Single Track Trails Around North Klondike Bluff Utah

MAD Racing was once again the timing company for the Grand Fondo race in Moab Utah. Its been highlighted on my calendar and my anticipation was building as we neared our departure date.

Registration had closed the Saturday before the events so we were able to causally assign bib numbers and program chips for the capped 300 riders. The event sold out at 314 but about 50 or so never picked up their bibs the night before.

The race is basically a KOM and QOM for the top 5 for each category. The organization designed it this way so that nobody would take chances back down the other side of the La Sal Mountain. I bring this up because ALL the finishers were in fabulous spirits after a 100K ride. Nobody pissed or moaned about their time or placement. Dig That

5th Month 

After the well run Grand Fondo, Klishy & I headed for the North Klondike Bluff near the Moab airport. Utah's desert floor painted us a full on blooming BoB Ross masterpiece and I was completely awestruck.

I have never witnessed such spring like beauty here in Utah. As Junction warms up, Moab trends about 5F to 10F degrees warmer than GJ, I would load up The Boy Dog and we would head for the Grand Mesa in search of remaining snow pack levels and cooler temps. The Boy Dog throughly enjoyed eating and rolling in snow.

Look at all of those Flatbud Prickly Poppy standing at attention in this valley. Normally, these trails are like riding on Mars. Sure, its beautiful when its arid and weathered by the intense summer heat, but a lush desert is something else entirely.

And check out the La Sal range in the distance. This ride would be example of when I am not Strava  hungry. Sure, I recorded the mileage. But I was so mesmerized by the colors around me that pace or time became secondary. I even admit to that daydream feeling of flying like a bee with a full on desire to be pollinated.

Even this simple hunk of quartz grabbed my attention with all the Wolly Locoweed and soon to open Cooper's Dogweed in the background. There were scattered quartz pieces along the trail and dotted colorings of wildflowers as well. Klishy and I parted ways at this spot. He is a gifted athlete and powered himself around the larger loop. I was satisfied with rolling back on the Dino Trail.

I mean, CHECK THAT OUT. This is Utah after all

A Blooming Hesperoyucca Whipple?!?!? Unreal. I have only seen these in bloom down in La Paz Mexico. And they were everywhere here in Eastern Utah!! And just behind it was the start of a blooming Barrel Cacti. And behind that is the beautiful Raglan Bahia in all its healthy glory. Crazy Gorgeous

I stopped here to send off a few photos, videos, and noticed almost no evidence of mankind. Again, normally this ride feels as if its the virgin solo mission on Mars but today this area was waking up and chalk full of new life.

This section of the Dino-Flow between Little Salty and Baby Steps flippin' ROCKS!! Pun Intended. The Juniper Trees are in perfect aliment for leaning through the curve or hopping over a slab while keeping safe from its projecting limbs. Beautifully well placed rocks define the trail. The whole Dino Flow line is Epic!!

My loop consisted of the Chilkoot Pass > Agate East > Jasper West > Jurassic to Dino - Flow. At that point of Dino, Klishy rode up Klondike Bluff > Baby Steps > Alaska > Homer.

On this map, the HAPPY FACE next to the Dino TH, righteous section to ride. Klishy & I updated each other with cell phone photo of our current locations. All Went According To Plan

These Purple Fringe groupings were tucked in  so nicely around all that sandstone. They enjoyed the company of Notch-Leaf Phacelia and jaw dropping Silver-Leaved Phacelia. Oh, by the way, were are my paleontologist friends because dinosaur tracks are everywhere in this particular region. And I Am Clueless

And Now For Something Completely The Same
Hope you find the humor in that Monty Python twist. My last few days on the borrowed bike wheel from Fast Eddie was spent on morning rides at the Lunch Loops and I enjoyed even more blooming wildflowers. So Picture Perfect

The stunning Indian Paint Brush normally stands out to me but those Bur Marigold yellows have totally drawn me in.

