Chris Ploch

Danny Macaskill - Industrial Revolutions

2011-08-17T07:26:00.000-06:00

2011-08-09T21:36:00.001-06:00

St. Charles County Trifecta

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Missouri

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

2011-08-03T09:14:00.000-06:00

10 Things I have learned about Mountainbiking from Filme von Draussen on Vimeo.

2011-07-20T10:50:00.000-06:00

some where in california

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Seaside, California

Cali downhill

2011-07-18T21:00:00.000-06:00

"The Descent" Featuring The GDF100 Series

2011-06-10T09:58:00.000-06:00

Zion Narrows 2011

2011-06-10T09:57:00.000-06:00

Chris Akrigg: Not If, But When

2011-06-06T06:30:00.000-06:00

Thumbs Up for Rock and Roll!

2011-06-02T07:23:00.000-06:00

Red Bull Rampage: The Evolution 2010 - DVD Trailer

2011-04-02T06:26:00.000-06:00

Nitro Circus Live - World First - Special Greg - Special Flip

2011-04-01T06:46:00.000-06:00

2011-03-18T07:08:00.000-06:00

BUCS 2011 X.C Carnage! from Joe Bowman on Vimeo.

J R A

2011-03-11T07:26:00.002-06:00

Cycleball @ Coors Classic 1984

2011-03-08T20:47:00.000-06:00

Fastest Mechanic Competition 2011

2011-03-08T20:31:00.001-06:00

Finally Released: Skier loses footing, falls off huge cliff [Captured ...

2011-03-07T09:16:00.000-06:00

Chris Akrigg - A Hill in Spain

2011-03-07T09:13:00.000-06:00

Wing suit

2011-03-07T09:04:00.001-06:00

Exploring the Sky - Wingsuit Flying 2011 from Richard Schneider on Vimeo.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Hiking the length of the Appalachian Trail in five minutes

2011-03-06T15:19:00.001-06:00

Green Tunnel from Kevin Gallagher on Vimeo.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Urban downhill race

2011-03-05T08:57:00.001-06:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Skier falls off mountain top

2011-03-03T21:02:00.000-06:00

Skier Falls Off From Mountain Top

Driver tries to kill cyclists in Critical Mass Porto Alegre, Brazil

2011-03-01T09:43:00.000-06:00

2000 foot hike a bike

2011-02-26T11:24:00.000-06:00

2000 vert with Darren Berrecloth from NWD films on Vimeo.

2011-02-24T09:31:00.001-06:00

15-Year Old Completes 45-Foot V11 Route

2011-02-23T11:35:00.000-06:00

first double front flip on mtn bike

2011-02-19T11:07:00.000-06:00

First Double Frontflip on mtb - landed by Bienvenido Aguado from Pira Dirtyflows on Vimeo.

kayaking from vancouver to alaska

2011-02-19T10:50:00.000-06:00

No Experience Required_Full HQ from StuntBeaver Productions on Vimeo.

halo effect trailer

2011-02-19T10:39:00.000-06:00

finally...

2011-02-17T12:02:00.001-06:00

50 miles in less than 3 hours!

POM iphone helmet cam

2011-02-14T07:56:00.001-06:00

Tech Speak: 142×12, What’s the Big Idea?

2011-02-08T08:50:00.000-06:00

Tech Speak: 142×12, What’s the Big Idea?

my dads a tv repairman he's got an awesome set of tools

2011-02-04T09:16:00.001-06:00

I can fix it! hard to believe it would cost $100 to replace this little fuse. I removed 12 screws and pulled the back off all without instructions in about 10 minutes.

$3 for a 4 pack from the shack and...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I waited for it to warm up a bit

2011-02-04T08:17:00.002-06:00

before riding castlewood. The snow/ice was hard packed and a little slippery. Good stuff for a studded front tire.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

unnecessary fuel consumption

2011-02-01T16:31:00.001-06:00

but doughnuts are fun!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-02-01T12:21:00.000-06:00

what?

