Friday, March 26

A little tired this morning. Not sure if it's just fatigue, or being mentally overwhelmed by the sheer length of the summer ahead of us. For example, last year I was not able to ride the standard commute route, Sky Hexagonal Trail, into work until mid-May, thanks to what was actually a normal snow year. This year, I rode it for the first time yesterday. A few snow patches here and there, but otherwise stunningly clear. And don't get me wrong, it was great to out there, in the wet spring dirt, but it altogether seems way too early. This past four weeks of warmth have got me scanning the map, looking north, for new places to be. Four of the past five winters have been below average snowfall and above average temperature, and they are predicting this trend for at least the next ten years. Looks like I inadvertently chose to move to Flagstaff, Arizona, not Nederland, Colorado!

Wednesday, March 24

The heat wave that killed the 2004 ski season. Eldora's website reads: "Due to weather conditions, the Eldora Nordic Center is closed for the season effective March 24th, 2004.  We look forward to seeing you next season!" I didn't actually know this till a few minutes ago, and my ignorance allowed me to poach the area this morning. And what a poach it was. Rock solid morning ice, grooved out by snowmobile tracks and sitzmarks, with massive dirt patches scattered about. Armageddon hits the nordic center. But then, a bit of salvation before a long hot summer. At times, a perfect classic track. Icy, to be sure, but I nailed the Klister formula today, and was able to fly, alone, with just the many chipmunks and snowshoe rabbits as company. They must have gotten an A.P.B. that the area closed, and the lycra clad nordies were gone, as I've never seen so much wildlife up there. Before my last loop on Phoebe Snow of the season, wrote on the Boulder Nordic Clubs white board "Global Warming Sucks." Then, skied the long way back to the base, the last time I'll be in this neck of the woods on skis until the snows come again next winter.

Tuesday, March 23

Have not checked in for awhile, as nothing overly striking has been going on. Enjoying the tail end of the ski season, with a couple surprisingly good days boarding at Eldora. It's been so warm that the snow has really softened up, so you can pretty much ride anything - bumps for example - with little consequence. There is more snow than I anticipated there would be, as many lines off Salto Glades that I was sure would be bare, were outstanding. Spring skiing, less bulked up, with just a hooded sweatshirt for protection. A little early to be sure, but might as well make the most of it.

I'm also dabbing with Klister Ski Wax as the last few days of the nordic season look us square in the eye. Nasty stuff, Klister. Sort of a combination between motor oil and elmers glue, but when you get it right you can go up anything and still have a solid glide. Alas, I have not gotten it right yet, and have about a week more to practice before the season is done. I'm hoping that this extended warm spell is a little joke winter is playing, that the old man is sitting up there in Canada, laughing at us as we frolic about, forgetting that is still late March. And then, when we're least expecting it, a storm that has never been seen before will rage down, and catch us with our shirts off, literally.

Biking season has begun. On each commute into work, a little more trail opens up. Climbed up the back of Kite Rod the other day for the first time in '04 and felt pretty good. Better, in fact than my first ride up this hill last year. So hopefully, that's an indication that my winter outdoor program was sufficient to maintain my goal of getting just a tad bit better each year on the bike, till I'm, oh say, 55 or so. At that point, I'll be happy to buy a sail boat, learn to sail, and then sail around the world, before resuming this biking/skiing regime.

A funny story. Called up the folks over at Spot Bikes today to order up a couple wool jerseys. Upon calling they were profusely thanking me for "the new article about Spot Bikes in Playboy Magazine." It took me a bit to recall what the hell they were talking about, but then it hit me. At my workplace, we often get calls from journalists asking about mountain biking. About five months ago, a journalist from Playboy Magazine called, and I happened to answer the phone. We talked for a bit about biking, and eventually the conversation turned to single speeding. He asked for some singlespeed contacts, and Spot Brand naturally came to mind. So apparently, he picked up the story and there is a snippet about Spot Brand Bikes, and singlespeeding, in the March edition of Playboy Mag. I guess we've made it to the big time now!

