It had to be done...

After the slew of 'I'm Out' emails that came across this weekend, the scales were tipped towards DP representation at the Super Bowl Ride gaining a few extra points.  After serious deliberation, the final verdict is points times (1.5).  So we now have a new BTS leader in Plassmido.  Toddy G also made a big jump up the leaderboard.  Look to the right for this week's rides.

Happy Birthday Euro D!

Feel free to smack Euro Dave on the ass next time you see him!  I am sure he is younger than 90% of the people on the team...

Euro D is so cool that he does not even have to look where he is going!

BTS #9: (EDIT - Fill in the blank) Bags

So we commenced on what has become the normal West Creek routine, pretty slow first lap followed by a  few more spirited laps.  We ran into a bunch of cycling traffic on the parkway this evening, with some (EDIT - riders who even make Euro Dave's riding style look good) thrown in for good measure.  I'm not sure of the reason, but these roadies thought it was fun to suck our wheel for a while, pass the group, then wait and do it again.  I remain confused by these roadie games...

Despite this annoyance, we were not going to let these guys mess up the night as the weather was perfect.  The group was just looking for a nice chill pace and I think we achieved that (with a few spirited sprints as the only exceptions).  Industry Nine wheels seemed to be the topic of discussion among the group tonight.  It is going to be sweet when we start fitting these to our bikes.   Nice group of 6 of us made the ride, here is a pic of my view most of the evening:

The group included:

Fish
Plassmania
Sonya
Todd
Shannon
Me

Looking forward to getting back on the mountain bikes this weekend.  Should be awesome!!

BTS Title Chase

We are now up to 25 team members (28 counting regulars Mason, Emily & Jesse) who are competing in the BTS Series.  This is exactly why we have the series, to get everyone out there riding.  Sunday was great to see so many riders and so many in DP kits was just icing on the cake.  Be on the lookout for some premes coming up, I think I hear the bell ringing for one now...

BTS #7

It was with with a sense of impending woe that I set forth for BTS #7. I have been fighting off this sinus infection for weeks now, and as much as I need the exercise and the weather was near perfect, the sheer amount of over the counter drugs that I had ingested hours ago in hopes of being able to breath, had me seeing double and on the verge of passing out.
I arrived early in hopes that I could get a quick spin in to clear the cobwebs, but alas I was not early enough...

Kylan rolled up and the pre-ride palaver began. Roger pulled in dressed as a civilian, which elicited comments from both Kylan and I, but like Clark Kent, Roger ducked into his and car and in a flash emerged as Sattler Man!

Next Plassman arrived, and I while I was pulling the last of my crap together hoping to soon pull my self together, I over hear Plassman tell his war tale from the previous days ride. I couldn't quite hear it, but it sounded horrific.
I had to go investigate...
And let me be the first to say- Bravo! It certainly put my ill feelings in perspective! So I put my nuts back on and got ready to ride!

At this point there were all kinds of riders suited up and ready to go- 11 or 12 I think. We rolled out to towards Forest Hill to meet up with Jason and Mason.

Considering how long a train of riders we had and how many hikers were on the trails, we all kept a decent pace and stayed pretty smooth.
The trails were in great shape, a couple of wet low spots, but other than that it was a great day to ride.
We hit all of JRPS, rolled back towards Dogwood Dell and then opted to try the fresh trails the RA.MORE cut in there.
Other than being fresh and soft, I think these new trails are going to be a lot of fun. I am not sure we found all that was in there, it seemed pretty short...

If I remember correctly, the group ride consisted of:

Me
Roger
Kylan
Jeff P
Jeff F
Jesse
Emily
Sonya
Shannon
Byron
John
Jimmy F
Jason H
Mason
And another Jason maybe?

The after party was at Moshi Moshi
How I love me some Saki!

Hh- out

Bonus BTS Sunday

Since the weather conditions were nothing short of unbearable today with the 33 degree temperatures and mist I am going to award BTS points to everyone who braved the elements and went out to ride.  It was nasty out there for sure.  Kudos to everyone who made it out - you just earned yourself 50 points!  Keep on the bikes, you never know when the bonus BTS points will be dished up.

With the number of runners out yesterday, I added 50 points to your totals as well.  Trainers and installing dishwashers will not be considered point worthy activities...

Holy Fruit 66...

This just showed up at my place today - let me know if you are interested in purchasing a case.

We have the best sponsors!!!

BTS #3

It was a duel of the Jason's tonight as Broussard made his way out to Powhite.  I thought for a minute there I might be picking up double points, but preferred the company.  we rolled around the trails for just over and hour with Mason in tow.  It was a warm 40 degrees and we met up with three other riders who Jason B knew. Good times out on the trails.  See you all in a two weeks, I am in New York all next week.

Kicking It Off: BTS #1

Paul and I kicked off the BTS series on Tuesday with a traditional Run/Ride/Run.  It didn't seem right to be kicking off the winter riding series with temperatures over 50* with no winter riding gear needed.  I can remember last season's BTS events having to worry about frozen bottles on almost every ride; this was not a concern last night.  I was more concerned with being over dressed with just a thin baselayer on.

The pace this night was more social then anything.  Buttermilk was damp making the rocks very slick and sketchy.  Coming down the rocky chute under the Nickel Bridge was interesting to say the least with both front and rear tires skidding the entire way down.  The lights were clicked on once I reached North Bank, which was surprisingly dry.  There is something about riding at night, the trail that was once familiar is now much different.  This carries over to trail running at night as well.  I have grown tired of running on the road, but trail running has renewed my interest.

The event was rather uneventfull with just Paul and I making it out so no photos were taken.  Hopefully BTS #2 tonight at West Creek will draw more riders. The temperature should be just about right for a BTS ride hovering just under 40*.  Winter riding gear will be essential.

2nd Annual BTS Series

Back in full effect starting this week.  Ride schedule will be posted to the right.

Good luck to everyone - have some fun - suffer as much as possible - come into the season ready to race.

There will be some swanky prizes given away at random and to the top 3 point snatchers.

There is a 100% chance rules will change so Toddy G does not walk away with top honors again...  Be on the lookout for Euro Dave, a couple of these rules were written just for him.  

Points:
30 - MTB Ride
25 - Run/Ride
20 - Road Ride

Bonus Points:
5 - BTS write up on blog
5 - Pics included in write up
10 - Raining
10 - Night
10 - over 5 DP riders
15 - MTB ride >30 miles
15 - Road ride >50 miles
20 - over 10 DP riders
20 - Temps below freezing
20 - Snowing
25 - chance gathering of 5 or more DP riders on trails
50 - Over 15 DP riders
50 - Pre-sesaon race (frozen Cross, Monster Cross, Southern Cross)
DOUBLE POINTS - only one to show up at any event
TBD - Epic Rides (super bowl ride, pantani ride, etc.)


Demerit Points:
(-50)  Riding on muddy trails
(-50)  Crashing teammate on road
(-10)  Not wearing a DP kit (for those who have them)