Pizza Night

As per traditional, the CRC season wrapped up with a pizza night.  However, the venue changed this year.  Caboto was booked so we spent the night at Capri.  Thanks to Mark for putting in the leg work to get this booked.  Most CRC members showed, as did a potentially "new" member.  Here are the final attendance stats for the year and next year's attendance will be based on this.  This year one one of the fewest rides we have had in a year.  Here is a link to the complete spreadsheet.

Rider of the Year

Close call this year.  Mark?  Dave?  Arthur?  However, we voted for.... Arthur!.  Not only does Arthur have a sweet Freddie Mercury fu manchu, but he rode last week (unofficial ride) and he showed up tonight.

Host of the Year

Ali or Mark?  Ali, asked us to help cut his tree down.  Mark, cooked up burgers and provided beer when no one brought beer.  Congratulations to Mark as Host of the Year.  Ali, you got some work to do.  The bar has been raised.

Blogger of the Year

No one.  You all suck.

See you guys in the spring!  Hopefully we'll be riding sooner than later.

Nearing the End

Could not have asked for better weather last night.  Mid-October and still in shorts, I'll take it.  However, very few CRC riders took advantage of the great weather and trail conditions.  The only one with a good excuse was Ian.....

I am not going to make it tonight.  Someone decided they wanted my bike more than I did yesterday.

I stopped for a half hour at Kennedy to see my sons V-ball game and someone cut my cable lock on bike rack and took my bike.   If anyone's ever sees it it is the only one in the city I have seen.

Hopefully Ian gets his bike back.  Thanks to Dave for the beers last night and it seemed like we had plenty of chips.  Below is the beer order.  We have been skipping people since guys are not riding so I guess at this point we are just going to move to the guys that are riding.  Next up for beer is Arthur then.

Banner Night

The great weather must have brought everyone out tonight.  The weather was perfect, trail conditions were perfect.  It brought out a record number of guys for the season.  Thanks to Jay Lamb for the beer and chips and to Mike and Jay for showing up for their half point.  Even Matt Mousseau (go way back in the blog history to find him) showed up to ride.  For some reason, Jay brought beer out of the goodness of his heart.  It wasn't even his turn.  Next up for beer (we'll skip Mike and Jeremy since they don't ride anymore) is Dave and then Ian.
      As far as attendance goes, what happened to Todd?  He gets a job and suddenly we don't see him.  The race for the "I Have No Life Award" is still up for grabs.  Dave (given really)?, Arthur? Mark?

Back to School

     Well this was the first ride since the teachers returned to school.  We were dragging and cut the ride short.  We are not used to these full work days yet.  It is tough to be at your peak when you aren't getting your 2:00 nap.  Otherwise a beautiful night (see picture) and we discovered some very fun new trails.  You'll have to come out to see them.
     Of course we finished the ride in the dark and for some, that literally meant in the dark.  Better check those batteries brown eye.  Thanks to Jim for showing up with the beer.  Next up is Mike (not riding but promising to bring food), Jeremy (Jeremy who????).  That brings us to Dave.  Dave, who by missing tonight's ride, allowed Arthur to tie him for the top attendance spot.  You know the "I have no life award".

Tornado

Apparently there was a tornado while they rode.

Road Ride or Mountain Bike Ride?

     Crazy night with the weather.  First the ride look like it was cancelled, then it was on but a road ride (sorry Jay), then a mountain bike ride, then a last minute change back to a road ride.  However, this last change was made too late for some CRC riders.  So, the more masculine CRC riders showed up with their mountain bikes (Jim, Craig, Ali) and the more girlie CRC riders showed up with their road bikes (Dave, Arthur, Todd, Mark).  Jim actually abandoned his trip out west to make the ride tonight.  So we headed our separate ways, agreeing to meet back at 8:30.
     Despite the rain, the trails were in good shape, although some corners were a little slick.  Jim lost his focus for a second and went down hard in a corner.  His thoughts were elsewhere :).  I don't know what was going on but we saw a ton of deer in the woods tonight, including a very large and intimidating buck the I am convinced was looking to take us out.  However, we failed to keep our promise to return at 8:30.  Jim opted to lengthen our ride so we did not arrive back until 9:00.  However, it was Ali's turn for beer (good job by the way) so the female half of CRC was left sitting thirsty waiting for us to return.  The road group did 50 km, mountain did 30 km.
     Sitting around tonight was probably one of the funniest nights in a long time.  Surprising too since Jay wasn't there.  But we spend a lot of time reflecting on past escapades and funny things that have happened (Ali's best crash, our best trip, our best Blazing Saddles imitation).
     There was also talk of Pinkney this Saturday.  Email Mark.  Michigan game?  Next up for beer is Todd but he is flipping with Jim.  Don't worry Arthur, I keep track of it.  Also, there was talk about the lack of a blog the last 2 weeks......

