2drunk2shift

Pocahantas State Park

2010-06-15T00:09:00.015-05:00

It's been a while since I put anything on here. Mostly because of doing other stuff and stupid Facebook. Well last week was some great weather and some good riding. Seven and a half hours of mountain biking in two days, black rasberries, good food a little wine and the little family. Still living the dream.

Shamrock Half Marathon

2010-03-24T09:27:00.015-05:00

Marathon is not a word I thought would every be in a sentence that I would view as positive. I was wrong. Great exercise, great people, great support, great weather and great volunteers. Overall a great weekend. Carrie and I both achieved personal bests. We are awesome.

Pocahontas State Park

2010-03-06T13:03:00.003-05:00

Babycakes sure loves her mountain bike. I jacked up my hand and couldn't hold a handlebar and there was no stopping her. I felt like the chic. She was like, are you gonna be ok while I ride? Anyway, it was upper 40's and sunny. She rode and I ran for about an hour and fifty. So far so good on the hamstring. A little tight, but not too bad. Considering I got the Shamrock Half Marathon coming up that's a good thing.

Babcock State Park in WV Last Month

2010-01-11T23:32:00.006-05:00

Another Year

2010-01-11T23:18:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that I am 41. I also can't believe that I went from last year getting a Moots frame to getting a Patagonia vest. Don't get me wrong, I like the vest, but do you see the vast difference. I must of been much better last year.

Speedy's Hot Sauce in stereo

2009-11-20T02:29:00.001-05:00

Rockin the new Speedy's vest. Check out the cyclocross race this weekend in Suffolk, Va.

Tidewater Mountain Bike Challenge 2009

2009-11-01T15:15:00.008-05:00

Another great weekend out of Virginia Beach. Camping in the camper for three nights. Babycakes raced Saturday and I raced Sunday. Lots of great folks, four days of mountain biking, campfire, family, food and fun. After be the only clydesdale on a single speed stupid enough to race the sport vet class, the bed of the truck never felt so good.

Bryant Park Cyclocross and Pocahontas State Park

2009-10-19T13:44:00.009-05:00

A weekend of cyclocross and mountain biking. Raced cyclocross for the 1st time and got some food and rode mountain bikes until it was too dark to see. Got up on Monday and rode two hours with Babycakes and Vegan Mike. I suck at the dismounting on cyclocross. After riding we shot beer cans with sling shots until midnight. Awesome.

The AT is alway a mixed emotion for me.

2009-10-07T00:55:00.007-05:00

Babycakes loves some backpacking. For me it is a mix of being outdoors, getting some exercise, quality time with my woman, nature and pup. It is also one of the things I suck the most at. I get blisters, my flat ass feet give me ankle, back and knee pain. I am stiff and sore the whole time and whenever I leave I miss it. Weird.

Honda Civic Si 2005

2009-09-11T13:49:00.004-05:00

Yep, that's right, I am cleaning house. To many toys. I am also selling the honda. Two cars, a truck and two motorcycles is just stupid. I don't have time to wash all those vehicles. Anyway, the honda is like all my toys, it has extras. The wheels and tires have less than thousand miles on em. Anyway let me know.

Triumph Speed Triple

2009-09-11T13:45:00.002-05:00

The Speed Triple is up for sale. It is 2005 with only 7250 miles on it and thousands in extra aftermarket stuff. Let me know if anyone is interested.

Rock and Roll Half Marathon

2009-09-11T13:33:00.003-05:00

Babycakes did the half marathon while I was playing Woodstock in Alabama. Sorry, I missed it, but her folks came in for support. It was her first and I think she will be doing it again. I'm not so sure what it says about myself. I had a great time partying like Jim Morrison this weekend, but I really wanted to do the half marathon with Babycakes. I know, its a sufferfest to run on the pavement. I just think I would rather be recovering from something that is gonna make me stronger and healthier than from a hangover. There I said it. I'm not proud, but I said it.

Zip-Line in WV

2009-08-27T11:39:00.008-05:00

We decided to take the tree canopy tour in the New River and Gauley River area. Babycakes, Tom (her Dad), and I went and checked it out. It was awesome and the weather was great. If you ever get up to Fayetteville area I strongly recommend it and it really isn't scary its just awesome.

West Virginia and my new truck

2009-08-27T11:20:00.008-05:00

Babycakes and I were suppose to be racing this past weekend at Ace, which is a race that I look forward to doing every year. We both had summer colds the week before and just didn't feel up to race pace. We did get some fun in. We went, but decided not to race. We got in some trail running on the Kaymoor trails, did some mountain biking in Summersville, got out on the boat with the in-laws, did the zip line at the Gauley and gave the new truck some lovin. Lots o puppy time, as well.

Little Beaver Mountain Bike Race

2009-08-03T22:30:00.007-05:00

Went to WV for some mtb racing. It rain from about 7:00pm the night before until about 5:00am that morning and a few other time 5:am until race time just for general purpose. Pretty muddy in spots, but I have ridden in worse. I always find it completely interesting how good you can feel and how bad you can feel in the same race. weird. Anyway, I defended my title and got first place this year. I had a little slower time this year, but felt more solid. Maybe, I shoulda went harder cause last year when I finished I thought I was gonna vomit. I always thought that is the way you are suppose to feel at the end of the race.

