Wednesday, March 31, 2010

YoU Kan DO iT

So, last night, I got out early to have a Teen related meeting. Got home early with plenty of daylight left. Tended to my War Machine's chain issue and took off with an idea to shred part of the NK route, explore a possible dirty addition and rehabilitate my knee.

As I pedaled along, enjoying the beauty of fixed gear riding and the conditions, I got onto the first dirt section of the NK route, Old Train road. As I fiddle and faddled I hit a root and my hand flew off the bars, ending up with a nice little shoulder slide and roll out. I laughed, got back on and kept going.
The cross tires I got on the War Machine Right now are skinny, and they sink in the muck, so the mucky conditions made for some working and riding to stay on top of it, but like always when I ride the Naked Indian route, I feel so proud that I am the one who put this route together. Then I think, shit, this was the start of it all, the start of even bigger routes, which have grown as big as 300 miles.

Attempted to explore a new section only to hit dead ends. Backed out, rolled into Cassadaga, did the super steep climb, got onto Old Enterprise road and got bogged down in a Sandy Climb, dismounted, pushed up, got over into the single track section, was amazed how well I was doing in such a big ratio in the single track with the skinny tires and then bam, the chain came off. Not only did it come off, but it was as loose as when I initially had an issue.
I had to soft pedal my way out of there, very paranoid about it wrapping up in my tire and sending me over the bars again, I took the short cut out via bushwack. I knew that nearby my friend lived, so I rode over to his place and borrowed a wrench and OVER TIGHTENED the chain. To the point that the entire 10 miles home it popped and creaked and screamed at the pressure, but I did not want it to come loose. 29 miles later I was home, I went in the garage, fixed the chain again, and then grabbed some Ice to continue my knee rehabilitation.
Today I will Millimeter check all the bikes, the Black, the War and the Cross check. My current hypothesis is that on the Mt Dora Ride I injured the front part of my knee under the knee cap, irritated it on the Huracan and the injury is still there. The only way to fix it is to make sure my seat heights are all correct and to keep pedaling and icing it till I condition it to its former glory. As I sit here now its not bad, not in pain, can walk, just feel the tightness. I will also explore my all natural anti inflammatory options as well.

Right now, this is my current theory. I want to go see Matt Goforth to be sure, but I am doing the math, and its a full tank down, a full tank back and then his visiting fee. That's more cash then I want to spend when I look at my monthly budget. BUT, tomorrow I plan to ride and to work and back, if I survive that with minimal soreness, then I will continue as planned and forgo the visit. If not, then I will bite the bullet.

The NK course is in TIP TOP shape, so I am planning a weekend in May, while its still cool and still wet to open it up and invite people to ride. The NK ride didn't go as planned this year, mostly because I was a depressed and downtrodden mess, redemption is on the horizon!

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Monday, March 29, 2010

WeeKeNd UpDaTe!

Well, I did my duties this weekend and fulfilled my obligations as the Best Man at my best friends wedding.

Friday night, was a kick ass dinner at Seito Sushi. Sake Fueled Fantasies was what I was having by the nights end. Great food, great conversation.

Saturday, I got up early and went and did the 8.5 mile Canoe Run. I don't know how I became a canoe expert, but I am totally an expert, I can maneuver that canoe like a pro, and spent just a beautiful day on the river enjoying every minute of the experience. When we got to the end, it was like Wannabe South Beach at the Wekiva Marina. 3 rounds of Cold drafts later and we got on that bus taking a sweet trip back to the cars.

Saturday evening, we went to dinner at a place called Samba room. I was not impressed, food was overpriced and not that great.

Sunday day, I relaxed, enjoyed the day and prepared my best man speech. Drove into the day a stormy mess, but the wedding went down without a hitch and it was nothing but beauty and poetry. I cried pretty good as the entire evening was an emotional moment for me. Even the Speech was tough to get out, but everyone was impressed and appreciated the things I said and how I said them.

I was getting eye balled hard from across the room and feared I may have had to beat off some Cougars with a stick, thankfully it never came to that.

