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The Solstice ride was supposed to be an all day affair, but after slogging through the snow for 4.5 hours on the singlespeed, I was cold, and ready for home. We blazed trail on the upper routes early in the day and it was hard work, but the lower trails had a reasonable tread going. Got over 40 miles in and over 4K climbing, which ain’t bad given the conditions. Patrick joined in on his SS crosser, and so did Keith on his crosser. Those boys can climb on those rigs, and running some tall gears besides. Really a beautiful day to be out. COLD too. As long as it stays cold, the trails should hold up.

There'll be a new team on the American Pro Tour this year, and they'll even have some diabetics on board, including Phil Southerland, who formed Team Type 1 and has won the RAAM team competition the past two years with an all diabetic team. I had emailed Phil earlier this year to see what was on tap for 2008, and he wasn't saying, so now the cats out of the bag. Here is a good article with the details and roster, including their development team.

A big shout out to my old teammate Patrick M. and reigning NM state champ, for a great weekend at CX nationals in KC last weekend. He entered the B race on Thurs. to get to pre-ride/race the course, and handily won. Several nasty crashes in the age group championships kept him off the podium, but still a strong performance. Sunday, he nailed a podium in the singlespeed championship about 40 seconds behind former world SS champ T-brown, who took second. I got to ride a lot w/ Patrick last winter and spring. Made me stronger for sure. He's got good coaching cred too. Congrats! Well done!

Motivation to get out was low, but a little encouragement from some other diehards got us moving, and everyone was glad to be out, despite the very cold temps. We even saw our friend Titus from Kenya, laying down some 5 minute miles in the snow. As always, it was good to be out.

A good start to the snowpack for the major basins. A lot of heavy, wet snow to start off the year is a good thing. Break out your snow toys.

Been riding the singlespeed in the neighborhood a lot lately. Mixing things up enough to keep it interesting. Got treated to the nicest rainbow I think I’ve ever seen after Saturday’s ride. Seemed like it was in the front yard. Don’t feel much like rambling today. Hypoglycemia kept me from sleep. Happens a lot after hard exercise. Diabetes does suck some times.

Nothing goes to waste in nature.

Said goodbye to November with a road ride in the rain. Said hello to December on wet, fast, foothills singletrack on the singlespeed. In 3 hours riding got 31 miles, and over 3,500 feet of climbing. Pace was steady, but I’ll take it for December, carrying a few extra pounds.