Motivated by friends and a fourteen year old map I headed to Nevada on Wednesday for  a mountain bike adventure in the Sierras east of Tahoe to the Marlette Lake basin. One of my fellow outdoor cohorts went with me and we quickly discovered that nearly the first five miles was uphill. The whole way though we were greeted by aspens in the midst of changing colors, displaying an explosion of shades of yellow with some orange mixed in. As we progressed up the hill we were greeted with incredible views of a meadow surrounded by the mountain tops.

On the way to Marlette Lake

Marlette Lake

     After we finished the climb we arrived at Marlette Lake, a bit low but beautiful none the less. From there we headed around the west side of the lake to the Marlette Flume trail. Dangerous to be sure, though not for the reasons you may think. It did have a sheer drop off of several hundred feet, but the real danger lay in the stunning and spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierras to the west that could so easily be distracting. I had to stop several times just to take it all in. The trail wound along the mountainside eventually taking us to a junction.

One of the many grand views along the Marlette Flume trail

     We decided to take the Red House Flume trail back to Marlette Lake. More hill climbing following a sandy descent taking us close to the nearby Hobart Creek reservoir ensued. We eventually came to a small dam that we carried our bikes across and began to ascend once more. The uphill was steeper than the first climb, so steep my companion’s tires began to spin in the loose dirt as he rode. After reaching the summit we cruised back down to the lake to enjoy a brief rest and enjoy the company of some fellow mountain bikers we met. We finished the day by enjoying the descent back to the trailhead and then headed back to Folsom to enjoy free sandwiches from Firehouse subs. After I got home I watched the sunset and wondered at this amazing world we live in.

Me, amazed

     The day after I decided to continue my mountain biking hijinks and rode over to Doton’s Point on Folsom Lake. More technical than the previous days ride, though not by much, it was also a fantastic ride. The ride was a  mix of fire roads and single track with scenery special in it’s own way. I recommend checking it out for local adventures, Especially since it had me declaring this more than once:

     I’m slipping in another movie recommendation this week: Fury. Yup, that movie about tanks in World War II. The cast was great, even that kid from the Transformer movies I don’t really care for. It does have a lot of gore, but what do you expect? War isn’t pretty. I won’t say anything else other than if you have to go to the bathroom during the movie, DON’T. Every scene has something you don’t want to miss.

     Until next time dear readers, get up, get out and

     My foray into the cooking world continues. The most recent dish I devised was large shell pasta mixed with alfredo sauce, topped with sweet cheddar. For the side dish I made two buttered pieces of toast, also topped with the same cheese. Once again, damn tasty, and has absolutely nothing to do with my next topic.

     This last week I actually got sick. I believe it was a combination of not taking enough rest days and eating too much the night before. So I was forced to take a rest day. I HATE REST DAYS. It feels like such a waste. I know there are a lot of people that say they are necessary, but that doesn't make me detest them any less. Especially when I know others are out there living it up!

     It’s time once more for a movie recommendation. The choice this time around is Blended, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Yes, it does have the typical ending of a romcom, but I found myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions. Something I don’t normally do when I’m watching a movie at home. It does have cameos of Sandler’s usual crew but the story and setting are different than what I was expecting and made for hilarious surprises. So do yourself a favor and watch it already!

     I’ve begun to geocache again, something I've done off and on over the years. My plan is to do it on a more consistent basis. For those of you not familiar with geogaching, it’s basically using a GPS device to look for things other people have hidden. The hidden objects range in size from things smaller than a dime to 55 gallon drums. Some of them are very cleverly disguised. I once found a cache that looked like a pile of horse manure. It’s a lot of fun, especially if you find what you ‘re looking for. What better activity for a pirate than to look for hidden treasure? Although stealth is usually required in public places so people don’t think you’re up to no good.

     Something I learned from riding Northstar: there is life before and after riding there. Since the Northstar experience my skill level is definitely up. I’m riding stuff on the local trails that have intimidated me for years. I am more confident in myself, allowing me to ride more assertively. Thinking on it, I realized I could transfer this experience into my everyday life. I looked back on moments in my life that were hectic and challenging and gave me a better foundation for obstacles in my future. Because of those times I am better prepared to face whatever lays before me, and to get past those things that once seemed impossible.

