JustAFunTime

2012-01-28T15:00:00.001-05:00

Sweeet.

Fun day playing in the mud w Robbie and Ben.

2012-01-26T04:29:00.001-05:00

One week till co to ride the board!

No more vegas for a while...

2012-01-21T15:26:00.001-05:00

Ahhh West Virginia.

Got in some great runs on the slopes yesterday. No crowds. Decent snow.

Rain last night and today. Totally chillin it out in Canaan Valley. Blackwater is rollin!

Snake Creek Gap Time Trial

2012-01-07T23:01:00.001-05:00

Christmas vacation was great. Got to hang out with my brother, my fam, Lemma, and some great friends. Got to ride my bike, at a bunch of food, and kind of recharged myself!

From our rained out Winter Solstice camping riding adventure. It was still cool!

Many waterfalls in Western NC

Rolling up to Camping Gap

Up to the parkway and Thunder Ridge

Waterfall off the Glenwood Horse Trail

Beautiful road ride back to Sedalia through Curtis

Super sick view of the mountains. Thunder Ridge in the distance...

Some time in Raleigh riding with Robbie and Linus! Was great to see them.

Oh and Luna!

And now...

Aside from Kenny Palmer's Bedford Trails Mountain Cross Series last spring (which are coming up by the way), and a couple stages of the ever-awesome Tour de Burg, I did pretty much... no racing in 2011. After my move to Georgia, all of my riding has been experimental, trying new places, seeking out new areas for me, traveling to ride with old friends, and trying to meet new ones to ride with.

With 2012 now official, I decided to head out for the show again to see what I still had and see if I could mix it up with some new folks. Though, it was a little tough to get out of bed so early today, as usual the night was later than expected prepping my bike....I made it up, ate some breakfast, drank a fair bit of coffee, gathered my things, and was out the door. I met up with Brian and we made our way up to Dalton for the first of three time trail races up and over the mountains of the area called Snake Creek Gap. The weather was actually quite good, with temperatures in the mid 50s, passing clouds, some fog, a slight rain here and there. Knee warmers and arm warmers were all that were necessary. Pretty sweet, indeed, for January...

I shook off some pre-race prep rust, got registered, changed, sorted my things, opted for bottles and pockets only, no pack, thought several times again and again about that decision. But...kept reminding myself that I knew what I was doing. I loaded up my bike on a trailer to be hauled out to the start, at almost 400 riders, there were LOTS of bikes heading out on trailers, and there was a full on tractor trailer rolling out to take bikes to the 17 mile option. I had opted for the 34 mile distance myself, I wanted the long day.

Found a van heading to the start and skipped out on the bus ride, which made for a good ride with conversation with other folks inside, not to mention the better, less sketchy ride. Landed at the start, easily found my bike, and grabbed it up. I ran into Team CF Southeastern Regional racer and cool guy Mark Drogalis, a racer friend whom I got to know during my days at SMT. We chatted for a bit and as Mark headed to the start, I went to look for Brian. No luck in finding Brian, who ended up catching a little later shuttle, so I headed to the start.

The start was pretty simple, roll up, get in line and then the send the riders out maybe 30 seconds or so apart. "Whats your number? Last Name?" - "umm 354,...Brown.." "Ok....aaaaannnnd....GO"

So I'm off....I knew the course from the pre ride a few weeks ago, so I had a ....general plan of attack: Get the first 17 miles to the halfway support out of the way pretty quickly, with enough strength, to handle the second 17. The most technical climbing, ridge line, and awesome rocks all lay in the second half. So, to spare you the description of every little detail of the actual RACE part...let's break it down like this:

"hmmm what kind of pace should I settle into?"
Stream Crossing 1....feet wet already 32 miles to go

Roll the fire road

Singletrack...upppp the mountain - cool, I'm passing people..

Gravel DROP! whew that was fast

Ok, back up for a bit, oh...here we go down, and fast flats - Hey I feel pretty good!

Oh right, gotta go back up another mountain, a few steeps, slick mud...are these guys walking already? Pass..

Hey look its Mark!! Yeah dude!

Ridgeline, woooo!!!

OMG super fun descent! Flow, Flow, turn...ahhh...up the bank, a little air? Yes please...

Little rollers, wooo more downhill!

Aid station....well that was fast!

Grab some figs, and roll....crap, should have topped off the water bottle!!!

Eh, I have plenty, settle in for a big singletrack climb...are my legs starting to feel tired?? ehh nahhh....

Ridge Line...Ridge Line! Upish, downish...narrow, hmm a few rocks..down..up...hey legs...!!

Slowing up some...is my stomach starting to hurt...ahhh...keep drinking. Legs will come back

Hey, we're going dowhill...wooooo!

Fireroad?? ahhh good time to eat...ahhh stomach...falling apart a little...am I starting to cramp...WTF?!

Mark caught up!! Good to see ya again!!...Want to get on wheel...uhhh no, settle down..

Aid station....ok...fill up the water....ugh bananas are gross, but i gotta eat it - "hey dude, lets split this...!"

Keep rolling...shut up legs, just deal, careful of the cramps

Rocky trail contouring about, a little up, a little down, gotta bring it together for the last section!!

down!! ahh SKETCHY!!! Talking to self...turn turn, rock, dont hit the tree...

Ok, that was rough,...ohhh up STEEP!!....hey I made it, am I coming back??

level out some...roll, rock here and there....slight up and "WALL"

Cramp! ugh, ok, gonna walk this thing, and stretch it out....

Back on the bike, back on the ridge.. time for the gnar...

Rock rock rock rock rock rock...dab. ROCK rock rock

Hey its Mark again!

rock rock rock rock...Mission Accomplished....hey, I made it??!! LEGS!!

Tower, TOWER!!! Almost done!!!

ROAD! 40 mph downhill

FINISH! Wooooo!!!

Solid...I came in under 4 hours, which I was cool with, apparently that scored me 6th in the under 30 class. Not sure the full results.

And that's it. pretty cool. Hung out for a while, at some food, and drank a beer. Racing is hard, sometimes motivating, sometimes demoralizing, and always fun.

2012-01-07T07:57:00.001-05:00

Sweeet!

2012-01-02T20:43:00.001-05:00

My new road bike is dialed in and ready for action!!

'11 Trek Cronus Pro

Thanks Bikes Unlimited of Lynchburg, VA!!!

2011-12-29T21:21:00.001-05:00

Got out for a cool ride on the glenwood horse trail up from sedalia on thunder ridge and apple orchard mountain with some good friends.

Its been great to be home for a bit.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T21:36:00.001-05:00

I've been eating too much....

2011-12-23T01:49:00.001-05:00

We got in some riding and some camping but the rains kept comin!

Our tent site in pisgah became a giant puddle.

We are home and feeling defeated .

Time to dry out

2011-12-17T16:32:00.000-05:00

Sweeeeet.....

Riding the Tsali trails with Lemma!

Fontana Lake lookin' pretty low...

Miles and miles of flowy singletrack...

Camping outside of Asheville

Full moon night!

Headlamps were not very necessary...

by the French Broad river...

COLD in the morning!

Beautiful

Walking some of the Mountains to Sea Trail...

Came back Thursday after a couple days at a tradeshow in Vegas. It was....OK. The mountains did look quite nice with a light dusting of snow from the storms that had passed through.

The Holidays are allllmooooossstttt...here. I'm only working two days this week then Lucas comes for a short adventure on our way back to VA for a week off! I'm looking forward to seeing family and friends, and hopefully the weather will be nice and rides will be had!

