Arrowhead 135 2023

This past Monday, 1/30/23, I toed the line for my 11th time at the Arrowhead 135.  It would become my 10th finish and first win.  I've come in 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd over the years but it took my last go around to grab the win.  Yep, I'm stepping back from the race for awhile.  I'm sure I'll be back but I want to explore other races and since it's hard to get into the Arrowhead I want to allow others to get in on the action as well.

The race start was cold.  I've heard reports ranging form -30 to -40.  I saw -28 with a windchill of -42.  About 15 miles into the race it usually gets colder, which it did.  Just know, it was cold!

I was 5th in the lead group.  About a mile in I got up front and made a pull.  When I pulled off I saw it was just Daniel Perry and I.  I assumed others would latch on but that never happened.

I went to take my first drink about 5 miles in.  My hydration bag hose was already frozen.  I wasn't thirsty nor did it concern me much so I kept rolling with Daniel.  Daniel's hub gave him issues later on so I rode away.  He later caught and passed me while I stopped to put my hydration hose around my torso under my bibs.  The bibs I used were 45Nrth Naughtvind bib knickers.  They come up high on your torso, which worked perfectly to thaw my hydration hose.

Nearing the first checkpoint, around 35 miles in, I caught back up to Daniel.  He too was dealing with frozen fluids.

Daniel and I rolling into CP1, Gateway.

At CP1.  Here I tested my fluids for the first time.  The wrapping the hose around my torso worked!  I didn't have to go in but Daniel did.  It was the last time I'd ride with anyone.

After CP1 the hills start to show up.  Years past this section was my nemesis.  I usually would blow up and lose the riders I was with.  A bunch of it was mental but the physical was part of the equation too.  Reluctantly I've started doing interval training prior to the race.  I must admit I feel it works.  Thanks Noah!

With the cold, the snow was hard and mostly firm.  But it was also grippy.  Which is good and bad.  It was good as I was able to climb all the hills (first time) on my way to CP2.  It's bad as the snow is constantly gripping your tires, slowing you down.

Rolling into CP2.

Checkpoint 2 is the only time I go inside.  I made the decision to change my base layer, hat, neck gaiter, nose covering, and mittens as it was going to get colder (it was below zero for the entire race) from there on out.  I was able to get in, change, eat a grilled cheese sandwich, a handful of nuts, slam a class of Coke, and get back on the bike in 7 minutes.  I wasn't sure where the other riders were so I wanted to keep my stay short.  The longer you stay in a checkpoint the harder it is to leave.

Now the real hills start, not for several miles, but once they start they don't stop till shortly after CP3.  Again, because of the cold and snow, I was able to climb more of the hills than years past.  I did walk hills as well.  This was my first time being in the lead at this point.  Years past I would use the riders in front of me as a guide.  If they walked, I walked.  Being in the lead threw me for a loop, ha!

CP3 is around 110 miles in.  I play games with myself.  I said I couldn't look at my distance till the sun went down.  When I looked I was sure the CP was around the corner.  I was bummed to see I had 5 miles left.  Getting to CP3 always takes longer than I think it will.  About 2 miles to the CP a fox came flying by me on the trail!  It startled me good, better than a shot of caffeine.  

I made it to CP3.  I had yet to fill up my hydration pack.  I also had a 20oz Hydroflask with.  I filled that with Embarks concoction they had.  Man was that good!  Like CP1, I was there for only 1 minute.  

Leaving CP3, two of my daughters ran along side with sparklers!

The next section is mostly flat.  Some will say they don't like this section.  I don't mind it.  I've only ridden it in the dark.  Maybe in the daylight it's different.  It is a bit more open in areas so the wind was burning a bit.  I kept looking over my shoulder to see if I could see the lights of others coming up on me.  I kept thinking there is no way I can win.  But the remaining 25 miles ticked off with no one coming into view.

At the finish!

I never quite know how to say I was happy I won.  Because, in reality, I'm happy to just finish, get 2nd or 5th.  But, yes, I was pretty stoked.

Huge thanks goes to Jen, my wife.  Avery and Harper, two of my daughters that made the trek north for the first time.  My mother in-law Mary Jo and her friend Lynn who also made the trip.  I had quite the entourage!  Also to my folks for taking care of the home front and the pets.

My cheer team!

RESULTS HERE

I get asked the most about my gear.  I will break it down quickly.