Saturday on my way to Canoe, I was Wearing My Catch 22 T shirt, when Starbucks kid started asking me if I rode. He says, " I been riding fixed gear for 3 years". To which I responded, "I ride Fixed Gear too, mostly off road though,". We chatted back and forth about our fixie prowess, told me there was an all fixie ride they do late on Monday nights, I may have to show up and kick some local Fixed gear ass, show these boys how to ride one fixed cog! I was tempted to tell him I was the Cross Florida Fixed Gear Record Holder, but, I didn't want to rub it all up in his face and he would not know what that meant anyhow. He said he rode 32 x 16? On the road, are you kidding? He must be spinning his ass off.

LOL.

My Knee is fine, and so is my Biceps Femorris. So the plan now is to do about 8 20 mile rides to build that muscle up so that my leg doesn't experience that pain come renegade run. I also, have ordered a millimeter measuring tape to check all the heights on the bikes and plan to go see my Wobble Naught Fit Guy Matt Goforth on Friday to get everything checked. I don't want nothing slowing me down, especially when I feel myself getting stronger and progressing.

So that's the weekend update, great time, glad its over, sorry I missed the trip to Pisgah, but there will be many trips, my Friend should never ever get married again.

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Thursday, March 25, 2010

CoACh OnE FiXeD GeAr & CoAcH CoMMuTe To WoRk

Yesterday, after work, I decided to ride my Fixie home. Last Weekend no miles and this weekends wedding meant more of the same so I know I needed to get some kind of training in.

So, after a long day of work, I suited up and started the ride home. It was beautiful and poetic, as I speeded along. Although I wish the route was not littered with other commuters, I still found the beauty in all the corners. I enjoyed watching my Shadow snake dance as I stood and pedaled up and over the bridge. Watched a Flock of geese drafting and flying in Unison. Noticed all the cool things that somehow seem to end up on the side of the road, "hey is that Jigsaw's Glove I just saw".
30 miles later less than 2 hours ride time and I felt strong and great.

Today I got up. Started my ride back to work. It was dark, but my lights were more than sufficient. I got started a little late, but that's OK. My cadence was perfect. I looked down and my legs rhythmic cadence and marveled at the fact that I still had mud on the seat stays from the CFiTT that I won back in October. What is it about a Fixed gear bike that is so fun and satisfying? I seem to just love it. In fact, I would say riding 30 miles on A Fixed gear is a hell of a work out, but I have acquired so many fixed gear techniques that it hardly feels like much of an effort at all.

My knee started hurting in the front? I don't know what the heck is going on. Is it injured? I mean this has never happened before? Did I somehow get a little taller with all the yoga now my wobble naught fit is off? Something ain't right and I don't like it? Do I need to keep pedaling it and rehabilitate it? I don't know, but I figure next weekend I may take a trip to west palm to visit Matt Goforth.

As I was closing in to work, feeling good, I had accomplished all my goals, my chain popped off, it got wrapped up in the rear wheel and the front end started diving giving clear indications that I was on my way over the bars. I hit the eject button and unclipped my shoes and jumped over the bar, cleared the bike, landed and slid on my shoes and palm. My hand was fine, just burned a little, but I lost my Starbucks latte all over the floor.

Lesson learned, check the chain after a couple of rides.

Tonight, ride home and then back, 60 more miles by 830am tomorrow.

Good stuff, feel good and strong, just got to see what that knee pain is about.

Take care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

EyE SpY

I got my eye wide open.

I am pointing it north.

Planning a trip to map and ride some wicked stuff for the hopes of establishing another Ultra event in the state.
This time, I'm thinking 200 miles? That's a nice ride.
I love the prospect of exploring new events, and seeing new things and adventuring. I plan to first explore the deep woods before I get into the exterior. After looking at several things and descriptions it sounds like it will be Ultra tough? I wonder if I can get it all in one day or if I will have to break it up over two? Who knows, all of it is still in the air but its got my mind working.

As well, I got the Dirty DanO route brewing in my mind. I want everyone to be able to finish that ride with 100 miles under their belts. A little more challenging then we originally thought but completely doable by all means.

As well, as I am starting to talk to the people who will host the SSAR, this year will be challenging, and hardcore and tons of fun and it will be another legitimate, entry fee, all hoopla that goes with that type of event.

