The HuRaCaN 260: Croom To PruiTT

530am or so a truck showed up with riders.


I wondered if they could see me, or if I had enough distance and shadows to be hidden.  I tried to ignore their presence but I could hear everything they were saying, It was in some ways annoying.  Another car pulled up and shortly they were all off on a 25 mile ride, the weather report said NO Rain according to a man who called himself, Mr. Doppler.


I decided to get up, use the bathroom, tend to my chapped bottom and then get some food in me and prepare to leave at the crack of daylight.


The day before, somehow, my seat had slipped.  I hadn't noticed and I rode for HOURS with my seat too low.  This put my butt on a part of the seat I don't normally use and that I don't normally lubricate and ended up chapped raw.


I ate my breakfast.  Rolled out and headed towards Croom.  It was 7am and my goal was to be out of the singletrack before ten am.  3 hours I figured at a modest pace was realistic.


 For the first time since mile 40 I actually started having fun.  Croom was green and in full jungle forest glory.  I carefully made my way keeping good pace, ticking away the miles, heading towards he infamous pits that this section of croom is known for.

As I made my way through pit one, the rain started.  I thought about Mr. Dopplers prediction and laughed.  I kept moving.  I checked the time and I was ahead of my anticipated finish time.

I get to the next to last pit and right in front of me drops a rider, and as I pass the junction point another was coming out of the same hole.  It was a bit surreal. I just had zero expectations of seeing anyone.  I had to actually keep the pace through the bench cut and crested the next short uphill and let the guy pass.

I started losing my pep.  I was getting tired, only 2 miles left in this section.  Once I got off the singletrack onto Nobleton road, I was super happy to be done with the skinny undulating trail and was ready to pound out some thoughtless bike path and pavement miles.

The lack of sleep, the long road, the rain storm had left me  tired.  And I saw a bench and decided I needed to stretch my back.  I laid there, resting, sleeping a very blissful and wonderful sleep.  When raindrops hitting my face came as my wake up call and I had to get up and go again, off to chase Santos which was closer then ever at this point.

Floral City was my next Oasis.  I started dreaming about hot food, I was really wanting something cold to drink.  The rain was fine.  It actually felt good and in spite of my raw ass cheeks I felt great.  The miles were coming quick and I was greeting all the riders traveling opposite my direction.

Low and behold I caught sight of the riders I had heard plotting their 25 mile round trip voyage.  I know its not nice but all I could think was, damn I rode the 14 miles of croom and got 6 miles past that point, 22 miles or so, in less time then it took them to do half their trip???

By the time I got to Floral City I was water logged.  I was soaked.  My hands are all pruny.  They had outside seating at the restaurant.  Which I was thankful for.  As hot as it is outside, the AC inside the building felt even worst.  The whole trip anytime I went in a convenience store I ended up shivering so much that I wasn't free to comfortably think and shop, Forced to move fast.

She served me hot food and sweet potato fries. I had several cokes, cokes are not part of my normal meal plan but I am in survival mode.  It all felt great, but halfway through my meal, I feel asleep head down, for a long while.  The storm was in full force, I would wake at moments and eat a little then go back to my nap.

Awful I know, but it was what I felt my body needed to continue pushing forward.  And after I finished eating, and drinking I stopped at the gazebo and restocked on my water and continued forward.  I had been on the Withlacoochee bike path several times.  And today it seemed different.  Although I was on pavement, the trail had such a backwoods feel.  Everything was green, lush and tropical.

I had packed away my shirt.  Riding only in my base layer and my jacket.  Finally after several hours of riding in the rain, it stopped and I took off my jacket and packed it in the back as well.  I stopped at wal greens in Inverness to get lithium batteries, I had been getting reports that my spot quit working and since I left the convenience store in Ridge manor the battery light warning had been going off on my Spot Tracker.

I put in batteries and continued on my trip.  Before Long I was entering Potts Preserve.  I came across a group of people barbecuing, I was reminded that it was indeed Memorial Day.  I rolled on, exited the park, rode the grassy canal road, seeing several ATVs.

I went through the fence and stopped at the convenience store for more drink.  I was really tired, I wanted to sleep more, but I was noticing my time was running out.  I had gotten a call earlier that Kailan didn't have a ride home and now I had to make an unexpected trip to New Smyrna, AFTER I finished the sleep deprived Hell ride and be home BEFORE he goes to school in the  morning at 8am.

Amazingly enough Stumpknockers was closed.  I got into Haltapa.  It was exhausting, so hard, I was hating it, and after a long slog I got to the parking lot at Pruitt and laid in the grass under the shade of the oak tree to sleepy and tired to continue.

I don't know how long I slept, it was so nice and peaceful, it truly felt like heaven.  I got a text and that woke me up, I got on the bike and left noticing time was really getting short now and in a few hours it would be dark.

I trudged through Pruitt got on the limestone, marveled at the baby armadillo with his cute little claws who didn't have enough sense to run and hide when i rolled by leaving him only 8 inches of space.  As I exited Pruitt I was really out of time now and exhausted.  I wanted to sleep, get some more hot food and then continue with the 20 or so miles I had left.  So sleep would of took an hour or so, food would of took an hour or so and the ride 3 hours or so at best.  That's 5 more hours and it was 730 pm. Putting me back at the car at midnight, with a drive to from Ocala to New Smyrna back to my home in Deltona, to get up at 7am and get ready for work and school.  The math seemed like more then I was willing to deal with, so me and my chapped ass decided that 260 was more then enough knowing if I would of not had the pressure of picking up my son, I could easily finish, it would of just took 5 more hours.

The route is powerful. Some of it is really too much though and there are some sections that I will change for the sake of continuity.  It is after all what I think is best to promote flow.

Take care,

The NaKeD InDiaN

The HuRaCaN 260: Day 2, LaKe ApoPka to RiDgE MaNoR

I turned my phone off at 2 am when I went to bed for a reason.  I wanted to be natural this a.m. and let my body wake when it was done resting.

Instead, like a giant eager playful Labrador, The Morning Sun licked my face and woke me up much earlier then I had plan.  I rethought things instantly, whats more natural then rising from a suns Kiss.  And I began gathering my breakfast and getting ready for the day.

It doesn't ever take me long to pack if I want to go fast.  But if I am not in a rush, I lolly gag, I listened to the birds, I listen to the wind, I listen to the water.  I sit and just absorb the moment.  I had two oranges and a handful of nuts for breakfast.  I really didn't feel much like eating, my stomach still felt weird, but I did what I had to do and before long I was rolling along the grassy double track taking me towards Wolf Head Road.

Wolf Head Road is total garbage and If I can get rid of it I will.  I mean it was even worst then the last time I rode it and it sucked then too.  Regardless, I did some hiking, and some riding, and some conserving my energy and was motivated by the sound of the cars off in the distance.  I passed over the yellow gate and got on the road, taking a moment to dump out about an ounce of sand out of each shoe.

I took off up the road.  It had been awhile since I had been on this part of the course and I made a pact that I needed to keep it moving so I could get to Hancock and eat and relax.  It was already getting hot and I had a dozen or so big hills ahead.

I'm pedaling along and look and see two riders coming around the corner fast in full on road racing style effort.  Not long after another rider came along dipped in Tri Gear and on a Giant Cycles Time Trial bike, seemingly giving chase.  I thought to myself, what a dramatic morning on the road.  These guys are serious about riding!

Up and Over one hill and as I start the next, a rider comes flying by.  Normally I am a cannibal.  I give chase and refuse to be passed.  But today I was humble and determined to stay steady and not pop.  I had made a goal for myself for a cool drink at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.  For as long as I can remember there is a residence that puts out ice cold water coolers that you can pour cold water from.  Lately on my rides some of my biggest craving and desire fantasies have to do with Ice Water.

I saw all kinds of people.  I mean, like thirty riders when it was all said and done.  People parked and gathering at spots that I have never seen them gather out.  Not only riders but runners which at the time I thought nothing off, but in retrospect it seems weird.  Usually when I'm riding Clermont in the fast curvy downhills I might scrub some speed for safety, but not today,  I was hell bent on getting as much free forward movement as possible.  I was hungry.  And really wanted to get to refuge.

I got my drinks at the top of Sugarloaf.  Making every climb, no walking.  Roll up Scrub Jay and into Grassy Lakes and before long I was at Minneola Trailhead.  Up onto the bike path I go, I can almost smell my temporary finish line.

Up and down and under the road I went, one more Lil up, o here comes another and then right before the final little crest so I can roll downhill for a minute into the Starbucks.  I just decided I'm tired of pedaling and walk the tiny little last hill.

I walk into Starbucks.  Although I'm so hungry and so tired of the bright sun I have no motivation to eat.  I order a drink and then sit and order out some food, sitting inside till the delivery person shows up and I go outside and have an impromptu picnic.  Anyone that knows me reasonably well, knows that when it comes to eating I can finish a dish FAST.  Well, not this day.   It was small bites and chewing and it took me nearly an hour to finish something that usually takes me a minute.  I had to put effort into eating, stay on task, and work at it, It was not a fantastic experience to say the least.

