We got wettened

The past two days have been a learning experience for sure. In Wisconsin when it rains it is almost impossible to ride. Here in N.C. it stays very much rideable and really fun. Other than the fact it was only 50 degrees and just a little bit chilly if we weren't riding it was great. The water was running down the trail and the bikes were making all kinds of ugly noises from the grit in places that should be grit free. We rode in the Dupont state forest yesterday and checked out some waterfalls. I almost became one of the many casualties that occur from falling in waterfalls every year in N.C. The first crash on the Zaskar was a wet one. Today we rode the Trace Ridge Trails and had some sweet climbing and super cool descents. Rocky, rooty and wet. Lisa was amazing. At one point she was ahead of me and just rippin' these drop offs and rocks and roots and I was actually getting kinda' nervous at the speed. Then I hear her say " no brakes!" and I was all like quit bragging. Then she finds a somewhat level spot and throws herself at some small trees. Then I realized she had no brakes. Regardless, it was cool. A minor brake adjustment and we were on our way. Probly' the most fun I've had on a rainy ride ever. Great trails. Looks like the last ride on this trip as rain is in the forecast tomorrow and we have to head back. Hopefully some pictures to follow. I still have to get to the Hot Dog King.

Mt. McKinley

We rode to the top of Mt. McKinley today. We started out in Marion, NC and it was 59 deg. At the summit it was 45 deg and windy. Most of us were not adequately clothed for that. Luckily we had some extra stuff in the sag to make the descent tolerable. The Blue Ridge Parkway was a nice ride up and down. The road up to the summit was sweet. Melcher was pushing the pace all day and that made the ride even more enjoyable. I rode to the top of the overlook and I would like to call that 6700 ft. There's even some guy buried up there. I forgot to read his story. The descent was nice. Hwy 80 was a blast. Lots of turns and we all kept all of our skin. Finished up and ate at a little "Italian" joint on the outskirts of Marion. All in all a good day.

Tsali doesn't Tsuck

Another day of riding on the Zaskar. I like the bike more and more. It really handles well. I think I saw that daledadick guy today while we were riding at Tsali. He was kinda' far off the back since I forgot my sandbags today. Oh well, maybe we'll see him again tomorrow. Almost 4 hours worth of riding today. The guy at the bikeshop was really bagging on Tsali because it wasn't technical enough. He said the locals all don't like it and HIS trails (Pisgah) are waaay better. I enjoyed the trails today. Fast and flowy with plenty of stuff to keep the focus on the trail. A lot like home with longer climbs. And warmer weather.
Tonight we found a super good restaurant and I learned a lesson. The half a rack of ribs is waaaay bigger in North Carolina than in Wisconsin. I shouldn't have gotten the pulled pork with it. Or the sweet potato fries. Or the red beans and rice. Don't worry, Mark. I took pictures but I don't have the usb cable along. I'll make sure you see them. I'm hoping to hit up the Hot Dog King one day soon. They advertise 10 for $10 and $2 footlongs after 3pm! Delicious. The talk is attacking Mt. Mitchell tomorrow on the road. I guess it's a 30 mile switchback climb up. We'll see. That may just equal 10 hotdogs worth of climbing. Yes, Jerry. There is a direct conversion from kj to hotdogs. I worked the math.

First Ride

The view from the deck of the place we're staying isn't too shabby. Riding was great, too. It was the first time I turned the pedals over on this bike and I immediately felt like I was at home on the Zaskar. The bike handles so good and is truly fun to ride. The fork was absolutely lovely. 1oomm of travel is very nice. Acceleration is so different from what I'm used to, I didn't feel any flex in the bottom bracket. My nervousness about this bike is completely gone. It's a keeper. Thank you, GT!

Hey Summer, Wanna' play me?

2x20min Z4 followed up by 1x10 at Z4. I love the trainer. Not as much as my buddy Sam, though. He has done 4 hour sessions on rollers. Sick.

Is this thing on?

I just popped my blog cherry. I guess it was ok. Will I think less of myself tomorrow? Probably.