The schedule is laid out for the rest of the year as we continue to examine and plan all we need to do to get everything we want done.

At the same time, one of my Best Friends David is getting married this weekend and I am the Best Man. One of my big responsibilities is the speech, so I am have been studying and perusing best man speeches and recommendations. Feels like a big responsibility and I want to do a good job.

So, that is whats going on in my world.

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Monday, March 22, 2010

Da BiZZneZZ

This weekend's mileage Tally was ZERO.

What did I do all weekend? Well, for the first time in Blog history I will respond with this, N.O.Y.F.B.Not very polite is it? Well, you know, certain things I cant discuss in public nah mean!
It was a pretty kick ass weekend though and it started with an extremely high level of frustration, followed by an extremely high level of satisfaction, followed by an extremely high level of Frustration again, and the pattern was rinsed and repeated for the duration of the weekend.
The Pony that gets me places has had a host of issues, I wont get too deep into them, but because of them I had to drive a good distance wondering in my mind if my vehicle would make the miles before mechanical collapse. Good news, it made the miles and all was well.
The Equinox was Saturday and I went hiking and taking Macro phone pictures. I have lately considered myself an actual Phone Picture artist, a new breed of people who try to take artistic and dramatic photos via telephone.
I'm good.
That evening, I had dinner with a friend at Chili's and absolutely had the best ribs EVER. They were SOOOoOOO good. Live Music followed after, and apparently it was a local lesbian band as I got to be in a room full of them types. NOT as HOT as it sounds, but JUST as entertaining.
I must of laughed about it for a good long time.Sunday, was spent driving and hoping, and then enjoying the rain and taking care of things around the house.
Not any miles though, this training thing is going on without a HITCH. This week, I believe myself and coach One Fixed Gear have some sessions planned out and Coach Commute to work as well. We will see how it goes.
Take care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Friday, March 19, 2010

SpRUnG 2010

Its that time of years again folks, where the season changes and so does our attitudes. Some of you cold weather haters are starting to test your legs and begin a new. Flowers will start blooming tree's will start budding, it is probably one of my most favorite seasons.

Sad to report, or not sad at all, that my sadness has passed. Seems as soon as it passed I found that what they say is true, and as annoying as it may be, everything does happen for a reason.

I am looking forward to long days in the saddle, adventures with friends and who knows maybe a little Romance.

Life is good, and all is well.

Things are going well on the Singletrack Samurai production front as we are hosting the Dirty DanO 100, giving a chance for riders to get a dirty Hundy under their belt. Why not sign up, why not join, why not participate. There is a cost, but that cost is to cover the food and the shirt that we made up, really, really cool stuff. Sign up by April 1st so that we can make sure we get it all together.
Lately I have been at a lost for words, mainly cause I have been so high on life. Busy, busy, busy as well as we I go along on this hurling rock that we call Earth and daily I conquer one challenge after another.
This weekend I am looking forward to lots of activity, fun and excitement, starting a little early since I am cutting work soon because of how hard I worked the past 3 days. Mentally my brain is drained.

Life continues to be a puzzle, but at least, I feel like a new man, even more capable of handling what has happened. A good friend gave me some great advice and it was as if she pushed a boulder in my mind out of the way to uncover something that needed to be released. I feel like a new man, with a new attitude and a new outlook.

Life is good again.

Take care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

HaRdEn Da FoK Up!

This year is the year that I get just a little tougher and become a little more calloused.

This year I plan to actually train and see how far I can push the new form I have acquired.

So in accordance to this goal, I have already one dirty nickel and a half under my belt.

My goal is to do 5 more dirty centuries before the year is done.

Goal as well is to acquire the speed record for the Huracan and defend the CFiTT speed Record in October.
My 5 dirty hundy goal is completely obtainable considering by the end of April I will have 2 done, and by the end of May 3 more. So who knows, maybe 5 dirty hundies in one year will be too easy, how bout 10, or how bout I just see how many I can get done.

In 2011 I want to do the tour divide, because of circumstances beyond my control, I missed out on it this year, next year, I will not!

It's time to EVOLVE into an even stronger type of rider.

