No ICEMAN? Doh!

As VanDirt was first to point out, NONE of the Dirt Dads made it into the 2008 Iceman lottery registration (http://www.iceman.com/). So what's the alternative? More local (free) rides or race alternative(s)?

There's Chain Drive (www.chaindrive.org) at my college alma mater. See Houghton city & MTU photo below. There's a Moab opportunity in October, right, Marc? See Fun Promotions at the left, too. Submit your ideas & choices.

Dirt Dad Jr. (HP)

Rolling in the Snow...

Hey! The past couple of "warm-ish" days have been kinda nice to get out between the precipitation and tool around a bit. Here are my tracks this morning coming out of the garage.

Did that darn groundhog see his shadow this year?!

No biking? Snow biking!

Yesterday after shoveling the ice berm that the county snow plows formed at the base of my driveway, I contemplated what JP told me just a few hours earlier: that the ski was clear & crisp and about a year ago he enjoyed a winter ride on some snow-packed gravel road. I suppose since JP is still getting around on crutches after his hip surgery, he's especially thinking about the joy of riding again as soon as possible. It will be awhile for him to ride but the thought stayed with me, too. Yesterday evening was a carbon copy of that evening so after the driveway was chipped and cleared I pulled the Rockhopper from its hook in the garage and ventured out on the almost deserted streets of my neighborhood. It felt good to pedal again. Just to prove I was really out there I rode over to Tim's even though it was only about a mile to his condo and back. I announced to a surprised Tim that "Biking season is officially open!" I cranked out an impressive 2 miles or so total, somewhat timid to go much farther since I didn't have a single light or reflector on me or the bike.

Come on guys, top this! It shouldn't be too hard. Just some encouragement for you. And, yes, spring is coming but ride now, even if it's inside.

HP

sick of winter

I was looking at some old North Carolina pictures to take my mind off the fact that I have to shovel my driveway for the third time today. Does anyone besides me want to go? We should have a get together to make some plans.

VANDIRT

p.s. Bob and I were thinking about a ski day if any dirtdads would like to be a snowdad for a day let me know

JP gets new hardware!

I think most of you know that Dirt Dad Sr. (JP) just had hip surgery. It took longer than planned but was a success. Contact JP or HP for details.

It will be a few months before JP can hit the trails again. Probably about the time the rest of us get out there, right?

Dirt Dad Jr. (HP)

2007 Michigan Endurance Series

Just an FYI to the accomplishments of the Dirt Dad's this year... due to the 12 Hours of Pando, Team DDR placed 16th and 20th in the 4-person open class and Rusty finished 28th in the 40+ Individual class. I stumbled onto the results HERE. ;-P

ICEMAN 2007

Yup, that's mountain biking legend Ned Overend flying the S-Works through Michigan.

At a slightly slower pace, six Dirt Dads competed in the 18th annual 27.5-mile Iceman Cometh Challenge (http://www.iceman.com/) on Saturday, November 10, 2007. The weather was mild, warming up from the mid 30's to the low 40's for the ride. Conditions were great, the course was fast, the crashes were few & minor, the cramping was minimal, and except for some chain-sucking (& wind-sucking?), we had no breakdowns! Here's the times:
Marc 2:11:03
Bob 2:18:09
Brian 2:19:59
Harv 2:28:54
JP 2:28:55
Tim 2:30:22
Pre-race dinner on Friday night was at Pearl's in Elk River. Good Cajun food but maybe we should try a pasta place next time, huh, Marc?
After our race we watched the pros take off including legend Ned Overend and past Iceman winners. Brian Matter took first place at a ridiculous time of 1:30:30. I noticed the 'longest' ride was completed by a guy (sport class 45-49) at 5:18:10. There, I feel better.
We oinked down some monster burgers, fries, & shakes at Dan's Drive-In. Then we drove to the Union Street Station, an apparent Iceman hangout in Traverse City. After impersonating smoked sardines (get it?) at the bar, we crashed at the Cherry Tree Hotel. Sunday breakfast at Mabel's was awesome. Kim, thanks for joining us!
See the photos. Add some photos, too!
HP