Thursday, March 18

One year ago today we were in the heart of the biggest snowstorm I've ever seen in my life - seven feet over the course of a couple of days. Quite a difference a year makes, as they are predicting 80 degree temperatures in Denver tomorrow. It's ridiculously dry out there for this time of year, which simply does not bode well for this summer. Made the most of the situation with a journey through the Passage of Verde yesterday, my first time on this stretch of singletrack since a very cold ride about five months ago with Meriweather and the Scientist. A mixture of dirt and very hardpacked snow, but what's with cutting down 25 or so live trees to block the end of the trail to keep folks out? Is that done for ecological reasons? There is hypocrisy on all ends of the spectrum.

Tuesday, March 16

Howling breeze in Happy Valley all last night, and it woke me numerous times through the night. The chimes sounded like a Metallica rehearsal, and I was waiting for one of the trees surrounding the house to smash through the roof, crushing me to death. Luckily, it did not happen. But a surprise this morning - 2 inches of fresh snow from a storm hovering over the divide - made for one of the better nordic ski sessions of the year. Huge drifts and soft snow. Bizarre, because just 15 miles down the road, in Boulder, they are predicting 70 degree temps.

The difference in seasons between Eldora and Boulder is highly pronounced this time of year. Balmy in the flats, Antarctic in Happy Valley. We don't really see true spring in Eldora until mid- May, quite a bit later than even a few miles down the road in Nederland, or where the posse lives off Magnolia. Hmm...weather, schmeather. I wonder if people who are indoors all day care what the weather is? It doesn't really doesn't matter, I suppose, if you get up in the morning, get in the garage car port, drive to work, go into the office, and repeat in the evening. Seems like an unstimulating life to me, but I suppose whatever floats your boat.

As much as I like Alaska, I'm going to have to urge folks reading this to boycott trips to this state until they reverse their ridiculous policy on wolf management. Alaska has been managing wolves with aerial shootings this past winter, and recently upped the amount of wolves that can be killed with this method to ten per day. This despite more than 75% of the Alaska population saying they oppose the wolf shooting. Sounds like this is more dictatorial genocide as opposed to management. Here's a link that tells more.

Monday, March 15

As the weatherman is predicting a warming trend until who knows when, changing plans a bit and taking advantage of the remnants of winter to get a few mornings of nordic. Went skate skiing today, in three inches of fresh, and suffered like a dog. Tomorrow a day of classic, and if the cloud cover holds maybe another day Wednesday. After that, I have my doubts, as the temperatures and sun soar. Hopefully, though, we'll get at least one more spurt before Eldora closes for the season. Of course, we will get a big dump sometime in mid-April, a couple days after the mountain closes for the season. Murphy's law you could call it, or at least Eldora's law.

A few days ago I mentioned that there should be more trails open to bikes in Boulder County. I'll still stick to this opinion, but after a spirited debate with a good friend, I'm modifying my position. There should be more trails open to bikes, but there should also be an OVERALL reduction, or at least flattening of use in Boulder County Parks. There are too many people, and I suspect habitat is struggling as is to eek out survival without adding hundreds of bikers to the fray. Again, I believe bikers should be allowed on some of the trails, but this is contingent with the parks establishing a day use permit system - stricter than exists today - to limit and actually reduce overall use of all visitors - hikers and bikers alike. So more equality among user groups, but less overall use in general.

More on this later. Tonight the wind is howling, the chimes ringing and me and the dogs chilling in Happy Valley. Hey, that just brightened my day. Did a search for the 80466 district on weather.com and it looks like they are predicting snow the middle of next week. At this point in time, we'll take what we can get.

Sunday, March 14

A lazy morning. Woke up at around 8:30, looked in the fridge and decided to have the breakfast of champions: one whole pint of Ben and Jerries Peanut Butter Cup ice cream AND the last remaining full box of Girl Scout Tag Along Cookies. My girlfriend hates the fact that I have the metabolism of a sparrow, and since she was out this morning, I decided to capitalize! This was my breakfast (look ma, vegetarian!), and my morning entertainment was even better. On MTV, we had the Real World Marathon (who will hook up with who, who will get drunk, who will go to jail!) and on VH1, a marathon of Band's Reunited. Thanks heavens that yes, indeed, Flock of Seagulls, got back together for one final show. Hell, even us luddite singlespeeding ecowarriors need to have our fill of quality food and television.

