Show-Me State Games

This was a fun one. The whole family came up to watch Dave and I race at Rock Bridge State Park in Columbia, MO. We set up the tent along the course and they just relaxed and picniced and watched the races.



Dave, Keith, and I did a quick preride.








I felt good coming in to this race so was extra excited to get started. I went in to the woods I believe seventh of twelve. Not sure what was happening behind me, but for the first half mile or so we were all one group. Then we passed David's roommate Jon on the side of the trail with a flat. At that point I believe Chris Ploch and Josh Johnson starting gapping the rest of us. I was at the back of the four man chase group and was able to hold their wheel for a while. On the flat locomotive section I fell and had to chase back, which took a bit out of me. I caught back up right at the base of one of the tougher climbs. Just couldn't quite hold on but kept them in sight. At the top of that climb you hit gravel road and open field riding for a bit. The three man group ahead was working together and I just couldn't get back to them.


Finished that lap there and out for lap two, my back tightened up again, but not as bad as last time. A little bit of standing mixed in seems to help relieve the pain. I caught a couple glimpses of Matt James, never made it to him. One of the guys in front of me DNF'd, and Jon eventually passed back by me and that's how it ended. Sixth place, not last, mission accomplished.

David did really well, especially considering that I believe he has been spending his time prepping for the MR340 and hasn't pedaled in quite a while.

Results











Thanks for the pics Jess! Thanks for the support family!

2009 Chubb Challenge

You have to check this out. (Click Me)

Weekend Ride

See here.

Tappin' Bass at a Bachelor Party

Hit Bryant Creek in south-central MO last weekend to celebrate with Zac, the bachelor, one last time. Eleven guys, seven canoes, one hand-made longboat, two dogs, and a shit-ton of fishing rods. 

Put in about noonish on Saturday.

  

And then we fished and we fished and we fished (I actually did more picture taking and beer drinking and left the casting to the professionals.)

Cut out at a gravel bar early that evening.

Set up camp.

Let the beer flow like wine.

Played some washers.

Sent out a hunting party for the ever-elusive gar.

And were treated to venison fajitas and then dutch-oven cobbler and homeade ice cream.

(thanks to Kyle who runs Longboat Outfitters and Jim)

Then told stories and talked about Zac's ex's until the rain came.

Zac and I (and one or two others) slept commando style under a barrage of thunderstorms.

Packed up in the morning and hit the water again.

And got to hear some of Zac's wisdom on Nymphing.

I had to paddle out early on Sunday to catch a plane, but the weekend was well worth it. Great weekend with a bunch of good guys...

...and the man of the hour.

Omba Caramba

On the way back from Table Rock we caught the OMBA Caramba MTB race at Sac River in Springfield, MO. Scott Davis from Springfield Bike put on a great race with tons of good schwag,food, and drinks, and the Midwest Fat Tire Series folks were fast and accurate with the timing and scoring.

Before the start I felt too rested (fat and lazy) from the week worth of vacationing and not riding, but did okay off the start. Quickly developed some really painful lower back tightness issue that I hope to work out before the next race. Bad enough that I was off the bike three times to stretch it out. That doesn't help much, but it's all part of the game. I'm definitely focused on doing better next time. Those expert boys are fast and I'll continue with my goal of not getting last place.

Thank you Jess and David for being the support crew.

Results

Family Vacation 2009

We spent some time at Table Rock Lake last week to do some relaxing and get nostalgic. Our family used to go there every year until about 10-15 years ago, lots of old memories. The lake and surrounding area are beautiful, I wish they were closer. We had a great time boating, swimming, BBQing, and even visited Silver Dollar City.

What's next?

Here's a link to the large slideshow, or just click through the smaller one below.






Visited Downhill Bikes in Branson and spoke with the owner Craig for a while. Nice guy, nice shop, he helped me out by letting me use a tool that I had forgotten back home, so we bought Jess a t-shirt. If you're in Branson check it out.

The 4th

Did some riding on my new 59er.







Smokin fast.




Triple flat.








Fireworks on the lake.




Default sticker repository.










Did the quick hike to Mina Sauk Falls.