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Monday, March 15, 2010

NeW HoPe

It's weird. But after Friday night and eve's exploits I woke up feeling like a new Man on Saturday.

Fitting indeed as I prepared to go ride with friends at Croom. Made my way out there. I really enjoy riding with Luis and Mike, like most the people I ride with, they serve as great educators, motivators and inspiration distributors.
And that is the point of good friends, if the people you have in your life are not contributing to your advancement as a being in this universe, then why have them. If a friend does nothing but bring you down and drag you down, then why have them. Those are not friends, but more like obstacles and annoyances.
The trail was beautiful, and to match my new hope and new beginning, I was in a playful mood. It's like what I see every morning, as I drive to work and battle the Eye Four Peleton, I see kids commuting to school, and playfully racing each other, jostling for position.

I was in the same mood as I tease fully attempted to out climb or out sprint my friends. Playful, cause I chose to ride with people who are stronger, and at the drop of a hat they could lay down discipline similar to a Parent scolding a child for touching the hot boiling pan on the stove.

I was feeling so good and strong, I guess that's what an off the couch dirty century and half will do for your legs, and I was coming into a corner, I could see there was a tree on the apex. As I scanned thru the rest of the corner, there was another tree where in the line position I felt was optimal for that corner. As I made a decision, and entered the corner in the appropriate spot, all this forethought didn't add the X factor of a root at pedal level that I struck going at an extremely fast speed and ended up twisted up in my bike, all a ball of dust, leaves and mechanical convolution.

I got up, inspected the bike and checked all my pockets, and I got back on. Seemed like we were making quick pace and the weather was perfect, when on a climb I heard a god awful creak, and looked down and noticed that the pedal I had smashed at speed, was coming apart from my pedal body. I was done, and it was time to calculate an exit strategy.

The ride out was nice and the bike did not leave me stranded. Which was great. Lately everything has been sunshine and beauty in my universe. I definitely felt a shift after Friday night and it feels good. Things are good, and things are better.

Amazing is one word to describe it.
This week, pedal, pedal, next weekend, MORE FUN!

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Hmmmm KaY!

Puzzles upon Puzzles.

Brain Teasers upon Brain Teasers.

Paradox after Paradox.
I received a message from one of the members of the Sacred Circle of Singletrack Samurai Trust.
The message said in a nutshell, Squiggy will not satisfy your craving.

Ok, fair enough, good to know right. SO, just now, literally 3 minutes ago, I got offered a spot on a team. So NOW, I am considering going again and racing on a team, that would put me on a pedal pedal good time, and It would be low stress and I dont need pit support.
SO, Tampa Saturday, here I come? Will the SingleTrack Samurai, the most powerful singletrack shredder in the known universe make an appearance? This remains to be seen as I do not have inside information myself, but I am diligently working on trying to find out.

Take care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

CrAvInGs

Lately it seems that I have had so many of them. Both spiritual and physical. Both from sustenance and contact.

I been eye balling this weekends race, the Squiggy 6 hour. Years ago when I had a fever for longer rides and challenges, I did a series of 6 hour races and decided that I wanted to do a 12, did a 12 and then I was pretty much over riding 60 to 90 miles and still ending up in the same place you started.
Sounds so funny, but its so true. The squiggy was a race that I was very curious about. Mostly cause I cut my teeth in Mountain biking with weekend suffer and torture fest in Snowhill road trails that was a technical rooty adventure party. So Naturally, I was curious as to how I would do in a long race in a similar environment.
I'm also coming off a long dirty ride and my last two rides I felt pretty strong, so I'm wondering, as my good friend Rob Roberts asked, can I hammer for 6 hours straight?

What is my apprehension. Well, I got an issue with my car that needs attention Saturday morning, but with much hustle and bustle I could shift that around. I also, and more importantly don't have a person to feed me. Not to be stuck up, but one of my new year resolutions was to race to win, not race just to race. I am well aware that there will be some fast racers in the solo class, but remember I am a technical wizard, that does go along way. So in order to be competitive I would need someone that could follow my specific feed regimen and keep up with my to the letter feeding requirements and most of all wants to do it out of the goodness of their heart.dont know who this is, but YUMMM

This person does not exist. I could surely get LiL'r NI to do it, but he is 10 yrs old and the instructions require lots of pouring and planning and details and I just would not want to put him in a situation where he would be required to go above and beyond his skill level.

