episode 110: humping the wind

three lonely Spot whores we be,

missing our teammates Paul, Andrew, Bob and Fitzy...

This morning, after reading Spot Brand's sweet new website, I look out my window and I see Chino, my neighbor's dog running around the yard, like he usually does, only this time, Chino's got a new move. I see Chino obviously fired up, running around, thrusting his pelvis into the air.

I mean at full speed, carving around trees, running as fast has he can, while at the same time thrusting his pelvis and hips violently forward, creating an incredibly odd running snake dog looking dance thing. I've seen my own Riley, especially when Layla went into heat, do his own little hump the air dance; shit when the wind has struck me so I've run around the house doing my own hump, snake, running dance around thing. But today, Chino proved himself to be king of all humping, running, carving, clearly wanting something so bad, that you can't even begin to control it. I stood awestruck for 15 minutes watching as Chino thrashed his way around the front yard.

Matt (run forest) takes a whiz.

Eventually, I called monkey over. "honey! you have to see this" She too was amazed. But offered this, "I've seen you do better" I smirked at her. Hump on Chino, I know how it feels to want something so bad your entire body feels it, Hump on little Chino.

Friday I got a call from Matt (run forest). We talked about the week's ride, which were pretty mellow for me as this was a much needed slacker...er I mean rest week. Saturday provided a litany of road possibilities. Matt and I are both mountain bikers. We do the road when we need to, and I get the whole "love to ride my bike thing", but without a doubt, for Matt and I, road is a means to an end, a necessary evil, trail riding, trail riding is a religion, it is a passion, it's the most fun you can have on a bike, and Elk Neck is a strange land, far enough away to be special, but yet close enough to be a real possibility.

Buddy the leg breaker through a tight section.

Thing about Elk Neck is this, it's a lot of quick elevation changes, and the soil composition doesn't feel sandy, but it dries out faster than anywhere I have ever ridden. I have been out there when puddles were on the ground here in Fairhill. Bone fucking dry there, bone fucking dry.

The issue is that you never know, and it's a big investment to run down there and find the trails too wet, a drive for naught is the risk.

But again, I digress, Matt's voice lites up a little, "man, I heard it was fine last weekend, with all the snow, We could get Buddy to check with his buddy, Barry who that lives down there..."

from then on I spent my time, anxiously watching my email, waiting for Buddy's message, Elk Neck or road.... Elk Neck used to be the greatest place to ride in the world, a 15 mile loop of tight twisty, rooty, log strewn paradise. A place to hone your bike handling skills, up steep climbs that gave way to picturesque views. Then Ranger Evil came to town, and almost killed Elk Neck all together.

Matt (run forest) rolls thru the forest.

Now there are 3 shorter loops, and although not as expansive as the trail system still used to be, it is still a wonderful place to ride. And as I mentioned before, when it's too wet here, Elk Neck is often a haven of magical dry goodness.

As I hung up the phone I felt a little thrust in my hips. Reminding me of an itch that has for too many weeks now, not been scratched.

Saturday afternoon, after getting this message from Buddy the leg breaker, :

"Elk Neck Sunday- it's on 9:00"

I let loose with my own running, snake, humping dance... Elk Neck is On ! Oh yeah baby, Oh yeah!!! Chino would be proud.

Monkey has been killin' it on the trainer.

Strangely, I find this picture incredibly sexy.

The ride itself was splendid. The final of the three loops was soft, almost spongy but not wet. It just made it a little tougher than we needed. The group was small : Buddy the leg breaker, Matt (run forest), and myself. Having logged hundreds, and hundreds of miles and hours together, we are very comfortable with each others styles, and it showed as the three of us danced through the tight single track today, laughing and joking the entire time. On top of the look out, which is probably the highest point in the park, the winds blew heavily off of the Susquehanna river, but the view as always was worth the long twisting, grinding climb you have to conquer to enjoy the view. At the end of the ride, only smiles could be found on the three of our faces. Our bikes were clean, no mud to be found, the trails were spectacular, and the ride, was simply awesome. Itch scratched.

the boys get ready, Spot and Twin Six Jerseys everywhere.

In cultural news, what's old is new again as I loaded up cd's from Agent Orange, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Nero, and a Paul Vandyke that the Dude gave me. Also enjoyed a fine meatloaf Friday night from the Cricket Cafe. Great little place, awful coffee, great food. Nice small town cafe feeling. Love that place.

meatloaf, one of my favorites.

In closing, I'll say that I was proud to turn up on the old Velonews again. First, Ms. Compton blamed me for getting her into cross. Maybe some truth in that, next Velonews's site of the day, nega-coach, scroll to the bottom and whose in that picture? yup, yours truly the fatone. I'm guessing the contract and the endorsements will come shortly, they way I'm blowing up on the old Velonews. So When do I get to be the site of the day?

respect.
fm