. That proved to be only beneficial for the bonus miles. Once done we headed back up the road to the other side of the Seminole Wekiva trail and after what seemed forever back to Panera.
During our exploration of another camp site on the Wekiwa side we came across a group of 60 somethings that were canoe tripping down the river. Seems that we came up at just the right time, I suspect we would have come a little earlier we would have found us some Naked folks. I mean the dude barely had some thing tied around his waist, but its all good, I believe people should be allowed to enjoy nature anyway they want. We actually came across other riders and I wondered as we pedaled out if they were going to be able to find there way out of the park. I reckon eventually they would have gotten out.
Overall, I believe what we found could be used for the Eye Race, and it will prove to be a good addition. Adding that extra level of adventure to the race.
Should be Interesting.
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
We succeeded.
The purpose is to finish the Eye of the Huracan Route. In Fact, even more pavement keeps coming off the route, its actually pretty impressive, if I do say so myself.
In Fact, Soon, very soon, Like early December soon, I plan to go out and do the whole thing in its most dirtiest of versions.
After much ado, we met up at the Panera in Heathrow. I intentionally did not have breakfast and Intentionally kept my calories low on the ride, I wanted to burn some excess fat I had unfortunately accumulated. And although I could not put down any big efforts, It worked, I did lose some pounds on Saturday.
We rolled via the Seminole WeKiva Trail out of Heathrow towards Sanford, got off the trail and jumped on the roads snaking over to 46. Once on 46 we continued to the entrance to Rock Springs Run.
It proved a little tricky to follow my route, saw tons of bear tracks, the most I have ever seen. Eventually the track got seriously over grown, and we had to do a bit of bushwhacking. Made it out the other side to find it nice and groomed again. The Mental Note I made was to find the way in from the other side since its so groomed from the opposite direction. We found a kick ass camp site that I will most definitely use in the future right by the river, then back tracked to the spot where Rob was sure that the original mapped route I had traced was going. We went and followed it and had to do even more bushwhacking, but eventually found the river and actually crossed at the spot that we were supposed too. It was shallow enough to wade across and before we knew it we were in Wekiwa Springs state park.
At that point, we explored a little more and made our way out. Then eventually out of the park where we did a little more exploring to examine other entrances. That proved to be only beneficial for the bonus miles. Once done we headed back up the road to the other side of the Seminole Wekiva trail and after what seemed forever back to Panera.
During our exploration of another camp site on the Wekiwa side we came across a group of 60 somethings that were canoe tripping down the river. Seems that we came up at just the right time, I suspect we would have come a little earlier we would have found us some Naked folks. I mean the dude barely had some thing tied around his waist, but its all good, I believe people should be allowed to enjoy nature anyway they want. We actually came across other riders and I wondered as we pedaled out if they were going to be able to find there way out of the park. I reckon eventually they would have gotten out.
Overall, I believe what we found could be used for the Eye Race, and it will prove to be a good addition. Adding that extra level of adventure to the race.
Should be Interesting.
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Saturday, November 07, 2009
7 NoV 2009
Some words to describe my ride today, Bear Tracks, Bush wacking, River Crossings and Naked Europeans.
More later,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Friday, November 06, 2009
MaN Vs. UNIVerSe!!
Kind of feels like that sometimes.
Feels Like the Universe is conspiring to "keep a Brotha down".
SO, Let's Talk Turkey.
First I wanted to ride up to see my gorgeous most beautiful princess. BUT, I am the sole caretaker of two beautiful boys and the logistics are Iffy.
THEN, I figured I would ride to my brothers. BUT, he says if I'm not driving then my mom is flying.(He is a pilot for a major airline company, super cheap flights, why not)
THEN, I worked out my eldest boys Turkey arrangements, then worked out the youngest turkey arrangements, but the Warrior's Princess is gonna be busy moving so she cant give me a ride back.
NOW I'm back to square one.
Part of me wants to be a diligent and still pedal the original trip and then leave my bike with W.P. and Take Greyhound back. OR if that proves too difficult, I know some or may know some people in Tallahassee area, and I could do my ride, cut back to Tally and have one of them babysit my bike till I can come back and get it.
THEN, I thought, well I could just stay Local and do a gigantic exploratory ride on a section of trail I have secretly, and I do mean secretly eye balled for the longest time. THEN I thought I could just go out and map the eye of the Huracan and get that done.
Decisions decisions.
I don't know what my motivation and drive is to just get out on the open road, but I "REALLY" need to do it. I am craving, solitude, self reliance and LONG miles and adventure. It sucks to be an addict.