Babycakes is very excited about the camper

2009-08-03T22:22:00.000-05:00

Camping Changes

2009-08-03T22:10:00.003-05:00

Babycakes went to visit her folks and stopped to look at some campers. A week later we are the proud owners of a Fun Finder. Check out the new digs.

Fred goes to West Virginia

2009-06-23T11:47:00.004-05:00

Fred got a full four days of playing with other dogs, car rides, bike rides and good ole doggie fun.

Speedy's Famous Hot Sauce

2009-05-19T01:05:00.002-05:00

For those of you who didn't see the insert in the Virginia Pilot go checkout www.distinctionhr.com and look under the review for Pacifica.

Rachael Ray is a shitty tipper

2009-05-18T12:29:00.002-05:00

I just caught one of those "40 dollar a day", shows of Rachael Ray's and once again I can't bare the fact that someone that works in the food industry is so cheap. She always under tips. And anyone in the business knows you don't tip some shitty 10 to 15%. I hope that some one did something to her food. Have you ever seen the movie, "Waiting"? Anthony Bourdain even called her out on it on his show on South Carolina and I wanna thank him. I also thought it would be cool to show this photo of "little miss goody two shoes". And I would like to point out that since she has picked up a little weight she has man hands. There, I finally got that off my chest. In your face Rachael Ray.

James River Scramble

2009-05-17T10:17:00.005-05:00

It was the 1st James River Scramble and my 1st running event ever. I can't believe I just said, I and running in the same sentence. There was the mud run, the 10k and the mountain bike race. Lots of music and exercise. There was also the flying dogs. I did the 10k, spent the day outside and saw some friends. Living the dream.

Fred's first bike ride

2009-05-17T10:13:00.002-05:00

Fred's first bike ride. A fixie of course.

Fred's first book

2009-05-17T10:10:00.001-05:00

Fred's first book. Appropriately "The Magic Journey" by John Nichols.

Fast Freddy

2009-05-12T12:56:00.005-05:00

Well, with all this Facebooking going on it seems like everyone is blogging less. And I am guilty of it as well. Babycakes and I have a new addition to the family that I gotta catch everyone up on. This is Fred he is 9 weeks old and a full time job, I mean joy. He is a miniture poodle, yes I know a poodle, right. But I have become allergic to dogs in my old age and I don't mean just a little. So poodles fit the catagory. So far so good. No weezing and snotting. He has actually gain 20% of his mass in the last week. Which puts him at a wauping 3lbs 1oz. He will eventually weigh about 15-18 lbs they say. Big enough for runs, but I think the bike rides will be done in the messenger bag.

Our weekend getaway, again. Don't hate.

2009-04-09T00:22:00.003-05:00

Cherry Blossems

2009-04-09T00:13:00.005-05:00

A representation of our peaceful relationship with Japan and a gift that keeps on giving.

Old Friends

2009-04-09T00:00:00.002-05:00

My buddy James has had his work cut out for him these last few years. Sometimes people are there own worst enemy. And then again we are all just trying to get along in a sociaty that we as individuals didn't create. It is almost impossible not to get swept away by the momentum that life creates and our desires to feel justified in our existance. I constantly remind myself of the things that I find important and the things that help me feel justified. Sometimes you just have to get lost in order to find your self. Life is a wonderous and sorrowful thing at times. I hope we all get it right on the next go round. Anyway, my buddy hit some hard times and sold his bike. Things turned around and he was able to buy it back at a price. But how priceless is getting together with old friends. Live and savor every moment for it is fleeting my friend.

I have proof of us actually running

2009-03-23T00:52:00.006-05:00

Babycakes and I considered doing the half marathon today in the Shamrock, but that jank filled up in January, or something. Anyway, after having a few to many last night I rode my bike down to pick up the car and watch people coming in from the Shamrock. There were some desperate looks in those eyes. But it makes me wanna do it for some twisted reason. Anyway Carrie and I went to First Landing today and did some cross training. There are some exercise stations on the Cape Henry trail. Essentially we did the High Dunes trail which leads into Long Creek which leads into Cape Henry. I thing it is a little over 3 miles. Then you run down Cape Henry and you come to parallel bar, run again and you come to pull up bars, run again and vertical step, run again and do pull ups, run again and do monkey bars, run again and do incline push ups, run again and do crunches and then sprint another quarter mile. It's a good work out. I think you end up running about 5 and get a little extra in. It was no marathon, or half, but it was a good work out.

2009-03-23T00:52:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the new Fast and Furious

2009-03-23T00:47:00.003-05:00

Finally broke down and spent some money on something other than bicycles and just in time for the new release of, "The Fast and Furious". Thank goodness.

Cannondale R2000

2009-03-16T22:37:00.003-05:00

Carrie's first road bike. It never got much love cause it just didn't fit right. Very low miles. I think it was originally like $1800. It is a 54cm and has mavic ksyrum elites w/ ultegra 9spd. Never really used. It has a few scratches on components from first clipless pedal incidents. If anybody know someone thats lookin let me know.

Cannondale Track bike with corrections

2009-03-15T01:04:00.008-05:00

Cannondale makes some of the best riding aluminium bikes available. I am a long time retro grouch about steel bikes, but I gotta admit when a bike rides good. You know when it just disappears underneith you. Anyway, I was trying to build a bike I didn't worry about locking up. So much for that. Philwood hubs, reflective rims, Ti Moots seatpost, Sweetwing cranks etc etc.

