More ROCKS please

This past weekend was Paula’s mile race, which went off without a hitch. The only thing that could have been better would have been more racers (of course). But for a first year, it was a success. I managed to get some pics, which are here. I also took a bunch of pics at last week’s Kentucky Camp race, also on TopoFusion.com.

Check Mike’s photos/words from the AZ ‘chunk’ trip. A different (camera and written) perspective on some very memorable rides.

South Mountain
50 with a Ninja
Bugs, Molino, Milagrosa

And if you aren’t completely overloaded by pixels resembling self-indulgent blokes doing dumb things on bikes, this thread on MTBR is full of riding stoke. For me, anyway. Greg’s pics, in particular, are priceless, and served for some extra motivation to hit the 50 year trail again, this time with a TucsonMTB / SDMB crew.

(The video is a combination of clips from my camera and Jobie’s)

If you stay with it until the end (it’s actually ~3 minutes, dunno why Vimeo is saying ~7?! I think I need new video editing software), you’ll see a nasty looking crash by Jobie. Fortunately it’s not as bad as it looks, as evidenced by him gettin’ back on his pony and riding it again. Gotta admire the tenacity.

Jobie on the “8-ball.”

Mike on the top half of the “8” in 8 ball.

Brian rolling through rock and saguaro.

This shot never gets old, nor does riding it.

photo by Jobie Gross

That was about the best trick I could pull all day, which happened by accident. I came out wanting to get my own back in a number of places, but it wasn’t the right day. It was, however, a beautiful day for hanging out on the rocks and gaining some confidence. Quite a few ‘new’ lines for others in the group, too, which is always fun to see.

Meanwhile, my thoughts are turning to bikepacking. A move away from ROCK monkey business, back to XC-ish riding? Maybe not. I think the Behemoth is coming on its first trip, and with any luck it’ll see some much lusted after ROCK.