tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46042467442799002722024-02-07T14:37:24.232-05:00South Georgia CyclingAlbany's cycling black-sheepvmachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328746107860063888noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-9932863398379921392013-02-03T11:12:00.001-05:002013-02-03T11:12:11.037-05:00Snake Creek Gap #2Great trip up to Dalton for the second round of the Snake Creek Gap race. Bill, Mitch, and Josh made their way back for the 2nd round of the 3 race format. One more and they earn the treasured Snake Creek Gap belt buckle. I would have to say that it will be a well deserved reward, SCG may easily be the most challenging race and series we have done to date. Just google snake creek gap and watch a few YouTube videos if the trails most technical sections. <br />
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Here is a written expression of our weekend. <br />
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Once upon a time, three men traveled to a far far away place to ride just 34 miles on a legendary trail that goes by the name of Pinhotti. The weather was britterly frigid but they were warmed by the love of racing. Snow fell upon them for a majority of their epic journey. The men feast on chili and cobbler provided for the Snake Creek Gap warriors, for they were weary but encourage by the improved times under such challenging conditions.<br />
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I am posting this through google blogger app, so I am hoping to post some pictures below. If that doesn't work out, I will post later. <br />
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Check out the <a href="http://www.chehaw.org/PDF/ChehawBikeTrails.pdf" target="_blank">trail map on Chehaw's website</a> or follow the link created on the side of this page.<br />
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Thanks Walt, your time is greatly appreciated. joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-34549515452657540772012-10-31T16:15:00.001-04:002012-11-02T21:03:25.266-04:00Chehaw Fat Four this Saturday!!!!!The Chehaw Fat Four will be happening this Saturday, November 3rd @ 10AM. <br />
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The event is being hosted by <a href="http://www.chehaw.org/" target="_blank">the Parks at Chehaw</a>, in Albany, GA. Chehaw has tons of great activities for the whole family; zoo, safari ride, BMX, playground, disc golf, great camping with wifi, and 8 miles of fast flowing singletrack. <br />
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Online registration closed last night but you can register day off the event for $40. Neutral support and neutral aid station will be provided. Here is our flyer for more info; <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-6R9nyCAymWMFNhdjdRdEM3a0k/edit" target="_blank">Chehaw Fat Four Flyer</a>. <br />
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We will have a free kids race before the start of the event at 10 AM. Each participant in the kids race will receive a custom animal print medallion. <br />
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Download your GPS to Strava.com and compete against the 2012 Chehaw Fat Four Strava challenge.<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://app.strava.com/runs/26757911/embed/47399b58ad340214123f676789ad6f108fbe96a1" width="590"></iframe><br />
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More info to come soon!!!!!!<br />
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If you have any question, you can email us at <a href="mailto:southgacycling@gmail.com">southgacycling@gmail.com</a> or call Breakaway Cycles @ 229-432-6866. Check us out on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChehawFATFOURmtb" target="_blank">Facebook @ ChehawFatFourMtb</a>joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-38766633195306220672012-07-27T11:15:00.003-04:002012-07-27T11:19:31.059-04:00ORAMM and Jerdon Mtn Challenge 2012An epic battle of man and mountain as a single man battled the elements that Zues himself laid down against a single man. That man has come to be known as "BOLT SPEEDMAN"! (insert applause) <br />
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If that opening line doesn't sum up the weekend then I don't know what would! Gene, Mitch, Woolard, Bill and I traveled up to Old Fort, NC this past weekend for an epic battle known as <a href="http://www.blueridgeadventures.net/oramm/">ORAMM</a>. After a year sabbatical, SGC was back. This year <a href="http://www.blueridgeadventures.net/">Blueridge Adventures</a> added a new event on Saturday to go along with their stage race theme and added the <a href="http://www.blueridgeadventures.net/jerdon/">Jerdon Mtn. Challenge</a>. You can either compete in the one of these fine events or you can choose to compete in both for a chance to be crowned the King or Queen of the Black Mtns. Woolie decided at the last minute that he was going to ride the Jerdon Mtn. Challenge, where as the rest of us had diligently registered for ORAMM months in advance to obtain our spot in an epic battle of man and mountain. Next year we will hunting the King and Queen of the Black Mtns. </div>
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Departure from the Good Life City was prompt at high noon on Friday and YES, I (Josh) was on time. After a quick massage from Wil @ WilPower Massage therapy, I met up with the boys at Mitch's house. We loaded the bikes and caravaned out to Wild Bill's. After a quick stop in Warner Robins at The Bike Shop to pick up a new 11-34 cassette we made good time through ATL traffic on our way to Asheville. Yes, I changed my chain at the last minute and my cassette was trashed so I had to get part at the last minute. You would think that I would learn but either way it worked out. </div>
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Asheville, NC, need I say more? Wow, what an amazing place. We choose to stay in Asheville this year so that we could enjoy the city a bit more and it worked out great. We checked into the Ramada Inn, which is not the Hampton Inn but for the price it was great, unloaded the gear and bikes and headed downtown for some beer and foodies. The <a href="http://www.lexavebrew.com/">Lexington Avenue Brewery (LAB)</a> is where we landed. Beer flowed and food followed as we took in the diversity of this amazing community, you must remember that we are from Albany, GA. Gene probably could have gone all night as he is still a teenager but myself and the others had visions of sweet cherry blossoms and needed our beauty sleep to be ready for our weekend adventure. So we loaded up with Gene on our heals pouting that we weren't staying out past 11 PM. Gene, you will understand when you get old like us. </div>
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Since Woolie was racing The Jerdon Mtn Challenge on Saturday AM, I got up with him and road on over to Old Fort to see him off. Here are a couple photos of Woolie. </div>
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Woolie at the start of Jerdon MTN Challenge.</div>
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Heading out of Old Fort.</div>
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Heading toward the finish line.</div>
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Bill, Mitch and Gene rolled up shortly after Woolie headed out. We decided to ride from town up to the bottom of Kitsuma to cheer on Woolie then on over the top of Kitsuma. </div>
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Getting ready to cheer on Woolie.</div>
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Woolie came through looking strong and we headed toward the epic descent known as KITSUMA! Bill blasted up the climb to stretch his legs while Gene, Mitch and I noodled along enjoying the scenery. </div>
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Mitch and Gene taking it all in!</div>
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We eventually regrouped to get split again on the singletrack climb up to the top of Kitsuma. Bill and I waited at the summit and chatted with Sean from Florida who was also in town to ride ORAMM. Sean's dad is a high school teacher in the area. Did I mention that I wish I was am a high school teacher that would love to live in this area? While we were chatting Mitch and Gene slipped by us by accident and started the descent. Bill and I being the calculated adventures that we are were sure that we had missed them riding by and decided to start our descent. Apparently they have cut a new and improved line off of Kitsuma b/c Bill and I took the old line and it was even scarier then it use to be two years ago. We regrouped back in Old Fort at the car in time to get cleaned up in the river and cheer Woolie finishing up. </div>
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We hung for a bit and decided that we all wanted to get cleaned up properly and find some yummy food in Asheville. We found that yummy food at <a href="http://ashevillebrewing.com/2011/index.html">Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company</a>. Funny how that word BREWERY got into our food selection. After a few beers and lots of flavor explosions from some freaking amazing pizza we headed off to REI-Asheville to pick up what ever we thought we needed. For me the beer and pizza was doing it's job because I fell asleep on the car ride back to the motel and proceeded to sleep more in the room. I am not sure who all took naps but my nap ran till around 9 PM at which time I proceeded to try to find motivation to prep for the next day, just as the others were getting ready to go to bed. OCD set in for me and I finally had everything prepped and ready around midnight. Sorry guys but that long afternoon/evening nap was what the doctor ordered. </div>
