Asheville Day 3

This is just a sample of the day's beautiful views. After a foggy yesterday, this was a welcome sight.
I think today was my favorite scenic wise. Beautiful back country roads, very little traffic, so much character (homes/barns/trailers) - not just the ones in this picture! I think this picture details the general humor that this trip consisted of - lots of fun/jokes/one liners. We started at Mars Hill riding the Devil's Fork challenge route a day early. The roads were well marked with arrows and I have a very descriptive route on paper (well I did until Egg stuck it in his back pocket by mistake!)

The first climb was Bone Camp Road with climbs and fast winding descents. Something told me that this was what was on tap for today. Long hard climbs with a reward of fast descents.

Next up was Grapevine Road. Beautiful countryside views. I starting winding around a mountain and the road didn't seem to be in that good of shape. I kept climbing in the car. I looked out to the right and there was no guard rail (not unusual for country roads, but this was winding road was going fairly high). I finally decided that I must have missed a turn somewhere and was able to get turned around and headed back down the mountain. Nope, here came Goose and Egg - I yelled at Egg that he was NUTZ!

Soon to follow was Mthd (after his potty break), Big Tim and Maji. After everyone was accounted for I head on down the road for a refueling spot. Found a new church on top of a hill with a view out over the valley.

Across the road was the community dawg that Goose made friends with. Her tag said Susie, but who knows. She was friendly and just wanted her belly scratched.

Of course we had to pictures at the the historic Chapel Hill Church! Wish we would have Maji's star wars toy for this picture. This was just a sample of the character that the mountains had to offer.

They headed back out for a grinding 2-3 miles of 16% climb. Unfortunately, this road didn't have the "community friendly dawg" like Susie. This dog was not nice, he chased Egg, Goose, Mtd and Big Tim. I was a little further up the road but could hear him. After the guys passed me, I headed back down a little to warn Maji. The damn dog sat down in the middle of the road and wasn't letting me by. About that time here came Maji, no water in his bottle to squirt him so I launched an empty bottle at him hoping he would chase it and not Maji. I guess it worked, he didn't get Todd. It was until that evening did I know that the dog got Goose's rear wheel.

Egg was FINALLY getting to ride for himself, for the first time today. He spent most of the ride going back between everyone making sure they we OK and coaching them through their struggles. This is what we can FUNDICATION BABY! Egg reached the state line first

Followed by Goose

Mthd making everything look easy

Big Tim with the usual big smile

And, our partial streaker, Maji. Todd was starting to overheat. We did what we could with ice in his bottle and in a bag to cool him down.

The Appalachian trail passes right by the top and we saw hikers coming and going. They used this stop to refuel and then headed on their way The descent was and I didn't even try to stay with them in the car - toooo fast for me! This took them back up to Sam's Gap and into N.C. again. Egg stay with Goose while Mthd stayed with Big Tim. halfway up. We knew Maji was suffering from the heat. While refueling Mthd and Egg posed for this. They went on and I waited on Maji to make sure he was OK. Got him refueled and he was on his way.

Maji rode most of the route, but we had planned for me to pick him up before that last climb. Egg called to see where we were - we were about 10 minutes behind them.

That day was a hard day of long, long climbs - fast descents. I admire Maji for his determination and conquering the evils. Egg coached Goose over some long hard climbs, Mthd road as smooth as usual and I always enjoy the big smiles you get from Big Tim. Awesome ride guys. I had so much fun that day.

Need to Catch Up

I really need to catch up on our blogs. Busy week - lots to write about in Asheville - I will get it done tomorrow. Just need to say AJ (our grandson) finished his first triathlon today (swim- bike - run) and did an awesome job. He still needs to "embrace" the bike, but he will. The start time should have been 7:30 am for his age group (a tad early for little ones, but in July it is usually extremely hot). His swim was fast, bike, well - we will work on that, run - fast.

Egg came up today to torture Goose - excellent ride for them. Me - went to Krogers - probably needed a day off.

Asheville final posts tomorrow.

Day 2 in Asheville

First full day of riding today. After a good buffet breakfast at the Days Inn everyone headed back to their rooms. Egg wanted to wait a few hours (I really know what he wanted to do --- watch the Tour!). We finally headed up and parked at the French Broad River overlook. I would way it has the potential of being beautiful but it was an overcast/rainy/foggy point. All posed for the beginning picture with all smiles (even Mthd on this one!) Mt Pisgah with SR 151 was the plan for today. Goose headed out was in front - my thoughts Oh God don't let him bonk.