2011-01-30T18:05:00.001-06:00

do cars still have these?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

musical bike parts

2011-01-25T10:40:00.001-06:00

a little of this, some of that, and a bike is ready to ride. 3 bikes needed to make 1 I'm happy with and 2 need to find a new home.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Snow ride

2011-01-20T18:19:00.001-06:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

2011-01-18T17:45:00.001-06:00

World Record Waterfall Descent from Fred Norquist on Vimeo.

never thought I'd have one of these

2011-01-08T09:15:00.001-06:00

gotta love salsa bikes

2010-12-23T13:05:00.007-06:00

salsa scandium frames are disposable with only a 5 year warranty. notorious for cracking. i took advantage of such warranty and turned this:

into this: my first titanium frame

Top 10 Biggest and Best Jumps Ever

2010-12-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

Tuesday night ranch ride 12-14-10

2010-12-17T10:10:00.000-06:00

ranch from Chris Ploch on Vimeo.

2010-12-16T12:26:00.001-06:00

SEABASE vs STELVIO from YUHZIMI Ltd. on Vimeo.

now in hd

2010-12-12T13:50:00.001-06:00

ozark trail middle fork from Chris Ploch on Vimeo.

2010-12-10T11:08:00.000-06:00

down hills of the middle fork from Chris Ploch on Vimeo.

unfixed brakless

2010-12-08T12:27:00.002-06:00

Unfixed from chris akrigg on Vimeo.

wingsuit

2010-12-07T18:20:00.001-06:00

Children of the Sky from steph davis on Vimeo.

2010-12-07T18:11:00.000-06:00

Get Dirty

2010-12-06T09:14:00.000-06:00

Danny MacAskill

2010-11-27T07:54:00.000-06:00

2010-11-19T08:38:00.000-06:00

Homemade Spacecraft from Luke Geissbuhler on Vimeo.

i want a wingsuit for christmas

2010-11-17T08:24:00.000-06:00

DH 29er

2010-11-14T16:05:00.000-06:00

2011 mountain bike dreaming

2010-11-12T08:32:00.003-06:00

S-Works Stumpjumper 29er Singlespeed Frameset (#1 first pick just don't know if I can get it)

FACT 11m carbon HT singlespeed frame is engineered with a stiff, tapered head tube, horizontal dropouts, and 29" race geometry for pure speed
Custom Specialized/RockShox Reba S29 fork is the lightest, stiffest performance XC fork, featuring a tapered carbon crown/steerer and Reba Team lower with titanium motion control damper and Floodgate adjuster
S-Works carbon single-bolt 27.2mm seatpost takes this already featherweight package to its absolute minimum without sacrificing stiffness or strength

Stumpjumper 29er Singlespeed (reality ss if no s-works deal)

29er singlespeed HT frame with curved top tube looks as fast and sweet as it rides due to its race-optimized 29" geometry and M5 manipulated alloy construction; it's the lightest eccentric BB set-up available
Fox F29RL 90mm air-sprung fork with rebound/compression adjust and lockout is everything you need for this true-to-the-trails 29er
Custom DT Swiss 29" rims with eyelets and sleeved seams are paired with a DT Swiss singlespeed hub to keep weight low and durability high
S-Works The Captain front and Renegade rear 29 x 2.0" dual compound 2Bliss Ready tires with aramid bead roll fast and still provide plenty of race-tested traction
Avid Elixir R SL lightweight hydraulic disc brakes/levers with alloy backed semi-metallic pads and tool-less reach adjust for superb control and modulation

Stumpjumper FSR M5 29er Frame (dreaming wish list fun bike)

M5 manipulated alloy frame with 130mm of travel, aluminum rocker link, and sealed cartridge bearing pivots turns rock gardens into Zen gardens
Specialized/Fox Brain rear shock with Brain Fade, remote Trail Tune inertia valve, and adjustable rebound lets riders dial in the perfect blend of pedaling efficiency and bump compliance

Stumpjumper Expert 29er (dreaming geared race bike)

FACT 8m carbon HT frame with 29er-specific geometry, tapered head tube and oversized BB offers superb ride feel and performance in an incredibly lightweight package
Custom RockShox Reba 29 90mm fork with Brain is super stiff, and features rebound and Brain Fade adjustment to dial in the perfect platform for hardtail bliss
Custom DT Swiss 29" rims with eyelets and sleeved seams keep weight low and durability high
S-Works Renegade 29 x 1.95" dual compound 2Bliss Ready tires with aramid bead roll fast and still provide plenty of race-tested traction
Super light, custom SRAM Carbon S-2200 10-speed double crankset with PF-30 spindle and removable spider offers stiffness, performance, and durability
Custom Avid Elixir CR SL brakes/levers with tool-free reach adjust and alloy backed semi-metallic pads offer lightweight, power-packed control for ripping up XC trails

