This weekend Brianne and I decided to go to the Gila National Forest in southeast New Mexico. I'd never been and Brianne supposedly has been but didn't remember much. We brought our bikes and running shoes and the plan was to do a neat new ride, a run, and then return home to Las Cruces on Sunday.
My big biking idea was to park in the small town of Kingston (elevation: 6,200 feet) and ride to the top of Emory Pass (elevation: 8,226 feet). It was only 7.9 miles but it took me nearly 45 minutes to slog up the 5.3% grade to the top.I can't believe the average was really that low! Actually there was a mile mid way up that was basically flat so maybe it would be closer to 6%. Anyway, my legs didn't seem to have that spark they normally do, but hey! I need to remember I was biking well above the effects of altitude. Descending back down was fun but I definitely need to work on those descending skills. I feel like I'm on ice going around corners. I'm never too sure how far to lean into the curves and trust that my tires will stay grounded.
After the ride we made our way deeper into the Gila to see the Gila cliff dwellings. They were pretty neat but I don't think I need to see them again. We set up a camp at the edge of the Gila River and went for a swim/rinse. We ate a a hearty dinner of cold oatmeal and jam upon returning to the campsite and slept out under the stars.
In the morning we tried to go for a trail run up Little Creek just up the road from out camp site. However, the trail run quickly became more of a jungle trek since it had obviously been quite some time since anyone had used it or put some effort into maintaining it. There were tree roots to trip over, wild rose bushes to scrape across, raging rivers to navigate (ok, so it was called "Little Creek for a reason), stinging nettles to get into, and misquotes to swat at. Yes, I hadn't run like that since high school cross-country and I almost forgot how much fun it was to have muddy shoes again.
The Gila was great. I plan to go back sometime and for sure one of the times I return I hope to be doing the Tour of the Gila. That is right everyone, I am going to plan on doing the Tour of the Gila this spring.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sponsorships
It has been four weeks now, exactly, since I broke my rib during the El Paso Road Race. On Friday I managed to mess my seat-post-clamp-bolt-thing up again on my Cervelo so I took it in to the Outdoor Adventure Bike Shop to see if they could figure it out. Apparently I must have really screwed it up this time because it has been three days and still nothing from the boys at Outdoor Adventure. I ordered a whole new seat-post-clamp-bolt-thing to hopefully avoid this reoccurring problem in the future.
Now that I am starting to get all revved up again about cycling I am without a bike. There is also the option of going to the pool but after last time I think I will give my ribbie another week or two before I kill it in the pool. It's a shame because the Elephantman Olympic triathlon is coming up and I want to give a solid performance. So at the moment running is all I can do, which I really don't mind.
For the second half of my season I have been looking at which races I would like to do. For sure I will do the Elephantman, Longhorn 70.3, and Polar Bear. I would like to do another one or two, but with school starting it will be tough.
The other day I bough a new 175 mm crank for Bella (the Cervelo speed machine). Yeah, it is sweet. It set me back a couple Benjamins but with 175 mm hollow carbon fiber cranks and a 52/38 chain ring, I think it was worth it. Well I haven't technically rode it yet but I think it is safe to assume. That heavy 172.5 mm 50/38 chin ring and crank I was using before was just a little to mild mannered for what I'm after. I'll try and post some pictures when it comes in.
So with all this money being tossed around by me lately I have realized... I don't have enough to even enter the races I want to anymore. Not to mention I got my medical bills from the accident (AAAAGGHHHH!!!). This brings me to my main topic (sorry for that ridiculously long introduction). I think it is about time to start looking for some sponsors for a little help. I am not really sure how to go about doing the "Sponsorship Hunt" but I have started by writing some well though out professional letters to several of my favorite companies. It is a shame I don't know anyone in my area that has some direct connections but I think the letter idea is a good place to start. Inching ever closer to that big P-Card, it makes sense to start acting (even if I really don't) like a professional.
Now that I am starting to get all revved up again about cycling I am without a bike. There is also the option of going to the pool but after last time I think I will give my ribbie another week or two before I kill it in the pool. It's a shame because the Elephantman Olympic triathlon is coming up and I want to give a solid performance. So at the moment running is all I can do, which I really don't mind.
For the second half of my season I have been looking at which races I would like to do. For sure I will do the Elephantman, Longhorn 70.3, and Polar Bear. I would like to do another one or two, but with school starting it will be tough.
