Daniel, a couple weeks old.
Ellen, a couple weeks old.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
the Wilderness
Today we drove past the campgrounds and people tubing down the river on Wally Road to the Mohican Wilderness area trailhead. It was unbelievably hot in the sun as we geared up for a ride.
Pointed towards the climb.
It was the first time this year we've ridden the Wilderness course. The opening mile of the ride is uphill, supposedly the longest mountain bike climb in Ohio. After the climb it's curvy singletrack with a couple rocky sections. The loop is not too long, maybe 7 miles? At the end of the day, in my opinion, it's not different enough from riding at the state park to make it worth the extra drive. Once or twice a year is all the more often I can see visiting the Wilderness Course.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
New four wheeler
In the week previous to Ellen's arrival we were test driving cars and planning a swap of the truck for something more fuel efficient and fun to drive. Of course a prerequisite for the vehicle was the ability to fit a bike inside and the ability to add a hitch for a bike rack.
The first pick, and the car that started the whole idea, was the Honda Fit. The cargo versatility in this small car is the selling point but unfortunately the tiny, underpowered engine offsets the cargo carrying prowess. If this car had another 30 horsepower under the hood it would be in my garage right now.
At KT's suggestion we went to see our friend at Park Mazda and test drove the Mazda3 hatchback. Now this is a fun car to drive with nimble handling and adequate power without sacrificing too much fuel economy. Plus the styling, interior and out, trumps the Fit in our eyes. The cockpit of the Mazda3 is exciting and useful. The cockpit of the Fit... not so much.
The first project with the car was a hitch for use with the bike rack. The install went very smooth and I'm happy with how sturdy the attachment is on this car. I've installed hitches on five different vehicles now and this is the most solid mounting I've seen on a car.
Not having the truck is going to be a disadvantage at times, but I know I'm always welcome to borrow dad's truck. When it comes down to it, I only used the truck as truck about once a month and probably not every month. Most of the time it was hauling bikes, which the car can do. When it comes time to buy lumber or transport firewood I'll take dad up on his offer to borrow the truck.
The first pick, and the car that started the whole idea, was the Honda Fit. The cargo versatility in this small car is the selling point but unfortunately the tiny, underpowered engine offsets the cargo carrying prowess. If this car had another 30 horsepower under the hood it would be in my garage right now.
At KT's suggestion we went to see our friend at Park Mazda and test drove the Mazda3 hatchback. Now this is a fun car to drive with nimble handling and adequate power without sacrificing too much fuel economy. Plus the styling, interior and out, trumps the Fit in our eyes. The cockpit of the Mazda3 is exciting and useful. The cockpit of the Fit... not so much.
Mazda3 hatchback.
The first project with the car was a hitch for use with the bike rack. The install went very smooth and I'm happy with how sturdy the attachment is on this car. I've installed hitches on five different vehicles now and this is the most solid mounting I've seen on a car.
My helper with the instructions.
Not having the truck is going to be a disadvantage at times, but I know I'm always welcome to borrow dad's truck. When it comes down to it, I only used the truck as truck about once a month and probably not every month. Most of the time it was hauling bikes, which the car can do. When it comes time to buy lumber or transport firewood I'll take dad up on his offer to borrow the truck.
I like hatchbacks.
Side view. My large Paragon 29er uses up the
whole hatch area lengthwise.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Riding Daniel to Sleep
We packed up the guys (Daniel, Ryan, and I) and headed down to the Fredericksburg for a ride on the trail. Having a new sister must be taking its toll on Daniel, because he fell asleep just south of Holmesville. We continued past Millersburg and turned around at some point when he woke up and asked "Are we at the playground yet?" Of course we had blown by the playground taking advantage that he was still asleep.
Sleeping in the trailer.
Always a highlight, the vending machine.
Taking a break with Ryan at the playground.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Ellen's Homecoming
At home in her crib.
Sleeping like a baby.
While we were in the hospital a life flight chopper
landed and Grandpa arranged for a picture
of Daniel with the pilot.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Welcome Ellen!
Baby Ellen has arrived! We are blessed to have a healthy baby and KT is doing well too.