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Race morning was like most others. We left the motel around 6:30 to arrive to a full parking lot. Man those folks must have gotten up early. It seems that no matter how early you start you never leave yourself enough time race morning. We all prepped behind the Mercer Tahoe, sharing and last minute needs for the days epic adventure. I wanted a position near the front of the 400 or so riders so I wished my friends good luck and headed to find a spot. But first let me tell Mitch, Gene and Bill's story or at least what I remember. (Guys let me know if you would like to add some details)</div>
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Bill Riddle - You see Bill has been fighting this terrible battle with vomit! For some reason when every the mtn bike is between his legs and he rides for more than 2 hours he likes to vomit uncontrollably until all that comes up is bile. Many have provided this strong man with advice but nothing has yet to work. I am not sure when the Vomit Monster jumped on Bill's back but I do know that Gene and Mitch passed him on the way down Kitsuma and that the paramedics were heading to find him because they had been told by passing riders that there was a caveman on the side of the trail convulsing violently as though and exorcism was leaving his body. However, if you know Bill he was still able to finish under his own power in just over 10 hours. Bill don't give up, we are going to figure out why the Vomit Monster has chosen you. </div>
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Gene and Mitch - Mitch had recently had some issues with stones that had kept him from training as thoroughly as he could considering. Gene and his alter ego, BOLT SPEEDMAN, had been doing some top secret training to prepare for this epic journey that Zues had laid down. They road together through out the race and unfortunately were caught in an early afternoon shower as they approached Heartbreak Ridge. Here is a video clip from <a href="http://youtu.be/Y6tHglOustM">YouTube of Heartbreak Ridge</a>, imagine riding this when it is wet and raining. NO WAY!!!! There report was that they were really slowed down on this section. Overall, they had a great time and ride with each other on a great day at ORAMM. They finished just under 10 hours. </div>
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Josh - I found a spot that was pretty close to the front but in retrospect I should have pushed my way forward because I spent a ton of energy on the road positioning past folks. Next year! Once in my spot I proceeded with my tradition at starts. I laid my bike down and walked off to the side for a short Yoga session. I know folks probably look at me like I am crazy but I have to say that if I take 10-15 mins before the start of the race and go through a few sun salutations, my body and mind open and I am ready to go. </div>
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Like I mentioned, I probably should have pushed my way closer to the front before the start because once the gun went off I was immediately track standing and then racing around people to get closer to the front. All went well getting to the singletrack on Kitsuma other than I probably should have positioned myself a bit better for the singletrack climb. I was able to pass everyone in the second group on Kitsuma and started the descent with Jeremiah, Thomas, Sam, and two others in front of me. I got a little over zealous on the descent and came into a left hand washed out turn way to hot. I tried to recover my front wheel but it would not come back and I launched myself over the bars and into a roll. As I got up and took inventory, I realized that I had ripped off my nipple on my camelbak and my hydration pack was emptying. Crap! I didn't want to play around with it considering that the 3 guys no a 4th had just flown by me, so I just let the water run out. I didn't realize it at the time but I also lost my CO2 cartridge so that meant that I was really screwed if I got a flat out on course. I recovered quickly and passed all of the guys that had passed me. </div>
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Now my plan for the day had just changed. I had a second camelbak at aid station 3 and planned to not stop at an aid station till then but now I only had one bottle left and I needed to make sure I stayed hydrated. So I drank the bottle before aid station 1 so that I could stop and get a refill. I did the same before aid station 2. That plan worked out pretty well and only cost me a bit of time at each stop. All of the other guys had folks at the aid stations handing them bottles so they would just ride on through and I would have to catch up to them. </div>
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I was pumped to see on Star gap that I was able to catch and ride away from everyone in my group. I guess all those hours at <a href="http://worldcampcf.com/">World Camp Crossfit</a>, massages from WilPower Massage Therapy, Yoga with my wife and time on bike were paying off. Before we reached Curtis Creek climb, a 6 mile gravel road grunt, myself and few others were able to real in 2 more riders that had stuck with the Jeremiah, Thomas and Sam till then. We started Curtis Creek in a group of 5 with each of us taking turns setting the pace. At some point about a mile or two in I realized that we were forming a small gap and a couple guys had fallen off. I told Adam and another rider that we should surge and put a bigger gap then sit back in. They said no way. I gave it a go and shifted into my big ring, got on top of the gear and started spinning away. Once again all that hard work at World Camp, massages, Yoga and time on bike were paying off. I was riding away from the group. </div>
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At this point I was just focused on myself. Eat, drink, breath, listen to your body, keep a rhythm! Before I knew it I was cresting Curtis Creek. I came up on Sam Koerber on the climb up to the parkway right before Heartbreak Ridge. I was able to get away from him on the climb and hit the short hike a bike in front of him. Unfortunately, I was so cross eyed at the top that I thought I had taking a wrong turn down a step descent and after not seeing any ribbons for quite some time, decided to turn around and head back up the trail. At this point I was in 3rd and didn't want to go down the wrong trail for 30 mins. As I headed back up I ran into Sam which was a welcome sight. I jumped on his wheel which was probably the best case scenario for me. Sam is from Asheville and I would imagine has ridden this trail a few times and he was killing this off camber rooty descent. <span style="background-color: white;">This is the same trail that Bill, Gene and Mitch had to ride after it rained on them.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> I just leaned back and held on. Thanks Sam! We rolled through the last aid station and started the gravel road ascent up to the Kitsuma. I was able to find my rhythm again and put a gap on Sam. At this point all that was going through my head was eat, drink, rhythm, eat, drink, rhythm then I looked at my watch and started calculating. I might be able to finish this in under 5 hours. So I dug deeper. I road the last singletrack up Kitsuma as fast if not faster then my first time up. I was deep into the pain cave at this point but it was worth it. I played it a bit safer on the second descent of Kitsuma. No crashes that this time. I hit the pavement and the race was on. I ended up finishing at 4:58 which was a 25 minute improvement from my previous best. This time was good enough for 3rd. Jeremiah Bishop finished at 4:33 and Thomas Turner at 4:37 to crush the previous course record of 4:50. </span></div>
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There are lots of I could have statements that I thought about in my mind and things that I will do differently next time but I am tickled with my time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOMDY1v1Nilc1n7zhT1UQL-KOMtOLsILjkRibtcMqUrGhKI3nd8NLh2aws9lXnlHdjFrTJ1yHfyVlCOOJcZ_Y0nO-PGp5Us1_8WBP7XRFY204tMeM8kG2LNML1YECdGbuV3JfBby8kLc/s1600/2012+ORAMM+podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOMDY1v1Nilc1n7zhT1UQL-KOMtOLsILjkRibtcMqUrGhKI3nd8NLh2aws9lXnlHdjFrTJ1yHfyVlCOOJcZ_Y0nO-PGp5Us1_8WBP7XRFY204tMeM8kG2LNML1YECdGbuV3JfBby8kLc/s320/2012+ORAMM+podium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Here I am on the podium. </span><br />
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ORAMM 2012 Interview with open men third to fifth</div>
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Thanks to everyone at BlueRidge Adventures for putting on an outstanding event. Your volunteers in the aid stations are second to none. The beer and food at the finish line were absolutely amazing and having the river right there to ice down after the event is just outstanding. We will be back again and again. </div>
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Here is a link to photos from <a href="http://www.offtheroadphotos.com/OutdoorAction/2012ORAMM/24260417_FJtPVd#!i=1988946548&k=PsVPTjx">Off The Road Photos</a> </div>