Epic Expert Carbon 29er (dreaming double boinger race bike)

Super light FACT IS 9m carbon 29er-specific frame with M5 alloy rear triangle and sealed cartridge bearing pivots delivers strength, rigidity, and suppleness to create an uncompromising 100mm-travel Competitive XC bike
Specialized and Fox blend their brains to develop the FlowControl Mini Brain shock with Brain Fade inertia valve, air spring, and adjustable rebound for World Cup - and local trail - domination
Custom RockShox Reba 29 100mm fork with Brain features rebound and Brain Fade adjustments to dial in the perfect platform for 29er bliss
DT Swiss X420SL 24mm-wide 29" rims are sleeved and eyeletted for a sturdy and lightweight package that climbs effortlessly; Specialized Hi Lo hubs and DT Swiss spokes add strength and durability
Super light, custom SRAM Carbon S-2200 10-speed XC double crankset for 29er with PF-30 spindle and removable spider offers stiffness, performance, and durability
Custom Avid Elixir CR SL brakes, with tool-less reach adjust and alloy backed semi-metallic pads, offer lightweight, power-packed control for ripping down XC trails

Epic 29er Frameset (dreaming affordable double boinger)

29" M5 alloy Competitive XC frame with 100mm of supple FSR suspension features 29er-specific geometry with short chainstays, low BB, and roomy top tube for confident all-day riding and racing
Specialized and Fox blend their brains to develop the FlowControl Mini Brain shock with Brain Fade inertia valve, air spring, and adjustable rebound for World Cup - and local trail - domination
Specialized Hi Lo disc hub with 142+ spacing and sealed cartridge bearings has a higher flange on the disc side, which stiffens the wheel in this high-stress area

Thomson Elite Setback alloy post is super strong and light for worry-free bombing up or down the trails

Stumpjumper M5 29er Frame (reality race bike)

29er HT frame with curved top tube looks as fast and sweet as it rides due to its race-optimized 29" geometry and M5 manipulated alloy construction
Thomson Elite Setback alloy post is super strong and light for worry-free bombing up or down the trails

Sucking at Kayaking

2010-10-07T07:40:00.000-06:00

Chasing Legends Theatrical Trailer

2010-09-16T07:57:00.000-06:00

MR340 the long version

2010-08-26T20:36:00.001-06:00

So the 340 didn't go quite how I expected. Or went exactly how I thought? I knew I would make it the first 24 hours and hit the epic wall between the 27 and 30 hours.

Where I made my mistake was in the dark. I stopped eating. I'd been by myself all day and for the first hours of dark before I caught up with a tandem team from Rola, who were nice enough to let me pace them to Glasgow. We arrived around midnight, 16 hours straight thru without getting out of the boat.

I had the heavy eyes real bad and an upset stomach so i rested for a little while. Now the temperature dropped and all I have is shorts. Mistake number 2 nothing warmer for my legs and no socks. I'm lucky there are generous people in this world. Too bad I'm terrible with names.

Around 3am Loreen and gang were in and headed out. And I'm headed out with them half dressed in womens clothes. We made it a mile or so outside Glasgow where we were lucky to pick up another solo paddler who was a little more prepared to navigate Lisbon bottoms in the dark.

The 4 of us help keep each other awake thru the fog and dawn. I almost fell out of my boat a couple of times from nodding off. I made a quick stop in Boonville, near the 24th hour, for samiches and change my drive back to the turbo with clipless. I quickly found out that was a bad idea. My legs no longer had the strength to push bigger fins, even at a slower cadence.

I tried to eat but even the thought of chewing made me tired. I suffered the next 18 miles to catfish katys alone. Also making things worse my shorts are chafing my leg so bad it's about to bleed. Thankfuly the sun was at such an angle in the sky I had it and it's reflection blasting me in the eyes waking me up some.

At catfish katys dad and Laura had some real food,sausage biscuit, and coffee. My stomach is still not happy. They told me to eat and go throw if I had to. I ate and kept it down and tried to go to the bathroom with no success. I left with the 3 dudes in a canoe for the 36 miles to jeff city.

This was probably my demise. I think the coffee gave me a boost so I kept up with them for an hour or so but hit the wall hard. I watched them paddle away into the distance. look behind no one, I'm alone again. The sun is starting to cook me with the wind blowing the same speed and direction I'm headed. Tail wind but no relief. I have no sun block and run out of water. Still have about 20 miles to go.