Ellen Esther Holmes, about 5 minutes old.
Daniel meets Ellen for the first time.
He is saying, "this is my baby sister!"
My little girl.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
First Flat
Went for a ride at Mohican today. Not enough time for a full loop, so I parked at the main trail head and rode the road to the second trail head.
I knew I was running low pressure (with tubes) and after a sharp impact on the rear wheel I flatted. My first on the trail flat in a year and a half of mountain biking, can't complain I guess.
It was logging time at the second trail head.
I knew I was running low pressure (with tubes) and after a sharp impact on the rear wheel I flatted. My first on the trail flat in a year and a half of mountain biking, can't complain I guess.
Shaky cell phone picture because I was trying
to stay in constant motion to deter the hungry mosquitos!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
MTB Maintenance
Tonight I was cleaning my mountain bike to take to the shop for its complimentary tune-up. As I walked past my bike in the workstand I reached out and spun a pedal... it screeched at me. Wow, that sounds dry. Come to think of it I had never disassembled and greased this pair of pedals before.
The pedals are an inexpensive pair of Performance brand SPD compatible pedals, the Forte Carve. They have been pretty solid for the past couple years on my mountain bikes and the previous three or four years on my cross bike. Upon disassemble I realized they only have one bearing, with a bushing taking up the main load bearing duty. Note to self: grease more often.
After cleaning and greasing they seem ready to have some more pedaling fun!
Image I posted on the mtbr.com forum on the topic of Carve pedals.
The pedals are an inexpensive pair of Performance brand SPD compatible pedals, the Forte Carve. They have been pretty solid for the past couple years on my mountain bikes and the previous three or four years on my cross bike. Upon disassemble I realized they only have one bearing, with a bushing taking up the main load bearing duty. Note to self: grease more often.
After cleaning and greasing they seem ready to have some more pedaling fun!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Solo Knob
Rode at the knob after work today. Given the warm and finally dry weather of the past week or more I was surprised how wet the course was. Maizeville was a mess and I bypassed it on the second lap.
It was within 20 or 30 minutes of sunset when I got back to the car. I took a couple pictures of what I have to believe is an often photographed sign and packed my stuff back into the car. About this time a couple "kids" showed up in a truck and jumped on their Mongoose bikes. I was trying to figure out how they were going to get in a ride before dark. I hope they had fun.
Another sun setting vulture picture.
It was within 20 or 30 minutes of sunset when I got back to the car. I took a couple pictures of what I have to believe is an often photographed sign and packed my stuff back into the car. About this time a couple "kids" showed up in a truck and jumped on their Mongoose bikes. I was trying to figure out how they were going to get in a ride before dark. I hope they had fun.
Ride complete, ready to head home.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Road Ride - crisscrossing Overton
This morning Ryan and I set out on a somewhat unplanned ride towards Overton. We road up 539 from 302 and dropped down to Overton Road via McAfee. The next left took us up the Smithville Western climb to the west and then we were on 539 again, riding north. Down Cedar Valley and then up Rice Hill. Pleasant Home back into the Valley and then the Armstrong Climb east.
We went over to Friendsville and then took Jentes back to the Valley. This time we climbed Cedar Valley and then took some pulls south on the fresh pavement of 539. Smyser was the last little climb on the way home. It was a good ride with some good climbs and nice weather.
Heading back into the valley.
We went over to Friendsville and then took Jentes back to the Valley. This time we climbed Cedar Valley and then took some pulls south on the fresh pavement of 539. Smyser was the last little climb on the way home. It was a good ride with some good climbs and nice weather.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Daniel's first ride with the guys
This morning I was trying to think of something for Daniel and I to do while KT went out to lunch with girls. "Hey bud, you wanna go for a bike ride in your bike trailer?" Daniel's answer was full of excitement "Yeah!"
We went to the basement and setup the bike trailer. We bought the trailer as part of the deal when I sold my Wahoo mountain bike and had not used it yet. Daniel was excited to set it up in the basement and was ready to go. I called Ryan and was glad to hear he would join us for the ride after KT and Helena were back from their lunch.
