A Couple Of Things....................

First thing:
Yes, I am gonna sign up for the extra memory so I can start posting pictures again.

Second thing:
I did go ride last night and had a good time. The trails were right and I only needed the light for the final half mile.

Third thing:
Yesterday Jerry did trail work at my new favorite trail, "Steve's place", leaf blowing.

Forth thing:
I hate leaf blowing! Of course this is my opinion, but this is also my blog so I can bitch all I want on this space. The trail went from a nice tight 12" wide path to a big 3ft wide greenway. Yes you can go a lot faster but it took the better part of the skill factor out of the ride. Speeds picked up so much I was rolling my tires in the corners. Yes it's fun when things are like that but then again, does every trail have to be a time trial course. I like the untouched new trails. It really reminded me of the original Poplar Tent, back when nobody had a leaf blower!

Fifth thing:
Thanks for doing the work, Jerry. It must have taken 3 to 4 hours to accomplish what was done. The man is dedicated, and without him the trails in this area wouldn't be nearly as nice. I really need to start making a point to help do trail work.

Sixth thing:
For the first time last night my feet started to get cold! That's when I know winter is upon us. Time to get out the foot covers!

Have a good weekend..............

Lazy Week.................

I do have my toys packed and ready to go, but over all I haven't ridden any this week. I got my 4 straight days in for thanksgiving and I planned to take a few days, meaning 2, off the bike. But 2 turned into 3 and I knew if I didn't pack my stuff and head straight from work I wouldn't make it today.

I know some people exercise religiously, but me! I really do fight the demon's as far as getting out and doing something. I could walk away from everyday exercise and get fat and not really worry about it. Hell all that would happen would be the fact I looked like everybody else in Wal-Mart!

The main reason I push myself to the limits and try to keep my weight in check is the fact that I have a ball playing out doors! To enjoy the things I like to enjoy I have to stay in some type of shape. So to the woods I head! Steve's place for a few laps. I plan to start in the day light and finish in the dark.

Then I can go home, have a beer, and think about how much fun I had. I love motivation!!!!!!! Some people just find it in different ways.......

I Was Busy....

Or I forgot, I don't really know which happen but bottom line is I never posted. I might be a little aggravated by the fact I found the bottom of "free" but I am old enough I knew it was coming. Or at least I should have, now I have a delima of weather or not I want to pay it.


How much are we talking about? $2.48... A month.... Not a lot but it is a recurring bill every month out of my checking account. Just something else to tend too! I like to write and want to put pics up but how much is it worth to me....

Decisions decisions,,,,, life sucks... Then you pat the 2.48 and move on. LOL.....

Back To The Regular.........

This is the part of a holiday that you don't like! The, "END" all the fun is over and it's time to head back to work. I hate a Monday after such a long time off.

Yes, I rode every day and my legs hurt, I got to see some of our family and had a good meal. Blah,Blah,Blah.... Except for the riding I did the same thing as everybody else!!

So let's move on!!!!!

One of my rides was down at Cheraw. As I said I was in the mood to ride a lap all by myself and just enjoy the scenery. Cheraw is so much different from what we have around here, it's neat. They have been removing all the under growth trying to return it to it's original state. Why, I have no clue. Something to do with it being a state forest..

I am just glad they have trails.

OK, haven't seen that before. I just tried to up load pictures of the state forest down in Cheraw and they are telling my I need to buy storage. What's funny is I have been using Blogspot for a total of 2 years. I finally found the limit........

Back to the golden rule!!!!!

                              "Nothing Is Free"

Yea, I am Still Here...............

I might have put on a pound or two but "I am still here". We enjoyed a great day Thursday with all the family, I got a ride in that morning and Karen went out to shop that night.

She got home about 4 am in one piece so I guess that would be success! Yes I hit the woods for a 2 lap session yesterday at my new favorite trail, Steve's. Most all my buddies showed up so that was fun.

Then today I am going to slip in a short ride somewhere I just haven't made my mind up yet. I kinda want to hit one of the lesser used places like Cane Creek or Cheraw. Every once in awhile I like a nice easy smell the roses type ride alone by myself!

That way I can stop and get a few pictures. I haven't had any on here lately..... Have a good day........

Tomorrow Is The Day..........

The day I don't pay attention to my calorie counting! As much fun as I am having learning about the food I eat. I am gonna eat like a regular fat boy tomorrow!

No excuses, pie and all!

Thanksgiving is the only day of the year when people cook excessive amounts of food and gorge till they need a nap and then do it again. What a perfect day.