My bike is a 2018 Salsa Cycles carbon Mukluk. It has Sram Eagle and a Wolftooth 30 tooth elliptical chainring.

Wheels: 26" 80mm Hed carbon rims laced to Onyx hubs.  I heard of several folks having issues with their hubs in the cold.  Onyx hubs don't have those issues.  Bomber and smooth.

Cockpit:  I use a SQLabs carbon handlebar with a bit of a rise and 16 degrees of back sweep.  I really like them.  I have Ergon cork grips that I wrap with handlebar tape to both provide more protection from the cold and more comfort.  This was the best my hands faired.  My hands suck.  I also use the Revelate Design Expedition Pogies.  I wore liner mitten from Outdoor Research.

Clothing: Donkey Label sleeveless undershirt.  Craft Active Extreme long sleeve base layer.  45Nrth (current version) Naughtvind jacket.  I've used many jackets for this race.  My closet is full of them.  This was the best yet!  I worked very well for me.  I may have my mom put in front zipper vents but that's me.  On my bottom I had on 45Nrth Naughtvind bib knickers with Bontrager soft shell bib tights over.  It worked almost perfectly.  However both bibs have zippers.  The zippers got to be a tad tedious when having to take a nature break.  But not bad enough I would change the set up.  

On my feet I had merino wool compression socks, RAB vapor barrier, Smartwool Hunting sock and 45Nrth Wolfgar boot.  I only got cold feet once.  Running a minute took care of that.

I wore a neck gaiter, nose covering, and light weight hat on my head.

Lights: Light and Motion Seca 2500 Enduro.  I've used this light for several Arrowheads.  This was the first year the light died.  About 10 miles from the finish.  I then used my Princeton Tec Apex headlamp.

Food: I ate 6 snickers bars, some handfuls of frozen gummy bears, a grilled cheese sandwich, handful of nuts, and a half sleeve of Clif Shot Bloks.  For my drink I was using Infinite Nutrition Go Far...a high caloric drink.  I had 100oz with me at the start and some leftover at the finish.  When it's cold it's hard to, or more uncomfortable, to eat and drink.  But I never bonked or felt behind.  That being said I should have eaten and drank more.

Having done this event, and other winter ultras, many times, I am still figuring out new ways of doing things, etc.  But I felt I was pretty dialed this go around.  In winter ultras it's not always about the speed but in how we deal with the cold and all the other things that can go wrong.  The interesting thing about these races is the same setup may not work for me the next time.  Always learning and adapting.

Keep going, It'll get better.

 Yesterday I couldn't head out for a ride until I got Harper to gymnastics at 9.  I was out pushing the Cutthroat pedals by 9:30.  The wind was strong out of the NE.  Upon leaving my plan was to make it to the Milaca Wildlife Management Area on the East side of Hwy 169.  

The wind and Benton County gravel had me going at a snails pace.  I wasn't "feeling it" either, mentally and physically I was struggling.  The wind seemed more North than anything so I altered my plans to head further North and checkout Oxcart Road, which is part of the upcoming Freedhem 76 course.  Once or twice I changed my mind back to the original plan but ended up with sticking with the Oxcart option.

My attitude and body took about 1.5 hours but they both came around and I was cruising along...feeling good and happy.  

Oxcart road is a minimum maintenance road used primarily by ATV's, it's a great road.  It was running very well.  The deer/horse flies were insane however!  I'm not sure I've experienced them any worse.

I altered my return route some to coincide with the Trans MN Route.  They were coming up through Little Falls to Camp Ripley.  I would need to refuel soon so I opted to head West a bunch and jump on the route. A buddy doing the race was in Little Falls, I at Camp Ripley.  I figured we'd meet in the middle.  However there is a spot where there are two options and I took the road I always take.  They took the other.  We missed each other!

I was able to slowly bring the average speed up with the now tailwind, albeit lower than when I started.  It's funny how different I felt at the start versus now.  I really felt I could have ridden through the night.  Although I know once the sun sets it's a different game.

The Ride.

Planning on 30-40 miles this morning, maybe the same Saturday, and race Sunday.  I'm also hoping to sleep in a bit, like past 6!

Parenting.

 Jen is gone a few days for a much deserved vacation with some friends.  With Brinna now working full time I'm left to shuttle the other two girls to and from their activities.  Today is the whopper of a day.  I dropped Avery and a friend off at swimming at 6 this morning.  I pick them up at 8.  Harper has gymnastics from 9-10:30 and Avery 10:45 to 1:00.  Not sure how Avery will get home as I do work too.  I may just have to leave for a bit.  So yeah, no riding this morning.  Maybe this afternoon?  Had I realized this I would have ridden in the cold Monday morning.  

