Latest and Greatest

I know, I know, it's been quite a while since I've posted last. That's because Tim and I have been busily putting together our new business: The Village Hub. It's a coffee shop/bike shop combo with comfy seating and wi-fi. We just opened last Saturday and it's going great! Thanks to everyone who supports us with their caffeine addiction. Pictures to follow. Who wants to ski?!

Omaha Rides

Well, we're back from our little trip to our home town of Omaha, Nebraska. When we left Grand Lake, we had about 6 inches of snow in our front yard and we rolled into 60 degree+ temps in O-town. Needless to say, we rode as much as we could! First we rode Branched Oak just outside of Lincoln, NE which is where my first off road race took place. I think this was the first trail that I got to introduce to Tim; he generally is the one showing me all sorts of new trails. It was pretty fun, and perfect weather. Then we rode teeter-totters and elevated trail features at Lake Manawa but neglected to take the camera. The other pics are from Lewis & Clark Monument in Council Bluffs. That is a beautiful place! Great single track that is Tim's favorite in the area. The pictures don't do it justice.

Now, back to reality and more snow here in the high country. I think we're finally ready for it so bring it on! Hopefully it will accumulate enough for us to play in since my new back country skis just arrived.

Snowdawgs

Copper and Echo love the snow. It seems to bring some crazinesss out of them that I can't explain, and they're not telling either. So after a good romp session out in the new snow, I let them in and Copper was covered with snowballs that were stuck in her fur! She was instantly busy trying to remove them by herself; I realized that this looked like it might be a lengthy process so decided to get out the scissors. Unbelievable!! She was covered! I'm pretty sure she's looking forward to our trip
back to O-town. This is only some of the hair/snowballs I removed! She was happy at the end of it all though.

Fun Monday Niter

This ride took place a while ago and now that it's snowing, I'm dreaming of dry trails. I suppose these pictures will have to tide us over for a while. We, meaning Tim, Matt, Joe, Dave, and myself, met up CR 4 and rode Spruce 'Em Up Jack , connected into the Bull Mtn. Loop, and then rode the road back to the parking area. It was a long ride for me but fun, nonetheless. I just got some sweet new shoes and my cleats weren't quite positioned comfortably (which probably added to the long feel of the ride) but was glad to have finished it with the boys.

A few special little riders.

Top o the loop. You can see the lake if you look close. We're up pretty high.

Bull Mtn. Ladies' Ride

Matt and I have been harassing his wife, Sarah, for quite some time now about getting on a mountain bike. Finally, we succeeded and she joined me two Tuesdays ago for a little spin on the Bull Mtn. Loop. This is the loop that I always take people on who are a little unsure of their off road skills. It's a nice short wide loop with not much climbing and very few technical sections. She rocked and I don't think I scared her out of trying again! Next time we'll check out Spruce 'Em Up Jack to test her abilities! Thanks for joining me Sarah! Now if only this snow would go away so we could get back out there.
Actually, Tim and I are thinking about doing a snow ride sometime soon. Who's with us?! Warm gear and fat tires are recommended!

The Adventures of Tim & Jim

Here are a few pictures from Tim & Jim's trip to Rabbit Valley for trail building. Lucky for them they snuck in a ride before they had to start working on hiking trails.


They had a blast and learned alot; now Tim can incorporate his knowledge into the trails we'll be building here.
Big Jim coming down the trail.

LADIES' RIDE TONIGHT!!

DO IT!! Sarah A, possibly Mandi, and myself are riding tonight up CR 4. The more the merrier. We're thinking Spruce 'Em Up Jack would be a good one for all ability levels. Soooo, meet us at the Idleglen parking area at 5:20ish. Call me if you're running late, otherwise, we'll see you there!!!

Pictures From Below

I think that I wrote too much below because it wouldn't let me put any pictures with my verbiage. Anyway, here are the accompanying visuals. Enjoy!