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<br /></div>joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-91643902829895463032012-06-19T12:15:00.000-04:002012-06-19T12:15:01.000-04:00Dirty Deeds....Short clip of Bill Riddle at Flatrock GSC in Columbus, GA. Thanks Jeff for the clips.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gpQ05r5Vy_k" width="560"></iframe>joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-55733238176663063052012-05-29T08:14:00.001-04:002012-05-29T08:14:20.756-04:00Dauset SERC/GSCGene is the only SGC p/b Breakaway Cycles rider that has traveled to any of the Goneriding XC races this season. So it worked out pretty well that Amy and Sarah decided that they would like to join their handsome mates for a weekend of racing and excitement. <br /><br />This weekends lodging was provided by Hampton inn. I like to think of the Hampton inn as the working mans ritz Carlton. If you measure your lodging on the 42" flat screen, lack of bed bugs and other peoples stray hair in your bed then the hand written sticky note stuck to the head board confirming that clean comforters had been provided, just sealed the deal on our pure luxury accommodations. <br /><br />Since this weekend was a SERC/GSC race weekend the anticipation of a larger crowd was confirmed when there were approx 60 riders competing in the GSC bonus round TT on Saturday afternoon. I went off first and hoped to put down a fast time but was over taken for the 1st time this weekend by Ryan Woodall. This time by only 10 seconds. Gene had to wait about an hour to go off since we were heading out at one minute intervals. <br /><br />Gene scored some needed points in his class with a 6th place to finish and I managed 2nd place 10 seconds of the winning time of a 4.5 mile course. <br /><br />After getting cleaned up we headed out to margaritas Mexican restaurant for some nourishment. We were tacos were the food of choice and margaritas were the drink of choice. Texas, mango, and some big old beer margs were consumed. Gene may have chosen the wrong tacos. Bacon, shrimp, and other items may have caused Bolt Speedman to loose some of his bolt in the middle of the night. Maybe he and Bill need to discuss diet choices. <br /><br />We had a last minute addition to the travel team. Buck and Haile joined us for dinner and came out the next day to hang out and cheer everyone on. Thanks!<br /><br />Race day. After sleeping well in the Hampton inn ice box Amy and I are off for my start at 9:30. Arriving late as usual, I quickly checked over the faithful steed, lubed her chain and headed out to try to warm up in about 10 mins. <br /><br />I decided to race in the pro class this weekend to see how I would stand against some of the fastest guys in the southwest. I was rewarded with the presence of Ryan Woodall and Thomas Turner. So my plan was to sit 3rd to 4th wheel and hang on as long as possible. So after the first turn when I was rolling second wheel, I wasn't too pleased but was up for the challenge. About half way through the first lap I even thought it was a good idea to go to the front and put down the pace to see how my technical skills added up against these guys. At this point it was just 4 of us that had gotten away from the field and the gap was significant. Everything was going well on the front until I came around a tight right hand turn in the big ring into a step technical climb. All three guys came by, I regrouped quickly but they were flying and I put myself deep into the red zone as they put 30 seconds on me. <br />I recovered and rolled back onto Robert Marion's wheel about 1/2 way through the second lap. We rode together till the finish where he nipped me in the sprint. He may have even pinched me into the barrier to slow my sprint. Either way, it was a great race and I finished about 4 mins off Thomas and Ryan's pace. I still have some work todo but a good measure to start the summer. <br /><br />Gene went off at 11:45ish after a bit of a delay. He didn't get the best start but was able to ride a solid race and finished 12th for his category but will equate into some important points for the overall GSC series points. <br /><br />Jeff Walters also made the trip up from Albany to compete in his second MTb race of the season. Good to see you out there Jeff. <br /><br />Missing his weekend were the other usual suspects we haven't heard from mr. Riddle after he assured us that he was coming up Sunday. <br /><br />Another fun weekend of MTb racing. Lots of good folks that get along and share great stories. Thanks to Sarah and Amy for your support. Thanks Buck and Haile for cheering us on out on the course. <br /><br />I you made it his far through the write up then thank you for reading as I rambled. If our weekend of racing and adventure sounded fun to you then you should try it. Goneriding.com has a couple races in June near he Albany area. Or you can always check out chainbusterracing or dirty spoke racing for other great events around the state. <br /><br />Until next time...<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Dauset%20trails&z=10'>Dauset trails</a></p>joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-38914134441484625102012-02-19T06:24:00.010-05:002012-02-19T06:53:57.036-05:0012 hours of Santos<p class="MsoNormal" align="left" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"></p><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span >12 hours of Santos</span></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Cast:<br />Bill<br />Mitch<br /><br />The adventure begins at the grocery store, as usual, in the parking lot when we notice a truck that has the same bike rack as me. A couple of tall slender chaps walk out and we inquire if they are racing at Santos tomorrow? "oh, we are, have you pre-ridden the course?". We say no. They say , "wow!" , "The reds are at the start and finish with the flats in the middle." bill asks,"what are these reds that you mentioned?" Slender 1 replies " Technical" Slender 2 adds, "are you two a team, or solo, because I did a 12 solo last year and it was a 'Death-march!!!' " Later in the check out line. A patron with a t-shirt on that reads "we do it in the dirt" is ahead of us as we wait to check out with our carbohydrates. Bill questions the individual "are you racing Santos ?" "Yeah." the patron retorts. Bill asks " What do you think of the reds?". Patron says "I don't know what you are talking about." Then the patron and his buddy proceed to go weigh themselves on the free scale and announce to any and everyone that the scales are "Wrong!!". Bill and I exit immediately. After a few carbs, we turn in relatively early, even though as Dave the Oracle Muse states, " the night before the race is not as important as the night before the night of the race".</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />6:30 am race day</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />Food intake for bill. Oatmeal and coffee with a banana (even though a fruit, not citrus)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />Food intake for Mitch. Eggs, pork, oatmeal and herbal tea with honey.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />8:00 am race day</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />Mitch and bill enter the vehicle and point it toward the event....10 minutes away.....</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">8:45 Mitch and Bill after a few mis calculations arrive at the race site.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />9:00 pre-ride. The "reds" mean business.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />9:45 line-up for the lemans start. And we are off at 10:15?... </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Anyway the crowd of racers " sprint" up the hill toward the bikes and mount and speed down the road to the hairpin turn-in and everyone halts and the conga begins for the first lap. The " reds" have a manageable flow with sharp ups and turns that have strategically place limestone boulders in the path...bursting out of the initial "reds" one finds themselves in the flat-lands of speed and burmed turns...sweet mother of pearl...then back to the ruthless cliff hanging trails of death and craggy climbs of insanity until the trail spews you out of the "vortex" to the transition area...8.9 miles of fun and a touch of pain.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">2nd lap for Mitch.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />Cruising through the flatlands a call of on your left comes out and I shift to the right as a racer proceeds safely by.....then as we allow the polite racer to proceed, the trees tighten and a lunatic appears on the left and attempts to squeeze through the non existent space between the trees....my handle bars lock up with said lunatic and we dance off the trees to a beautiful rolling somersault on the left of the trail...some pleasantries were exchanged and then the lunatic decides to "pull" at 5 mph...I then explain to looney that passing someone improperly then having the access to lead usually would result in a faster pace instead of a slower one....I then say "on your left, kind lunatic" and zip through the reds to rid myself of this vermin.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />4th lap for Bill</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />The Pain cave has set in....the pace has slowed.....and yes the dreaded lock-up cramping has appeared. Bill has navigated through the reds, the flatlands, and now is about to enter the vortex, when his legs fail him on the second wall of doom.....his legs lock, he is half way up the the hill...he grabs a sapling to his right and holds on for dear life as trail crewman rush to his aid....and what do you think happens?........yep, he hears, "on your right!". Pepe le pew has decided the quickest route up the second hill is straight through Bill's clinched lifeline....Bill says.." young man, you should know that I refuse to let go of my wood and you best consider a different route option." or something to that effect.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />Mitch finished with 3 1/2 laps with neck/back pain due to his tumbling routine.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />Bill finished with 4 1/2 cramp filled finale.