Mike Janelle

As many of you may know, Colorado cycling legend, Mike Janelle, passed away last Thursday. I had the pleasure to meet Mike at 24 Hours of Moab this past October, and I've got to say that he was a class act. I didn't know him well, but everyone who did had only great things to say about him. The Colorado cycling community, as well as the broader US cycling community, has lost a fantastic ambassador for the sport. He will be remembered fondly by all. Just another reminder to live every day to its fullest. I'm pretty sure Mike did, and there's no reason why you shouldn't too. Just like Ferris Bueller says, "Life goes by pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Check out VeloNews for more info.

100 Miles of Desert

Everybody likes birthdays. Everybody likes friends. Everybody likes biking. Everybody likes 100 mile vision quests in the Utah desert.

Well, okay, that last one is a little bogus. Nevertheless, for me, and a few other friends, it seemed like a good idea to celebrate my birthday last weekend by riding the White Rim Trail in Moab, UT. Trail is a loose approximation of the experience. In truth, most of this “trail” could be negotiated with one of the IMBA Subarus. Despite that, it traverses some of the most amazing canyonland that Moab has to offer, and on a mountain bike, it’s one of the best ways to see the scenery. We headed out at dawn and didn’t return to the cars until sunset. All told, it was about nine hours of riding, with a solid two hours of sightseeing, picture-taking and eating mixed in. The route is mostly flat, but it finishes with a massive climb up what at first appears to be a shear canyon wall. After about 90 miles, that last 2,000 feet of elevation gain is quite unwelcome, not to mention the 5 miles of false flat road afterwards to complete the loop. Needless to say, I was a tired boy on Sunday, but it was well worth it.



Livin' on the edge...



Sunsets are purty.

CAF Guitar Hero Hall of Fame Inductee

Freedom!

Freedom!!!!!Scott, our house crosser, ripped it up!
Ryan Trebon, you fought valiantly! We hereby knight you as Sir Ryan of the Chamois Army Fort.

There is nothing under the kilts

Grandpa C$ wants to express his gratitude to members of the chamois army fort for totally killing the cheering section! Brandon gave the entire "they can never take our freedom" speech from Braveheart to all the 'cross racers. That was one of the best things I have ever seen. I hope they get some serious press from this. You know, as grandpa gets older, each memory becomes even more precious. So to Andy, Spencer, and Brandon, hats off lads.

Actually, just getting to ride the first lap of that course was an amazing experience in itself. It was awesome to hammer through the barriers with everyone screaming. I can't even imagine what something like the world championships must be like.

peace out,
gc$