     Until next time dear readers, there's something to remember, that I will be keeping in mind everyday, to strengthen my resolve when I feel weak, and I hope you take it to heart as I will,

     Recently I achieved a milestone at my job, my ten year anniversary. I’ll be the first to admit, for awhile I didn't realize what a great place it is to work at. However, the last couple of years I have begun to realize how fortunate I am to work at a place that truly meshes with my lifestyle, challenges me to grow, gives me the tools and support I need to expand my career, provides an amazing environment (on a few different levels) and surrounds me with people I care about and that care about me. I’m glad I have stayed the course. Here’s to another ten years!

     In an experiment to get away from microwave dinners and ‘convenient’ lunches I started cooking meals that actually involve some preparation other than opening a package and pushing some buttons. My meal I tried this week was breaded chicken and red skin mashed potatoes, both topped with Kerry Gold sweet cheddar. Followed by a glass of the finest vintage Ovaltine  of course. It was very delicious, if I do say so myself. Which I just did.

     As some of you may know, I am a fan of Doctor Who. If you haven’t seen this week’s episode, ‘The Mummy on the Orient Express’ seriously,  go watch it. It had an amazing quote about choices, and how sometimes we don’t have the luxury of  being able to make good ones. Very thought provoking. It really got me thinking of a few situations in the past when I had to make tough choices where there wasn't really an option to ‘win’.

    I had to have some things on my mountain bike replaced due to the beating I continually give it, namely, the front hub and bottom bracket. The headset also had to be tightened and the front caliper realigned. Another discovery was that after the Northstar outing last week it received it’s first real scar in the form of a small dent. Now that’s it’s back in running shape though I  just have to get back out there and enjoy IT!

Until next time constant reader, remember

     It’s been an adventure filled week! My fondness for running has been rekindled and is burning brightly. I’m still really liking the Hoka Cliftons I recently bought. It’s amazing how a good pair of running shoes makes you want to use them.  I’m telling you, comfort matters!

     Though my affair with running has been reignited , my true love remains cycling. It’s been awhile since I've done any sort of tour so  I took a bike overnighter to Lake Solano, and it was much needed with all that’s been going on. Being out there on the road, knowing your needs are more basic, enjoying life and all the wonders of the world. For me, it’s also a great feeling to follow through with my plans. Too often in the past things have happened, or I seemed to make them happen, so that my trips failed and I sabotaged myself somehow. I look back and wonder why I did things to hold myself back. I believe fear played a large part, as did addiction to drama. Once I realized what I was doing though I was able to break free of those habits.

Day one: I rode along the west side of Lake Natoma on the American River Parkway. The day started out warm and just got warmer. Spider webs drifted on the breeze along the way. I saw two deer, one just a couple of feet from the trail with small, barely there antlers. The other stood afar in a field, it’s rack at least two feet high. I munched on Spam along the way, which was a surprisingly good snack. The scenery along the parkway seemed more verdant and riparian than I ever recalled seeing it before. Outside of Davis, on Putah Creek Road, the automotive traffic dropped drastically and I saw more bicycles than cars. When I reached camp (a whopping $5 for a bike in site!) I took advantage of the FREE hot showers and wandered down to the small lakefront. Peacocks wandered around camp as I ate my dinner.

Lake Solano

Day two: After a pleasant night beneath a starry sky I awoke at 5AM to begin the journey home. It was a bit chilly, but by noon it was in the 90’s. I noticed at William Pond park the boy scouts had installed a public bicycle repair stand, complete with tools and a pump. At Lake Natoma I took the east side this time. The final climb home was a grind, especially with the near 100 degree heat. It was like summer had said, ‘just kidding, I’m not really gone yet’. I geared down, took my time and finally made it home.

     Riding home from work Saturday I noticed that the new trail along Natoma street was finally opened. It’s name? The Johnny Cash Trail! How awesome is that!(link) I, of course, had to ride it. At the top of the overpass above Folsom Lake Crossing I stopped to read a plaque that had been dedicated just that day. I hope some day other towns nearby will take a clue from Folsom and expand their own trail networks.