The girls may be going to a cabin this afternoon, but still undecided.  If not, Harper has baseball 5:45 to 6:45.

Yesterday I got a 50 miler in on the T6 Rando.  I did a mini Dirt Bag.  After the little bit of rain we got the gravel, at least to the South, is riding so much better.  But we still need more rain.

Thursday will be a day of riding...I think.  Not sure if I'm on for anything or not yet, ha!

A Taste of Fall?

 After 9+ days in the 90's the temperature fell back into more "average" temps.  Riding last week was solid.  With not having to get Harper up and on the bus for school I am able to get out the door much earlier.  Plus with the sun peeking it's head over the horizon by 5 it's much easier to get motivated to do so.  During the school year I am able to get 30-35 miles in before work.  Now I can get 50 or so.

Because I am getting up earlier and trying to get out the door as early as possible I didn't blog last week.  I'm taking today off from riding so I have more time!

On a couple of my long rides last week I found myself fighting the sleep monster.  A stop for a Coke or just a stop to check my phone for a bit seems to wake me back up.  A change in music seems to help as well.

Yesterday we got some much needed rain, about 1/4".  I snuck a short ride, 35 miles, in on the All City Nature Boy (single speed and fenders).  I missed most of the rain but the last 15 minutes I got pretty wet.  After the rain passed the temperatures dropped.  We were 45 this morning and topping out in the mid 60's. It won't last long however, as the heat returns by the weekend.  A small taste of fall for a couple days.

This Saturday is the Freedhem 76 near Little Falls.  Several friends are doing it so I'm pretty sure I'll jump in.  Somewhat depends on what the family has planned and what needs to happen with Toby.

Enough randomness.  Tomorrow I'll ride.

The Heat is On.

 Our heat wave continues.  I think we are in our 8th or 9th day in a row of 90+ degree days.  Recently the humidity/dew point have started to creep up as well.  It's getting (or is) uncomfortable.  Nonetheless I've been riding, just sweaty!

Monday was an easy MTB ride.  Tuesday and Wednesday were 40-50 miles on the Moots.  Yep, I finally got that bike ready to ride for the season.  I have thought about selling it this Spring but after riding it I know why I like it!  While I do have a lot of "gravel" type bikes they are all different and all get used.

Thursday was predicted to be the nastiest of the days: hot and thick.  Half way down County Road 8 I thought I may need to alter my ride.  I was already pretty hot and wet.  I remained hyper vigilant about drinking my Infinite/Skratch mix (I freeze the Infinite in small cups.  I put 3-6 in my hydration pack mixed with Skrtach) and noting how I was feeling.  Oddly I started to feel good and really never had any of the usual side effects from the heat.

I made my way down to the Luce Line Trail.  I wanted to take it to it's end in Cosmos.  I haven't been there before so why not?!  

The last section of trail seemingly gets little use.  It was fun!

Although this is where I was the warmest.

From Cosmos I started making my way for home.  What wind there was had dropped in speed some but it was still there.  Some hills with the tailwind became heat zones.  Toasty!

I ended up stopping 3 times to refill my 100 oz hydration bladder.  I carried some Infinite/Skratch mix with for one stop but used Gatorade and water the other times.  I consumed about 400 oz of fluids!  For me that's the ticket to not feeling or getting sick in hot weather.  I an cannot drink just water, it has to have electrolytes.

My whole kit looked like this...layered in salt.

Sweat and gravel.

The Ride.

I was pleasantly surprised I never had ill effects from this ride...this time anyway.  I'm heading out soon for a 2-3 hour spin.  It's already thick.  I'm ready for a break from the heat.

Heat Miles.

 Unbound happened this past weekend and I stayed home.  Surprisingly I didn't feel any of the remorse or guilt I thought I would!  I was and still am happy with my decision.  Plus my anxiety is seemingly back in check.  Thanks to all the those the reached out or commented, it means a lot.

While I didn't go to Kansas I did get some solid riding in.  Also got a bunch of heat acclimation riding in as we were warmer than most of the United States!  When I wasn't riding we were outside doing yard work, watering, power washing the house, etc.  I'll be glad when Brinna's Grad Party is done!

