Cincy Tour de Brew

Okay, just add Listermann's, Double Barrel and RheinGeist in that list of locations (maybe even knock on the door of Blank Slate) and that would be one hell of a ride. Perhaps start out about noon, make sure you get in Mount Carmel and Rivertown before 4pm and you would be good to go.

Race #119: Soul Ride!

Another year, another attempt at a dominating cx-style team time trial! The Sub9 (productions) Death March is the most brilliant idea for an early season event. The Hoosier countryside is dotted with the final resting place for many farming families, some of which haven't been used for decades. The Death March challenges teams of two to connect these cemeteries (that act as checkpoints — some mandatory, some act as time bonuses) via the quickest/shortest route they can plot using gravel roads, trails and road.

This year the wheels came off the TT early. Nate and I were on the front. The team had just come together after a hectic start. I heard muffled yelling but I thought the team was excited we were together. A moment later Nate informed me of a gap so we soft-pedaled. But no one came across and no one closed the gap. After the first cemetery and some of the out-and-back, without a sign of our team, we decided to press on.

For the second straight year the weather has been absolutely wonderful. A little cold at the start, but it warmed up and it was completely sunny. The weather combined with the great company, a relaxed sportive atmosphere, and a beautiful countryside makes this race a must.

It was an absolutely wonderful ride. Nate and I did our best, sometimes hammering it and sometimes just enjoying the scenery on the hike-a-bikes. So carefree! I was so happy to be alive, I was thankful to be alive and wondered about those people buried in the cemeteries. What were some happy moments they experienced in that beautiful part of the country?

My only wish is that I could have spent more time with my teammates — I really loved riding with you guys last year!

Riding with Homies to the Center of the Universe

Had a lovely weekend of long rides with no racing. The cross-country mountain bike races kept me busy all summer, but I really wasn't able to get out for some fun rides. Saturday I would "open legs" for the race, Sunday ride a pre-lap then race. I might ride 5 hours in a weekend, where I would prefer to do two 5-hour rides.

With Frankenbike and Versailles on the Horizon I wanted to get some quality base miles back in my legs. Saturday was a long ride with teammates and minor celebrities. The Best Bike Blog Ever, Cincinnati John from the Two Johns Cycling Podcast, the Pilot... It was hard to get a ride in because we were signing so many autographs. Kidding.


Sunday Bridget and I trained on the course for the 6 Hours of Versailles. It is so lovely out there. We had a nice picnic lakeside after the ride.