This patch of Navajo Spinach stopped me dead. I sat here and munched down on my sandwich and soaked up the views from this vantage point. I responded / sent texts and never saw a single soul.

And that is just about the time a sexy common gardner snake slithered right between my feet and up along the "boulder" that I was seated upon. I didn't move a muscle and he didn't have a care in the world. Peaceful Crossing of Paths

GOALS:

1. Hosting Uncle Grubby And Showing Him A Tremendous GJ Time
2. Speak My Truth With Wingnut
3. One Max Rep on the Bench, Weigh Myself, & Incorporate A Few New Exercises 
4. Finish Off My Notes For The May 13th Radio Show
5. Hydrate Baby 

Until Next Time,
Cheers

April Numbers & Latest Radio Show

                                                      The Boy Dogs First 14er

The Boy Dog was about 2 or 3 years old there and he was so upset at this particular moment. We embarked upon this adventure towards Handies Peak around 5am and Mother Nature was happy to provide a sunrise full of color. The whole hike was beyond perfect with that full spectrum of rich colors. Wildflowers lined the American Basin Trail and at about 11,00 feet ( 3,352 meters ) Mother Nature rolled in. Thankfully NO Lightning!!

But The Boy Dog NEVER Dug The Rain OR Backyard Sprinklers. As The Boy Dog and I surveyed the mountain ranges along the horizon, a random guy made his way to the top, the three of us looked around at all the beauty, we casually departed our pack as quickly as it emerged. Shadow Boy leading the way.

I Miss Him

Top 10 Baby!! I know someone would have said WHAT can't cut 6 seconds for a Top 5

April Numbers:
Run   -  59.5 miles
Bike  -  740 miles
Hours - 58
PR's - Lucky 7
14 Traveling Days and Two Days of Zero Activities

CYCLING:
Riding my two wheel aluminum GT has to be my most head clearing space in time. Nothing but options are offered when I head out on my bike. Its Beautiful

Thank You Mother Nature 

Somedays are focused on Strava segments and other days are meandering routes with no real cadence or destination in mind.

Wish This Shot Justified The Suffering AND Beauty 

Then, I found myself on Smyth Mountain. Talk about majestic views and peacefulness around every twist and turn. I experienced moments of clarity. All the rain has helped bring out those gorgeous desert floor aromas and our clear views become endless. The western slope offers such usually shaped juniper trees. They could all be featured in a western cowboy film with handsome young Clint dueling it out against The Duke. So Much Potential

Love It   -  Lucky 4's  -  Score

Inspiring Bird Mask For Halloween 2019??

The velvety night sky was filled with entertainment and I absolutely embarrass those plans of nothingness. I killed my damn neck by starring at the Spring Constellations dotted in so high above. Numerous satellites glided across that blanket of stars. They fly so much lower then those stars that they allowed depth of space to become so 3 dimensional for me. Way Cool

98 Streams!!! Amazing And THANK YOU

I also appreciate Spring races because the start time isn't until 9am. The Bed & Breakfast whipped up the most incredible breakfast!! The husband and wife team have a secret crape/pancake recipe. They only shared with me that its a cottage cheese base, high in protein, low in carbohydrates. Fresh Blackberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, and Bananas. And one beautiful cup of joe waiting for me at 5:05am. Totally Accommodating Folks

A Beast of a Climb - 1,300ft in 4.2 miles - But The Views 

Those Clouds - TE from GJ made an Appearance - Rock Star For Sure 

RADIO SHOW:
I am going to toot my own horn here for a second. I pulled off one of my top 10 radio shows Monday. OK, maybe top 20 if I really think about it. Actually, it was just an OK show.

