Life Getting in the Way.

Well I did it again. What, you ask? I did not listen to my body nor did I notice the signs of some serious over training. I pushed myself too hard. But how could I be over training? I am basically only riding on the weekends and getting in a few workouts during the week and a commute or two.

But the signs are there. Can they be lying? Am I just getting old? The sign that is most telling for me is total lack of motivation to go swim/ride/run. When you have to make yourself go ride it is a sign for sure. Of course, it took me over three weeks of making myself workout to realize that I am over trained.

My training volume/intensity is low, but one must not forget real life can get in the way of training. Those 10 - 12 hour days at work start to add up. The stress of those special projects and technical issues creep into your body until it is too late. The normal duties of a husband/father. And why in the hell am I still promoting events? Preparation for God's Country and Bone Bender have also done me in.

Something has to give. Either I quit work, stop promoting, resign as president of Cow Town, stop hosting rides, stop traveling to events, retire from racing or get a divorce.

I Got a New Snatch tonight.....

.....and it looks sweet.






































the build process begins. More to come soon....

Ye Olde Gravel Grinder

Very nice workout today at the Riverside Gravel Grinder v2. Got in a little over 50 miles of some sweet gravel, new trails and trail running. It was a great day to be out side enjoying a little warmer weather and riding with my new teammate John Williams. With the new addition to the route the name is changing to the Ye Olde Gravel Grinder

I am working on some new trails at a top secret location. Should have about 2 miles soon. Not the longest trails, but a good mix and some technical fun stuff.


John and I found about 7 more miles of gravel today to add to the Riverside route. Some of it is rough, but perfect training for events like the BB36, OC and DK200.


A new event is coming to town. Stay tuned for more information of the Cow Town 200. Expect a challenging 200K adventure with a 100K option for those less so inclined.

First Commute of 2010

I finally got my butt in gear and commuted to work today. This winter has been very busy for me and finding time to train during the week is not happening right now. It felt good to get out on the road riding instead of driving my truck.
Leave it up to me to find the one section of road that Mayor Funkhouser decided did not really need plowing or salting. On the way home I took the Cliff Drive route. Normally this is my favorite route home and allows me to get in some extra miles and I get to ride on roads with little or no traffic.
I was surprised that there was still snow on the road. Temps were in the low 40's, but Cliff Drive does have a lot of shade. Nothing like riding a road bike with 100 psi in the tires over 4 miles of packed snow. Several sections, more than I really cared for, were very icy and it took everything I had to stay upright. Riding the snow packed gravel roads lately really helped, but I sure needed the ole' cross bike today. The going got difficult at times, especially when the snow packed up in the brakes. I guess road bikes are not meant to be ridden in the snow. Still a great commute home.

Riverside Run/Bike aka Brick Training....

Some brick training....

What: Riverside Gravel Run
When: Saturday, 03/06/10 - 08:45 am start time
Where: Start at E.H. Young Riverfront Park, Riverside MO
Why: God's Country Duathlon training.....
Route: 5 miles including gravel, trail and some side walk. We can additional loops in the park for more miles before the ride.

Short break, eat then...

What: Riverside Gravel Grinder v2

When: Saturday, 03/06/10 - 10:00 am start time

Where: Start at E.H. Young Riverfront Park, Riverside MO

Who: Any and all are welcome

Why: Because there is way too much pavement in the world

Route: A mix of gravel, levee and back country roads. We will hit a little more gravel on this version. All depends on the trail condition. A good amount of road, but plenty of gravel to keep us sane. Some hills will be climbed. Any road bike with a good sturdy set of wheels can be used. Cross bike preferred, but not required. I will most likely be on my 29er this week unless I fix my broken shift levers by Saturday.....

This is a Show-N-Go ride, please bring food/water and anything you require.