After I finished eating, I still had half my drink.  I made a new plan.  I didn't think it was smart of me to keep pushing through the heat of the day.  Figured it was smarter for me to sit and wait and let things cool off.  Plus I had heard that there were chances I may have to deal with a tropical storm.  I wasn't too worried about the storm, because I know what the environment looks like when a storm like that is approaching.  BUT, I also know that a storm like this will push rain in all directions and know all too well that if it rains, the outside temps can drop sometimes 20 degrees which would make a long push across Green Swamp even easier.

So I waited and charged my phone and slept.  I basically used my left over in school class sleeping techniques to undercover catch a snooze inside the air conditioned coffee shop.  It was actually kind of nice.  I rested, and started getting ready to go again, when a person I know from my previous Career who heard I was at the shop came by to chat a bit.  I admit, it was nice to talk to someone I had been on my own and in my own world for hours and hours.  And sure, that is a great thing to experience, but I have done so much of it, that I think I am burnt out on being alone and doing long long miles.

We wrapped up our chat and I packed up and left, choosing to restock a few miles down the road just to get the legs moving again.  The air was indeed cooler and I felt strong again.  I made my restock, grabbed lots of liquid calories and kept the pace steady.  It was actually easy and nice pedaling out of Clermont.  I thought about how one more town was in my rear view mirror and grew ever more anxious about crossing Lake Louisa state park.

Before long I passed the walk in gate an made my way up and through the old orange groves.  I hit some very sandy spots and instead of battling the sand I did some hike a biking, choosing instead to save my muscles for what would be the next two big challenges getting to ridge manor and getting across croom.

Once I got to the fence hop in Lake Louisa I took a moment to put some calories in the system.  I sat with my back up against the gate.  In the distance I could hear the thunder.  Up to this point I had not been rained on and I thought for sure by the sounds I was hearing that the rain was gonna catch me this time.  I got over the fence and half way to the next fence when I noticed something pinging my front wheel.  I had forgotten to put on my headphones and once I retrieved them they were in four pieces.  I then backtracked searching for my red mp3 player but had no luck.  I really needed the music as I had gone all day before Starbucks without it and found it was giving me strong steady legs.  I had no choice but to play my collection from my telephone on speaker and continued my forward motion after the search turned up zero results.

I was on dirt, hard clay for awhile.  Then I was on pavement, for what felt like forever.  The roads that take you to the intersect of Van Fleet and then into Green Swamp seemed so so long.  It was starting to get dark.  I made it to the Van Fleet trailhead and took another break at the little pavilion taking a moment to layer up as I felt a chill in the air, and stretch my back.  I could see big tall 4 x 4 pick up trucks rumbling into the swamp and it made me nervous thinking that I would be back there with all the rift raft.  I thought briefly what I would do If I encountered confrontational people, but dismissed the thoughts and took off.

On the my  Dakota GPS it says Logging road.  It was a piece of garbage today.  If there had been rain, the green swamp hadn't seen it.  I walked for several miles through here.  Eventually having to swap the lights in my Princeton tec push which lasted incredibly long.  The new batteries made the light super bright and eventually I got on to Center Grade road which is limestone and I was done with the hike a bike.

I rode across the forest quick, several trucks passed me, but no one fussed at me or yelled or started any problems.  That was good.  When I got to the start of Richloam I took another break, and then rolled out into the jeep roads that make up the tract.  This place had seen rain and it had been very recent.  I could still smell it in the air and the ground was still wet with puddles in places.

Somewhere on Trail number 6 I spotted what I thought might be a baby alligator but thought it was weird that it didn't have any scales.  In fact if anything it had lizard skin, and just as I got closer to take a look, it took of like a bullet shot so fast that I screamed like a woman and veered my machine in the opposite direction.  Yeah, that wasn't cute!

Anyways, I can see on my GPS that the road is getting closer and just as I am about 1/4 mile away, a truck springs to life in front of me and takes off really fast.  I guess they were spooked by my approaching lights.  There were LOTS of teenagers out in Ridge manors in their big trucks and in big numbers again, making my spidey sense go crazy with plans and ideas on how to handle any conflict.  BUT the conflict never came.  I got on Old Ridge manor road and then went to the Circle K for food and restock.  I wasn't much for hungry.  I was more tired then anything, but I choked down some food and then topped off the charge on my phone and slept on the hard dirty concrete for a bit while I waited.  Eventually I got my stuff and took off, deciding I would stop at the first withlacoochee trailhead and sleep there till the morning.

It was hard for me on this trip to figure out what the magic bullet would be to make me feel better and make me want to push farther.  I would eat, but then my stomach would hurt.  I would drink, but then I wouldn't feel thirsty.  It seemed as if satisfaction was always too far away.  Instead it was sleeping that would recharge the batteries and allow me to push in earnest, and by the time I made camp I had it calculated at four hours of sleep before I got up and took off into the Croom Forest.  At the ridge manor coochee pavilion I laid out my clothes hoping they would dry off a bit and slept on the concrete next to my bike.

It wasn't a deep restful sleep.  It was uncomfortable.  I didn't set up my hammock out of fear that a policeman would show up and give me a vagrancy ticket.  I didn't go away from the pavilion cause I was concerned that the rain would show.  So I cat napped on the hard concrete right by my bicycle.

Last Part next,

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

The HuRaCaN 260: Day 1, SaNtOs to LaKe ApoPkA

The week after the Stagecoach Trip I spent resting.  I had invested weeks of riding getting ready for that challenge and I felt a break was needed.  I admit my training is haphazard at best, and I have no real structure, I mostly go by feelings and desires.

The week after my rest week, I caught the worst Flu I have had in years and spent a grueling 4 days dealing with the illness.  First with me suffering feverish sleepless nights and then Kailan contracting the illness and me spending more sleepless nights looking after him.

I ended up having to take Anti Biotics to fight my infection and the problem with such strong medicine is not only does it kill whats ailing you, but it kills all the good bacteria  you have in your body as well.  So the week after my illness I spent it, feeling so tired and off balance.

I had only managed two rides since I had been back from California.  One was just a destination nowhere ride, where I felt good.  I had a lot of leftover fitness from the Stagecoach.  The other was the Saturday after my illness in between my low energy off balance week, I pedaled rather speedily to Guruv yoga in Lake Mary and did a class and then pedaled home.

Regardless, even though the week had been crappy I had made a commitment to go and tackle the Huracan and I was hell bent on doing it.  So hell or high water, when Saturday 430am rolled around I packed up and left heading to Santos to start where everyone else started this year and Begin my Individual time trial.

I have had alot of rides cut short lately.  Always for good reasons so I was eager to start getting some whole enchiladas under my belt.  Still, going into this, I was still off balance, and I had rested and stayed off the bike more then I had wanted.  I have learned, that is my fortune, I should always expect everything to not go right.  Maybe one day that will change, but for now, that is what I have grown accustomed too.

Everything went smooth and I actually left Santos trailhead early on my way to tackle this beast that I have dedicated so much of my time too.  I had a different plan then usual, I wanted to go out conservative and stay conservative.  Instead of coming out the box riding so hard and then falling apart I wanted to start up slow and build momentum.  Seemed to all make sense in my head when I made the Plan.

As I pedaled the pavement making my way to Baseline trailhead, I greeted the people picking wild berries along the paved trails edge.  Before I knew it I was riding Marshall Swamp trail, noticing lots of little off shoot trails that I had never noticed before.  I took a small break at the trailhead and kept on pedaling.  Up and over the Oklawaha noticing that they had used the old bridge as a greenway pedestrian bridge as they had promised.

Onward I went making quick work, easily averaging close to 12 mph even as I made my way across the forest and encountered numerous Dune Buggies out speeding on the hard pack forest roads.  I was trying to do everything better.  I was drinking, I was eating, I was taking supplements, I was on top of the situation.

I cleared sellers lake after a brief stop and water restock and then ventured into the first real challenge of the course Billy Bay.  It took some effort and I really got hot through that section, but I kept my pace up and ventured right into Paisley Mountain Bike trail.  Seemed like all the places before this had seen rain in the past week, but Paisley looked just as sandy today as it did the last time I rode it with Kailan.

I kept moving, ticking off the miles, getting hungry and anxious to be done with this section of the ride.  After what seemed like forever I exited and made my way to a cold drink and food restock only to discover that my normal store to visit was locked up???  Ugggghhh, I continued deeper into town, past the Pirate's Pub and to the next store, where I ate and drank and ate and then feeling a lil depleted decided I would nap under the oak tree and give the sun a little time to burn off.

Around 4pm, I left that spot, after soaking a rag and placing it under my helmet, I rolled onward towards Maggie Jones.  Again, apparently no rain had come this way as Maggie was sandy and washboarded the entire way.  About 20 miles ago the ride started feeling like work, and I must admit the feeling had not dissipated.  But work I did as I made quick work of Seminole, stopped road side to score beverages and oranges and reached and passed the gate in Rock Springs.    I made my way through the park, pedaling the challenge trail.  I was liking the single track, but the double track was a mess and recently graded.  At least it seemed it had seen rain so although the ground was not fast rolling, at least it was rolling.

