Inclement weather

It's pretty sad when the winter wonderland exhibit at SLP closes because of the threat of snow. The most crazy thing is that this was the day after and it was a balmy 55 degrees.

After a couple of failed attempts to drum up a riding partner on road and mountain bike, I was still dying to take advantage of the warm but wet weather and ride today. It was 50 something degrees( maybe more) and humid. The sun was trying to peak through the clouds. I tossed my 29r into the truck and headed for SLP. Before I arrived, I was surprised to find myself in a gully washer of a rain storm. Discouraged, I turned around and headed back South. Suddenly, I heard a little Voice in my head say "Southern Cross". I recalled the commitment I have with CC to ride the 50 mile torture cross race in Eligay in late February. I turned around again in the pouring rain and headed to SLP. I found it to be closed because of Inclement weather. Maybe by the same people who chose to be the only ones in the state to close the Schools yesterday? I managed to ride up the hill and sneak in the side of the trail. The rain stopped and the trail was beautiful. I have never seen a trail that drains so well and so quickly. It was actually nicer than the slippery and crunchy leaves that I have been used to riding the last few weeks. With the help of the mp3 player, I was able to slip in a few laps before dark.

Anyway, back to the Southern Cross. http://www.55nine.com/southernX.html

It is a 50 mile race that starts out on a cross course and then heads out onto 50 miles of dirt,paved,and gravel roads and then returns to run the cross course one last time. Last years, times varied for 3.5 hours to 6.5 hours. And in North GA in February, one can expect the worse from the weather. It should be quite a challenge. They have a 35 mile citizen race but, I have decided that it will only be worth it to do the open class. I like rides that suck. I don't know why I am wired that way. It's just that way.

For the the first time in 9 years, I have decided to actually watch what I eat. For the last three weeks, this has meant, No cokes (sad) limited beer (but not too limited) and pretty much no sugar. My plan is to be successful at dropping weight right through the holidays. Crazy huh?

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/