For several hours Daniel kept asking if we were ready to go for a bike ride. Ryan and I continued telling him we had to wait for Mommy and "Hena" to get home before we could leave. Several times he thought they were home when they were not and he would yell "Mommy is home, let's go for a bike ride!"
Eventually KT and Helena arrived back home and Rylen was handed off. I told Daniel he had to pack up his stuff so we could go. He disappeared for a few minutes and showed up with backpack, filled with toys, and said "I'm ready, let's go!"
We drove to the rails to trails in Fredericksburg and the excited little boy fell asleep on the way there. Ryan and I set up the trailer and had it all ready to go when I woke him up. He wiped the sleep away and was excited to climb into the trailer and get going.
We rode south to Millersburg with only one stop along the way to break out a PB&J for Daniel. During this stop he told us "it's a beautiful day out!" We agreed. Daniel rode well in the trailer but was eager to get out at the playground in Millersburg. After a bathroom break and a cold drink from a vending machine, Daniel hoped back into the trailer for the ride north.
It's a gentle grade for the ride back and I felt the presence of the trailer more so than on the ride out. The trailer worked great and Daniel enjoyed it. There were a couple complaints of his back hurting, but the kid certainly isn't used to sitting still. Maybe we'll throw in a foam pad for him the next time.
Back at the car we loaded everything up and drove Ryan to his house. As we were leaving Ryan said "good ride Daniel, see you later!" Daniel promptly replied, "good ride, see ya later!" He was excited to get home and tell mommy about his first ride with the guys.
We went to the basement and setup the bike trailer. We bought the trailer as part of the deal when I sold my Wahoo mountain bike and had not used it yet. Daniel was excited to set it up in the basement and was ready to go. I called Ryan and was glad to hear he would join us for the ride after KT and Helena were back from their lunch.
Loaded up and ready to go, thumbs up!
For several hours Daniel kept asking if we were ready to go for a bike ride. Ryan and I continued telling him we had to wait for Mommy and "Hena" to get home before we could leave. Several times he thought they were home when they were not and he would yell "Mommy is home, let's go for a bike ride!"
Eventually KT and Helena arrived back home and Rylen was handed off. I told Daniel he had to pack up his stuff so we could go. He disappeared for a few minutes and showed up with backpack, filled with toys, and said "I'm ready, let's go!"
Rolling south on the rails to trails.
We drove to the rails to trails in Fredericksburg and the excited little boy fell asleep on the way there. Ryan and I set up the trailer and had it all ready to go when I woke him up. He wiped the sleep away and was excited to climb into the trailer and get going.
We rode south to Millersburg with only one stop along the way to break out a PB&J for Daniel. During this stop he told us "it's a beautiful day out!" We agreed. Daniel rode well in the trailer but was eager to get out at the playground in Millersburg. After a bathroom break and a cold drink from a vending machine, Daniel hoped back into the trailer for the ride north.
The guys.
It's a gentle grade for the ride back and I felt the presence of the trailer more so than on the ride out. The trailer worked great and Daniel enjoyed it. There were a couple complaints of his back hurting, but the kid certainly isn't used to sitting still. Maybe we'll throw in a foam pad for him the next time.
The return trip.
Back at the car we loaded everything up and drove Ryan to his house. As we were leaving Ryan said "good ride Daniel, see you later!" Daniel promptly replied, "good ride, see ya later!" He was excited to get home and tell mommy about his first ride with the guys.
The end.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Muddy Knob
Friday is a good day of the week, and knowing all day long my bike and gear were in truck and I was meeting Ryan for a ride at the Knob after work made it even better. There were a handful of vehicles there when I pulled. I guess we were not the only ones glad to get out after another week of wet weather. We hoped the last couple days of no rain had been enough to dry the course.
We talked to the Soupcan guys before rolling out. The first portion of the course was in good shape, a few puddles but nothing too wet. Later in the ride we encountered some really wet sections with lots of standing water.
After finishing a lap we decided to head out for another half lap. I enjoyed riding the Cradle for the first time but didn't fair so well on the switchbacks. Once again we squished our way through the wet sections and bailed at the top of the Furnace to get back to our vehicles.