Self feed would be fine, but that kind of defeats the purpose of a lap race if I got to carry a bunch of crap. The point is to race ultra light not self supported.

So although I crave and I have desires, like everything else in my life, I cannot have exactly what I crave and want, this may very well be another thing that I have to just leave in Fantasy land and just move on without it.

Would be fun, but if it cant get done, then it wont get done.

ON a side note, I went ahead and did it. Started a blog with all my retarded poems. Will I tell you where it is, will I help you find it, its boring and stupid anyhow, but poetry and rhyme was always one of my favorite stress relievers and energy expenders.

Well see if I make it out there, right now, it looks like its partly cloudy with a chance of Not happening.

Maybe someone needs a third team mate?

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

TaO of ShReD

Do you Shred like me?

I pondered this as I rode this Sunday with the Mucaro.

Sure I love to ride long distances. Sure I love to go fast. BUT, that's not what its all about to me.
Am I a free rider?
I'm always looking for that Mogul to pump some air off. That drop to Wheelie off of. That bank to get a near vertical wall ride on.

To me, riding singletrack is just as much about artistic carving and free riding and obtuse line taking and pure flow as it is about traveling far and going fast.
I love an obtuse line, a treacherous jump off or over a log, a fast pump, near vertical drops, Pucker ass pucker. High speed descents and LONG climbs.
There is Shred in the Climb. I love to see how long and fast I can go standing and climbing before the legs and the lungs make a concerted agreement to talk me out of the speed I am doing.
Rope the dope. Chase the bunny.
What does Shred mean to you? Does it mean to you the same as it does to me? Do you crave to ride beyond the fringe, do you ride to destroy yourself, do you ride till you puke? Do you seek the speed, do you say to yourself, no brakes thru this section, brakes only slow you down?

Tell me about your Shred, Is the same way as mines?

Tell me.....

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Singletrack Samurai Productions Presents: Dirty DANO's 100 April 17th 8am

SwampKnockers is a Nice Little Restaurant that sits off State Road 200 right near the Withlacoochee river, just about 1/4 mile shy of a section of Trail use Bikepackers call the Haltapa HELL TRACK.

It is at this Restaurant that we will start, Jump on and experience the Hell track, ride it into Pruitt and then Merge with The Santos Epic Plus all the way back to the parking lot.

At that point, in the Tradition of the Leadville 100, we turn around and come back, if you take the Hardcore option you will throw in a loop of Vortex with 65 miles under your belt.

Once the Ride ends, we are planning on having a catered meal from the Restaurant itself. Once we get a rider count, I will communicate with them and let you know how much you will have to chip in to cover the cost. There will also be a SAG wagon provided for those that cant finish AND a cue sheet so that you stay on route.

All fun and all relatively low cost. Dan wants to pop his 100 mile cherry and there is no better way to do it then to do it DIRTY.

Join us.

To sign up, send all your contact info to Nakedindian at singletrack samurai dot com.

Take care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

SiNgLeTraCk SaMuRai AppReciAtiOn DiNNeR

Ladies and Gentleman:

Its important to take time to appreciate the achievements and hard work that we have accomplished.

SO, in Recognition of that Saturday we will be Having Dinner at the Altamonte Springs Carrabas at 5pm.

If your interested in joining the CEO and the President of SSP, please RSVP so that we have the appropriate sized table.

We are NOT a big corporation, so you will have to feed yourself, but we invite you to join in Celebrating all our hardwork and fun that SSP strives to bring to the Local MTB community.

Email me at Nakedindian at Singletrack Samurai dot com if you plan on attending.

take care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

Monday, March 01, 2010

RoCk Me LIke A HuRaCaN??!?!

Life totally get's in the way at the most inopportune moments.

Emotionally, problems with a certain not to be named someone and My son, all culminated to a rough week leading into the biggest challenge of my life.

I stayed positive and packed up and prepared, went to bed late on Thursday.