After what seemed like a long time I crossed the river passing a couple of boy scouts and several canoes along the way.  Not saying a word.  By this point I was eager for real food and darkness was coming and I still had five miles of complicated trail to negotiate.

The trail was green and dark.  Cypress knees everywhere eager to grab at your pedals if you didn't time things just right.  I kept the pace high knowing that after I emerged from the basin I would reach more of a scrub and open environment providing brighter light.  I really didn't want to stop to pull out my helmet light and after what seemed like another long long time I made it out in the dark.

As soon as I hit pavement, what I thought would be a two hour trip to Zellwood had already become a 2.5 hour trip and I still had a good 8 or 9 miles to go.

I pedaled and moved along the pavement, using my Fred's as much as possible and then eventually taking 441 to the Mexican restaurant that Curt had told me about.  I parked my bike and went in.  Sweaty, dirty, grimy with a rag under my helmet and muddy sun warmers on my arm.  As soon as I go in a guy starts talking to me, but I was on a mission for food and the music was blaring so loud that I pretended instead to not hear his stupid "your exercising alot today" comment.

The young waitress came over and we had to practically speak in each others faces.  She was surprised that I could speak Spanish and I ordered two sandwiches but she talked me out of them and into only one.  I didn't care, I wanted food.  All the while I waited for my food, I shivered from being wet with sweat in an air conditioned small building.  The Man who had spoke to me when I came in kept looking over at me with a glaring stare as if I had been pinching his girlfriends ass or something.  I admit I was nervous at the numbers.  7 of them, 1 of me, I am not going to even look over in their direction.

I got my food, ate, paid and left.  As I got on the bike the only late convenience store was closing and I realized I had two small bags of gummy, two oranges and a bag of cashews.  As I fussed to myself over missing the restock, I saw a electric plug on the outside of a building with a chair right by it.  I took advantage and sat and charged my phone while I sat in a comfy chair waiting.

After a few hours at midnight I rolled out and rode about ten more miles making quick work of the Lake Apopka all the way to the tower. I didn't see any gators as I only had my Princeton Tec Push lighting the way.  But I did come up on a 3 foot tall white faced owl in the middle of the road.  I had only seen an owl like this 18 years ago and was surprised to see one again.  Being the Indian that I am, I wondered if there was some sort of warning I should heed or did he come to give me inspiration to keep pushing. When I finally got there I carried my bike all the way up and set up camp.  Stripped off my wet clothes and hung them up put on my dry gear and laid down in my hammock fighting with the mosquitoes for a lil while before I finally got them to leave me alone.  I fell asleep to the sound of all sorts of owls and animals creeping and crawling about.  Briefly I regretted not peeing on the stairs leading up to the loft, thinking that the smell would of discouraged coons or possums to come up to my perch.

It had been a 110 mile day, and the sleep came fast, I needed all the rest I could get, as the last 90 miles had become a chore and had become way more work then I anticipated.

Part 2 next.

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

WiLsOnS CrEEk, PiSGaH FoReSt, Nc

Luis, my good friend, the artist formerly known as Mucaro Mtb Dot Blogspot Dot Com, and I have almost the same birthday in the same birth month.  In fact, we didn't even know this, but the first time I ever saw the forest of Pisgah was with Luis and it was on a weekend where we both had birthdays.  We, without really knowing each other, except through the inter web(recurring theme), went on an out of state trip, with two birthdays in tow, talk about coincidence.(need I remind you there is no such thing)

And we repeated the tradition.  For many years, going up together at least twice.  Once during our B day month and once during the PMBAR.  This year we planned a five day trip and we planned it way ahead of time.

My failure in the Deserts of New Mexico in 2011 was like a radioactive spider bite to spiderman.  After that Tour Divide Experience, however small it was, I became a different person.  I guess you could call it a mid life crisis, but I had discovered that after 20 years of straight full time work, I had not really followed any of my dreams outright.  Fortunately, in the grand scheme of things I am slow, even in my aging, and still feeling youthful, I came back to do things differently.

I made lots of life changes since my return and all have equaled even more happiness then ever.  ONE of the most serious changes I made was increasing my seriousness in my Professional Cycling Adventurer title.  Its like that has become my full time passion and work has become something that I do that helps facilitate that.  In the past it was the other way around, I was more a cable technician who rode bike, if that makes any kind of sense.  With the Trip planned so far a head, I resolved to treat it like a training camp for the upcoming CFiTT.

The morning of our day before we left Pisgah forest we spent it doing dawn patrol into the fully loaded Honda Element, heading out on speeding highways in search of John a good friend who was going to show us the SECRET GEM of Pisgah Forest.  Usually, we don't leave the campground except to restock and ride.  The four days before we spent exploiting the forest for its singletrack goodness.

After our arrival on day one, we spent the afternoon evening, cresting Black Mountain, feeling the slash of the Clawhammers brutal steep wake up call.  I know our rides our never races, but you get three strong riders together and you cant help but smell the competitive vibes.  I was last up the mountain, playing it safe, saving my legs, using my gears.  My compadre's where on single speeds and had no choice but to stand and mash and they disappeared up the mountain.

 The Crest of Black Mountain came faster then I anticipated, and when we got back to camp, we were all surprised by how quick we made it back, beating the setting sun.

Day 2 started with rain, and finished with a fun loop around the campground and me losing my side knobs on a slippery corner.  I love my renegades, but the cornering on them is tricky.

Day 3 was the hardest longest day with the most adventure to be had as we really put the crush groove down and climbed tons of peaks and tons of great descents.  At the end we had an 8 mile road ride back to the campground and it was my chance to show my single speed brothers the advantage of a 44 tooth chain ring.

Day 4 we drove to North Mills and climbed Laurel Mountain, descended Pilot rock and eventually, to my surprise I caught and passed Aaron who only 100 feet from finishing destroyed his valve on his tubeless and we could not get it out to resolve the issue.  I had broke my leatherman so I could offer no help, so Luis and I had a one on one game of cat and mouse racing back to the car, with me eventually getting crushed by 5 seconds.

Luis and Aaron are great company.  We would hang out and talk and I would go to bed early cause I wanted and needed a rested body to keep climbing and climbing day after day.

Day 5 was the unexpected part of the trip.  The adventure into the unknown.  The morning went smooth enough and after dropping off our shuttle, we started with a long downhill, then uphills, then abandoned tracks and rutted out snake run like descents, huge drops, it was a smorgasbord of everything I like.  Side cut overgrown forest roads in the side of mountains.  Treacherous river crossings.  Huge 4 foot sheer drops that you either had to Huck or ride, but you had to choose quick.  This place was heavenly and rugged, and raw and beautiful.

At the end, we had 3 miles left of climbing to get back to the vehicles.  The single speeders took off, but knowing It was my last day in the mountains I had no fear and gave chase.  I stood up, clicked up and hung in as long as I could before cracking 1/4 mile shy of the top.  I finished third in our imaginary race and gave my self third overall in the five day pisgah training camp stage race.  I still felt proud of all the climbing I did and all the descending, but ashamed about some of the drops I by passed for safety.  I made a promise to two women when I left that I would play it safe and I did.

Luis, the artist formerly known as mucaro mtb dot blogspot dot com has since moved to Colorado where he shreds singletrack mountain trails and hero dirt daily with Unicorns and rainbows everywhere.  Aaron and I have hung out since and we continue to talk.  This sport of mountain biking seems to be boundless in what it continues to offer.

I love it.

Take care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

ThE BiG HeaLThY LooP

I cant remember what the exact day was or the time or the month, but I know it was a long while before the very first CFiTT that I got an email from Lynn Daniels asking if I needed volunteers for my event.

My events tend to be bare bones no muss/fuss affairs and I really didn't have much for Lynne to do, but I asked her to come anyway and she helped me stash my car not too far from the start the morning of the race.

Its interesting the things that this world wide web facilitates. I had never met Lynne, yet she helped me out when I needed it and asked nothing in return.

The next year she actually showed up to race the CFiTT and became the first female in the state of Florida to ever compete and finish an off road Ultra.

Lynne's courage and determination are legendary, she came out to the Huracan and raced again finishing third, still on the female rider's podium and still putting in another great consistent showing.

When I put on the Ride the Divide movie premier in West Palm at the Bicyclery Lynne showed up to donate, support, watch and purchase. I remember her shaking LiL'r NI's hand asking him if he knew his dad was a Legend... Shucks...

When my bike Broke and I after being encouraged by friends on FB started a get a new bike fund, Lynne was by far the biggest contributor of the bunch, and I was flattered once again by her kind generosity.

So once I got back from the divide I really wanted to give back, cause I like to give back. Some would say I do enough but I always recognize those individuals closest to me and I invited Lynne and Paul to do a creative modified loop in the Ocala National Forest, seeing part of the cfitt route and exploring some new stuff as well and without hesitation they were both on board.

The plan was to leave early Saturday morning and return Sunday about 120 something miles later, with a planned overnight stop somewhere in the forest, all yet to be decided and determined as the pace of the group dictated.

