Me and My Boy...

In the flurry to post the ride from yesterday, I totally spaced some pics of Jake and I doing what we know best...hikin' and lizard & snake huntin'. Jake is really awesome when it comes to his love of the outdoors, reminds me of myself so many moons ago...always flippin' over rocks and searching for the next reptile.

We've had a busy couple of weekends on the hikin' tip recently. One weekend found us heading up Partrick Road in search of salamander and newts. Jake was a real trooper and did the whole hike solo (not carried). We found several scorpions, some skinny salamanders and the pretty orange/brown Ensatina.

Last weekend was jam packed with adventure. Saturday Jake joined me on the tag a long for my Saturday morning group ride. I was a little concerned he wouldn't be able to hang in there for the 16+ miles (wait, my bad-I was more concerned I wouldn't be able to make it towing him!), but he pedalled the entire distance. We had a blast flying down hills and joining my "buds" for coffee and juice at Stanley Lane. I gotta say towing the 50+ pounds around sure was a work out!

Jake zonked out hard after the ride, but woke up full of energy to go on our promised lizard huntin' trip that afternoon. He and I headed over to Browns Valley and began the hike up hill. It didn't take much log turnin' to find our first scorpion, but soon after that it was newt time. As we made our way uphill there were plenty of blue-bellies to chase, but I knew there had to be snakes out there, and we were gonna find them!

We didn't have to wait long. One nice rock flip yielded a baby garter snake, which Jake was kind enough to let poop on me before he held it. Next up we were chasing some blue bellies on the old road when I noticed a baby gopher snake. I snatched it right up and Jake proudly posed with it before we let it go.

We took a banana, apple and water break and just took in the beauty of the area before heading back downhill. Of course our adventure wasn't over yet.

While watching some blue bellies do "push ups", I heard a rustling in the grass and found a huge toad. Once again, Jake was kind enough to let it pee on me before posing. Minutes after letting Mr. Toad go, we were walking down and again, off the road I saw a huge gopher snake just poking out of the grass. Jake waited while I snuck up on it and caught it. The big snake was a little mad and hissed a bunch and struck at my shoe before calming down. I'd say it was about 4 feet long and almost 2" thick! Jake wasn't too into holding it, until AFTER I let it go. So I snatched it back up for him-unfortunately ol' Mr. Gopher was back to hissing and really wanted to go, so we just watched him slither away.

I can't describe how cool it is to spend time outdoors with Jake. To see him loving nature and respecting it, just makes me proud!

The ride of the hillbilly

Yesterday was an incredibe road ride out in the "dark side" of the Napa area-specifically Lake Berryessa and into the meth-capital of the world — and home to Conocti Harbor Resort— Lower Lake/Middle Town. The loop was 80 miles and the group was great. We had to have at least 20 people out and full Inglis/Retrotec representation.

How did the ride start?

Pick up Curtis: 7:20 AM
Meet crew at Pizza Azzurro: 7:30 AM
Start Ride (in Pope Valley): 8:40 AM
First giant truck flying by and screaming at group: 8:42 AM
First flat: 8:43 AM
Second flat (same bike): 8:45 AM

That there back country can get really hot, so the early morning start was definitely needed. The group splintered almost immediately after flat number one, with the majority moving forward and our pack of 5 hanging around to fix more Parlee flats (nice work on the domestique tip Curtis).

A re-group at Lake Berryessa had the whole crew back together for a bit as the pace line flew by the heavy metal stylings of white trash wakin' up (or did they ever sleep) fer' sum breakfast of benydrel and coffee.

The ride took on a whole new, and incredible dimension, when we entered Knoxville road. A beautiful single lane, almost totally car (and 4x4) free stretch that lasted almost an hour. Here, my wingman Peter and I took advantage of a group pee-stop to join the lead group for a while. The pace was great and hell-we were in a new position, off the front (short lived).

The road led to some bigger climbs and higher temps and after a couple of grinders, I head the sound of riders back...curtis and Andrew had bridged the gap-we were caught!

The opportunity was perfect for a re-group and that's what we did. With visions of Foster Freeze in everyone's heads it was time to descend. A wicked long downhill descent (thank god we didn't have to climb it) led to a few more short climbs (can you say cramps...already!). Peter and I were last men in the group and vowed to stay together, so we battled throught the pain and soon enough we were at 50 miles and heading into Lower Lake.