Thursday's Ride.

Friday's Ride...#6 to Darwin.

When in Darwin.

After every ride in hot weather this pops up after I save the ride.  What happens when I hit 100%?!

Saturday's Ride.

Full sun all weekend.  90-100 each day.  But dew points ad humidity were in check.

Sunday's Ride.

Ironically this was the best I felt on any of last weeks rides.  

I wanted to keep going.

This popped up in my FB memories from Unbound, then DK, 4 years ago.

Even this didn't give me thoughts of doubt about not going.

But look at that road!  Such good, fun riding.

I tried sleeping in this morning but I woke up around 5:20.  Thinking an easy hour spin on the mountain bike will be a good way to start the week.

When Anxiety Consumes You.

 I've been on medication for anxiety for the better part of 13 years.  I've been amazed how well the medication has worked, as I know it doesn't help everyone.  The past handful of months the medication has seemed to lack some of it's power.  Anxiety has been creeping in a bit more and more into my life.  I know everyone has some form of anxiety but when it consumes you it becomes overwhelming.  Sometimes I feel like I have noise canceling headphones on, oblivious to anything going on around me, consumed in my thoughts.  Then there is the tightening of the chest, shortness of breath, and the nervous stomach.  Fun times.

With the upcoming Unbound XL my anxiety is ridiculous.  I don't think it's any one thing around the event but a combination of things.  Brinna's upcoming Grad Party, being gone a stretch of time, conference track meet, work, family, etc.  The race itself is not the concern.  I'm in shape and ready to ride.  But do I want to?  I feel this is all superficial "life" events that everyone deals with.  I guess I'm just not that good at it.  Anxiety can be the real deal.  Luckily riding helps and I still love it.  Maybe that's partly why I ride so much?!  

All that said I'm seriously still on the fence regarding Unbound.  While I know I'll have a good time, is it worth the angst I put on myself prior to said event?  Will I have more anxiety if I don't go?  What will 350 miles of solo riding be like if I'm strong out with anxiety?  Will I be letting my buddies down I'm going with?  Again, in the grand scheme of things this is all very banal.  But when you can't control your thoughts and anxiety it becomes a bit more cumbersome.

But know I'm fine.  It helps if I share and it may help others if I share as well.

Ride On.

From Heat to Brrr.

 It's been awhile but I didn't ride Thursday!  Mostly because we had an all day soaker with temps in the upper 40's but I had some errands to do as well.  This morning we are at a balmy 36 degrees.  I'm pretty meh on riding this morning.  But this afternoon is Brinna's graduation so if I want to ride this is my time.  

Next week at this time I will be in Emporia gearing up for 350 miles of the Flint Hills.  With the race not too far off I shouldn't do any crazy rides but I'd like to get one long one in this weekend.  I put some new tires on the Cutthroat, Teravail Rutland 700x47, for the event.  I'd like to get some rides in on those to wear off the "newness".

Brinna and Avery are done with school.  Harper has her last day today while Jen goes back on Tuesday for one day.  Then early morning rides can start back up!  Hopefully this cold snap is gone by then.

Short and sweet.  Happy Long Weekend.

More Heat mixed with Wind.

 Monday morning we were in a deep fog.  Not wanting to be out on the roads with poor visibility, I hit the dirt.  While it hadn't rained there was a thick layer of dew over everything.  I got and the bike got lots of spray from the tires.  I kept it to the SE side, so the Race Track, North Loop, and Friedrich Park.  I kept it a chill ride at 1.5 hours for 15 miles.  

Tuesday I had off from work.  It was sunny but crazy windy, 15 mph with gusts later hitting 40.  Once again I took the Cutthroat and headed down county road 8.  The wind was SW, later moving to mostly West and NW in the late afternoon.  

I made my way to Kimball before I made my push West.  I stayed South of Hwy 55.  Several sections of gravel had freshly laid gravel.  Combined with the previous nights rain and the headwind I wasn't setting any speed records.  Eventually I hit Lake Koronis.  From a previous trip out this way I knew where a Casey's gas station was, which was perfect as I was getting low on fluids.  After topping off I headed North of Hwy 23 and made my way back East.  Much easier this way!

On a bit of a time crunch I took a bike path for part of the way, making great time.  I needed to get home to get Harper and head over to the High School and get ready for the senior parade.  The seniors decorate up their cars (we had Jen's mom's convertible) and drive through the parking lot to cheering teachers and staff.  It was pretty cool actually.

