WI vacation part II

My favorite part of our stay in Northern Wisconsin had to be the hikes we did.  The hiking options were numerous. We went for a walk each morning and afternoon.  I think we crossed paths with another human only once. 

This is a photo of Steve and Fido under a canopy of Aspen on an unmarked snowmobile trail.

This is a photo of me and Fido on the Northern Scenic Hiking Trail.  We encountered a lot of large birds that morning, pheasant, maybe, whose take-off shook the ground when we approached.  Fido wanted some of that action; but, alas, we don't hunt.

We also did a lot of bike riding.  When we checked in at Delta Lodge, we were given two maps: (1) the CAMBA (Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association) complete map and (2) the Delta Cluster map (a more detailed map of the CAMBA trails closest to our cabin).

Steve's favorite riding was on the rolling gravel fire roads.

But, we did venture on to some snowmobile trails.  Those were fun in their own way, but probably a lot more fun on a Ski-Doo.

For more hiking photos click here.

For more riding photos click here.

Pre-riding a CX course? Proceed with caution

I can totally appreciate the desire to pre-ride a course for a 'cross race and wanting to do it while a race is happening if you arrive late to the venue.  It can make all the difference.  However, NEVER interfere with the ongoing race!  (Does that even need to be said?)

Last Saturday in Tulsa, on the final turns of the final lap of the women's race, fellow racer Miranda and I encountered a group of guys (6-8?) on the course, warming up for the A race.  The two of us had been racing each other for the last 50 minutes and we were less than a 1/4 mile from the finish.

I yell, "Racers coming through!"

Dude says, "Where do you want us to go?"

Seriously?  Get out the way, duh!

As we passed through them, they were working on getting off the course.  To my delight, one of them hit a culvert and went over the bars.  If I hadn't been buried (and focused on a strong finish), I would have laughed and said, "It serves you right!"  I hope he didn't get hurt, but I am still snickering.

Some things to look forward to

Thursday night Cyclocross practice at Burns Park starting this week.
I'm glad the guys at Competitive Cyclist are organizing this.  The more people we get interested in cyclocross, the more likely we'll have some great local racing in the future.

September 25-26: Planet Bike Cup
I love getting to see the pros up close...and do a little amateur racing on the side.

October 2: Dedication of two new mountain bike trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Local state park with hiking trails has some bike trail!

Fido on top of Pinnacle Mountain

October 9: Showdown at Sundown
Nighttime cyclocross race put on by Bicycles of Tulsa.  I'll get to see my teammates and do a little night racing in Tulsa.  I'm bringing the Glow Necklaces!

October 10: Arkansas Native Plant Society Field Trip to Lorrance Creek Natural Area
Chance to hike with an expert, it's close by and it's free.