It was a great way to spend a Friday evening! And I'll be spending tomorrow morning washing this filthy bike.
We talked to the Soupcan guys before rolling out. The first portion of the course was in good shape, a few puddles but nothing too wet. Later in the ride we encountered some really wet sections with lots of standing water.
Ryan coming up the access rode at the end of our ride.
After finishing a lap we decided to head out for another half lap. I enjoyed riding the Cradle for the first time but didn't fair so well on the switchbacks. Once again we squished our way through the wet sections and bailed at the top of the Furnace to get back to our vehicles.
It was a great way to spend a Friday evening! And I'll be spending tomorrow morning washing this filthy bike.
Dried on mud.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Mohican with Patrick and Ryan
Friday night Patrick, a friend from work, sent me a text proposing an early Saturday morning MTB ride. It had rained Thursday, it rained Friday, and the forecast predicted rain Saturday. But, the chance of rain was only 10% from 7am to noon for Saturday. I called Ryan and signed him up for the ride; meet at my house at 7am, head to Mohican.
We were hoping for a dry night to give the course a chance to drain the water of the past couple days, but I woke up several times during the night to the sound of rain. All three of us were standing in my driveway Saturday morning ready to ride, and questioning the course conditions. We made it this far, no sense in bailing out now. The truck carried three bikes and three riders south.
In the first mile of trail the excellent drainage of Mohican was evident and we had no worries about blazing the course, save the last mile which has been puddle ridden all spring.
Riding with Patrick was fun and all three of us enjoyed taking turns leading the way. The weather ended up perfect, never a rain drop. We made several stop along the way to drink, eat, and chat. It was a good time.
I was happy to ride the course pretty clean and was feeling connected with the trail the whole way. Ryan cranked the singlespeed up Mount Doom and rode really strong all the way to the finish. Patrick said it was his longest ride of the year and he did a good job pacing himself as needed. I enjoyed riding behind Patrick to watch his lines and methods. He's been riding a mountain bike for a long time.
It was kind of nice to ride the last mile through the campground road and let the legs cool down. We talked with some guys in the parking lot and headed home. After visiting with Rylen for a couple hours, Ryan and Rylen headed home just as a down pour started. The weather worked well for us today. It was one to remember.
We were hoping for a dry night to give the course a chance to drain the water of the past couple days, but I woke up several times during the night to the sound of rain. All three of us were standing in my driveway Saturday morning ready to ride, and questioning the course conditions. We made it this far, no sense in bailing out now. The truck carried three bikes and three riders south.
In the first mile of trail the excellent drainage of Mohican was evident and we had no worries about blazing the course, save the last mile which has been puddle ridden all spring.
Around mile 8, before heading through the Discovey Forest.
Riding with Patrick was fun and all three of us enjoyed taking turns leading the way. The weather ended up perfect, never a rain drop. We made several stop along the way to drink, eat, and chat. It was a good time.
A short stop under the covered bridge.
I was happy to ride the course pretty clean and was feeling connected with the trail the whole way. Ryan cranked the singlespeed up Mount Doom and rode really strong all the way to the finish. Patrick said it was his longest ride of the year and he did a good job pacing himself as needed. I enjoyed riding behind Patrick to watch his lines and methods. He's been riding a mountain bike for a long time.
Patrick's eBay find.
It was kind of nice to ride the last mile through the campground road and let the legs cool down. We talked with some guys in the parking lot and headed home. After visiting with Rylen for a couple hours, Ryan and Rylen headed home just as a down pour started. The weather worked well for us today. It was one to remember.
Post ride in the parking lot.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Playing with the Camera at Mohican
30 sec self timer, 10 shot burst, and I didn't run over the camera!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Sunny Skies... for a couple days
Wow, there has been a long stretch of rainy days of late. I guess it didn't bother me too much as I was under the weather myself with a mild cold for the past week.
Finally the weather broke yesterday and I was able to mow the yard with plans of riding today. Nothing serious for today, just an easy spin to make sure my cold was in remission. It was nice to see blue skies and everyone else out mowing.
Typical scene this April.
