December and riding in the mtns :)

[SheFly]

Looks like with the pending storm, we won't be heading up until Monday now. Of course, we're going to get more snow down here in Metro Boston than up there...

We'll likely ski (skate) some as well. We like going to the Sunday River Inn and to Carters. May head to Jackson as well.

I've never done the 24 Hours of Great Glen, but have ridden the course and have LOTS of friends who LOVE this race. The course is fun, and enough of a challenge with some definite elevation gain. The scene sounds like it is pretty crazy too.

The race I love over there is Porky Gulch. Two miles up Washington, a crit through Storyland, and then a cross race on part of the MTB course. It's always in November, and oh so much fun!

Where's your shop???

SheFly

[ridebikeme]

Well, it sounds like you are going to get more snow than we are But as always things will come full circle at some point.

My shop is in Andover. It had been in Rumford for years, but with the mill being sold a number of times, and now eliminating lots of positions... it was smarter to move back to Andover and cut down on costs. So, I definitely down sized, but all in all, it's been evry good. In reality, the area is simply not big enough to support a shop. We have a school contract which helps a great deal, and we manage inventory well. ( like everyone this year)

I will definitely have to check into both races, especially 24 hours of Great Glen. I have horrible knees, so riding cyclocross is out of the question... but sounds like it might be fun to watch.

Enjoy your w/e and have fun skiing!

[blackhillsbiker]

We went to a cyclocross race today. Didn't ride, but enjoyed watching and cheering. I might ride the course tomorrow when nobody is watching. It's very close to our house.

Deb

[ridebikeme]

How's the new bike?

[blackhillsbiker]

No rides at all this weekend Yesterday I took my eldest DD Christmas shopping, then we had rehearsal late in the afternoon. Today was taken up with 2 services, Sunday School program, and another rehearsal. Then we (finally) put lights and ornaments on the tree at home. Now DD and I are watching Christmas specials. DDs 2 & 3 are at a movie and DH elected to go to a concert. I was just too tired to leave home again. My MTB has been waiting patiently in the garage for another outing. Maybe next weekend... I pat her in passing.

Deb

[blackhillsbiker]

I'm afraid I'll have to keep apologizing to her for the forced inactivity. Like most of the nation, we're getting buried in the snow, with lots of wind and very low temperatures. I'm bummed. I thought maybe there would be a ride this weekend. I hope some of you TE'ers are able to get in a good holiday ride.

Deb

[tzvia]

Hmmmm...
We just have to make due with this horrible winter weather; oh how it makes mountain biking a real test of our abilities and perseverance. Just yesterday, my brother came over with his Trek, as his store was closed, and my work is closed through New Years Day. He convinced me to go MTBing. Boy, what a mistake.

First, it was cold. Bitterly cold. I hate wearing those cycling tights, and a jacket too. I thought it would be about the same bitter cold as at the house, 68f, but it dropped to 60f by the trailhead. Thankfully, there were no clouds; those were forecast for today, it's called 'STORMWATCH' or some-such on the local TV news, it's a big deal when we get clouds and it might rain. Sometimes it gets windy too, and drops the temperature even further down a few degrees F and blows dust in my eyes. The TV news has a catchy name for that too but I forget what it is.

Luckily for us, as we climbed up to the watertower that has such a great view of the Santa Monica mountains and ocean breezes, it got warmer and probably did reach up almost to a bearable 70f for a short while, but began to drop to the dangerous low 60s again and possibly the upper 50's in the shade as we bombed back down the mountain, wooping over the rollies on our way back to Sycamore Canyon trail and the safety of the truck.

Yea, it's tough going mountain biking in the winter