Then it's back to the plan on Friday, with a lot of riding planned for the next 4 days, and yes we made it to the woods last night. Cody Charles Kelly and Scott and I made it to the woods. Steve's place was the destination and it was right. I love that place more and more every time I hit it. The climbs are the bomb!

Now back to Thanksgiving, what am I thankful for! Right now I can just about say everything is going pretty good in my life. I have great kids and everybody is healthy, including my extended family. The wife is happy and my job is doing good.

We are finally turning around in the building industry and it is starting to show on my check. That is reason enough for me to be thankful!

Bottom line is thanks for reading my stupid blog and I hope you have a good day tomorrow.....

Eat and be HAPPY.......... Diet's can wait..............

Eye Opener !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yea, my eye's are open! What I normally order for lunch on Tuesday would leave me with about 500 more calories for the rest of the day! So far I have been addicted to my new best buddy.

My fitness pal dot com.....

Yesterday I ended up with 50 calories to spare! I also got in a 30 minute walk because I would have been over if not for that. Also I am going no soft drinks and water only. Nothing after 8pm either!

Yes I had a headache yesterday from no caffeine but what the hell small price to pay! Now back to lunch, I usually have a hamburger steak plate from south 21. It comes with onion rings french fries and a side salad.

1000 calories!!!!!!!!!  I can only have a total of 1800 a day! That's out! The site is really amazing all the info you can find on there. Yesterday I knew I was gonna eat Chinese for lunch so I used the site for a reference point and realized I needed to order it a different way.

I ordered steamed chicken broccoli with brown rice no egg roll and the sauce on the side. By doing that it was only 300 calories compared to 550 the regular way. To say I am learning would be an under statement. Like my buddy said, of course you won't do the site forever. You just do it long enough to learn what you need to know.

You are really learning how to eat better!

So now I am a student, I even had my kids checking it out last night. Maybe we can all learn at the same time.......

Now or Never..............

Of all weeks to start I pick this one! Start what you ask, my new best buddy!                          "My Fitness Pal dot com"

I am gonna loose 30 pounds or else! Yea I know that's not a great picture but it's a hell of a tool! You hear me whine about being slow and I ride like crazy but the weight really doesn't change. Part of it is just the way I am built but part of it is the fact I really don't try!

Untill now!

3 years ago when I was racing all the time I got down to 180 and could hold my own with just about anybody! Now I am at 210 and I suck! Skill wise I can ride with the best of them, but climbing I get left behind.

We were riding the other day, me Kelly and Scott and talking about weight. We all ride bikes that weight about 25 pounds, throw in the fact they are all about 40 pounds lighter than I am and it don't take a genius to figure out why I am falling behind on the climbs!

Think about it, for it to be a level playing field they would need to ride with 40 pounds of sugar in their pockets. Think about that!

Everyone can relate to a 5 pound bag of sugar. That would mean they need 8 bags of sugar! Or 8 bags is the amount I am caring around in my pockets!

Yes I quit smoking and I did gain about 15 pounds from that but that's no excuse. I am as fat as I have ever been!!! The funny thing is at work I look like I am in shape, and except for the weight I really am in pretty good shape. But that doesn't say much for my co-workers!!!!

Then I go hang out with all my riding buddies and I really look fat. They are all a bunch of fitness freaks and do triathlons and run and shit. I ain't running, at least not yet....

So Kelly pointed me toward this website, he has used it before and still does sometimes to stay in line with his eating. I have already figured out the Monster Energy drink has got to go....

I Got a feeling alot is going to have to go........

It's getting Close.................

It's kinda hit me this morning! It's count down time! The one day of every year that it's OK to eat like a pig and get away with it. I love Thanksgiving!

We always have a crowd over and they bring plenty of food! So next weekend I will have turkey, ham you name it leftovers galore! I can go ride and come home and pig out again.

I haven't even mentioned the fact that we get a 4 day weekend! I was asking Karen about heading to the mountains for another few days rest. So we'll see. The only problem with that plan would be the fact I would miss out on my leftovers!

Actually that's kind of a big problem!

So anyhow I did hit the road for a quick 20 miles last night, in the dark. It was chilly and the air felt good. Kinda nice to get a lung full of cold air!

The weather looks good for the next few days so it's time to roll, I need more cold air and lots of trail! Have a good weekend.....

OK, Didn't Plan On This.......

Yep woke up this morning got ready and headed for the door! Easy enough, as I am going out the door I am already thinking about hitting the woods.

We have a night ride planned for tonight and I am ready.

Until I open the door, "OK, Didn't Plan on This" It's pouring rain!! Not just sprinkling it's raining!!!

