Apocalypse Eve

Despite it being 24°F and a blustering RealFeel™ of 3°F, I figgerd I better get all the trail time in I can. Transformer blew near the office so servers were down all day. Snow day! I broke out the slEdwin and went out around James A Reed park for a couple hours. Ride yer bike! (while there's still time) .....

Geminerd

Can't help but get my ass out of bed any time a major meteor shower passes. This year was fantastic. Geminids are usually best seen here due to the cold months and low humidity - Leonids are often obscured by hazy summer skies. But last night the temps were mild (40°F) so I suited up and took the mtb for a 10-miler, then plopped down on my back in the center of a corn field for 45 minutes to take it all in. It was a brilliant show, clear skies and I was in good company with the critters. Quit looking down at your phones and other portable networking devices because life is happening ^ up here.

Ride yer bike! (and go see some cool things)

Quiktryptophan

Decided to smoke a turkey for the upcoming gathering. Having never before done so, had to buy a smoker (Weber Smokey Mountain 18.5) and do a trial run with some small breasts. Should have been doing this 20 years ago. First time was a charm. Best $330 turkey I've ever had. mmmmmmmm

Hookie Monster

Been burning some vacation days and getting some good rides in. Everything's dying out there but it smells so alive. Ride yer bike!

Yesvember

Couple times a year we gather as siblings and help Mom & Dad stock up on winter wood for the stove. Decided to ride the ~18mi out to get some miles in and earn that great country breakfast Mom whips up for us at halftime (work 3 hours, eat, work slower for 3 hours). Road into the morning sunrise, past some fields and farms I hauled hay for 20 years ago, past the house where I first kissed my wife at a college party nearly that long ago. Miss that El Camino. These are good days.

Lookin' out my back door.

Sometimes I take for granted what's right out my back door. Three thousand acres of James A Reed wildlife reserve. I think the drought this summer helped keep the normally-rutted horse trails from rattling my teeth. This year's been a joy - even on the cx bike. Get your acorns now, folks. Ride yer bike!

20" Girls HotRock

With Kitties! My girl has too many bikes (imagine that). $70

also weeride copilot (tagalong) $45

wheels

$60 More Fall-garage cleaning to come...

Retirement

I think Dad's taking it rather well. Diversifying the portfolio into more stable investments...

Wabi Woolens / Velocipede Salon jersey

Small collaboration with the fine folks at these upstanding brands. My input was minimal, but still an honor to work with a great bunch of guys. They are taking pre-orders now (here). Go get you one before the chill hits. Sheep have known this for eons. Ride yer bike! (in style)

Good View

Made it out to Buena Vista for a few days over the Labor Day weekend. Ultimate goal was to be on top of Mt Huron with my good Lady but I took the bike for a little playtime as well. Every day couldn't have been more perfect. Rode the Midland trail just to the east of BV one morning, then hiked to the top of Midland Hill (it's a damn mountain; 9556ft). Ate like champs. Rode the Twin Lakes trail. Soaked in the Mt Princeton hot springs under a bright Blue Moon. Final day hiked to the top of 14,003ft Mt Huron. Weather was spectacular! Light winds and fantastic visibility. Legs are feeling it good, but I am so proud of my wife as she set out this goal many months ago (her first 14er, I'd done Shavano a couple years ago). She ascended like a champ and inspired me to do greater things. This was a Class 2 climb, but noticeably tougher on me than the slighter-pitched Shavano. I can't wait to do more of these hikes with my best friend of 19yrs now (17 married).

Mt Princeton greets the day from across the way

Joe on the north (treeless) side of Twin Lakes loop

Me (midland trail)

Watching the Blue Moon set over Mt Yale

Twin Lakes trail (part of CO Trail/Continental Divide Trail). Fun flowy ride!

More Twin Lakes

Even more Twin Lakes

Me Lady bagging her first 14er - half way up the final pitch

Pano nearing the top - viewing West>North>East (click to enHUGE)

Peering down just below the summit.

Chirping pikas everywhere! No mt goats or bighorn this day, unfortunately.

At the summit looking SW toward (2 of the) Three Apostles. I want to camp by that lake some day.

Relax. Replenish. Reward!