New Paradise Royale Trail With Ocean Views

In its infant stages is a trail addition that will link up with the Paradise Royale Mountain Bike trail in the Kings Range. For those of those wondering what the Paradise Royale Mountain Bike trail is, you're definitely not alone. Situated on a hill, in a valley, near the coast, of some unknown range is pure pleasure. A friend of mine hit it on the head when he said, "This is how a mountain bike trail should feel." I couldn't agree more.

Back in the days of living in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, I was surrounded by hundred of miles of incredible single track, World class single track -- although I didn't realize it at the time but I sure did take advantage of it. Living in northern California has made me realize how much things are spread out. I can't complain about the beauty and the quality of the trails that are near me, but there sure isn't the quantity, at least legitimately. Having said that I have to give a huge shout out to those who have worked and are working on the Paradise Royale project. I'm not really a fan of climbing into a car to drive 3 hours in order to ride my bike, but this trail sure is worth it. With the additional 8 miles of riding it will make it that much more tempting. Here is a great article by Vicky Sama of singetrack.com discussing the project and the adventures one takes in order to build an amazing trail. Enjoy.

Bogstomp '09

Yesterday was the second annual Bogstomp race put on by the guys at Revolution. There was a pretty good turn out for all the races: kids, 30 minute, and 50 minute. From what I've been told and from what videos I've seen of last year, it was a lot less muddy out there too. I partook in the 30 minute quick death portion, and with seven years since I've raced that was about all I could handle. Luckily I've been getting on my bike a few times a week, so recovery wasn't that awful. I was, however, only 1 of maybe 4 dudes without glistening legs. There was some heavy hitters out there for the 50 minute race. Luckily I took my camera to capture some grins, and grimaces. Click on the link to check the gallery. For all of you at the race that want a high res print hit me up, and help out a poor college student.

Times are now up on the revolution website.

So... where is that bike made?

Ever wonder where the heck your bike was made? Me too. The problem is, it isn't that easy. This is a great article that emphasizes the abstract process a bike travels through before getting that "Made In..." sticker. This article by Kerry Roberts, past president of the National Bicycle Dealers Association, demystifies the profiling of bicycle origin. Check it out.

Paradise Royale round II

Got a chance to head down to the King's Range again with a great crew. There had been some recent rain so the trail was perfectly tacky, making a lot of the steep uphill sections easier to bite. The weather was great, a bit chilly when we first got there, but with the climbing we warmed right up. Chris took a spill this time, pasting his blood on some trail stones. Click on the pic to see a sideshow, although I didn't get a chance to take many photos. Enjoy.

In the Guts

If you react to this as I did, then it will blow you away. What an amazing account of our greater impact on the natural world. Through the eyes of Chris Jordan, these photos depict a sorry situation occurring in the middle of the North Pacific. Check out the link.

Huggett West Coast Wedding Celebration

This last weekend was an amazing few days of celebrating with the Huggetts' for their west coast wedding party. An amazing crowd of folks showed up, some of which I haven't seen in a few years. It's easy to forget all the amazing people you know when you're so buckled down doing your own thing with school. We had a great recap of the ceremony, a great assortment of food, and then moved the party over to the veteran's hall for a night of swing dancin'. Click on the pic for a slide show of what I captured. From what I've seen out there, some pretty amazing photos from everyone that was there. Enjoy.