Once again it's awesome to know generous people. Tom Albert just happens to be in jeff city and with his bike. He found dad and Laura at the beach where they told him how things were going. When he found out I was out of water he offered to ride out on the Katy to hand me some. This could technically dq me but I needed water. Thankfuly he found a good spot where he could climb down the bank and hand it to me. He also had some butt cream for my chafing.

When I get to jeff city I found another friend Jim Krewet there to cheer me on. At this point I'm in a world of hurt. My knees are about blown out, I can barely walk. I hang out there for a long time, try to eat, and pass out from exhaustion a couple of times. I just could not get my head right to go back out for the 17 hours it would have taken to finish. Even looking to the next checkpoint I had 6 hours to go, alone, in pain, and no longer having fun.

220 miles in 32 hours

I'm not happy with quitting. this is the hardest thing I have ever attempted in my life. I have a new found respect for all the solo ultra endurance athletes in the world. Note to self, if you ever want to do something like this again so it on a team!

There is no way I would have even made it this far if it weren't for the support of dad and Laura chasing by land and staying up all night too. Thank you for all the help.

So who's ready to ride some bikes?

mr340 checklist

2010-08-19T09:44:00.002-06:00

mirage drives with turbo fins and clipless pedals
check!

tool kit and replacement parts
check!

night lights
check!

gps, camera, and music
check!

pfd, dry clothes, and shoes
check!

assorted coolers
check!

homemade cooler radio
check!

5 more days!!!

Safari rigged Hobie Oasis

2010-08-18T09:20:00.000-06:00

dirt crits are over

2010-08-02T11:12:00.001-06:00

my first piece of geezer built furniture and by far the coolest trophie I have ever won!

-- Posted from my iPhone

royal council

2010-07-29T20:49:00.000-06:00

-- Posted from my iPhone

if it wernt for bad luck...

2010-07-27T17:43:00.001-06:00

don't know who I pissed off but I think were even!
If things were going my way I'd be over 100 miles into the MR340 right now. Someday I'll figure this mountain biking thing out!

-- Posted from my iPhone

Best Ride Ever Series

2010-07-23T10:22:00.003-06:00

Join me for a no drop mountain bike ride at Matson hill on Saturday. Meet me at the shop 8:00 or trail head 9:00.

Best Ride Ever

The MR340 is postponed

2010-07-23T09:57:00.002-06:00

At first I was angry about this news. I am ready to get this thing over and get back to riding bikes. For the second week in a row I have been plagued with mechanicals in the dirt crits. This proves even more that I've neglected my bike for the boat. I'd like to give EP and JM a fair fight but when your bike is stuck in the 11 tooth you can't accelerate very fast. At least there is one more. I will fix all the bugs and give it a thorough test ride before the race, instead of the one ride it gets each week.

ok I have something to say

2010-07-20T21:35:00.000-06:00

The MR340 starts a week from today, Tuesday July 27 at 8am. I am terrified of the uknown, but that's why I'm doing it!

-- Posted from my iPhone

prerace hot lap

2010-06-11T10:33:00.002-06:00

I would say this was about an 85% effort. The trails are mostly dry with just a few puddles here and there. I think that will all change today when it pours down rain. Tomorrow will feel like the jungle with the wet ground, high humidity, and temps in the 90s. I cant wait!

Castlewood State Race prelaps

2010-06-10T10:13:00.003-06:00

I'm not 100% sure what the route for the race Saturday will be so I rode both possibilities at the top of grotpeter. Either way stating up the Lone Wolf gravel climb is kind of rude and will ensure max spiking of the heart rate 30 seconds into a 2 hour race! I have ridden the course both wet and dry. If its dry it will be a very fast race, if wet low tire pressure will be needed it gets very slick on the roots, rocks, and hard packed dirt.

Its hard to let it loose and go fast now that schools are out. Lap times will avg 28 minutes with a fast lap of 25 or less.

I'm trying to keep up...

2010-06-09T11:14:00.002-06:00

Last weekend Ralph and I talked Laura into waking up early and dropping us off in Herman for a 70 miler. The trip went well 7 hours straight through and never once felt like I needed to get out of the boat. We'll see how 12-14 hours go on the next trip. We picked up Loreen in Klondike and some others in Weldon Springs. Here are some pictures of all the fun times in kayaks on the Missouri.

