It really has been quite a fall so far. Besides the usual hectic end-of-season event schedule (races, rides, events, sales, etc.) the big news around here was Eli returning home. His school was heavily damaged in the recent hurricanes, pretty much ending his collegiate mountain bike season. At the same time, our talented daughter moved back from Dallas...having a successful work-from-home job pays off in so many ways! The beautiful Mrs. K and I took them out to Cafe Nova for a bite.
The Girls Night Out (GNO for the cool kids) ride wrapped up last week with the annual Halloween ride. There are some crazy folks out there, let me tell you. Their energy and love for the ride makes it worth doing week after week all year. Here's to more growth and more fun for 2025!
I've been hitting the cyclocross races most weekends. I had some success in the lower classes, and by my own edict was forced to move into the top class. Man, I hate losing. I really, really hate it but honestly I FEEL fast. I do plan on doing all of them, but I seriously won't race in the mud. Some cyclocross racer I am, right??
Since Hanna has endured a couple of really hard training rides with me, it seemed only fair that I join her at the gym. Now I'm no stranger to gyms, as I grew up quite the meat head. But in my golden years I've only worked out in the basement. So sticking my nose into a real life pump-you-up facility was a bit of a culture shock. But I did enjoy it, and I'm amazed at how strong she is. I am planning on joining the gym with Mrs. K so we can get totally buffed.
Right about the time we get used to having Eli back, he's heading back to Banner Elk to finish out the school year. I'm skeptical about him going back for two weeks, having Thanksgiving break, then going back for the final two weeks. Seems like a lot of back and forth for something he could probably finish online. But, let's get it done, I suppose.
I was also skeptical concerning the condition of my Hound Dog's innards after finding two large Fortell's Pizza boxes strewn about the kitchen the other night. Just how much pizza was left in those, I asked out loud.
Two old guys, still kicking it. One of my oldest friends, Doug keeps racing the big boy races just like me. But more than just back markers, we do get to pass on our wisdom to the younger crowd. If they'll listen, that is. I remember being 20 years old, showing up at my first non-bmx bike race. I would have NEVER listened to two old dudes like this. I was too hard-headed to recognize the value of 90 years of experience between these guys on two wheels.
And on top of all the things that The Beautiful Mrs. K takes care of, I can't forget to mention the BIG THING on the agenda for 2025. The South Side XC U23 and Junior Development teams. It's a project that is very dear to us and she has gathered an amazing group of people to make it happen. Sponsors, coaches, and riders...all top notch. The idea is to take riders who are committed to be the best mountain bikers they can be and help them GET THERE. Stay tuned, it's going to be awesome.
