Fat Tire

Putting the stupid decision to race the 123 race last Sunday behind me it’s time to look forward. The first MTB race is O’ so close, just over a week to go before the Mid West Fat Tire Series gets under way. March will packed with 3 MWFTS races and possibly Bone Bender 3 hour race March 14. Focus will be on the series point races through the year working to place high in the Sport 30-39 division. Road races and crits will be used as filler races. Looks like I’ll be able to race 10 of the 14 point races between March and October.

To get things started I’m heading to Council Bluffs this Sunday with Shaun to meet up with several from Red Wheel Cycling out of Jeff City for a 3 to 4 hour day or riding. Never been out there before but I hear it’s sweet! Will be there at 8am by the boat dock if anyone want to join us. Some are meeting at 10am too. Eager to get out and ride the trails before Oz Epic next Sunday.

Froze Toes 2009

Photo by John Musselman

Froze Toes was a good bike ride at best, however, it was nice to get out on the road bike for a few miles.

Results Here

Dog Day Afternoon Gravel Grinder

Today was the last of the Herman Gravel Grinder series. This year we've had 6 weeks worth of rides with only one day of bad weather. Lot's of new faces came to Hermann to enjoy was totaled 284 miles with over 23 hours of ride time.

Every ride has it's moments and today were the dogs. Seemed like every dog along the route was out and about giving us a bark or two or a small chase.

Here are the Baumstark brothers, "what's up dogs"?


The winner of all dogs today was this one. About 7 miles into the ride up Devils Back Bone he decided to join us awhile. Awhile turned into more than 6 miles of running along with us. This dog has some endurance for sure! Eventually he tired out and could not keep up. Hope he made it home OK.







For those that missed the rides, here is a great example of the views out here, simple the best!

Ridley comes out to play

Took the Ridley out to play today for short above threshold workout followed by an easy ride. Met up with Louis who owns Montagues BBQ in Hermann. Good food there for sure!





Following last weeks big 13 hours and 163 miles on the MTB, this week I needed to bring down the hours a bit and get rested, was feeling it for sure early this week. Now I feel rested and ready to go for the last gravel grinder in Hermann this year.

Next week end starts the racing season with Froze Toes then MTB races start March 8th. With all the rain we've had it's unknown if the trails will be ok for the March 8th race. Regardless I'm looking forward to getting the race season underway.

Another Grinder in the books

As normal we headed out from Time for Pie at 10 am sharp!



Today's crew was Jason, Andy and Justin from Wild Trak Bikes , Andy from CBC in Columbia and locals Danny and Shaun.



Today's' route took us North across the river into Montgomery County all the way to I 70 and back. Came to near 65 miles at 13.3 MPH with a few less hills coming in at 2900 feet of climbing.





Shaun must have overslept a bit, Bernadette and Me-Mo drove him out to meet us about 15 miles into the ride.



Last week a few ended the ride more hungry then they would have liked. Not this time!





Look from the bridge on I-70 just a bit past the half way mark.



At first the ride seemed a bit flat to me and boring. Being a new route I had no idea what was in store so I did begin to worrie . But after the 12 mile ride down the Katy trail and up north past HWY K things started to get interesting visually and had a few challenging hill clumbs. Some of the names were Grave Yard Hill and Devils Back Bone. With names like that they have to be tough.






Ended up being a good ride, don't think anyone was disappointed.

Next weekend is the last of the Hermann Gravel Grinders. So far we have logged 222 plus miles and over 20 hours on the fine Hermann gravel roads.

2 more Hermann Gravel Grinders Left

Sunday looks to be a nice warm day and a great day for 60 miles of pure gravel fun in Hermann. All are welcome.. check out the link for more.

Drunk on Gravel

Scott, Jason and Andy from IL joined the Hermann crew (Louie, Baumstark brothers, Jose and I) for a fun filled day of gravel. Only one missing was Shaun who was not up for a long day on the open road.

Hit up some new gravel down South this time around for a nice 57 miles. Did not seem like alot of climbing but we ended up with over 4000 ft.

Few highlights of the day was when Jason showed us his mad skill on the cross bike. I will tell you this was the third take as I kept screwing up the camera. His other two attempts prior this this was perfect.

Boy that had to hurt! Jason shot up off the ground and all was OK. I going to bet he will be feeling that tonight/ Monday AM.

Another odd sight was the couple in their car coming down the gravel road both sitting in front seat with the gale looking out the back window. Gee, wounder what those two were up to?

One thing that cracks me up is from time to time we come across a "good old boy" in his truck giving a look like we just ruined his day by having to wait or go around us or wait as we pass by to fit down a narrow section of road. Today we had one such truck owner who gave us a great go to hell look. I realize we just added 30 seconds to his life he will never get back by having to wait for us, but really, come on, smile a bit more guy.

For me, today's ride started and ended great. My nutrition plan was spot on, never felt stressed and kept in control all day.

Few days stuck in side early this week but the weather looks great as the weekend approaches.