The Cool-Club Card

That's right folks, I'm a card-carrying member of the United States Bowling Congress. Bet you wish you were this cool.

At least it's not Elementary level

The Village Hub Customer Appreciation Nite

Oh what a night!!! Wednesday we had a little get together to celebrate the Hub's first birthday. Happy Birthday Hub! We've almost burned you to the ground (intentionally & unintentionally) but somehow we've all made it through the first year. Hooray! Robert "the Guitar Man" played, as well as Jeff Higley with his guitar, and then a guest musician from Ohio, Amy, and Craig, and Mari (some regulars) whooped it up with a flute, guitar, and wooden spoons. It was pretty dern fun if I do say so myself. My parents came up from O-town for the occasion and brought us a fireplace which has made the newer side of the shop a lot more cozy. Thanks guys. Also, thanks to all of our locals who get us through the winter!
I'm desperately trying to post some pictures and my computer is the problem, I think, not the camera's memory card. Shucks!!!

Here are a few Fruita pics that Mandi took and I scanned to post! We ended up suckering in a good crew to ride with out there. It ended up being Slappy, Karl, Mandi, Tim & me; it was a blast. Campfires, food, fun!!! Margaritas, Horsethief Bench, double sleeping bag. Life was good. Day one we rode the Kokepelli side: Rustlers' with the dogs, then Mary's to Horsethief, then almost decided to hit Steve's Loop but our stomachs started asking for food and margs so skipped that and just looped back to the car and hit the road.

Rolled into Fiesta Guadalajara almost hangry (hungry + angry) but were soon satiated by the best margaritas ever and tasty veggie enchiladas. I made the unfortunate mistake of eating some random pepper off of Mark's plate and thought that I was going to implode. Hot does not even touch what this pepper was. I was dipping my tongue in sour cream for a bit of relief. Bad idea. Oh well. A few drinks later we were back at our campsite (which we had to ourselves, by the way) for a few more Mandi-made Margaritas which were hard to beat. I did have to try riding some stupid trick involving a parking block and Crocs and ended up eating dirt. Landed on Echo who was less than pleased with my awkward dismount. Other than that, pain-free day. Laughed a lot and enjoyed the cool but nice evening.

Next day, packed up camp, leisurely breakfast and then off to the 18 road side by the Bookcliffs. Gorgeous day, once again. Due to the late night before we decided to make it a fairly short day. Started off with Frontside with the dogs to wear them out and then hit Prime Cut down and Kessel's Run up. Which is not the preferred way to ride that trail. If you ride it down, it's just fast slalomy fun but uphill, it's not my cup-o-tea. So, after we rode it up, I convinced Mandi to ride it back down with me, the fun way to redeem the trail to her. We hung out at the vehicles for a while rehydrating, or I guess further dehydrating, since the beverage of choice was barley pop. Then it was time to go and Mandi & I rode Kessel's the way it was meant to be ridden; boy did we feel fast!! I don't know if it was the beers or the lack of boys or the sheer joy of the day but it was super fun that way. The boys packed up the trucks and met us at the bottom. Good way to do that!

Overall, perfect weather...a little warm and i got a bit burnt, decided to wear the stripedy socks on day 2 (mostly b/c i was too tired to look for actual cycling socks, in the pit of despair that the Landcruiser becomes on trips like that, but also to fend off the sun)! My legs were burnt from the first day of riding. Weird. You'll also notice that my hair got pretty nappy those 3 days sans shower or brush and it ended up taking 43 minutes to rip through on the way home. Hats were my friends.

Thanks to you fools that hung out with us out there. Let's do it again sometime!!!

Fruita Bound

Just a quick invite to anyone and everyone: We're on our way to Fruita here for a few days of snow-less riding!! Slappy, Hot Karl, Mandi, Tim, and I are going. Join us!!! We'll be at Highline state park camping Monday and Tuesday nites.

Hello.

So, I left my purse at a friend's house last night and my keys and cell phone are currently unavailable to me. This is an attempt, lame I know, to get the message to Tim that I would come into work if I had a ride! If anybody reads this, please : post, e-mail me, or come pick my sorry ass up! Thanks, Sarah

Some News fer Yous

Alright, here's some stuff to know: it's snowing, yes really; Tim and I are really married; Slappy's out of the hospital and seemingly ok (for now); we just ordered a new memory card for the old camera so new pics are just around the corner. Also, spin class may be starting up again sooner or later...let me know what you think.

Hot Dog Eating Contest

That's right folks, you heard it here first: we're having a hot dog eating, beer drinking contest tomorrow night at our house, 'round 7pm. Be there, or be square. Do it. Do it.

Long Time, No Type...

