Adventures and Such

  Towering climbs, hair raising descents, blown out seldom-used forest service roads, knee-deep creek crossings, intimidating rock drops, and energy-sucking hike-a-bike....Pisgah National Forest has it all. And of course, we chose to do it all, in one day (and night).  Pisgah 99 is just a route in the woods that I was lucky enough to be invited to ride by a dear friend and single speed legend, Chris Joice. I was super pumped and, admittedly, a bit nervous about this route. I think the nervousness stemmed from the fact that there was no resupply because the route is just in the national forest the whole time; there is no passing through small towns for resupply at gas stations and what not, like some of the ultras I've done. That meant I had to plan my food for 20+ hours of riding ahead of time and, as you know, if you know me or have read any of my other rambling blog entries, I hate planning! In addition to Chris, a couple of other friends who make bad bike decisions were pla...

  Welcome back! Sorry it's taken me a while to get back at it. Well, after a PHENOMINAL dinner at Little Switzerland's restaurant at the end of day 1, (it wasn't weird, Bryce) we strolled back to our quarters to relax and prepare for the next day, which was our longest day. The walk back to the room showcased a beautiful night sky, with the nearly full moon illuminating the passing clouds and the large patio with a campfire that looked over the valley below.  On tap for day two was 142 miles and around 14,000' of climbing. I felt pretty good after the previous day's 135 miles and was hoping for a good day 2, so I did things I don't normally do, like stretch, drink a couple liters of water, apply someone else's electrolyte salve, etc. Unfortunately, their breakfast didn't start until 7:30am and we weren't about to wait and start an hour later (Justin had an illegitimate fear of the dark and had no desire to still be out after sundown). Because of this...