Sunrise On Mt Garfield During My Ride Last Week 

I was the host during Enjoy The Ride and you will want to stream this show if you are an 80's fan. There is a peppered in mix of 70's rock and other obscure tunes as well. Stream This Link HERE For The Next Two Weeks. Hope Ya Dig

My Commendations For The Week 

Some of the tracks you will hear are from bands like Funky Soup Bowl with Way Down, Missing Persons, Sabrina Claudio with Tell Me, The Flirts, Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl, Alice In Chains acoustic version of Rooster, Billy Squier's Stroke, Devo, Elvis Costello's Pump It Up, Grace Potter's Paris, Modern English, English Beat's Tears Of A Clown, Squeeze Cool 4 Cats, Slightly Stoopid with Karl D, a live 1973 Golden Earring recording, Kajagoogoo's Too Shy, and The Vapors one hit wonder Turning Japanese. Just To Highlight A Few

ORTHO:
What month of body work. I was out of town a lot so I built my schedule around those trips and I felt pretty good about it. I was under the impression that about 4 clients a day was my limit because I am not a guru yet. Ortho does take a fair amount of focus and patience and listening. Not so much ear/conversation listening but more about what arises in the clients body. But on two different occasions, I saw 5 clients. During Easter Sunday, bitchin thunder storm rolled through, I worked with 6 clients and I wasn't wiped out from it. This Only Took Me Five Years Of Practice

For Perth - The Twins 

In fact, those longer days had the exact opposite effect on me. I was surprisingly energized and pleased about holding my own energy. I used to be completely drained after 3 or 4 sessions. Plus, I have noticed that I am tuning into the clients nervous system pretty quickly and tracking much better. Again, this had taken me over a decade of different combinations of body work studies. The Ortho Work Is Finally Becoming Clear

Having 19 of you streaming LIVE totally rocks my boat!! 

GOALS:

1. I am NOT reaching for 700 miles again because of my schedule this month
2. Slowing down and holding morning calisthenic poses/stretches 
3. Remind others around me how they have made a difference
4. Trouble shooting the old FJ Cruiser 
5. Homework of bands/songs for my May 13th radio show for mixing Mr Robot 
6. Pound The H2o

Until My Next Post, Be Well, Think Of Others First, Follow Your Gut Brain, And Lead With Your Heart

Cheers

Mid Month And Miles And Miles, oops

This month of April is ripping on by. And of course the old folks continue to remind me that time only speeds up the older we get.

So I am very thankful for my healthy teeth and active knees. Extremely Grateful for the ability to hop on a bike and ride in any direction. Pure Freedom

Do yourself a huge favor and NEVER snap an old spoke. If fact, just about everything about a 26inch is a royal pain in the A$$.

The first bike shop that I walked into, they sort of blew me off, informed me that I had to visit the Bike Shop on North Ave because they are the Mavic dealer in town. So I rode the commuter over there and they advised me to buy a new DT Swiss wheel set. Sure, I have a slush fund for that.

Talk about a royal rim job. Turns out that this particular wheel was built in 2003, come on Ebay!!! Wish me luck

How about these little cuties. Happy Little Fluff Balls!! Three new chickens!! Happy And Healthy. They are Amber The Humans new babies and they sure put a smile on my face.

Broke the Top 50 on Strava and the Top 5 are only like 10 minutes faster. I know realistically that I will be able to drop 4 minutes off my time for a Top 10. I was unaware of this segment and this was just 46 minutes of my 4 hour + ride that day.

Soon, I will be on the Midnight Racer, 13 min shouldn't be all that hard. A standard westerlies prevailing tailwind would be beneficial and welcomed. I am currently on the GT 1996 MTB with "slicks" these days and its considered a tank for Strava PR's.

Been up in the foothills and everything is so green and alive. Love That, I Feed Off That, Bring On The Blooming Wildflowers!!!

And this was just crazy. I couldn't get away from them!! There were 5 crash dummies just cruising along in a hybrid. I was petrified that I was about to witness an accident at any moment.

I immediately flashed back to the movie The Jerk,"He Hates These Cans. There Are More Cans Here. Cans!!" That is just one of the many brilliant scenes from that flick. Hope this resinates with you and you are able to appreciate the humor.