I may not even get to do anything, who knows, we will see. I also thought, maybe I will try to ask some of my "inter web friends" in Tally if I could park my truck at their house and just go out and explore the forest for a couple of days, out and back kind of thing.
I don't know, I guess its good to have options.
BUT, I must satisfy this craving. So much that I want to ride ALL DAY tomorrow. Leave Super Retarded early and get home hopefully before the Sun sinks below the Horizon.
O well...
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Feels Like the Universe is conspiring to "keep a Brotha down".
SO, Let's Talk Turkey.
First I wanted to ride up to see my gorgeous most beautiful princess. BUT, I am the sole caretaker of two beautiful boys and the logistics are Iffy.
THEN, I figured I would ride to my brothers. BUT, he says if I'm not driving then my mom is flying.(He is a pilot for a major airline company, super cheap flights, why not)
THEN, I worked out my eldest boys Turkey arrangements, then worked out the youngest turkey arrangements, but the Warrior's Princess is gonna be busy moving so she cant give me a ride back.
NOW I'm back to square one.
Part of me wants to be a diligent and still pedal the original trip and then leave my bike with W.P. and Take Greyhound back. OR if that proves too difficult, I know some or may know some people in Tallahassee area, and I could do my ride, cut back to Tally and have one of them babysit my bike till I can come back and get it.
THEN, I thought, well I could just stay Local and do a gigantic exploratory ride on a section of trail I have secretly, and I do mean secretly eye balled for the longest time. THEN I thought I could just go out and map the eye of the Huracan and get that done.
Decisions decisions.
I don't know what my motivation and drive is to just get out on the open road, but I "REALLY" need to do it. I am craving, solitude, self reliance and LONG miles and adventure. It sucks to be an addict.
I may not even get to do anything, who knows, we will see. I also thought, maybe I will try to ask some of my "inter web friends" in Tally if I could park my truck at their house and just go out and explore the forest for a couple of days, out and back kind of thing.
I don't know, I guess its good to have options.
BUT, I must satisfy this craving. So much that I want to ride ALL DAY tomorrow. Leave Super Retarded early and get home hopefully before the Sun sinks below the Horizon.
O well...
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Thursday, November 05, 2009
So I Did IT
Dreamt of getting a fixie Road bike, but the Bank account and desires for a multiday bikepacking tour changed my perception.
And I went out to the Garage and rummaged around.
First I found a LX Deore front ring size 44. Then I found two chains both very long, but not long enough to wrap around my 17 tooth ENO hub Cog and the New 44 tooth chain ring I had slapped on.
So with a little work and three separate chain tools, I got the chain the right length all tight and stuff the way Fixie goodness should be.
I then spun the cranks and everything spun great, but the chain line was not perfect. NOW, a renowned bike Mechanic I am not, Renowned shit talker I am, but bike mechanic NOT, I went ahead and made some calls this morning.
The subject, Chain Line.
And after some careful conversations, I was instructed to "attempt" to move it to the inside of the spider, and if it does not fit, then to "not worry" cause it is a nine speed chain and they do allow for a little flex.
Now every time I get out and pedal that fixie, I just simply love it. What can I say, until you have done it, you will not understand the love of the Fix. I think a very drunken conversation I had with the Warriors' Princess very much summarizes the reason I find so much JOY in Fixie riding.
Because there is such a deep connection between man and machine, meaning that wheel moves, your leg move, no compromise. It elevates the physical activity of riding the bike to an Artistic level. It takes so much more skill, so much more conscious effort to keep it all in control, that it evolves the experience from merely being physical activity, to Artistic Creative Poetry in motion.
NOW, the Dilemma. LOL. I got a map ride scheduled with the President of Singletrack Samurai Productions on Saturday. Do I ride the Black and take an automatic easy gearey day, OR do I release the FIXIE BEAST????
I think I know what I will end up doing.
IN other news. Seems my Etrex Vista HCX SD card reader has died. Which is a bummer cause my TOPO maps that provide great detail and such will not load. It still does all else its supposed to do, but its still a bummer. Garmin instructed me to try somethings tonight to see if it "fixes" the problem, but I am pretty sure its fubared. SEE, the Unit is supposed to be water resistant up to a 1 meter water submersion. I have never sunk the thing, but I did have plenty of wet rides this season, and I think the Seal on the battery compartment was defective and water got into the reader and killed it. Garmin said if that was the case they would replace it but it takes about three weeks. I got THREE big Bike Trips I want to do before the year ends and I GOT TO Have my unit, so I will not send that thing till I finish my last trip and then patiently wait for it to return. But BUMMER regardless.
