66'...on a wing and a prayer

We have a bet going to see if our support vehicle will make it to the top of Old Toll Road in 110 degree heat for our 11th addition of the Chris Grenier Yosemite Birthday Boogie.

We're packing the route cards for nostalgic reasons these days...and for those nasty last minute rock slides that can reroute you up Old Priest Grade from Hornitos.

Inspiration...the old fashion way

A friend of ours (Peter Flanders) connected with us today without the use of a fancy-pants phone or computer -he visited in person. It was so refreshing to catch up with a friend face-to-face in the Steel  Wul Lounge. We chatted about the dangers of cars, planned obsolescence within the cycling industry, the disk brake phenomenon, and what it means to be a "cyclist" now a days. He gave me a copy of 'The Ride Journal'. This is an eclectic mix of short stories and essays related to cycling. The artwork and photos are absolutely gorgeous. I happen to flip right to an article by Jeremy Powers appropriately named 'Cross J'. Powers described his adaptation from multiple cycling disciplines to cycle cross. He determined he needs to think of himself as an ultimate fighter versus a stage racer. I became inspired and appreciated his transformation and focus as he adapted to his new challenges.

Thank you Peter!

Ormsby Road visit with Peter and Harriet

Our friends on Ormsby happen to be in town this week so I pedaled up to check out their 2 year old grapes and  young olive trees. The views are incredible in every direction and they got an A on their fire safe landscaping. It's hard to believe it will be the 8 year anniversary of the Summit Fire on May 22nd at 0545.

Happy Birthday Luke Grenier!

My nephew turned 16 today and I can't believe what a stud he has become. I'm going to go out on a limb and assume he scored this shot on goal. Keep up the good work and rootbeers are on me in Yosemite.