Edith being the sweet gentle generous spirit that she is, opened her home to Paul and Lynne staying the night before and although I had created a gpx and shared it with them too, I got the chance to tell them up front all the cool features the trip would behold.

First we would get to see the historic old abandoned ghost town of St. Francis. We would ride the old St. Francis to Paisley wagon trail. Ride loads of beautiful remote and rarely seen forest trails whilst making our way up to the ONF portion of the CFiTT. Planning as well to stop in Mill Dam to eat and restock and possibly camp, depending on mood. The plan for the trip was flexible all the way around.

We sat around that evening laughing and watching Scott Pilgrim vs the World, a movie I had seen several times as its a family favorite, but something they both got to enjoy for the very first time.

The next morning, my lovely lady got up early with us before our departure and made us fresh french pressed coffee beans. I packed light expecting the temps to not be too savage and we rolled out. The first part of the plan involved some rambling and exploring a mostly off road route to SR 44 that would take us towards the edge of the forest. It wasn't long into our route that we had to figure out a work around because of the posted signage saying the preserve was closed because of hunting. I was willing to brave the preserve, but Lynne thought better of that idea and the point of the ride was to travel as a group and make group decisions. So we did a workaround and still had fun, and then after wondering around the forest and discovering some renegade trail we found a perfect path onto the course I wanted to take and reached the second preserve.

This time we ignored the posted warning signs and decided to just ride fast and be loud and hope that no one mistook us for tall deers riding bicycles.

The rest of the route was a dirty as I had planned and proved to get us to where I wanted to go taking as much off road as possible. We rode the old rough singletrack that dropped us into the ghost town of St Francis. We ate and soaked it in taking off down the wagon trail. Once inside the wagon Trail the gap between us got big as I managed to pedal the entire thing, which mind you is no easy feat.

After a cold creek crossing we hopped on more track heading on our way to the next destination,
Buck Lake.

When we got to Buck Lake I was spooked. There were loud voices of men, rambling and talking and laughing. It made me rather nervous and after stopping for a bit to discuss I offered to the group that we go around. I didn't feel comfortable riding through the group of loud men. But Lynne basically said she wasn't worried about it and we pressed forward with me in front mean mugging through the Buck Lake Group camp.

The last thing I expected to see in the middle of the forest was about 100 fraternity boys, drinking and being loud. There were beer cans everywhere. The place looked desperate and lonely. There young men passed out on the forest road an we pedaled straight through the camp, not hearing a single comment or a single word from the group. Guess Lynne was right.

The forest road undulated up and down and I kept the pace brisk. Occasionally making sure I was in contact, but at the same time, satisfying my own selfish need to test myself a little bit. I was after all training for the CFiTT and I was in the prime place to prepare for the event. We regrouped and continued up the road, marveling at how perfect the weather was and talking about how good some hot food would be. It wasn't long before we were at the convenience store in Mill dam and the clerk pointed us to across the street as a good enough place to get a bite to eat.

Really couldn't beat the Value for food ratio at "MOMMA'S DINER", and after eating our fill, we agreed we would be adventurous and check out all the hub bub we had been hearing about regarding the Drum circle at mill dam.

Kudo's to the Drum Circle organizers, the signage was spot on and it was easy to locate the entrance. Unfortunately they wanted $25 for us to come in and participate. I was not interested in paying that much and off we went, 1/4 mile down the road where we could still hear the show and pay absolutely nothing.

We made camp while the sun still dangled high in the sky. Cleaned off in the lake. Cleared out and set up our camping area. I went all Bear Grylls on the situation and dug a hole with palm frawn bark and built the primo fire to ward off the unusually Cool Florida Fall night.

We all cozied up after building our forested hobo houses. Ate food, chatted and relegated about the day. Drum Circle music reminiscent of Commanche ceremonies was our sound track, "choice indeed".

That night it got cold. And I really wanted to sleep. I remembered that I could use my Hammock like a tent, and got out and slid it down to the ground. climbed in and amazingly enough slept real good for the rest of the night. It was hard to fall completely asleep wondering if the neighboring tribe was planning an attack, after all the drums did literally play and echo from lake shore to lake shore all the way till 3am in the morning.

As soon as the light broke the morning, I climbed out and hearing Lynne and Paul stirring, I told them to come out to see the lake. The fog seemed to be coming out of the lake and it was quite the sight. I ate a bunch of candy and some more potato chips, made crude Starbucks Via Coffee in my water bottle and drank it black, then bundled up for the chilly temps rolling out with the next destination being Lake Eaton Loop.

The road to Lake Eaton was hard packed and fast.  I got caught up in the fire roads reminiscing on bombing North Carolina Mountain Roads and enjoyed the speed the road was offering.  We got to Lake Eaton so fast that I spent a moment wondering why I thought those two places were farther apart.

After soaking in the Lake we rolled out again across the Hopkins Prairie road with our next destination being Silver Glenn.  After pedaling all the way across the forest to SR19 we were flanked by a mass of motorcycles who all gave us thumbs up and hang loose finger signs as they passed by, I have to admit I did feel the camaraderie of being a two wheeled traveler.

As always Silver Glenn was pretty and I took a moment to restock on snacks before we left again on the forest roads rambling towards Juniper.  After Juniper we climbed up and up to Forest road 599 aka the Dragons tail, hung a left, and then got on the pavement making our way to Billy Bay.  Billy bay was a mess and compared to the rest of the ride proved to be the most difficult and taxing section and I knew when we got to the end that although we had about 30 more miles of dirt left, I better reconsider our options.  The sun was sinking in the sky fast and I knew Lynne and Paul had a long drive home.

At the Gates of Alexander Springs I negotiated a reopening of the store as we were all eager for something cold to drink.  I was successful and after leaving Alexander I informed the group that I wanted to take the road all the way back.  The dirt section we were about to attempt would be unknown to me and it could be hard and fast or it could be a complete redo of billy bay pushing us late into the night.

No one argued with my decision and we played road riders all the way back to Edith's house taking turns at the front and eventually all of us finishing arms raised and happy that another great overnight was in the books.

That night we ate and relegated over Edith's delicious dinner.  We talked and laughed and were actually sad to see Lynne and Paul go.  Although I had known Lynne through the Internet and spoken to her several times here and there and watched her race, I felt after this weekend, I had made a new friend.  Its funny what a long tramping in the woods will do to build a relationship.

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

CFiTT 2011: FiNdiNg ViCtoRy In FaiLuRe

The months leading up to the 2011 CFiTT had me training as hard as I have ever trained.

I focused on going out hard when I did go ride and even spent 5 days in the mountains of Pisgah forest working on getting stronger. In conversations with Eddie O'dea regarding his Stellar superhuman run of the TNGA, he mentioned he spent alot of time doing LONG FAST MILES, and I decided that sounded like the right Idea.

The Days leading up to the CFiTT had me waking up on a Monday Morning and almost falling due to extreme dizziness and then Later going to Urgent Care to try and figure out what was going on.

On top of it all the week was full of emails and phone calls as I buttoned up all that the racers needed for the event and I completed my responsibilities for the race.

Takes a HUGE amount of effort to not only prepare for this event but to organize it, route it, plan it and coordinate as well makes for a crazy few hours leading up to the race.

I helped Dave Muse, Derek Bently and Jesse Durrance get to the start. Edith out of the kindness of her heart let them crash in the spare room so we could help them complete their trial.

That morning with only a few hours of sleep I got up excited and anxious.

I had every intention to go out this year and ride as hard as I could putting in my best effort hoping that I could establish the winning time for the event. I thought about it long and hard and figured the key to my success would be to follow my own pace and not get caught up chasing or being chased.

After the riders meeting and the instructions we started at 7am exactly and I at the last moment forgot to put on my good luck necklace that my Mom likes me to wear and got delayed a little bit at the start. On top of that, once I did take off I made a wrong turn that sent me off course for a few minutes. I got back on course and passed Mike Rittenhouse, but still managed to make a few more mistakes as I made my way up the gradual ascent to Tucker Hill.

I did my best to stay at my pace, slightly frustrated thinking that I would never see another person again.

It was cold. My fingers were aching from the temps. I told myself the sun would warm things up and focused on keeping my cold knees turning the pedals in a steady manner.

Up and down I meandered through Croom Forest not seeing a single soul, not seeing anything but the Occasional wide arching track of a washed out tire.

When I came out of Croom and hit Nobleton Road I was upset that it had taken me so long to complete that section. I let it go fast and focused instead on the next 18 miles to the caboose. My plan was to lean into my Freddies as I made my way up the gradual rail road grade climb to Inverness.

After what seemed like a long time I saw a rider weaving off the trail and moving over to a dirt road parallel to the rail trail.

I was closing in fast and then as the Rider made his way back on to the rail trail I noticed that It was Jesse. Again I didn't even expect to catch anyone and felt motivated that I had caught up to Jesse.

Then I noticed another shadow on the horizon. I focused on my tempo and before I knew It I was passing Dave Muse. Interesting.

Kept the pressure on. Got to the Caboose and found two more riders, Scott and Luis. I kept going, telling them I wanted to catch Team FSU and Off I went.