Lost Lake Hike

Last Thursday Tim, the dogs, and I went on a little excursion up CR 4 and ended up on an amazing hike! Neither of us had checked out the trail to Lost Lake so we decided to see how it was. BEAUTIFUL! We are definitely going to do some camping up there, either in the next week or two or next year.
The trail began with a steep descent towards a creek that was so clear you almost didn't know there was water in it (until Copper discovered it for us). All along the way I kept thinking about how much different the trail would have appeared if we were on our bikes. I wouldn't have probably enjoyed as many details of the trail that I was able to take in at this slower pace. I realized that hiking is more enjoyable than I had previously thought; usually while hiking I'm always wishing that I was on my bike so I could cover more ground more quickly. The dogs were running around like crazy, having a wonderful time. We trudged through snow and ice and mud and over bridges and through creeks: it was what a hike should consist of. We couldn't believe how much fun we were having. Finally we reached a sign that said Lost Lake pointing right. We walked another 20 yards and saw what I was afraid was Lost Lake. It was a marshy, swampy, not too beautiful pond (at best). Copper loved it and didn't hesitate to wade right in, covering herself with mud. Yuck.
We sat down on some rocks for a moment and watched the dogs enjoy themselves before we headed on. "That's not Lost Lake, right?" I asked Tim, beginning to understand why it is still 'Lost'. "Nope, it can't be." We hiked on. More and more snow began to surround us as we climbed up a rocky ice trail.
Quickly we reached the top and were blown away by the view of the crystal clear lake that confronted us. We decided to explore the psuedo trail that lead us around the lake. We followed it until it would disappear and we'd climb over huge rocks right next to the water. It was kind of sad at one point when Tim and Echo and I easily bounded from rock to rock and Copper froze with one hind leg on a rock and one on solid ground. She stood there whimpering and didn't move until I climbed back down and had to physically pick her up off of the rock. We tried to show her that she could swim around the parts that involved rocks and she finally figured it out. Then everyone was happy. The hike around the lake was challenging at parts and we had to climb over snow covered boulders and trust that the ice wouldn't break through to water.
About half way around the lake, I became aware that I was getting a blister on my right heel. It was ignorable at first but then became a nagging issue; I stopped a time or two to try to loosen or tighten my boot but nothing really seemed to work. Blisters are funny because they are such a small thing but they can really slow you down! As I walked, I realized that with a blister every step is either up-hill or down-hill. I loved the downhill sections.
We began the hike back towards the truck and couldn't stop talking about how cool and scenic that area was. We can't wait to go back! The dogs were tired, we were happy, and we all ate well that night. I'd highly recommend this trail to anyone who's looking for a secluded picture perfect trip.

Views From The Top

This ride was just about a week ago but I'm a slacker so there hasn't been a post yet. Anyhoo, we (Tim, Brent, Pat, Jim and I) met at our house and CLIMBED up the back of Green Ridge. Just when we thought we were at the top, we weren't; we continued to climb and climb and climb. It was worth it for the views of Lake Granby at the top. Then we bombed down the back into a sage field where the trail seemed to kind of disappear. Tim swore the trail started up again, "just around that sweep," no such luck. We trudged through an entire field of plants that didn't think we belonged there and all ended up with scratched up legs.
Miraculously, no one broke anything (bike parts or otherwise) which was surprising since it was a challenge just to stay on your bike without getting tangled in tall plants. Tim kept reminding Patrick to slow down and be aware of his derailleur. Half of the group was walking; the entire group was cursing and laughing. Finally, after crossing a swampy creek, we saw a little strip of steep single-track climbing straight up a hill. *I guess I'm used to saying hills because I'm from Omaha but I think we climbed up the back of a freaking mountain*. No matter; we did it and ended up climbing as much as we did at the beginning of the ride.
I must confess: there was a point there when I was less than happy with our group leader because it was getting dark pretty dang quick and we still didn't know where exactly we were. It turned out fine though and we got back to the road just at dark. Thanks for riding!