The other day I bough a new 175 mm crank for Bella (the Cervelo speed machine). Yeah, it is sweet. It set me back a couple Benjamins but with 175 mm hollow carbon fiber cranks and a 52/38 chain ring, I think it was worth it. Well I haven't technically rode it yet but I think it is safe to assume. That heavy 172.5 mm 50/38 chin ring and crank I was using before was just a little to mild mannered for what I'm after. I'll try and post some pictures when it comes in.
So with all this money being tossed around by me lately I have realized... I don't have enough to even enter the races I want to anymore. Not to mention I got my medical bills from the accident (AAAAGGHHHH!!!). This brings me to my main topic (sorry for that ridiculously long introduction). I think it is about time to start looking for some sponsors for a little help. I am not really sure how to go about doing the "Sponsorship Hunt" but I have started by writing some well though out professional letters to several of my favorite companies. It is a shame I don't know anyone in my area that has some direct connections but I think the letter idea is a good place to start. Inching ever closer to that big P-Card, it makes sense to start acting (even if I really don't) like a professional.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Rough Swimming
It has been nearly 4 weeks since I broke my rib. I have gone on a couple of bike rides and runs this last week and have been feeling better and better. Today however, I was feeling so good and so motivated I went to the pool to swim a few laps.
I walked into the lobby of the swimming pool and that warm chemical smell of chlorine washed all over me. Man I missed that smell. In the locker room I put on my suit, cap and goggles. Then I marched out to the pool deck and claimed a lane. I hopped in the pool and the water felt so incredibly good after being in that hot New Mexican air all day. Man I missed that feeling. Then I pushed off the wall in streamline and... SWEET MOTHER OF PEARL! Man I didn't miss that sharp stabbing pain. I guess 4 weeks is still too soon to start swimming.
Since I was already in the pool I practiced my kicking, bubble rings and a little light breast stroke. After a half an hour I hopped out feeling as though I just wasted my time. Oh well, swimming is over rated anyway, especially in triathlons.
I walked into the lobby of the swimming pool and that warm chemical smell of chlorine washed all over me. Man I missed that smell. In the locker room I put on my suit, cap and goggles. Then I marched out to the pool deck and claimed a lane. I hopped in the pool and the water felt so incredibly good after being in that hot New Mexican air all day. Man I missed that feeling. Then I pushed off the wall in streamline and... SWEET MOTHER OF PEARL! Man I didn't miss that sharp stabbing pain. I guess 4 weeks is still too soon to start swimming.
Since I was already in the pool I practiced my kicking, bubble rings and a little light breast stroke. After a half an hour I hopped out feeling as though I just wasted my time. Oh well, swimming is over rated anyway, especially in triathlons.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
California: Part 2
After the amazing Redwoods photo-journey (which can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adamblalock/sets/72157624666898550/), I drove back to Santa Rosa to pick up my mom and Brianne from the airport. It was great seeing my mom finally and yeah, I guess I was even glad to see Brianne, though I saw her three days before. Brianne flew into the San Francisco airport at the last minute which was a little ways away but it gave my mom and I the excuse to see San Fransisco and drive across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Brianne was doing the the Vineman half ironman aqua-bike and I was doing the full Vineman ironman, Except... I don't know if you remember this but, three weeks ago I fell off my bike and was seriously beat up beyond anything ever holy. Now because I was not racing I got to watch the race and cheer Brianne on. Brianne had never raced a 1.2 mile swim and a 56 mile bike ride so she was a little intimidated but she did terrific. She even won her age group and was probably the top 3 out of the water and top 10 over all female. Good job Brianne!
After Brianne's race my mom flew back to Spokane and Brianne and I had a day to do whatever. Since I didn't really get a chance to see the ocean while visiting the Redwoods and Brianne is a big fan of water in general, we decided to go to the coast for the day.
We drove over to and then up Highway 1, right along the coast, stopping at a couple of neat beaches and hiking trails. All along the coast there was a thin high fog which made the geography feel as though you were walking through another country (mostly Scotland comes to mind). It was pretty fantastic and I couldn't remember the last time I had so much fun with Brianne.
Pointing at the waves braking on the rocks.
One of my favorite things to do is pretend I am Mickey Mouse in Fantasia building giant waves and altering the course of the universe.