Rose early Friday and packed up took off, 100% sure I had not forgotten a thing. My technology and equipment distribution and prep are refined for sure. I know what to do in those regards, I had some small concerns about how my body would react, but I was amped and feeling confident.

In the parking lot, the mood was high as I joked and finished up my preparations. We rolled out and for a small bit of time I was in front, but it wasn't like I was trying to drop anyone, I was just riding, I miss a turn, Rob takes the front, and he slowly gets a gap on me. I was not worried. I come out of the woods, adjust one of my packs, Roll up my jacket sleeves and the chase was ON.

I got into my Clip on Aero bars and kept it pinned at 18 to 20 mph the whole way down. As I sang songs and flew by regular users, I wondered, what were they thinking when they saw me zip by with my hat bill turned up and a grin on my face.

I could see Rob, but as good as an effort as I was putting in, I didn't seem to be closing the gap.

The Bridge over 50 came, and he seemed to disappear, I make a turn, I cant see him, make another, cant see him, keep staying in the Aero bars and keeping the cadence High, still cant see him, then finally, there he is.

I keep chasing. We get to the 1st bushwhack section and I spot him not even 100 feet away. I get over there, take a nature break, take off my jacket, and get back on the bike.

Several miles and more steady pedaling later, I spot a red and black glove on the ground. It's Rob's. Many times I felt like a Man tracker on the route as I spotted his tracks. I tell you what, Rob does not know the definition of straight line, LOL.

I keep pedaling along, see the carcass of a dead boar in the road, my knee is hurting, WTF? Left Knee in the front, I don't know what is going on, finally make it out of Green swamp into the edge of Clermont, stop to refuel in water. Take a small break to wash my face and snack. Back on the bike, knee pain gets worst, but I keep going, till eventually I make it to US 27 and I stop at 7-11. I buy some food, throw it in my pack, buy a soda, and as I sit and massage my knee I plot dinner by dark at the edge of Lake Apopka on the overlook.

As I am climbing and descending US 27 I intentionally soft pedal and avoid standing knowing that Grassy lakes section would require me to stand and work to make the climbs. I stay patient and steady, taking advantage of every downhill by using my Aero bars to maintain optimal efficiency.

I get into Grassy Lakes keeping my pace up, and was able to do all the climbs standing as expected, the break worked, but now the left Tendon behind my left knee was screaming. Regardless, my leg's felt like bricks. I got to the roundabout before the Wall in Clermont and searched for a water source, I was worried I would run out in Lake Apopka preserve, but I didn't find any. I broke my headphones, crap. I climb the wall, find the entrance into Apopka Preserve and after a little riding it turned into a hike a bike. I could see Rob's tracks. Usually you can ride the edge in Sugar Sand, but the edges were littered with Cactus's. I was stuck walking, which is not bad, but my leg's were so cracked at this point, that even walking was a bit of a chore as they felt stiff. It was a little odd as my leg's don't usually feel like this. Regardless, I did the work, made Lake Apopka and did some video updates. Come to find out Later at this point I was only 1 hour and change behind Rob, even with all the breaks.

I rode thru Lake Apopka preserve with no lights, moon was so bright, animals everywhere, owls flying, huge splashes in the water. At one point I hear rumbling... Thunderstorms?? Then I look all the way across the river and I can see a fireworks show. Whats the Occasion I think? But I keep going. I needed to cross that river, I was dreading how quick the temps were dropping and how deep the river may be.

I stop at a store, eat, refuel, stock up water, buy some new music headphones, throw on more cold weather gear, then get to rolling some more. I get lost for a couple of miles, then take the west orange trail back to where I was supposed to be and quickly spot Anthony's pizza, I wanted hot food so I stopped. I sat there, ate half a pizza, wrapped up the other half and drank a beer, got rolling again.

Made Wekiwa Park, rode Muddy horrible single track, made the river. My plan to cross the river was to roll up my pants, put on some other shoes and go across then change. I took my shoes put them in a Bag, tied them to my pack, I scanned the river with my headlights for Alligator eyes glowing, but none were seen and aloud I was saying, got to go, got to go, and then Splash, I am nearly nipple deep, my packs taking water, and I can feel the current pushing me, as I get across, I keep moving thru the bushwhack section, get out to the main road, and asses damage.