Hot One!

   My car said 33 degrees at ride time.  Which might explain why so few of the hardend CRC riders showed up.  Ian, check.  Rob, check.  Dave, of course.  Jay, a surprise but check.  Ali, check.  Nothing much to say about the ride except that it was uneventful, unmotivating and hot.  The only thing we were looking forward to was having a cold one in Mark's pool.  Oh wait.  Mark was unavailable tonight so we had to settle for Ali's backyard.  Don't get me wrong.  Ali, I love you and hanging out in your backyard but on this night..... well, you spraying the hose on us just didn't suffice.   Good thing that I brought cold beer (Sol) on ice to ease the pain.  Next up for beer is Jay, Ali, Todd.  Todd?  Todd who?

Wild Weather

      What a crazy night of weather!  We started the ride with blazing hot temps.  An hour and a half in the trails got dark and it started to cool down.  As soon as we left the trails the rain started.  It was sideways rain and all of us got totally soaked.  However, we did get in a pretty good ride.

Some things to note from tonight's ride:

1.  Dave's perfect attendance is still intact

2.  Arthur's Daisy Dukes made another appearance.  You would think all the teasing he got last year.....

3.  No Mark or Ali!  Where to drink?

4.  Jay Lamb????  Enough said.

5.  Ian Ross????  Enough said.

     As for point #3.  Thanks Mark for use of your backyard.  However, in the future can you please ensure that your gazebo is rain proof.  Yes, we sat in the rain and drank beer.  Most of us were already soaked and it was hot.
     Lots of beer tonight as Ian, Jay and Arthur all brought.  Mark, leftovers in a cooler left by your garage.  Next up for beer is Arthur then Craig.

Should it Count?

 

   So some west side riders took advantage of scattered rain showers to sneak a ride on some of the east side riders.  Yes, all the riders on the east side of town were experiencing torrential rain while apparently South Windsor was basking in sunshine.  Did no one notice that no one from the east side showed up????  So the ride went ahead without us and they were all too quick to claim their attendance points.  Those riders that were not there are taking the high road and decided that you can have your attendance points this time.  

     That is everyone but Ali.  Ali is being docked a full attendance for 

                                1.  Not being ready at 6:30.  Knowing you have a flat is no excuse.  

                                2.  Not fixing a flat on your own.

   Next up for beer Ian and then Arthur.  

Dave's Night

    Unfortunately, Dave had to put down his 20-year old Shwinn this week.  It was a sad time for the entire CRC family, but it was really tough riding with Dave and seeing the sagging shocks that wouldn't hold any air, the squealing brakes, and the cracks in the frame.  In dog years, that Shwinn was about 140 years old.  The sad part is that I remember the very first ride that Dave and I did with that bike.

     On a positive note, congratulations to Dave for his new addition.  Yes, Dave purchased himself a sweet new bike, a Rocky Mountain 29er.  After congratulations and admiration in the pre-ride parking lot (Ali's driveway), discussion turned to how long it would take Dave to take a wipe out on the trail.  I put the over/under at 45 min.  

     Not a lot of guys out tonight.  I don't understand why.  Weather conditions were perfect.  Teachers were celebrating the start of their 9 weeks of vacation, which means hanging out at Ali and Marks house long after else has head home to bed.

     Dave and Arthur continue with perfect attendance.  Jay opted to attend his staff party and that put an end to his perfect attendance.  Jim H. made his first appearance of the season to get him on the attendance board.  Trails are in the best shape I have ever seen them, smooth and fast.   However, maybe they were a little too fast for one person riding a brand new 29er.  Yes, Dave wiped out.  Didn't see it but saw the aftermath :).  Dave's new ride wasn't done taking center stage tonight.  No, apparently his 29er decided to give new meaning to quick release.  As in, I am going to quick release my rear tire on the trail while my new rider is riding it.  

     You would think that Dave's night was done.  Nope.  Coincidentally it was his night for beer.  Apparently Dave spent all his money on his new bike because he somehow forgot to bring chips.  His excuse (that no one bought) was that he didn't know that if you brought the beer, you also brought the chips.  Apparently those chips he has been eating for the last 10 years just magically appeared in front of him.  However, some of CRC more elder members (he just celebrated a 50th birthday and his name rhymes with Bob, Hob, Knob) suggested that it would be in his best interest to

head to the nearest corner store for some chips.  

    AWOL ALERT!  Ian Ross.  Last scene checking out bikini-clad women on a cruise off the coast of Spain.  Normally we wouldn't care but he is up for beers next week.  Since he is AWOL, that means he probably is not reading the blog.  Arthur you are next so better be prepared just in case Ian lets us down.  

Jeremy Found!