Brianne was doing the the Vineman half ironman aqua-bike and I was doing the full Vineman ironman, Except... I don't know if you remember this but, three weeks ago I fell off my bike and was seriously beat up beyond anything ever holy. Now because I was not racing I got to watch the race and cheer Brianne on. Brianne had never raced a 1.2 mile swim and a 56 mile bike ride so she was a little intimidated but she did terrific. She even won her age group and was probably the top 3 out of the water and top 10 over all female. Good job Brianne!
After Brianne's race my mom flew back to Spokane and Brianne and I had a day to do whatever. Since I didn't really get a chance to see the ocean while visiting the Redwoods and Brianne is a big fan of water in general, we decided to go to the coast for the day.
We drove over to and then up Highway 1, right along the coast, stopping at a couple of neat beaches and hiking trails. All along the coast there was a thin high fog which made the geography feel as though you were walking through another country (mostly Scotland comes to mind). It was pretty fantastic and I couldn't remember the last time I had so much fun with Brianne.
Pointing at the waves braking on the rocks.
One of my favorite things to do is pretend I am Mickey Mouse in Fantasia building giant waves and altering the course of the universe.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
California: Part 1
After arriving in Santa Rosa airport I grabbed my rental car and shot north. My goal was Eureka and ultimately Redwood National Park. In the morning I headed up to the Lady Bird Johnson Grove. Absolutely amazing is all I can really say! In fact words do almost nothing to describe the Redwood's shear size and beauty. The Lady Bird Johnson Grove sits atop a ridge so the redwoods were not nearly as big and lofty as their lowland friends but that didn't matter because the real treat at this grove was the fog. I've seen pictures of redwood trees in fog but to see it in person was pretty ethereal.
The next grove I visited was the tall trees grove. Instead of situated high on a mountain, the tall tree grove was at the very bottom of the valley along Redwood Creek. These trees were, yes, tall. Protected from the wind and given a consistent water source most of the mature trees were well over 300 feet. Some were listed as being 320 to 350 feet but which ones remains a mystery, although I have my speculations.
The last (but not in the bit least) grove I visited was the Prairie Creek Drainage Grove(s). These trees were much closer to the coast than any of the others. Being so close to the ocean meant that the trees were bathed in constant fog and moisture and the results were BIG trees.
I asked a park ranger where I might be able to find the Illuvatar tree, the Lost Monarch tree, or the Del Norte Titan tree. These mysterious "lost" redwoods rival the size of the Giant Sequoias (in fact there are only a dozen or so Giant Sequoias that top these great Redwoods.) The park ranger laughed and said, "I don't know, but if you ever find the Illuvatar, let me know where it is." So if a park ranger doesn't know where these legendary lost trees are, then there must be only a handful of people who know where they are. Anybody who is a big tree fan knows these trees by name and knows that they are something special. However, practically no one has ever seen them. They are lost spirits in the fog.
The next grove I visited was the tall trees grove. Instead of situated high on a mountain, the tall tree grove was at the very bottom of the valley along Redwood Creek. These trees were, yes, tall. Protected from the wind and given a consistent water source most of the mature trees were well over 300 feet. Some were listed as being 320 to 350 feet but which ones remains a mystery, although I have my speculations.
The last (but not in the bit least) grove I visited was the Prairie Creek Drainage Grove(s). These trees were much closer to the coast than any of the others. Being so close to the ocean meant that the trees were bathed in constant fog and moisture and the results were BIG trees.
I asked a park ranger where I might be able to find the Illuvatar tree, the Lost Monarch tree, or the Del Norte Titan tree. These mysterious "lost" redwoods rival the size of the Giant Sequoias (in fact there are only a dozen or so Giant Sequoias that top these great Redwoods.) The park ranger laughed and said, "I don't know, but if you ever find the Illuvatar, let me know where it is." So if a park ranger doesn't know where these legendary lost trees are, then there must be only a handful of people who know where they are. Anybody who is a big tree fan knows these trees by name and knows that they are something special. However, practically no one has ever seen them. They are lost spirits in the fog.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
California
Two nights ago some more thunderstorms popped up around Las Cruces. The last two times I went out to intercept the storms they fell apart like a big old Jenga tower. I got nothing. The storms were looking promising this time but I didn't want to chance it again. Taylor mentioned that if I was going to go try my luck shooting lightning, he would be willing to go. So, I decided to go. The storms did their best to taunt me by keeping their distance and sending lighting strikes everywhere but in my field of view but if there's one thing lightning has taught me, it is to be patient. Eventually I was rewarded with a couple decent shots but nothing spectacular. The wind was also very strong and I was having trouble keeping the tripod stable so the city light look a little blurry but the lightning came out clear.