Calfee Design was not a winner with Speedy's

2009-03-04T00:07:00.002-05:00

I just don't get it. Everybody was jacking off to the bull horn bike last year and to the bamboo bike this year. They are a cutting edge carbon bike company, but what is with the Gilligan's Island bullshit. Ease up Professor. I know, maybe its art and I just don't get it. But I really don't get it. Isn't art suppose to look good. This jungle shit just pisses me off. I mean bamboo and hemp, give me a green break. What hippie could afford that crap anyway.

Don Walker Cycles was a #1 winner of Speedy's Hot Sauce

2009-03-04T00:01:00.002-05:00

Don is a winner for making such beautiful jewels and for bringing a bikes show that is reminiscent of the old Philly shows which were much more digestable in comparison to Vegas. Thanks Don for the great bikes and the show. Enjoy the handmade sauce.

Dirt Rag's Maurice won some Speedy's Hot Sauce for his burrito

2009-03-03T23:54:00.002-05:00

Urban Velo was a big winner w/ Speedy's Hot Sauce

2009-03-03T23:26:00.004-05:00

These guys are like Dirt Rag twenty years ago. They are into the scene of the new bicycle movement. Yeah, I can't bear the uniform of the new scene, but if it gets new folks into bikes then that rocks. I admittedly have some knickers, but they are not skin tight. I think I am going to start a new retro trend this summer and wear cut off jean shorts to ride in. Hell, I am married; I am going to bring back short jean shorts for dudes. There is no excuse for tapered leg pants for men. It's sick. And the cartoons in Urban Velo joke on this very thing and I love it. Drop the uniform and ride your bike. Anyway, the guys at Urban Velo had a fun attitude and that is what it's all about. Speedy's says order their magazine, it's interesting and real.

Retrotec & Inglis Cycles was a winner w/ Speedy's

2009-03-03T23:20:00.004-05:00

Curtis Inglis makes some beautiful curvy bikes and I am somewhat still a member of Retro Grouch Moto Club so I love the old skool look w/ modern functionality. Mrs. Inglis had to get some Speedy's Hot Sauce on her nachos. She was very nice and gave us a poster and was inquisitive about the delicious sauce.

Hunter Cycles got honorable mention from Speedy's

2009-03-03T23:16:00.002-05:00

Rick Hunter makes some beautiful bikes and they also have some great wool cycling caps. If he could only get that label facing forward.

Moots was a winner with Speedy's Hot Sauce

2009-03-03T23:11:00.002-05:00

Jon at Moots has been helpful this year as always. I almost feel quilty for getting two moots in the last seven months. Guilty for not getting three. Apparently there are some pepper heads in Steamboat, Colorado.

Bilenky Cycle's was a Speedy's winner

2009-03-03T23:02:00.002-05:00

Bilenky is out of Philadelphia, Pa. Stephen build some beautiful and functional works of art. Check em out at BILENKY.COM

NAHBS Bike Photos

2009-03-03T21:46:00.031-05:00

I could say alot about all of these beauties, but I am going to give you all a little quiet time with this bike porn.

New Quarters new sections

2009-02-13T13:28:00.004-05:00

The new sections, or at least new to me are pretty good. They add a little to the course and seem to detour some of the stuff that was getting pretty worn down. The one fast down hill seems a little faster. The new sections are already packed down, but a little lumpy. To really blast them you will need to be out of the saddle for a hardtail, but they'll get there. It is still one of the best places to ride that is close to this side o the water and Tequila Rose is right there when your done. It is also a good place to ride with multilevel riders because its a loop. If you stay on the main loop and anyone gets hurt you will eventually find them and you can alway cut out on the road if it starts to get dark.

Santa Cruz Superlight meets Babycakes

2009-02-13T13:16:00.006-05:00

I think it is safe to say that Babycakes likes her new bike. At christmas she was excited to get the new frame, but a little aprehensive to retire her hardtail. One ride cured her of that. Man that girl loves to ride in the woods.

Wintergreen last week

2009-02-02T22:47:00.004-05:00

Babycakes and I snuck away last week to go snowboarding for the first time. We spent most of the time on our butts and it sleeted all afternoon. It was nice to get away and the condo we rented was awesome. I think I get the enthusiasm about powder.

New Moots

2009-02-02T22:34:00.003-05:00

The first ride on the new moots was chilly. Forty, but windy and cold. The bike on the other hand is hhhhhhhhot. The campy 11 is f'ing awesome. The hoods are a nice fit. The bike handles great. It is snappy without being too stiff. Just what ti usually promises. I had a Litespeed a few years back and I just couldn't love it. I tried, just didn't. This bike rides immediately better than the Litespeed and the Merckx. Those two bikes had a dead feel. My Cannondale Caad 7 and Six13 both road better than the LS and Merckx. Cannondale six13 was a little too flexy. The best riding road bikes that I have had so far are. Independent Fabrication 1997 w/ Campy corus 1st generation 9spd, Cannondale Caad 7 Campy record 10spd, and now my new love, Moots Compact Campy Super Record 1st generation 11spd.

Coming of Age

2009-01-14T19:45:00.005-05:00

Well people say turning 40 is one of the big ones and well I guess it is. It is quite unbelievable myself. I know everybody says, "I just don't know what happened to the time," but its true. Most of the time the people I know that are my age I think are older. Maybe its because in my head I just don't feel that old, but talk to a 20 year old sometime and you will realize that things are as they should be.