So that kills the woods. I don't want to whine to much but I really wanted to hit the woods, everybody was planning on coming and I wanted to go!

I like night riding, it's like a "high" riding in the dark looking just where your lights are and going fast. You have to concentrate and I lose thought of anything else. It's just you and the bike.

At least it usually ends up that way for me, even my kid is faster than me! My buds always wait at some point for me but I am usually bringing up the rear. If we ride anywhere there is hills I am screwed! I like riding Beatty because it is just flat enough I can kick it and keep up with most everybody there.

Well anyhow I like riding in the dark, You feel like you are in your own private little world. "Is it scary" That's what most people ask, but to be honest, nope!

Not anymore than being in the woods during the day! The first few times I went alone I got spooked, but then I realized how much fun I was having!  Now I tend to enjoy going by myself.

When my plans workout.............

Make ya' Say WTH........

OK, so sometimes I get accused of not letting the trails dry enough before I go ride. Yesterday it rained and I was worried about doing damage to the new trail at Steve's. So I go home and tell myself I am gonna go ride. Not! I didn't do squat.

Then I read the local trail forum and somebody is talking about riding their last night! WTH.... I try to be good for once and someone else gets in a ride!

Bet your ass I will be on the trail today! 4:30 it's on!!!!!

Yep...........

It's Tuesday and finally raining a little . Usually this would irritate me but we need the rain really bad. I read or heard the other day we are like 7" behind in the rain category right now! So let it rain.

Besides my legs are still killing me, I can stand another day off the bike.

So as I said yesterday Cody had his birthday Saturday and his girlfriend was over early and he was out of the loop for the day. Chase had no intentions of riding with me so I met Dane at Steve's trail, it's my new secret super hangout trail.

The damn place will kick your ass, and I need a lot of hard riding for now. I would like to think when I go to Columbia on the 16th of Dec. I have something to show.

Two laps and my legs where shot! As I said Sunday I didn't even try to climb the one hill on lap 2. Just wasn't happening! Then Sunday Cody and I took all our stuff to church and headed to Back Yard Trails.

His first ride there! He liked it, and wants to go back. He thought the Marion Deihl side was a waste but so do I. It just adds miles, no tech stuff just extra trail. So after the ride we headed home and ended the day. By the time we where at the house we had been gone all day.

It was 5pm, dark by 6, day over...............

Might do a night ride tonight..........

Let's Catch Up................

First off, it's been a busy 2 weeks for my oldest son Cody. He really enjoys the church we go to and he decided to get baptized.

he was way nervous speaking....

he had mom with him, I was in charge of pictures

Yes we are really proud of him! Both my boys are really good and seem to be on the right track. Not that I take any credit for this.......LOL.

Then we had his birthday over the weekend. Check out the cake we had made for him.

Karen works with a girl who loves to bake and she made this for us! Complete with strings! Now that's a cake!!!!!

Karen took her a picture of his guitar and she made it. He is now 17, and a junior in high school. It seems like we just had him. It won't be long before they are both grown and gone!

So now your caught up! Tomorrow we will talk about our weekend of riding....

What The Hell...................

Not sure where they are coming from or why I am getting killed with the hits but hell I ain't complaining! Yesterday I had the most page views I have ever had in one day!

112 !!!!

Why, that's the magic question..................

Speaking of yesterday, Dane and I hit Steve's trail for 2 laps and it kicked my ass! I did clear all the climbs on the first lap and I got 2 out of 3 on the second lap. I didn't even try the one I didn't make, it's just a ball buster. If you live anywhere close to the Charlotte area and read this, take my word for it and hit the place up!

It's worth it...............

Oh Yea !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When we lost Poplar Tent I really hated it! It was kinda sad to see a trail that had been around so long close down. So we started hitting Back Yard Trail a little bit and I thought it could be the fill in.            Until now!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last night we hit "Steve's Trail" aka "Rocky River Trail". First time in the dark!

It freaking rocks!!!!!! AND it's close to the house!! I couldn't ask for a better replacement for Poplar Tent. It's got some climbs from hell and is really tight! I can't wait to hit it again. It amazes me that people are willing to open up their property for the use of so many people.

I can't wait to meet Steve and tell him thank you! The place is awesome!!!

Yes it will be my only destination this weekend!

Speaking of the weekend it's Cody's birthday and we are heading out to dinner tonight and getting his hunting license tomorrow! He's all happy and ready for the woods.

17!!! Damn it seems like he was 2 yesterday!

I usually don't post on the weekend but I will put a picture of his cake on here tonight it's cool............

Plans Are Made................