My warranty hull for the tandem finally showed up. Now I can sucker a few friends into a long boat ride with me. What do I do with the cracked hull?

I haven't been on the bike much the last 2 weeks and the MO State Mtb Race is Saturday. I did get my Superfly hard tail built and rode it 3 times. I believe all the bugs are worked out. Now it can I make it go fast?

Some MR340 Training

2010-06-01T13:51:00.008-06:00

55 days till the fun begins. Seems like my days off of work are wasted away with loner trips on the rivers. My 3 hour jaunts are turning into 5-6 hours and soon to be 8-12 hours. Its becoming hard to find time to ride bikes between all the boating.

I skipped out of work last Saturday to join Loreen and Teri on a longish Missouri river trip. Managed to talk Ralph into the pain also. We hit the road at 5am headed for Glasgow, the races 4th checkpoint, thinking of finishing in Jeff City about 90 miles.

The started smooth we all were together for a while the the pedal drive proved to be a little faster. Starting in Glasgow would have us go through Lisbon Bottoms early, one of the few places along the river that are hard to navigate, especially when your tired and in the dark.

30 miles down river our ground support, Laura and Geri, met us at the Booneville or Franklin Island access. The water was high and running over any wing dams to channel the water. This made a swift current with only about a 6 foot eddie to hit when landing.

At this point Ralph and I were discussing how much further to go because he had to get home for a party. We waited for the girls, who one upped us by getting honked at and passed by a barge.

Barges make much bigger waves when they are loaded and headed up river!

They were doing great for their first time on the Missouri and not a whole lot of time paddling together. We kept going to the next access, Rocheport, where Ralph and I called it a day with 42 miles in 5 hours. I'm not sure how far Lo and Teri made it. I hope the finished in the dark at Jeff City. When we left they said something like "we'll stop in St. Charles" just to one up us again!

Bauer Small Aricraft?

2010-05-14T09:06:00.000-06:00

40 miles on the Missouri

2010-04-20T20:35:00.003-06:00

More time in the Hobie. The furthest I have gone yet. Thanks to Dave for taking a few hours out of his day to ride with Ralph and I out to Washington MO and drive my truck back to St.Chuck. This is our second time on the Missouri in the Hobie's. The Missouri river definitely moves faster than the smaller Meramec, which is close to home and convenient.

Another first for us was getting passed by a barge and watching a 6 foot wave curling over the top headed right for us. I was a little nervous, thinking it might tip me. We rammed it full speed, took the splash in the face, and kept on. Looking back it was awesome! The boat is very stable as long as your paying attention. I'm pretty sure I could handle that in the dark but don't really want to find out any time soon. The barge left the water choppy for next mile or so.

We are both figuring out all we have to do in the 340 is stay comfortable and not be in a hurry. Speed in the boat in a lot slower than riding a bike. Today I felt strong with no back pain and just minor knee pain. I could hold that pace for a very long time. Next up is a 70 miler then a 120 from Jeff City starting in the middle of the night.

Here is Ralph's view on todays float. He has a good video of the barge passing.

out and back

2010-04-11T19:18:00.002-06:00

Finally got in the OT ride that I have been wanting. Out and back on the middle fork for nearly 40 miles of sweet single track. And I'm hungry for more...

A little more prepared

2010-04-07T13:35:00.002-06:00

I figured out what to do when it rains today. You get wet! I started at 141 and had a plan to go 2 hours up river or to the railroad bridge in Sherman before I turn around. The sun was shining when I started but around every river bend more and more dark clouds rolled in. I finally turned around when I heard thunder. I packed some rain gear thinking it would make it not rain. That didn't work I looked behind me and saw this wall or rain headed right for me.

So I got wet, big deal, I might have to deal with storms during the race this just gets me a little more prepared. It rained hard enough I put on my jacket and hat. And wouldn't you know it stopped raining and the sun came out when I got back to the boat ramp. Oh well at least my boat is waterproof!

makes me want to ride mountain bikes

2010-04-04T18:40:00.000-06:00

Levi Leipheimer on a Mountain bike from Roger Bartels on Vimeo.