Finally the weather broke yesterday and I was able to mow the yard with plans of riding today. Nothing serious for today, just an easy spin to make sure my cold was in remission. It was nice to see blue skies and everyone else out mowing.
Now this is more like it.
Unfortunately the forecast is back to rain and scattered storms for the near future. Oh well, it makes the nice days better appreciated.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Mohican Sunset
Tomorrow is Good Friday and, amongst other things, that means a three day weekend for me. Unfortunately the weather forecast for all three days is looking wet. It was nice all day today so I decided to book it home after work and head down to Mohican.
At 5:30 I was on my way to Loudonville having already stopped at home to grab my bike and gear up. I parked at the Discovery Forest parking lot with a new plan in mind.
A short distance down the road from the parking lot I jumped on the trail between mile markers 8 and 9. I felt cool in the 50 degree air but warmed up soon on the way to the downhill stretch that begins before mile 11. Before long I was at the covered bridge and ready for some climbing.
Near the top of Mount Doom I caught a rider, the only other rider I would see today, and rode with him to mountain bike trail head 2. I immediately noticed his Luv Bars and Groovy Cycles frame made by Rody Walters, a local frame builder. Turns out Mike, the Groovey pilot, is a good friend of Rody. Mike mentioned his other Groovy frame is the “rattlesnake frame”, which I immediately remembered from reading Rody’s blog.
Without too much delay I headed out on my own from the trailhead, Mike was back to his truck and done for the day. I knew it was going to be cutting it close on making it back to my truck before sunset.
As planned, I detoured at mile 23.5 and took the short loop connector up to mile 4. I was feeling pretty decent, if not a little hungry, and continued to mile 8. The sun was quickly dropping and it was getting dark in the woods. If there had been leaves on the trees I’m sure it would’ve been darker.
From mile 8 to my road crossing is the only substantial section of non-singletrack on the course. I guess it’s a former logging or well access road. It felt like I was going 25 mph as I blasted along this section and I was back to my truck in short order.
It’s going to be much easier to tolerate three days of rainy weather with 20 miles of mountain biking in my legs!
At 5:30 I was on my way to Loudonville having already stopped at home to grab my bike and gear up. I parked at the Discovery Forest parking lot with a new plan in mind.
Gettin' ready in the Disco Forest parking lot.
A short distance down the road from the parking lot I jumped on the trail between mile markers 8 and 9. I felt cool in the 50 degree air but warmed up soon on the way to the downhill stretch that begins before mile 11. Before long I was at the covered bridge and ready for some climbing.
Near the top of Mount Doom I caught a rider, the only other rider I would see today, and rode with him to mountain bike trail head 2. I immediately noticed his Luv Bars and Groovy Cycles frame made by Rody Walters, a local frame builder. Turns out Mike, the Groovey pilot, is a good friend of Rody. Mike mentioned his other Groovy frame is the “rattlesnake frame”, which I immediately remembered from reading Rody’s blog.
Without too much delay I headed out on my own from the trailhead, Mike was back to his truck and done for the day. I knew it was going to be cutting it close on making it back to my truck before sunset.
As planned, I detoured at mile 23.5 and took the short loop connector up to mile 4. I was feeling pretty decent, if not a little hungry, and continued to mile 8. The sun was quickly dropping and it was getting dark in the woods. If there had been leaves on the trees I’m sure it would’ve been darker.
From mile 8 to my road crossing is the only substantial section of non-singletrack on the course. I guess it’s a former logging or well access road. It felt like I was going 25 mph as I blasted along this section and I was back to my truck in short order.
It’s going to be much easier to tolerate three days of rainy weather with 20 miles of mountain biking in my legs!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Happy 0th Birthday Rylen!!
Ryan and Helena welcomed a healthy baby girl into the world today!
Baby Rylen, so cute.
Welcome to fatherhood Ryan!
Daniel helped me install a welcome home sign.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Organized Pegboard
A long overdue pegboard organization in the basement:
Just added the shelf in the middle.
Just added the shelf in the middle.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Too nice to pass up
The legs felt pretty good this morning after yesterday’s longer ride. Eating well and stretching must have done the trick. Even so, I really did not plan on a ride today.