Enjoyed a simple outing with friends last weekend. Took a lot of convincing to get these boys to ride with me. I continued to reassure them that I wouldn't push the pace, I would ride off and leave them, AND that they would enjoy the River Trail. THAT, We Did

BB brought up the topic of your worst top 5 bands and without even having to think about it, I spouted out Guns & Roses. That was about the only one that came to mind for me. The Dude & BB both fulfilled their list rather quickly.

Then, Covers Better Than OG, and I abruptly claimed any tune covering BoB Dylan.Right? BB claims he has a version of Little Wing by The Man In Black Johnny Cash that "smokes" the original. The Dude piped in with Gagsters Paradise cover that I just played on my show. We all laughed at that one. I mentioned Keller Williams covering Frank Zappa's Dinah Moe Humm. We all filled that list while we rode the River Front Trail and reminisced about concerts we attended. Boys Being Boys

In the words of Marvin Gaye " Whats Going On"

Enjoyable Time in the Saddle & March Madness Baby

A fresh blanket of pristine fluffy snow covered the town of Steamboat for our arrival. For me, felt like  Christmas morning. Steamboat Springs is absolutely beautiful and lived up to its reputation.

We at MAD Racing were honored for the third year for timing the Cody ( 11th Year ) Challenge. Personally, I enjoyed the entire weekend and all ways have. The competitors are cool, low stress, and the whole event turns into one big party afterwards.

NUMBERS:
Running - 17.2 miles
Cycling  - 176.75 miles
Not Too Bad For 11 Days In And 5 Travel Days

Tested Out This Beast - Flipping Radical 

RADIO SHOW:
On Air Tonight!! Way Stoked About It!! 2 1/2 hours of 1920's swing, 1930's big band, and all of the songs are well recognizable cover tunes. While hosting the Magic Carpet Ride, will tease the sports world. Feel free to stream HERE and will have the webcam on as well. Again, Pretty Stoked About It

Will edit this section tomorrow and add the link to stream up to two weeks after - here - in case you have family obligations or something better on TV was happening tonight.

The Magic Carpet Ride takes flight at 6:30pm Colorado Time and Concludes at 9pm Mountain Time Zone. Come Take A Ride

or here ( https://www.radiofreeamerica.com/show/magic-carpet-ride-1-kafm-community-radio )
This Show Kicked A$$!! Started out with Alicia Keys from her Grammy performance were she played two pianos at once and talked about songs that she WISHED she had written. From there, unreal. The amount of phones calls blew my mind. I was rather dubious about playing a show like this but it was beyond well received. Phuc Yes

You will experience cover tunes of The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Bee Gees, MJ, Men At Work, And All Kinds of Wacky Jams. I am rather pleased about the flow of this show and would be interested in your feed back.

ORTHO:
Randomly worked on a gal in steamboat that was having a shoulder issue from her hotel pillow/bed. She was surprised with my style of work and even mentioned that she thought I was out of my mind working with her vertically. Cracked Me Up

She finished strong and sought me out to thank me. We ended up talking for hours. We effortlessly found common topics and I really appreciated how genuine she carried herself. The free beer from the title sponsor help keep the conversation fluid.  

Looking back, I was under the impression that I was jaded and all bound up, but all those thoughts washed away while we chatted along. Plus, she lives in Tennessee, that helped to lift any pressure. 

CYCLING:

Just so happen that I picked a tough day for a bike ride. Then, Biking Through Life brought me a little perspective. They just rode under these conditions for almost 60 miles of gravel road racing. That crew might have consumed a few brews while hammering down on those cranks. 

NCAA Baby!!

Can You Say Domination?? I picked Virginia for two reasons. #1 They were bounced out in the first round last year so they must be playing with a chip on their shoulder. #2 I had a pretty good idea that everyone was on the Duke bandwagon.

