42 and still Pedaling

To the Top of that Rock is the Goal and it was a hike!
The View from here was even with the surrounding peaks and I wasn't even to the top of the rock face here
Next day at another National Park, Tallest peak at 1563 meters
Tour de Korea wishing I could have been part of this that would have been awesome!

Well I know it has been a while but I am still here, and in Korea as well but at least I only have 58 days left in Korea. Well since my last post I have rode more road miles than trail but still getting the time in the saddle. Haven't done any races yet as I had hoped so I guess I will just have to wait till I get back to the states for a race. The Rocky Mountain Element Team made its way out to the folks house in Az so I can't wait to get a ride in on that when I get home on leave. Turning 42 was pretty anti-climatic over here I think this is the first B-Day I have had since I was 22 where I didn't have cake...bummer lol. I have been doing some different things these past few weeks spent two days hiking the national forest over here and while I was at it got to see the pelaton for the Tour de Korea go by those guys were flying and I was wishing I could have been part of it, though I am sure I was no where near the skill level these guys had. I am still looking to get a race in if possible here before I leave and will definitely be hitting a few more trails so will update as I go. Hope I all my readers are enjoying the riding and keeping the rubber side down! Till I write again

Life is all about changes

Well, back to single status again, not something I planned on at 41 but here I am. At least I am still riding, the past two weeks hit the same trail after issues trying to get up to Seoul. Last week I got lost in Bundang could find the trail, today I was halfway up there and blew all three belts and the fan clutch off and had to get towed to Osan and get it fixed. I ended up riding in Osan again with a buddy so at least I had some company. Amazing how thing go but eventually I will hopefully figure it all out. Happy Easter everyone have a good weekend.

Road Rides and Stairmaster

Well it has been a busy couple of weeks here so the riding has been somewhat limited. I have been able to work in a weekend roadride for the past two weekends and hit the gym a couple of days in the past week. Missed the first race of the season due to work requirments but thats alright will have to work with the rest of the schedule see if I cant get a couple in between now and the end of June. It is strange that in this time in my life I am not so much focusing on my riding as I am escaping in it, my passion has become my sactuary from some things that I didn't think I would be facing at this point in my life. "Life aint always beautiful, but its a beautiful ride"

20yrs and counting

Well its official, at least in Korea, 20yrs in the military, never thought I would see this day. 19yrs and 4 months ago I was telling people two more years and I am out and back to college! Well guess that wasn't the case, and I wouldn't change it for a thing, for the most part. Either way it has taught me much about myself and life that I don't think I would have ever learned elsewhere. I am proud to have served my country this long and am committed to rededicating myself to the goals and principles I discovered in the years after I first joined. Have no doubts about it I joined initially so that Uncle Sam would pay for my college, I stayed because of those who could go to college while I did my job. There is a honor and gratitude expressed or not that the American Service Members receive from those that know and recognize their sacrifice that makes it all worthwhile. I serve the government of the United States - for the benefit of my fellow comrades in arms and they are my primary concern. I have received many accolades for my accomplishments in the past the truth is those accomplishments are a reflection of who I serve with, for and those who work for me all in service of Freedom.

Good Riding time this week

Well hasn't been to bad for the past 5 days three days of riding a day of lifting and a stairmaster session and feeling pretty good! I started on Saturday doing 12 miles on the trail rode with a couple of new guys and had a good time took them up to the Tiger Rock trail in Osan so it was a good trail for someone new to MTBing they had a good time.....at least on the way back since it is mostly downhill. Sunday hit the road and got 52miles in, tire held up this time so I was happy about that didn't have to call a friend for help. Monday weights, Tuesday stairmaster, and today did a 21 mile interval ride around the post with a 19.2mph average - not to shabby I thought. have to take the bikes in for tune ups this Saturday won't be riding much until after the 19th anyway going to be kinda busy with work. Looking for the first MTB race of the season I can get signed up for here, the first one is actually the 13th but won't be able to make that due to work so will have to see when the next one is. The new Element frame is in at the Grand Rapids Bicycle Company and they are starting the build can't wait to see it! That will be awesome to race once I get back to Arizona. Other than that not much new here so I will leave you with some pics from Sundays ride enjoy!

Picking up the Pace

Well maybe not literally as it would apply to speed but definitely as it applies to training. Hit the road early today for some intervals around the installation only got a couple of laps in before it started getting dark but was able to work some intervals in for 15 miles. Hopefully will be able to keep up a solid training routine for the next week and half before my schedule gets overtaken for a couple of weeks during which time I won't be able to do any riding. That sucks seeing as the first race of the season is right in the middle of that time frame as well. Anyway had my first mishap on the road here in Korea this Sunday, couldn't get anyone to go with me so headed out on our standard road ride route looking forward to a nice 45mile ride in some decent temps around 40 degrees. Was doing good up until the 34 mile mark where I ran over something that flattened my rear tire, np got a spare in the seatbag with some CO2 to fix it up. Well I did have some CO2...cartridges, no shooter to use them with and low and behold no tube! Apparently I had grabbed the wrong seat kit so 13 miles from Camp Humphreys out on a Korean road stuck with no spare! Luckily I had my cell phone called a buddy and since I was on our standard route he was able to come save my ass! Lesson learned there always check the seatbag! Anyway hope everyone is doing well it is getting late here so I am going to wrap it up have a good day and Keep the Rubber Side Down!

