Robidoux Roundup... wrapped up

What a wonderful day for a mtb race!... temp at start of registration was 59 degrees but felt very comfortable and there was just enough breeze to keep the bugs at bay all day.

As you can see from this picture... we had a wonderful turnout.  I'm going to say we had easily around 100 participants and quite a few spectators cheering us on.  Thanks by the way to all of those whom yelled my name in encouragement... it was heard & appreciated.  There were also quite a few supporters from the road biking community and even people I have not riden with in quite some time.  It was also fabulous to see several of the participant's families there.

I originally was thinking it was going to be closer to 7 mile laps and that sport would have to do 3 of them.  So that's what I came prepared to do... race but at the same time finish at my pace, strong, & having fun... and that's just what I did.  As a bonus, there was a few little pieces of trail that would have made for bottlenecks and which they closed off and I think the course was more fun & flowed better because of it.  Then doing only two laps was fine by me.  I'm going to venture to say that all the yocals thought the course was wonderful and I also spoke to several out-of-town participants that thought the same.

St. Joe was very well represented in multiple divisions... and sorry in advance if I get some names wrong.  Here is a shot of Rusty and I in Sport 30-39 at start of the race.  I had such a big grin that my tongue was even sticking out.  It's always a pleasure to watch Rusty kick it in turbo (he's one of the fastest sprinters I've met)... as you can see from how he started behind me and was starting to pass me.  By the way, the guy in the solid red & black jersey was the winner and I came in a close second... and ironically we are both 39 & last year in this competitive division.  I was having so much fun that when ever he and I would go by each other on a turn we'd smile and I even waved a couple of times.  Rusty finished third and not far behind me.  It was also awesome to see other yocals do really well... such as Señor Jim Spellman & Greg Goat whom won their respective divisions... way to go guys!  Russ and Randy also did very well and podiumed in their beginner divisions.  Of course, Randy also finished strong in his clydesdale division.  There were others yocals such as Jason & Tim whom did their first mtb race today and after speaking to them, think they enjoyed themselves... at least for the first lap.  ;0)

My son, Manuel, also raced and although there were no other competitors for his division, he pushed super hard and finished two short laps in just five minutes... even after a little wipe out in the woods!

Of course Lansen was missed... dude you would have loved the venue, people, & weather!

NUB AND STICKS

Randy and I trimmed everything and blew south Corby today. Randy will blow north tomorrow and we will be done with the major stuff. Jim was out de-nubbing north today also. I need help moving sticks brush and other objects out of the race path. The course looks good but we can do one better. Nubs need to be hand sawed too. All this can done from a bike.

Departing help and trail report

Elder Bradley (the crazy weed wacker with the look in his eye) is leaving today to go back to Utah. He has trimmed his fair share of trails and will be missed especially on trail day. The bridge side of North Corby would be a good place to start trimming for anyone wanting to help. I have equipment here to use, just come get it. The blower died today RIP but John from the Hi- Ho bought us a new one today so go down there and get smashed to show your appreciation.

We got some work to do

We all know the big race is this Sunday. Shaun and I ran the weedeaters for a spell on Corby South. We did the lower trail by the pond, around the tennis courts, and the stuff directly on the other side of the bridge. We found some pop can sized mushrooms above the tennis court and my wife fried em up last night...a great source of pre-race energy (or so I'm told). Shaun is chainsawing some big stuff today the little handsaws wouldn't make it through. He has 2 big weedeaters that are ready to rock. It's pretty crazy what those bastards will chew through with that thick line. Kinda makes my old curved shaft Stihl look puny! We need to pitch in and get this stuff done. Saturday needs to be for rest and not for sweating our 'nads trying to do the shit work at the last minute. There are some stinging nettles above the downhill on North that are 4 feet tall that need a new home. If they get much bigger, we may have to break out the chainsaws.

People from other places have ridden the GSC trail and are raving about it. Let's show em how good a trail can be and spiff ours up to its' best.

As you know, this trail work is like prison love...it's gonna happen whether you want it to or not, so you might as well enjoy it. RT

Whew.

Pretty long day of riding for me. Felt good.

Started doing a pre-lap with Jim at N.Corby, then Rusty showed and we did N.Corby again. We headed over to GSC, did that, did Brownie Trail, then GSC again. Then headed back to Corby and met up with Jason O. Did S.N.Corby race loop. Troy showed up and Rusty took off, so Troy, Jason, and I did another race loop. By this time I was starting to feel it a little bit, so I went home. I think Oz and Tbone went over to GSC, I hope so - that trail was in good shape today. In fact, even some of the a-seepage spots weren't as bad as they have been.

None of the trails were "muddy" but every thing was tacky. Pretty good for having an inch and a half of rain 24 hours before the ride.

It has pretty much rained the entire day since I finished riding. Not that we needed it, but it should be good for the shroom hunters. BTW, ran into some shroom hunters at N.Corby - they had 15 or 20 of the biggest mushrooms I have ever seen. No one will believe this, but the heads on these things were nearly as big as a baseball. Should have got a picture...

Here's Rusty looking for mushrooms. We never did find anyway.

Saturday Ride

I plan on being at Corby around 9am.

Sounds like the Columbians will be there a little later - closer to noon. I plan to still be on the bike.

Everyone, or anyone else who wants to ride - give me a call around 9am.