So, it's been a while but I'm trying to get back into the swing of things again and reappear as a regular blogger. The last few months, as many of you know, have been more than hectic and so the free-time factor was nonexistant. But now, fall is here, the wedding went off beautifully, shop is slowing down, I'm going to have 2 days off a week again, Fruita trips again, margaritas in Fruita again, Dinosaur burger!! Woah, somebody stop me.
Group rides are up and going again after the wedding week off. We rode last night and it was the maiden voyage for the new Ellsworth Evolve. Before we even reached the trail-head, my brand-spankin'-new-never-even-been-ridden bike fell off the roof rack due to Slappy putting it on funky. Luckily, no harm done and we went for a really crazy ride. There were about 8 of us: Slappy, Jimmy Reed, Dave, Tim, Ted, Mandi, and I. We headed off a little late for a pretty steep unknown trail and by the end, I'd crashed, Ted crashed, and we were riding in almost blackness. We're all ok and had a blast by the end of the ride (I can't say I was happy all the way through). We loaded up and headed to Ted's for a few brews. Good night all, in all. Ted, Slappy, and I did have to form a new hiking club (I'm not only the president, I'm also a member) as the three of us did almost as much hiking with our bikes as we did riding them. Gotsta sleep now. 'Nite.

Mid Summer Soire

Mandi & Me

Annie & Mark





Chubby Bunny...I didn't win.

Since my camera is on the fritz, I decided to post a few pix that Slappy sent to me from the little get together a few weeks ago.

T & Me

Thursday night rain out.

bummer! the rain always seems to come on Thursdays, just in time to muddy up our trails rendering them impassable. There were about 5 road riders that left from the shop on Wednesday night, so that's coo. We're hoping for dryness next week! Fingers crossed.
over and out
sj

August 3rd ride.

Mark, myself, Mandi, Travis, Annie, & Big Jim headed out (oh yeah, and Karl the photographer) up North Supply and noticed all of the logging going on. We usually ride Thursday nights off road but due to the rain we rode Friday instead. Good turnout and good times. Margs afterwards at El Pacifico.

'Nother Group Ride

These pics are from a week or 2 ago. Hans, Glick, Joan, and Ted. Then another group w/ Jimmy & Joan and Bill. Thanks for riding!! I don't think the ride is going to happen tonight considering the incredible winds and dropping temps. Snow's in the forecast for this evening. Crazy mountain weather. Also, there will not be a mountain ride tomorrow night as I'll be in Omaha for about 6 days. Rides will resume as normal next week. See you then!

More Group Rides...

I'm having some issues with posting pictures lately...my camera is unruly. Anyhoo, I started a Wednesday night road ride that has been going pretty well. We've had anywhere between 4 and 12 riders rolling up Trail Ridge. Starting this Thursday, I'll be leading an off road ride as well. Come ride on the road Wednesdays to warm up your legs for Thursdays in the dirt!! What trails we ride will depend on who shows up and the ability level of the group. There's also talk of a Saturday a.m. shop ride that would meet at the shop at 9ish, eat a huge breakfast burrito, and then ride it off. Or, ride enough to justify a burrito afterwards. Your thoughts are appreciated. Comment at will.

I said yes

For those of you who don't already know (or haven't received an e-mail from my mother) Tim and I are getting married. The boy proposed a week ago and I happily accepted. Happy days!

Huge Group Ride

They just kept showing up!











A bit of road-side repair!

I've started a little Wednesday nite road ride that has turned into a bit of a success! Last time 12 riders showed up and we made our way into the park. It was a lot of fun (for me anyway!) and we're hoping for fair weather tomorrow night to continue the rides. Also, good news for those of us who enjoy getting off road to ride. We (Tim, Dave, Glick, and I) checked out Spruce 'Em Up Jack today with relative success. It was definitely muddy in spots and in fact there were plenty of areas still covered with snow. Overall, a good time. Batteries died, otherwise I'd have pics to post of that too!

Stop what you're doing and watch this!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLMpbQxqi0o


Cut and paste this link and watch it. Whoa.
Is it just me, or is this pretty amazing?!

Fruita & Friends!

A few weeks ago when Charlie was staying with us, we decided to show her the wonders of Fruita! I think she had a pretty good time; we did anyway! Here are a few pics from the dirt.

This part of the trail was a little rocky!

A Dog's Best friend

Echo and her new best friend, Mr. Squeaker. Don't tell Copper.

Charlie & Troy's visit

A few of our friends came up for a stay with us and we had a pretty good time. This first picture of Troy is to get back at him for all of the lovely pics he posted of me on his blog...which will remain nameless...