Nothing like a sweet convenience store (with a wonderful walkin freezer to cool down in) to take a break. Gatorade was downed by the gallon, Reed went to Fosters Freeze for some tasty BLT's and Cyurtis did his best man-yoga in the parking lot to impress the locals.

Knowing we had 30 miles to go and Hwy 29 to contend with the break was over and off we went. Hwy 29 SUCKS, but it was a necessary evil to get to Butts Canyon to the road home. Our 6 man group was doing really well in a pace line and soon Butts was on the rise. I took the opportunity to chomp down on the delicious slices of pizza (thanks Mike and Reed) that I had been saving for just this occassion. Ol' Butts was a bit of a headwind and we soon found another of teh group, alone and stretching. A quick pee break and some pics of teh Retrotecs and we were off, 20 miles to go and ready to be out of the saddle.

Of course there was 1 MORE climb before we were done, but it came and (painfully) went and soon we were back into teh parking lot and regrouping with the crew for some talk and beers.

Overall an outstanding day and an early bed time!

Can't wait to explore some other areas with the crew...

Here's the GPS info, Thanks Andrew!
Motion Based Stats



Here's the ride...

A bit of climbing was involved...more stats...

The group arrives...


Flat #2 (3 minutes after flat #1)


watering the poison oak...


Something in the Lake county air...


Feeling good on Butts canyon road


My view most of the ride...off the back


Reed strikes a pose...


There's a few more on my Flickr account too...

Scientist Battle!

Just a quick note on a new section to my blog, the "My Scientistists are smarter than your scientist..." section.

What brought this about?

A couple of things...
First, I just finished a great book by Michael Pollan titled, The Omnivores Dilemma

Seriously good reading on the topic of food and how we use it (and it uses us). Pretty good for a bacon lovin', taquito buying, fast foodie like me. But I do notice the pounds and the feeling I get from eating bad food too much and even if I can apply 10% of what I learned from this book (as well as Fast Food Nation and Super Size Me), I think I'll be heading down a better path...

Next up was a read thru of my good friend's blog and his opinion on the matter of global warming and big oil profits. Although I disagree compltely with the articles cited, I overcame the impulse to scream "No, No, No" and instead took a step back -- OK not a total step, ask Cari, when she challenged my stance and thinking, I only got angry and said I would do nothing. Well, as usual she's more level headed and after settling down personally, I evened my keel and determined my next actions to take on a personal and local level.

I'm not going to point fingers or even openly disect opinions on this site. what I can say is I have not seen ol' Al's movie, I plan to, but haven't just yet. I'm not jumping on his band wagon and god knows he's not the end-all be-all answer or savior. Hell, he's just some rich guy taking another turn in the spot light.

But the fact that his movie/focus/pulpit involves something so central not so much to MY existence, but most importantly to my son's and his family's life, well it is a positive in my book. A positive that it allows this issue so much press and exposure. And in getting that press and exposure, maybe one more of my fellow citizen's will take notice and do one thing, just one, to change their (our) wasteful, selfish existence for the better.

Oh yeah and another thing, I do love the country I live in, becasue for the most part we are free to have opinions (any and all) and voices to speak about issues of many sizes big and small and that is a wonderful thing.

Anyway, back to the new section. Just as everyone is free to express their voice and opinion, I decided, that as I want to know more about my choice to believe that there is a such thing as global warming (and that we as humans have a lot larger role in it than some would think), I would start collecting and researching more resources highlighting that event as well as others I am interested and voicee opinion for (food sources and sustainable living for example). I'm just out to better inform myself on these things and maybe others as I learn more. I'm going all over the net and books as time allows, and learning as I go. I know each side can pull out ascientist here or there to battle or dispute each comment. But I believe that I can do a lot more by learning, reading and acting locally (whether buying food locally, voting and supporting local issues or recycling more)—not only for myself, but more importantly for my son's future...Just as much as I do NOT believe that drilling in protected areas (Arctic), driving Hummers, or Walmart is the answer...

Hell, I even looked into the sun getting hotter and drilling in natural parks and protected wild areas (err, desolated areas...). Trying to get to both sides is a huge challenge, faced with largely partial opinions (ususally argued very childishly I read)—but a worthy journey (get it Journey!...see below) nonetheless...

Don't Stop Believin'

So Cari was showing me some old ass video of USA for Africa's Christmas special. I only kinda remembered the video, featuring all the big players from the 80's, all coked up and singing for African kids.