Trails should be in good shape - don't let the rain Thursday night and Friday morning scare you, Corby will be fine.

Lansen
816-752-2025

Swanson Park in Omaha

Hello Guys, here is a picture from one of the Omaha trails. Lansen needs to talk a group into coming up for a long weekend of riding sometime.

Rick

Sunday Racing

Well, I sucked hind tit. Lined up at the front like I had business being there - held on for the first lap, then ate ass for the rest of the race. That's it, it's nothing but hard riding for me until I'm back in shape.

Here's a picture of me trying not to puke up a lung. I haven't felt like that for a long time. I don't think I came in last, but it had to be close in the ss class.

Oh well - aside from the butt performance on my part, the day of racing was great. The Swanson trails were in great shape and were wide, fast, flowy, and relatively smooth.

I think Jason enjoyed himself too, even though he completely destroyed his bike.... Sorry dude, hopefully that der. hanger replaces easily with no other broken parts.

Saw lots of old friends, some new ones, and got passed by a bunch of folks I've never met. If that's not enough motivation, I don't know what is.

Lots of people are looking forward to the STJ race. I think we better consider incorporating both sides of Corby. Both the experts and the sports are really fast this year. Guaranteed, south side will not be enough for them alone.

New toys and article

I just bought a chain saw and a trimmer for the new club. We need to start thinking about starting Corby soon for the race. Anyone who wants to use the new equipment let me know. The article was nice in the paper, but it did refer to me as a ring leader so that must make the rest of you guys a gang of bikers.

A Big Day

We had a big day of riding. Corby South, Corby North, Brownie Trail, GSC, part of Krug, and Sunbridge.

After finishing Corby South we stopped at Rusty's car and dumped some clothes. It warmed up nicely.

Stopped at the end of Corby North and cleaned up that mud hole. Looks good now.

At GSC we cleaned up a bunch of the wet spots. We also re-routed one of the worst sections. Randy and I pulled out the hand saws and let loose. Rusty helped too, although we weren't sure what he was doing at the time (see photo).....

Sunbridge was beautiful! This picture does nothing for what the view actually was, but it was near perfection.

Back at Corby to get our clothes out of Rusty's car and guzzle a diet Mountain Dew.

Great day - Thanks guys!

All that Preparation....

For nothing.

I was ready to race today. Had myself in a winning mood by watching the Royals whip the Jays last night.

Stayed up too late, but what's racing a single speed with out a little sleep depravation?

Hydrated all night long - although I don't feel very hydrated right now... Feels about right for racing a single speed.

It rained all night long. I guess even after all that preparation, it just wasn't meant to be.

You know, it's kind of funny. In the dead of winter while cross country skiing with Big Randy, we ran into Jav while he was out snow shoeing. He was telling us about his plan to whoop my ass this year, and he had already figured it all out. He was going to come out swinging at the "first race of the year", and be the fastest guy in town. I said sounds good, but Corby isn't even close to being the first race of the year. Jav says "It will be, the others will be cancelled or postponed, I guarantee it". I thought it was a reasonable scenario, but not very likely that all the races up to Corby would be cancelled. Now... Here we are - the prophecy has come to pass. Corby will be the first race, and since you can ride that course in the rain and not hardly get dirty, I think it will go. Jav is strong, fast, and ready to serve it up.

Well - think I'll ride the STJ trails today. We know they drain. Start on Corby at around 9:30AM. Probably wrap that up and head over to GSC. Assuming that looks good we'll wrap that up and cruise over to the River. Should be a good day.

You know - when the whole midwest is under water, all you out of towners are welcome to come ride our sweet, drainable trails. Any time....

Canceled

According to the Heartland website the race at Perry is canceled! That Stinks!!
http://heartlandrace.com

Perry Race Update for Sunday!!

Geared up to 33x18 last night, looks like it was not in-vane. Not feeling super strong or windy, but should be able to finish with some self respect.

See below for the race update from the Heartland guys...

<<>>
04.25.2008
KANSAS CITY, MO.
Perry Lake Crocodile Rock,
Sunday April 27th
http://www.heartlandrace.com

The latest dirt on course conditions:Lyle Riedy, the race director for this Sunday's 7th Annual Crocodile Rock , just informed us that the course is in great shape. Tacky with just a few small wet spots. Looks like moisture the past several days missed the trails.IMPORTANT info for racers travel west on I-70 from KC:There is an IRL race this Sunday at the Kansas Speedway. Please allow for extra travel time to Crocodile Rock due to the increased traffic heading to the speedway.

All the details on the 7th Annual Crocodile Rock, can be here:http://www.heartlandrace.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=33

New trail and other stuff

Well the GS trail is looking good, it is riding in quite nicely. We are having problems with drainage and large patches of mud due to a spring. We have wood being donated by O E Wood by Chris and maybe Garfield lumber. We plan to build ladder bridges to span the wet areas. Randy Greg and I moved some of the lumber from the tree house at Krug to the GS trail to try to fix some of the problem. Everyone missed out on hauling 20 foot long very heavy planks. I would still like to form the 501c for HBFK, any luck Bob on getting paper work? I brought my training coach along for a ride yesterday. She said we have to go to the park after the ride.

Ahhhhhhhhh!

Man did I need that...

Jim and I rolled through Corby North and South, then headed over to GSC. Did the Brownies section then knocked out the GSC trail, then the Brownies one more time.