AND, the Grips I put on the WAR MACHINE, which I digg immensely, after four rides are falling apart. BUT, Jeff Kerkove is sending me a new set AND they will be TEAM GREEN which I have always wanted, so Im pretty happy there. AND hopefully Nite Rider will fix my light and send it back soon, in fact, Im going to call and check on it now.
Reluctantly I think I may go see the Fourth Kind, LIL'r NI wants to See it, BIG DADDY NI, is kinda creeped out by it... O well...
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
And I went out to the Garage and rummaged around.
First I found a LX Deore front ring size 44. Then I found two chains both very long, but not long enough to wrap around my 17 tooth ENO hub Cog and the New 44 tooth chain ring I had slapped on.
So with a little work and three separate chain tools, I got the chain the right length all tight and stuff the way Fixie goodness should be.
I then spun the cranks and everything spun great, but the chain line was not perfect. NOW, a renowned bike Mechanic I am not, Renowned shit talker I am, but bike mechanic NOT, I went ahead and made some calls this morning.
The subject, Chain Line.
And after some careful conversations, I was instructed to "attempt" to move it to the inside of the spider, and if it does not fit, then to "not worry" cause it is a nine speed chain and they do allow for a little flex.
Now every time I get out and pedal that fixie, I just simply love it. What can I say, until you have done it, you will not understand the love of the Fix. I think a very drunken conversation I had with the Warriors' Princess very much summarizes the reason I find so much JOY in Fixie riding.
Because there is such a deep connection between man and machine, meaning that wheel moves, your leg move, no compromise. It elevates the physical activity of riding the bike to an Artistic level. It takes so much more skill, so much more conscious effort to keep it all in control, that it evolves the experience from merely being physical activity, to Artistic Creative Poetry in motion.
NOW, the Dilemma. LOL. I got a map ride scheduled with the President of Singletrack Samurai Productions on Saturday. Do I ride the Black and take an automatic easy gearey day, OR do I release the FIXIE BEAST????
I think I know what I will end up doing.
IN other news. Seems my Etrex Vista HCX SD card reader has died. Which is a bummer cause my TOPO maps that provide great detail and such will not load. It still does all else its supposed to do, but its still a bummer. Garmin instructed me to try somethings tonight to see if it "fixes" the problem, but I am pretty sure its fubared. SEE, the Unit is supposed to be water resistant up to a 1 meter water submersion. I have never sunk the thing, but I did have plenty of wet rides this season, and I think the Seal on the battery compartment was defective and water got into the reader and killed it. Garmin said if that was the case they would replace it but it takes about three weeks. I got THREE big Bike Trips I want to do before the year ends and I GOT TO Have my unit, so I will not send that thing till I finish my last trip and then patiently wait for it to return. But BUMMER regardless.
AND, the Grips I put on the WAR MACHINE, which I digg immensely, after four rides are falling apart. BUT, Jeff Kerkove is sending me a new set AND they will be TEAM GREEN which I have always wanted, so Im pretty happy there. AND hopefully Nite Rider will fix my light and send it back soon, in fact, Im going to call and check on it now.
Reluctantly I think I may go see the Fourth Kind, LIL'r NI wants to See it, BIG DADDY NI, is kinda creeped out by it... O well...
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
PLaN B, aN ExCerCiSe IN FleXiBiLiTy
Well,
It may be a tall order to get out and make everything happen like I want for the Turkey Day route. I got two kids I got to care and arrange for and that is proving to be a slight obstacle. However, my brother who lives In Naples offered to pick up LiL'R NI and My Mom, so that means that maybe I could Ride to his place. Not as dirty, but Still, the need to get out and just hit the open road exceeds the need to not do a long solo multi day ride. STILL, lot's to think about and consider. I have the route Laid out, Now I need to incorporate it into map my ride and convert it to a GPX file so that I may successfully load it into my GPS unit.
I would MUCH rather do the SUPER LONG ride for many obvious reasons, one being that its dirtier, two being that I get to enjoy the embrace of the Warriors princess when I am done. BUT, if I must, then I will go with Plan B. Which at least will afford me the experience of multi day travel that I am so desperately wanting for some odd reason.
Well see what happens.
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
It may be a tall order to get out and make everything happen like I want for the Turkey Day route. I got two kids I got to care and arrange for and that is proving to be a slight obstacle. However, my brother who lives In Naples offered to pick up LiL'R NI and My Mom, so that means that maybe I could Ride to his place. Not as dirty, but Still, the need to get out and just hit the open road exceeds the need to not do a long solo multi day ride. STILL, lot's to think about and consider. I have the route Laid out, Now I need to incorporate it into map my ride and convert it to a GPX file so that I may successfully load it into my GPS unit.
