Ramblings on a Big Friggin Loop

   Well my 3rd attempt at completing a NMES race/ride has failed. This one was a GREAT ride. It pretty much hit upon every trail in the Santa Fe area. 70+ miles and 14,000 ft of elevation gain. The day started well. I got there on time and felt good, met up with Mark and got to 2nd street for the start. I Started with Matt. We were gonna skip the arroyo at the start of the Atalaya climb so we wouldn't get bottled up with the big group since we were on singlespeeds. Before we even got to the trail head Matt had pedeled away from me. I wasn't gonna go at his madman pace. So I settled into the climb up Atalaya. It seemed I got in right in the front half of the pack. The whole ride was great. By the time we made it to the Pacheco Canyon rd I was beat and we had been in the saddle for 12 hours(60 miles in with bout 12,000 ft of gain).The ride from Tesuque to 2nd Street was long as well. The results are here . I will complete one of these things rigid and single. I hope I can complete the next race which is September 8th In Taos. It is called the Double Boundary ride. I lugged the camera along for the ride and got some good pics.
Let the Climbing begin. I believe that is Nate crossing the road.




As I dropped off the backside of Atalaya heading over to the Dale Ball South trail I came across this cool Horny Toad Lizard


After the lizard I came across Makachut and we proceeded to ride together for the rest of the ride. After the DB South we made our way over to DB Central and took that up to Hyde Park rd and took that up to Chameza trail head. There were some people that out of the kindness of there heart had set up a SAG with water protein powder and energy bars. They were lifesavers throughout the day. After the Chameza was the Winsor climb. We took a breather. There we met up with another race/rider Brian.




Maka looking suspect in his racing kit





I think this was after we got onto the Big T trail











Then we got up to Aspen Vista and took a break there while Maka fussed with his hub. I told him this is what happens when you run gears.



Mark practicing his breathing techniques





We had met up with Jim on the backside of Atalaya and had been with him most of the way since.







Me at the towers



This group reeled us in on Aspen Vista


Looking down Sunset



ex gov descending the ski area




After the ski area the ladies who were hooking everyone with water were at the ski area parking lot
We filled the bladders there and continued to the Rio en Medio

Jim having some fun







Here comes Maka


A Lovely creek along the Nambe

Jim pushing for Rio en Medio












This was the last shot I took. It was coming back towards Pacheco Canyon rd. We hadn't bailed on the race yet.



   There ya have it. A epic ride even though I didn't finish. It Was the biggest ride I have done on a rigid SS though.
   What is in your audio player? I have been rocking out to some hard stuff. Kyuss: Muchas Gracias The Best of Kyuss.
    All right everyone get a good nights rest.
                           Peace