Grand Lake Sports' End Of Year Bike Sale!!

That's right folks, we're selling off our rental fleet and have a few choice bikes for you. We have ALite 1000's in a few different sizes, a few XC104/204's, some old school 3spd cruisers, 2 road bikes, a 20" kid's bike, and more!! Comment, call, or stop in with questions!

Spaceyear 3000...

Well, Tim just called me over to the computer to show me that C & Marce commented on my little blog. And I about freadked b/c we're at 3000, according to my site counter dealy. Anyway, I'm happy that you wrote, Charlie, b/c I was thinking that you hated me for taking off in the late evening. It was really good to see you all and I'm really happy for you with your new downhilling career.
When I sat down, I thought I had a lot to say...it's seemed to escape me now.
Here's what I did tonight: worked @ ye old' bike shop and sold 3 bikes (which is like, um, a bunch of bikes in one day for Grand Lake Sports), went on grueling but beautiful shop group ride, took picutres, kept riding, went home and did not shower, changed out of bike gear, did not wipe mud off face, went to brewery,(where i just got a job, worked there 2wice so far) w/jim& tim, jake was there, brewery was busy and kenny was by himself, worked at brewery, made some cash, all drank free, came home, took out contacts, became possessed by internet demon, posted pictures...

Oh My Snow!

Being from Omaha, I'm used to some kinda crazy weather but I can't say that I've seen it snow this early! Here's some pics for the folks back home. Enjoy. Copper is already trying to roll in it and eat it.

The Leaves They Are A Changin'

Tim was outside cleaning off his bike from Monday's sloppy ride and I had to capture the color of the aspens in our front yard.

Pre-Snow Group Ride

Well, it started out that we were going to do a nice easy loop at Bull Mtn. I guess sometimes plans change. Instead we climbed the entire night: up Soda Pass to Blizzard Pass up Eagle's Perch and then back Kawuneeche Road back to the trucks. It was the most climbing I think I've ever done. We had a pretty good turnout too; Tim, Big Jim, Crash (I mean Jake), Dave, and myself. Then, out of the blue here comes Patrick smokin' down the trail after us! We were all pretty amazed (especially Pat) that he caught up with us. It was a great ride. Thanks for showing up!

As Daylight Fades...

Sad but true folks; we're running out of daylight ride time. So...bust out your lights! We haven't had to yet but that time is almost upon us. We were able to ride twice this week, sans lighting systems. First on Monday night at Spruce 'Em Up Jack and then last night at Snow Mtn. Ranch. Decent turn out both times. Thanks to all who joined us. Starting this coming week we're closing the shop at 5pm instead of 6pm Sunday-Thursdays so that means meet at the shop for our Mon, Tues, Thursday group rides at 5 instead of 6.
Also, good luck to Matt Allen who's racing solo tomorrow at the Kona 24 hour race at Snow Mtn. Ranch. It's a fun fast course; we know you'll do great! If anyone wants to help us cheer him on, we'll be heading out around 6ish on Saturday to the Ranch. Join us out there if you want. Free camping and fun for everyone!

Good time group ride

I forgot about these pics from one of our last group rides. I recruited a random customer to ride with us; so, thanks to Greg from the East coast for riding with us! It was a good time even though the daylight is getting away from us a little too quickly these days. We're hoping to resume some consistency with our group shop rides again now that the season for us has slowed considerably. So here's the schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday meet here at 6. Monday is our co-ed anyone and everyone ride; Tuesday I lead a women's ride; Thursday Tim and I lead a men's and women's ride. Fun anyday you choose! Come out and play.

Dreaming of the off season

(ok, turn your head to the side)



Our buddy Ted and some friends of his went up to the San Juan islands to do a little kayaking. I loved these pictures and thought they'd be good ones to share. Enjoy!