<br /><br />Post race:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />Chick-a-fil<br />Bill and Mitch in the line to order when bill almost collapsed....a lady in front of us asked if she should call 911? to which we replied..." not yet......."</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "></p>joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-28487455343783205612012-01-18T11:31:00.003-05:002012-01-18T11:49:38.071-05:00Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Event ScheduleSubaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Event<br />Chehaw Mountain Bike Trail, Albany, GA<br /><br />Please share this info with others in the community, print out or email the <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-6R9nyCAymWZmU5MTYyNWUtYzNmNC00MWZiLWE0ZjktNTQzNjI4YjYwN2M2">flyer in PDF form</a>. <br /><br />Schedule of Events<br /><br />Thursday evening, February 16th 6:30PM at the Parks at Chehaw Education<br />Building: Social Event open to the public with the screening of the movie “Petal Driven”. United under cause to promote and protect our public lands.<br /><br />Friday evening, February 17th 6:30PM at the Parks at Chehaw Education Building:<br />Presentation open to the public with the viewing of the movie “Better Living Through<br />Trails”. This presentation explores the positive relationships between communities and their trail systems.<br /><br />Saturday, February 18th <br />9AM-12PM at the Parks at Chehaw Education Building: Trail Building School open to the public. <br />Lunch: 12:15pm provided by Wagner’s Barbeque/Pecan City Pedalers.<br />Trail Build 1PM-5PM: Volunteers must attend the morning Trail Building School to<br />participate. Use your knowledge attained in the earlier education session to build a<br />portion of the master planned Mountain Bike Trail at Chehaw. (Closed toe shoes or boots required, gloves, pants, hat, bug spray and sun block recommended).<br /><br />Please RSVP at <a href="https://www.imba.com/civicrm/event/info?id=192&reset=1">https://www.imba.com/civicrm/event/info?id=192&reset=1</a>joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-91917170266193895112012-01-05T12:49:00.001-05:002012-01-05T12:50:48.701-05:00WALB - PSA regarding the 3 foot rule in GA<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ibbTxWuUjwY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-25141871245466061422012-01-02T10:03:00.004-05:002012-01-02T10:10:00.713-05:00Subaru-IMBA Trail Crew coming to Albany, GASubaru-IMBA Trail Care Crew: Albany, GA<br /><br />The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew, on the road since 1997, is IMBA's grassroots educational program and an authority on sustainable trail building practices. Two teams of professional trail experts travel year-round throughout the United States and beyond, leading trail work sessions, meeting with land managers and working with IMBA-affiliated clubs and the communities they serve to improve mountain biking opportunities. The Trail Care Crew program has inspired great volunteer trail work across the U.S. and abroad - a big help to government agencies and land managers who have limited funding for trail construction and upkeep. As a direct result, there are now thousands of new and improved trails in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and several European countries.<br /><br /><br />Dates: Feb. 16-19, 2012<br /><br />Hosted by: Pecan City Pedalers<br /><br />Contact: Richard Thompson<br /><br />All events held at Chehaw Park, 105 Chehaw Park Road, Albany, GA 31701<br /><br />Thursday, Feb. 16<br /><br />6-9pm - Social event, screening of "Pedal Driven" in the Education Center<br /><br />Friday, Feb. 17<br /><br />6:00pm - Better Living Through Trails<br />This presentation explores the positive relationships between communities and their trail systems. Trails as community assets can improve quality of life and livability in a community for both the biking and non-biking members, and can attract significant tourism dollars in addition in increasing overall quality of life.<br /><br />Saturday, Feb. 18 <br /><br />IMBA Trail Building School<br /><br />Classroom 9 a.m. - noon @ Chehaw Park Education Center<br />Lunch provided by Wagner's BBQ<br />Trail work 1 p.m. - 4/5 p.m. at Chehaw Park<br />* Please do not plan to attend the work session if you can't make it to the morning classroom. Wear pants, closed-toe shoes, a hat, gloves and bring water for the trail project.<br /><br />Goto <a href="https://www.imba.com/civicrm/event/info?id=192&reset=1">https://www.imba.com/civicrm/event/info?id=192&reset=1</a> and scroll to the bottom of the page to RSVP for the Saturday AM training and PM trail work session.joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-68943642762875991802011-12-01T22:35:00.000-05:002011-12-01T22:35:38.404-05:00<p><a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/6007635/road-bike-racer-meets-mountain-biker" target="_new" style="font-size: 14px;font-weight:bold;">Road Bike Racer meets Mountain Biker </a><br />by: <a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/profile/1998437" style="" target="_new">rapence1905</a></p><iframe id="xtranormal_Road Bike Racer meets Mountain Biker " name="xtranormal_Road Bike Racer meets Mountain Biker " style="width:480px;height:299px;" src="http://www.xtranormal.com/xtraplayr/6007635/road-bike-racer-meets-mountain-biker" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" border="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto"></iframe>Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01022958078631818043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-54283059281275515412011-11-14T12:22:00.002-05:002011-11-14T12:25:27.532-05:00An Epic on Oak MountainThe final race of the 2011 MTB Endurance series was held at Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, Alabama.<br /><br />Josh Fix, Bill Riddle, and Mitch Mercer began their journey on Friday to seek new levels and epic status. Notable absences were Steve Longtoe Julian and Dave Oracle Muse. We made our way through Montgomery with ease due to the new blue dot technology offered by Josh...epic directions.<br /><br />Once arriving at the hotel, we had cookies on a foyer platter...epic. Bill set the temp in the room to acclimate us to race conditions....epic. We got our proper rest, even though the night before the race is not as important as the night before the night (Dave Muse). The breakfast buffet offered unlimited fruit (note Bill was tempted), eggs,meat,waffles,oatmeal...shall I say....epic.<br /><br />We arrived at the race site with the focus of Ninja warriors. Slapped all equipment into place and the three of us set out on the pre-ride....warnings from care-bear and sneaky about the "rocks" had us wondering about the validity of their chants of fear after a 3 to 4 mile jaunt up the trail. Back to the tent for last adjustments and line up for the start. We were joined by Chip Battle for his first race of the season on a first generation full suspension bike...now that was epic. 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and we are off. A loop on a service road up the hill to a dive in point where Josh hit the trail in first place and never relinquished the lead, Bill followed closely behind sneaky, then I was positioned just ahead of the conga line. A crash about 3 miles in caused a separation between me and the others, I walked by this carnage and started to crank away toward the others. I found myself climbing up a slow incline full of cantaloupe sized rocks and another "stopping" call from ahead....an edifice of stones in the shape of a waterfall...blood rock...epic....everyone walked this. Then to the top and a descent on a new section, shall I call the gauntlet of rock-dom!! Ten clusters of death defying rocks, boulders along a stretch for the next mile..switchbacks laden with craggy granite, rock corridors between trees, and rock logs .... Very epic! Escaping the rock quarry allowed us to fly down a woop de do section that was a big chain ring dream. This section was so fast that riders were losing control and two paid the price with broken arms! I had a slight bump with the earth as I hugged the side of the trail and my pedal snagged the uphill side, spun me around and sent me into a somersaulting move that after two full revolutions, I ended sitting upright with my bike 10 feet away, pine straw jammed in my helmet, a rock souvenir wedged in the side of my cap. My drafting friend said "Dude, that was beautiful, oh by the way, you ok?". Epic. The trail did in fact warrant the cautions from care-bear and sneaky.<br /><br />9 mile lap....Josh circled this rock infested trail 7 times. 1st place expert.<br />Bill finished with 4 laps. 2nd place clydesdale.<br />Me 4 laps. 5th place beginner.<br /><br />Series results:<br />Bill 2nd place Clydesdale<br />Mitch 3rd place beginner....I rode an epic....it was epic<br /><br />Note Josh ran a 13.1 trail race sunday at oak mountain...finished 3rd. He received an award for weekend warrior for his accomplishments....Epic!<br /><br />PHOTOS TO COME!joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-50975045129443468112011-10-18T20:50:00.005-04:002011-10-18T21:14:01.929-04:00THOUGHT FOR THE DAY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY8S71VwtmpplpPp-BPAfWs-J67JeZDXi6JoeYpNau_uvdKAC3y3yckUYLKRLX9vSR7NzSQ6igNXstXrMUCwnEuHvOnyO7eKmtkbE6fCJlhwcd-DouTF6g6vlz-SKDQchlEhK1k-4l9s/s1600/falling_bike1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 303px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665004118219737298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY8S71VwtmpplpPp-BPAfWs-J67JeZDXi6JoeYpNau_uvdKAC3y3yckUYLKRLX9vSR7NzSQ6igNXstXrMUCwnEuHvOnyO7eKmtkbE6fCJlhwcd-DouTF6g6vlz-SKDQchlEhK1k-4l9s/s400/falling_bike1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I read a quote recently (in Bicycle Times Magazine) from Japanese poet Ryunosuke Satoro.