So that was my morning, which ended promptly at noon. Noticed on the web (really getting after it today) that our snowpack is now actually below that of this time back in serious drought year 2002 (grab your kids folks, were all gonna burn to smithereens), so decided to rebel and go nordic skiing and snowboarding on the scraps. Actually, it wasn't half bad. Renewed my affair with the heinous nordic climb in our neck of the woods, Woodcutter. Woodcutter is a painful, exactly 200 skate steps when your getting after it, wall. By about 2/3rds up you're seeing stars, gasping for air, nearly blanking out from lactic acid build up and too little air. Well, I did it once, but that wasn't enough. Skied right back down and did it again. And then again. And for a capper, one last time.

I did this for two reasons. First, on the ride yesterday, while suffering up the climb, I didn't have any suffering reference to really take it to the next level. My suffering reference, meaning the last time I really hurt, was too far gone, months really, so I decided that suffering four times in a row would help build back this reference point. Clearly this is logical training, certainly Chris Carmichel recommended (along with my breakfast). My second reason for doing this is that I simply refuse to grow facial hair for this upcoming hut trip, and since I will thus be required to carry all the alcoholic beverages for the fourteen mile slog in because of my aversion to hippydom, I figured I might as well get in shape.

And then I went boarding. Despite the 50 degree temperatures, the slopes were rock solid ice save the very bottom. But it was still fun, hanging there in the chairs, getting tossed around by 50 mile per hour wind gusts. Really, it was fun. I'm not kidding.

Decided today that while I really like tele skiing, we're just not meant to be together full time. There's just no spark really, that I have with el lolita Burton. Me and Tele will still be good friends, and we'll hook up for some casual loving on occasion, but it's simply not relationship material. Seriously though, I've only had that magical spark with a few things in my life. The first time I saw my girlfriend was one. The first time I saw my first dog, Yeti, was an other. My first pedal stroke on the Johnny Rotten. My first linked turn on a snowboard. The initial time I went to Moab, arriving in the dark and waking up to "Holy shit" land. Now those are magical moments. Tele skiing, for me at least, is good, but there is no magic involved.

Saturday, March 13

I would rarely recommend anyone ever go to Denver willingly, but here is one time where it's critical. The Colorado Division of Wildlife is holding a public meeting in Denver on March 25 regarding a management plan for wolves. The anti-wolf forces will demand that the state keep wolves out or, worse, kill them once they trek across the Colorado border from Wyoming. Thus, we need to make a strong showing at this hearing to ensure that the interests of Colorado's wildlife and wild places are voiced. The meeting takes place at the Best Western at 200 West 48th Avenue in Denver between 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 25. For more information visit www.rockywolf.org. Wow, how exciting. To go to a public meeting about something other than mountain bike access!

My ride yesterday got me stoked to start riding in earnest again. Not full fledged yet, however, because there is a multi day stage nordic race taking place in Devil's Thumb over two weekend in late March and early April that will be an absolute hoot. Short races, relays and hill climbs with an international world class field. Very sweet. Still, the climb yesterday got me in the mode for suffering. I love climbing in the early season. You can literally feel your legs get stronger, your breathing improve, your muscles get more sinewy. The heavy breathing and sweat clears away all your troubles and age. The more you climb, the younger you become. Scoping out the map, looking for new climbs or climbs I have not done in a long long time. Logan Mill becons as an extended lunch ride this coming week. And the backside of Kite Rod for the mornings.

The passage of time inevitably makes things change. This is part of life. But I miss the energy of the crew from a few years back, the wood nymph dancing in the woods on our simple one geared bikes with friends, laughing, and being young - even if the calendar didn't necessarily say so. I hope we can regain this vibe - the singlespeed goodness vibe - this spring. But it can't be forced. It's either there or it's not.

When you're young, you always point to the placid elders and say to yourself, "that won't be me." And that could very well be the truth, except we often let ourselves slip, ever so slightly, each year as new priorities take hold. And then, ten years down the line, when we've slipped a lot, we reminisce about the past, and how good we used to be. But I refuse to take this path, with a single speed bicycle being my subtle act of revolt. Keep it simple, live young, work hard, play harder, don't let the bastards grind you down and laugh dammit. Want the fountain of youth? That's it right there.

