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!

This Week's Group Rides!! Join us!

Rides are on for this week! Monday (all are welcome to join us), Tuesday (Ladies only!), and Thursday (guys' and gals' separate rides). As usual, meet here at the shop by 6 and we'll roll!
See you in the dirt!

Monday Nite Ride, Tuesday Nite Race...Do It!!

Hello all! It's been a while since we've had a solid group ride; Tim & I have been busy w/our new house. Things are on their way back to normal so we're hoping to resume our weekly rides.
Tomorrow we're definitely doing our "Anyone & Everyone Monday Nite Ride"; so meet us here by 6 and we'll roll. Also, this Tuesday nite anyone who wants to join us for a little trip to Snow Mtn. Ranch is invited to meet here at the shop at 6pm. The last of the Tuesday nite race series is the 8th and since we helped sponsor it, we're heading out to provide some prizes for the award ceremony. Anyone and everyone is welcome. It should be a good time. Questions, comments, concerns...post 'em or email or call.

Tuesday Ladies' Ride

This Tuesday Amy and I checked out the Bull Mtn. Loop up CR 4. Beautiful views and good company. This Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday more shop rides leaving here at 6ish. Post a comment or call w/questions!

Upcoming Rides

MONDAY: anyone and everyone (men & women)
TUESDAY: Ladies' Ride (Possibly snow Mtn. Ranch?!)
THURSDAY: Ladies' Ride and Men's Ride (girls: we'll do better w/planning than I did last time!)

For all rides, meet at the shop at 5:45 and we'll leave soonafter.

We're open to suggestions!!! Have a trail you've been wanting to check out? Let us know and we'll see it together.

Thursday Nite Ladies Ride!!

Thanks to Mandi & Sally for riding with me once again. Our Thursdays are turning into one adventure after another! I kinda got us stuck far away from our vehicles at the end of the ride. We parked at the bottom of North Supply but then took some cool trails (backwards from what we'd done on Monday night) that ended us up in the golf course at about 8:20 when it was getting dark. Thankfully I got ahold of Tim and he picked us up and drove us back to our cars. Anyway, good job girls and thanks for your patience while I was navigating the right way to go! We'll see you next week! Here's the girls jumping logs and crossing creeks. Way to go!

Doe Creek Wednesday

After briefly recovering from the Monday Nite Ride, Tim took me on another big ride Wednesday. We headed up the Doe Creek trail and then did the counter-clockwise Strawberry Lake loop. I did my fair share of walking; some of those hills are tooooo steep. I was amazed at the grade of those climbs! Even despite the overly challenging climbs, it was a beautiful area and the weather was perfect. Thanks Tim!

Monday Night Ride

We waited and hoped for a rain-free night and finally Monday was a winner. Skinny J, Patrick, Wheelie, Tim, and I rode some Rec District trails. Since Tim was the leader, it involved a bunch of climbing; I was hurting the next day. Good times, good company, and good single track.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!!!

I know, I know, the moisture is great but it's really putting a damper on our group rides. We're hoping to ride this week on Monday (anybody & everybody), then Tuesday (women's ride), and Thursday (men's and women's rides). Come and join us for one or all of the fun!