Should've taken the sunscreen

2010-04-01T08:43:00.001-06:00

-- Posted from my iPhone

Garmin Connect got an update

2010-03-31T20:10:00.008-06:00

Sunny and 80! Here is the best way I know how to spend my day off.

tough choice today

2010-03-19T20:55:00.004-06:00

Go ride bikes on middle fork or take the Hobie out? I've been feeling tired since the St. Joe race so I thought the boat would be more my speed today. My plan was to park my car at Greentree, ride my bike 3 miles home, drive the truck to Pacific, pedal the river 30 miles to the car, drive home, ride the bike 30 miles to get the truck. Then Ralph and Paul could come along, now I don't have to ride the bike to Pacific. But I still had to drop the truck at Greentree. Did that make sense?

The most scenic part of the river is all before 109 with lots of rock bluffs.

We need to get Paul into a pedal drive boat, not that he isn't awesome with a paddle, just to even things out.

I thought this would be a 4 hour tour but didn't think about the river being backed up due to a flooded Mississippi. This turned the Meramec into a lake at about our half way point and slowed us down.

We didn't see much wild life till we went under this bald eagle and its nest. This bird circled us 3 or 4 times.

Getting near the end the fatigue is beginning to set in hard. This trip was only 30 miles 4:50, my goal to finish the 340 miles in 50:00. Looks like I have some work ahead of me still.

Here are my Garmin stats for today. Pretty cool if you zoom in you can see all the places I was goofing around and going in cricles around Paul.

2010 season off to a good start

2010-03-15T06:40:00.004-06:00

The 2010 MO Norba Series put on by the United Federation of Dirt kicked off the season at St. Joe State Park. I would like to talk about how sunny and dry it was but that would make me a liar. In fact it was the total opposite. Wet dirt having 80 bikes ride over it will turn to mud very quickly. Thanks to Mark and gang for all the trail prep and putting this race on.

I rode the Singlefly today, still have the 100 for sale, and found it was a good choice for the mud. For the first time I got to feel how the old guys feel catching the younger age group starting a minute befor us. The fisrt two laps were a lot of fun my bike was sliding in every direction but where I wanted it to go. At one point in the second lap I though someone was hiding in the woods throwing mud balls at me. By the tird lap the rain and all the traffic made the entire loop a slick mud bog. The kind of mud that makes you pedal down hills and sucks the life out of you up hill.

St. Joes XC Leadbelt Race from bob arnold on Vimeo.

Almost took a swim

2010-03-11T12:00:00.003-06:00

Going into the current under the 141 bridge I relied too much on my rudder when I should have had my paddle out. I got the pedal fins hung up in the shallow which put me sideways in the current. You can see my heart rate spike on the garmin graph near the end. It scared me enough to put my feet in. That water is cold! This is the only issue with starting and stopping on the west side of 141.

This video is one of the faster currents near Castlewood. Going upstream through this I slowed to 1 mph. It felt like I wasn't even moving, but as you can see the other direction I hit top speed.

-- Posted from my iPhone

2010-03-08T08:26:00.000-06:00

MiddleFork from bob arnold on Vimeo.

Middle Fork Loop

2010-03-07T20:35:00.001-06:00

Big group riding the middle fork today. Near 70 degrees, dry trails and a little sun burn. Awesome!

Middle Fork Loop

Map your trip with EveryTrail

We've gone clipless

2010-03-04T08:38:00.001-06:00

-- Posted from my iPhone

Hobie Adventure

2010-03-03T13:04:00.001-06:00

Garmin Connect -
Activity Details for pacific palisades to rt 66

Now having some time in the new boat I think I have it somewhat comfortable. Today I added the key feature. I met Andy and Jeff in a canoe and we floated from Pacific Palisades to Route 66 Park about 14 miles. Next time I go out I will start on Pacific go to Greentree off of Marshal Rd the ride my bike back to Pacific to get the truck.

2010-03-02T16:21:00.004-06:00

1st ride in new Hobie

Let the training begin. Only 140 more days till the MR340. Time to find my sea legs!

Why don't the numbers match?

2010-03-01T11:19:00.000-06:00

This is weird the EveryTrail upload and Garmin Connect upload have different totals from the same Garmin Edge 305 gps. I like the Garmin number better but it wont allow me to inbed the map to the blog.

My Body Hurts

2010-03-01T10:18:00.004-06:00

The Sea Gals "Death By Hills" ride was not just a clever name. But it was a lot more fun than driving to Columbia, MO for the Froze Toes race. I can't believe all the people who showed for such am amazing ride in the west county mountains. I cried twice going up Babler Forrest then uncle about 5 hours in. Lucky me everyone in the group but Mitch wanted to limp home too.