The highlight for me was banking on Texas Tech losing to Duke in the Final Four. I rode the coat tails of the Player of the Year for T.T. and that was the winning move in our league. Virginia claiming Victory was just a little icing on the bragging rights. YES

Hope YOUR April Has Produced A Win Or Two,
Cheers 

Greg Booker RIP Brother Man

Mikey called me the other night and I found that to be very odd. I always call him. I was in the middle of 5,000 things but I took his call anyway. So you could only imagine what a punch in the gut it was for me. Why U Might Ask?

Spring Training 1998

GREG BOOKER 

During the World Series run of 1998, Booker lived in our hotel during home games. He would always leave tickets for employees and always hooked me up with road tix when I was traveling. The 1998 years was epic, to say the least. I caught at LEAST one of the home games from the 3 to 4 game series and those games were at Jack Murphy Stadium. AKA The Murph. I traveled to Chi-Town, Milwaukee, New York, San Fran, Smell-A, Colorado, Arizona, Atlanta, and St Louis for ball games that year.

My seats were always fantastic but I would keep my eye on the front row behind home plate. By the 7th or 8th inning I would sneak my way down and sit there as if I owned the place. Made ESPN highlights a few times during that run of 98. Trevor Hoffman would dominate the 9th inning and there I was, front row, wearing a Padres hat, cheering him on. So many Hall Of Fame players on that 98 team.

Booker was the Bullpen Coach at the time, after the game, the RP's and back up catchers would walk towards the dugout, through the infield, within an ear shot, I would yell, " Booker!" Eventually, as the Playoffs approached, they all would wave or give a nod in my direction.

Booker always had a grin on his face and later coined my with the title of Super Fan. Even my coworkers called me Super Fan. Even though we all knew that I was in love with Mr Padre, Tony Gywwn. 

Backing up a bit, I and friends would travel out to Peoria, AZ for Spring Training every year. We established this yearly adventure in the early 90's and I loved it. Every year was pretty normal but Spring of 1998 was different. The vibe was different. The players were so personable and relaxed that year. They Knew, We Knew, It WAS Going To Happen.

Booker was such a cool dude. He was one of those guys that took the time to listen. No matter what, he made you feel important. 58 is way too young. We kept in touch through CrackBook but hadn't seen each other in years. Damn

We last spoke over the phone when he was the skipper for the Syracuse Chiefs. He asked me all kinds of questions about my life and talked with enthusiasm about his son and his own family. That was Booker, no time for himself, always smiling and wanted to know about you. Phuc - N - A

The good news is the fact that Booker knew how to live life. I would be sad about his passing if he was a gelatinous couch blob. Booker was full of life, rich with success, and carried himself the way that you would want your own child to be. Booker, I will toast in your honor during the NCAA Championship Showdown Tomorrow Night.

                           * * * * *                      * * * * *                  * * * * *

I don't know this TTM guy but little did he know, he incapsulated the true giving nature of Mr Gregory Booker. Its only a minute and 50sec long, thanx for watching.

So Now, Please Take This Time To Remind The Ones You Love, WHY You Love Them. Go Ahead, Pick Up The Phone, Reach Out, Make It Count.

Rest In Peace Brother

P.S. Booker also was a relief pitcher for The Padres during the famous 1984 season. He was fortunate enough to have experienced the World Series as a player and coach. The stories he told me about those jaw dropping events, will never forget, and he shared those tales with a smile.

March Numbers, Ortho, & Hopeful Events

Talk about a Month that actually flew by, March blew past me at super sonic speeds. For a 31 day month, surfed a full spectrum of emotions, I welcome April with open arms. I am looking forward to some righteous single track lined with colorful blooming desert flowers, that painful neck ache from starring at the twinkling stars above, and skinny dipping in the clear cold mountain run off. Love Those Slime Covered River Rocks

Ortho:

Ortho-Bionomy works wonders, despite me. HA 

I snipped a couple of cuttings off my mother plant for a friend of mine that just purchased a newer home. Just happened to be a Cholla Jumping Cactus. 