     Ok, it turns out Jeremy is still alive and in shape.  His excuse for missing the last two weeks?  Baseball.  Not on Wednesday nights however, on Tuesday.  Apparently he is too sore after baseball on Tuesdays to ride on Wednesdays.  So maybe I'll take that "in shape" comment back.  At least he brought the beer and chips this week!
     Ride tonight was pretty ho-hum.  Not a lot to get excited about, other than the fact the trails are in absolute perfect riding condition.  A lot of other people on the trails.  I was surprised that Ali didn't invite them all back to Mark's place.  Jay shit his bike shorts on the trail (we suspect).  No need for Dr. Nagy to perform emergency surgery even though he brought his gear tonight.   Mike, on another vacation.
     I guess the big news is the attendance standings.  Jay, Arthur, and Dave at the top of the attendance?????  Next up for beer is Dave.

Paging Dr. Nagy

    Apparently Arthur has traded in his Daisy Dukes for hospital scrubs???  Arthur came to my rescue tonight when a massive bug (ok, it felt like it at the time) decided to fly into my ear and hang out for a bit.  I have to give Rob some credit here, he held the flashlight while Arthur used a twig (felt like a stick) to dig into my ear and fish out this flying nuisance.  It was a long process and yes, Arthur did go too deep at one point (insert joke here because they sure did).  In the end, Arthur was able to convince this flying monster to bite on the twig and he pulled him out of my ear.   This may be the end of the story for Arthur and Rob but the psychological trauma will be long-lasting for me.  So if you have a medical emergency on the trail, Dr. Nagy and nurse Charlebois have you covered.
      Getting back to the ride.  It was a hot one and only 5 riders braved the first hot day of the year.  Trails were in mint condition.  We managed 30 km in under 2 hours.  Thanks to Mark for hosting (even if he wasn't there for the first beer) and Mike for bringing the bevvies and chips  even though he didn't ride.   Big shift in attendance this year.  Jay at the top???  Ali on the bottom (insert joke)???? Next up for beer... Jeremy then Dave.
   
AWOL Report

Jeremy Comartin.  Last seen at Greenshield wearing a dress (according to reports)

Ian Ross.  Last seen typing excuses on his computer at work

And So It Begins

    Well the 2016 biking season has officially kicked off (although I don't know that they had quorum).   The trails were a little on the slick side and I could tell from Arthur's face.  I have attached the beer list and big kudos to Jim for going out of his way to ensure we had even though he wasn't riding.  Usually we don't hear from him until August.  So way to go Jim for being on the ball!!!  Here is Ali's report (shitty report too I might add)......

5 riders rode (Mark,Arthur,Jay,David,Todd) and heard the trail was in excellent shape!

Beer shows with chips –Moi/Ali (+0.5)

Beer shows – No chips – Mike (–0.5)!!!- can be redeemed if he brings a bag the next time!

Honourable mention:

     Jim dropped premium beer earlier-as per rules! (but NO chips! – so pending – 3 bags!).  Todd brought chips – complementary!  Beer consumption – 19 – rather high - mostly by ------? 

Highlight of the evening – everybody was admiring & advising me on my tree without any leaves!

My thoughts....  Todd is once again going for a perfect season.  Dave's bike won't last much longer.   Ali's bike will be in repair for the next month.  Mike will max out his chip allowance.  We won't hear from Jim again until August.  Rodney will make an appearance.  Jay will shart on a ride, ending it early.  

    Next up for beer.... Mike and then Jeremy.

Welcome to a New Family Member

I know it has been a while that anything has been posted here.  Of all the years to continue riding, this has been it.  However, I am proud to announce that we have a new member of the CRC family.  Yes, Arthur has purchased a new bike.  Congratulate Arthur on his beautiful new purchase.

Pizza!

     You know it is near the end of the season when CRC heads over to Caboto for pizza.  Great night for pizza too as the rain tonight made it impossible to ride.  Funny how on pizza night we have record attendance.  Actually, we had almost perfect attendance.  The only rider that didn't make it was Daisy Nagy.  Rumour has it he was home cutting off his next pair of riding shorts.  Even our first retiree from the group made it out.  Nice to see Liam.
     Normally pizza night doesn't count for attendance but once we realized Daisy wasn't among we quickly voted to make this an attendance night.  You know... quorom and all.  Is the season over?  That is TBD!

Sad Ride

   Unfortunately tonight's ride was met with the sad news of Ali's father passing away.  The ride had a minute of silence for him.  It was another gorgeous fall evening for six amazing riders. It was so warm Todd only needed tights, a coat, booties and 3 additional layers of clothes.  The trails were dry and dusty and rode hard (Just like biker women). Vegas had the under over/under deer count at 20, but Ian didn't see a one.
     After the ride at Chez Jacques, we were visited by some rider-wanna-bees, David, Jeremy and Smitty.  Weird, all three are Tiger slappies. It was another great night and thanks to Mark for hosting. Next week we are meeting 7:00 @ Caboto for pizza.

