Well, since I’m having trouble downloading my video as requested by RaceFace, here’s a link to it on Contour’s website.  Nothing much, just taking you along the journey of the bikes I use while I ride for my daughter.  I hope you like it……

http://contour.com/stories/racefacesupport?utm_campaign=website&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email

I went on a day trip to Mammoth Lakes yesterday, wanting to get in one more ride before the snow flies. Thought I’d be a big shot and ride up the Kamikazee, then down whatever trails I felt like. Boy, did I forget how steep that run is. Got about half way, then decided to cross over using Gravy Train to McCoy Station. From there, it was hard to tell which trails I was on, as the signs/posts have been taken down for the season. I know I hit a few I had no business being on, both with equipment I was riding, and my skill level. I do know I eventually hit Downtown, a lazy, meandering trail, and arrived in town to be picked up by my wife/Alaina’s mommy. Back up to the Inn, time in the jacuzzi, and dinner at Gomez’s before heading home. Now to just make darn sure I take a WHOLE day of lift riding next year, with a stop by Chair 14…….

Hello All–

Hope all is well with you and yours.

Last night was the final for the Northstar Thursday Night XC MTB Series. I was looking forward to it, as I noticed on the overall page that I had a good shot at #6, even #5, for my division. As I was watching who was showing up, I noticed the two ahead of me were not there, and now I just need to see how my points earned move me in the standings.

It was a short loop, about 2.9 miles, which started, as usual, going up the service road to the water tanks, over to 6% and up Easy Rider, then the switchbacks, and once out, down Mine Shaft, up Deer Run, down Woods, around a small section of the Village, and back out. Two laps for beginners, three for sport, and four for experts. I felt good the whole time, and with the exception of a couple of bobbles, finished without a hitch. Though a bit short for a final race, it was well worth the effort.

I spoke with Whitney and Eric, the main folks handling the series from Northstar, and gave them two small suggestions. First is a Clydesdale division for those of us tired of chasing jackrabbits, and an endurance event other than the Leadville qualifier. I sure hope they add both for next year. As for this year, I have yet to check the calendar to see what may be left to ride in, though I’ll keep you informed if anything does come up.

Shawn
Alaina’s daddy

Well, the best series I know of is coming to a close next week.  Northstar puts on 8 races, length depending on ability, and times from about 45min to 1h30min.  I love Northstar, as it was where my riding for me daughter started with the Granny Gear 24 Hours of Tahoe, 2003.  Last night was a repeat of #1, only a touch shorter, since lots of the trails were washed out from the downpour they received last week.  Best part for me?  Not only does it appear I finished ahead of some riders, I won a pair of gloves that I gave to my wife!!

It’ll be interesting to see what they do for the close next week.  I look forward to being there, riding for my daughter and all the angels of Compassionate Friends……

It makes it very difficult to decide where to ride the most this summer.  Northstar has their Thursday Night XC Series (I’ve been to 3 so far, and they are a blast), and Mammoth is a very special place for my riding.  Oh, to win lottery and have a 40ft RV…..

My wife and I arrived Saturday as planned, got my registration pack, cruised the expo, then went to the hotel.  The next morning, we get ready, get in the van, and it decides not to start.  Not just a “give me a jump” not starting, a “time to learn how to hot wire” version.  By the time I learned this new specialty, it was well after my event start time.  Good thing we brought the wife’s bike along.  We rode from Pacific Grove to Cannery Row, stopped along the way and saw some otters and seals/pups, and ended up “making lemonade out of the lemons we were given”.  Ended up being a great weekend after all.