I should be picking up a new toy from Bikes Unlimited in Lynchburg, VA as well!!! Yessss

Lately

2011-12-05T22:28:00.000-05:00

Lemma turned 26 this past weekend! Happy Birthday Lemma!!!

Apple Orchard Falls with Luke and Jess

Blue Sky

The spectacular view from Thunder Ridge. The James River Face Wilderness Area and Devil's Marble yard are in clear view!

Snake Gap TT Series Pre-Ride?.....YES

Up up up!

34 miles of the Pinhoti Trail near Dalton. Some gnarly rocks during the end, that felt like home.

Some time riding with some fellas from Athens...apparently they know people I know...word

Rocks....sweet

The view from Rocky Face Mountain

Sunday a solid ride on Stanley Gap trail in the afternoon with some of the Ellijay contingent...

Mike workin up the steep pitch ...

Dan dominates on the belt driven machine

Wheelie from JD!

60's and some sun in early December....niiice

Stanley Gap!

2011-11-21T20:40:00.000-05:00

After my long week of traveling for work, I celebrated being back on the East Coast by spending a solid Sunday exploring the mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest with my good riding buddies Johnny and Kevin.

This was my first ride on the Stanley Gap trail outside of Blue Ridge, GA. This trail became an instant favorite and was very reminiscent of everything that I consider home. The loop we rode has it all, single track climbing and descending, double track up and down, some pavement, gravel, a river, a lake, and the feeling of being quite "out there." We didn't even hit all the trails in the area, but we got in a solid 18 miles before the weather turned poor again.

The sights of late fall, a single trail full of leaves. Add a slight rain in the morning and you'll be very happy with a meaty front tire...

I'll just let you think I actually made it over this super slick rock...

Kevin pulling up the climb which was steep in places, but all quite rideable...

The Stanley Gap trail shares a section with the Benton Mckaye trail in this area.

My HiFi is hard to beat on rides like this, climbs great, rides comfortable, is quite flickable, and descends.??...well...just look at the video at the bottom...

A little bit of road to loop it around...

A sweet detour by the river and the awesome cabins in the area...

SMT has posted another SWEET video from the full pull of the Virginia Mountain Bike Trail. This one is a stellar specimen of what goes down when I get to roll with my "little" (cooler, better, funnier, awesome-r, and all around sick guy) brother Lucas.

2011-11-13T11:01:00.000-05:00

Wow, SMT posted a really cool video summing up the first full pull of The Virginia Mountain Bike Trail. Its an amazing video and makes me wish I was out there right now! So glad that I was able to tack onto this trip for a couple days. This route is an amazing connection of all the beautiful variety that Virginia trails have to offer. I look forward to riding much more of this in the future.

Virginia Mountain Bike Trail from Scott Wootten on Vimeo.

The mountains in Georgia have been beautiful lately...tons of color

2011-11-05T19:29:00.000-04:00

Lucas turned 26 yesterday! Happy Birthday brother!

Such a super fun dude! Infinitely cooler than I am....

Some more great photos from some good times in October. My favorite Month of the year sure did fly by, but I did score a ton of time with great friends, and some killer riding!

Lemma and I got to spend some time enjoying Canaan Valley, WV!

Some riding around through the valley

A hike up to Bald Knob

What a wonderful place!

A stop to hide from the wind and eat a snack in one of the Whitegrass Huts

Seneca Rocks as the sun sets...

Last weekend I got out for a sweet ride in the Jake/Bull Mountain area in the Chattahoochee National Forest with some folks of the Ellijay Mountain Bike Association up in Dahlonega, GA. There's some great riding up there, and it was very cool to catch a big group ride. The color in North Georgia is full on right now...

Mike and Terry Palmeri of Cartecay Bikes crossing through one of the many creeks in the area

Need more! Just back from a long week of travel for work. Glad to be back!

A few days touring with SMT

2011-10-28T13:05:00.000-04:00

I was able to steal a few days to ride with the folk of Shenandoah Mountain Touring on a leg of their mountain bike tour of Virginia on the Virginia Mountain Bike Trail route. They spent 14 amazing days on the trail. I was lucky enough to tack on for a few myself. It was amazing to spend some solid time on the bike basking in the full splendor of Fall in Virginia. The color was amazing, and it was great to spend some time riding with friends.

The sunrise at Stokesville Campground

Lucas and Chris chatting during the early morning departure

Single track of the Wild Oak Trail heading towards Dowells Draft

You can see Elliot's Knob off in the distance

Onto rt 250 up to the Shenandoah Mountain Trail

The Shenandoah Mountain Trail is beautiful this time of year

Singletrack for miles

A road section connecting the nights camp to the march up Little Mare Mountain...

Some gravel to prepare for some climbing...

The color on Little Mare was in fine form

Two amazing days on the bike. We finished it off from Little Mare to Brushy and on into Douthat. Can't wait for some more.

Thanks to SMT for hooking us up on such a sweet ride!

Here's some video from SMT of the ride on Brushy Ridge Trail, leading us towards Middle Mountain Trail, which leads straight on the Douthat State Park.

Fall!

2011-10-02T17:56:00.001-04:00

Fall is upon us and the riding as of late has been perfect. I look forward to this part of the year so much, and I've been making the most of it!

Kevin rolls the deep creek!

Took the cross bike out on a Chatahoochee National Forest exploration ride today!

That's Fort Mountain State Park off in the distance...

2011-09-12T20:05:00.000-04:00

Went out for a run-ish today, legs feel destroyed. Last week was stupid cool...

Here's a video stolen from Balaji!

Quite the trip!

2011-09-11T11:23:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Bala, Andy, Amy, and Emily for hosting us for the week. Bala and Andy showed us some of the great bounty of riding in the greater Boulder area. It was fun to see some new sights and ride in some amazing places with great friends.

Many miles ridden (Larry's GPS plots)
Many feet climbed
Many mountains seen
A few beers consumed
LOTS of coffee
1 Fox
1 Bear
1 Snake
Lots of Honey Stinger Waffles and Chews, and the like
Prarie dogs everywhere
Sand, rocks, dirt, roots, logs, cacti, gravel, pavement
Two blown rear hubs (not mine! - Sorry Liew and Andy!)
Two crashes (took me a bit to reprogram myself for cornering on the loose sandy soil)
A serious biker's tan
A LOT of food eaten
One tired and very content Jake

Fin...

Visiting Bala and Andy in Boulder

2011-09-07T13:12:00.000-04:00

Met up with Larry-Liew and Bala in the Denver Airport Saturday and made our way back to Bala and Andy's pad in Boulder...

Watching night fall from the ridge just up from town.

Sunday was a solid day of riding on the trails of Buffalo Creek, an IMBA Epic trail system in Pine, CO. Buffalo Creek has about everything you could ask for, buff and flowy singletrack, fireroad climbs, super techy rock sections, some sweet slick rock riding, and some amazing views.

Yes sir....

Andy rolls one of the many steep drop-ins on the gnarly Black Jack trail.

Daker brought his Remedy and showed us how to rock out on big drops...(we took the "blue" line just off the right of this picture. Blue is in quotes because it was still plenty sketchy itself!

Past wildfires have left a good portion of this area quite open...

Monday was another big day, with Amy being awesome and dropping us off in Nederland. We spent a few hours riding the sweet singletrack up the mountain from Nederland, and then rode backcountry trail and fireroad back to the sweet gravel of Magnolia road which then turned into pavement, and dropped SLAM down the mountain back to Boulder. Check out Liew's GPS track of the ride.

Magnolia road is a sweet fine gravel road between Nederland and Boulder. The Nederland trails are just off Magnolia.