Me the kid Charles and Dane, Steve's trail 6pm. Night ride! What else is there to do on a Thursday night. I saw Dane at church last night and filled him in on the plans and he was ready, then got home and got Charles on the phone.

Plans where made........

Yesterday was a good day, I found a race for mid December that I am looking forward to, it kinda fills in a gap in my planned training. Or training plans how ever you want to say it. I like the trails at Harbison State Forest and that's another plus for the reason I want to go. Cody even got excited about it!

He likes the place too. So it looks like we will be in Columbia SC on the 16th. I haven't been on a starting line in about 2 plus years so I am getting excited. The more I plan next year the happier I seem to be getting! Hell if I really get back into the swing of things I might even need to get a new bike.

Back to yesterday, we had to go to church last night, the youth program involved the parents. So our presence was required, it was a good program and I like the new youth pastor. Then I came home and our plans where made. I even washed all of our riding gear. I like this time of year, the chill in the air is just right for riding.

Then we have Thanksgiving coming and Christmas, what a great time of the year to be a kid! I hope I never grow up!!!!!!!!!!!! Being a kid is fun...............

Time For an Adventure.....

Tonight we are tied up at church so can't make it happen but tomorrow night will be perfect. What better way to ride a brand new trail than in the dark!

Last night Cody and I hit Beatty for a ride and had fun. It went well and I like the place, we even went hunting in the dark for the new section. He hadn't seen it yet, we found it and checked it out.

Then I told him about Steve's place and we decided to try it Thursday. Since Poplar closed we have Beatty, the Whitewater Center, North Meck. and Fisher Farm for night riding. The 2 on the north side of town are just to far from the house. So there out!

I am tired of Beatty and we need somewhere close. Steve's it is! Now that I have my boy working toward the same goals I am I have a partner. Now if I can just get Chase motivated I will have my crew back!!!!

A new trail at night is just what we need! A new adventure........

Time To Play In The Dark,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

My plan is to head to the polls right after work and then to the house and to the woods! Cody and I are gonna start our training tonight!

Yep, I said training!

Believe it or not we decided to we are gonna race next year, Southern Classic series and a few other one off races. We are gonna start with the winter series.

I hate the winter series! "

"The Winter Short Track Series" To be specific!

Why, because all the want-t-be mtn. bike roadies come out and try to race. They go fast in the asphalt sections and hold you up in the woods!

Plus I never do good in the no skill required races. I need long races in the woods with lots of hard sections. Shit that a bunch of roadies cry about...

It is fantastic training though, and that's the point of doing it! It's been about 2 years since we raced anything and I am ready! I like to travel all over and spend the night in different places. Plus that's one of the main reasons I started this blog was to tell about our racing and travels. Once Cody tore his knee apart it all came to a halt! I am ready to get back at it.................

What Are Bikes Good For !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Saturday I went to the Backyard Trails with my buddies and had a great ride, we rode for a solid 2 plus hours and had a good time. I think I have finally ridden the entire system. There might be a part of the Marion Deihl Center side that we haven't hit yet but that would be it.

So Saturday was a good day, that left Sunday. We hit church and came home with a plan, and that was as far as we made it! Now I usually leave out the majority of what's happening in my house on this blog. Yes I talk about all of the play things we do and the good things that happen.

BUT.. Don't worry I have teenagers and they piss me off!

Nothing major and I am thankful for the fact that they are really good kids. Yes we have already straightened things out so all is well....

But before we talked about how things work I was mad! Instead of talking about it at that given time I went and pedaled my bike. MAD...

When I was done riding I wasn't quite as mad, and when I got home we talked. Thank god for bikes. If we had talked prior to my ride it wouldn't have went as well. I hit the woods and pedaled as hard as I could, passing people left and right just focusing on the task at hand!

What a stress relief!!!!!!

When I came home I was in a better state of mind and ready to talk rationally..

That's "What Bikes Are Good For"

WTH.............

You might have seen these already or maybe not! I liked both of them!

What The Hell.... They almost made it........ A = for effort..... D = for planning....

Then, this is just creepy..... They say this happens about every 50 million lobsters..

So.................... After the first 2 shots this almost looks normal.......

OK with that out of the way we can move on. With going out of town last weekend and the storm coming through(high wind)I haven't been on a bike in a week. Not since last Thursday's night ride!

BUT, I am packed and ready for Sherman this afternoon! It will probably be the last afternoon daylight ride for the year. With time changing Saturday night It will be night riding from here on out.

With all the wind it will be neat to see the amount of leaves that have fallen. It should be a big difference from last week. Until tomorrow....................