Of Steel

I ripped this off of the Italian Cycling Blog. We need to find this DVD and have a movie night with a projector on the side of Masters house.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ9mICMYlWo&feature=player_embedded

Autumn no more

It wasn't the most beautiful Autumn that I remember, but the leaves have really seemed to cling this year. I am afraid that this week is for sure Falls final act. With Thanksgiving here, it will be a down hill slide through the holidays in super high gear. I don't know if you can truly appreciate this time of year unless you have lived somewhere that doesn't have seasons. Each season is a true since of closure that, for ten years, I really missed.

With that said, Sometimes little E is so full of a constant flow of questions, that I feel like I really need a break. But, now that he has been at the GP's for a couple of nights, I'm sitting here watching Thanksgiving bread rise and longing for him. While browsing my pictures of him, I've decided to post a few pics of some of the fun we have had this Autumn. It really is surprising how fast times flies and how much he has grown.

We had his birthday party early to avoid the shadow of Christmas, but I can't believe that he is about to hit the big 04!

DFL

Saturday night I rode the team bus

to Anniston to do the night time cyclocross race. I chose the masters class that I raced in 06'. This class has become much more aggressive. When I saw riders to the likes of Hungerford and Cupp lined up at the line, I knew I was in trouble. I may have to step back and regroup in the 4 class next time.

I went the distance. That was a personal accomplishment.

It turned out to be easy to keep going as I really looked forward to the 50 or so hecklers at the sand pit. Lap after lap. They were wound up and full of zingers. It's amazing how much laughing at them, masked the pain.

On a positive note, CCC's BF was pretty glad to finally take down Curtis "beans and tators" Cup in the Masters 45+.

Surprise guest and The Master's front porch.

Sunday evening provided surreal weather for a ride in November. 70 something degrees and enough foliage left on the trees to create an orange hue fueled by a long sunset.









We got a great surprise visit from my bro GC. There was nothing particularly special about the Hanceville loop ride this day other than the unseasonably warm weather and a lesson in bike etiquette and hand singles from GC.






The master told us stories
of his visit to De Rosa
as our shadows attacked
us along side.
Autumn in the South
is full of wonderful treats.





The biggest (rare) treat of all was when we managed to mooch a post ride brew for good conversation and a few laughs on the infamous front porch of the Master.

1950's Cyclocross

I'm not big on recycling videos, but I thought that some of you Cyclocross folks might like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9_Fs1QtsOY

BF and WF representing

I am really glad to see that BF and WF are representing us so well. Lord knows I can't get motivated to race. I picked these pics, from Sloss, off of a buddy of mines mutli media site.

Keep up the good work guys. BF, try to avoid those PBR hand offs. If you have never Cyclocrossed, you probably have no idea how much torture it is. Why do people do it........? Im not sure.

For more CCC Xross see http://cullmanat15mph.blogspot.com/

Bikes not Bombs

This is a really cool organzition that I came across on one my kids tv programs.

http://bikesnotbombs.org/

New Trails!!!!!

Remembering when the original Trails at Oak Mountain were under contruction 20 years ago, makes it even more refreshing to enjoy the development of some new trails. There are two new additions to the traditional loop.


The first addition, Rattle Snake Ridge, was added just in time for the Bump and Grind in June. It starts not far beyond Johnson Mountain. The trail starts out right away with some great short down hills, and large but easily ridden on a 29r, tree crossings. It then starts twisting climbs up to the ridges with a few off camber trails that require a tad bit of technical skill to avoid sliding down the hillside. You maneuver through a couple of root and rock gardens then the trail goes wide and downward toward the lake with swooping high bank turns that allow a lot of speed without braking.

As the Rattle Snake Ridge trail nears the end, you have the choice to take a hard 90 degree left onto the lake tail. The lake trail starts with a blazing fast down hill with for or five large sweeping turns that run right on the bank of the lake. It opens up and hits the Dam. This Fall the dam crossing provided an awesome view of Double Oaks foliage with the lake in the fore ground. After the dam, you cross a cool steel bridge that goes over the spill way. When crossing the bridge, prepare yourself for the fastest and best designed double track that I have ever ridden. When all is done, it dumps you out right across the road from the entrance to the rock garden trails.









The bump guys worked really hard and created a fine system of trails. I saw some of them staking new trails on top of Double Oak this Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing how those turn out.

I have ridden famous NC , KY,TN,GA and CO trails. I personally feel that these are now equal to or better than most.

I have managed to make it down to ride OM at least twice a month this fall. It is always worth the drive. I usually am able to con my bro Greg into going. He is still riding a 40lb dual suspension 26r. I'm hoping he makes the switch to bigger wheels and less shoxs as soon as possible.

Whether it's mountain bike or road bike in Birmingham, One thing is true about 85% of the time. I run into James Earl. He must ride about 50 hours a week. I am starting to wonder if there is not two or three of him.