I guess the real difference is that in my past I have always looked for the next thing that is going to amuse me. Rush to the next moment at all times. I always thought my whole life was ahead of me and only enjoyed things in memory. In the last few years I have gone out of my way to learn how to live in the "NOW". That has been no easy task, but I am practicing. I have gotten better about it and I always try to savor the moment. The best analogy for this experience I can think of is when you get in that zone on a trail and nothing can stop you. You just react to the trail, the bike, everything is right there. You dodge that tree, jump that log, make that turn, blast that rooty section that you don't even realize you have seen and in a way you couldn't do if you thought about it too much. Well it isn't all ahead of me now, It's all right here and I am trying to suck it all in and I know I will never get my fill, but I'm gonna keep tryin.

Moots B-day bash.

2009-01-14T19:12:00.013-05:00

Yeap, its true, I just turned 40 on Jan. 3. I have to say it was my very best birthday ever. I had friends and family come from out o town for my surprise birthday party. It was awesome. I was pretty much genuinely surprised. We had food, paint ball and great surprises for me. Anyone that has a birthday two weeks on either side of xmas knows we usually get screwed with the whole, "this is for xmas and your b-day bullshit." Not this time. Babycakes and everyone else out did themselves on this one. Thanks to everyone that was there it was great and I hope to shoot at you again sometime. I quess you all can guess what my big present from Babycakes was. P.S. The next day I went and broke the bank on some Campy Super Record 11 speed. I guess I will be gettin out on the road a little more this year. Hopefully, I will be more disciplined about gettin out on the road. I don't know what it is. Being in the woods whether it is running, or riding has been my thing the last two years, but I'm gonna mix it up. Anyway, good job and thanks, you sneaky bastards.

Babycakes gets her new frame.

2009-01-14T18:55:00.003-05:00

It has been awhile since I have blogged. The computer crashed. Be careful what you open from facebook. From what I have heard I was not the only victim. Anyway Christmas was good. I worked xmas day which was better than I thought it would be. Layed low on New Year Eve and Day. The amateur night anyway. I did run six and a half miles New Years Eve and five and a half new years day. Both days were personal bests. I guess that is the a one can ask for and then it was partytime on the 3rd. My 40th birthday.

Speedy's Hot Sauce

2008-12-08T15:13:00.002-05:00

I have been through three batches this month, which is much more that usual. I had to call in reinforcements this time. Babycakes was working and Speedy's was gettin low. We had an order of 180 bottles go out last week, which is the largest single order ever. So Dalton, John and Marcy came out to give a hand. In trade I roasted a delicious jerk chicken w/ all the fixins and we didn't even get a picture we were working and grubbin so hard. Anyway we got a hundred and five new babies waiting for a home for the holidays. Peace.

ONE MORE USE FOR DUCK TAPE, QWACK

2008-11-10T01:43:00.002-05:00

Who needs welds. Not Wes Cheney.

This is my impatient look

2008-11-05T09:42:00.002-05:00

After hiking for an hour, or more in a down pour we found the waterfall that we could barely get to. Babycakes wanted a picture, but I had to get out on the edge of a slippery wet rock that happen to have a forty foot drop to the bottem of the waterfall. Which you still can't see in this picture. Hence the expression on my face.

Bush shows off his social grace, once again

2008-11-05T00:54:00.003-05:00

Someone is not pleased with the election results. Picture stolen from G files.

AT near the Tye River

2008-11-04T22:14:00.011-05:00

This week there wasn't a tuesday fun ride. Carrie and I spent two hours in the DMV last week for absentee voting purposes. We knew at 6:30am on monday we would be driving up to the hills. We decided to do a little walkin on the AT again and hopefully catch some of the foliage. We weren't disappointed. Her folks and a couple of the dogs, Amos and Sammy met us for part of the hike on monday. We hiked for about an hour more after they turn back and stayed at one of the shelters. Our first time actually making use of one of the shelters. Good thing cause it rained part of monday night and almost the whole day tuesday. We were trying to make it to this waterfall on tuesday and it started to pour. We paused and started to turn back and said the hell with it. We were already wet so we pushed on and were glad of it. Got back to the car soaked and grinning. She had a surprise for me which was a stop in the Mellow Mushroom in Charlottesville. Simply the best pizza and great beer selection.

On another note; check out those leaves. This top picture is what I imagine when people speak of enlightenment. Philosophy is a walk on a slippery rock.

Tidewater Mountain Bike Challenge Photos?

2008-11-02T11:07:00.002-05:00

There were guys everywhere taking pictures at the race. Does anyone know where to go to view any of those photographers photos?

Graceful Ice skating moves by Rob Tripp

2008-10-29T17:20:00.003-05:00

Rob always has something special to share. He moves like gazelle.

Speedy's Tuesday Ride/Gatewood

2008-10-29T17:07:00.010-05:00

Tidewater Mountain Bike Challenge '08 Still life

2008-10-29T16:32:00.018-05:00

All kinds of lunacy with KISS and Team Zissou. It's the most fun I have had just dorkin around. I forgot to buy beer so I was sober. What a sham. It was a good full day of crazy talk. Can't wait til next year. I even got to ride a while with Liz Shlepper. Good job Liz.

