Dirt Bag Living Part 3

It’s been a while since I updated everyone on my where-abouts and what I’ve been up too.  A lot of you already know what I’ve been up to as I have found out I have some dedicated followers of my “Pic of the Day”.  I have been riding my bike a lot.  Probably a little too much.  I have been on some amazing rides out here.  It’s everything I expected and more.  I know it looks glamorous and sexy but the air is thin and the legs burn!

I can say I love Colorado.  The sun is almost always out, the people are great, the views are spectacular, trails are endless, and you don’t have to drive two hours to get to any of it.  Don’t get me wrong, Seattle was great and I enjoyed my eight years there but Colorado is better in my opinion.  I hope I never have to leave.

The job search is just that, still a search.  I have lots of resumes out there and have even branched out to our neighbor to the west, Utah.  Despite my love for Colorado I realize now might not be the time and since I really enjoyed Park City on my way here I have looked at that area too.  Though I’m not giving up on Colorado just yet.  Every time I get on the bike or drive some place (which isn’t often) I’m blown away at the landscape around me.  Maybe it’s just because it’s different from what I’m used to, whatever it is I’m smitten.

This is my friend Goober who I baby sat for one weekend.

Yes I’ve been making all kinds of friends here.

I went back up to Hay Park where I went on my birthday and the colors were still popping.

Riding through the aspens is a great experience.  Not only are they wonder to look at they make such great noise when the wind blows through them.  I can’t wait till next fall to do it again.

Crazy turns of Red Pass.

I went to Durango (DGO) to see my folks who are on their own adventure, and got to drive over Red Pass from Ouray to Silverton for the 2nd and 3rd time.  Such an amazing road and views.  If you’re ever in SW Colorado visit Ouray and drive over the pass.

Not a good day.

Just so you don’t think every thing is shiny and pretty for me here in Colorado, I give you this picture from a ride at Mushroom Rock.  I had just replaced my brake pads earlier in the day.  As I descended some switchbacks my brake lever just came to the bar.  I stopped pumped the brake a few times (not a good thing as the caliper moved closer and closer to the rotor without a pad to stop it) before I realized the pad was missing.  I walked slowly up the trail and after 30′ I found my missing pad.

I also had the water pump go out on my car, which meant a new timing belt, unhooking and then recharging the AC, new struts, and fan belts.  Not a fun week.

Going bat crazy!

With all the resumes, applications, uncertainty and waiting for answers it’s surprising I haven’t gone bat crazy and just moved in with these guys.

It lives once again.

I left Seattle with my cyclocross bike with the idea I might use it.  It had no chain, brake housing or cables, seat or seat post, and no bar tape.  After some encouragement from Nic, a friend, current roommate and local shop owner, I put the old girl together.  Even at 16.2 pounds the 42×18 was too high of a gear for the trail in the picture but it was great to be out on her again.  I might even race in Grand Junction at the Creepy Canyon Cross Race this weekend.  There’s no single speed category but at least there’s a masters one.

So FAT but oh so much fun.

It’s almost time for the above as what is below has already started to fall here in the valley.  It’s going to be a real winter for me for once.

The view at Snowmass Village this afternoon.

Soon I’ll have to figure out my situation, things are getting to the 12th hour as they say.  Not only that but all my winter gear and clothing is in a storage unit in West Seattle.  It’s not doing me much good there.  When I do figure out my situation I will let all of you know when I’m coming back to Seattle so I can see you and have a beer.

Scatman

Get out there!

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