Sites, sounds and smells of a grease junkie

I lost a friend today. The world lost a good man. TPG, I miss you. I know all rides have to come to an end, but I can't help feel like yours was cut far too short. My memories will be nothing short of fabulous. From turning miles with you, to disc golf on sunny autumn afternoons to cribbage in the coffee shop on those cold winter days to ultimate on Wednesday with Ric on his 6th blowup of the day to you taking me under your wing when I was just a newbie. You showed us all not only what it means to be part of this family called Trek, you showed us what it is to be a part of the human family. Love you Travis. Always will. I'm a better man for having crossed your path. As you always said to me Xs n Os

Suicidal, why have I not listened to you for far too many years. With lyrics like these... "Yeah maybe sometimes I do feel like shit. I ain't happy about it, but I'd rather feel like shit than be full of shit." I need that etched into my mind. Give it a listen... Before I split, at the moment I don't feel like shit. I'm in a good space on several levels and that feels...good. I'm not exactly where I want to be (maybe I never will be), but I am feeding my good wolf and ignoring (some days aren't successful) the hunger pangs of the bad wolf. With the return of gorgeous weather, the bike and my body have gotten lots of miles, mostly road. I didn't put some off-road miles in the other night thanks to my new Cygolit TridenX lights . Wicked bright, super light and damn good product, from what I can tell so far. My plan is to get in a few more night rides off road this week since the weather is nice and the bugs aren't totally awful, yet. LOL ...

I'm off to read and then to bed shortly but before I do... two things 1) This is for my buddy Goodie . I love you man. If any of you can cheer him on, that'd be great. It doesn't cost your anything other than about 30 seconds of your time. 2) The second is just me asking, if you can, to donate a buck or two to me doing the Trek 100 ride in June. If ya can't ya can't. But if ya can and ya will, thank you. The bed is calling me. Lots of riding planned this coming with with the nice weather, including trying to squeeze in a night ride or two. Xs n Os

Just thought I'd share some of my photos. Most are recent. Some aren't. Enjoy. Hope you enjoyed 'em. Again/still with the love. Xs n Os

I just want you all to know I've got some serious love for all of you who follow this blog. I wouldn't be who I am today with out you all. And for that, I am eternally grateful. You have all shaped my life, in ways you probably don't even know. Xs n Os

Damn Willard. Just damn.

I love you man.

Got to play in the dirt on Saturday. Serious Xs n Os to all those who helped make the Jail Trail a reality. It was a great day to ride. And got to test out a couple of the new bites on the Fisher. I was a little unsure what the trail conditions would be there since a) we got some rain on Friday, b) I haven't been out this year yet and c) nothing recent had been posted on the MORC page about trail conditions. Just the same I figured, if it was wet, I'd just not ride it. It turned out to be tacky, but just fine. Windier than sin that's for sure, but a great day for a ride. On to some of the nuts n bolts. I was impressed with the way the new Bontrager 29-3  rode. They are technically spose to be front and rear specific, but I set mine up with the "front" on both front and rear. The bike handled very good in those conditions. Took on all roots n rocks without issue. There aren't really much for climbs in the Jail Trail, but what there is, the tires hooked up...