The Ride.  The temp isn't correct as it was in the sun.  It was more like 85 degrees.

Another 8% increase! Ha.

The NW winds did come and cooled things off dramatically.  It's still windy as well.  Another day for the dirt!

Heat Acclimation.

 Saturday was hot and muggy.  While not my favorite riding weather I don't hate it and it's good timing if I hope to get acclimated to the heat before Unbound XL.  I headed out around 7:30 on the Cutthroat.  S/SW winds were pretty strong already at the start.  I decided on Darwin once again, trip #5, but took a different route.  I went further South, flirting with Hutchinson, before crossing Hwy 15 and making my way back up to Darwin and the Ball of Twine.

I popped the 100oz bladder into my hydration pack, previously 70 oz, before I left.  Good thing.  By the time I hit Darwin I was ready for more.  Couple Gatorades, liter of water, and a Coke later I was good to go.  I stayed East of Powder Ridge before making a push West.  The tailwind was amazing but created many "dead zones"....so hot!

The Ride.

Sunday I had to work so I was up and out riding before 7:00.  This time on the T6 Rando.  The winds were E/NE, more East, so I headed out straight East on pavement.  It was super thick.  I was sweating instantly. It felt more like Mid August that May.  But by the time I passed Foley the wind picked up and the dew points fell, almost instantly.  I got a bit chilled!

On the way home I took gravel with now whipping tailwind.  I got home early enough I didn't have to rush off to work, which I enjoy.

The Ride.

So racing...

I'm not feeling it anymore.  I love riding and will always ride but I'm not so sure how much racing I will do anymore.  I'm even contemplating bailing on Unbound XL.  Maybe it's because I ride a bunch already being gone for races seems too much?  Maybe I put too much pressure on myself?  Or maybe I just don't want to race anymore?  

Unbound is falling at a busy time for us.  Brinna is graduating and work is busy.  Grad party stuff needs to get done and bikes need fixing and to be sold.

What to do?!

Not as Planned.

 Monday and Tuesday were gorgeous days to ride.  At least in the morning.  Tuesday afternoon clouds rolled in and started to spit rain every so often.

Tuesday I met up with Jim to so some mountain biking.  We met at the River Bluffs, which we rode, and continued on to Plum Creek, the Dirty Beaver, Race Track, North Loop, and Friedrich Park.  Fun times.

Jim riding the Field of Dreams.  It's more of a winter loop so this trail will mostly be grown in soon.

Wednesday I woke up to wet roads.  It's so humid they are taking forever to dry out.  I headed out on the Evergreen once Harper was on the bus.  The bike got a little dirty and I hit some mist but not bad.  I did the Silo (shortened) Loop.  It rained a most of Wednesday evening.  Thursday was looking meh.

A scan of the radar and hourly forecast Thursday morning made it appear I had a 3-4 hour window.  Not my typical Thursday ride but better than not.  I started out on the Dirt Bag course but skipped some side loops in favor of going further South, into the wind.  Mostly so I'd have more tailwind on the way home and to switch it up some.  About 1.5 hours in I hit rain.  It wasn't bad so I figured I had time to make my turnaround point, basically Maple Lake.  

I made the turn and the skies opened up.  I stayed on gravel as much as I could as it was soaking up the rain.  It rained solidly on my way back.  I and the bike were pretty messy.  About 45 minutes from home it had stopped and the roads were back to being ok.  I figured the damage was already done so I headed back South for more.

I basically did the start of my Darwin Loop but cut it short and came up to Powder Ridge from the South and stayed West of it.

About an hour in from when I turned back South it started raining again.  Not as long as before but much harder.  Even the gravel roads were becoming saturated, thus messy and SLOW!

It didn't come across as well as I hoped but I and the bike are covered in gravel.  This is before the second round of rain.  We got worse.

My 4 hour ride turned into 6.5, so yeah...I got my 100 in.  Ha!  I went straight to the back yard and hosed myself and the bike off.  The Evergreen is already in need of a new BB so I wasn't too stressed of riding in the rain.

The Ride.

The plan is to do and easy Silo Route this morning.  More South winds.  I'll take the T6 Rando and spin.  Saturday we are flirting with 90 degrees and high humidity.  A good day to try and acclimate to Kansas heat!

Top 10 Wx Weekend.