Two shoes, soaked. One Sock Soaked. Extra wool socks soaked. Gloves, soaked. Cell phone bag, soaked, cell phone, OK. Arm warmers, dry, leg warmers dry. Ok. I get dressed again. Roll 100 feet, my left toe was completely numb. My right fingers, NUMB.

I stop and pull out my spare gore TeX cold weather rain weather gloves, nothing I could do for my left toe, I go. AS I roll on, I am thinking of Bear Grylls. He says in a Survival situation, don't panic, I got wet clothes on and the temps are dropping fast.

I stay calm. I look for any kind of paper, or any kind of bathroom or something were maybe I could camp inside and have a chance of getting warmer. I see a hunting shelter but its pad locked. The road out of Rock springs was awful at one point, but I did the work, and rode the ride of a champion. I found a Info Kiosk and trail maps and took a couple of handfuls and stuffed them in my frame pack. I kept moving. My realistic goal was to make the FT shelter at the edge of the Seminole forest, my dream in the clouds goal was the bathroom at buck lake. I was gonna make my realistic goal for sure.

What separates a race from an adventure race? I don't really know the answer, but I can tell you adding a mental puzzle seems to be part of it. Getting thru a locked gate with a fully loaded bike was a puzzler but I managed it, and kept going.

Kept the pace fast in the Aero's on the road and in no time fast, I was shivering and undressing at the FT shelter.

I took my gloves, and one shirt laid it on the wooden cot. Put my gigantic stuff sack on top of that and my wool shirt down. Then Laid my sleeping bag on top of it all. I stuffed my shoes with trail brochures and put both my back and shoes in the vicinity of my emergency blanket that I was using as a pseduo bivy. I went to bed, with my bibs on, my leg warmers on, my wool socks and my base layer shirt.

I got in covered myself and as I laid there my left toe was still useless. I began to rub it, then move it, then I could feel it. Fell asleep and woke up, don't know how much time had passed, but all my clothes were dry, I slipped off my arm warmers and kept sleeping.

I woke up listening to rain drops hitting the roof of the shelter. The underside of my emergency blanket was soaked from condensation. I got up. My clothes were dry, my shoes were dry. I had done it, I was very proud. For a second I thought the river soaking was disastrous. I did my business, ate some cold pizza, dried up my emergency blanket and packed up. I put on my rain gear, got on the bike and rolled out. It was pouring, but I was fine. The gear was working, I was not getting wet. BUT, there was a problem for sure. My leg's were powerless. Felt like bricks. In retrospect, I should of kept going, maybe after 40 miles I would of warmed up, when I hit Maggie Jones road, the entire thing was muddy mess for 7 miles of barely moving riding. It was demoralizing. Leg's dead, can barely move, rain pouring, I was feeling beaten.

I got to Paisley trailhead, and decided I was defeated. I was pulling the plug. Looking back now, maybe it just takes longer on day 2 to warm up, I don't know, I have never ridden so far so fast, this is all still very new to me in those regards, touring and racing are too different animals.

I contacted Bill Hoover via text, all I had signal for, and he said he would come get me. I was appreciative.

It was an epic ride and an adventure. The entire time I marveled at what Rob and I have done, we put together a loop that gives riders a chance to experience some back country hardcore goodness.

I did quit early, 14 hours 19 minutes of ride time 160 gps miles, 27 total hours, BUT I was proud of my performance. I can see that the CFiTT is gonna be way faster this year, and I see that I will prepare better and be ready for the total challenge. I have set a date for the end of May to take another attempt at this beast. As good as Rob's time is, It is beatable.

I thought alot, while I was out there. Some thoughts comical, some deep, some sad, some joyous. And I thought to when I used to "train". Back when I "trained" I was not on a good nutritional plan and the results really showed that. NOW, that I eat better and I have better overall health, maybe I should "train", after all, If there is a chance we can beat Black Ops at PMBAR, then I want to do it.

It was great adventure, fun and challenge, I encourage everyone to do it, you don't got to race it, but if you crave an off road multi day self supported epic, then why not?

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN