Merry Christmas

Yes it was a merry christmas at the Houghtling house. Not only was I lucky enough to get the wife everything she wanted- which will keep me working a second job for the rest of my life- I also recieved the beautiful Bell Sweep XC helmet pictured above as well as a couple a pairs of shorts, a trip monitor, heart rate monitor and a $60 gift certificate to The Bike Store in Warner Robins (good work Charles!). So even though I was stuck up here in Miserable, Michigan I can still look forward to my return to GA and the good riding and new toys I will be using. Can't wait to get out there on IDIDARIDE and Razorback looking forward to a good, though interupted riding season. As always see ya on the trail.

English for dummies

After reading my last post I think I need to buy a copy of English for dummies- I'll try to be more comprehendable next time I post!

NASCAR and MNT Bike Racing

It is about this time of year as I start to register for some of the races that I realize the conflict between two of my favorite pastimes- NASCAR and MNT Biking, take for instance the 12 hours of Razor back which just happens to fall on the same weekend as the Daytona 500 as did the 24hrs in the Old Pueblo last year, thank God for DVR's but it still isnt quite the same as watching it live however I just cant see missing a good day riding for a good day of watching someone else driving of course there are others the Memorial day races just to name one but it appears that although I love watching NASCAR I must love riding my bike a little bit more because the bike always seems to win. Plus the fact that both sports run during the same time frame of the year always helps to my struggle sit on my butt and watch people drive in circles or sit on my butt and pedal myself (not necesarrily in a circle) around? I usually don't end up watching! Anyway just a thought from a avid rider and race watcher as we approach the up coming season Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas (sorry I aint going politically correct here!) and a Happy New Year and since I will be up in snowy MI for a little bit here I will see ya'll on the trail when I get back!

Good Sunday Ride

Well after complaining about nobody riding at Arrowhead had a great show out there this Sunday made for a good ride and a great afternoon. Even if Charles did hand me my fourth point of contact on our second lap! A little wet weather put a damper on things for about 15 min but other than that it was a good day . I took one spill on the third lap around due to a tree wanting to keep my jersey and ended up wrapping my handlebars around my ankle, I thought it was a neat trick. The new Cloud 9 shock is great takes some getting used to it is more reactive then the Rock Shock SID I had so I have to get used to using less rebound adjustment on it but if anyone out there is considering getting one they are great. The Bike Store took care of getting it order from Cane Creek so if your in Warner Robins and looking they can hook you up. Other than that not much new just getting in the holiday spirit and watching the checking account get smaller as Christmas presents multiply, wont be able to ride this week due to work requirments but hopefully this weekend. As always - See ya on the trail.

Lonely Trail Ride at Arrowhead

Well it has been a enjoyable week with the Holidays and long weekend included, between Thanksgiving and hanging Christmas lights and decorations I managed a double trip to Thomson on Wendsday for a total of four laps and then a trip out to Arrowhead today for a two lap trip, and figured I would get a third with some riders if they showed up but no one did so I went home, I guess showing up at 0800hrs in the morning on a Sunday is too early? I have only been there once before for a couple of laps forgot it had some decent short climbs to it so made a good workout with the two laps total. Anyway I am back to a day schedule again so should be fairly consistant with my riding at least for a little while and am looking forward to IDIDARIDE in January. As always take care and see ya on the trail (sooner or later)

More Miles&More Money!

Well its back in the saddle again! After a week of feeling under the wheather I was able to get a solid week of training in 3 days of good laps out at Thomson and then a full day out at Dauset where I managed 2 full advance laps which were a great ride. However due to a few mechanical issues it has now come to light that replacement parts are necessary oh well at least I am getting the most for my money hopefully a couple of new chainrings, pulleys and a Cane Creek Cloud 9 and the new IRC Trailbears will make the riding that much more fun - of course Bill and Charles at The Bike Store in Warner Robins are squaring me away- oh yea and don't forget the HID I want Bill. Well while the weather is causing a need for indoor training hopefully I will get the parts in short order and be enjoying them before the Christmas vacation. Well other than that nothing to exciting going on need to find some new trails to explore so anyone with suggestions of trails within a hour of Warner Robins feel free to let me know. As always see ya on the trail.