 The wind on Saturday was all over the place.  Every time I checked the weather app it had a different prediction.  In the end "light and variable" won.  Charlie met up at my house around 8:00 and we were off.  The wind direction was no longer conducive for a ride to Darwin so we switched it up and headed East and North.  

Benton County gravel is still Benton County gravel...chunky and soft.  Once we hit Mille Lacs County it changed.  We crossed Hwy 169 to do some exploring in the Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area.  Such a great spot.  Too much to explore in one day.  We had a bit of a time constraint so it was back across 169 to home.  

It felt like we had a headwind most of the day.  Nothing bad, as the wind was low, but enough to let you know it was there.  The temperature was perfect.  It really was a great day for riding.

The Ride on the Cutthroat.

Sunday the wind was mostly SE.  Starting out light and picking up though out the day, but nothing bad.  I grabbed the T6 Rando and headed down County Road 8.  I rode the entire stretch of 8 to Becker.  I changed my route a dozen times!  I finally settled in on a route and made a go of it.  

From Becker I headed over to the Sand Dunes.  I proceeded East to County Road 1, which I took into Elk River.  Here I started making my way for home through Monticello, taking 75.  This route was 99% pavement.  I hit a stretch of gravel off of 75, Dirt Bag stuff.  I love gravel but sometimes the paved roads call.

It was another gorgeous day.

The Ride.

The rest of Sunday flew by.  We planted a bunch of plants, watered, cleaned up our alley prairie grasses, had dinner at my folks, and grocery shopped.

I though about taking today off but both Wednesday and Thursday look to have potential rain (which we desperately need).  Fingers crossed we get it!

80 degrees today?!

Back to Darwin.

 Yesterday I met up with Onyx Jim and headed South, into the wind.  Damn it was windy.  Plus the gravel is getting pretty soft.  No rain, farm traffic, and/or freshly laid gravel.  All this made for some slow speeds at time.  I was on the Cutthroat, which was the right choice for this gravel.

Around two hours in Jim had to cut for home and work.  I pushed on to Darwin.  I stayed to the East of Darwin so I could come at if form the South and continue on home.

Love this bridge.

Trip #4 of the year to the big ball.

I topped off my fluids at the gas station in Darwin and was on my way home with the tailwind.  I needed to be home 2:30-3:00 to have enough time to get Harper form school and to gymnastics by 4:00.  I had some time so instead of heading straight home I took some runs to the West before committing to a homeward route.

The Ride.

Rain is predicted this morning, right around the time I hoped to ride.  I have to bike to work today as well so I may be getting wet.

Sounds like I have another trip to Darwin planned for tomorrow?!  Love me some South winds!

Brrrr.

 Monday I did get out in the afternoon for a ride.  I was greeted with overcast skis, cool air, and wind.  I was a bit chilly a good portion of the ride.  I could have used a wind vest for sure.  Riding in the afternoon just reaffirmed what I already knew...riding in the morning is soooo much better!  But I was riding and it was good.

Yesterday I was able to get up and out early, started riding around 6.  It was below freezing but sunny and very little wind.  What wind there was was out of the South.  It has been a long time but I got my "mini" Dirt Bag ride in.  This time I was on the Evergreen.

I passed a house with it's sprinklers on.  The blades of grass were all mini icicles!  But the sun has power this time of year and made it feel warmer than it was.  It was a great ride.

Harper gets to go back to school today so I'll head out once she is on the bus.  More South wind means The Silo route.

Cutthroat.

 Unbound XL is getting close, first weekend in June.  The problem with having more than one (or two) bike that would work for the race is deciding which bike to use.  I've done the 200 on a Surly Long Haul Trucker (canti version) and the Evergreen.  I also used the Evergreen on the XL.  The Evergreen was the likely choice once again.  But I keep going back to the Cutthroat.  I can run a bit bigger tire (still deciding) and I have a bigger gear choice.  Plus it's a damn comfy bike.  The hang up has been the Evergreen seems faster.  But I'm leaning towards the Cutthroat.  Comfort trumps speed in 350 miles for me.

Knowing this I've been spending more time on the Cutthroat.  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were all on the Cutthroat.  The wind Saturday was S/SE!  I haven't been on the Dirt Bag course all Spring!  It was time.  A bit over an hour in I ran into Onyx Jim.  We rode together the next hour and half before he had to head for home.  That was a nice reprieve from just my and my brain!