Tidewater Mountain Bike Challenge '08 action.

2008-10-29T16:02:00.009-05:00

This year TMBC was a blast. It rained friday and saturday, so the beginner race ended up being on sunday with everyone else's race. The weather cleared enough on saturday for some pre-ride fun. Got three laps in on sat., but this ment another day of PRS aka pre-race syndrome. PRS is just like PMS with Babycakes. I become an idiot invading her personal space. Let's just say she is less than warm a few days before racing.
Anyway, race day was great. Lots of friends and friendly people. If you have ever been to a road race you will really appreciate the differences at a mtb race. I don't know the actual count, but it sure seemed like there were more people out this year. And the weather was great. I decided to race duo enduro and the single speed for the first time. It was fun and brutal. Dan Gibson aka D-bo and I raced as Team Speedy's Hot Sauce. We busted out 13 lucky laps. He had a cleat bust on lap 6 and called it a day. I hopped back in and got another 2 laps in at the end which put me at 7laps. That was enough. I don't think I would have gone out there and done 7laps for anything, but fun. Babycakes got six place in womens beginners and was proud of her ride.

Anyway great people, great weather, great fun, great riding.

Cycling

2008-10-23T01:32:00.002-05:00

Two, or more years ago I would have never thought that I would be back into mountain biking as much. Hell, five years ago I can remember having a conversation with my buddy Wes and thinking that I just don't give a shit about it anymore. Running Conte's I only had time for roadbiking. Late '04 I was feeling pretty negative about alot of things and I met Babycakes and ordered a 29er just trying to get myself out of a rut. Babycakes got me to the trail again in a manner of speaking and after I left the bike biz for the restaurant biz there was no looking back. I use to think about what I was gonna do with me according to other peoples terms more than my own. I certainly didn't pay sixty thousand dollars for college to be a bartender, but life is interesting and I never had so much free time. Most of the people that go, "Well whatta ya gonna do next? I mean, this is a stepping stone isn't it?" My answer is this, I was going to teach, but it pays about twenty thousand less a year and you work more. So, I am going to play outside and be with my woman. Work is work, money is money. Hell, this blog started over a track bike beer ride on sundays. I still enjoy that shit, but the road riding is back in its place just like my priorities, training for mountain biking. Getting away from traffic and people yelling at you to get on the "sidewalk", is what its all about. One life, one chance to have fun. Practice.

Babycakes can do it all

2008-10-20T11:52:00.003-05:00

Babycakes was already riding everything at New Quarter and Freedom, but this past week I took her to York River for the first time. After the first lap she was riding everything even the steep rooty lame ass hill at the end. Not bad for only having a mountain bike for a year and some change. She is woman hear her roar. Meow

York River Park and more about me.

2008-10-15T22:17:00.003-05:00

It's been almost two years since I have been to York River and It was Babycakes first ride in my old stompin grounds. Pretty much the same. It is still very rooty and there is some new man made rocky sections. I think the rocks are in an effort to empede errosion. It was fun and the final climb still sucks a big one.

Tuesday's Speedy's Hotsauce Ride

2008-10-15T20:26:00.005-05:00

Apparently Tuesday is a good day for some mountain biking. We had a decent showing for the ride and the after ride party. I think everyone got at least 3 laps in. New Quarter is perfect for a group mtn. ride cause it is a 6 mile loop, so everyone can go at their own pace and nobody gets lost. Only one person threw up and no one got hurt.

Free at last, Free at last

2008-10-15T20:17:00.002-05:00

Danny Dalton no longer works for Conte's Bike and Fitness. Maybe now he can get his life together. His mind won't be clouded with the make believe. He seems a little nervous, but things are good. Fly, baby bird, fly. Tuesday's Speedy's Mountain ride was coined, Danny's freedom ride.

Fun Tuesday

2008-10-12T23:51:00.009-05:00

Tuesday is becoming a weekly ride. Any of you who are interested are welcome to come out. We have been doing Freedom Park at around 3p.m., but times vary and location might. So, your best bet is to get up with one of the crew to get the skinnie. JM Randalls seems to be the after ride hang, but if we do New Quarter then we hit Tequila Rose. Been riding for about 2-3 hours so put you watch in the car, you won't be on any scedule for the rest of the after noon cause it's fun time.

280zx Turbo

2008-10-03T03:02:00.001-05:00

Check out the sweet ass ride. This car would have made me sooooo cool in high school. But, it makes me pretty f'n cool now. Don't you think?

Stan's Notubes New Wheels

2008-09-29T23:13:00.005-05:00

Babycakes was in dire need of some new wheels. So we got her some American Classics with some Stan's no tubes. Very light, too light for my stoutness, but perfect for Babycakes. Actually, I got some new 355 laced up to the DT swiss hubs and got rid of the ZTR's for that very reason, too light hence too flexy. Stan's has a great product and I have always had good experiences with them and there staff. Well, that is until this last purchase. Apparently Cindy at Stan's was having a bad day. It was one of the most unenjoyable new bike stuff purchases ever. She even accused me of giving her a hard time and almost wouldn't take the order. Great products, total bitch. But one bad apple isn't going to ruin my pie. The products are great and everyone else I have dealt with has been great.

MMMMMM PEPPERS

2008-09-29T23:07:00.002-05:00

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMPEPPERRRRRSSSS.

Satan is my motor

2008-09-27T11:39:00.002-05:00

Bikes with motors can be fun as well. This is my buddy Wes' Suckerpunch Sally. And yes its a hardtail. This baby is for whitetrash sex appeal. It's fun, but I think I'm into the handling aspect a little too much. But you do feel sexy on this beast.

Redneck "it's a lifestyle"

2008-09-26T02:24:00.002-05:00

Found this awesome hat in a little country store near Sherando Lake, Va. This store had more guns and knives than Bob's Gun and Tackle and it was a conveniant store like 7-11. Life is a wonderous thing. I couldn't stay away from this place. Anytime you can buy bait, beer, sausage biscuits and a firearm in the same place it is next to heaven.

Hot Sauce

2008-09-16T23:57:00.002-05:00

New batch from home grown peppers. Look at my beautiful bush and its delightful fruit, or is that a pepper in my pocket.

There was a FULL MOON this week

2008-09-16T03:23:00.004-05:00

Children and raccoons beware. It was the weirdest thing. He just dropped his shorts and ran madly off into the woods. We are not sure what drove him to this and he hasn't been seen since. When Babycakes saw this photo I just heard her screaming repeatedly, "My Eyes, My Eyes, oh my god, My Eyes".

Babycakes got a new ride

2008-09-16T03:10:00.003-05:00

Babycakes got a new ride and we have been so into mountain biking, racing, and camping she has hardly had time to enjoy it. But I will tell you this, she simply could not ride on the road for more than an hour without horrific pain until she got an Independent built for her. It is the no more tears formula. Her sweet ass Club Racer is what the docter ordered. No more crotch pain makes for an enjoyable ride. Fit is a must. She even got me on my underappreciated cross bike.

Speedy's Hot Sauce is legit

2008-09-10T19:58:00.002-05:00

The name is registered and business license are taken care of and THE sauce is now in No Frill Grill. If you go in be sure to ask for it. Thanks

The Three Amigos Ride Again

2008-09-10T19:30:00.006-05:00

I don't remember how long it has been since the three of us have riden mountain bikes together, but I think it has been at least a year. Rob, Danny, and I us to be roomates and road roadbikes all the time together, but at the time we all worked at the Bike Shop together. Hence the reason we didn't get to ride mtb much even then. Anyway, Babycakes had to work on Tuesday and I wanted to ride mtb's. So, Monday I sent out a text to Danny, Rob, CB, and Christian thinking I might have a chance. Who would a thunk it. Three of the four showd. (CB had to work.) The stars must have been aligned. Danbo was coming back from a road ride when we picked up Rob. (I think he was jealous of his dirt buddies and we might get him back on a mountain bike). Christian showed up at Freedom to ride with us, but bolted when the rain came. Rob, Danny, and I got another lap in and hung out in the woods til the rain passed. It was very early in the day for me, but it was awesome. The rain passed, we got some food and beers and avoided the bike being on top of the car in the storm. Sometimes things work out.

2drunk2shift Sunday Ride

2008-09-10T19:02:00.003-05:00

We had some guest stars this week. Rick Curtis, CB, Sally, Mike and Melissa Rice. It ended up three fixies and four geared bikes. Both riding and beers were enjoyed and the weather was awesome. Started and finished at Pacifica. Thanks for riding and drinking.

Freedom Parks New Section

2008-09-04T11:39:00.003-05:00

Freedom Park has a new section. Well, its new to us. I guess it has been open for about three months from what I heard. I think if you do the long loop on the original stuff that adds up to about eight and some change, with the new loop which is fun, you should be at least eleven all together. The new section is technical and has some man made contraptions. Drop offs, seesaw, a hump thing, a narrow bridge thing etc. I tried it all and I have always and still think the drop off things are lame. It is like comparing Evil Kneviels launches to modern motocross jumping. Yeah, launching over stuff is cool I guess, but catching air on something and gettin some style is so much cooler. Launching is hard on you and your bike and doesn't take a lot o skill. In short boring. Yeah, there is a little thrill from the possibility of fucking yourself up, but how about a nice table top. Now that is cool.

Finally put a rack on the fast and furious

2008-09-04T11:35:00.002-05:00

I will finally stop throwing my bike in the back of the hatch back.

Walkie Talkie

2008-09-04T11:24:00.002-05:00

After a frustrating ride for Babycakes and a friggin heart attack for me we decided on a solution. Last week I frantically rode the trail at Freedom park backwards searching for my woman that is not usually that far behind. She had wrecked multiple times and taken the bail out trail. So she was frustrated and bruised and I was loosing my mind trying to figure out how I was going to get my broken wife out of the woods. Turns out she wasn't so broken. But now we can communicate. These things worked awesome. I was able to ride at whatever pace I wanted and check on her and meet her at certain junctions, or turn offs. It gave us a little more freedom to do our own thing and look out for each other at the same time. All for like $80 and they stayed charged for a three hour ride, on the whole time.

2drunk2shift ride

2008-09-03T00:06:00.002-05:00

Harlan Ward threw this together for his son Paul to ride when he's home from college in New Mexico. Sweet ride Paul, glad you made it out for our little ride before heading back. It is hard to get people in this town to show up for an evening ride.

Hummingbird

2008-09-01T18:50:00.002-05:00

This little booger was flying up about a foot, or two in front of my face while I was cooking out on the grill. I guess it was officially dinner time.