     I went to Northstar Sunday, for the first time, to check out the mountain bike park I had been hearing so much about. I was not disappointed. I didn’t do any wicked jumps or haul ass down the trail but I did do things I had never done before and pushed my skill set. I crashed only once and my biggest injury was a small pedal bite, not bad considering I was riding a hardtail and had no body armor. My bike handled the abuse admirably. The scenery was fantastic and I enjoyed the singletrack the most. It was also fantastic to see such a large number of people coming together and having fun over a shared love of cycling. The sense of community was impressive. All in all it was a great experience.

Ride on!

     What’s next? Well if you want to know, my curious readers you will just have to

     It is now officially autumn, The leaves are slowly starting to change and the temperature has become a bit less oppressive here in northern California. In the past, this day has been celebrated for the harvest time, a time when all the work put in before comes to fruition. On a personal level this year I see the autumnal equinox as a spiritual thanksgiving. I give thanks to all my friends that have encouraged me to grow and push myself, that have stood by me when things have gotten tough and reveled with me when things were great. I look back at my own ‘harvest’ and am grateful that the seeds I have sown grew into something bountiful.

     My grandmother is currently in a nursing home and it looks like she may be staying  there, so I will have a lot to figure out over the next few weeks. It has been frustrating. Luckily, besides my great group of friends, I have outlets to deal with the stress. Namely cycling and running. I ran the Run For Courage this Saturday and exceeded my goal of low 9 minute miles. I finished the 9.8 mile run with 8:38 miles and a total time of a little over one hour and twenty five minutes. Side note: Run For Courage announced this year that they are changing their organization's name to Break Free, and they will still be combating human trafficking. In case you are wondering why they chose to have a 9.8 mile run this year instead of an even 10, it's because human trafficking activities last year generated $9.8 billion dollars. Back to the run: I finished 44th out of 178 runners. It was an amazing experience. As I neared the finish line someone behind me yelled ‘last push’ and I kicked it into high gear, doing an all out sprint.

     I rediscovered the wonders of Spam this week. Not junk email, but the food. I listened to a podcast about the history of Spam and realized I hadn’t had any in probably about two decades. I wondered if it was as terrible as I remembered it. So I did what anyone would do. I went out and bought a can. And you know what? It wasn’t bad. It’s made to be eaten hot or cold and troops during world war two pretty much survived on this stuff. I may even bring it on my next overnight trip.

                                                                       Sign me up!

     After several months I finally got to see the Commander a couple of days ago. We had burgers at Toby Keith’s, which turns out is a redneck version of Hooters. The food was decent though, surprisingly so actually. She has been kicking ass at work, stopping scumbags and being generally awesome. That’s the great thing about the Commander, she’s an amazing friend and she’s not afraid to do what has to be done. I am so proud to call her one of my best friends.

Until next time dear readers, remember

     The apartment is quiet. Almost too quiet. After several years of helping take care of my grandmother I have become used to her needing help in the middle of the night, her listening to the television too loud. She recently fell again, and after a brief stay in the hospital was transferred to a nursing home. She will be there for almost two weeks, at least. The doctors say she only has six more months to live. How am I dealing with this? If you go by the Kubler-Ross model, I am currently in stage 2: anger. I am angry that she didn't listen to me. The time I told her not to trust her daughter and granddaughter when they said they would start helping her if only they had her car. Or when they told her they would sell the car and use the money to get something that was better, then put the car in their name even though they didn't pay for it. Or when I told her she should get up and walk around more. But especially this last time when I told her she needed to go for a check up and again didn't listen.

      And here I am stuck with the mess she left. All the things she has accumulated that are in boxes she hasn't opened in years that she refuses to get rid of. Piles of envelops she doesn't need but refuses to throw away because she thinks she has to keep them.  Even phone books she believes may actually come in useful. She may come back to the apartment, but I have to face the reality that sooner or later, the quiet that has sunk in will be permanent.

Waste of trees

    It’s been a generally tough week emotionally for me. Besides the stuff with my grandmother, there was one day when my self confidence went in the toilet. I just felt generally unwanted and like everyone else was doing so much better than me. I thought to myself, ‘I know I am not the only one with problems, but I am the only one with MY problems’. After wallowing in my self doubt for a while I pulled my head out of  my ass and realized that I don’t have as much as some, but I still have more than others. I have to stay positive, because I realize that the next few months are going to be tough for me, I won’t let myself be beaten down, especially by myself.