Sure as all get out, they did the old bush the leg against, knee jerk reaction is that inevitable yank trick. A happy barbed end remained just below the surface.  

Causally, I intertwined my arm with theirs for support and offered comfort without speaking of concerns. Our bodies have spirals, auras, and vibrational qualities that offer healing components. All I do is exaggerate those energy fields. With our arms comfortable, I spun a spiral, that yellow barb became pickable with tweezers. Sh*t you not and they were my witness. They Understood With Optimism

An elderly client returned with a wonderful story to share with me. Their poor arthritic knuckles really stiffened up this past winter. Wish I had video taped her face while they shared their experience.

They enjoy puttering around their front yard and pruning their "delightful rose gardens" but last year their hands just weren't strong enough for that chore. Could you imagine, not being able to immerse yourself in your favorite hobby???

After our session, with pruning shears in hand, they whittled away, PAIN FREE. Talk about a face that lit up right before my very eyes. Moments Like That...

Back when I was midway through Massage school, a dear friend, very respected member of this Valley, developed The Big C, passed away within the calendars year. Will never forget that phone call that I am about to share with you. They called me to ask if I would sub their show. I was living, working, and going to school in Crested Butte at that time. The more we updated each other, the bomb was dropped.

After graduation, we worked together weekly. During this time together, ups and downs, I made the conscious decision that I would NEVER charge a terminal client OR THEIR family members. I am approaching ten years of this explicable choice. Simply Giving Back

I recently entered the home of a wonderful old friend that is living in fear after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Liver Cancer. So frail, translucent skin, and sunken eyes. I fought off my own issues and projected the best of spirits and got to work. Shortly into our session, dawned on me, they needed to speak. This leaves an indelible impression on my mind.

Over the course of about 30 minutes, incredibly touching, they shared their regrets, their precious past, friends of and from the past, pets, they spoke as if they were grieving their own death. I Am So Fortunate

Cycling:
It wasn't necessarily the time on the bike this month, more the time of moving through situations. Visualizing projects from certain angles before wasting time swimming against them. And that Might Colorado River has quickly become Wonka's Chocolate River.

The rookies are out as well. I don't mind and I embrace standard protocol when approaching these novice wonders of this meandering society. Friendly hello, passing on your left with plenty of room, and what happy dogs are my usual expressions when addressing fellow trail users.

I am reminded of this when I see a friendly local passing by. Its a reboot of sorts, perspective, chance to talk weather, exchange pleasantries and on we go. I Appreciate Those Coincidences

Have been focusing on my ROM with regards to my ankle and foot articulations and whats producing power, whats burn out, and whats efficient of that abrupt situation. Where is my awareness when my hips are fully rotating, where are my elbows in relations to my wrist, and whats my ergonomics in general.

However, daydreaming is my normal demeanor while the wheels go round and round. Giggling in my own head, observing beautiful birds of pray in flight, and enjoying the random cloud formations that rule our Western Colorado horizon or the forever bluebird sky lines. Ether Way, I Am On My Bike

Radio Show:
I will be hosting the Magic Carpet Ride on the 11th of April at 6:30pm. I really enjoy this particular time slot and looking forward to creating an enjoyable show for all walks of life. I have a few weeks for melting together a program. Any Requests??

March Numbers:
Run - 35.1 ( 107mi for the year )
Bike - 611 ( 1,565.8 mi for the year )
Hours - 46
Activities - 47
PR's - 15
Traveling - 12 Days on the Road

Goals:

1. Live In My Own Skin
2. Touch Base With My Friends
3. Remind Myself That Happiness Is A Choice
4. Collect Some March Madness $$$$$$$
5. Dial Up Some Miles
6. A Tribute Ride in Honor of Steve Tilford RIP Article HERE

Thank YOU Triple J, Still Makes Me Laugh  

Thanx A Million For Popping In, Following Along, Making The World A Better Place, And Continue To Seek The Best Possible Outcome

Cheers