Wow 1x11 with a 10-42 tooth cassette

SRAM XX1 1x11 Drivetrain Gets Official, Shifts Into New Technology! - Bike Rumor:

I did some calculations using Sheldon Brown's gear ratio calculator. If I was running a 28 tooth chainring I could keep the same low gear I have with my rohloff. I would lose the two highest gears, but I only use those if I am going down a fire road anyway. This setup would be very light and let me ride any suspension bike I want to. Very cool.

Awesome New Commuter Bike Light System: Revolights - Bike Rumor

link -> Awesome New Commuter Bike Light System: Revolights - Bike Rumor:

These lights really catch your attention.

Paraprosdokians - 37 Examples

link -> Paraprosdokians - 37 Examples:

Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.

My Dad sent me these. I love them.

Ft Yargo

I rode Ft Yargo Sunday with a friend of mine from work. It had been a long time since I rode my bike on a trail so it was nice to get out.

My friend has really improved since the first time we rode together. He has been working super hard riding his spin bike. Every time I looked over my shoulder he was right there on my wheel. He is even keeping up with me on the downhills now. I was super impressed.

I felt pretty good considering I haven't ridden much lately. I totally psyched myself out on the horseshoe drop section though. I started thinking about it half way through the ride. I was trying to come up with some excuse about why I shouldn't ride it. When I got there I looked down into the hole of death and noticed a big wheel sucking mud puddle. That was all the excuse I needed to bail.

I walked over to the other side of the drop though and unfortunately it was clear of mud. I stood there for a long time and talked to my friend about why it was stupid to ride that thing. I couldn't leave without trying though so I rode it anyway. It wasn't really that bad. I think the side I rode was much easier than the side I skipped though. Maybe if I ride the easy side enough times I will feel more comfortable riding the hard side.

I also went to super bowl party that night and got to see my friend who took me on first mountain bike ride. He is a really nice guy, and I enjoyed hanging out with him and his family and friends. Thanks to Amy for making the cornbread!

Fats

Amy I rode FATS this weekend. These may be the funnest trails I have ever ridden. Every climb has a purpose. Once you hit the top you will be rewarded with as many jumps, drops, hips, berms, and gullies as the trail designer could cram in before the trail turns back up hill. It is a like a giant pump track. Thank you so much FATS man. You are a master trail designer.

Luckily my parents live like 10 minutes from the trail. Amy and I drove down to Augusta Saturday and rode for a couple hours before heading to my parents house. Once we got there my mom started filling our plates with crab legs, steak, potatoes, green beans, zucchini, carrots, bread, ice cream, and chocolate cake. Next thing I knew it was morning. I must have drifted off in some kind of food coma. All that sleeping made me hungry so my mom started in with fruit, pancakes, OJ, sausage, bacon, croissants, and eggs when I woke up.

After I could eat no more, I crawled my way to the car and slumped over my bike once we got to the trail head. Amy and I rode together for an hour to try and reduce the size of my belly. Amy is getting so fast now that she routinely runs up on my rear tire. I keep thinking it is some racer type so I try to pull off the trail to get out of their way. It happened so many times this weekend that I had to ask Amy to call out when she catches me so I know it is her and I don't have to dive off the trail.

After Amy and I rode together, I went back out for a couple more loops. I couldn't quite work off all the food I ate but I tried my best. Thanks Mom and Dad for all the food and company. Amy and I had a great time.

Brrr cold

A coworker and I hit Blankets creek this morning for a quick ride. It felt like 40 degrees when we left the car. As soon as we hit the first climb I warmed right up though. The rest of the day was perfect. The new pads on my front brakes fixed my squeaking problem and I even cleared the switchbacks on the Van Michael Loop for the first time. This was my friend's longest ride to date but you never would have known it. Every time I turned around he was right on my wheel. What a fun day. We even got to see the famous Cyclesmith, Chocolate Girl, Raja, Robina, and Ken.

Asheville

From BentCreek081010

Amy and I stayed at the Trails End home in Asheville last week. The house was not nearly as fancy as the cabin we stayed in last year, but it was really nice to be able to roll out of your front door and on to the trails at Bent Creek. Last year driving back and forth from cabin to the trail 45 minutes each way took a lot of the fun out of our trip.

Trails End is a typical seventies style ranch with wood paneling and other 70s decor. It does have lots of room though with 8 beds, front and rear covered porch, and a rear patio and deck. My only real complaint was the septic system. We were given explicit instructions on how we could use the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry. Even though we followed those instructions the basement still flooded twice.

I am still glad we rented that place though. I had a really good week.

Amy's family came on the first couple days. We played board games, went on big group ride together, and hung out some downtown. It was really great to spend some time with them.

The day after the family left, Amy and I did a fun ride up North Boundary and down Green's Lick. I had heard about this trail, but I had never ridden it. It was a blast. The trail has huge berms and jumps all the way down. While riding Green's Lick, I was shaking I was so excited.

Towards the end of the week, it started raining and I caught a cold so our riding rapidly declined. I am still thankful for the time we had good weather and health though. It was well worth the trip.