Liew enjoying the ride with our new friend Marcel, visiting the area all the way from Spain. He'll be riding trails for the next week or two before going to Interbike....must be tough.

Bala stretching before taking on the next flowy singletrack section. We had a blast riding quite hard over a lot of fun trail.

As you can see the weather was terrible, and the views weren't much better....

After finishing up with riding the trail system, we cross the main road and jumped on some backcountry trail that paralleled Magnolia for quite a ways.

The way back was awesome. Steep climbs, gnarly descents, fast contour trail, and great views.

After a last food stop, we dropped back onto Magnolia to make our way back to Boulder.

Liew is ready to drop off the mountain!

The descent was insane at 40+ mph on the mountain bike, and switchbacks most of the way down. By the time Liew reached the bottom, the oil leaking from the bottom of his lefty was smoking off of his front brake rotor!

Cruising the Boulder Creek path back to town.

The last climb back up to the house from town

Liew attacked in the last couple hundred yards to get his stage victory on the day...Here he is celebrating!

With Bala and Andy working on Tuesday. Liew and I took the day to get in a super cool hike around the Flat Irons and up to the Royal Arch.

So many cool rock formations.

It was quite the scramble to make it up to the arch. After two days of big rides my legs were screaming. The arch and the view were totally worth it.

Today is raining, and cold. Quite a bit of coffee and some rest is helping my tired legs. Hopefully the rain will subside and Liew and I can sneak in a short spin. In the mean time we'll be planning out two more days of solid riding before we head back East on Saturday.

2011-08-18T22:45:00.000-04:00

Sneaking in some secret sunrise goodness before work. Cooler temps and nice colors....

The weekend's rides in photo-form

Scott came to visit and, of course, bicycles were the focal point of the weekend's activities.

Names....

2011-08-07T22:00:00.000-04:00

I know...I've covered names before during my "Trail Name" rant, but that applied to people; this time we are venturing elsewhere....

Of the many many reasons I find myself so driven to be outside, exploring the forests, I find that one keeps me quite intrigued. Names....trail names, road names, forest names, and town names. This, of course, delves into my interest of historical things. There is a reason why all trails are named, a background, a history. Maybe it was the name of the person most-devoted to building that trail, or the old mine that the trail was once a road for, or the settlement that it led to. I mean don't you wonder too about names like: Stonecoal Run, Dowell's Draft, Skulls Gap, Sulfur Springs, Fullers Rock, or Salt Log Gap. Really, who was old man Dowell? Why is it called Skulls Gap? Was there a sulfur spring somewhere on that mountain I don't know about? Who was Fuller, and why is it his rock? What the heck is a salt log, and why would you name two Gaps within 20 miles of each other the same thing? What do these names mean, who, or what do they reference. Its interesting to think about, and I always want to know.

Trail names, summit points, and mountain knobs are always tied to local history. Whatever seemed to build the local towns are where many of the names come from. Logging towns, Coal towns, Mill towns, Gold towns, and everything in between. I spent today riding in the Cherokee National Forest (obviously its name comes from the many Cherokee who once inhabited the area), and a nearby town was once booming from the local copper mine. Everything was named "Copper-something" and from looking at the soil/rock nearby, it was obvious what mineral it contained...today I rode my bike along the historic Old Copper Road connecting the Brush Creek Trails near Boyd Gap to the Tanasi Trail system.......ahhh so many questions...

The Ocoee down below...filled with rafters and kayakers staying cool on a HOT day

Named for Old Man Boyd, who lived in solitude up on the mountain. Legends tell of the treasure he buried away somewhere deep in a mountain cave. They say he left offerings of gold, buried in mason jars around his cabin, to Native American spirits to protect his treasure. The cabin no longer stands, only piles or rock remain. The treasure was never found, and neither were those who went looking for it....

Ok - ....so not really the story, but this is what happens when my mind wanders...

Single-track!

Ahhh, to cool off for a while

Its amazing to think that many of our "recreational" trails were once mountain roads used to connect mines and logging areas, or to bring supplies to forts during the Civil War. It brings to mind all of the CCC groups, and many folks working their asses off in the heat and the cold on these treacherous mountain roads, and here I am now having a great time, enjoying myself. I'd like to think that maybe they appreciate that what they built still exists and is used by so many people.

I guess I'll never know the reason for which they are all named....but that's ok....I'm very glad that I get to use them!

2011-07-31T22:23:00.000-04:00

Its just flat out hard to beat some good ole East Coast exploration days with great friends...

Spent the weekend crashing at Mike Coco's pad outside of Brevard, NC in the Pisgah National Forest. Explored some trails through Pisgah on Saturday and headed to Dupont State Forest today. I want more...

The area is littered with awesome waterfalls...

The trail passed us by both the top and the bottom of this waterfall...

Brandon looks to be enjoying himself....

Lemma relaxes by the waterfall after a hard days ride...

Cool slick rock trails!

Gavin knows how to handle a bike...

With the heat, the stream crossings were a welcome site...

Lemma can hold her own on difficult descents...

Not a bad place to stretch

This is one of the many falls in the world named "Bridal Veil Falls," yet this particular one was where parts of this scene from The Last of the Mohicans were filmed.

Its been an interesting year, to say I've been doing so much exploratory riding. You can't beat long rides in the forest, and new rides are always interesting. Its addicting...

Congrats to SMT for another great Wilderness 101 this year. Zerbe said it was awesome. NICE WORK!

Jasper National Park, Alberta

2011-07-24T18:49:00.000-04:00

Riding the trails through "The Valley of the Five Lakes."

By the Athabasca River...

Pyramid Mountain from Patricia Lake

"Stop taking my picture while I eat...."

Looking down on the town of Jasper from The Whistlers

This little fellow was quite hungry on top of the snowy Wistlers. He came quite close hoping to snag some of my food...

Inuksuk - Very, very cool...

I just got back from spending a few days bouncing around outside of my comfort zone, in another country, a totally new and wild landscape, doing some riding, hiking, and meeting some interesting people.

I'm not really sure I can choose the right words to describe how incredible Jasper National Park is. The town, the mountains, the wildlife, and the history make it all such an exciting place to be. My short few days was hardly enough time to scratch the surface of the bounty of outdoor exploration to be had there.

A return trip is in order....With that being said, I need some rest...

2011-07-10T16:24:00.001-04:00

Not too much to say other than it was good to maximize my time visiting in Virginia. Some big time riding during a couple stages of the Tour de Burg. Some great time visiting with my cousins and friends back home, and I even snuck in a run down Balcony Falls.

Crushing...

It was very good to spend a few days in Harrisonburg visiting some of the great friends I made last year.

This morning I was introduced to a nice stash of gravel road around Talona Mountain. Up early in the morning to beat the heat. Steep climbs up the mountain, drop off on fire roads to the gravel goodness. I smell an epic cross bike loop in the future.

I even saw a fat copperhead chillin on the side of the road. I don't think he was very interested in having his picture taken.

Like I said, it was great to run up the road and spend a few days visiting so many great people. I've been very lucky to have made so many good friends over the years of bouncing from here to there. Starting to make some good ones during this stage as well!

Fort Mountain State Park

2011-06-19T20:46:00.001-04:00

Kicked off the weekend with a little fishing yesterday morning. Not much luck, but one small fish, is better than no fish at all...

Today I ventured up to Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth to explore. The trails are mostly old mining and logging roads and grades. Sometimes pretty rolling, with quite a lot of laurels and damp roots, and then up steep hills with loose rocks and nettles. It was good to feel "way out there."

Wide trails....

Steep, rocky, mountain creeks...