Chiva Falls, Tucson, Az

Wasted Days

Well while I have managed to get a few days in this past week it was my time of the year to be sick. Unfortunately for me it happened this past 3 day weekend which had beautiful weather for riding and much promise for a long Friday ride. However I did manage a short trip around Thomson on Saturday and a stop by the bike shop, sorry Bill wife said no-go on the $2700.00 blue, anyway hope I can get over this and get a ride or two in this week. Still waiting to see if I managed to get my registration for IDIDARIDE in with enough time to be in the 250 people that get to ride anyone going out early on Wednesday to ride Thomson I will see you out there.

Can this be any more fun?!

Historic background

Well I have discovered the picture Software and finally got the email I was waiting for from my riding buddy back in Az so I thought I would post a few most are from the 2005 24hrs in the Old Pueblo, outside of Tucson, Az my first 24 hr ride where it rained for 18 of the 24 hrs! The sexy pic was taken after I decided I could fly faster than I could ride on only the first lap. The second pic of course was of our HQ and Maintanence Tent since 8 of 12 riders in the group were either active army or retired we borrowed a GP medium and set up camp. The third is Steven Estrada, his father James is primarily responsible for my addiction to the sport of mountain biking as which makes him responsible ( at least remotely) for the lectures I get from my wife about the money I spend on biking! This pic is of Steve at the 66 miler in the White Mountains this year which also got some rain as you can tell. I credit Steve with my ability to climb hills a little faster than the next guy, one day on a ride Steve was out in front, as usual going up a hill so I give it my best effort to catch him and as I do he looks over smiles, waves shifts into a smaller gear and proceeds to take off on me, from that point on my goal was to pass him on the hills I havent' done it yet when he hasn't wanted me to but I look forward to the day when we get to ride together again and I can give it another try. Well there ends the history lesson, if anyone is riding this week during the mornings or planning on being out at Dauset this Saturday for the weekends events let me know as always I would love to ride.

Single Speed 29"s this is one sick kid on a 66 miler!!

This is how the Army does a 24hr race!

I'm too sexy for my bike!

Getting in the Flow

Hello again well it has been a good two weeks, been getting in at least 4 days a week training and enjoying the early morning rides out at Thompson trail. Pre rode the race course out at Dauset but then had unforseen circumstances prevent me from racing- probably for the best would have gotten smoked anyway. Looking forward to some 24 hr races or some endurance mountain biking events I may venture to the cross racing with a little more training. I keep riding with Charles and company I may get there! anyway thats about it for now hey Charles you still owe me some of that coffee you were talking about! See ya'll on the trail

Dauset Trail Rocks!

Hello again, well made it out to Dauset Trail finally and it ROCKS reminds me of Fantasy Island back in Tucson, Az. just without all the cactus! Anyway was on a time constraint unfortunately and only got to run the intermidiate trail twice but that was a blast and some fun downhills there! getting a little chilly in the mornings but what the heck some leg warmers and a good warm up lap is all it takes Anyway got some time Friday so I am going out there bright and early try the advanced trail and see what its got for me looking forward to the huff and puff section! well thats all for now see ya'll on the trail

Well since my arrival here in August I have gotten settled in and think I can get back to some serious training and hopefully racing soon. I am a recent transplant from Arizona (Gods Country!) and loved the riding out there. I have found that the Middle Georgia area is offering some nicer riding than expected and having a trail that has shade and trees on it is a welcomed change! I look forward to meeting more riders and hitting the trails more often out here if you have any input on the site, since this is my first attempt at blogging let me know. Thanks to Charles for pointing me in the direction to get started been a big help