Cross Results

Well, my first experiences at cross racing was quite entertaining. I must say that I'm really slow. Not being able to ride my bike much lately really displayed my lack of bike fitness.

The first day went pretty well. I lacked power in my legs and it was really really cold. My feet and hands were so cold I couldn't feel them. The second day I felt better but apparently couldn't put any more power to the pedals. I actually came in dead last. I can't say I was giving it my all either. It was a struggle but a fun one.

I tell you what though, there is something about being around bikes that makes me want bikes, all kinds. There was one that I found very interesting. It was a Raleigh single speed cross bike. This is the newer model of what I was looking at except the one I saw was a single speed.



I've always been very intrigued at single speed bikes. I like the simplicity and how much it can improve your riding. I know many single speeders and each of them are considerable faster than I am. Maybe I should trade my Kona Kula Supreme for a nice single speed.

I'd really like to try one for a few rides first before I made that big of move.

There's lots going on in the winter season out here in the hills.

Ride.

Cross Races

Got a couple cross races to do this weekend. I've never done one so it should be both interesting and fun and maybe a little cold. I'm not in it to win it but I am going for fun and time on my bike.

Black Hills Cyclocross Series

Pedal-Driven

No helmet... solution

Saturday Afternoon Hike

Saturday I took the family to Buzzard's Roost. It's an IMBA style trail up highway 44 towards Pactola. We went for a 2ish hour hike. The weather was perfect and so were the boys. I had Jonah in a backpack and Oli walked and rode in the stroller.



I haven't ridden that trail in a couple years. They've added a few new loops to it. Maybe I'll be able to swap in a ride out there soon.

The longtail bike

The last two nights have probably been my favorite ever. We eat supper as a family, then I load Oli and Jonah into the bike trailer and off we go. Tuesday night was a long ride. We cruised around the neighborhood and started to head off towards their old daycare. The sun was setting and time was getting short so we opted for a cruise back to the house.

Last night was a little shorter and not so distance focused. Oli wanted to ride his Strider so we cruised around the neighborhood. He loves, loves, loves his strider. He runs outside in the morning while wearing a diaper... wanna ride my bicycle. Anyway, after a while he was tired, so I loaded his bike up and put him in the trailer with Jonah. Oh, I was riding the Ute with a trailer. It was a loooooong bike.

I think we'll do it again tonight.



I was going to take a picture of the boys and I on the ute but didn't get it done. I'll try and get one so you all can see how magical it looks.

Heat

Wow, I rode M-hill today over lunch. 100 degrees with no water is way too hot to be peddling up a giant hill for 1.5 hours. I nearly died.

However, I felt relatively well for it being so hot. I took a couple more breaks.

The other night I took a longer route home. I got about 21 miles there.

I'm riding more and loving it. All kinds, mountain, road (mtb with slicks) and some heavy hauling with the Ute. The boys love riding in the bike trailer and the wife loves the Ute too.

Bike life is good in the Clements household.

Good news in Rapid City also. Safe Routes to School is making an impact here! Thank you!!!