Anyway got me to thinking about cheesy videos and naturally Journey's "Seperate Ways" came right to mind.

Using the power of YouTube I immediately grabbed the video and posted it here.

Best part of Journey I can remember was Sea Otter many moons ago. Our rental car, Jen, Cari, B-Rad and Kirby and myself rockin' hella™ hard to Journey with the volume up to 11.

All I can say is hella-rad™! If I could entice hair to grow on my head, I'd rock the Steve Perry right now...Just check out the looks dude gives the camera and the best part, the drummer...

Cari had a great idea for my friends and I (Kirby and Grady especially)...start a cycling team and name it endless Journey. We could dress up like Steve Perry and crew (sweet sleeveless Tees, tight jeans) and race bikes...think about it...

Now, with no further Ado, rock on, rockers...

Giving Thanks

I have to take a moment from the usual bike riding and outdoors escapades to give some thanks.

Where is this coming from you ask? I dunno exactly, but it is something I have been thinking about a lot, especially on (you guessed it) my mtn. bike rides alone.

The question really came into focus early last month. I was informed by my brother via phone while I was at work that my childhood best friend, Jay had been killed in an auto accident. To say I was stunned was an understatement, but it was mixed with a weird detachment that came with being out of contact with Jay for the last 5-7 years and being preoccupied with work at the moment. To be honest, the feeling has yet to truly sink in, but it has made me take pause and re-evaluate myself, my friends and friendships.

Where to start?

Jay and I were inseperable from third grade all the way through high school, a like in so many ways—our desire to hunt lizards and snakes was borderline obsessive. Sure there was a time in high school that we didn't speak for a few months, but Jay was MY best friend. At a time that I felt like I had so many good friends, he stood out as always being there, someone who shared my passions for snakes and drawing and Farside cartoons. We got into so much trouble at times, we had our parents wondering. But not a day went by that we weren't down by the river building forts, looking for snakes or hiking around. Times were so simple then...

Highschool found our sorry asses last in line to get driver's licenses so you would be guaranteed to find us walking everywhere. And did I mention our obsession with rap music? At a time when everyone was listening to new wave or Metallica(1987 and on), we were up to our necks in Kurtis Blow, Dougie Fresh, MC Shy D and Troop shoes.

Original wiggers for sure.

Of course we didn't know any better, being from the mean streets of Napa. We just knew that the whole McDonalds paycheck HAD to go to the newest Air Jordans or the sweetest Le Coq Sportif sweatjacket. Napa High school didn't know what hit it when we showed up with the sweet Troop LL Cool J or Ice Lamb shoes and lines shaved into our hair... damn! I can't forget the highschool and (later) Mormon dances. What better place to show off the latest moves, the Kid-N-Play, anything Hammer was doing, wicked renditions of the running man. Jay especially. He got so into dancing he was like in a trance. Hitting up the Junk Rock, Lipps Disco or any one the bay area clubs, we ran wild.

Jay settled after high school and found Mormonism. Not everyone's cup of tea, but it was great for Jay. I was really sad to see him head out for 2 years on his mission and it was then, the Junior college days, that we drifted apart. Girlfriends and new friends came into my life. Mountain Biking entered the scene around 1989 for me and although we exchanged some letters and calls, our friendship was going the route many do as we grow older. Not so much away, but apart.

Even when I was in Cal Poly and after, staying at my parent's house we would somehow hook up and spend hours in my parent's garage just shooting the shit. Never really talking about much but talking none the less.

The last five years I only saw Jay a couple of times. We both had families (he had me beat on that one with 4 kids), but we still sporadically saw each other. What's so weird about the whole thing, even after my last time seeing him at Kennedy park less than a year ago (where he recounted that he had just recently rolled his giant Ford SUV on black Ice in Tahoe-thankfully no one was hurt), no definite plans were made to see each other again. It was just if it happened it did. Life is funny for me that way I have found. My friendships, especially from childhood-the one's I swore back then would be forever-are quite far apart. When we do see each other, my friends from then and I are really close (I think), joking and seemingly not missing a beat, but life and life styles dictate that we aren't like then.

What am I getting at? If you hang with me, I think I am trying to get at a lot of things.

One is that I hurt terribly that Jay is gone-especially for his family that he left behind.

It is still a little hard to grasp that he is gone-especially given that I didn't know if I would ever see him again (he was moving to Utah). I guess I always just thought we would, but on a chance. Now that chance is gone and a friend that I had known for over 20 years will never be able to hear that I am thankful for all that we shared...