Not wanting to do the last section of the DB around Lake Sylvia and beyond I deviated from the course and headed south on gravel roads.  Just before Cokato, or Dassel...not sure, I headed back north to connect back with the DB route.

The Ride.

I felt really good on the ride.  No pains and everything appeared to be clicking along the right way.  

Sunday I got up with Toby and let everyone sleep in, mostly Jen as it was Mother's Day.  We had caramel rolls and hung out a bit.  Jen said I should go for a ride.  You don't have to tell me twice!  The wind was back to a Northernly direction.  

I headed up to Gillman.  Benton County has "freshened" up their gravel so it's rocky, chunky, soft, etc.  So perfect for the Cutthroat.  The wind was much stronger than I anticipated.  I didn't have my Garmin on the data screen but I must have been going 13-14 mph.

At Gillman I headed North on Cty Rd 3 a bit before making the move East and South...tailwind.

The Ride.  Slow but good.

Friday morning we got a call from Harper's school.  Someone in her class was exposed to Covid.  Thus she too had been.  She has to quarantine for 10 days.  If she gets tested, she did yesterday, and gets a negative result, still waiting, she can go back on the 12th.  So I am home with her today.  My plan was to get up early and ride but not "having" to get up had me scheming of ways to ride later.  The plan is to roll out this afternoon...on the Cutthroat to the North!

Saddle Time.

 Thursday is an off day from work for me.  More times than not I put in a longer ride.  While I still get a long ride in, recently I've had commitments in the afternoon that had me on a time constraint.  Yesterday I was free!  Well sort of, I still wanted to be home to cook and such.

I usually procrastinate a bit, letting it warm up, but yesterday I was out pedaling the Evergreen by 7:30.  Mostly to get some miles in before the real wind kicked in.  Per our status quo the wind was out of the NW with a bit more West.  I made my way up the River Road to 450th street.  About here the wind was really whipping.  I took 450th to it's end and headed North and West.  I didn't have a real destination in mind, just turn for home at 12:30...about 5 hours in.  

For whatever reason I didn't want to cross hwy 71.  Thus I eventually stuck to a more Northern path.  12:30 came and I made my way for home passing through Browerville, Long Prairie, not quite Grey Eagle to Melrose.  Battling the wind and soft gravel much of the day I opted for the Wobegon and a tailwind for the last stretch. Ahhhh.

The Ride.

All was good on the ride.  No knee pains or other types of pains.  Good motivation as well.  I didn't push it as the avg speed indicates but was more for time in the saddle, which I guess is what I usually do.  I should incorporate some sort of speed into my riding...someday?!

Happy Friday. 

Hiding from the Wind.

 Both Monday and Tuesday mornings were a bit chilly (mid 30's) with a solid northernly wind.  Not feeling like battling the wind I took to the woods both mornings.  Monday I hit up the River Bluffs, Plum Creek, the Race Track, North Loop, and Friedrich Park.  Yesterday I did the Race Track, North Loop, and Friedrich.  Sometimes mountain biking is the right call.  I had a blast both days.  

I've been riding the Krampus a bunch this year.  Really enjoying that bike.

It's chilly again this morning (will be all week) with yet another North wind.  But it's sitting at 2-3 mph.  So I plan on riding the Evergreen for a couple hours before biking into work.  

Now I just need to figure out what to wear!

Two days....two different weather patterns.

Finally got some "heat" training in this weekend.  Unbound (Dirty Kanza) is coming up the first weekend in June.  Kansas can and usually is damn hot that time of year.  I'm ok in the heat if I can get acclimated to it.  Not much for that has been happening around here until Saturday.  It was the first ride of the year that I started out with just a jersey, bib shorts, and fingerless gloves!  I'm not sure on the official temp but I'd say 85 degrees.  While not Kansas hot it was hot enough for this guy.

I took the the Cutthroat down county road 8.  After that I made my way West, into the wind.  While not my fastest bike I sure do love the Cutthroat.  It cruises through all the loose gravel and such with ease.  I ended up refueling in Paynesville.  I had already sucked my hydration pack dry.  

On my way from Paynesville to Rosco I found this abandoned railroad.  Kind of rough but fun.

In Rosco I jumped on the Rocori Trail to Coldspring and home. 

The Ride.  Garmin has a high temp!

This was the best I felt on a ride in sometime.  Everything was clicking.  Plus my knee pains have seemed to all but gone away!  