<br /><br /><em>"Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean."<br /><br /></em>So I read this and thought "Wow. This is what we're trying to do." Then as the events of the day transpired I became more cynical and I added and ending to the quote:<br /><br /><em>"But I prefer pools."</em><br /><br />You can't please everyone and everyone doesn't want to be pleased, but you can at least be honest and sincere in your approach.<br /><br />NOW SHUT UP AND GO RIDE YOUR BIKE!!vmachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328746107860063888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-36654718871795469452011-09-27T04:47:00.003-04:002011-09-27T04:51:46.389-04:00Six Gap over the Magic Stick***This is book two of the Magic Stick series, please make sure to read book one <a href="http://southgeorgiacycling.blogspot.com/2011/09/jack-rabbit-and-search-for-magic-stick.html">Jack Rabbit and Search for the Magic Stick</a><br /><br />Six Gap over the Magic Stick<br /><br />I have learned not to knock the wisdom of the MTB crew. The night prior to<br />Jack Rabbit, I learned invaluable advice that I was determined to try out<br />for Six Gap. 1) Avoid fruit and yogurt at all cost before a race/ride. 2)<br />Magic sticks with the trigger point technology are just that....MAGIC.<br />After my jog through the spectacular Jack Rabbit course (Ladies...we should<br />give this race a try next year!), I spent well over an hour using my magic<br />stick (minds out of the gutter people) to roll out the knots in my legs to<br />prepare for Six Gap. The magic stick did it's MAGIC people!<br /><br />I have to happily report, that the knowledge that I learned from Fruitless<br />and M.E. was spot on! They know what they are talking about. Six Gap was<br />AWESOME. The weather turned out perfect for a 104 mile ride in the North Ga<br />Hills. Lindsey, Andy, and I disembarked at 7:30 am Sunday morning for an<br />adventure. Before we even made it to Gap #1 (Neal's), Lindsey and Andy<br />asked me if we had already climbed our first gap. Unfortunately...no. We had<br />just made it passed the infamous Rock Pile and had a little to go. Lindz<br />planned to do 3 Gap, and Andy and I were going to do 6 Gap. Our deal is to<br />always climb at your own pace and meet at the top. I knew when I passed a<br />group which included Andy in it and he didn't look happy, things may not go<br />as planned. Sure enough, Andy's legs were wiped out by heavy squats from<br />Cross Fit....damn XFit!! I told him that if he wanted to do 3 Gap, now was<br />the time to make the decision because the turn off was in the middle of<br />descending Neals. I lost my buddies. They turned on Wolfpen and I<br />continued on to complete 6 gap.<br /><br />At this point I decided to get my miles and hours in for training, don't<br />give up no matter how difficult, listen to some good music, and make some<br />friends. I don't have company on the Ironman...need to keep that in mind<br />here. Jack's was typical...rolling hills, a pain in the butt, and keep<br />moving. Rest stops were packed and people were blocking tables, so I<br />bypassed and kept on trucking. Good thing is riding with Super Freak, I<br />know the route and know the places I can stop. Unicoi was a great climb,<br />nothing spectacular about it, other than I knew that the 50 mile mark was<br />about half way down. Whoohoo. I met a friend at this point, but I'm pretty<br />sure I pissed him off when I said I didn't know how people did this ride in<br />6 hours...he said he could do it in 6 1/2 and took off. LOL. Then...the<br />dreaded HOGPEN. It's a 7 mile climb with the steepest elevation that makes<br />you want to cry...and makes you want to walk or run because you can get up<br />it faster that way. I know I saw 3.7 mph once. The remainder was typically<br />4.0 mph. OUCH. I was DETERMINED not to walk...I always have in the past,<br />but damn it, I didn't want it to beat me. This was the climb to make<br />it...then it's all downhill from there....and I freakin made it. I almost<br />cried when I reached the top...okay I did tear up...saw Super Freak and<br />Frisbee and knew it was in the BAG!!! Of course all they wanted was for me<br />to get them food from the SAG stop. No glory.<br /><br />The next two Gaps were Wolfpen and Woody. I was ready to get back to the<br />car and hit the road, so it was all about just getting it done. My legs<br />felt like Magic the entire ride, so I give cudos to M.E., Super Freak, and<br />Fruitless for the good magic vibes! Total of 8 hours on the bike for Six<br />Gap....and I'm tired.<br /><br />I know I've talked most of you into doing Six Gap next year, so we should<br />have a great showing in 2012, right?<br /><br />Joggerjoshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-77698550694616883322011-09-26T13:04:00.001-04:002011-09-26T13:10:07.006-04:00Jack rabbit and the Search For the Magic StickCast:<br />Josh Fix as Super Freak<br />Bill Riddle as Fruitless<br />Dave Muse as Oracle<br />Mitch Mercer as M.E.<br />Amy Fix as Jogger<br />Lane Fix as Frisbee<br />Steve Jullian as Mex<br />Clark and Suzy Neal as no shows<br /><br />The tale unfolds at an undisclosed location in Lee County, Georgia. M.E. and Fruitless meet and start loading up gear and a new secret mix. They point their vehicle north and the adventure begins. As the pair discuss strategy, Mex calls to give them details of his ride at Dauset of the prior week. Apparently, Mex took a twenty minute break to show a photographer the finer points of camera angles, fishing techniques, coupon clipping, and cake baking during a LAP! The photographer said "hey, man aren't you racing?...you need to go!" After that disturbing phone call, they hit the Atlanta city limits and decided they needed a magic stick. First stop was Performance Bike. "Hey man, where are the magic sticks?" asked Fruitless. "What?" responded Clark the clerk. "It's on your website!, do you not offer the same items you advertise on your website!?". The look of total fear came over Clark the clerk and the traveling pair decided to take their business elsewhere. REI! Yep, they had the magic stick and backpacks. Fruitless offers his expertise "You pack it, put it on your back and go". With the newly acquired magic sticks, Fruitless and M.E. head to the Cleveland GA Huddle House. "What would the Oracle do?". ... No meat! The night before the race.<br />They took his advice. After arriving at the Holiday Inn Express in Hiawassee, the two broke out the magic sticks and started the magic! Super Freak, Jogger, and Frisbee came into that scene and almost turned around and headed home. Fruitless and M.E. assured them it was ok and encouraged the to try the magic stick....all three did and the magic was shared by all.<br />Race Day<br />The pair found a site next to Sean Fitzgerald. Howdie do-s were exchanged then Sean said "Hey man, are you ok? I witnessed the heaving from Tribble Mill and that was frightening!". Yes, Fruitless is ok. With the tent erected, Fruitless left the scene to " Have a few moments of prayer". Oracle set up his chair against the erected pop up and more wisdom was shared. "The most important night of sleep is the night before the night of the race." Super Freak, Jogger and Frisbee rolled in and pre race routines ensued. Jogger set off on a quick 10 miler, Frisbee wanted to show off his tossing skills and Super Freak was ....well, all secrets cannot be shared. 1 minute before the race, Frisbee looked at Fruitless and pointed out everyone had left the scene but him....Why? Fruitless dashed to the starting line. The course had been extended to 10 miles this year. The start line was on a paved road a mile from the trail head. With the gunshot start, Super Freak tucked and lead the pack to the trailhead at roughly 32 mph. The conga line lasted about 4 miles when a little carnage began on an up hill tree/ rock/ camera happy flashing dude after the rock garden climb, the trail the went skyward to the top of jack rabbit mountain, more walkers...on the first lap! Then a fast, downward 5 miler of roller coaster twist and turns that had everyone smiling at the end of lap 1. The pack broke apart with Super Freak turning a 38 minute lap, Oracle behind him, then Fruitless with his pack of dancers that fell apart on the double climb and then the rider in front of Fruitless was removed from the trail when an angry deer thrust his stag self into the rider and sent him sailing down a 20 ft ledge. Fruitless yelled to the stunned rider as the deer was relatively unfazed hopped off into the wilderness. He was "okay" so the ride continued. By the fourth lap, Super Freak passed M.E. with a bell ring and "you are doing great!". By the 5 th and 6th lap the trail was packed hard and wide with sweeping turns that would have made Talladega proud. By the end of the 70 degree day the results were as follows:<br />Super Freak. 8 laps (80 miles in 5 1/2 hours!) 1st place..duh! Expert<br />Oracle. 7 laps 10th place Expert<br />Fruitless. 7 laps 1st place Clydesdale<br />M.E. 6 laps. 5th place. Beginner<br /><br />The story continues in the series finale November 12th. Stay tuned.......joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-76642533766022311562011-08-31T19:36:00.003-04:002011-09-20T17:50:23.101-04:00Fools Gold 100Well it's been a couple weeks since FG 100 and after a little razing from Woolie i decided to find some time to type up a quick report.<br /><br />Here I am in the parking lot before the start of FG100. Can you see the look of terror on my face?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/31/3781.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/31/s_3781.