There were plenty of turtles and other critters out enjoying the day. I also disturbed a fairly good sized black bear and he was rooting around for grubs and such to eat. Not quick enough with the camera on that one, bears ramble away quickly.

Ugh...sidewall trashed....great....

No cocktails!!!!

A note for next time, going down the powerline cut would be muuuuch better....

Very cool.

A little hazy...

This is the reason it is called Fort Mountain State Park. The origin of this stone fortification and the wall surrounding it are unknown. Indian legends lend it to be dated to somewhere around 1200. Geez....Very cool though.

There are some spectacular views here in the North Georgia Mountains!

Its been hot

2011-06-02T21:48:00.000-04:00

But I've still been getting out plenty...

Out for a ride with Lemma over the Memorial Day weekend!

I had an interesting encounter with a Rattlesnake yesterday while out hiking at Pine Log Creek Trail System. I've never seen too many of them, and this was the first to actually rattle at me. I was sure to give him a wide berth....

Goings on....

2011-05-22T19:37:00.001-04:00

Sakatas everywhere...they make such a cool, and extremely loud noise.

Fishing at Holden Beach with the Brown Men.

Lucas caught a skate...

My wimpy shark

We spent a weekend at Uncle Blue's beach house to celebrate Orran Lee soon becoming a father!

Some riding in the Pine Mountain Recreation Area near Allatoona Lake

A solid view from the lookout

I'm continuing my Georgia National Forest exploration and today's ride was a big one, with lots of sun, and some high temperatures, but the trails and scenery were very impressive. A solid loop of sections of the Pinhoti Trail and the cool FS roads.

View from the Cohutta Overlook

Its hot....

Yes this post lacks in substance...but everyone likes pictures!

My past month...

2011-05-08T19:47:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm officially one month in living now in Georgia, Canton to be exact and working in Adairsville. I've been liking Canton so far in that there's some "goings on" here but nothing to huge. The best part about Canton is its proximity to local park trails and most importantly the Chattahoochee National Forest. I've actually been finding quite a bit of time to get outside during the week with trails dotting the area for some weekday evening rides, and some trail running. The road riding around Adairsville is beautiful, and with Adairsville being quite rural, there a few cars, and nice scenery. I've been getting out a few days a week on my lunch break for a road ride with some folks from work, which I am very much stoked for.

A couple of my new friends from work actually live outside of and even in downtown Atlanta. I've even managed to somewhat brave the madness myself and venture in a few times. Yes, yes I know I know, I'm really not much on big cities. It's actually pretty nice, despite the stresses involved in driving there, especially in the Rodeo. On this one occasion they were even nice enough to leave me a little note on my windshield thanking me for visiting their wonderful town. Keep in mind I got back to my car at something like 9:47....son of a bitch...But the restaurants are great, and I'd like to make it down for a Braves game sometime...I'll be sure to keep feeding the meter.

Heading North, lies a bounty of outdoor activities to spend my weekends exploring. Mountains, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and many streams and rivers to, perhaps paddle (whenever I grow a pair), and hopefully soon some fishing. I hear the climbing is also quite good in places. Well, I certainly should never be at a loss for things to do.

Lemma came down to visit last weekend and we visited Amicalola Falls State Park, which was really beautiful and home to the AT Approach Trail, on which we had a very nice hike. I was hoping perhaps we could get to the top of Springer to visit the actual starting point of the AT, but it is quite a feat to even get there to start with. 8.5 miles one way to Springer from the Lodge....we weren't quite prepared for that. Next time.

Strenuous!!!

The green blaze for the Hike Inn Trail was cool looking...

This was a fire road to the top of Frosty Mountain on the AT approach trail. There was once a lookout tower here, but no more. I would obviously wondering where this road started, and how I could get there with my bike...

The top of the falls looking down.

Hey Lemma! Sorry this picture came out somewhat blurry!

"Speak friend, and enter..."

Ready to set out on your AT journey to Maine?? Ok, after several hundred stairs up and past the waterfall, and then 7 more miles of hiking, you can really start. Good luck!

This weekend, I was a little bummed as my move and new job business left me unprepared fitness-wise to join on SMT's SDS adventure this year. A huge buzzkill, but I sure won't miss out next year. However, I did manage to spend the weekend riding and exploring, and outside. Yesterday was the Blanket's Creek Pedal Palooza, a festival of sorts at a local trail system. The trails at the local parks are very well built and well maintained and a very large amount of trails are being added over the next year or so which would add more and connect systems to create essentially 40ish miles of singletrack just outside of Canton and Woodstock. For being right near town, that will be pretty legit. It was pretty nice, I met some folks, got in a really nice ride, and I joined SORBA.

Today I ventured up to the Bull-Jake Mountain area. I'm also totally stoked that there is a Jake Mountain, and that it includes mountain bike trails....perfect! This system contains a lot of really great singletrack and fire road to explore in the backcountry. It's quite an interesting mixture of terrain. Most of the trails I rode today are part of the Fool's Gold course, so I'll have to give that one a try this year since it will be so close. Much much more to explore!

Think this one still runs??

Ahhh Rodo-tunnel...

I spent most of the day riding with Dave from Florida on his mountain bike vacation. We even ran into to several others out. It was cool to see other folks out enjoying the National Forest, and I hope Dave has a great time on the rest of his vacation.

So far, I'm quite happy in my new-"ness." I'm really liking my new job, and I'm very pleased with the available outdoor activities the area has to offer. We'll see how I manage when it starts to really get hot. I'm probably definitely going to need to do more paddling.

Obviously the general theme of my life presently is accepting change. Leaving my safezone of the wonderful people and mountains of Virginia/West Virginia to a new place, knowing ZERO people within several hundred miles, a sentence on my blog openly admitting to visiting a big city and not hating it, and here's one more....me actually enjoying a present-day Kenny Chesney song. Again, I know, I know....

So really some change is good every once in a while.......but for the record, I still don't like Kenny Chesney.

Longdale Furnace

2011-03-20T20:51:00.001-04:00

Out for a day in the mountains on a new trail for me. Riding a section of the ridge on North Mountain just up from Longdale Furnace.

A nice gradual gravel road climb to the top of the ridge

Scott skipped out on the O-Hill Meltdown to come ride with us!

Enter the ridge on North Mountain Trail (There are quite a few mountains named "North Mountain")

Some solid views from rocky outcrops along the ridge

Looking East at Big House and Little House Mountains

Happy Birthday Brandon!

Past the giant boulders and through the gap in the rocks..."the cave"

Now looking West. Douthat is out there in the distance. See you next weekend!

A few stream crossings on the roll out after a nice descent

A lot to think about lately, and a lot of rough times going on the hardships in Japan. Cousins Carly and Garrett made it safely through last week's dramatic disasters in Japan, but unfortunately, many many others did not. It is a very sad time for a lot of folks there, and it really puts a lot into perspective for the rest of us.

A day in the mountains is a very good way to ease your mind.

2 weeks out on starting my new job. Excitement is now outweighing much of the apprehension I previously had. Time here in VA is precious. A weekend at Douthat with some friends from SVBC will be a great send off.

Riding the Glenwood Horse Trail

2011-03-17T10:38:00.000-04:00

Sunny and upper 60's in the mountains? Thank you!

Rolling singletrack of the GHT for the first part of the ride. Some steeps too with marble-y rocks!

Some good gravel roads to climb, eventually turning to jeep road.

Sharp top from the backside

Ahhh, the Blue Ridge Parkway!

Sharp top again

Lucas has been riding, running, swimming, climbing, lifting, and well prepping a lot this winter for the Angel's Race. He's fit and will be ready to go at it in May.