After riding Saturday and doing yard work for a few hours I was a stuffed up boy (allergies) Sunday morning!  Plus it was overcast, much cooler, and a east wind.  After checking the weather and the radar I figured I could stay ahead of the rain and ride around the incoming cell.  Nope, not this time.  About 30 minutes in it started to spit.  About an hour in I had to stop to put my rain jacket on.  30 minutes after that my feet were soaked...ugh.  It rained on me for about half or more of my ride.  I stuck to pavement as to no totally destroy my drivetrain on gravel.  I rode out to the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge.  I had planned to ride the Wildlife Loop but it was raining so I did a loop around the refuge and made my way home.

The Ride.

I'm still deciding on what I will ride this morning.  It's another North wind so leaning towards some mtbing.  Nice and easy.

Happy Monday.

SUN!

 Starting on Wednesday the sun has come out to play!  I'm usually not one to long for the sun but we've had a long stretch of gloomy days.  Thursday I grabbed the Twin Six Rando and headed up the River Road to Little Falls.  Yep, we have sun but still that NW wind.

In the open sections the wind was kicking my butt.  Slow going for sure.  From Little Falls I made my way to Randall, crossed hwy 10, and proceeded West for a good chuck.  It was here I decided to find the Dos Pistolas (house with two larger than life pistols used as a gate).  Last weekend I ran out of time getting to the guns.  Plus the road they are on seemingly separates, making two 270th streets.  I was on the wrong one.  This time I found the right 270th and found the gate.  No pictures, just a ride by.

The grumbling and cursing heading into the wind was now gone and I was cruising home with a tailwind. I wasn't in a huge time crunch but did have an appointment at 4:40 for my 2nd vaccination shot.  

The Ride.

Today is a bit nuts.  It's Harper's birthday.  She has gymnastics at 4:15.  Brinna and Avery have a track meet at 4.  Post track meet Birthday celebration at our house with grandparents.  With only two cars we are doing a juggling act today.  I'm biking to work but the big girls are picking me up on the way to thte track meet.  I'm dropping them off, getting Harper, bringing her to gymnastics, then over to the track meet and so on.  Zoom!

Happy Weekend....it's going to be hot!

More of the same weather.

 Our fun weather pattern continues.  Saturday morning, letting Toby out, I was hit in the face with snow!  Albeit not much, nor was it sticking, but it was snowing then raining.  Ugh.  A quick look at the weather app showed it was to end soonish and eventually become sunny.  But none too warm and again with the NW winds.  I did some chores around the house and took Toby for a ride.  It's about a 2 mile loop that I do with him but I extended this one an additional two miles or so.  By now it was mostly sunny, the roads were drying up, but still on the chilly side. 

About 11:45 I shoved off on the Evergreen.  I took the westside River Road towards Little Falls.  Before LF I jumped on some gravel heading West.  I continued West and North, crossing Hwy 27, Dove Road, nearing the Dos Pistolas.  I was getting close the the Double Guns used as a gate so figured that would be my turn around point.  I knew the general area and the road, 270th street.  I hit 270th street and rode the duration of it.  No guns?!  I guessed 270th would start up further West but I was running low on time.  No Dos Pistolas.  Looking at a map when I got home confirmed my suspicions.  I was a mile or so from them when I turned for home.

Grader I encountered on the way out.

The tail wind was very welcome and helpful.  I stopped in St Stephen for a refuel on the liquids and finished the ride around 7:00.  I much prefer to ride earlier but this was a good ride.

The Ride.

Sunday was dry in the morning but precipitation (rain and/or snow was predicted later) but very gloomy.  But hey...it was a SE wind!  After cleaning up the kitchen, making cinnamon rolls, and taking Toby for a ride I headed out on the Evergreen once again.  This time much earlier, 8:30.  I took cty road 8 to the Silo, Becker, and almost the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge.  I cut North beforehand.  

Lots of tree farms out this way.  Feels closer to Christmas than Summer.

Not much for gravel on this route so I made quick time getting home.  For being a gloomy day the ride sure was good.

The Ride.

The rest of the day was spent watching baseball on and off, cleaning, and getting ready for the week.  We all went for a walk at some point.  We were hit with some snow squalls.  Crazy!  Took Toby for a ride to my folks and back as well.  Damn dog doesn't tire!

It rained some overnight and is lightly raining now.  I'm taking an easy week.  May ride, may not ride it the motto this week.  Thursday is looking nice and I'm off so yes I will do a longer ride that day.  

Go time.