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We got to the vineyard Friday night at 8:55 just 5 mins before registration closed. Yes, I said vineyard. This year eddie and Namrita negotiated there way into a sweet venue, Montaluce vineyard http://www.montaluce.com/ Amy and I got settled into our campsite and settled down to rest while I sorted through my notes on how many bottles and how much food I would put in each sag feed bag. After some minor calculations I was in bed by 11. <br /><br />We rose early and luckily my internal alarm went off b/c I forgot to turn on my weekend alarm on my iPhone. Coffee and oatmeal, a quick shower and we were off to the vineyard for the start. <br /><br />When we arrived there were several folks already settled in and getting ready. I ran up the hill to check in and get my timing chip. I didn't run into any of the usuals until I was heading out for a warm up. Ran into Dickman and Dave muse. Muse was doing the 50 Miler and Dickman was just out to ride and hang out. As always it was great to see both of them. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/31/3782.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/31/s_3782.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I did my normal stretching while everyone else stood around. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/31/3783.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/31/s_3783.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Eddie gave the racers some last minute commands and directions about the race. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/31/3784.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/31/s_3784.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The Race had a neutral start for about 3 miles on pavement, so it was pretty sorted out by the time we got to the gravel road, Eddie peeled off and we were off. My goal was to stay with the top 10 and did so till about 3/4 of the way up coopers gap. When the road kicked up one last time, I lost contact and the mental games began. <br /><br />I think that the main difference between ORAMM and FG100 is that ORAMM you go up then you go down, up and down, up/down, etc. But FG100 you go up then you traverse with rollers, down a bit, traverse a bit, up, traverse a bit, down, traverse a bit and repeat(lap two). Which all equates into a lot less time for recovery while descending. <br /><br />Which is why the mind games began b/c I had put myself into the hurt cave and had to traverse for another 30 minutes while trying to find my way out of the cave. The last 10 minutes I caught on with a couple guys from Orlando as they passed me they said are you from Albany? You know Kent Lofton? Turns out they ride with Kent down in Florida. They were both riding full sus and we rotated through a few rotations to the top of winding stairs where I was on the front and proceeded to get a max speed of 40 mph. I came through a slight bend and got squirelly on some tennis ball size rocks and wrapped my chain up around my crank about that time one of the guys blew by me. When we got onto the single track that traverses from Jake to bull mtn we were chatting it up and turns out when he passed me he hit 43 mph. Not bad for a gravel road. <br /><br />Shortly after that they proceeded to drop me and I returned to the cave, all by myself. I thought quitting which I haven't thought about during a race in several years. Eventually when I was about half way up bull mtn I decided that I was just going to keep riding and stick to my plan with eating and see if I could find a groove. I found my groove and settled in, kept eating, and started to feel stronger. Or at least I wasn't curled up in the corner of the pain cave. Finished 1st lap under 4 hours. <br /><br />Second time around I can say that I made it up coopers gap, it wasn't pretty and I got passed by one guy whom I was able to pass later on the last section of single track after it rained and was muddy and slippery. <br /><br />Road efficiently along the ridge traverse from coopers gap to winding stairs descent and started to dream about catching a few people and some possible finishing times. At this point I knew that sub 8 was not possible but sub 8:30 was well within reason. This thought brought my spirits up as did the awesome sag volunteers. As you rode into a sag they would call out your number and some one would come running up to you with your sag bag. They would fill bottles and do anything you asked. TOP NOTCH VOLUNTEERS, thanks eddie and Namrita. <br /><br />I ended up catching one of the florida guys as he ended up having a bad day and had cracked and lost his garmin. He was piecing things back together as he climbed bull mtn and I believe his buddy went on to finish second but not really sure. I thought a couple of times about getting off and walking the top sections of the bull ascent but my internal bullies wouldn't let me. <br /><br />It sprinkled a bit on the Bull descent and turns out that it was a full on rain storm on the lower single track and down at the winery. This played to my advantage because I could put caution to the wind and roll the last section of single track that was all slick and muddy. I was able to pass 2 more guys which was good but also caused some stress b/c now I had to make sure that I didn't get passed on the paved road back to the winery. As it turns out the return to the winery was mostly uphill, go figure, and with the recent rain and the sun coming out made it like sitting in a sauna. I did my best to put my head down and pedal circles. It worked out and I made it to the finish with out getting passed. <br /><br />8:13ish good enough for 11th or 12th depending on how you look at it (I am actually 10th on the final results). As it turns out jeff shaulk was in the lead coming through the end of the first lap and didn't head back out for the second because the course wasn't marked. No disrespect jeff, cause I know you could school me any day, but shouldn't you have done your homework? Or at least listened at the start line when eddie explained the course? So jeff and christian tanguy were awarded a tie so really I was 12th but b/c of the tie the official results says 11th for my class. I will be back next year. <br /><br />Thanks eddie and Namrita and everyone else that made his event so awesome. I will bring some south Georgia folks with me next year. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/31/3785.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/31/s_3785.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here I am after riding on the blacktop sauna toward the finish. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/31/3786.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/31/s_3786.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My faithful steed thanks to Breakaway bikes for all the support. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/31/3787.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/31/s_3787.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Cooked and still deep in the cave. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/31/3788.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/31/s_3788.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The vineyard venue was exceptional with a pool and hot tub. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Dahlonega,%20GA&z=10'>Dahlonega, GA</a></p>joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-37903798050566463742011-08-28T09:55:00.004-04:002011-08-28T10:09:38.795-04:00The Trials of Tribble MillThe Trials of Tribble Mill
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<br />A short story by a well known artist of words and many other things.
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<br />Friday aug 26
<br />Bill Riddle, Mitch Mercer
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<br />We arrive at our plush accommodations and check in. We then proceed to the tribble to set up our tent at the event and after three errant turns find the spot and secure our spot. We ran into bubba, junior , and junior jr. That's right "we breaking the kid in on racing!" "We gonna set up our tent over there cause the sun comes up over here and then later it will be over there." said junior.
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<br />9:00pm
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<br />We got back to the "Hamp" and decide to find something to eat. After wandering for a couple of miles through a parking lot we noticed an abundance of patrons in front of an "authentic" pizza establishment. I ordered chicken wings and a personal pizza. Bill went bold ( an omen ) with a pizza roll sandwich and 15 breadsticks. After consuming everything ordered we went to K-Rog and bought "the banquet of beers". While at the checkout counter we became friends with the couple ahead of us. A lovely mixed couple that asked where are you two from? Bill retorted "south Georgia". The young black man said he had relatives in Dougherty county, and asked if we knew Dougherty? .....yes we did.
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<br />We the proceed back to the hotel to carbo-load for the sat morning event. After watching every possible angle of Irene that we could handle, we snoozed.
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<br />Race day
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<br />Down at the breakfast buffet, bill encountered another mixed couple of the mountain bike variety. One expert, one over 50. I took note of the re food choices, bill did not. I repeat, bill did not! Bill (going robust, an omen) helped himself to an over abundance of fruit (citrus mostly). Off to the track!
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<br />Bill, oddly enough had an issue with his tire holding air, he got someone from neutral support to put stan's on the back wheel plus 60 psi. 15 min from race start.