This is what I love about taking pictures along the way - you get to catch the smiles on everyone as they are riding (well OK later in the week I also caught some gritting their teeth to get through the extremely long climbs)

Big Tim is always consistent with his riding - and always has a smile.

Mthd was ditching his rain wear - me I was hoping that he wouldn't need it back later.

Maji bring up the rear also with a smile. He hasn't ridden much this year, but he hung tough.

Everyone was able to regroup at a construction zone. It looked to me they were moving the dirt from one side of the road to the other. But it did enable everyone to get back together.

This one of the points that I pulled over to take a head count and make sure everyone was OK. It was starting to get really foggy and they actually looked cool coming out of the heavy fog. This was Big Tim when he emerged.

I was able to pull over at a point where they had a 4 mile descent on 151 with a grueling climb back to Pisgah. There was a sign where I pulled off saying there was a steep grade and no trucks allowed, so I just stayed put at the top. Egg was going to make a decision when they got back to that point - do they turn right a climb more or go left and head back to the beginning. Motorcycles were coming off the mountain with their flashers on, it was difficult to see the cars until they were right in front of you. Egg made a very wise decision to head back to the van.

I waited on them to take off since they would be hitting a good descent (I can't/won't stay up with them on he descents). When I got back to Mthd's van I turned around to check on Maji. Saw this blur coming down - so I knew he was fine.

After showers we headed to a neat little place - Barley's Taproom and Pizza. Excellent dinner and fun with Doreen, Big Tim, Egg, Mthd, Maji. This is the second day of everyone getting to see the shovel (aka Goose) at work eating.

First Day In Asheville

Goose and I left a tad later than expected on the 8th. We needed to drop his truck off in Waynesville which added a little time to the trip. The actual drive was wonderful. We made better time than expected and the weather was beautiful. We got in about an hour after The Mthd wagon. They had already checked with the desk and requested rooms on the bottom floor - THANK YOU!

I had been watching the weather report for a few days and it didn't say anything about rain - guess I forgot about my childhood and it always rains the mountains.

We unloaded and headed out for a ride. Egg's plan was an easy ride on the parkway. Goose thought we were riding from Days Inn - Egg laughed and said I would never speak to him again - and he was right. We got in the cars and drove to the appointed spot. Jeff had planned to ride with me but Todd "Maji" also offered so Jeff could have a good ride. I was set to ride alone, but Egg wanted me to ride with someone through the Tunnel (which was scary for me since I had never done that). It was extremely humid and I didn't use my inhaler first (1st mistake). After about 4 miles I sent Maji on and I was set to ride alone. Guess Mother Nature wanted to play a cruel trick on me and decided to let the clouds open up. I wasn't prepared and it wasn't too back climbing. I reached as far as I could up and decided to turn around (didn't get as far as I wanted, but was OK with it - will be better prepared the next time). I headed back down remembering all the advice I got - pump your breaks don't just hold them on. I still was going way to fast for me. I decided to stop and wait on the guys to come back down the mountain and heed Egg's advice and follow them over the rough road. The rain started to get heavier and I was starting to get really cold. So I decided to get to the tunnel and hide inside and wait on them (2nd mistake). A younger guy rode past me and started to get in front of me when he hit a pot hole and went down sideways right in front of me. I had no where to go but down - to my luck I went down right on top of him and we both slid down the road - he was on his back and I was face down on him. When we stopped I finally got my left shoe out of my pedal and was able to get up. The back of his jersey was torn and looked like some good road rash - he asked if I was OK - my main concern was did I tear my jersey? Nope just my left knee and it wasn't that bad. As a couple of minutes discussion he insisted in riding with me back to the car - he was a local and lived close and told me not to worry about him.

Got back to the car, got my knee cleaned up before they guys got back. Jeff felt so guilty, I know the others felt bad, Egg had made a comment that is why he wanted me to follow him - he knows that road - and I should have listened. I told them not to feel back, I didn't. Jeff knows if I really wanted him to feel bad - I know how to do it :P

It wasn't until the Thur did I realize that my handle bar got me in the ribs and my left shoulder and thigh were bruised and sore - probably from trying to break my fall.

Will I try it again next time - HELL YES! BUT, this time I will listen to the ride leader (lol) and follow directions a little closer and be ready for the weather.

The guys had a good ride, I know it helped loosen up Goose's legs from the drive there.

After showers we all went out for a delicious din-din. This where other's were able to see first hard "the shovel" at work.

Early to bed so Goose would be ready to get some serious riding in.

Asheville

Finally have internet - moved around to the other side and picked up the other hotel's wifi. We have too many pictures/stories to tell for it to be done tonight.