Moots Mooto-x

2008-09-01T18:46:00.002-05:00

In case anyone didn't see my new single speed here she is enjoying nature.

The Ace New River Gorge Mountain Bike Fest '08

2008-09-01T02:15:00.011-05:00

Jeff(race organizer) and Adam(Marathon Bike co.) were both out in support of this race and last months Little Beaver race as well. Gary(race organizer of little beaver) was also there, but not pictured. These are a fun bunch. Great riding and drinking with you guys.

The weekend plus was great. Worked til 4am on thur. and got up at 830am to leave for W.Va. left by 10:30am which is good for us. Got in early evening and Babycake, Tom(father in law), and I went for a casual ride around town and had some dinner. Saturday was preride the course day, bike check over etc... etc....

Sunday was race day and we had great weather all weekend. In short, I ate to soon before racing and felt like puking the whole race. My time was 10min. longer than last years race and I am in better shape this year. On the other hand it was Babycakes day. She found her mountain bike Zen once again. Yeap, thats right 1st place.

I came in fourth place, which was my best that day. So that's all you can ask. I won't be eating turkey and swiss for a little while.

The course was pretty good. It was very dry and there were some washed out spots from weather. I had removed some loose boulders and trees the day before that just didn't add to the experience in a positive way. Over all I had a good ride. There is a section called rigamortis that is scary, but rideable. Don't get me wrong, it is dangerous and lots o people walk it, but it is rideable. Walked some of it last year and didn't this year. My time was better last year, you figure it out. Actually the day after I rode all of it on the SS and didn't really have a mtn gear on it. It's the down hill part that is scetchy. Over all it was a great weekend and we are one step closer to moving.

The New River Gorge

2008-08-30T12:19:00.010-05:00

Why do I live in Virginia Beach? How did I get here? I don't surf. There are no waves. There are no mountains. What the F am I thinking. Anybody wanna buy a condo four blocks from the beautiful sunny Virginia Beach Oceanfront?

August Dead Heat

2008-08-21T11:47:00.003-05:00

Speedy's has sponsored its first event. Bryan Law, Babycakes uncle is an avid disc golfer up in Northern Va. Here is a picture of the awesome t-shirt and sign he did for the event. Check out the empty box, sold out. Thanks for the support and the great presentation Bryan.

Harlan's Baby

2008-08-11T02:14:00.001-05:00

This bike has nine lives and is one sweet classic. Tomassini ahh yes, timeless.

Hot Sauce

2008-08-10T16:56:00.001-05:00

New batch available. One hundred delightful gems are ready for a new home.

Tour of the South

2008-08-08T11:14:00.002-05:00

Matt, Steve and friends did some touring this summer and we caught them in Richmond Va. rockin out.

Moots MootoX Single Speed 29er

2008-08-06T18:38:00.007-05:00

Do I like it? I know the picture speaks for itself, but let me tell you. THIS BIKE IS SICK. The Fox shox is awesome, it seems stiffer than my Reba which means it goes where you point it. The hope brakes, sweet as pie. The frame is soooo sexy and it is a great combo of stiffness and forgiveness. It's quite nimble and is easy to hop over stuff. Did I mention the bee buzzin sexy sound of the King Hubs. I have had them before, on road bikes and cross bikes and the sound just isn't the same. When on a single speed part of the beauty is the silentness of the ride. When you are winding through some technical stuff and you hear the bee's on and off its soooo sweeett. New Quarter was very dry. Babycakes found her mountain bike zen and had a great ride. We busted out 3 laps before some mexican food at Tequila Rose. Peace.

Moots MootoX 29er Uno

2008-08-05T00:46:00.014-05:00

Here she is. I have waited 3 months to pull this together and in reality about ten years. I have looked at Moots, sold them, fondled, and drooled. For whatever reason (mostly my obsession with IF), I hadn't purchased one. I even went to the extent of filling out an employee purchase form years ago and never did it. Well its time this dream came to fruition. The housing on the sexy ass brakes are a little long and will be remedied next week, but I'm riding tomorrow. The wheels were a challenge. I've built most of my wheels, but when it is a rear disc wheel and your push pull spokes gotta be laced opposite on the non- drive side. Well; lets just say it wasn't clicking at first and some very expensive stuff almost got thrown across the room. Huge amounts of patience went into this project. Half the stuff I ordered in the beginning of May wasn't available and the original fork plan DT Swiss rigid still isn't available. Well anyway; its late and I need some alone time with my new lady. Peace

SUPPORT TEAM AND POST RACE FUN

2008-07-31T11:31:00.007-05:00

Thanks to my extended family for all the fun and support. My inlaws not only came out to the race, but they brought the grandparents and Jeff and kids(friends) out to the race with the camper and food. I been racing most of my life on and off and I don't think I have ever received so much support. Thanks again.

Now, on another note. I have always lived near water and can appreciate it, but never cared one way, or another about water sports. Well, not in this family. My mother in law practically pushed me out of the boat. I have to admit it was fun. I did jump off of a thirty foot cliff into the water as well. Skiing I will do again. Jumping off perfectly solid ground, not so much. I only wish the expression on my face when I jumped had of been capture on film cause it ain't happenin again.