Another day at work

Well it wouldn't have been such a big deal but we were suppose to be off today but due to Poor planning on someone Else's part we had a emergency for our part! Anyway not much to write about today hit the gym this evening kept it light did 30min on the stair master for a speed workout and some abs after that. Heard from a buddy of mine today that the season out here in Korea starts about the middle of March. I will have to miss the first race of the season but hopefully I should be in race shape by the time I can hit the trails after that we will see. Almost at race weight another 6lbs to go and I will be there, hopefully that was just a bad ride yesterday cause I am under the weather otherwise my climbing abilities haven't improved to the point I had hoped they would we will see soon enough. Other than that just life as usual here so until I see you on the trail, Keep the Rubber Side down!

Cold and Slow

That would describe todays ride, it ranged from 32-36 degrees for the entire 62miles with a average of less than 16 mph as well. These hills out here can really kick your ass if your not up to par. Anyway got in some good distance and enjoyed the time out of the room so it was a good day overall. I was a slacker most of the ride I pretty sure the number of miles I did any pulling numbered in the single digits out of the entire ride. Hopefully I will get over whatever bug it is I have here that has been kicking my butt for the last week. Reading Chris Carmichaels Time Crunched Cyclist to see how I can more effectively make use of the time I have to improve my riding. Hopefully it will have some good pointers that will help me be more competative at the Sport Class level when I get back and get some racing in. Other than that not too much new here just working riding and counting the days.

Try this again

Well it was a late night last night with a pretty sore throat and cough this morning so the ride that was suppose to happen today I didn't show but was able to call and give a heads up that I wasn't making it. So tomorrow morning going to try it again. Will hit the road with the group hopefully around 10am and get 70miles in. Lazy day today and planning on being up in 4hrs for the Daytona 500 so I am going to hit the hay and get up in a little bit. Thanks for reading!

Train Rides and workouts

Well there seems to be a reoccurring theme here, hope I can keep it going. Arose this morning and went on a little site seeing trip even though I had already ridden the bus and train and knew how to get around pretty well I went as a refresher course. I did learn that if you got on a particular bus in Pyongtek and took it the wrong way they ended up kicking you off at a point! Anyway made it back to Humphreys in time to go up to Osan, get a haircut and then head back to Humphreys and go to the gym for a workout. Was pretty empty again today so once again could do my workout without having to work around anyone. Have a three day weekend this weekend was suppose to be four but certain failures to plan have taken one day away from us. Hitting the road tomorrow for a 70mile ride with the BeerBellyBicycle Group so that will be a good time will be a crisp 38 degrees when we start hopefully will get some good picks. That's about it for today here been kinda quite so I will leave it with that. Keep the Rubber Side Down!

Friday Night workouts

One of the great things about a Friday night workout is that most people just don't seem to want to workout on Friday evening so the gym is usually fairly empty and you don't have to wait for the weights or machine your planning on using. Did a pretty good workout tonight inspite of still feeling under the weather. This sore throat is a kicker. It is still continued crappy weather and found out this morning I had to replace a compressor at the property in GA due to a mouse getting up in the fuse box and shorting out a wire that locked up the compressor. Fortunately that was still under warranty so that didn't cost anything however, the repair work cost me almost $600 so there goes any profit from next months rent. Hopefully this weather will clear up tomorrow so I can get a road ride in on Sunday at least the group is planning to do 60-80miles if the weather works out. Anyway think I will do a how to travel around Korea trip tomorrow and see what I can learn and burn a few hours out of the day. Well thats about it anyone heading up to Santos and hitting the 12hr event hope the weather holds out for you and hope you have a good race!

Weather and being under it

Well the weather took a turn for the worse this morning and did so while I happen to be traveling north to conduct some training(of the Army kind). Anyway if you ever driven in a area where it snows but they haven't invented snow plows or salt yet then you know what it is like to drive in Korea under winter conditions. At the end of the day we had slid the NTV I was riding in into a wall on the side of the road, cracked up the back of it pretty good and wrecked a Korean civilian car with a LMTV(really big 5ton vehicle) and didn't even get to conduct the training. We also took some scenic routes on the return trip which involved a U turn or two in the process. All this while going on 2hrs of sleep and having a developing sore throat what a great day. So I am skipping the workout and hitting the hay to get some rest and maybe hitting the spin class in the morning if I feel up to it. Have a good day.

