As the Godfather of Kross here in NY state. I was amazed to see over 100 riders sunday at the season opener. Years ago when I tired of driving to NE for Kross Istarted holding races. 10-12 people would show up. My first frame I built was for Kross. Maybe the only the Kross bike out there at the time. We used to wonder if people would race in crummy weather. Then it started to grow. I still credt Kross with getting me off the plateau in cycling and raising my game.

They should have had two starts. But, They do the best they can. So 100+ riders slammed into the first chicanes and barriers. Dead stop. Wait.Wait. Wait. Go,rub wheels,hit legs and try to progress forward. There's Ernie. Thats a good thing. Man is he fit. ZOOM up the road he goes. I bring him back in the technical. Back and forth we go. He gets away I have a bad lap. Then the diesel turns on. Getting more and more dialed. Passing people,outside and inside. Run ups were good. Not quite confident enough to bunny hop them yet. They had a whoop section of bark chips. I hit hard in the big plate and cleared the first three,wheelie over the fourth and was on the gas through the next chicane. Really had that section dialed.I roll in for 9th in the masters. That will improve as the season goes. We had a perfect for fall day. Not a Kross day by any means. But the sunshine was a treat. We've had a run of great weather. Not sure how the other Krossers from the Kingdom faired. Mike K was 18th in Open men. Bike problems.

Looking forward to more.

We hit the Ale House downtown for pizza crab cakes and beers. Yes food. I love food and good beer. Smutty Nose Pumpkin Ale will not be a favorite. But you don't know unless you try.

Now how come Ithaca everything is open Sundays and Bobber went all over the crippled cities and barely could get a bite to eat?

Word from the man. Brew at the Zoo was OK.

Enjoy life. OGQ

Our local Kross has started. The cool part is more people are getting on Kross bikes, forsaking the "I'll do it on my mountain bike." We have three "New Bike Mikes" now.There's nothing like sliding skinny tires in drop bars to sharpen your handling skills. After a tuesday practice in fine Belgian conditions,we've had a string of perfect weather. Odd less showed up for the fine weather than the bad weather. No matter Kross rules. Our series opener is this weekend and I'm stoked for it.
Other news Venus, Bobber and I headed to Vermont to ride the Kingdom Trails. It was a recon mission for a later trip. Bobber found a great deal on lodging. We drove up Friday. Stopped at a Thai place outside of Rutland. Yummy. Now this little burg rolls up at dusk. We had to go to the gas staion to buy a six pack just to get a beer. Nothing open.
Saturday we awoke to a hard rain and knew the trails would be closed. We checked in and were told if the sidewalk dries off,you'll be able to ride. So we did some site seeing. Came back and the trails were open. Let me tell you these trails rocked. They were as good as Fairhill or Shindagin. Great flow. I ran a 34/18 on the Carver and made every climb. Tough on a couple,but do able. I'd brought a 20 just in case. Bobber rocked every hill too. Venus was on her game and was whooping at the way. Old Webbs was probably the favorite. That trail would be a killer loop to work out on. Saturday night we hit Trout River brewery for pizza and beers. Excellent. Saw people from the trails and sort of had a big party there. Then we came back and Bobber taught us Texas holdem. Fun times.
Sunday was bright and clear. We hit the trails early after getting a new seat for me. Mine broke late in the ride. The shop was open at 9am. Sweet. We rode till tired. Hit the motel showered and we on our way home. Stopping at Long Trail Brewery for lunch. Another Score. We'll be back to ride the rest this summer.
Kross practice tonight can the eldest horsemen card a win tonight?
Stay tuned. Enjoy life. OGQ

Kross openedThursday. I went up to flag the course only to find the ground windswept and burned of any mositure. No wonder Henk struggles with that place. So no flags. We used land marks and did a half hour race. Two fo the four horsemen appeared and new interloper. Thes three quickly separated themselves form the pack and attacked each other till the end.
Then we did a 50 yard off camber short track event,followed by another in the opposite direction. Some found the limits of traction. All agreed it was good practice. With my leg I needed to do some hill drills. As I was doing them a few others joined in. All it has done is RAIN now, so tuesdays course should be better.
Saturday found us heading to Shindagin for what well be the final ride there before hunting season. We rode new trails. I'd switched to a 34X18 and it was perfect. I could still climb yet wasn't spun out to often. We made it out of the woods just before the big storm broke. Perfect.
Saturday night it rained like the Ark was coming thunder and lightning. At 4 am one lightning strike was like a bomb going off here. My clock radio came on,weird, and the answering machine changed dates and time. Nothing else. Poltergeist?
Today we decided to chance the road and the rain. We won, windy but a nice two hour plus ride.
Sorry no pics. Maybe at Kross on tuesday.
Enjoy life. OGQ

Here we were all set to hit the Ale House for a birthday party. Jake hit the Molson at the Mardi Gras party and was well lubed. We both got beads, but thats another story.So I rolled the Miata into the CLOSED Ale House to find the crew. I'd called and got a message. It should say "Tim is a dick and dosen't care about his business". So we went to Uno's.( Chains are always open and Bingo loves chains) We did get outside seating. Our young waiter wasn't quite sure how to handle the tie dyed group of us. Especially when I asked him " If he had any weed man?" I know Fatmarc thinks hippies smell. But we didn't stink up the joint.

The music was Dark side of the moon. How appropriate. So we drank and ate and heckled one another. Venus made my favorite cake. Which I shared with our neighbors,who were enjoying our party. I got some great gifts. Wool is always good with Kross on the way.

Picked up some fine Belgian beers.

Frank in Utah is cancer free. Always good to hear.

It was back to the mines today. But you have to work to play.

Great weather all weekend. Blue sky baby,nothing better. Love what you have.

Enjoy life. OGQ