Jim headed for home and I cruised over and did Corby S & N one more time.

Needed some time on the bike to clear my head. Feeling a little more lucid now. I'm hoping to spend a few hours on two wheels this week. Then, with a little luck maybe racing Perry on Sunday.

"Serendipity. Look for something, find something else, and realize that what you've found is more suited to your needs than what you thought you were looking for." Lawrence Block

It's funny where you find what you need to keep it all together. What's funnier is that the lynch pin holding it all together may seem to have nothing to do with all the pieces involved. I Serendipitously was reminded of this truth today - sadly, it seems I had forgotten.

Sunday??

Anyone riding on Sunday? I have some time and would like to spend a few hours on the bike.

Lansen

"Wonderful Trails"

Yep, those are the words from a lady sitting on a big log and enjoying the GS North trails as Joel & I rode by. She also said how she'd like to write a Thank You letter and I told her I knew the people involved and would inform... so this is it... "Thank You!" We also saw other joggers/hikers using the trails and one Jogger was very impressed. In short, everyone involved should be very content in knowing that there are many people from different venues that are enjoying them!

On our way back I saw a large (biggest I've seen in St. Joe in my 3 years riding) group of mtb riders and just had to go over. Once again saw some new faces and very familiar faces, specially Rusty & Lansen.... it sure was fun to ride with ya.

Oh almost forgot... trail report: Both North & south GS trails are 97.6401% dry & packed. The was only .0143% that was really muddy and they were short sections at the bottom of the final & new finished sections on north side by Karnes road. According to Rusty, there is probably a spring going through there so we'll just have to live with it for now. And yes, Rusty was the one that did the # crunching for me.

One last bit & for the record, YES... I did get muddy. ;0) So Joel, when are ya coming over to clean my bike? LOL

Randy says 8:00 or else

Randy wants to start @ 8:00 @ the GS trail. Dr. Adam said he was coming too. Lets get it done.

Let's finish the GSC Trail Saturday!

As the Crowder race is postponed, this would be a perfect time to get the trail roughed in. I spoke with BradBob and Don and they said they could help. Tell your friends! Get permission from your parents! Powertools are great fun! Getting this trail done will be even greater fun.
I'll spring for pizza and beverages at 1pm or so. Betherebetherebethere! RT

Postponed!

Just got and email from Heartland race series. The Crowder race has been postponed due to rain and flooding issues.

Knocking it out!

Randy, Greg, the missionaries, and I worked this morning in the GS trail. There has been lots of progress made over the last week or so. I would estimate that we are on the last mile or so till the end. We are trying to get $$$ for the race in May. I'm using most of the money raised for buying trail equipment. I want everyone to have access to good trail equipment and have an Earthriders type trail group here. Any business or personal donations would be welcomed.

Four New Riders!

Maybe it's just cause this was my second time hitting the trails this year, but on Sunday I ran into four riders I had not met before. I also got to ride a bit with Jim S. It was a lot of fun showing the new folks ALL of the trails along the parkway... just when I was getting ready to quit, I'd meet someone else... about 30 miles later, I finally went home. One guy was from KC just visiting for the weekend and he was very impressed with the trails.

And by the way, all the trails were wonderfully dry. I'd say we easily have more than double the amount than we did a year ago, so thanks a lot.

Trail watch needed

I have been speaking with the police department about patrolling my neighborhood. They are looking for a volenter bike patrol for the parkway and other areas. let me know if you are interested.

trim blow ride

Get your mind out of the gutter I'm talking about trail work. We finished prep on the top of the north GS trail. All that is left is to ride it down and some clean up here and there. The missionaries from my church are out working on the trail now a little extra help never hurts. Randy is making headway on rough cutting and one more time and he will will be finished with the loop. Then we will need to trim and blow the rest of it down the hill. We are to the grave yard on the east side, if anyone wants to break out the trimer. The top of the North side is getting beat in nice, keep riding.

GSC trailwork Sat morn...come one, come all!

I'll be there at 7:30 am with Shaun. He'll be there till 10 or so. We may not get fully done with the rough cut, but almost. RT

Speaking of Big Girl Panties...

Jason was gunning for me today. Great ride with some good attacks on a couple nasty hills. At one ride or less per week over the last couple months for me, it was definitely a challenge! Dirt roads were a little sloppy at times, but not so bad that it made a complete mess. Temps were okay, but once again, we got home just in time to see the snow start flying. It's like a rain dance.

I was actually imagining a longer ride, but the 2.5 hours we were out was more than enough for me. It's just after 8 and I'm already thinking about bed.

Saturday is supp. to be shitty...Let's knock out the GSC!

It's gonna be great weather all week up until Sat. Let's get the camp rough cuttin done and over with while it's snowin/rainin/whatever the hell it's supposed to do that day. Get your ridin in this week, grab your gloves, pull up your Big Girl Panties, and let's do it! RT

Just In Time Delivery

Okay, so we were a couple minutes late. But we had from 1-3 and I think Jason must have got home at like 3:03. Not bad for making it out past Amazonia via the 102 river route.

Jason was riding strong, which was good - cause the hills were steep and the wind was stiff. We went out with the wind, so coming back was that much more exciting. Dirt roads were pretty good for the most part, but there were a few muddy spots.

