Part 2

… And we were off in Daryl’s limo of a truck. *thanks for the shuttles* We first hit up some DH shuttles to warm up. Just some fun turns in the woods with a gap or two thrown in there. At the bottom of each run Steve was busy spying some sweet freeride spots in the distance. If you have ever heard of a wentz line you know what I am talking about. So we come upon this mini canyon that butts up against a really old cemetery. The sun was hot and the terrain was big. Everyone was timid at first, and once Steve dropped in on the first 7 ft drop it was on. Everyone was looking at lines and pushing their limits on some of this crazy landscape. One of the cooler things that we did was a big 2-3 story natural roll in to sketchy wooden plank-ramp-wall-ride that finally exploded when Cole was fisted all the way to the face.

 

After our session there, Mick was looking across the valley at the range that lay of the other side. From the road you could see a moderate face covered in exposed boulder fields that looked ideal for some crazy ridding out of the Aussie-turned-ColoRADoan. While half of us had xc bikes the other half were on DH/FR bikes and no one was riding up. Needless to say the choice down was anything but XC. Very suiting for the trail we latter coined as TJ’s XC loop. So think twice the next time some one asks you to ride an “XC” loop named after a DH racer. Get your DH rig.

 

By about 4pm Steve’s stomach was done growling at him and started to growl at us. So we went back to base for some hearty sandwiches and a 45min nap / photo review to get ready for the rest of the day.

 

I love day light savings in the spring time. At 4.45pm there was plenty of light to be had. And no time was wasted in setting up the gate. Sleepy members soon awoke to the best alarm ever, “Riders Ready, Watch the Gate, … BEEP BEEP BEEEEEEEEP” Part dues was underway. While Jess, Robin and Daryl headed out for a real XC ride on the Colorado trail, Steve, Cole, Neven, Mick and myself attacked the intended backflip jump. And the best thing about seriously contemplating a backflip is when your mind makes excuses to learn other less risky but equally as cool tricks. We all rode into the night or watched on from the comfort of the deck the front yard ride session. Later that night we would see the arrival of lady Lisa and Gale just in time to catch a solid half hour of gates and turns.

 

I don't know why my eyes are open, I can't see anything. 

 

And again why Mick is so good. Look at the innovation in his very technical line through the berm.

… more later

(great people + sweet ridding)^no worries = (1)good weekend

So everything started out when Keith Darner and RPM cycling had the YETI spring series MX race #2 scheduled for this past sunday in Nathrop, CO. These, previously, low-key races have always been a super fun way to gain some confidence for the up comming season. Usually filled with fun ridding, chill tunes and even better people this year was no exception. However, with appx. 120 mx racers and a good crowd, this event was on the scale of a regular season race.

Back to mid-week, my best good friend Cole lives near Nathrop in the small mountain town of Twin Lakes, CO, and was brewing what was going to be one of the best weekends in recent memory. The plan was to leave friday evening setting our destination to Cole's, ride all day sat. and all day sunday (race day), and thats it. With plans like that and a crew including Mick, Cole, Matt, Jess, Steve, Neven, Caroline, Lisa, Gale, Daryl and Robin how could things possibly go bad?

Friday evening Jess, Steve and I headed out a little off our 2pm planned departure time (closer to 5pm). And for reasons becoming apparent, you cant blame Steve for driving a mini-van. Matt is right on his heels too now with an SMUV (Soccer Mom Utility Vehicle) all his own. JP (RIP) has shown them the light! So those in doubt beware, you will have two of the fastest guys in the rockymtn. region all over you like kung-fu drama on chuck norris if you are lookin' to diss. On our way to Twin Lakes we made a pit stop in leadville to stock up on dessert for the weekend. Steve and Jess do sweets right as we came armed with ice cream (strawberry and vanilla), cherry turnovers, apple pie, angel food cake, strawberries, strawberry sauce,whiped cream, ice cream sandwiches, and the stock oreos and milk. As we arrived the sun was fleeting and all we could do was watch Hypnosis (bike movie) to get psyched for the next day's activities. 11pm saw the arrival of newlyweds Mick and Hannah Hannah followed quickly by SLEEP!

The next morning Robin set up a monster breakfast buffet to fuel us for the long day on some of the coolest Freeride and "XC" terrain in the state. Hannah was unable to come ridding as she was heading to Monte Vista to support her sister's ultimate fighting match. Crazy, apparently there are less female boxers than ultimate fighters.  Neven rolled up ready to ride as she made the trip from Boulder EARLY that morning.   As we headed out the door there was a prompt 45min tune session as it seemed that everyones bike needed a little love.

…to be continued

Get my head out of my…

thank you keith for making this that much better.

as keith (my recent team manager of 3 years) would say, “the only reason you need your name on the back of your jersey is so you know who you are when you pull your head out of your @$$”