     On a lighter topic, I have continued to ramp up my running this month. The Hokas I bought are working really well for me. I am definitely becoming a convert to the maximalist running shoe movement. No more minimalist shoes for me! I have run in minimalist shoes before, I even ran my first marathon in a pair, but for me, I’ll deal with a few more ounces if it means more cushioning. I ran 10.6 miles the other day, the farthest I've run in several months, and the Hokas were comfortable the whole time. It was a bit of a challenging run though. It was hot, I peed in someone’s bushes because there was no bathroom around and I ran out of water so took some out of a random hose. The water was way too hot and tasted like rubber but I had to stay hydrated. Yesterday I went for two runs. Both a little over 5K, finishing the day with 6.8 miles.

The Hoka One One Clifton

     Saturday night I lay in bed, about to sleep, when a deep rumbling bass jolted me wide awake. A late summer thunder storm. For the next hour and a half I was outside marveling at it. The amazing strikes of lightening illuminating the sky, followed by the rolls of thunder. At one point I heard a pop and felt a sizzle of electricity about fifty feet away, so close that the thunder was instantaneous with the lightening strike. I covered my ears but it was still able to put a hurt in my ear drums. Car alarms went off all over the neighborhood. The rain started shortly after and I sat on the sidewalk, letting the warm drops pelt me. I thought to myself, ‘This is why I go on. When things are tough, and seem too difficult, this is why I don’t give up. Moments like this.’

Until next time my persevering readers, when things, and even life itself, become seemingly too difficult, remember,

      As many of you know I had my birthday a couple of weeks ago, but this last week was birthday: the sequel! I got to see a friend I haven’t seen since before my birthday. They gave me a gift card for the movies, the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, the biggest container of Ovaltine that's made, and one of the best presents of all, spending time with someone really awesome!  We went to the movies and saw Lucy, which was different than I was expecting and still has me questioning what I watched.

     I recently listened to Escape, you know, the pina colada song. I never realized that I hadn't truly listened to the song lyrics before. Go ahead, take a quick break and indulge yourself, give it a listen. Now if you paid attention, like I finally did, you realize there is an incredible message to this song. The guy is tired of his girlfriend, feeling that their relationship is worn out. One night while he’s lying next to her in bed he’s reading the personal ads in the newspaper (remember this is a song from the 70’s), when he sees one that catches his attention. If you listened to the song, you know what the ad says. Feeling that he has to meet this person, he replies, stating he wants to meet her the next day at a bar. After he arrives, in walks his dream girl who just happens to be…HIS GIRLFRIEND!!! The two had more in common than they knew but neither one realized it because they were so caught up in themselves that they didn't see what was right in front of them. Something I think a lot of us do, even if we don’t admit it. So before you go looking for something you think you don’t have, take a look around you first. You never know what you may discover.  And, fun fact, it was the last U.S. number one song of the 70s.

     I am slowly making progress with my fiendish credit card debt. I have come to think of it as a boss in a game. Every dollar I pay off is a hit point, and for every thousand hit points I gain a level. I have just achieved level 2! Only 14 more levels and I will slay the juggernaut! Obviously I have a long way to go before this quest is finished, and I will have to be patient and vigilant, but I will fight the beast until my last!

     Summer is coming to an end, though here in northern California things are still hot. I've been taking advantage of the weather as much as possible. I got another rafting trip in, celebrating the end of the season. We found a paddle, lost a paddle, someone fell out, we had higher than normal water and hit Hospital Bar right down the middle!

                                                       Whitewater Twister anyone?

     I got some new running shoes, Hoka One One, still trying them out, though initial impressions are pretty good. Very light and cushy. I should have them broken in by the time I do the Run For Courage on the 27th. If you’re not familiar with this run, I recommend checking it out. It’s organized by a great non-profit that works to put an end to human trafficking. I’m also working on my mountain bike skills, pushing myself so I can ride trails more technical than I am used to.

     Until next time my insightful readers,