I heard this morning the the National Weather Service has a flood warning for the the 102 river. I believe it - there was a ton of ice flow and all of the fields were running off pretty briskly. I'm sure the rain last night helped that situation.

Anyway, I got home just as it started to rain. Perfect timing.

I won't be able to ride till next Sunday - so all you guys get some good training in this week so you can mop the floor with me next weekend!

Sunday Ride

Looks like I will be able to ride Sunday afternoon at around 1PM. Is anyone else into it?



Maybe dirt roads will be passable with all the sun and wind today.

Lansen

Trailwork Saturday anyone...Buehler?

The Crookster and I will be finishing up the roughing in of the Girlscout camp trail this Saturday. It'll be a little slushy, but nothing will be frozen to the ground. I have Sunday and Monday off as well, if anyone is up for clearing stuff at Krug. Come on...show up and do some work like you got a pair! Thank you for your continued support, RT

P.S. It's not a fer-shur yet, but the race Sunday will likely be cancelled because of the thawing conditions. Yay...trailwork for everyone!

Trail Conditions

Well I tried! North Corby anyway. Crusty crunchy snow, no tracks other than the animals.
It really was not very good. It was ride fifty feet walk twenty. I think I made about 1/4 mile before jumping on the bike path and riding for a while. Tomorrow, maybe a road ride with knobbies.

Trail clearing at the river

The Crookster and I did about 5 hours at the river today with 2 chainsaws and alot of wet snow. We parked his car at the Highland/Waterworks intersection and went to the Sunbridge parking lot in my truck. That saved walking back to the parking lot after busting hump all day. The trail is free of brush and deadfalls all the way down now. The 1st 3 hours was kinda fun...the 2nd half of our adventure blew monkey balls but we just wanted to get it done. There was alot more work to be done than I thought. Doing that section when it's dry out with a BOB trailer behind a bike would prob be the best plan of attack. My feet hurt and I'm going to bed. RT

Team logo

This is our team's new logo. We might change it once we get in better shape. RT

Crusty snow today

Jason, Dave, and I tried the trails today. All we got was crusty snow this morning. Tough ass riding to be sure. We ended up riding the road behind Krug, going across 229, and going over to the river from the casino area to the old casino area and back to Corby. It was a great day to be outside even though trail riding wasn't in the cards. Spellman said more stuff was down in old Corby that needs to be hit with the chainsaws. We have alot of work ahead...getting our fat asses in racing shape for some of us and trailwork for all of us.

I hope everyone will show on March 2nd for the first Heartland series race at Landahl. Give it some serious thought. Racing isn't live or die type shit, but it is serious fun! Peace, RT

Trail Progress

We hit Corby full force this morning with Randy, Dave, and Jim. There was more work to do than we thought, so it took more than 2.5 hours to get through the South trails. They are all clear now, and are in better condition than before storm. Looking forward to the ice melting so we can ride them.

Afterward Randy and I hit the GSC Lower section. It took us till about 2:30 and I was toasted at the end of it, but we made it through. Jason showed up on his bike as we were finishing up. Wish I could say I went and rode with him, but it was everything I had just to get home and stuff my face with what ever food I could get my hands on.

At this point we only have the River Trails and Krug to get through. I'm going to ask the Parks guys if they can help us out a little, but I'm not thinking it will take us very far. I think with a big group, we could get through Krug in a day. It would be a tough day though.

I will be out of town till the 9th of Feb, so I will try to organize something after that.

Snow Riding - Trail Work

Snow Riding
Hit Corby Norte with Jason this AM. Pretty tough going, but we did two laps anyway. Didn't venture onto the South side, don't think it would have been very rideable with the snow at that point. We cruised the Parkway over to Krug, rode the parkinglot loop, then headed home. Nice ride - about 2.5 hours. Things were just starting to get sloppy with temps rising to about 48F at 11:10 when I got home.

Having some problems with either my phone or my email. I have a bunch of pictures that I have been wanting to post, but can't seem to get them sent... Don't have a clue why, except maybe that my phone is completely worn out and needs to be chucked in the river. 5 more months till contract renewal... Hope it lasts.

Trail Work
We'll be meeting at Corby South to get things wrapped up there at 8:30 AM tomorrow. Be good to see anyone that can make it. Right now we have 2 chainsaws for sure, maybe 3.

Corby should only take about 30 min, then we'll head over to the GSC trail to get the old lower section re-cleared. No-one has been down there since ice storm and there are no reports on how bad (or good) it is. If things wrap up quick there, I guess we'll move on to Krug. Randy has cleared a section to where the tree house was, but I don't think any one has touched the connector trails, or anything beyond that. I plan to call the parks dept next week to see if they can help us out. I'm betting that they have other priorities right now - but there is a chance.

F'in cold this morn

I've commuted the last 3 days to work. This morning aound 5:30 it was minus 8 at the Word-o-life church. It was one of the few times I can remember wanting an uphill and dreading the downhills. The windchill on the downs froze my eyelashes to my Bolle's...never experienced that one before.

Anybody up for some trailwork Sunday morning? RT

Sweet Honey Creek

Great day at Honey Creek yesterday. RT and I skied the A and B loops, nearly in their entirity. We figured that put us somewhere between 12 and 14 miles.