On the road I closed the gap on Derek and then on the dirt road as we turned into Potts Preserve, we rode side by side for a long bit.

We hopped the Barb wire fence, and continued onto the Grassy Levee and he was with me. We hopped the fence at the Levee (although I hear it had a gate) and then when I got to 200 I looked back and didn't see him anymore. I stopped and knockers and kept going thinking that on the singletrack I could close the gap to Chris, Jeff and Jack who I figured may have been riding together.

I made my way thru Haltapa and the next checkpoint, kept the tempo the best I could and had to stop a few time for horse riders.

On ward and forward the soft sand not even slowing me I hit the pavement and rode Through Ross Prarie Trailhead where I finally refilled my two bottles and continued into the singletrack.

Ern and Burn was a lot funner in this direction and I was finding the flow with Ease and again before I knew it I crossed the road into Nayl's. Somewhere along the trail I find Chris Riding towards me and he tells me that somehow he missed a turn, something about he didn't go through the trailhead.

I had ear phones on so I think I told him the best way to get back on track but honestly I don't know if I told him right or not. I had provided maps and a gpx file for that section and you know if you stop to check the route its not impossible to follow it through there.

I realized now that I was in third place and kept going. Got to the trail head and saw Team FSU was there. I told them they had been caught in a teasing voice and preceded to get my restocks done so I could get on the road.

This had been a huge victory for me.

Jeff is a fast rider. Jack is a fast rider. For me an up and coming B rider to catch up and close the gap was a huge victory and breakthrough for me. I could only imagine that If I dedicate more time and train my body harder I could do better in the future.

It was interesting seeing the mood of the Greenway Cycles Checkpoint change as I pulled in. All the Relaxation left the room as they both started buckling and filling and paying and hurrying to get out.

Jack left a minute before me, and Jeff and I left together. We chatted for a bit and we hit a new section of grassy mossy track. Jeff started pedaling away and I decided I would let him go knowing that we had another 40 miles of singletrack at the end and I could close the gap again.

Plus my tummy was hurting I needed to drink and try to get some food down, it was becoming difficult.

As I pedaled and drank and ate, I felt that my plan was fool proof and all I needed to do was to keep the tempo steady.

Flew through most everything, till I crossed 40 and started heading to Mill Dam and decided by the mail box would be a good spot to stop and try to eat the chips I had been kind of eating for about 30 miles now.

Ate the chips drank a bottle and left, again trying to stay moving, decided I would skip a water reload at the Mill dam guard house.

Onward I went. The night started getting cold. I was not enthusiastic about how loose the road had become, only a couple of weeks back it was hard packed and fast. No matter, I know I am faster then the Tomassettis in the sand and faster on the singletrack, I saw it as an advantage for me.

As I got close to Lake Eaton I could see tires with foot tracks showing me where some of the other riders were force to dismount and I was not.

More motivation.

Then there I see what looks like a red blinky. In retrospec since Jeff told me he never turned his on, it had to of been Jack leaving Lake Eaton, since his pics showed him still there for dusk and I had just finished my descent into the sinkhole a few minutes after dark.

I stopped to force food down, take a pic, drink a bottle and finish my soda, as well as strap on my helmet light. Figure the roads were loose enough that moonlight or my princeton tec alone would not afford the fastest speed, line choice and best vision was going to be critical the rest of the way.

As I got to the last checkpoint and heard a voice and was surprised to see Chris.

He was so nice and cordial and I was all Robot like asking, How the heck did you get by me. He told me he went right instead of Left, and I realized since I didn't specify I could not make a big deal out of it. Future Racers will be told the route goes LEFT, LOL. I still was surprised that he had caught up. My math had him an hour back cause of his navigational mistake, guess my Math was wrong.

I decided if I wanted to defend third it was time to break one of the first agreements I made that day.

I had made a personal agreement to only use the big ring on pavement and only use the middle on dirt. Purpose being to save some power for the final singletrack push where I would go all out.

I had to lean into the Fred's and pound out the 44.

Hopkins seemed to move away from me for what seemed like an Eternity. I looked back and saw no light as I turned onto the singletrack to cross to OLD 10. And then out of what seemed like Nowhere on 10 I saw Chris Catching up and then as we turned south towards 40, we rode for a bit fairly close since he was having to dismount on some of the climbs and my expert ninja sand skills still kept me in the saddle.

I was a little mystified by being caught, but I figured, in the Next 40 miles of singletrack I wont make any mistakes I know the trail I will close the gap.

Then the strangest thing happened. Aside from some stomach discomfort, I had been steady and strong all day. But as I closed in on 40 it seemed like my vision was fading, then my handling became unreasonably sloppy and the world seemed to be spinning as if I was on a tea cup ride at Disney World.

I stopped for a second, and let it subside, but got to Juniper feeling OFF. I didn't like it.

A monkey wrench was officially stuck in my perfectly functioning 'haul ass sprockets' and immediately made a plan B to just drink a Dr. Pepper and drink lots of fluid and wait for it to subside.

Stopping moving proved to chill me more then I wanted too and the luxury of waiting seemed to be out of reach. I had not packed hardly a thing, I had no intention of camping. In fact I had bought all my food for the race the night before the start. I put my money in the machine and it didn't spit out my soda.

Here I am, cold, dizzy and frustrated.

For a long while I thought and as my teeth started to chatter I decided that there was no immediate solution and called for a pick up.

Eventually Scott pulled in, and we talked for a minute and then he left.

Then Luis came in, telling me that there were more machines inside, which frustrated me more, cause I had it in my head that somehow that soda was going to save me, which in fact it didnt as I spent all Sunday handling dizzy spells. Before Luis rolled on he bought me a soda and waited for my girl to show up, such a good friend and competitor. By the time she came I was full on body shivering and teeth shattering, not the prettiest look to be rocking out in the middle of nowhere.

Months of hardwork, and tons of effort for the day had been dashed by the vertigo that started out of nowhere nearly a week earlier. O well.

The next 24 hours I did my best to put it all in perspective.

I rode the fastest and longest I had ever ridden in my short Ultra Career to date. Proving to myself that with a little more prep, training and no silly health complications I can actually be as competitive as some of the faster riders.

Not only did the event go smooth without any horrible incidents. Not only had I finally nailed a route that I thought neared perfection, but I had raced it hard and fast and came short only because of something that was out of my control.

New Records were set by a lot of people that day, not only the by the person who crossed the finish line just short of 18 hours, but by me and everyone, it was a day and event filled with personal accomplishments and victories.

In the end, even with the Failure of not finishing my own route, I found I had accomplished something I thought I could only do in my dreams. I'm all the more motivated now to push on to train hard for the Huracan and then conquer the TD in the summer.

Let's see what shakes eh, either way, its gonna be one heck of an adventure.

Take Care,

The NaKeD InDiaN

ReD RoCk PaSS

A Post about my feelings.....

Seems like Serendipity tails me in my life. As soon as some rarely heard phrase, idea or concept enters my mind, the same day shortly there after this one thing I had never heard off suddenly presents itself again.

I was born in the right time my friends. The Technology and gadgetry is not poorly timed for me but perfect. Over the years, the engaged pursuit of my passions has rewarded me so much that it is truly a blessing.

The things I have accomplished at once seemed like dreams under my eye lids. All my ideas and concepts started out that way. Just something I thought about and dreamt up as I pedaled across the land, and then not even a year after, gave life to it.

Like an Antenna or a satellite dish I am receptive to the messages of one and all and then I feel nothing but freedom in combining the ideas and the feedback I get with my own.

All I have done and continue to do has brought a lot of reward in my life. Jeffrey Tomassetti, emailed me one day, telling me he was planning on riding the Montana portion of the Divide with his nephew and that they were going to go out to Santos to practice.

I had wished he would of contacted me sooner cause I could have gave him a great route and when he shared pictures of his Rig, I told him they were packing way too much.

He went out that summer and took a trip and I checked on their spots and their updates.

We spoke after, Jeff and I and in the end, spoke more and more, and In the end we even toured together and In the end were just grand ole friends and Jeff is an inspiration to me.

Out of our little click that formed of people heading to the Divide, he was one of the two that made it down south and the first to cross the line. Both Rob, Cricket and I became victims of circumstance.

And I find it interesting that he came into my life and several full moons past, when I saw him again after his Grand conquering of the Great Divide Route he had a gift for me. A Gift motivated by a crossing at the Red Rock Pass.

There are only five of these paintings and I have one. I feel honored.

Jeff,

Thanks for being a great Friend and an inspiration!!!

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

ShInGLe CrEeK

An Airborne Ranger learns to carry his gear and jump out of planes into dangerous often hostile areas.

Its Odd cause I am like an Off Road Architectural Airborne Ranger. Drop me anywhere and I will find the dirt and create a route.

I think it was a Friday night at the shop. Last day of my work week and I tell Geoff and Wes that I am going to create a ride coming out of the shop. Immediately I can see stuff to ride.

I let it go at that point after just a brief fleeting glance.