Little Beaver Mountainbike Challenge

2008-07-31T11:01:00.004-05:00

Went to West Virginia to visit family and race bikes. Little Beaver State Park right outside of the New River Gorge area is were the race was held. The course was one of the more challenging that I have raced on. If you like rock gardens and roots then you will love riding here. It is by far one of the more technical rides I have had. About five minutes into the race I bent my cog set and therefore could not ride in about three of the five gears I would have prefered to use. I stopped twice trying to figure out what the hell was going on and finally gave up. I thought, "this race is over". I couldn't believe it, I was going to DNF, I never DNF and then with a few choice words I just got more pissed, and then I thought well no time like the present to figure out the whole single speed theory. (Actually I used about two gears that were not my first choice, but ya gotta make do sometimes.)

If you have ever done a mountain bike race you know once the pac spreads out and unless your on a straight away you often loose track of where you are in the pack, or in the woods for that matter. I had only ridin the course once the day before so both off these effects were in play. I figured I paid my money I may as well ride. It is amazing the mental rollercoaster you can go through when you are pushing your body. I was very lucky. This course was dumping people left and right. I don't believe I have ever seen so many fiddlin with there bikes, walkin, or brushing themselves off as I did at this race. The rock garden were betting us to death. Anyway I figured I wasn't the only one who had problems, so lets have some fun.

I got the finish line and thought, "well, If I ain't gonna win I may as well look cool so, I did a wheelie across the finish line." Come to find out I looked cool gettin 1st place. IN YOUR FACE, ROADIES.

Speedy's Hot Sauce

2008-07-16T10:56:00.002-05:00

Anyone wanting sauce, or t-shirts just e-mail me your address to www.rooster790cc@yahoo.com . The sauce is $5, and the shirts are $20 plus shipping. It seems that the standard for shippin a couple of shirts and/or 2 ta 8 bottles of sauce has been around $8. At this point snail mail, or paypal is the way. Thanks for all the support.

Speedy's Hot Sauce

2008-07-10T02:08:00.002-05:00

You asked for it and now it is a reality. There is a new batch of sauce and it is official. Bar coded, nutritional facts and all legit. The athletic fit t-shirt is available as well. It is tobacco brown w/ robin's egg blue silk screen. To all those non-metro sexuals thats brown and blue. Just e-mail, or message me if your interested. Look for it all in local restaurant soon.

The AT in Virginia

2008-06-22T20:39:00.020-05:00

There were blisters, insects, unusual cold weather, rain, wind, hunger, heat, hills, down hills, crapping in the woods, weight on my back, aching feet, aching back, aching ankles, hunger, thirst, sleeping on the hard cold ground (in the 50's with shorts on) pure joy. Did I mention hungry and thirsty for cold beer. Pictures speak a little more. It's all worth it. I get board easily, and nature could care less. I am admittedlly a little bitch about comforts, but this final picture is what its all about.

P.S. I bought zipp off long pants and new hiking boots the next day. F merrell foot wear. It doesn't work for me.

the end of the journey

2008-06-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

Or the beginning of the next.

On the Edge

2008-06-22T12:25:00.003-05:00

"On the edge", can be scary in multiple ways. I ironically feel comfortable with either

The bug soup was delicious

2008-06-09T13:01:00.002-05:00

Camping tip No.1: I the evening when you are chillin' and the lantern is on we discovered some pest control. The bowl was just sittin near the lantern and the bug just kept flying into it. I guess cause it was reflecting the light. So, after a while they will get on ones nerves. So, I poured some water in it and sure enough they would land in it and splash around "alot". So, I took this death machine a little further and put 4 or 5 drops of dishwashing soap in the water. Well they kept a comin every night and they don't spash around but for a second. This reduced the problem by about 85%.

Camping tip No.2: Go camping on Sunday. Most campgrounds have a 3 o'clock check out so get there around 4 o'clock. Everyone is leaving and you can scavenge all their left behind firewood and like I said we were the only folks in the whole place until about 12:00 midnight on Tuesday.

P.S. There are advantages and disadvantages to being the only people in the middle of nowhere.

Like when people cruise through at night late at a camp ground when you and your woman are the only ones around for miles it is a little unsettling. Another reason to pack some heat. I would hate to use it, but it brings me peace of mind.

Fairystone State Park

2008-06-09T12:34:00.009-05:00

Left Sunday morning and came back Wednesday evening. One of the best things about all the people and the JETS flying over in Virginia Beach is that it will drive you to places like this.

I haven't ever heard anything about this place from mountain bikers, but its our little secret. If you are use to riding Williamsburg and Richmond area it is awesome. I would say there is about 8-10 miles of trails that are MTB legal. So, you gotta do some loops to get the desired mileage, but those loops are straight up awesome. It is one of the most well kept trail systems I have ever seen. Some great and challenging climbs and downhills... (Babycakes didn't walk or stop on anything this year). Yes, for a four and a half hour drive you can pretty much get some other awesome trails as well, but this place is the package. Awesome lakes, streams, mtn views, and the trails are well marked. The trail head was right past our tent in the back ground and we were the only people in the camp ground for two and a half days. Weekends are different and it is popular on weekends after school lets out because of the lakes. Living the dream.

2008-06-09T12:31:00.001-05:00

Beer

2008-06-09T12:25:00.001-05:00

I snapped a picture of Babycakes drinking one of the six beers she will drink this year. Hell, somebodies gotta drive me home.