Fun on Three Wheels

Since I work for a company that deals with a lot of non-profit universities and hospitals all of the employees are encouraged to give back to the community. This year I have volunteered to mentor a young student at one of the local elementary schools. I figure this will be a good learning experience for me to help some underprivileged child in some way since I always had everything I needed growing up. This will be one of my first times donataing a significate amount of my time instead of my money to help others in need. But don't worry, I also decided to donate my money as well to a national 501c 3 corporation (you know the kind where you get the write off). This years donations is going to IMBA or the International Mountain Bike Association. They build trails, help advocate bikeing as a healthy lifestyle, and also have some pretty sweet perks if you want to take advantage of them. The reason why I keep rambling on and on about volunteering is to lead up to this....the employee giving campaign in which the company will match dollar for dollar up to (I believe its) 1.2 million dollars for charity has an annual tricycle race. This is the 3rd year in which I entered it. The first year I helped win the trophy.

I couldn't find the picture of the trophy, but here is me from the first year. The goggles make me more aerodynamic. Last year the team got knocked out in the quarter finals.

But this year I wanted a little more than a picture, and got a little creative. Take a look at how easy we got out of the first round. The format is a 4 person team, 2 male, 2 female and you ride then switch riders. You will get the idea after watching the video. I am the 2nd rider. YOu see how fast we got past the other teams? Thats skill. And here is where it went wrong in the quarter finals. Although it would have been nice to win the trophy again, it was all for fun (mostly) and all for a good cause.

Time for an update

Except I haven't got one so I will try to ramble on for a few sentences, maybe post a few pictures. 2 weeks ago it was my birthday, I turned somewhere in the area of 29. After a while I just stopped counting. Round numbers such at 30, 40, 50 dont scare me. They are just numbers. I just try to survive one day at a time, and how many times I have circled the sun just isn't that relevant. With the weather turning great I have gotten out to ride for fun again. Nothing like wearing shorts and a t-shirt, not having to worry about carrying 4 lbs of water just to get through the train. Its a great feeling and great time of year. Also in another update I think I am about ready to drink the kool aid.

Last time I tried a 29er bike, the experience wasn't a good one. I didn't like the way it fit, the way it turned, how bulky it was. That was a few years ago and things have changed. I just happened to be at the USNWC when the Trek demo showed up all the way from the Cheesehead state. I got to ride a nice full squish 29er, and although it was nice, it just wansn't for me.

Then was the hardtail superfly.

I think due to how much I suck at climbing up a side of a hill, the hardtail is the way to go. I climbed goat hill without a problem. I see why people like these big clown wheels. I also did have some fun playing with a downhill bike.

A little overkill on the flat land, but I did get a taste going down the old downhill course, and man this thing rides like a Cadillac. It was smooth no matter what you rode over and you just felt like you would be floating. Well, this weekend is the 4th annual Beer Olympics, and although it might not be as organized as in the past as we are getting the partners together only a day before, it is sure to be a good time. Let me know if you want to play, we are always looking for other countries to pretend to represent!