Me taking in the amazing view

Spec Mines Trail is a really fun, contour descent, with a lot of flow. If you have not ridden it, I strongly suggest seeking it out!

See, look at this!

After Spec Mines, then some gravel ....

Then, a great long, gradual climb back up to the parkway

It is about a 20 mile loop with just over 4000 ft of climbing!

At 65 miles in its entirety, the Glenwood Horse Trail offers some great adventure on bicycles in the George Washington National Forest!

Lucas was in before his big trip out to Austin, TX and it we took advantage of another amazing day riding the GHT just up from Montvale, VA. Lots of climbing, and some amazing views, and a really fun descent on Spec Mines, made for a great day!

I've been trying to get in some good GW rides, lot of changes coming up with a big move! I've been offered a great job with Yanmar America Co. in Northwest, Georgia!! I was originally really hoping to find a job here, closer to home and the mountains of VA, but this particular job is a substantial opportunity and it seems that I am off to work, and familiarize myself with the towns, mountains, and forests of Northern, GA. A little apprehensive about such a big move, and leaving so much here, and I am really going to miss seeing Lemma and my family so often. But then again, its not THAT far away.

Time is short, and I start in early April! Lots to get together before then!

It will certainly be an adventure, and I am always up for that.

Another not-too-February-like day...

2011-02-28T20:09:00.000-05:00

After a fun evening of night time Mountain Cross racing, Lucas and I set out for a good ride in the National Forest. Sunday was amazing, with another perfect day for February.

Reed Creek was flowing nicely after some rains during the week. Cold and clear!

The trail on the northern side of the Terrapin Mountain yields some superb off camber technical single track.

The Blue Ridge Parkway off in the distance as it climbs and winds its way up Thunder Ridge.

We've been spoiled with all of the spring time conditions. March is now upon, so we shall see how it unfolds. It is still technically Winter until the 21st!

A little taste of spring time...

2011-02-24T15:46:00.000-05:00

A weekend in North Carolina's mountains outside of Brevard! Lemma and I stayed in a nice bed and breakfast, and visited some of the local fare. We were also able to get out for a cool hike on Whiteside Mountain. Amazing views, of a place really popular with climbers with its 700 foot exposed rock walls! No benchmark at the top, looks like someone stole it. Someone was nice enough to carve the elevation into the rock however.

The weather here in town was amazing last week, in the 60s for most of it. Got out for some great rides in the National Forest with some friends.

Riding some sections of the Glenwood Horse Trail with some local folks.

Friday I made it out for a trail recon session with SMT and friends on the Dragon's Tale course. Forgot my camera that day...weak! That ridge is so amazing. A tough ride, but beautiful with rewarding descents. SMT's Dragon's Tale event is April 3rd!

Ride In, Race Up, Roll out...

2011-02-08T09:40:00.001-05:00

Sunday was beautiful with the sun shining and temps hovering up there near 60. Oooo nice nice! I was geared up and ready to hit up Kenny Palmer's first Mountain Cross Series race at Falling Creek Park in Bedford. but decided the day was way too nice to only get in about 42 minutes of riding. (Equalizer format put the Experts starting 18 minutes after the first beginners and so on for an hour race)

So with the race starting around 1:30, I left the farm around 10:15, and meandered my way down Turkey Foot, over 811 and on the Bellevue to the gravel goodness.

Solid view of the Peaks of Otter and the George Washington National Forest. Can't wait to get up on Thunder Ridge for some big rides!

Through Goode and picking up a bit of 221

Met up with Brandon in Lowry...on to Bedford

We made it up there with about an hour before the start. Plenty of time to socialized, and ride around on Kenny's course.

With the equalizer format, the race started with the beginners heading off, then sports, ladies, sport vets, masters, etc., ex masters, all of whom were my competition. Finally the expert guys got to go off, and it was time to get in my laps.

Tim Dahl came out and took some great pics! We had to give him a hard time for not bringing his bike though!

Since it had been raining some, the course was trimmed to about 1/3 singletrack, and 2/3 mowed grassy field. The singletrack was in great shape however, and was fun with some downhill switchbacks, steep ups, and some flowy areas with sneaky rocks. A couple sweeping turns were a little slick and had to be taken smoothly, or trouble was sure to come! One steep, short, rutted, rooty, rocky, climb was the pinnacle of each lap.

The race was great. Kenny had a fun and challenging course laid out. Afterwards, there was plenty of food from Subway to eat, which I certainly ate my fair share. I had to fuel up for the ride home. It was about 3:30 and I wanted to beat the darkness home! Thanks to Kenny, buy to the other folks, and I was headed out.

It was cooling off some, but still super nice and clear, and few cars on my trip home.

Happy to be getting so much time outside on the bike!

Back to the gravel!

HiFi was riding great all day long!

Getting closer now...

Sun is setting, better get off the roads and take the sneak route through the Russell's field...

Little bit of fence hopping and through the woods, and I pop out at the far corner of the farm by Peter's Branch.

Going down!

And I'm back!

What a great day out, local racing with friends, and a great ride!

Kenny has three more races in the series. Check it out!

The off season has become the pre-season...

2011-02-03T22:47:00.000-05:00

Need to give Robbie Loehr props for that title...which then reminds me of how badly I need to get back up into WV for some riding with some good old friends....

After our backpacking trip, I found myself thinking more about the idea of having a "trail name." Most AT hikers have trail names, either thought-up, or hopefully most of the time, given to them from other hikers. Your trail name is supposed to be your persona on the trail, who you are when you get away from it all, and you would seemingly become this person the moment you step onto the trail.

What would my trail name be? "Nike Noodle," "Jocko," "Cody," "Doodle?" (I realize that many inside jokes directed at only one faction of people really doesn't quite hit home with everyone). Who knows what name people would try to give me. Hopefully something significantly cooler than "Next Step."

Really, my trail name would have to be "Jake," as I don't find myself needing to feel any different, or be a different person depending upon when I am on or off the trail, hiking, bicycling, or what-have-you. I don't want to feel that way. I love being in the Forest, on all kinds of trails, and I want to be myself on all of those trails, not someone else, or the ideal persona I would imagine for myself were I to live a life free of whatever it seems to be that some people run from.

But maybe I'm being cynical really. Perhaps the trail name for most people is not meant to be who they want to be, but who they really are. Any activity, or place which would bring that out, has to be a good place. Can't think of many better places than the National Forest trails for someone to realize who they truly are. Unless, of course, who you really are is some sort of sketchy maniac....and then we all have a problem.

In the end, perhaps its lame, perhaps it is great, maybe it is even as simple as something fun to do for your hiking trips, and I have just wasted our time with this entire post. Or even still your trail name could be "Rock Pooper"..... and it would mean nothing more than you got caught defecating on top of a large stone. - A legit name I have seen in the log books, and a practice that I really would not recommend. In the end, it really is just good to be outside.

Where that came from, I don't know. Back to the randomness! We went up to Canaan Valley the other weekend for a good weekend of skiing with the McLeans. The snow and conditions were amazing.

typical...

Burchy relaxin on the chair!

Some morning freedom...

My weekly amount of bicycle riding is steadily increasing. Kenny Palmer is putting on his Mountain Cross Series in Bedford starting this Sunday. Should be a great time. Hopefully the rains don't hit us too hard!

Been rocking out at Rise Up Climbing a few nights a week after work.

Looking forward soon to some big spring time rides in the National Forest. Still got two months of winter ahead, ahhh winter....