Great Weather!

     For all the bad weather we got in the spring, this fall is shaping up to be a great time to ride.  Trails are in perfect condition and someone has been out there making major improvements.  There are a bunch of bridges over the soggy areas and berms all over the place.  We also had a chance to ride the new trail and realized that we needed to make some changes to it.   However, for all the great weather, only 5 riders showed up.  Those 5 riders were treated to beer, courtesy of Dave.  Dave however, was unable to make it tonight due to "complications from surgery".  In others words, he is a wimp.   Todd rectified his mistake last week and brought the chips this week.  Also, we had a newcomer out tonight.  Well, ok, not a newcomer but Jim made it out to his first ride of the year.  Although we didn't know Jim was coming out, we saw his vehicle parked at the trailhead so we figured we would find him on the trails.  And we did, with a new rider, his son Leo, fully equipped with light and all.  The sad part is, Leo was faster than me on the trails.  When Jim showed up later at Mark's he had his daughter with him.  Jim was a busy guy tonight.   Olivia hung out for some chocolate milk and chips.  It should also be noted that this is the first female to get into the behind-the-scenes of CRC.
    Attendance took some new twists tonight.  With Rob's last minute cancellation, Jay was able to move only half a point behind Rob for the 4th spot.  Ali with another mysterious no-show also dropped allowing Jay to pick up attendance points on some key members.  Could Jay slip onto the podium and avoid early season beer purchases next year?

Fall in Officially Here

     Tonight was the first cold night of the year and with it came the endless debate over what to wear.  Despite consulting my tried and true clothing chart, some members decided to overdress as usual.  When will you guys learn.  I am just Arthur didn't show tonight because he would have been in full designer blue jeans.  So as a courtesy to you guys I have attached my chart at the bottom for future consultation.
     A new trail was also born tonight, we should name it.  We extended the trail out by Ojibway (and cleaned up the overgrown part) farther out into the woods.  We probably added another 1/2 km or so.
     As for the more important stuff.  Thanks Mark for offering up the leftovers from your son's wedding.  Apparently in one member's haste to grab a good deal he forgot one very important item...... the chips!  Once again Mark came through, thanks Mark.   Dave is up next but apparently will be unavailable to ride next Wednesday for some reason that we won't discuss (although glad to say that micro-surgery can now be done in Windsor).  We are nearing the end of the season which means getting close to the bottom of the beer list.  Posted so you guys can check out when you brought this year.

End of September, Still in Shorts

      The weather of late has been incredible.  I'll take 78 degrees anytime at the end of September.  Good turnout tonight too, although we were missing a couple of regular attendees.  Apparently Week 1 of the squash league took a little too much out of Rob.  All in all a great ride, trail conditions were perfect.  Thanks to Jeremy for bringing the ice cold beer (literally) and 3 bags of chips.
     The plan for next week is to do a little trail maintenance on the section that we built around the downed tree last year.  The trail exiting the singletrack is very overgrown and we are going to add on the trail that we built last year.  It won't take long and we'll do it the same as we did last year, take maybe a half hour and get it done.  So bring any of your snips, cutters whatever.  I am sure that Davey Half-Snips will have our new trail looking great in no time.
     Attached is the updated beer list.  Next up is the guy with perfect attendance.... Todd.  Dave is after that.

   

Let's Go Blue!

     What a day! Where to begin?  Once again CRC had an epic day that won't be soon forgotten.  The day began bright and early.  Apparently too early for some CRC that backed out at the last minute with what everyone agreed today were lame excuses at best.  Our first stop of course was Meijer to stock up on beverages and food.  Upon our arrival at the golf course the weather was perfect.  We broke out the games and Mark got busy cooking.  This year was a little odd in that the usual ticket vendors didn't seem to be around which led one CRC member to worry that we wouldn't get in (Mike).
     Soon it was time to head over to the stadium despite not having any tickets.  Very quickly we found the ticket vendors and all of us were able to secure tickets for $40.  However, this is where CRC gets split up for the game.  Mike and Mark went off on their merry way (could have sworn I saw them holding hands as they went).  Arthur, Dave, Al (a potential new member that offered to step in when he heard about some of our other wussy members) and myself ended up with seats together in the Oregon State student section.  That left Jeremy and Jay sitting together.  According to these guys, they had incredible box seat tickets with cushions, weather protection and their own personal waitress and washroom.  No troughing it for them.  However, little of this can be confirmed by a reliable source.
      After a Michigan victory it was back to the golf course for round 2 of eating, drinking and games.  This time Mark treated us to some garlic shrimp and the most tender steaks.  Well done Mark!  Soon it was time to return home.  The trip home was more eventful for a certain car as they were almost subjected to a very personal body search at the border:)  Sorry about that guys.  All in all, great day.  Here is a link to all the pictures.