But enough of this philisophical crapola. The world wants to know: did Paco get to race today in the rain and cobblestones in his Belgium debut? Go Paco - represent the IGSSC well!

Friday, March 12

Oh yes! Just returned from my first legitimate singletrack ride of 2004, as the Intergalactic Friday Lunch Ride entered the Rats Bastard Realm. Great fun, but man, I almost blew a lung on the first climb out of Canyon, wishing for a slightly mellower gear than the 34x18. That climb was shockingly dry, almost dusty, which doesn't bode well for the summer. Even the loop itself was relatively dry for this time of year.

While riding one of the few singletracks open to mountain bikers in the front five - the first five miles west of Boulder - we had a nice spirited discussion about Boulder Trail politics. Tough issues with no clear answers. My perspectives are this. There are a lot of mountain bikers in Boulder. There are so many mountain bikers that they are spreading everywhere. I suspect, if you focused use, this spreading would be drastically curbed, meaning less social trails and habitat fragmentation. And while I don't have scientific proof of this, I suspect adding mountain bikers to some of the existing and sustainable trails in the Chautauqua area would not cause any more environmental damage than that caused by the thousands of other trail users up there every day. So it's a social issue in my mind, not an environmental issue so much. Which makes it easier to fight. Not more single-use trails in my book, but more tolerance on both sides is required. I also believe mountain bikers need to hold the absolute highest environmental standards, to be stewards of the land far beyond just local trail issues. I still believe there is potential for mountain bikers to become the next generation of environmental protectors, but tragically, we're falling short right now.

Thursday Night, March 11

OK, I have to give props to what I suspect will be the most interesting blog on this site. Our good friend and fellow Intergalactic Pilot (and pro mountain bike racer) Matt Pacocha just departed to Belgium for three months to take part in some sort of elite road racing camp. So while you're riding the trails in your neck of the woods, Paco, as we call him, will be slogging through the rain for eight hours over hundreds of miles of cobblestone behind a bunch of Dutchmen doped to the gills. Living the dream, and surviving to tell us his story. Quite a bit more interesting than my commutes down Magnolia I'd say. So check it out, yo at Paco's blog, also available off the Blog Link Page. He just left, so you can read a few back logs and follow his story throughout!

Thursday, March 11

Tomorrow we ride! The Intergalactic Single Speed Lunch Time Rides With Those Who Are Getting Over Colds Can Ride A Geared Bike (IGSSLTRWTWAGOCCRAGB) lives on. But I'm feeling the need for a spring classic. A multi-day, post work/lunchtime classic sufferfest for those who realize base miles are for the weak weanies. Yes, the vision will come. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Le Tour de (insert name here).

By the way, what in god's name is that photo of below?

Wednesday, March 10

This Garage Band software rocks. Recorded a set last night, and within minutes was able to convert it to an MP3, load it onto the iPod and have a fresh sampling of music for the ride in today. A good thing to, as it was sort of drab out, clouds moving in, stagnant temperatures - not too cold, and not too hot. Music, however, makes everything sparkle. I'm going to start including mix CD's for everyone who orders a "Fuck that Shift" sticker, once I get the skills on the ones and twos slightly honed. To be listened to only when riding your bicycle or playing in the outdoors. They'll be equipped with a device that will actually detonate your car should you choose to play it while driving!

Ready to ride some trails, but they're still buried under snow. Did actually get to ride approximately 180 seconds of singletrack on the underpass route this morning, which seemed to have bizarre trash and garbage scattered about. Someday I'm suspect I'll happen accross a body down there.

Right on cue with the coming of spring, it appears there is a trail/forest issue on the horizon. Apparently, residents at Big Springs outside Nederland want to cut a new road to improve their access should a forest fire strike. The road is slated to go from Big Springs up to Magnolia, smack dab across - and along - the Blue Dot Trail. I have little tolerance for these people. If you want to live in a place where forest fires are not a threat, move to Boulder. There are fires in the mountains. Houses burn. Deal with it. Take some responsibility for yourself, and for the land, rather than proposing yet another damned road so your $600,000 estate isn't threatened in the least. Anyhow, more on this issue as it comes in. Yeehaw.

This is the main reason I sometimes lament the coming of spring and summer. Winter protects the land from the onslaught of recreationists, loggers, paint gunners, moto heads, ATVs and yes, even mountain bikers. Deep snow, cold temps and wind tend to weed out the weak willed. In the summer, however, the land is naked and exposed, at the whim of the bastards who just don't give a fuck.

Tuesday, March 9

One of the nicest days of the year so far, but decided to take it off. Had to return a car this morning, so I couldn't drive, I got a new computer that needed setting up, and I was fried to the gills from lots of exercise. I have to say, I like computers. I'm a luddite on some things, but not computers. My new Mac is sweet, and best of all, it has Garage Band, which allows me to input music, records it, tweak it to perfection, and then turn it into an MP3. It's got me motivated to spin records again - indeed last night I recorded a very rough 45 minute set, and, after a visit to Bart's Records tonight, I've set out 15 records of electronica for a session here in the next few minutes. Ready for the iPod to accompany me and Johnny Rotten down the hill tomorrow.

Just watched the weather. Cool to see the storms move in, the contrast of fronts, the funkiness of the season. We're really in the ups-and-downs of spring and winter right now, which sort of mirrors my attitude about which activities to participate in. Tomorrow we bike, who knows what the next days will bring. A friend emailed me today with a funny message:

- Thanks for the sticker. Now my son walks around all day talking smack to me. I say "Owen, eat your peas" and he says "fuck that shift, dad". "Owen, get your hands out of your poopy diaper". "Fuck that shift dad, you punk-ass taint sniffer."

Monday, March 8

"DO NOT BECOME A CYNIC. This is a sure sign of physical and spiritual atrophy. A disorder that can be readily avoided with frequent doses of fresh air, adrenaline and vast wilderness. This is a reminder to those planners and knowers of things that there is still wonder. Still challenge. Still spaces to climb, bike, and swim beyond the reach of radio waves. For those of you who would seek adventure, take heart: there are yet places that speak to our souls. And to the dim-eyed know-it-alls, they will say this: I have a surprise for you."

Today skied at the most amazing nordic area I've ever been to, thanks to an accidental conversation yesterday where a guy in the nordic shop in Aspen told me to check out the Ashcroft Nordic Center. 30 kilometers of hilly trails at 9,500 feet above sea level ringed by 14ers a stones throw away make for a truly phenomenal gem. Sort of like a nordic area placed smack dab in the Devils Thumb basin, right under the highest peaks in the country. The past three days have probably been the most varied, enjoyable three days of nordic skiing in more than 20 years for me. I want more, although these warm temperatures don't bode well for a long winter. But, if I remember correctly, there was a massive warm-up before the storm of the century hit last year, so all hope is not lost. No sense fighting it though - time to enjoy it and ride the bike.

Drove back home today, and as the setting sun shimmered off the sage brush hills near Dotsero, reflecting off the Colorado River, my thoughts turned west, to Moab and Fruita. Long rides in red rocked desert, camping out, stars layer after layer deep, sunshine, sun tan lotion, an occasional freak snow flurry and the white La Sals staring serenely above. A home away from home of sorts. Time to plan, and head out.

One of these years I want to take a break from February 1 until Montezuma's Revenge which is typically held sometime in late July. Me and my best friend, Suz-q, living out of a VW bus, packed with nordic skis, snowboards, tele skis, hiking gear, and of course, mountain bikes. In February and March, we'll travel across the mountains, sampling ski hills and nordic areas across the west. Then, from April through July, biking and hiking, first in the desert, than in the mountains, culminating with Montezuma's Revenge, a celebration of the perfect spring/summer. All the while searching for the perfect place with plenty of adventure, soul and community to keep the spirit intact.

Or maybe I've already found it?

Sunday, March 7

After getting back in town Friday, headed down to Aspen for the weekend through Monday. Quite a contrast, D.C. to Aspen. A beautiful day today on the hill, bluebird temps, great snow...exactly the type of day we don't get at Eldora very often. Skate skied today as well, after going to Frisco Nordic Center yesterday. Refreshing to have long flats where you can just derby effortlessly. The up and down of late winter is definitely here, today was warm, in a few days it will probably snow six inches in the high country.

Got super stoked after getting emailed info for this year's Revenge course. We get to go up Greys AND Torreys this year - two fourteeners to make sure you get appropriate bang for the buck. Some other changes as well, that will force me to get up there and survey, as opposed to the past few years where I've been getting complacent on my recon. I love the race - if you want to call it that. To me, it's just a big adventure in the mountains, a great way to learn a little more about yourself and a nice motivator to ride home on a regular basis and do big adventures on the weekends. I plan on doing this race as long as I'm physically able and have a passion for it. I figure the only way I'd break that is if an adventure came up that I absolutely couldn't pass on, but that would have to be a pretty significant calling.

Going to take the next few weeks to take care of the body, to refresh before the adventures of spring and summer. Don't want to go into that worn out at all. A bit more sleep, a little less work, a little more music and a lot more food to help fuel the daily fun. That should do the trick.

Thursday, March 4

Today was a better day. Was on the feet, moving. Went to congress today and lobbied all day for some pretty cool sheit. Better roads and paths for biking, safe routes to school so kids can bike instead of drive and an overall shift from our car based society to a biking walking society. An interesting stat. In the 1960's, 60% of all kids biked or walked to school. Today 6% of all kids bike or walk to school. And we wonder why our kids our fat.

I'm pretty much a cynic when it comes to politics, but I have to admit, there is something pretty sweet about how it all works when you are really there. I mean, here I am, basically a kid, able to go into Congress, meet with Colorado Senator's and Representatives, and tell them what I think. Whether they are listening or not, who knows, but at least they pretend. There are actually some good people involved it seems, people who got into politics because they truly believed they could do good in the world. Some arse holes too, including one who told us in no uncertain terms that hell would freeze over before they'd divert funds from highways to bike paths. But all in all, pretty sweet.

One more day, and then it's home sweet home!

Wednesday, March 3

Day two of four in the District of Hell, ie Columbia. A beat down day, with lots of disjointed meetings, inside from 8 am to 6 pm. There were some inspiring talks at times, including one by the mayor of Bogota, Columbia who started a car free day in his city of 8 million folks once a year. Overall though, I'm numb. I miss the hills, the snow, the skiing, the riding, my girlfriend, my dogs, Happy Valley. Not much blogging from the usual suspects but Timmy's photos of riding in the snow left me craving. Home in 2 days!

Tuesday, March 2

A couple minutes to jot down some things before sleep time. In Washington D.C. this week, going to meetings and such, playing the role of "adult," the game, for a few days. Actually, of all the cities out there, D.C. is one of my favorites. A solid public transit system, and small but core group of cyclists (it appears) and lots of free stuff to do in the way of museums, parks and such. If I were forced to live here for a brief time, I could survive it, albeit reluctantly. Cities, in my humble opinion, are worlds better than the swear word known as Suburbia, however. Suburbia requires complete reliance on a car, where as in most cities - at least in the east - you can survive, and thrive, sans car.

Lest there is any confusion among folks, I do own a car. A 1987 Toyota 4-Runner with 198,000 miles on it. My second car of my life (my first being a 1984 Subaru that died at about 180,000 miles). I drive it rarely. From my home to the Park-and-Ride, to catch the bus, on the coldest days in the winter. To go skiing at Eldora, about 4 miles away. Down to Boulder maybe once every two or three weeks if I have a particularly crazed day. For road trips, maybe a dozen times a year, to destinations in Colorado and maybe Utah. In the summer, I mostly ride to work, home from work, or to the park-and-ride to take the bus down or home. So, let the record state, I do drive. No need to apologize for that, cars are not the evilist thing in the world, when used in moderation. A useful tool sometimes! But, like others on this site, the car is the third option in the transportation hierarchy, well behind the bike and the bus.

My girlfriend and I went to Leadville, Colorado this past weekend for a nordic ski race. The Leadville Loppett, through historic mining districts around the town. Felt quite good physically, and it was good being out in different woods, surrounded by the ghosts of the old school miners. Developed a case of pitchers elbow near the end however, which made the last few kilometers excruciating, as sharp pain would shoot up my right elbow each ski stride. No big deal - just need to train it a little more, get a little stronger.

OK, good night from the east.