Winter-time AT trek - Rt. 60 South to Rt. 501

2011-01-18T22:34:00.000-05:00

Lemma, Luke, and I set out Friday morning from the Long Mountain Wayside on Rt. 60 heading south on the Appalachian trail to finish up on the James River at Rt. 501 near Snowden for our Winter 2011 backpacking trip. Last year's trip was chronicled here. Temps were cool, and below freezing the first night, but the sun was shining during the day, which made for some nice, warm hiking.

Here is a map of our trek!

South Bound from Rt 60 to 501. Brown Mountain, Rice Mountain, Bluff Mountain, Big Rocky Row.

The crew, getting dropped off...

Squids....really?....Ok....

Remnants of old sharecropper lands along Brown Mountain Creek

Brown Mountain Creek gets larger as we get closer to Pedlar Reservoir...

We passed some large old trees going through an old USFS experimental forest site...

The view of Bluff Mountain through the trees on Rice Mountain, we will make top bald on Bluff the next day...

Luke looks on at tomorrow's task after the tough climb up Rice Mountain....

Lemma hiking through the tunnel of the surrounding growth...

Chilling by the fire at Punchbowl Shelter. It was cold, and our water bottles were beginning to freeze! The sky was beautifully clear!

The old fire watch tower site on top of Bluff Mountain...

Onward towards Big Rocky Row and down off the ridge...

The trail really flows along the contour of the mountain between Salt Log and Saddle Gap on the Three Sisters side of the mountain..makes me wish there were bicycle trails on this side of the mountain...so many possibilities...

Luke taking in the view of the James River below...

Holding strong on the edge of the cliffs of Big Rocky Row, with the best view of all the trees...

A cool view of the ripples in the mountain off the side as we descended off Big Rocky Row...

Lemma down below on of the tight switchbacks...

We were into the warmth of the fire after a long day's hike. It was quite a bit warmer on night two...

But still clear enough to walk around without a headlamp, and to take this eerie moon-lit picture...

Mid morning on the James River Foot Bridge as we await our pick up!

Ice on the James!

Another great winter backpacking trip! Always good to get out on foot. I was glad to get to further explore this section of the George Washington National Forest.

Some time in the snow

2011-01-04T10:21:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! - A little late, I know!!

We had some good snow for a bit here in VA and WV had some great snow. Got in some hiking on Terrapin Mountain and spent the better part of last week in Canaan Valley snowboarding, skiing, and even a little hiking as well.

Canaan Valley got some warmer temps and some rain later in the week that hurt the snow, but it will come back. I surely hope so, it was so good early this season. Heading back up there in a few weeks!

Bikes Unlimited is moving this weekend to the new downtown location! Gonna be a busy move weekend, but the new spot will be great!

Got several cool backpacking trips coming up soon!

Snow coming...

2010-12-15T22:03:00.000-05:00

Or at least that is what they say. I'm just glad I was finally able to really eat dinner tonight after basically not having an appetite for the last 4 days after being down for the count on Sunday. Its cold, cold out, but I've still been managing to get in some rides.

All rested and fed now, and doing some serious rocking out. Try these on for size...they should fit you well.

It is winter out there, and it is awesome (and apparently I can not make contractions). I'm getting excited to do some skiing, maybe get better on the tele's this year. Dusted off the snowboard the other day and gotta get it tuned! If we do get the 6" they are calling for, maybe I'll go over to the farm and ski down the old sled hill for some practice.

I wish you all a great last bit before the holidays....and then of course, a great holiday as well!

The ole punk rock/emo/pop (whatever you care to call FOB) X-mas...

More Exploring

2010-11-29T21:50:00.005-05:00

Still been doing some exploration on the area surrounding the Three Sisters in the George Washington National Forest.

The view looking West towards the Pinnacle (left) and Target Hill (right) from the old fire tower sight on top of Little Apple Mountain..

The view looking East from the tower site towards Tobacco Row Mountain in the far distance.

A look at the gas line cut (looking East)

View of the gas line cut looking East

The surrounding area of Salt Log Gap.

The sign in front shows the head of the old Belle Cove trail that was destroyed in 1995 during bad weather and closed permanently. I plan to at some time soon explore its old bed. It would be nice to have this trail re-worked and reopened.

Much of the side of the mountains in these areas are quite steep.

This is a look at the singletrack trail coming off the East side of the mountain from Salt Log Gap around Silas Knob and down Peavine Mountain. This is the Salt Log Gap trail that is blue blazed, yet not shown on many recent maps.

Continuing singletrack...

The trail then opens up to more double track in the form of an old logging/mine road.

Pretty cool as it cuts through the pines here.

The trail then comes to a very open section looking over an old portion of the Hercules Mine far below Peavine Mountain. The James River Face Wilderness can be seen in the far distance.

Looking to the right from this spot you can see Rocky Row.

This area gets used, including the old Belle Cove trail is used in special off road competitive events, put on by Odessey Adventure Racing.

There is so much good stuff to see out there. But it does give us a better idea of what IS out there, and what it would be like if there were even MORE trails out there, trails for hiking, horses, and bicycles all on the Western side of the mountain would be great. The Lynchburg area needs more trails in the George Washington National Forest with access to bicycles, so people can have access to that deep forest experience. The Pedlar OHV trails and Terrapin Mountain are great but it more options would be amazing.

I'm planning to hike the AT through here and through the James River Face as well in Mid January, so there will be more to report then as well.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T18:56:00.000-05:00

Got out for a cool Pre-Food domination ride at Candler's Mountain today. Saw some other good local folks out there getting a ride in. It's been chilly out and cloudy, but the misty-rain held off till the afternoon.

I'm full and chillin it out now with my good brother Luke. I hope everyone out there has had a great one today!

Enjoying the Fall in Virginia

2010-11-10T23:22:00.001-05:00

Clay rolling the log...

Apple Valley 5K in Bedford. Amanda and I both finished second in our age groups!

Bluff Mountain Tunnel

The colors are looking nice along the Parkway...

Bike print, foot print....some animal print...Coyote perhaps?

Brandon was enjoying the nice weather at Carvin's Cove

As was Kat!

Some Bluff Mountain exploration. Much more of this to be done over the next weeks. These old roads offer beautiful scenery, and great areas to ride. I'm trying to get out and scout sites for new trails.

The area in question is that I have shown circled in blue. I have ridden in the area quite a bit, but have not explored much of the non-trail areas. I will continue with my updates on this!

Spent some time yesterday re-familiarizing myself with downtown and the trails by the river.

It was nice to spin the trail,

Heading to Raleigh for the weekend to visit Lemma!

Happy Birthday Lucas!

2010-11-04T10:21:00.000-04:00

My younger, taller, smarter, cooler, better looking, and overall way more sick than I am, brother is 25 today!

Happy Birthday Luke Dawg!

You are awesome!

Halloween riding, party-ing, and racing...

2010-11-02T17:45:00.000-04:00

Solid Halloween weekend. Made it out for the Six Pack Downhill on Friday at Mud Pond, which had the added fun of most folks dressing up for the ride. The sun was shining but the temps were low and it was quite chilly waiting at the top for the run down, which was even colder! Super fun trail, and a great time with everyone!

Matt Smith!

Here you can see Whitney carrying her new friend on her back.

Dinosaurs can ride bikes too!

Sorting out the order and experiencing the cold up on Oak Knob before the descent.

There was much Halloween celebrating to be had on Saturday as well. I went dressed as Charlie Brown from The Great Pumpkin. Basically a standard ghost with too many eye holes...nice work Chuck, way to be. I thought it was awesome. There were some people who didn't seem to understand...those people had questionable childhoods, obviously having not seen the Halloween classic.