Las Cruces lightning. My other photos can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adamblalock/
Other things I am up to besides enjoying the wonderful weather is I am leaving for Santa Rosa, California tomorrow. The original plan was for me to try my hand at the Vineman Ironman Triathlon (my first full ironman) but since I broke my rib two weeks ago, the race is just not going to happen. I tried to change my flight to a later date but the penalty fees were crazy high. Then I tried to get a refund on the race but rules are rules and I was too late to get the refund. Now I really have no choice but to show up five days before the race that I am not going to do. At least I don't have to worry about shipping my bike now.
Brianne decided to do the Vineman half-iron aqua bike but she will not be showing up until Thursday (I hope). My mom is coming in on Wednesday so that will be very nice since it was Christmas when we were last together. So from Monday to Wednesday I have all to myself. "What will I do", I kept thinking. "Should I go to Yosemite National Park. Yeah, but it is the peak vacation period and there will be 2 billion people there no doubt. What about Big Sur, California. I like the ocean but I don't know." Then I remembered Santa Rosa is only three and a half hours south of the Redwoods. The option of seeing ginormous trees AND the ocean was enough. It's settled I will drive up to see the mighty Redwoods for a few days.
Also a little update on the rib: So I went for a 50 min. ride this morning and things felt okay. I was thinking yeah. I probably could ride the 112 mile ironman bike course and even run afterwards. However, all that twisting, jerking, and thrashing involved in that 2.4 mile swim didn't sound fun at all, or even possible. I am confident I have made the right choice not to race on Saturday. Oh, so back to the bike ride this morning. Yeah it was okay but still a little rough. Coming out of the saddle is sketchy and at one point my chain slipped forcing me to put all of my weight on my arms for balance and man, my rib sure didn't like that! But it is getting better and pretty soon I will be back to 100%.
Las Cruces lightning. My other photos can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adamblalock/
Other things I am up to besides enjoying the wonderful weather is I am leaving for Santa Rosa, California tomorrow. The original plan was for me to try my hand at the Vineman Ironman Triathlon (my first full ironman) but since I broke my rib two weeks ago, the race is just not going to happen. I tried to change my flight to a later date but the penalty fees were crazy high. Then I tried to get a refund on the race but rules are rules and I was too late to get the refund. Now I really have no choice but to show up five days before the race that I am not going to do. At least I don't have to worry about shipping my bike now.
Brianne decided to do the Vineman half-iron aqua bike but she will not be showing up until Thursday (I hope). My mom is coming in on Wednesday so that will be very nice since it was Christmas when we were last together. So from Monday to Wednesday I have all to myself. "What will I do", I kept thinking. "Should I go to Yosemite National Park. Yeah, but it is the peak vacation period and there will be 2 billion people there no doubt. What about Big Sur, California. I like the ocean but I don't know." Then I remembered Santa Rosa is only three and a half hours south of the Redwoods. The option of seeing ginormous trees AND the ocean was enough. It's settled I will drive up to see the mighty Redwoods for a few days.
Also a little update on the rib: So I went for a 50 min. ride this morning and things felt okay. I was thinking yeah. I probably could ride the 112 mile ironman bike course and even run afterwards. However, all that twisting, jerking, and thrashing involved in that 2.4 mile swim didn't sound fun at all, or even possible. I am confident I have made the right choice not to race on Saturday. Oh, so back to the bike ride this morning. Yeah it was okay but still a little rough. Coming out of the saddle is sketchy and at one point my chain slipped forcing me to put all of my weight on my arms for balance and man, my rib sure didn't like that! But it is getting better and pretty soon I will be back to 100%.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
I Found Some Clouds
First off, I would just like everyone to know how well I am doing keeping my blog up to date. Yes you all should be very proud of me. Second, the main reason for this post is to mention that yesterday some great thunderstorms erupted around the area. That afternoon I needed to head down to my Leyendecker Farm plot to check on things and take pictures of my cayenne chile anyway so I was in luck when the storms fired up. The storms looked very intense from far away but as I got closer they seemed to loose their vigor. By the time I got there all that was left of the storm was some interesting mammatus. Later on that eventing after dark, I drove back out to one of my favorite high points in the desert to try and get some photos of lightning but the storms were just too far away.
Mammatus.
This crappy shot is all I managed to get from the storm. Isn't it creepy looking?
Mammatus.
This crappy shot is all I managed to get from the storm. Isn't it creepy looking?
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