And that leads me back to my thoughts on my rides and title of this post...There are so many people in my life that don't have the faintest idea how much I appreciate and love them and how thankful I am for knowing them...

My mom and dad for providing for me and helping (good and bad) me become who I am.

My brother for always being there, always selflessly lending an helping hand or freelance job. You are a true inspiration, I don't know that I could ever thank you enough...

My sister for being there too. we're not as close as we should be, but I hold out hope that you can see that there is a lot you can do and are capable of, and I will work harder to be around for you too...

My wife for putting up with me and sticking with a family that wasn't necessarily planned. I know I am a bear to be around and who knows what will happen to us, you truly represent all that I look for in a soulmate and I'll always remember that spark I felt when we accidently touched in my kitchen so long ago. Your patience and thoughtful heart are an inspiration for this hardened soul, I can only hope to achieve 1/100 of your character.

Grady, you're a great friend, one of the best. A true sounding board for so many ideas and ideals. I want you to know I'll always be there for you...

Kirby, you taught me it was OK to ride alone. Something I hold dearly today for the soul empowering and mind clearing benefits it offers. Before meeting you, I was too scared to consider it and now I relish the solo ride...

Squiggles for showing me how to go 130% at something anything. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. But damn, you have it in you to do things right. Your cooking skills and confidence are sorely missed. Now that you apply that drive to doing all your own home repairs/construction, I stand in awe...

Johnoss, you've been a really supporter in a wacky, weird way. Our time together really is awesome whether in Tahoe, CVC or on a phone. You've been more than generous with bike gear and help and I truly appreciate it.

Justin B, Ken N. ,Allen, Lukman, Rich, Jed, Seth, Otto, Stacie, Todd, Paul...I could go on and on, there are so many people that I need to at least have read that I know they are there and I wouldn't be half the person without knowing them and sharing my life in both big and small ways with.

I write this blog for anyone to see to know that I am thankful, I love my friends and family and I will do my best to not take anything in life for granted because you never know what might happen and when it boils down to it, we all have a lot to be thankful for...

Ride, Ride, Easter, Ride

Long time between posts, so just a quick one...

A few weekends ago found Cari and I on a road ride for her birthday (and as prep for her Cinderella Classic all women metric century). Goal was to do at least the number of miles to correspond with her age, and I am happy to say we did it. Bonus pooints to Cari for doing Dry Creek over Veeder (my weekend ride) and basically taming a climb I had trouble with at least th efirst 2-3X up. Can't wait til she gets her compact cranks and the Inglis road bike!

The next weekend found me at Skyline, on my full suspension. It had been a while since I was on teh dirt and I needed the 3 hours out there to get focused. The trails were great and the views were incredible. It always amazes me what a simple bike ride can do to boost the spirit and recharge the soul...

Easter weekend I was jonesin' to get back on my SS and head out to Skyline again. I called my brother and he agreed to join me. Double bonus-Jake and Cari hiked out there and were able to cheer us on as we returned home. It's great to ride with family and see all the sights out there. Almost ran over two turkeys and caught a bunch of ornage belly newts. I also used the ride as a gauge to solidify in my mind (before the wallet) that I really need to upgrade to a new singlespeed. I have been put on hold for the Retrotec a month past my anticipated deposit while I await some incoming freelance funds. In that time I have been thinking about the build and if I'll ride it all that much. Well, Easter Saturday sealed teh deal. I have loved riding SS for almost 7 years now and am even entertaining the idea of going fully rigid (carbon fork) on the Retrotec...

Easter Sunday was spent cleaning out the garage and bringing my music collection back to availability. I have like 100gB on hard drives and discs, but my 400+ CDs where in boxes until a home was found. I am a happy guy once again now that I can see my music and even re-discover it! After the garage, Cari, Jake, Kona and I walked to Browns Valley Market and then hopped on the bikes (Jake on teh Tag a long) and headed to David and Erin's for a delicious Easter BBQ. Sure is great to live near family and in such a beautiful area!

See I am not SO fat! No gut suck...


Cari climbin' the start of Veeder...you go Grrrrrrl!


Cari topping Veeder on her birthday


Jake with his best 80's hair!


Yummy singletrack-Skyline Park


Just the way I like it-narrow, twisty and fast


BAM! My best Tam to date...hella hardcore Norcal™


Uncle David and Jake get down to business--opening easter gift eggs