I would MUCH rather do the SUPER LONG ride for many obvious reasons, one being that its dirtier, two being that I get to enjoy the embrace of the Warriors princess when I am done. BUT, if I must, then I will go with Plan B. Which at least will afford me the experience of multi day travel that I am so desperately wanting for some odd reason.
Well see what happens.
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
DrEaMinG of a KiLLA RouTE
With Topofusion, Map my ride and google earth, I threw this lil ditty together today... Turkey Trip??? Includes a cycling traverse of the Appalachicola forest! 362~ Miles...
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
ThE DrEaMeR....
My Brain has been on Day Dream over drive lately... Understanding the Law of Attraction even better now I realize the more emotion I put into what I want the quicker these desires will come to me.
Saturday, I plan on heading out with my Partner from SingleTrack Samurai Productions to Link up two parks in hopes of obtaining a dirty route from Apopka To Sanford. My plan is to leave early and pedal out to Heathrow to meet up then go for it. It will make it so I have a nice long day in the saddle and I get to hang out with a good friend, which is always fun, considering I am pretty isolated and rarely get to enjoy the company of fellow grown folk.
Sunday, I'm not sure what I will do, but I plan on going biking with LIL'R NI. We had such a good time last Saturday that I'm really motivated to try and recapture that experience.
Now, here is the Other stuff I'm daydreaming about. I WAS gonna hit the Horrible Hundred and I still may, but I was invited to a BIG O event that same weekend and I have a bone to pick with that route, AND I want to take LiLR' NI on a bike packing trip, two days of camping, 80 miles of dirtyish riding. So, I'm looking at the Calendar and day dreaming about that.
AS WELL, if I got he kids covered for Turkey day, I may take a solo 400 mileish trip from my hometown to Lynn Haven Florida. In the process I would cross the ONF and I have been pointing my satellite eyes at Appalachicola as well. I would cross that beast as well. Lately I have been enamoured with the thought of pedaling long miles and camping out, then getting up and doing it again. So we will see what happens with that. I don't really understand it but its all I have been thinking about lately, a long solo multi day tour, just me and the elements. I guess after my performance at the CFiTT I feel pretty invincible and anything and everything seems possible. Miles mean nothing, LOL, after seeing what the body can do in 24 hours. I feel like I opened some secret Ultra Enduro doorway and for the longest time I was standing on the other side of it, and now I am thru the gate.
This passing thru the gate motivates me to try even harder adventures next year, so we will see, I have been doing nothing but non stop day dreaming lately. Dare I say, Life feels really good again.
Ok, well that's whats up with me..LOL
I will make a formal post tomorrow regarding the Naked Indian ride.
thanks,
The NaKeD InDiaN
Saturday, I plan on heading out with my Partner from SingleTrack Samurai Productions to Link up two parks in hopes of obtaining a dirty route from Apopka To Sanford. My plan is to leave early and pedal out to Heathrow to meet up then go for it. It will make it so I have a nice long day in the saddle and I get to hang out with a good friend, which is always fun, considering I am pretty isolated and rarely get to enjoy the company of fellow grown folk.
Sunday, I'm not sure what I will do, but I plan on going biking with LIL'R NI. We had such a good time last Saturday that I'm really motivated to try and recapture that experience.
Now, here is the Other stuff I'm daydreaming about. I WAS gonna hit the Horrible Hundred and I still may, but I was invited to a BIG O event that same weekend and I have a bone to pick with that route, AND I want to take LiLR' NI on a bike packing trip, two days of camping, 80 miles of dirtyish riding. So, I'm looking at the Calendar and day dreaming about that.
AS WELL, if I got he kids covered for Turkey day, I may take a solo 400 mileish trip from my hometown to Lynn Haven Florida. In the process I would cross the ONF and I have been pointing my satellite eyes at Appalachicola as well. I would cross that beast as well. Lately I have been enamoured with the thought of pedaling long miles and camping out, then getting up and doing it again. So we will see what happens with that. I don't really understand it but its all I have been thinking about lately, a long solo multi day tour, just me and the elements. I guess after my performance at the CFiTT I feel pretty invincible and anything and everything seems possible. Miles mean nothing, LOL, after seeing what the body can do in 24 hours. I feel like I opened some secret Ultra Enduro doorway and for the longest time I was standing on the other side of it, and now I am thru the gate.
This passing thru the gate motivates me to try even harder adventures next year, so we will see, I have been doing nothing but non stop day dreaming lately. Dare I say, Life feels really good again.
Ok, well that's whats up with me..LOL
I will make a formal post tomorrow regarding the Naked Indian ride.
thanks,
The NaKeD InDiaN
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