Monday at work I told the boss that I was pretty sure I could organize an Urban Assault type ride with a pretty unique route.

Mark's all for it and I immediately decided to just put something together. In no time at all, I was done with a preliminary route.

I immediately called Wes and told him to bring his MTB to work on Wednesday cause we were going to test out the future Bikeworks South urban assault route.

All day we were pretty amped up and I was Happy that Wes was excited about going out for the ride. I wasn't sure if he was gonna like the things we would encounter, I didn't even know what the route would be hold, after all I had just scouted it on Satellite images and had not ridden a single foot of it.

The first part of the route was sidewalk and back road, we crossed over John Young Parkway and hung a hard right into Town Loop Blvd and went behind Hunters Creek Middle school. From the images on the computer I could tell there was boardwalk and thought it may even be to a mile long. As soon as we hit it, were going over the actual Shingle creek and everything was dark green and beautiful. Before long we make a hard right down a small set of stairs (definitely adding to the urban ride effect) and we were now on creek ridge riding singletrack. SICK!

After about 1/4 mile or less we hung a left on the main access road. Hard pack shell with a neatly carved double track. As quick as we made it onto the shell packed double, we turned a hard right and started what was called East Pine Island.

The first Section rolled smooth, but as we rounded the bend things got muddy and I had to dig into my bag of shitty terrain riding skills which put me in front of my company by a minute or so. But Wes Hung tough and we came out of there Muddy, but feeling strong.

More Hard pack ensued as we approached West Pine Island Loop I saw a water crossing and figured if the east side was wet the west side might be wetter. We continue rolling along and BAM we come up on what appears to be a pond in the middle of the trail

100 thoughts or so crossed my mind. Maybe 100 is an exaggeration. But, fairly fast I wanted to finish the route and I was not afraid to cross a pond.

But, to err on the side of safety I asked Wes to watch my back as I first just took a couple of steps into it to see how deep it was. The water was cold, I thought for sure that it must be creek overflow. Since I had my bright Stella on my helmet I could see right down to the floor. It was hard shell rock. At that point, I jump on the bike and start moving across. I glance down and to my wheels and my bottom bracket to make a mental note on how deep it is.

Hub's are not submerged, bottom bracket is skimming the surface, If I increase the speed, I can break the water better and keep all my parts free from water. I make the other side fast and call out to Wes to come across.

We pedal a little more shell and come up right on a power plant. Wes suggest we Scramble left and after a little situation where he got stuck knee deep in quicksand, we ended up on a Golf Course green, turned off our lights and started riding the cement trail carved into the Golf Course hill side.

On We go. Next thing we know were at the Entrance of the hotel. Now being unsure of the parks boundaries and limits we took pavement till we saw a Duncan Donuts and took the dirt road heading off behind the building.

Were back again under the power lines keeping steady tempo and making good time.

I had mapped to eventually break right. As the terrain got tougher I waited for Wes at the turn and we rode straight into Sandy party town central spot where it was obvious cars or trucks come fairly frequently to drink and hang out.

I decide to by pass this section, knowing full well before I got there that this was a possibility. I pulled up my droid and looked at the google earth satellite picture and got us back on hard pack clay in minutes.

After a good little roll and a feeling of relief that the return to hard pack brought, we came up on fence. We circumnavigated it fairly fast and then were back on the road for a couple of turns.

Foolish me, I wasn't smart en0ugh to notice that Osceola Parkway is a toll road(what an idiot) and then we cut back to the original by pass.

There is a water management department warning to not venture forth, but we had no choice, the paved re route would of been long and boring.

On the other side we rode Combat style, no lights front or rear. After a couple of minutes our eyes adjusted, the night got brighter. We could see the parkway to our right and the cars headlights speeding along. To the front there was a big Orange nearly full moon filling the sky. Epic view.

After a quick map check, everything looked as it did from my eye in the sky route check. Everything was rolling fast and before we knew it we were on pavement and then the bike path.

It was very well used and we passed tons of water spots and places to sit and chat. As quick as we hit the path we were on grass again and then Shell rock and then back to pavement to finish up the ride.

It was awesome. Fast, beautifully scenic and challenging, all good elements for a route.

I think I may have a little something, time to tweak it just a little bit.

Take Care,

Laters,

the NaKeD InDiaN

FoRt GaTeS FeRRy ToUr

"Keep the truck in the middle of the road, seems firmest there"...

Were speeding down the infamous 599 forest road, aka The Dragon tail from CFiTT fame. Its 10pm at night and I am doing all I can to give my girl instructions on how to navigate this wet hilly forest road in my truck and not get stuck.

In the back of my mind I worry a bit, but try to calm my nerves by reminding myself that the conditions are not all that bad and that Edith for sure can handle the return trip to tarmac.

When you have to actually work instead of ride for a living and you still yearn and crave the adventure that comes with off road touring, you have to do crazy things like getting dropped off on a sandy wet fire road in the middle of the night.

Curt Reffner should have already made camp by now. He rode out from his house, because of my other obligations and because I wanted to have dinner with my girl before I took off for another weekend long adventure, I had to meet up with him at the stealth camping spot instead of rolling out together.

The entire ride out to the forest after we left the Cuban Restaurant was filled with mental checklist that had me prepared to get wet or soaked the minute I stepped out the car.

Alas, it was all for naught as not a drop of rain caught my brow. I gave my girl a big hug and kiss and watched as she drove away asking her to text me as soon as she hit the pavement again.

I rode out following the green breadcrumb track I mapped on my etrex when it turned off and refused to turn back on.

Angry at the fact that my very expensive and essential toy was malfunctioning, I carried on. I knew everything and where I was going on this route all the way till I crossed the river on the historic fort gates ferry. By that point I should be able to access map my ride and glance and look at the track and follow it, plus Curt had his track and gps as well.

Onward I went, I got the text from "E" and I relaxed. Log hops ensued. Flowing downhill singletrack ensued. Nice little long flat looking climbs ensued. There was alot of ensuing.

I hit the boardwalks that mark the location of our camp for the night and find Curt all set up and comfy.

I say my greetings and get to work on setting up my Hammock. It doesnt take me long to settle in and put something dry on and arrange my gear in the branches to keep it all off the ground.

After some conversation, we both turn in knowing that Saturday was going to be a big day in the saddle.

That Cuban Coffee I had was a fail. It kept me up too long or made me sleep to light. I felt like the forest was alive and teaming to the point that I did not sleep soundly till closer to the morning when the nocturnal citizens decided that it was even too late for them.

I open my eyes and its bright outside. Look through my hammocks mosquito net to see Curt is almost done packing. I jump right out and get to work on packing up, it was 728am.

I really didnt bring any food except for a plastic container full of dark chocolate roasted almonds. AS it was I wasnt hungry, so we hopped on the bike and took off riding after discussing the days plan and options.

So far I liked traveling with Curt. He seemed to be pretty realistic and trusted my ideas on where to go and what to do. We had agreed to hit Juniper for a water refill and a soda and then push on to Silver Glenn. I told him if he had never seen the Glenn he really needed too and it was only about 6 miles round trip.

Juniper went fast, the forest roads were rolling fast I couldnt help opening up the legs and stretching them a bit. Eventually passing an SUV in the process.

We reunited and continued on the pavement. The morning was Humid and over cast with a slight chill. I was actually comfortable in my rain vest. Only one other car was at the Glenn and after buying some peanut M and M's a Coke and a peanut roll, we walked to the waters edge to eat our breakfast. `

Its been a good year since I had been to the Glenn and I noticed that there were about a dozen Turkey Buzzards just hanging around.

I get to my peanut roll discovering that its a pretty discusting candy and start slowly feeding the buzzards. In fact I got them about 3 feet away from me allowing Curt to snap some pretty good up close pictures. They are actually very interesting animals when you get a look.

Not long after I hand fed the buzzards, we remounted our rides and left the Glenn ready to ride more skinny trail. The plan I told Curt, was a hot Lunch in Salt Springs and according to the new maps I have, there is singletrack all the way into town.

I have never ridden this section of skinny in the daylight and was quickly pleased by all the cool things we came across.

A gigantic sinkhole in the middle of the forest. A Huge pond with green water and steep edges all the way around. 20 foot tall hunting stand. I was amazed by how big Hopkins Prairie was and enjoyed the challenge of navigating the 20 plus downed trees that littered the Hopkins Prairie rideline. At times I was forced to dismount but I managed to pedal around and up and over some pretty big stuff.

After several hours of singletrack bliss I could see the road, in my head I was thinking how we pretty much just completed an Ididaride and it was only 1pm.

I stopped in at the usual restaurant that I go too, but they didnt open till four. I asked at the local convenience store if there were other options and was told about Square Meal. Immediately I took off racing, according to the intel I just received it was going to close at 2pm.

We made it in time, ate our fill and the sat outside for a bit talking and digesting our food. We had done about 65 miles already and I was feeling great and snappy and ready to pound out more miles.