Egg, Mthd and Maji are heading home tonight after a great day of riding and a wonderful last dinner.

Thanks to Tim and Doreen for dinner tonight - we had great company.

All I will say tonight is Mission Accomplished for a Tri/Du geek. You "nay" sayers can get over it - cause he (Goose) gets it :).

Such an awesome group of riders all meeting or exceeding their personal challenges. We got to know a couple of people better and we have had lots of laughs with them.

I hope someone that needed to work through issues was able to leave the issues on the road and go home with a clean/clear mind.

More when we get home.

Thanks to all.

Days Inn WiFi

Ok it sucks! They are resetting the router - I really don't want to sit in the lobby and post! Day 0 and 1 were awesome. Pictures and stories to follow!

Almost

Packed and ready to head out for N & G time :). Ready to see some beautiful mountains. Hopefully will get out early in the a.m. (that is the plan). Drop Goose's truck off to get fixed and head south.

Lil Goose and Big Goose Training

Lil and Big Goose ready to head out for their training ride! AJ is doing his first triathlon on July 19th (swim/run/bike). Between PoPo and AJ's daddy, Andrew, they are trying to get some bricks in. Tonight was a ride and run. AJ heads out for his run. He has mastered the don't do out to fast and slow and steady technique. OK he is only 5 some 50 yr olds haven't mastered that either!

AJ also doesn't know that we are heading to the mountains without him in the morning. Thought his mom could take care of that information. He loves to travel and loves to watch everyone ride their bikes.

Busy Week

July started out with a fast pace. Lots of training, planning for the rest of the month.

Goose had a great birthday ride with Egg, Big Tim, Rhino, Helldawg, Mthd and T-Bolt. Most met us at Classic for some dinner and a late night for the old people (Goose and Noose).

Goose had a good week of training, mixing up the running, water running and cycling. No real aches or pains (other than what old age brings on!) He was invited to the Zoo in Minster for a torture ride with Egg, Guru, Rhino and Todd W. They brought him home and he was still able to rotate the tires on my car, so he survived. Goose said anytime you head to Rhinoland, ya know your in for a hard ride.

I was able to get in many days on the bike last week. Sunday I was able to set a new high mileage for one day. I'm blogging - I also lived :)

Trying to make lists and pack for the EARLY morning departure on Wed for the beautiful mountains. I think the list of "goers" is still in the air. A couple of injuries might keep some from going - then again Egg might have talked another one into going!

Tri Troyathlon (A few days late)

This picture says it all - he left nothing out on the open roads. He had raced as hard as he could and definately had a LMD Day.

An excellent morning for a triathlon. Differing weather reports called for "rain" around 10 am. I knew Jeff and Joe would/should be done by then. We got there really early - one thing Jeff is NEVER late for us a race - we typically are one of the first ones there.
Got the canoe ready and I kept watching the wind pick up. Everybody has to ride in it, I was just hoping it wouldn't get to "friend" windy. It looked like there were many newbies, some in shape, others not which result in a long race day of pictures.
All canoes were able to get in the "bay" area and get settled before their time to take off. The course consisted of leaving the lagoon and go left, against the river current to the turn-around buoy. Once around the buoy, paddle with the current to the second bridge (Market Street) and circle one of the bridge pillars before heading back against the current. The exit is marked with two large orange cones. Carry your canoe up out of the way of those behind you.

Jeff and Joe waited their turn with total focus.

They were able to get an excellent shot out of the holding area and I watched them pass canoes up the buoy.

Coming back down the river they were still passing other canoes and setting a good tempo in the canoe. Coming out from the canoe and upto the tranisiton area Jeff gave me a smile which means he was pleased with their canoe time and he was feeling good for the day.

He had a little slower transition that I would have liked, but he was ready to roll, and that they did

Coming back into the transition area, Jeff gave me a thumbs up which meant he was thrilled with the ride. They were some of the first ones back in, which meant they had passed people out there. They wind had been strong, but so were they.

Heading out on the run you had to run up the levy, not Jeff's favorite thing. But I was able to get this shot across the river of him running on the bike path. He looked like he was feeling well, and was making good time.

The results were they came in Second place to Coudron/Barker with only 2 min 20 secs difference. That was an excellent time. They were able to beat the 3rd place by a nice margin, but one of the twins had gone down on his bike but still finished ahead of his brother.
Awesome race, Joe is a good/focused partner for Jeff. He doesn't brag/talk - he just gets the job done with a large heaping of fun.
Very proud of Jeff, His races have been "on" this year. Even though he is a year older, he just keeps gettiug better.