Made it out for Jenn's party for a while then went to Richmond to crash with Lucas, as I wanted to get to Williamsburg Sunday for the Tidewater Challenge. Well, once I got to Richmond, another party ensued, and more fun was had.

Made it to the race to give my new Trek Superfly a ride in the Singlespeed class. With it being VA State Singlespeed Champs, there was a solid singlespeed group with about 20 racers.

I tried to ride the wheels of the elite guys for as long as I could. Eventually riding by myself, and back and forth with Rob of CBC. Kevin caught me on the last lap to give me some company. We ended up having a sprint to the finish, which was pretty exciting.

Ryan Fawley had a great race coming in 3rd, here he is resting in the leaves between the singlespeed race and the expert race.

Nice work Fawley!

After the race, Lucas and I got some food, I dropped a bottle in the grocery store, and then we went to York River State Park to spend some time exploring the Williamsburg area local trails.

Stayed Sunday night in Richmond, taking in the craziness that is Hanover St. for Halloween and trick-or-treating. Uncle Orran, Ellen, Read, and Drew even stopped by!

Welp, I'm packed up, cleaned up, and heading out in the morning. Solid.

I'd like to thank Jason Burch for being such an awesome room mate while I have been in the 'burg!

I tromped through the pumpkin patch...

2010-10-28T21:02:00.000-04:00

Last weekend's gathering was a success with a solid cousin contingent in place. Though, it would have been perfection to have had Los,Gar, and Jason there! Everyone had a strong showing. There was plenty of amoeba time, B-stew eating, bonfire chatter, and, of course, much fun-making of Jake (obviously). Lindsay even had a mold made of her thumb at a recent NC State Fair, which was the greatest thing I have ever seen. Kind of reminiscent of the old "Stew" days, on a much smaller, and much more chill scale. Amanda hosted a great brunch at her house in the morning. Thanks doodle!

Little T seemed to have a good time too.

Ugh, I created a LinkedIn account today....I feel dirty.

It is almost Halloween. Sweeet!, my favorite holiday of sorts. Looking for some fun this weekend in the six-pack downhill tomorrow, some riding on Saturday, and then heading down to race the Tidewater Challenge Sunday. I'm totally digging my new singlespeed super-fast-race -machine, so I'm looking to give that a go in the SS class. It will be the VA State Single Speed Champs, so there will be some stiff competition! Hoping for one great last taste of mountain bike racing for the season to motivate me well for next year!

My new Trek Superfly is ready....even if I'm not! Running the purple and orange wheels, "just in time for Halloween," as one bike racer "fiend" once said...

And since it is almost Halloween...

Headed Lynchburg way as of next week. My time in Harrisonburg working with Chris at SMT was a great experience. Thanks to Chris Scott for such an awesome opportunity! Thanks to all of those in the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition who have made my time here so wonderful. I will see you all on the trails for sure!

Fall and Friends!

2010-10-19T22:34:00.000-04:00

The past two weeks all started with a mega road trip down to Baton Rogue, LA for AHawkins' wedding. Rolled the 15 hour drive with Scott, Matt, and Lara. It was good to get some key players from our old group together to go and see Andrew. It was great seeing the fellow. He seems to be doing well down in the flat lands of Cajun country.

Alll night drive...

Spent some good time with Drew at the rehearsal dinner, and breakfast the following day.

The view from our hotel room.

The trip was pretty rough on me and I spent the better part of the week under the weather. However, I made a recovery, and got in a good warm up, exploratory ride at Sherando with Scottbot on Saturday. I was still feeling sluggish and tired, Scott was putting the hurt on my on the climbs. The weather was amazing and I was glad to be riding, and not in the house sick.The ride really helped, and it suuure came at the right time.

My HiFi is so happy on the trails in the backcountry.

The view of the Priest from Bald Mountain.

I like finding benchmarks

...Because later that night, a big crew of my great friends from West Virginia came down to visit for a long weekend to do some riding. Jeremy, Josh, Robbie, and Chad all rolled in Saturday night and the "funtime" ensued. Sunday we cruised on up to Smokehole, WV to get on the big IMBA "Save The North Fork" awareness ride on the North Fork trail. I had yet to have the pleasure of riding the North Fork and it was an amazing day. The ride only touched on a bit of the ridge, riding only the northern section, but it was plenty amazing.

Big turn out on the IMBA North Fork ride.

My riding comfort, and legs came back to me on the North Fork and I was feeling gooooood!

So spectacular

Robbie and Jeremy peer into the grand view below!

There is a large push to designate this area as Wilderness, which would prevent bicycle access to the North Fork Mountain Trail. The ridge riding is so much fun, and the views are simply spectacular. It would be a real shame to lose this area to bicycle access. More information on the North Fork Trail and the Wilderness possibility can be found at SAVETHENORTHFORK. Chris Scott also has some good info on his blog as well. Give the North Fork Trail a ride, I can't wait to get back. Here is some info from IMBA on what you can do to help protect this wonderful area of WV.

A great time chilling with some good friends on a high rock outcropping. You can't beat a big fun ride with some really good friends.

Chad enjoyed the final sections of the trail

Robbie was excited about his North Fork ride

We rode the loop from the Redman Run Trailhead North to the end and back on the road.

Wheelie contests of course...

Some chill time by the beautiful South Branch of the Potomac after the ride.

Monday I took Josh and Jeremy up on the big Elliott's Knob to Chimney Hollow ride!

The guys rocked out on the ride and the BIG mountain!

This monster dead tree fell sometime during the summer.

Checking out Deerfield Valley below us where we started!

Josh was stoked to be high up on the mountain.

The view from Ellliott's Knob was amazing. We had a looot of fun on the big ride with the great climbing and descents. Thanks for coming down guys! Great riding with ya.

Lemma passed her Dietitian's Exam! Woooo congrats Lem!

On the water

2010-10-04T21:03:00.000-04:00

Got out with some folks on the James river yesterday paddling from Glasgow down to Snowden. I only get to paddle a couple times a year, but I'm slowly getting a little better, one thing at a time. I can pretty much get my roll when I need to now, but my form is still lacking. My surfing skills are weak, but Brandon has been teaching me and getting me better used to properly catching eddys, and putting the boat where I want it, not where the water wants it. I'm getting a little better at that too. It is always great to get out on the river and dabble into the other outdoor activities that I really enjoy. Kind of a semi-cloudy day, but the sun came out to play for more than I thought it would.

Saw an Osprey flying around, always good to see some cool wildlife. I kinda worked my right shoulder during one of my rolls. It is a little sore, and should be better in a few days!

Made it through the confluence rapid...whew...time to go

Scott and our old-school friend Smo were rolling in a canoe for the day. Scott is an avid whitewater canoe junkie....

Rock N Roll.....

Mike Klein and Brandon Reynolds showing us how to surf properly...

Luke cruising through

Taking a break to hang out for a bit. Scott most likely telling some crazy story...

Lucas rocks his seal launch...

Awesome!

In other news of perfection, Jimmy Eat World just put out a new album last week, called "Invented." That makes for a significant amount of rocking out to be had!

This is the main single from the album!

Recent-Ness

2010-09-26T22:18:00.000-04:00

A big time mountain bike ride the other week stretching from Harrisonburg to just below Strasburg following the Massanutten Mountain Range. Rocky and difficult are understatements.

Kyle on the rocky drops from off of Bird Knob.

There were a few hike-a-bikes on the ride...

You really had to work for the views, but it was all worth it. A tough long day riding with some great folks.I was completely DONEZO at the end of the day...mission accomplished.

Some local cx racing. Fall is awesome. Local cross races on Tuesday...sweeet. Headin' to C-ville for this Tuesday's edition. Scott's coming, so that will be fun.