Next time 100 miles 10,000 feet...it can be done!

Death by Hills

Map your trip with EveryTrail

Time to go play in boats the Hobie arrived today.

2010-02-27T11:55:00.002-06:00

Alpine Shop Best Ride Ever #1

Map your trip with EveryTrail

These rides are aimed at new mountain bike riders to join us. I will show you some of St. Louis' finest single track and give some helpful tips on how to ride rough terrain and obstacles. Don't have a bike? Come see me at the shop.

I am also wanting to put together some more advanced rides on the Ozark Trail.

Sniffle

2010-02-26T09:25:00.001-06:00

Due to lack of $$$ I am selling the best bike I ever owned. Only rode it maybe 200 miles. So here it is the Superfly 100 19".

Email me for details cploch29er@gmail.com

-- Posted from my iPhone

2 quick kettlebell workouts

2010-02-23T12:13:00.004-06:00

I have a 16kg or 35lb kettlebell, these guys are using a 24kg or 53lb.

Questioning my boat choice?

2010-02-22T09:49:00.002-06:00

After yesterday opening my eyes on how different the pedal stroke between a bicycle and a Hobie Mirage drive are I am looking harder at the Hydrocycle.

Unfortunately it might take me buying 2 boats to figure this one out. I wish there was some way I could demo one of these!

Crack in Hobie drive well

2010-02-22T08:47:00.001-06:00

-- Posted from my iPhone

A glimpse of reality

2010-02-21T13:47:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was sunny and near 60 for a high temperature, today is cloudy, raining, and maybe 40. I let the Sona's talk me into playing on the water. They were in a canoe I was in my tandem Hobie. I don't know if I'm just fatigued from yesterdays ride or if they just paddle that well but, I suffered miserably just trying to keep up. Jeff jumped in with me for a while and you can see with him paddling and me peddling our speed jumped up to 7mph. I'm kind of happy it was so hard for cause now I have a good idea of what I need to do to prepare for the MR340.

Meramec in the Hobie

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Bad news though, I found a crack in the hull of my boat in the drive well. For the first time I had the inside of the boat take on a lot of water. Should be a warranty but who know how long it will take. Now I'm with out a boat till the new one comes in sometime in April.

J R A

2010-02-20T17:54:00.003-06:00

7 Hills of Hell 2.0

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At least they taste the same

2010-02-14T21:18:00.001-06:00

-- Posted from my iPhone

The fast parts

2010-02-14T19:36:00.006-06:00

Ranch Snow Ride from bob arnold on Vimeo.

These were the fast sections every where else was a deep snow bog barley ridable. Aparently Bob thought walking our bikes up hills and riding 3mph is not very entertaining. We bailed off the single track about 3 miles short of the 14 mile loop.

Superfly Single Speed Belt Drive? Sneak Peek!

2010-02-13T08:59:00.001-06:00

from twentynineinches.com

Superfly Single Speed Belt Drive? Sneak Peek!

February 12th, 2010 by Guitar Ted

Here at Twenty Nine Inches, we just never know what might show up in our inbox! Here are some images of what appears to be a very “production-like” looking Superfly single speed set up with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive.

These images are from a camera phone and were submitted by a reader, (Thanks!) Not much is known about this bike other than it is one of two examples and that there are no plans for production. From my past dealings with Fisher employees/engineers, I can say that they often do prototype “one offs” as test mules for ideas that may or may not be used in the future. I would venture a guess that this bike is such an example.

Looking closely at the frame, it seems to have a modified version of the original sliding drop out Fisher showed on the 2010 Superfly SS at the Fisher Press Camp in September 2009. It also appears that something from the ABP brake pivot design was employed here. Look closely at these images and you can see the keyed inner face of the QR, and it may be that the forward part of the drop out separates from the chainstay to allow the belt to be installed.

Here is a close up of that Superfly SS drop out as seen at the Fisher Press Camp. Frankly, I must say I like this mystery version better! If anymore information turns up on this, we’ll be sure to forward it on to you readers. Stay tuned!

My parents are at the olympics

2010-02-12T12:16:00.001-06:00

-- Posted from my iPhone

Chasing Legends Trailer

2010-02-11T21:03:00.001-06:00

from the makers of 24 Solo

Do studded tires really help?

2010-02-10T22:05:00.001-06:00

Do studded tires really help? from Chris Ploch on Vimeo.