We topped our water off and sped on down the forest road following the signs for the Fort Gates Ferry. We didnt know if we would have cell coverage at the rivers edge or if we were going to have to wait for a car to show or try to flash the ferryman with our bike lights, but luckily we didnt have to improvise. I got the ferryman on the phone and told him there were two cyclist needing to cross. He came after 20 minutes of wait just as a jeep pulled up. Either way we would of gotten across.

Once on the other side I managed to pull up the route using the map my ride app and just remembered what streets to follow as Curt backed up the info.

After a little bit of forest road and then pavement the route had us make a right into what looked like a long driveway. Sure enough when we got to the turn where the route was leading us there was a house. The owner came out and asked if we needed help and I explained that when I had mapped the route there were street names on this road and asked if it was all private property.

He explained that it was all supposed to be a part of Whispering Pines but eventually that plan was cancelled and it was parceled out. I asked him what was the quickest way to get to Whispering Pines since I had seen the name on the map when I had looked before leaving the fish camp ferry station. He then gave us permission to cut threw his land cause that was the fastest route and it felt like the score of a lifetime cause we were able to follow the dirty route and we had permission.

The route continued to be sweet, even the pavement was nice and after a break we started crossings Lake George Conservation area, a section I had done before when I had rode to Ft Gates, but I took the shorter more northernly route across. This was when we encountered the sandiest section of forest road eventually requiring us to take a small break once we finished our traverse to let our legs and lungs sync up again.

Eventually the route wanted us to turn left but it seemed like a dead end so we continued straight and took pavement. I told Curt once we hit the convenience store, let's look at the route, cause he had suggested that we should be able to avoid 40 almost entirely and get to Astor. I was all for that and it was pretty easy to follow google maps while riding and we managed 10 miles riding side by side without a car every coming up behind us. I declared it HERO TARMAC.

In Astor we crossed the river to eat at the Black Water Inn. The food was fine and Edith came and joined us, we even had some Celebratory Alcoholic beverages. Very good times. We took a Lil longer at dinner knowing we only had to ride 4 miles to the camp spot I had picked out. Apparently at this little park they had grassed in and outlined in rocks a little picnic spot peninsula. Very pretty during the day, I figure it should be beautiful at night.

We made it to camp quick. It was the perfect dessert after our dinner and I suggested to Curt we camp out of view and found a natural tree formed cove were I could hang my hammock and he could set up his tent.

It was 930 or so and I fell asleep fast. We had done nearly 100 miles that day and if you had told me I needed to continue I gladly would have. I daydreamed as I drifted off to sleep that if I keep improving like this, I am going to be tough to beat at the CFiTT.

It was 530 am when I opened my eyes and I felt rested and ready to move on. I packed up the bike fast, in ten minutes I was ready to go and did everything with time to spare and watched the River Swallow the moon while I waited for Curt.

15 fast miles later we made it to my girls house at 730am in De Leon Springs. She had coffee ready and made us delicious Omelette's to fill our bellies, it was by far the perfect way to end a nearly perfect tour.

Zero mechanicals, 118 miles, 13+mph avg, perfect weather as well. What more can you ask for??

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

DoUbLe TrOuBLe

My first Dream bike was that Salsa Mamasita two niner.

Why was this bike so spectacular?

The Scandium mixed with the Carbon seat stays really made for an extremely comfortable bike.

Now I am riding "Beast Mode", which is an awesome ride. Sure its Aluminum(poor mans titanium), but Specialized has done a fantastic job of dialing in the geometry on their 29Er's and the thing hammers and climbs and descends, just exactly what I need it to do.

BUT, its currently not as comfortable as My Mamasita was. Even though were probably talking about a total of 24 inches of Carbon from one bike to the other I have initiated operation "make it more compliant". At work I have been slowly making a list of the carbon bits that I want to swap out on my bike. I found a huge special on an S works carbon stem, A Lil longer, which is good for my wobble naught fit, and a little lower, again good for my fit.

Slapped it on my bike Wednesday. I also want to get the Carbon version of my bars for my bike and the FSA mini Carbon aero bars and either a Carbon Seat post or a moots Titanium seat post. Even considering putting on a Carbon fork for my next Tour Divide attempt, all in the realm of possibility.

So let's do the math. The 24 inches of carbon that I am missing can easily be made up by replacing all these items.

BUT, you know how things go, this is an experiment and I may be wrong, LOL.

Friday at Work a customer came in that's new to mountain biking and a regular. RaFa really wants to do a ride with me. He does not know who I am, meaning, the blog, or the accomplishments or lack there of, or the Singletrack Samurai Productions thing, but he still wanted to ride.

I had planned a ride with Mike Rittenhouse, a Lil resistance training, since he has been putting in the pavement miles in prep for the CFiTT and now wants to incorporate the dirt. He also told me about his "hill workout" so I decided to take him on the Hilliest West Volusia Mix ride available.

BUT, my life is not ever so simple. If anything, the new job leaves me more time to have fun and be social and I have been taking full advantage of that. So this weekend was booked solid.

Still I invited Mike and RaFa to ride early in the a.m. The early a.m.

Here is what the schedule looked like:

Saturday, 7am ride, then back to the house to clean, prep for race, prep for Kai's birthday, visit my mother and brother and nephews and then off to my girlfriends mother's house to Celebrate Sarina's Twentieth Birthday. Phew.

The ride started late.

RaFa showed up behind schedule.

And as we made pace on pavement and Dirt, we hit the hilliest section of the route, and they both were pleasantly surprised with lumped throats as to just how hilly Deltona Florida is.

To me, its not so hilly any longer, but the new position on the bike, even though were talking just degrees and millimeters, but it was requiring me to engage slightly different muscles then I was used too, by rides end, I was a Lil sore.

The rest of the day as busy as it was went smooth and I ended my evening trying to go to bed early to make my way to Trevor Busby's house early in the a.m. 630am to be exact, Sunday was going to be my first Lap race in a long time. I told Trev I was available to help if needed, and I was called upon when a team mate backed out at the last minute.

Lately I have been going through some physical transitions as I mentioned in my last post and although I was excited to be with the team, riding as fast as I can for 10 miles at a time is not what I am used to doing. I am used to riding hard with a 70% to 80% effort over 100 or more miles. This kind of racing requires you to go hard at 80% to 90% effort over a short distance, something I have not done in about 3 years.

Regardless, it was nice to joke and hang out with my team and make new friends and see people I have not seen in awhile. Being a part of the MTB community for 11 years, you end up knowing a lot of people and the list gets longer every year.

My new Team Mate Aaron was up first. And he put in the best work he could considering he has never had to sprint and jump on a bike before. Then Trevor who's on the road to recovery, turned out an amazing first lap, and then there was me.

I took off standing, pushing and pulling the pedals, amazed by how much that first grassy climb sucked. Amazed by how Sandy and worn in the corners were. Exposed roots, I seem to remember San Felasco being so pristine, not the case at the moment. I was having to taper back and be cautious in the corners to avoid over shooting or crashing. As it stands I am still trying to learn the side knobs of my renegades and didn't want to lose time on a crash.

Eventually I hit a grassy straight and I see a gone riding arrow and a brown sign that said turtle something and instead of going straight it somehow caused confusion in my brain and I went about 1000 feet or so up a trail to discover I had made a wrong turn.

"Awesome I thought" , upset I made my way back on course and started seeing riders on course. Slowly I made a game of stalking and passing and attacking, all the while thinking that I was going way too hard and my stomach was in my throat. But still, on I pushed, up and over, attacking the flats and the climbs trying to keep my effort under control. Eventually, as I overtook my last rider in the final mile, I was overtaken just a second before the line and I overhear Dave Burger say over the PA system that Orange Cycle and Bikeworks Orlando were locked in a battle?

I did my hand off and the race continued.

I tried to eat sensibly and supplement sensibly as I waited my turn. All the while hoping it would rain to pack down the dusty loose conditions. But it never happened.

My turn came again and I watched as team 590 took off ahead and the same guy who passed me before lap ones end was stuck waiting on the line.

Before we finished the Grassy first energy sucking climb I ate 590 alive.

My plan was to run, run, run. I knew 579 was faster than me and my only hope was to go as fast as I could and hope I could make the lap before being caught.

There I was, really leaning the corners. Really letting go of the brakes, being a Lil less cautious now that I had time to memorize the course.

Then right around 3 miles from laps end, the wind from my sails failed. I was struggling, trying to keep my momentum, but eventually, 590 caught me, then 579 came around and I just did the best I could and made the line to hand off to my team mate. Feeling drained, but happy to be done and off he went.

Luckily my effort to still keep going even though I was bonking and their effort to push fast we closed the gaps and passed 579 and 590.

I stood on the line, after recovering, ready to take the baton one more time for a 9th team lap, and Trevor B who rode a blazing lap, missed it by a minute.

At least we got them back. You have no idea how much I was beating myself up in my head while the bonk was going on. I was echoing in my head, feeling awful how I let my team down. I still didn't stop, I still stood up to climb and I rode till I fell down on the ground after handing off the baton.

The rest of the day was spent congratulating my other team mates who managed a beastly 5th place and other riders I had met that day who had outstanding rides.

It was fun, eating, and laughing and talking to the people that I have met knew and known for so long.