Ran into Jav snowshoeing at one point, although he was so bundled up I didn't recognize him until he spoke. It was pretty chilly at parts. I don't think we ever topped 20 F yesterday, and I bet at the tops of the hills wind chill was well below zero.

We saw one of the biggest flocks of turkeys I've ever seen. Randy thought maybe there were 50. I'd buy that.

Anyway, it was just a pretty great day to be outside. Think we might give it another try today. I'll try to get some pictures today.

LM

SNOW!!!

Skiing tonight!!! Probably start at around 6PM on the Corby North Loop.

Just a favor - if you ride or run on the trails - please stay off the ski tracks if you can.

Enjoy the snow!

Lansen

P.S.
Randy - you better be there.

Trail work day update/recant

I guess it's supposed to be bitchin cold and snowy this Saturday, so let's bag it for this weekend and make it another. If half of our workforce gets frostbite, well, it would likely be hard to get em back out before July. Keep the rubber side down! RT

Saturday for tril work at the GSC? anyone...Buehler

I rode Krug and the river yesterday. A chinsaw or 2 needs to make an appearance at both places. You know how the trees are real viney up high? Alot of places gathered ice and dropped the whole tangled mess flat in the middle of the trail in a few places. I was wondering if a decent sized group would/could get together Saturday morn for the final push with rough cutting the long trail at the scout camp? The saws are itchin to eat and it's a good time to get it done while the ground is frozen and Lansen has money for groupies and other tasty treats. Whaddya say...8:30 at the camp and let's do it! I'll spring for lunch if you are up for that. Peace.

We just hadta ride!

Dave C. and I just had to get out today and do some riding. The crusty snow was tough but do-able. I had to ride my new 96er/69er/whatever that I just built. I can't say it was better or worse than using a 26" front wheel, but it did seem to roll right along in the rough. We rode New Corby 1st and followed some tracks laid by 2.1 Motoraptors (I measured em). We then went to the new stuff at the scout camp area and these same tracks were there a couple of places also. I gotta believe we followed Mr. Jason , as he is the only one I know of currently running tires like these front and rear.
The trails at the scout camp were a bitch to ride most places. They are gonna be great once they get cleaned up and a track gets set. We need to be getting out there and finishing the rough cutting of the whole loop so it can be clean by the time the ground starts drying in the Spring. Soil compaction can't happen in the wet, but the rest can be done for when the time is right to ride the piss out of it and set it hard. This is gonna be our best trail yet! Peace.

Sunbridge

Sean and me Shawn (just to clear up any confusion) went out to Sunbridge yesterday morning to GPS and plan the first section to open. It looks like there is lots of potential there as it is and in the future for new sections. I haven't been there in the winter in a while and forgot how great the view is with the leaves off the trees. I see flow.

Mud, Mud, Mud, and Mud

was all we saw today. Met up with Dave and Randy on Belt Hwy, then headed out past Old Macdonald's Farm on the country roads. Met up with Jason in Amazonia, then did a loop up to the North in the hills. Randy split off and headed for home and we headed back to Amazonia to drop Jason off. From there, Dave and I headed back home on Hwy K. I think we probably slugged through about 40 miles or so from my doorstep to doorstep. Don't know what the other guys put in. It was one of the tougher days I've put in for awhile. The roads were soft, muddy, wet, and in standing water at times. It was good to be out though.

By far, the worst part was cleaning equipment when I got home - I'm sure the other guys felt the same way. Nothing like having a butt crack full of rocks and sand, nothing quite like it.

Hopefully we didn't scare Jason off. When he rolled into Amazonia to meet up, I about half thought he would see us covered in mud from head to foot, and just keep driving. He jumped in though, and we all proceeded to get even muddier.

It was a good day. They were a good start to the base miles that I need. Now I just need to stay with it.

Thanks for the good day of riding guys.

Whooo... I'm Whipped

After a long day of trail work - the GSC upper trail section is once again clear, at least to the point we had cut before the storm. We have still not touched either part of the lower section, but we think it is a one morning deal. Great turn out - 4 chain saws and 2 chuckers over the course of the day. I think we probably bladed through 3 miles of trail today, give or take. Thanks guys (Randy, Dave, Brad, Jim, Jason).



Spent some good time on the trails Friday. Last day of skiing for awhile. Honey creek was in good shape and the snow was fast. So fast in fact that I did not do some of the hilly sections.
Lovin' it!

One pole skiing - sucks when you drop a pole...

Gettin' dark, time to head in...

Even the Escort looks good with the right back drop - what you don't see is me cussing and kicking when it was stuck right after the picture was snapped. Piece of crap...

Maybe ride tomorrow???? Need to see how wet things are.... Probably would set out around 10AM. Post if interested. It's not a for sure thing for me yet.

Rushin' Out to XC Ski

Skipped out of work early today and headed to Honey Creek with the dogs. We did about 12 miles on the B loop. Out on the backside I got my directions confused and got lost for a while. Very hilly over there. Monster climbs and drops that I thought were going to kill me a couple times. Wednesday probably ate her weight in deer pooh - not your average chick!

After I finally got back to the lower parking lot I had about a 1/2 hour of day light to get 3 miles back up to the upper lot. I was toasted with a long climb to go. The skis were slipping on my kick offs because the snow was starting to ice up as the sun dropped. When we finally hit the crest of the hill I stopped and snapped this picture. I dropped back into the trees and headed the last 1/2 mile to my car. Pulled out of the parking lot as darkness hit and I turned my lights on.