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<br />We gather in a field of heat and await the start....we are off, we funnel through the woods by the timing arch and down a hay grove then a service road that leads to a single track that gently traverses the hill upward for 1 mile. At mile 3, I start realizing this mug is as rooty. With that notation, bill thought he had forgotten how to ride a bike until he remembered the 60psi and the roots had made his first lap an adventure. I positioned myself mid pack and rolled with 20 or so for the first 8 miles then it got stupid. For bill, his trials began on lap 3. A few brave souls asked bill if he wanted to hop on their train...."hell yeah!". Then bill felt a grumble. For me the second lap was sweaty...I was sliding all over the seat, handlebars and getting blisters on my fingers. My lap 3 began with, what I like to call the gang of 4 who are no friends of mine, me pulling some chaps for the first 5 miles and answering the question of "you 6hr solo?". Yes. So were the gang of 4. We jockeyed for position for the last four miles and had quick pit stops and eyeballed each other for the first 6 miles of lap 4 until I spotted a bare chested individual perched on a log. As I got closer I realized it was bill riddle. " bill what is the deal?" I asked. Bill showed me a beautiful display of fruit that had previously been in his stomach. The robust breakfast. Nice. Bill then took a swim in the lake, kitted (sans jersey) and then finished, and I mean finished the 4th lap. I had made a quick pit and headed out for lap 5 as I noticed the gang of 4 were dilly-dalling in their respective pits, so I decided to sneak past them. On my lap 5, I was riding smoothly in four-fifth place and came over a rise at mile marker 6 and abruptly crashed. I got back up and continued down the next hill and discover mother earth again. Wtf? I checked out my bike to find the front tire flat as a flitter. I swiftly whipped out my air canister and refilled the rubber. No less than 20 yards the tire had gone flat again.
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<br />3:00, 3.2 miles to glory. I shouldered my steed and started to walk.
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<br />3:15pm the friendly gang of four sneaked past me without a hint care. I received a tire, pump and tire tool from a passer by and began to repair. Got everything on and the pump would not work......shouldering began in earnest. I found the road and started the journey when a kind young man in a pick up asked if he could lend a hand, to which I replied "hell yeah!".
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<br />Got back at 4....and found bill face down in the grass. I told him of my plight and he began to tell me his, when the gargle of water and gatorade spewed from his orifice. This was a site to behold. Bill assumed the position as I loaded up the car and finally convinced bill to move under a pine tree and receive the breeze. I got bill ginger ale and pepto. He started to come back to life in Macon. All in all, a hot, hot day with plenty of roots and non flow tracks that would have made Heritage proud.
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<br />Results:
<br />bill, 4 and dry heaves
<br />Mitch, 4 and a blown tire in lap5. joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-69919320522788273562011-08-24T10:21:00.001-04:002011-08-25T12:34:43.340-04:00The Chehaw Fat Four registration is OPEN!<a href="http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?EventID=14211"><img src="http://www.bikereg.com/images/logos/BikeReg/BikeReg_reg200.gif" border="0" /></a>
<br />vmachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328746107860063888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-1315979255942583342011-08-19T18:55:00.004-04:002011-08-26T14:21:53.824-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_64i4mEOw5QhGIz9ug6XbSZajD7T5Ixi47c3gnpfEVbO5kF9O9pHSE-9J6FHhGE2SEjHdCQGZ-IWFJr3ZSRKQ4xBEKjdWgXNPxL-JnGkAEcNPN7uhco3jbGfmKRE6NNmcNlSA0GgE3Po/s1600/Official+Fat+Four+logo+2.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645231314482037778" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 334px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_64i4mEOw5QhGIz9ug6XbSZajD7T5Ixi47c3gnpfEVbO5kF9O9pHSE-9J6FHhGE2SEjHdCQGZ-IWFJr3ZSRKQ4xBEKjdWgXNPxL-JnGkAEcNPN7uhco3jbGfmKRE6NNmcNlSA0GgE3Po/s400/Official+Fat+Four+logo+2.bmp" border="0" /></a>
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<br />
<br /><div>Saturday, October 22nd
<br />10:00 am - 2:00 pm (4hr race)
<br />Solo Only categories
<br />7 mile course
<br />Lots' of camping available
<br />Great family attractions
<br />Winner of each category gets a CUSTOM PRIZE
<br />More details to come
<br />Registration through <a href="http://www.bikereg.com/">http://www.bikereg.com/</a> starting Tuesday, August 23rd.
<br />A Race, For Racers, run by Racers.
<br /></div>
<br />vmachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328746107860063888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-37807119123416143262011-08-17T18:07:00.002-04:002011-08-17T18:14:44.278-04:00Trail Work Day<span style="font-size:130%;">We will have a Workday at Chehaw this Saturday August 20th. Work will begin at 9 when the park opens. Post work ride for those that can stand the heat! I'm sure beer will be involved. We will have a second work day Sunday October 16th. This October workday will be the final clean up before the race. We need all available hands! </span>
<br />vmachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328746107860063888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-66482094101918684322011-06-22T10:33:00.000-04:002011-06-22T10:34:18.826-04:00I got my A$$ kicked by Mitchell Sellars...WT#???<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">As with most trouncings, the weekend started out innocent enough.<br /><br />Rhonda and I, along with Josh and Amy Fix, all converged at Heard State Park Campground in West Point GA late Saturday afternoon. The plan was to camp that night and then up at dawn the next morning to participate in the annual West Point Lake Triathlon. Amy and I had signed up several months back to do the Olympic distance (1.5k, 40k, 10k). Even though Rhonda had only recently gotten back on the bike once and swam three times, after five years of doing other things, she had decided at the last minute, thanks to an evil suggestion/dare from John Leonard, to do the Sprint (600 yd, 15 mile, 5k). Josh briefly toyed with the idea of entering his first tri, but decided that only one time in the pool was almost, but not quite enough training to thoroughly dominate the field and deferred to another day.<br /><br />If you haven't been camping here before - Heard State park is just beautiful! Our site was right on the lake, surrounded by trees, and just about perfect. If you are lucky enough to own a boat - you can camp and pull your boat right up to your spot and ski/fish/canoe all day and all night. Since we were boat-less, however, Josh and I entertained ourselves by skipping rocks, playing with the dog, and shouting advice to the crew setting out the buoys for tomorrow's swim. They were clearly putting them WAY too far out, but in spite of our yells and arm waving, they flat out ignored us. A fantastic salad and pasta dinner provided by the Fix's satisfied even the vegetarian among us and we all turned in early with nothing but the sounds of nature (i.e. very loud and sexually frustrated frogs, a TV from the next campsite, and the Fix's electric fan) to lull us to a fitful sleep.<br /><br />Race day started at 5am! Cabana boy (Josh) fixed the coffee and the rest of us pretended we had a routine to follow as we tried to choke down some calories and get hydrated. The morning was just about perfect - temps in the 70's, light breeze blowing - this was going to be a good morning. Although this was a "race", there was no real reason to push myself. Unlike St. Anthony's, my son wasn't running in this one. And Josh had wimped out - not that I thought I could beat him overall, but maybe I could at least school him in the swim and make him a little nervous. And there were tons of Atlanta tri geeks here - so no chance of the podium for me! This time - I was going to relax a little, try to get a good bike, enjoy myself on the run, thank the volunteers, encourage my wife - yep, this was going to be a good day. Even getting locked into the campground (they don't open the gate till 7) didn't faze us - we just parked the cars, grabbed the gear and started walking.<br /><br />I was almost whistling a happy tune in transition as I set up my stuff. With everything set up, I grabbed the camera to take a few pictures of Rhonda and make sure she was good to go and then suddenly - there he was - friggin' Mitchell Sellars - DANG it!! We had both done St Anthony's and yeah - he beat me in the swim and the bike and beat me overall by three minutes in that race, but it was actually pretty close - and I had totally schooled him in the run - so maybe I had a chance this time. He had ridden up with Todd Archer and just decided at the last minute to do this race. Mitchell claimed his training had been pretty crappy since St. Anthony's; and even though mine had too - I thought maybe, just maybe....So much for having fun - it was ON!<br /><br />The time trial start began at 7:30 with two people starting every 5 seconds. I lost Mitchell and Amy in the crowd before the water and Rhonda was at her race start, so with some smart ass words of encouragement from Josh - I dove in and started swimming. The lake was clear and cool and by and large, the swimmers pretty spread out. I got dunked by one asshole and tried to nail him with an elbow, but otherwise the swim was pretty un-eventful. 