KT took Daniel for a picture session in Ashland late this afternoon, and I made a spontaneous decision to head to Mohican for a short ride. Within minutes of KT leaving I was loaded up and out the driveway.
I rode the first four miles and was going to take the short loop back, but I decided to backtrack for a little more riding time. Once again the new bike felt great. I have made several modifications to the bike and will have to post some specifics later.
On today’s ride I tried to spin a little more than usual to prevent over doing it after yesterday’s ride, and I was feeling good. It was just a nice, short mountain bike ride and the first time in short sleeves this year.
What a difference a day makes in Ohio’s weather! (I’m stating the obvious here.) Yesterday it was in the 40’s and overcast. Today it was 82 when I left for the ride and sunny as could be. Tomorrow’s forecast: high in the low 50’s and rain. Oh well, at least it’s not supposed to snow.
KT took Daniel for a picture session in Ashland late this afternoon, and I made a spontaneous decision to head to Mohican for a short ride. Within minutes of KT leaving I was loaded up and out the driveway.
Grape eatin' on the run.
I rode the first four miles and was going to take the short loop back, but I decided to backtrack for a little more riding time. Once again the new bike felt great. I have made several modifications to the bike and will have to post some specifics later.
Sneak peak at drivetrain modification.
On today’s ride I tried to spin a little more than usual to prevent over doing it after yesterday’s ride, and I was feeling good. It was just a nice, short mountain bike ride and the first time in short sleeves this year.
What a difference a day makes in Ohio’s weather! (I’m stating the obvious here.) Yesterday it was in the 40’s and overcast. Today it was 82 when I left for the ride and sunny as could be. Tomorrow’s forecast: high in the low 50’s and rain. Oh well, at least it’s not supposed to snow.
Shauck Metric Century
My Saturday started the same way a work day begins, with a 6:30AM alarm. It sure is easier to get up for a bike ride than it is for work. After getting dressed in cycling gear, brewing some coffee, and making a peanut butter and egg sandwich I was standing in the driveway waiting for Ryan to show up.
We were on the road by 7:15 and heading for Shauck, south of Lexington, for a metric century to benefit the Johnsville volunteer fire department. We figured it would be a good way to get 62 miles in the legs and see some new roads while doing so. At the fire station we signed in for the road and headed out.
It was a damp 40 degree start to the ride, not so much rain as a misty fog. We stopped within a handful of miles to take off our glasses as they were too wet to see out of. For the beginning of the ride I began to feel underdressed and was not staying warm. The sun never came out but it must have warmed a few degrees and I became more comfortable.
We rode to Fredericktown and then up to Butler. In Butler the route took us onto the rails to trails and we rode the former railway bed all the way to Lexington. The route was mostly flat or mildly rolling but we did enjoy a good uphill grade riding south out of Lexington.
It was a good ride, though the route was somewhat non-distinctive. I guess that makes sense for a flat ride, it’s usually the hills that make an impression on me. For this time of year it was a good ride to get the legs up to speed.
We were on the road by 7:15 and heading for Shauck, south of Lexington, for a metric century to benefit the Johnsville volunteer fire department. We figured it would be a good way to get 62 miles in the legs and see some new roads while doing so. At the fire station we signed in for the road and headed out.
Arriving on scene.
It was a damp 40 degree start to the ride, not so much rain as a misty fog. We stopped within a handful of miles to take off our glasses as they were too wet to see out of. For the beginning of the ride I began to feel underdressed and was not staying warm. The sun never came out but it must have warmed a few degrees and I became more comfortable.
A quick stop to dig out some food... and take a picture.
We rode to Fredericktown and then up to Butler. In Butler the route took us onto the rails to trails and we rode the former railway bed all the way to Lexington. The route was mostly flat or mildly rolling but we did enjoy a good uphill grade riding south out of Lexington.
Gas station stop in Butler to refill bottles.
It was a good ride, though the route was somewhat non-distinctive. I guess that makes sense for a flat ride, it’s usually the hills that make an impression on me. For this time of year it was a good ride to get the legs up to speed.
Pedaling along the rail trail.
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