Focus

Well in a attempt to keep myself busy and get myself in shape prior to having to take two weeks off from the gym due to work I am going to take the next three weeks and engage myself in some serious training time. Also I will try to upkeep the blog a little better as I try to get in to some quality of competitive shape. This will also be a blatant attempt to just keep myself busy and preoccupied for the next three weeks. I hit the 150 day mark today so that means I am less than 5 months from being home for a couple of weeks before I head to HAWAII!! Yes it is on assignment but I am not going to complain about the Army wanting me to spend the next three years there. Who knows maybe before I leave I might even try to compete in the Iron Man Triathlon out there. Anyway I am recommitted to keeping up the blog and will try to add some photos every now and then so Hope all my avid readers are getting in some good riding back home, I know the season is getting ready to kick off in a couple of states with some good 24hr races, ie 24hrs In The Old Pueblo in Tucson....that is a great trail and good event. Until I can See You on the Trail, Keep the rubber side down!

First Ride of the Winter

Well was thinking about going to Bundang originally however that plan fell thru so met up with some of the guys from the BBCC(Beer Belly Cycling Club) in Osan and we rode Tiger Rock trail. Felt good to get back on the trail, it was difficult technical skills were a little rusty and the Maxxis Crossmark tires suck under these conditions but overall it was a good ride and therapeutic as well. Afterwords stopped at the local watering hole for some fried chicken and beer - good recovery food. Anyway that was about it dealing with the weather out here is something new this is the first place where it was literally so cold during winter that I can't ride outside unlike say GA, or AZ so anytime you can get on the trail you take it. Hope everyone is enjoying the riding back in the states and Keep the rubber side down.

Been a few days

Well it has been a while since I posted, been back in Korea and back at work. I have been doing some training not much need to pick up the pace if I plan on being in half way decent shape come race season. The winter time in Korea leaves something to be desired as far as riding weather so it has been trainer time, weight lifting and spin class. Other than that nothing to exciting to post about might hit the trail this weekend if the weather holds out as it has cleared up a bit here lately so hopefully will have some pics from the ride to post next week. Meanwhile here is me trying to take advantage of the snowy weather and have some fun.

Christmas Riding thoughts

WHY DO I RIDE

The reasons I ride could probably fill a book but if I was to narrow it down to my top five I think I can keep it to a blog post

1. Freedom, no matter how difficult the section of trail I am on whether it is the worst rock garden I have ever traversed(Snake Creek Time Trial miles 29-33). Or the best section of downhill trail rolling into high banked sweeping turns that sling shot you through them I am there because I chose to be there. I had no financial requirement to climb on the bike and punish my body for hours at a time. No individual in a position of authority directing that this is where I had to be at a specific time for a preset duration. I chose to be there of my own free will I am riding simply for the love of the ride, enjoying everything from the most difficult of climbs to the best air catching, hanging off the back of the seat, Adrenalin pumping downhill section – and its all because I want to.

2. Seclusion, regardless of how big the group you ride with, whether you start a race or just out on a ride. Somewhere in that ride out there 12 miles from nowhere you can get lost in your own thoughts. Eventually you hit that section of trail where it is smooth and you go into autopilot just enjoying the scenery around you and the lack of anything resembling civilization in any direction you look

3. Simplicity, somewhere out on the trail whether your suffering up a climb, screaming down a hill, or rolling through some smooth single track the realization of how much enjoyment you can get out of the simple act of riding a bike hits you. Countless times I have found myself riding, wishing that somewhere along the lines of trying to grow up and be rich and famous how happy I would have been if I had just kept riding for the pure enjoyment of it.

4. Exploration, no matter how many times you ride a trail there is always a new aspect to be experienced. Whether it is riding the trail in the opposite direction or pushing yourself just that little bit harder to make it through the difficult section instead of taking the short cut.

5. Challenge, because what is life without a challenge. Climbing that impossible hill or navigating the scariest downhill, the sense of accomplishment when reaching the top or the bottom of either lets you know that your living your life not letting it pass you by.

Merry Christmas to Everyone and Keep the Rubber Side down!

Christmas Come Early!

Yea Buddy!! This years present is a 16.5" Rocky Mountain Element Team 2008 Frame from the Grand Rapids Cycling Company owner who had the frame and gave me a great deal. The Shop has the best selection of Rocky Mountain Bikes I have seen anywhere since Rocky is a difficult Bike to find at the stores. The Frame will go great with the Mavic 819s I have with red nipples on the spokes, the Red Cane Creek Headset and the new white and red Candy Ti2 Pedals I just bought. I also bought the white and red WTB Rocket V SLT saddle to top it off. So to get it all together I am building it with the components off the Vertex hardtail I have, not sure if I am going to sell the Vertex or hang onto it to have as a another frame to switch between will have to see. Anyway hope everyone is having a good holiday season I know I am, might have to keep my eye out for a FOX RLC 100mm fork for the bike as I might have to try that I am currently using a Marzochi MX Pro 120mm fork on it. Well keep the rubber side down and ahave a good holiday!

Home for the Holidays

Well I am back in the states for the Holidays, and lucky me it starting snowing the day I arrived and has been freezing ever since. The family is doing well and it is good to see them again, the location leaves something to be desired however. I have been able to hit the gm one day at the local HS gym here since that is the only one within 30 miles and I did some running today got in 5 miles this afternoon in the sub freezing weather - Yeah Fun!...NOT. I am looking forward to the holidays and enjoying my time with the family while I can. Here are some photos of the family pets and weather that I am enjoying.