I haven't felt this blasted for a while - feels good. Bet I can sneak out there tomorrow too, although I'm not sure I can make it up those hills again. Still, worth a try. Some of the best country in the world - just my opinion. I bet Lily here agrees with me.

Happy last day of skiing!

Lansen

Trails to clear!

Randy just called and reminded me that before we start riding, we have to clear the trails that are still trashed. Saturday is going to be 50 degrees and too sloppy to do anything but get dirty. Lets hit the GSC trail with a vengence at 8:30 AM.

So far we have 3 saws and an ass load of trees on the trail.

Lansen

Race Trainin'

Got this idea from Jason's comments (see below). I was thinking that it would be helpful to anyone on here who is thinking about racing for the first time. There are several of you who will be racing at some point this year or who have raced sometime in the past. Please share your training tips, racing stories, or anything else that may be inspirational and beneficial for anyone preparing for the upcoming season.

I remember my first race well, and here is TIP #1: always wear some type of eye protection. My first race was on a very rainy/sloppy day in the Springfield area. You'd think that it would be common sense to wear glasses, especially on a muddy course, but it didn't occur to me. By the time the race was done, my eyes were full of grit. But I can honestly say that I had a blast; met a lot of new people; and just enjoyed the atmosphere. So come on everyone, share your experiences...

Ski'n w/ Randy

Been off line for a little while. Pretty much been somewhere between busy and lazy.

Have skied a couple times since the snow fell. Once at Snow Creek (my knees and head still hurt), once on the parkway, and a couple times at Honey Creek. Honey creek is awesome for cross country skiing, and it is just awesome period. We saw a flock of turkeys today, which was pretty cool.

Snow was really good for skiing a couple days ago. It's cold now, so it is a little slow compared to when the temp is in the high 20's. We had a great time and ended up doing somewhere around 6-8 miles today. I did about 12-14 miles a couple days ago. Anyway, it was a great way to start of the new year.

By the way, happy new year!

Oh the SNOW

Not counting on there having been much of a workday today on the trails. I got a lot done at work though... The Man will be happy.

Really itchin to do some xc skiing. Got some other stuff that I need to attend to this afternoon, but you can bet I'll be up at the ass crack tomorrow looking for some snow to glide through.

Here's Wednesday's rendition of the little devil on my shoulder - "come on, no one will care if you disappear for a few hours - come on lets go jump in the snow!". Lily looks on in the background.

Saturday Corby Workday

For anyone interested in working to restore the Corby trails this weekend; Randy will be hosting a trail workday at Corby.

He is planning on starting on the Corby South trails at 8:30AM on Saturday.

Aaron has been working on the south side and made good progress. A new guy named Mike and I went out there tonight and made it through about half of the South loop. My recomendation is to start going backwards on the south side. If you start on the North side it doesn't matter where you start, it is a mess everywhere.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to help on Saturday as I will be working.

If I don't see you all before: Merry Christmas and Happy Trails!!!!!

Thanks for everyone's hard work!

Lansen

Scouting

Scouted some of the trails yesterday. Parked at corby south with the dogs, then skied up to the north side. Found the trails completely impassible by ski or bike. Then skied up the parkway to the Girlscout camp and checked out those trails. They are in pretty bad shape too, but don't seem to be as bad as corby. Didn't check on Krug. Skied back to corby south and started hiking them with a saw. Seemed like pretty easy going until I ran into Aaron and found out he had been cutting ahead of me. We worked together for a little while. Progress on clearing the trails is moderate, but there is a huge amount of down branches, limbs and trees. We didn't see any huge trees across the trail, but then again we only made it to the fire pit.

I'll be at corby south this afternoon some time with a hand saw. It's going take a lot of hours to get the trails rideable again.

Kind of a bummer this year for the trails. Between the floods this last spring and the ice storm this winter they have certainly taken their lumps. The good thing about this storm is that just about every branch and tree that could have come down in the next 5 years... did. So I guess that means once it's all clear again we don't have to maintain again for another 5 years. Heee Hee He, just joking - I'm just being delusional.

Hope all you folks have your power back by now. What a turd of a week for some folks here in St. Joe. I feel guilty to say I was one of the lucky ones this week.

Here's a picture of the bridge entrance to Corby North. Behind that tree leaning over the trail is just more of the same....

Ugggh.... Not Good

Hope everyone is okay, whether they have power or not. For the time being, I still do. Trees down everywhere in my neighborhood. Spent the morning cutting limbs off of a fence in my back yard. Neighbors took the brunt of the damage though. Also have some water in the basement.... Weird.

I shudder to think what the trails look like. Whatever you do, don't go out there until after the melt. It will be like a room full of mouse traps out there right now.

Good luck, stay safe, stay warm.

Snow and Progress

Crossed skis is no good.....

Well, you probably noticed there is snow on the ground... Just enough for skiing, barely. Went early Friday AM, enough melted Friday that skiing is no good till more falls. Maybe tomorrow, I hope. Corby North is pretty good skiing if there is at least 4". Less than that and it's no good.