It's Fruita Time (aka mud season here)

On Monday Tim, the dogs, and I headed westward and found ourselves at the Kokopelli trailhead. Dry trails and warm weather = just what the doctor ordered. We had a total blast and I must say, I rode better than maybe I ever have. Whether it's the spin class or the fact that I may finally be acclimated to the altitude, something was going in my favor. We rode Rustler's Loop, then Mary's Loop, and then the next day hit up the 18 road trails. Zippety Do Dah, Kessler's Run, etc...wonderful!!!! I had fun, Tim had fun, the dogs had fun. What more could you ask?! Perhaps great margaritas at our favorite Mexican restaurant?! Yep, that helped. And the nice jacuzzi suite at La Quinta (Spanish for dog-friendly waffle house) didn't hurt either. Anyhoo, here are a coulple of Fruita pics. Enjoy the warm weather oozing from these shots. Notice that there are very few pics of the actual single track trails. Now that I don't have to stop every few moments to catch my breath, the photo ops seem fewer and farther between.


A few signs that you'll only see in Fruita...

Spin Class Yo

So, spin class seems to be a hit. Each class sees between 6 & 9 participants. This pic is of the beginning of class when everyone is complaining of the cold. Sara, in the back row, has a fur-lined, hooded coat on. They used to ask me to turn on the heat and I just tell them "give me 5 minutes and I'll turn on the heat!" Thanks to all who participate. I'm having fun and hope you are too. Show up on either Wednesday or Sunday nights at about 6:15 (we start pedaling at 6:30) or Thursday mornings at 8:15 (pedal by 8:30a.m.). Class lasts about an hour and is a pretty decent workout. If you have questions, email me at sarahj5@hotmail.com or call The Village Hub.

Ladies' Spin Class

Since it's snowy and you can only ski so much, I'm starting a spin class for ladies only on Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30p.m. For those of you who are interested, let me know and we'll figure out how many trainers we need to get in. Again, it's Wednesday nights and all you need to bring is your bike and a good attitude! Even if you don't have a bike but are interested in participating, let me know and we'll work something out. Should be a good time and a good way to stay fit during the long winter months. We'll be having it at the Village Hub (on the bike side) here starting in about 2 weeks. Post a comment or call the Village Hub 970.627.5095 for more info. Thanks! Also, for you guys that think this sounds like fun, let me know because I'm thinking about doing 2 groups per week, one ladies only and one anyone and everyone.

Slippery Little Suckers

Well, I'm attempting the art of skate skiing and there definitely are some more techniques that I'm hoping to pick up along the way. Currently I'm just picking myself up off the snow. 1st time on the dang thangs: Monday with a lessson at the touring center. Got the jist of it, I do believe. Then, today went out with the girls, Mandi and Petra, and had fun sliding around. Thanks for your patience gals! Now for tomorrow; Dave, Tim and I are hoping to get in a few k's. Pictures maybe eventually. For now it would probably be hazardous to the camera's health to be in my pocket considering my lack of stability and close relationship with the hard ground. Maybe next time camera, maybe next time.

Another Fun Trip

This past Tuesday & Wednesday Tim, the dogs, and I escaped from Grand County again for a little more R&R. This time we headed way past Leadville to some magnificent hot springs over-looking the San Luis valley. We had so much fun, we hardly wanted to come back home. The day started in Grand Lake @ about -20 degrees, according to our thermometer off our back deck.









We encountered the Collegiate Mountains on our way.












Mo mountains, mo mountains, mo mountains.

Here's the road that took us straight into the mountains to the springs.












We had fun skiing with the dogs for a few hours up the hill a ways to get a better view of the valley and sunset. Beautiful!








After a slippery and harrowing descent, we headed back to our cute, rustic little cabin to change and get ready for a soak in the hot springs. We had several pools to choose from and we opted to hike for several minutes in the blistering cold up an icy dark path to a natural soaking pool to watch the sunset. It was worth every cold step! We admired an incredible sunset and view of the valley and mountain range across from us. The only bad part was trying to get out of the 96 degree water into the 0 degree weather waiting to punish us outside the comforts of the pool. Since the sun went down, we decided to go find another, warmer pool closer to our cabin. So, after several pep talks to each other we made our way out of the first pool and into our towels and boots and scurried down the trail to a little hot tub which was at about 100 degrees. That was exactly what we needed after the chilly trip down.








The next morning we woke up and went almost immediately to the little hot tub we had enjoyed so much the night before. After a nice soak there, we decided to check out the sauna. The heat was a bit intense in the newly built sauna but luckily it was equipped with a cool pool in the middle of the small room. Another neat place! I know that we're planning another trip back to these springs as soon as we can!

FREE COFFEE

Alright all you blog readers...here's a call to action. The first person to post a comment gets a free drink at The Village Hub. Do it, do it.

THE VILLAGE HUB

Here are just a few quick pictures of our new shop. Thanks to our willing patrons for allowing me to snap a few shots. It's a comfortable little place that hopefully invites you to stop in and stay a while!

More Celebrity Snowshoe Race Photos

The RMNP vs. Forest Service was a heated battle!

Some of the Park guys wore traditional garb. It was fun to see them try to complete the course with their huge old shoes.