A weekend in Canaan Valley with the McLeans. The whole Leaf Peeper festival was happenin' and we got to run the 5K Saturday morning, and then got in a nice hike in the afternoon. Saturday was beautiful at just about 70 degrees and sunny all day.

Some mountain bike riding with Lemma in Blackwater State Park.

Lemma likes the view!

Table Rock is one of my favorite spots in Canaan..

Blog boundary as well...see yaaa

Nice...

2010-09-14T21:57:00.000-04:00

A monster ride coming up tomorrow...time to mentally prepare.

I have always liked "dark" movies, and videos. Not "scary" but dark, and this has always been my favorite music video...

And one more...

More pictures

2010-08-24T21:31:00.000-04:00

My past two weeks in photos....

Visiting Lemma and doing some riding in Cary!

Lemma is getting speedy riding the tight, twisty, and fast trails down around Raleigh.

Campbell stops by to help me respond to SM100 emails. I don't historically like cats, but Campbell is a pretty cool little guy.

Tired me from trail woooorkin it!

Miles to go before we sleep...

Fruits of our labor....droool - Tunnel of Looove!

This is why we do it....

Big Forest adventure ride Sunday.

The BIG one is less than two weeks out!

Scott came into town for a bike ride and some grub yesterday evening. It was great to see him and hang out for a bit.

For your rocking out pleasure:

Its August or something....

2010-08-05T20:50:00.000-04:00

Haven't really known what day, what week, month, or time of day for that matter in a while. July really flowed into one big blob of tours, events, riding, working, races, packing, unpacking, driving, sweating, drinking, eating, and very, very, little sleep....ohhh my body is angry at me!

Ohh man big news in my vehicular department. The Rodeo, my trusted sidekick since spring of 2002, has rolled over 200,000 miles! She needs a little love, but I'll get to that soon.

Wooot!!

Along with working it, I got to race the Wilderness 101 this weekend. It was sweeet, and the conditions were awesome. Came in with a time of 9:24 which is by far my best 100 miler time, so I was stoked about that. It was a full week/weekend and I am paying for it this week. Almost got myself lost Thursday night marking a section after I got "darked on" in a place I don't know too well, and then realized how different the course looked at night...slight moment of panic averted, found my turn, found Chris and finished the marking. Little spooky at first, but makes for a good story and good experience now.

I get hungry a lot...

The Rodeo's Kenda pose...

At one point last week, our basement looked like this:

Awesome...yessssss (all 4 of my bikes are present in this photo) - find them all!

I was able to slide home to spend some time with the fam this past Monday and Tuesday. Lots of family birthday's going on. I had missed my Mom's so it was great to see her!, but I got to get in on the festivities for Grandaddy's birthday which was wonderful. It was great to get together and spend some time with him. Happy Birthday to Uncle Orran and Read as well. Whooops Thumbs' birthday is tomorrow, dang ya'll!

As always it was good to spend some time hanging out with Luke Dawg. He is sick, and perfect, and infinitely cooler than me...

Been missing being around for a lot of things at home lately, so it was good to get back. Hopefully in the fall the cousin clan can get together and dominate. Hope Carly can make it in from the Eastern World out there in China and we can all get together.

Its hot, and I've been getting in quite a bit of riding. Way tired from the 101 still, and looking to head up to Morgantown to race the Big Bear Ultra. Well, might be too tired to really race it, but it will be great to see my Morgantown buds, and get in some solid hang out time after the race.

Am I lost in the woods again?

Heading to Raleigh the weekend of the 14th to see Leeemmur-Bobber, so that will be fun, and then it is full on with work for the SM100! Woaaah, that one will be huge and busy busy.

This little dude say he wants to ride...might not be the best place to hang on though....

Till I write again...

- Jocko

More travels, critters, and some goofing around...

2010-06-29T23:28:00.001-04:00

Some trail clearing work

Frog friend...

Some bike racing at the Hoo Ha!

Beautiful mountain scene in southwest VA.

Crazy orange mushrooms on the trail in Damascus

This salamander was wondering why I moved the rotten stick that he was under...sorry little guy.

Brightly colored box turtle

Some great trails in the high country, open to lots of users!

This Grouse was protecting her young hidden in the green behind, and allowing me to get a close shot of her.

The Iron Mountain Trail is the old AT and there are still some shelters kept up along the trail. Makes for some nice lunch spots, or great hiking, or multi-day riding loops.

Canaan Valley, WV was beautiful this past weekend for the Canaan Mountain Bike Festival. A cool shot of White Grass during the summer months.

Jumped on the Canaan Adventure Ride for the day, 30 miles of Canaan's amazing trails and beautiful scenery, lead by some great Canaan Locals. My buddy Ian Beckner was on the ride as well and it was great to see him. Thanks Todd and Sue for the ride!

Headed down the Camp Hilbert on Sunday to ride the singlespeed class at the third Camp Hilbert mountain bike race. Tried chasing Gordon Wadsworth around for a while. Brought home a cool 2nd, and a sweet, fancy new floor pump! After a hot day of racing, the only thing to do is...

Go paddling with Brandon Reynolds. Here he is showing off some of his tricks!

And me, trying to pull some of my own...

So great to be in the water on such a hot day. Makes me not mind that I get rolled a good bit. But I got some good practice, looking forward to getting out again soon. So many amazing views on the river.

Picked up Luke from his hiking trip and got in a fun night camping with Luke and Scott!

Enjoyed a couple days off, and now ready to get back at it. Got a cool trailer modification project to jump on, and then some tours and on to the Iron Mountain 100K. Going to be a busy busy next 1.5 weeks. I'll catch ya later on!

Enjoy the cooler weather coming.

- Jake

Recent travels

2010-06-14T23:47:00.000-04:00

I'll let some of these nice pictures give you the detail of my last two weeks:

Eastern Tennessee, Southwest VA, and Central PA.

This one is just outside of Harrisonburg, Lookout Mountain off the White Oak Trail. I took this one at the VA IMBA Festival.

Woohoo - Road ride through the Smokies.

Followed the road through the gorge following the river. Beautiful. (Little River?? Gotta check the name again)

Drool....that is crazy Gatlinburg in the bottom left corner way down at 1200ish feet, with the high mountains of 6000 feet up above!

Awesome singletrack on the Iron Mountain Trail outside of Damascus, VA

Blooms dominating all along the trail.

Lucas will pass this sign at the intersection of Beech Gap trail and the AT sometime this Friday! Good luck Luke Dawg!

The Virginia Creeper trail is beautiful and a great place to ride!

I almost hit this poor fellow on the Creeper trail. Don't worry, I saw him just in time!

Stone Creek Rd. Rothrock State Forest, PA

Gravel roads of Rothrock.

I've even got some video that Chris shot of me on the bike in Rothrock just this past week as we were prepping for the Stoopid 50. The trails there are super fun to ride, and all of it is just outside of State College, PA. - Yes, I know I blew it on the big rock line...I'll get it next time.

Cycling Videos on CyclingDirt

And...I've been playing lots and lots of NFG lately, so this works well...now...get your "rock out" on.

and...

and....of course.

Hoo Ha is this weekend....saahhweeet. Lots of fun riding to be had. And, I get to race short track, so that should be rad. See ya there!

Stoopid

2010-06-12T08:43:00.000-04:00

Stoopid 50 is tomorrow! Busy busy, but got in a nice ride yesterday evening..

So far on this trip I've seen a porcupine, and a small bear. That brings my total bear sighting count up to 4. Yess.

I'll have more later! See ya Sunday.