Made some progress on the Girlscout camp today. Dave, Lance, Jim, Shawn, Adam, Tara, and I hit it for a couple hours. It was pretty cold up by the cemetary. We had a hard time figuring out a good line on the cemetary hill. We thought there was some danger of erosion with the line that was marked, so we had to figure out a new one. After that it started rolling pretty good until all three saws started having trouble. That was about noon or a little after, and I think most of us were toast anyway. I'm guessing that we knocked out between 1.5 and 2 miles today... but it's tough to tell.

Dave and Lance going to town on a helluva big fallen log - Dueling Chainsaws.....

Lance and I hiked what is left to do after we were done cutting. We were guessing that there is probably 2.5 or 3 miles to go still. Some of it will go very quickly, some will be a fight for every inch. Still don't know for sure, but it seems like the GS trail could pretty easily be 7 miles when finished.

Hey where did everyone go?

I mention trail work freezing temp and rain and there is no one on here blogging. I hope I didn't scare everyone off. Seriously we are going out to do trail work tomorrow morning. Lancen, Dave, Jason and myself plan to be there for chain saw work. Randy is deathly ill and won't be there ( like phumonia is an excuse). Remember More people building trail=more trail=more riding

Blown away

Thats what I've been doing for the last few mornings, blowing the trails. We have a good start on finishing the trails that were started Sat. It will take me about a week to finish trimming and blowing the leafs off the trail. Dave Crook spent four hours the other day going almost to the turn next to grave yard. Randy is going back and cutting nubs we missed over the next few days. Its raining on Sat. and there won't be any riding anyone up for more trail work????? I estimate it will take two more days like this last trail day to finish rough cutting the trail. So why sit at home and be warm and comfortable lets get out there and do it again.

U Animals

Sorry I didn't make it Saturday morning. My boy had bball games Saturday morning. Pretty impressed you guys made it a work day as crappy as the weather was. You guys are animals! I am now going to try to figure out how to posts pictures so I can share the trip this summer. Brian

Successful Trail Work Day

We converged on the Girlscout trails an tore it up for most of the day. Even though 35 degree rain poured down for most of the day, we made good progress considering the conditions. I don't think there was a person out there who wasn't soaked to the bone. and freezing. Personally, I discovered that "waterproof" is only waterproof to a point, after that "waterproof" is just like a baggie to hold the water nice and close to the skin. On the way home I picked up 5 McD's cheeseburgers and had them down the hatch by the time I hit my driveway (about 1 mile from my house), I was starving.

The rain did cause some problems with the chainsaws, and it definitely made weed whacking impossible. Not to mention the conditions slowed us down a little bit and wore everyone down quicker. Even still, we are thinking that we cleared around 3 miles of new trail on the upper section. Some of it was pretty easy going, other sections were a battle for every inch.

Would like to thank everyone who made it out all these awesome trails couldn't happen with out you guys. What an awesome group.

Randy, Dave, Rusty, Javier running the blades - I know it isn't easy, or cheap keeping up with thrown chains, oil, and gas.

Jason, Bob, Jim, Shawn clearing, grooming, and lugging tools around to keep the saws running.

Hope I didn't miss anyone - let me know if I did.

Also, a super thanks to everyone who has been working the trail outside of the trail work days. I know Shawn and Randy have put in a ton of hours. Jason and Adam have been out there too I'm pretty sure. Probably others too, sorry if I missed you.

Finally, I want to thank Shawn for marking all these trail routes. Yesterday I was telling Rusty that I thought you had a toy poodle or something that could get through the under brush to place some of those flags. It really is going to be a cool trail.

I had more pictures from the day, but I don't know if the memory was full, the phone was shorting out from being soaked all day, or what - but only one of the pictures saved. It's Dave standing in a down pour getting ready to attack a thickett of brambles and bushes.

Trail Work - This Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trail Work on Saturday. We're planning on several chainsaws - hopefully 4. We'll need at least one support person per chainsaw team. Any one else that shows can run the leaf blower or weed whacker.

Shawn, can you bring the shop weed whacker and leaf blower?

Chainsaws I know of right now are Randy, Rusty, Jav, Bob, and Dave.

We can park in the grass clearings just off the parkway near the new lower section that is cut and rideable.

Meet at 8:30AM, or show up whenever you can. I'll have some refreshments and dirt work tools to keep everyone rolling.

Plan and dress for rain and crappy weather - which is good, because then no one will be tempted to ride instead of hack underbrush (that goes more for me than anyone else).

Can't wait to see you all there!!!!!

cold morning

I closed the loop today on the side closest to Lovers Lane. The run on the ridge next to the grave yard is nice. I only need to mark the return run back to the other side of the park and the marking is done, I'll finish that part tomorrow morning. Is anyone riding tonight?

New bridge/Heartland

Spoke with Roger from the city he said that he was working on designing a bridge to span the creek at the end of Corby North. This will tie the trail into a new section that runs up to Ashland Ave. for another 2 miles. He said that he could get the building material but the trail group would need to build it. Does anyone have any experience in building bridges? The Heathland race is rolling along I'm finishing the final paper work now. I know we are working on the girl scout trail now but we need to plan to start getting Corby ready for the race by spring. This could include several miles of new trails the new bridge I mentioned and some detail work to make everything flow better. The race loop will include both North and South Corby starting in the field by Noise school. If anyone has any ideas let me know we need this first race to be killer to keep Heartland up here. You never know we could be a good 12/24 hour venue later on.

Tuesday - Night Ride

Anyone in for a night ride tonight? Start with Corby South - see what happens from there?