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

FaSt FoRwaRd To ToDaY

Goodness. Really, Huge apologies to those that have faithfully followed my blog and maintained a certain level of expectations about seeing something here at least a couple of times a week.

Truthfully, the Divide was a life changing experience. And when I came back from my failed attempt, I came back with my sights set on changing certain things in my life. One of the major things I realized as I went through all my ordeals in New Mexico that I have worked pretty much full time since I was 17 and I honestly didn't have much to show for it. Let me clarify, I do have beautiful children, and great friends and family and loved ones, but I have no great accumulated wealth, in fact I have great accumulated debt and stress instead.

I read an article somewhere along my travels. It was about interviews they did with individuals who were on their "death beds". And they made a list of the top ten things that they wish they could have done differently. And I cant remember the nine other things they said or better yet I don't have them readily available in my mind, but I can remember one of the things. AND all of them said they wished they would have worked less and played more.

Now some of you look at my past 7 years or so of blogging and think that I Play enough, but in reality what I have done is tried to play as much as I could around my busy single parenting schedule and my ridiculous work schedule. 12 hour days at the minimum every day for 5 days a week adds up and really, in the past 6 years or so I have done that career of cable installing at some points it progressed in a positive direction, but all it has done is gotten more expensive with less rewards.

The time was ripe.

As I got extracted from the Gila by my sandwich, gun toting, GPS having, Mountain bike touring loving friend Lloyd. I began the process of turning the wheels in my head on how I was going to make that change. As we meandered up and down the same route that I had just spent a day and a half trying to conquer I thought about how much easier it would have been to come from the north into this route vs the path I took. Mental notes were made and then and there it was decided that this life long dream of touring/racing the divide would come true and it would be immediate.

I spent the rest of my travel hanging out with Lloyd's family then taking a bus then a train and then finally in My girls arms home catching up and attempting to piece my life together.

Once my vacation was over, the plan was to get a job working with the Bike shop that I have raced with for the past 11 years hoping to do that work in the mean time till I find something I would love more or keep that and find ways to supplement that income using the skills I have acquired as an athlete and ultra racer.

And the ball did go in motion and I got the job and I like it. I really enjoy talking about bikes and helping to keep people rolling and helping people forage into the a new sport.

And I have been riding more. Took the dragons out a couple of times for HTFU rides. Lots of long rides with LIL'r NI, lots of conquering new sections of forest I have wanted to conquer. Rides with Friends, scouting sections of the Upcoming November 12Th CFiTT and adding new sections.

Lil mini tours I was able to exploit at the end of summer involving working and hotel stays and then hilly rides across Apopka to Zellwood to Mount Dora and then buggy nights in the Seminole forest. Triumphant Ocala National Forest Crossing and visits to the Paisley wagon trail and the Ghost Town of St. Francis with no GPS file used, just my memory of the route.

So things have been good but there have been some obstacles. Somehow my thyroid medicine slipped and there was a bit of a medical bump that I have had to deal with. The slip in my thyroid which controls my metabolism caused me to gain some weight and affected my energy levels and I have been slowly crawling my way back from that and trying to get my body back to the way it was, it has been a challenging little road, but like everything I run head long into it.

This past week I capitalized on an opportunity to travel To Georgia and ride in the mountains on some new trails with some friends that I have only had the chance with to ride in Florida and never out of state. Had a great two days of riding in the mountains about 70 miles and saw old friends like Eddie and Dave at the Fools gold before I rode myself into the worst leg cramp lock up that I have ever had and was forced to pull out at mile 42 or 44 depending on who you ask. Someone told me wholeheartedly at sag 3 that we had 14 miles left and after covering 8 painful miles walking and riding when I could cause of my thigh bone crushing cramps, I got to that sag and they told me we had 8 miles left which made no sense. I pulled out there, cause I could barely walk and I could not even bend my knees cause the muscles above them were so locked up.

I rode some long home from work miles and did research on my cramps and nutrition and like all, even though I been doing this for awhile if I can avoid that happening again I will. As it stands I have a rematch scheduled with the Fools gold, not a particularly difficult event compared to the things I have done in the past, but if you go out too hard you can sure raise the challenge level.

On Thursday I had a chance to go see the Red Bull Mini Drome event with my Girlfriend and some folks from work. I was so envious that I didn't have my fixie pieced together to race the event, but I saw some old friends and some great action!

Now, I believe I have caught you all up, sans some details, I have now regained my balance and will go back to the regular posting that I enjoy.

Stay tuned if you like,

Take Care,

Laters,

The NaKeD InDiaN

DiViDe RiDE PaRT FiVe RoCkY CaNyOn to BeAvErHeAd WoRkCenTer

In the Middle of the night I had to get up to get my sleeping bag.

The Canyon was warm the first part of the night, but suddenly in the middle of the night the temps dropped dramatically.

Another point during the night through my eyelids I saw a bright light, only to peak out of my bivy and see the moon was bright in the night sky.

I would sleep on my one side till I felt sore, and then move to the other when I got tired.

The pillow riddle continued to elude me and swore if I ever spent that much time sleeping on the ground again I would bring an inflatable.

Eventually I opened my eyes and noticed that daylight had finally come.

I got up and it was freezing cold. Immediately changed into warm clothes finally putting on my knicker bibs that I had brought.

As I packed up I was impressed by how efficient I had become with the process and choked down more food. I took inventory of my water count knowing full well that I would have to pray and hope that Black Canyon creek was flowing cause that is as far as I would be able to make it with the water I currently had.

I completed my morning ritual and rolled out. Once again the trail kicked up. I thought to myself, why didn't I camp on top of a climb, but then remembered how cold the canyon had become over the night and it would have been way colder at the top of a peak. Before long I was in my granny gear churning along wondering if it was going to be 8 miles or 4 miles to black canyon.

I could see fresh bear tracks all over the road. That's funny I thought, they were going uphill coming from the canyon I had been sleeping in. Interesting. The next thought that crossed my mind was that I didn't think there were bears in New Mexico, guess I was mistaken.

Onward and upward, till I was forced to walk. The going was slow and my feelings of illness returned. Nausea, exhaustion. I took breaks and did my best to keep moving.

I was trying to eat, trying to keep my motivation up, but all that had happened up to this point had put a harsh crack in my resolve. I could feel my desire for wanting to be out there all alone in the middle of now where feeling ill, slipping fast.

I'm hunched over my top tube after spending what seemed like another straight hour going uphill. I think finally all my ill feelings have reached a peak and I am about to expel a symphonic technicolor yawn.

Just the I notice a truck ascending up the road. A man who is clearly a Fellow Native mature and seasoned stops and ask me if I was OK.

I had to tell the truth of course.

He offered to shuttle me ahead as far as he could, told me he had work to do in the Gila and that was how he could help me out. So I accepted.

My race was finished the instant I started moving forward on the route under powered assistance.

There was nothing I could say. I was not feeling well and mentally the ordeal had hurt me. I was in a different event but got caught in circumstance. I had spent what felt like almost two entire days averaging 3 miles per hour. Mentally I disqualified myself for moving too freaking slow.

And Jorge, eventually turned off the main road to take care of his business and I was back on my own. I felt better. I don't know why. But I did. I changed my clothes, Put on regular shorts put away arm warmers and such, and started rolling again. Started the sacred Gila mountain dance that had me hiking and biking up mountains and down when the downs did come.

I saw signs talking about this being part of the Geronimo trail. I remember when I was a sales coach in one of my past careers I would talk about how much of a bad ass Geronimo was. I didn't think it was any coincidence that I was on the same path of a warrior that I had spoke of so highly so many times.

I passed a resort, counting down the remaining miles to Beaverhead work center.

I finally arrive tired, walking. I see a soda machine and an Old school pay phone in the front of the place. I also see an out of order sign. Ya, a soda would have been too much of a reward...pfft..

There are your typical compose bathrooms with a fresh water pump. Behind the main building was the garages that housed all the equipment these gentleman would use to fight the fires.

I am naive I freely admit, and It seems after spending some time observing the Firefighters that there are two types. The firefighters we know off rush into homes and use hoses to fight urban death traps in an effort to save life. These firefighters were more like Fire Horticulturist experts in chocking a fire to death by digging, using heavy machinery cutting, whatever it took.

The firefighter in charge responsible for caring for all the extra fighters that had come down to assist with the wildfire crisis, fed me, gave me drink and let me make several calls.

Lloyd said he would come get me. Told me things would have been different had I had not such a rough start. And that he would be there in the morning, would I be alright.

I told him of course.

So I cleaned my clothes, ate my food, observed my surroundings and the people around. Spend the day reading Jill Homer books on my kindle. Almost wishing I had started reading the book sooner than that day feeling that reading about her adverse moments made me feel a lot stronger than when I had arrived in my weak mental state.

The night was beautiful. Comfortable. The sky, full of stars. I even saw what I would call a slow burning shooting star. It was a moment of beauty after all the suffering.

Before I drifted off to sleep I even figured out the pillow riddle, stuffing my spare clothes in the stuff sack of my Bivy. Worked perfect.

More soon....

The NaKeD InDiaN