Bears and Goblins at Council Bluff

I got in some more Goblin time this past weekend at Council Bluff Lake.  After a full day of trail recon on Saturday, Jim and I rode a loop, 13 miles, on Sunday.  It was not the most enjoyable ride, which had nothing to do with the bike.  The day had started out cool, but raised in temp to almost 100 by 11 am.  The trail is very overgrown in several areas.  Its a big deal to me since I am highly allergic to poison ivy and that sh*t is everywhere. Its on the trail and in the campground.  I  do not care to have my arms sliced up by rose bushes either. We were able to remove a couple trees and kill some rose bushes while getting this ride in. We had the trail all to ourselves.

Trying out the new hand saw.

 The Goblin performed well as we completed our first loop at CB.  Until now, this trail has only been seen by my single speed.  Wow, what a difference gears make.  I was able to haul ass in the flats where I usually spin my brains out.  I am still getting the hang of down shifting before I get to a climb.  I just need more practice.  I am very fortunate to have this sweet green machine to learn on.  Don't be jealous.  Airborne has plenty of them, in your size and very affordable.  Whatcha waiting for??? Buy one already.

Weekend in Pictures

After leaving the Dirt Crits, we were at Bass by 11pm. Jim placed 17th, by the way.

We slept here on Thurs and Fri evening. Mine is orange and Jim's is the blue

Sydney was not far from us in her own Hennessey Hammock.

FRIDAY

All of us before the 6 mile float . It was my niece and my sister's in laws first time in a canoe.

This is how the girl's took in the sights.

Swimming with Dad

Jim showing off

Sydney takes after her Dad

SATURDAY

Had to go.

The Goblin meets The Berryman

Jim looked this good all day

Goblin time

SUNDAY

New signage at Council Bluff

Beginning of our night paddle to "our home in the trees"

It just got better

Our resting place Sat evening and Sun morn

Playing

Mitch and Jim at the top

Me at the top of Council Bluff

MONDAY

Leaving on an EPIC adventure at 130pm

Getting started

Shot timed perfectly

Been there. Done that.

Saw this in a restroom. Should have just gone outside?!

What the......

Seen around Cottelville

Katy Trail

When there is no Pabst, drink Stag

Riding home watching fireworks. Home at 1107pm

What did you do????

A Girl and Her Goblin

This past holiday weekend I finally got some " Goblin Time ". The plan was to ride the Berryman Trail, a 24 mile loop on Sat, then ride Council Bluff trail , 12 mile loop on Sun, and on Mon, ride the GORC Firecracker Epic , about 40 miles in 3 County Parks connected by the Katy Trail. I have learned that just because I plan it, doesn't mean it will happen.

We were on the Berryman by 11:30 Sat. It was a stifling 100 degrees on the trail with absolutely no wind. To make it short, my body freaked and I had trouble breathing. I have never felt this miserable and could not overcome it.

However, my legs felt great and could have gone all day. After riding 12 miles of sweet trail and 3 of gravel, I was cooked. Tomorrow is another day.

The Goblin was quite impressive his first time out. Riding gears in the Cali sand was way easier than on the Mo trails. There are plenty of roots and rocks here to navigate and hills to climb. The SRAM X7 2x10 shifters were very smooth considering I was behind them. I have a bit of a learning curve here since 80% of my mountain biking has been on a single speed. There were several climbs, and you know how I like to climb. I quickly found out there was no way I could stand and mash one out in the heat. I sat patiently and spinned right up them. After a nice long hill I said " Holy Sh*t, this bike climbs like a goat". And I mean it. I even climbed sections I have difficulty with on my ss. Mr. Goblin cornered very well and rolled through switchbacks with ease. I am liking that.

The Kenda small block 8's were a good choice for this trail. They rolled easily over the roots and rocks. The San Marco saddle was comfy, but this was a short ride. Saddles are a personal choice and NOT one kind fits all. As of now , it's not an issue.

Sunday at Council Bluff was a much better experience. Mother Nature made it rain and then killed the heat entirely. It was 75 degrees by 4pm . It was 'Goblin time' again. We spent the next few hours with Mitch the Mashor. What a treat.

We started by bushwacking a few miles before we got to the trail. While we rode I worried I was knicking and scratching my brand new bike. Upon inspection, there was no sign of the abuse. I even dropped it once. Honestly, he threw me, but there are two sides to every story.

We came to a HUGE rocky downhill section where I found that the RockShox Reba RL fork did it's job. It absorbed the shock of the terrain very well. I did end up falling once, under the bike, and decide to walk the really rough stuff so I could ride tomorrow.

Sunday was a huge confidence builder. Council Bluff hosts several technical climbs that I have difficulty finishing. Not this time though. The Goblin and I nailed 'em.

There has been a lot said about the weight of this bike. All I am going to say for now is.... It ain't that heavy!

Monday's Firecracker Epic was cancelled. Yup, it rained . I can't wait to hop on this bike again and ride the trails I am fortunate to be close to. Maybe my plans will actually work out. Stay tuned.....

Half Man Half Machine Blog

A new blog has hit the internet folks and I wanted to bring it it your attention. After some gentle nudging, my son Trevor has started blogging and is using his site to journal his training for this race in California. He has written a few entries already, so stop by and check it out. Leave a comment or become a follower and let him know what you think. You will also find out about a new race we are going to be running together, yes I said running. You are going to enjoy watching this. I guarantee it.