6:00-6:15 ish start time...

Chainsaw Kenny

Went for a steady little jaunt this morning through the Corby's and Girlscout trails. Things were a little slippery due to melting frost, but it was a decent ride.

On my way back through the other direction I ran into Chainsaw Kenny and his buddy in Corby South. They tell me they have permission to cut down trees for fire wood. I said cool, and asked if they would be willing to do trail work too. Kenny said if there's wood in it for him, he's all over it. Anyway, sounds like we'll have another chainsaw for Saturday.

You never know who you're going to meet in the woods.

Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend Rides

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday yesterday. We have so much to be thankful for... like these new trails and getting HSP to host a race in our back yard!

Just spoke with Jason and we're planning on starting from Corby tomorrow around 1PM... hope to see several out there.

I'm still contemplating going to Crowder SP on Sunday... call me if interested.

Lansen at Waubunsie

I'm finally getting around to posting the only photo I took of Lansen during our trip last weekend. Those steps were VERY slippery... so much that Lansen didn't want to wait at the middle for me to pull out the camera and snap the photo... that's why he's so happy in this photo.

I'm ready for another another epic adventure. How about Crowder SP this Sunday... anyone? Hopefully I won't loose another pair of mtb shoes this time!

more marked and built

Jason and Randy rough cut another large section on top yesterday. I was boarded this morning so I flagged because the snow prevented me trimming. I ended up running out of flags about noon so I packed it in. I now roughly know how everything will lay in even though it isn't marked. Wow!!! this is going to be the coolest trail yet it will be challenging but fast with some steady climbing. We will need to bench a fair portion of the back side but some of that is already there as deer trail and old single track. I found another tent that looks lived in to the east. I plan to mark trail from now till the work day and get the rest of the planning out of the way.

Heartland!!!!

Everybody thank Shawn when you see him! He got the Corby loop on the Heartland series. Checkout the Hearland link to your right to see the details.

On another note: Dr. Adam did a rough map of the Girlscout section. We'll get some more refined maps for the Maps and Routes link. Thanks Dr. A!

Feeling Kinda Growely

Not really feeling the ride tonight. I'll be back in town on Saturday, maybe catch the gang then.

Hope everyone else makes it out tonight. Have a good time.

one mile down

Randy and I cut another mile across the trail. Just a little benching and its done so don't be shy to pick up a shovel. I discovered a large section of old single track already cut down the hill towards Karnes, it is awesome back there. We will have many miles of riding ahead.

Different Trails on a Rainy Day

Sooo Jav, what did you do today? Some rid'n? Cool.

Any hills on that ride? Oh, just a couple big ones huh?

See anything else? Oh, there was evidence of other trail use huh? Quite abit huh? Well, that's the shits, isn't it....

So we went to Waubunsie State Park in Iowa today. Left at dawn. Trails were different, so it was a good trip, although trails are more suited for equestrians and hiking. Still, saw some great vistas and rode some really fun downhills.

MWSU Speed Challenge

Rode the "woodchip" trail loop out there for the first time since this past Spring. I shattered my personal best by over thirty seconds. Did the entire lap in 9min 31sec... so that's over 14mph average for the entire 2.34 miles.

So the challenge is simply to do a lap and then see if you can beat your previous time. When I started out there I was in the 30 minute range... so don't be intimidated by my current time. Just go out there and do your best... it's really fun to see yourself go faster and faster over time.

Whoa

Just ran across this pic, made my guts churn, thought I would post.

Nice Work!

Shawn and Randy, I have to hand it to you guys; you really know how to build a nice trail. The Girlscout camp trails are looking pretty sweet. We rode Girlscout, Krug, Girlscout, Corby North today. Almost rode Corby South, but we were so shelled we called it quits. Shelled... and we didn't even ride all the trails in a 3 mile radius. That's a good problem to have, isn't it?

Trail Work Day!
We're still planning on doing the trail work day for December 01. We'll get started at about 8:30 AM and will wrap it up when ever. I'll have a couple hand saws, a polesaw/lopper, shovel, hoe, and a sythe. Sounds like we have a couple chainsaws lined up and a weed whacker or two. We should be able to make some pretty good progress pretty quick, I think. If enough people show, maybe we can finish the loop in one day. Of course, that assumes Randy and Shawn don't finish the whole thing before we can get to it.... Heee Heee Heee, just kidding.

BTW, if you aren't feeling lucky today - take a look at the Folks From Lincoln Blog. Our brothers up North are in the middle of another skirmish with the city. Makes me feel pretty lucky that St. Joe's parks & rec department is so cool about building and maintaining trails on city property. Other places are not so lucky, to be sure.

Saturday

Would like to ride Sat AM. Probably Corby, Girlscout, Krug. Any takers?

I'm looking for steady the whole way. Not much stopping, but not super fast either. Just cruising.

Meet at Corby, 9:00AM.

New trails done!!!!!!!!!

Randy and I have completed The next section on the Scout trail between the walking trail and the road. The entire area between the two have trail now. It needs some mild trimming to get sprigs , some bench cutting done and one small bridge. Randy says ride new trail to pack it in or else!! I have started new trail on other side of just follow the flags That needs loping and chainsaw work it will be a bear because it is really thick. Please come out and work on the trails in your spare time so we can make quick work of these new trails and we can get to riding them.