34 minutes later (I knew the swim course was long!!) - I was making my way to the bike. Amy was just heading out on the bike, but Mitchell was nowhere to be found and there were still a lot of bikes on the rack - maybe things weren't going to be that bad!<br /><br />The bike course was a ton of fun. Mostly gently rolling hills and lots of shifting gears, I was consistently holding 20+ even on some of the uphills and passing a bunch of folks and only getting passed by a few. Focused on eating and drinking and keeping the pressure up, the ride just flew by! Saw Amy at a couple of different places, never saw Mitchell, and came into transition with a ton of bikes still out on the course - this was going well! Finished the ride in 1:13 at a 20+ pace on a hilly course - not too shabby and doing better than St Anthony's!!<br /><br />Quick transition and out on the run. The sun was starting to heat things up and they had us running the 10k out and back across the dam. The damn dam. With no shade. Oh well, this is almost over - kicked out a 7:15 first and second mile - things going ok - and then I hit the damn dam. That's when I saw him. Mitchell. Going the other way. At mile 4. Like 15 minutes ahead of me. What....the....!!! Oh sure - I shouted out some encouraging BS, and yeah - he looked like he was in pain - but didn't I start ahead of him?! Dang it! He's kicking my ASS!<br /><br />And that's when the heat hit, and the stitch started, and the sudden realization that I no longer gave a shit. And oh yeah - I was supposed to just have fun today, but now I'm too dang tired to enjoy it and I'm on a damn dam and where's the dang shade anyway and there is no way that turnaround point was that far away. Finally hit the turnaround, now running about a 7:45 pace, and head for home, head hung low, hoping Rhonda's race was going well! I hit the 4 mile aid station, took my time and totally got busted goofing off by Josh - sitting on the course waiting for his honey to come back by. Screw him - I'm still going to take my time and drink another water!!<br /><br />I did manage to pass one other guy in my age group the last two miles, and did manage to pick it up for the last mile, and did manage to look pretty composed as I came through the finish line with a fellow IM KY finisher. Finished the 10k in 46:37 at a 7:31 pace and overall in 2:36:41. Respectful, not too bad, about 12 minutes slower than St. Anthony's but the swim was longer in this race - so eh...good enough I guess. Except that this time Mitchell Sellars totally kicked my ass by running a 2:22:59, and finishing a dominating 1st in the Clydesdales division!<br /><br />I ended up finishing 9th out of 28 in my age group. Amy did great - she swam a 36:28, biked a 1:23, ran a 53:26 and finished up with a 2:55.14 overall for 6th out of 10 in her age group. A new Leesburg resident, John Kilpatrick, had the best time from Albany and scored some hardware - he swam a 28:29, biked a 1:07, ran a 42:36 and finished up with a 2:20:24 overall for 3rd out of 30 in his age group. Mitchell finished the highest Albanian in his division (although Kilpatrick beat him overall - HA!) with a 28:35 swim, 1:04 bike, 48:42 run, overall 2:23, and first place Clydesdale.<br /><br />In the sprint, other than getting off course on the swim and posting one of the longest T1 transition times ever, Rhonda did awesome!! She swam a 16:24, biked a 59:17 and ran a 32:21 for an overall 1:54:51. Todd Archer also kicked it, swimming a 12:29, biking a 47:52, running a 24:01, and earning an overall 1:26:47.<br /><br />All in all, a great race that I might be tempted to come back too. Very proud of my hunny as she starts to build her base for a half IM and Amy continues to kick it on her way to another full IM! Clearly, if I'm going to beat Mitchell in the next race, I've got to get serious about my swim (three days a week with the masters class), and more serious with the bike (Tuesday/Thursday rides with the race group), and probably drink less beer, watch what I eat, and maybe actually run more than once a week.<br /><br />Or maybe - I'll just let Mitchell kick my ass next time too!</span>joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-2425266588010948412011-06-22T10:31:00.001-04:002011-06-22T10:32:40.620-04:00Breakaway Cycles<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25235608?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=1" width="398" height="224" frameborder="0"></iframe>joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-77755719234108672382011-05-25T14:04:00.005-04:002011-05-25T14:10:07.910-04:00To keep the KHARMA . . . .<a href="http://pcpraceteam.wordpress.com/"><img style="WIDTH: 299px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610716415607809186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4T2HY7tfrUUyZYDbYOj6s4HQl7Cc2q0SXNuxuEQlP_v2C3ZAyPM1g34eF-giNeDJSct_M_Nt9buvvKF3pKqWdR7-O0sCvi7DIcUIuTjiH_kDh1pt4hPK_-eJjvkbKhyyxcXSd3ZqKLRo/s400/quiet-sign.jpg" /></a>vmachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328746107860063888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-2153688420549147652011-05-20T11:45:00.006-04:002011-05-20T12:05:15.000-04:00Question of Riding Etiquette<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN770xgxAoa52BApDFfFKu7_owcHUj4B8A4I-qHvLTCfKtXjJLwGagXmVKptikYUWJe-VxAQzNeIK8DzU7Aayvpbwc0JDJS0-TJ5rX2Gk0TorefbzOb4oXkxPO1iwiUsqnzefugSDm5iI/s1600/angry1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608829442080957106" style="WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN770xgxAoa52BApDFfFKu7_owcHUj4B8A4I-qHvLTCfKtXjJLwGagXmVKptikYUWJe-VxAQzNeIK8DzU7Aayvpbwc0JDJS0-TJ5rX2Gk0TorefbzOb4oXkxPO1iwiUsqnzefugSDm5iI/s400/angry1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Group rides take on different personalities depending on the participants and groups take on different personalities given the relationships, styles, etc. I've caught myself several times the last few weeks shaking my head in aggravation over something someone has done in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pace line</span>. Some things are obvious etiquette <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">infringements</span>, but others may fall in that grey area. So, I pose the following questions:<br /><br /><strong>1. Should you accelerate on up-hills and coast on down-hills?</strong><br /><em>I personally find it aggravating to have someone drill it up a hill, only to have them blow and slow several miles per hour over the top, which results in a slower downhill speed and rider chaos. I'd rather see someone hold a constant speed or slowly deccelerate up the hill in order to smoothly reaccelerate down the hill.</em><br /><em></em><br /><strong>2. If you are getting popped on a climb should you hold your line or move out to allow riders through?</strong><br /><em>People may disagree, but I feel like it is safer if the popped rider just holds their line. Yes, riders back now have to move out and accelerate, but that's better than starting the same move and having the slower rider move into your line. On the flats it's easier for a rider to move out, but on a climb the same move can't be anticipated as quickly. </em><br /><em></em><br />Just a few thoughts. Leave your comment below.</div>vmachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328746107860063888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4604246744279900272.post-19265201101172548322011-05-13T22:03:00.003-04:002011-05-13T22:13:46.718-04:00Kum Bah Ya<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyv-hvp8h6vMOczJ7TGVyI5rOAV45pUXPfYxe7PoDUirYTSwi1aNv89q82mdIJhkzbCUPZf40oo1zJruJeyH5-AAbAxwjxL7buTZ1lXdUzmcHjCBoacO3yBX2J5XLmZObrN0cejfRHDA/s1600/Smurfs_Color_Pictures_Smurf_Campfire.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyv-hvp8h6vMOczJ7TGVyI5rOAV45pUXPfYxe7PoDUirYTSwi1aNv89q82mdIJhkzbCUPZf40oo1zJruJeyH5-AAbAxwjxL7buTZ1lXdUzmcHjCBoacO3yBX2J5XLmZObrN0cejfRHDA/s400/Smurfs_Color_Pictures_Smurf_Campfire.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606388876926770194" /></a><br />There is a gentlemen that we ride with very frequently in Albany, GA whose handle is "Easy Rider". He is one of those guys that is in the right place at the right time, always knows what wheel to be on, and is just an all around good guy. The other day as I was doing my daily web surfing I came across some words of wisdom from Easy Rider on the PCP race team blog. If you have a minute, you should surf on over and take a gander at the <a href="http://pcpraceteam.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/group-rides/">words of wisdom of an experienced cyclist.</a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://pcpraceteam.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/group-rides/"></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Sidebar: <a href="http://www.gospelpiano.com/articles/kum-bah-ya-58.htm">Kum Bah Ya</a> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 3px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 3px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">In addition to this African-American spiritual’s simplistic tune and meaning, the term “Kum Bah Ya” had now gathered another meaning to it, as well: peace. In many articles regarding world peace, politicians will refer to “sitting around the campfire singing Kum Bah Ya,” or when peaceful demonstrations are disrupted, people will say that it “was not a Kum Bah Ya moment.”</span></div></div>joshfix5http://www.blogger.com/profile/12776332939168026531noreply@blogger.com0