Moab 6 to 6

The sometimes annual Moab 6 to 6 was a BIG hit this weekend. For several of the riders this was a first time. A special thanks goes out to Mr. MBA for picking a perfect day and then NOT showing... WHAT's THE DEAL??? As you can guess from the blog post title, the plan was to leave at 6 AM and get home by 6 PM. BIG MAN promised to keep his pictures and interviews to a minimum, but you know how that goes. The surprising thing was Prez. Hale was leading discussions with many of the visitors in the park and was actually left behind when the starting gun went off.

The pictures below and video clips don't even come close to sharing the "AWESOMENESS" of this National Park. The riders were in awe and found it difficult to focus on the road as Sexy Legs found out, within the first couple of miles, what it is like to kiss spokes with Dr. Ron. (You can repair a tooth, but how about a bent spoke?) Luckily no body damage was done, but they all knew it was going to be a challenge to meet the 6 to 6.

Young legs, Queen Bryan of Wrap, was so excited he lead a break away to the first scheduled stop, Leaning Rock, where he met a fellow biker who had just ridden across the USA, east to west and was now driving home. When BIG MAN finally arrived, he was wondering if he had also arranged for a little extra energy boast with some of those Colorado brownies.

The TATS by Prez. Hale and BIG MAN's song, To Dream The Impossible Ride, were highlights as the group reached the turn around spot at Devil's Garden. Time was running out and Prez. Hale was determined to ride like the wind to get back to the car and make his wife happy by being home by 6. BIG MAN knew that he would need help from the younger legs in the group and was waiting for Sexy Legs, who NOW was having problems clipping in because the MUD he had in his shoes, due to the hike for a PCR Christmas card photo. After being left in the dust and finding one of those "thingies" that Dr. J carries in case someone needs tools for a repair, BIG MAN helped clean out the mud like shoeing a horse and they were on the chase.

The ride back to the car was much quicker with more downhill and Dr. Ron worked on his controlled skid as he was drafting a car and learned that car brakes are little different than bike brakes... WOW, BABY! YES, the team made it back with enough time to still stop in Green River for a quick purchase of mellows and enjoy one of Ray's BEST burgers in town. (only place in town)  BIG MAN still can't decide if the ride in the car, where they were educated by Sexy Legs, a certified instructor of Love and Logic, about tips on better parenting skills,  (Where were you when we were raising our kids??) or the ride through the park was more fun. Either way, the riders are calling for a return trip next year.

YIPPY SKIPPY

Tip of the Week = 5 Things Definitely Not To Eat On A Ride

 Some need a little coffee to ride this early

 Let the Ride Begin

Hey, you need a little extra energy??

 Hey BIG MAN, that rock is shaped like your head!

We Found It!

 ... and We'll See You At The TOP

 Devils Garden

 Merry Christmas!

 The Three Nuns

 The Court House

Green River - Best Water-mellows in the World!

 This is why we ride

Prez. Hale, slow down. Why do you have to drive so close?

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

Sign

“Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?”

~Five Man Electric Band~

This week the PCRs decided (okay, Big Man did) it was time for a flat ride, for which Prez. was grateful.  So they followed Big Man and witnessed many signs along the way.

Sign that the PCR member’s collective IQ is below average:  They follow Big Man.  For example, when they followed him this week to travel along the Legacy Trail, they encountered an eight foot high fence, one that Trump would endorse, blocking the trail with a big sign informing them the trail was closed.  Duh, as if the eight foot fortress was not a compelling enough sign that they were not going to be riding on the trail. However, they were riding with Big Man, so even a 40 foot fence might not be tall enough.

Sign that PCR’s have early onset dementia (okay in Bruner’s case it is not early onset):  Week after week they keep following the Big Man even though he takes them places they never planned. They get home two hours later than they told their better halves because they have to make stops for him to take pictures of everything and to talk with everyone.

Sign that Mr. MBA is all talk and no action:  Mr. MBA was a no-show today and notwithstanding the fact that Big Man rearranged the trip to southern Utah next week so Mr. MBA could attend, he backed out.  Well you know what they say about teachers:  those who can do; those who can’t…. 

Sign that Bruner does not have many lives left:  Bruner got into a duel with a curb this morning, and let’s just say that the only thing standing within a block radius of the incident was the curb.

Sign that SLC has grown up:  The new George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater, which the PCRs visited on their way home.  They are sure that none of its broad-minded, all-inclusive, hoity-toity patrons will mind the stench left behind when PCR members sat with their sweat drench biking regalia on the new plush velvet seats.  Nice job former Mayor Becker.  You are a visionary.

Sign that Big Man never grew up:  Evidence that Big Man never matured emotionally beyond the 9^th grade was demonstrated by the manner in which he ran around the Eccles Theater in his tights amongst refined patrons taking video recordings of the performances.

Sign that the Bicycling Season is ending:  PCR members donned so much cold weather gear for this morning’s ride that they appeared as ticks about to pop.  Also, they saw fields dotted with orange pumpkins signaling Halloween is around the corner and it is getting too cold to ride outside.

Sign you are living in the past: Bruner sporting his LOTOJA tag on his bike two months after the race was over.

Sign that it is not all about the Bike:  It took them four hours for a ride that should have taken three. They had to stop and take pictures of cows, visit Starbucks to swill hot chocolate, visit the grand opening of the Eccles Theater, and listen to Big Man’s endless chatter with whomever would listen to him or would at least feign listening.

It was a beautiful autumn day. 

YIPPY SKIPPY

Tip of the Week = Why Fall Bike Rides Are Some of The Best of The Year

 It's still dark

 What's The DEAL??

 Here Comes the Sun!

 Hey, look at all those pumpkins...

 What Time Is It?

 Did I tell you I road 206 miles, 3 states, in 1 day 

and my number was 506?

 SECURITY!!

  Who put that curb there???

Judge are you listening??  I'm talking to U!

Another Week Riding with Spooks

As the holiday of ghosts and goblins gets closer, it's harder to keep the creators from showing up for PCR's Saturday rides. This week a few new spooks and a few OLDER ones, that have been in the closet, made the ride pretty scary. Mr. T, once reaching the summit, informed the group he had to leave early because of some "pressing business". When BIG MAN asked him what it was, he started to sing-a-song,"I MADE IT TO THE TOP", which was a true give-away that he had had enough and wanted to go home. (see pic below) Dr. Hicks kept reminding the riders that if you don't floss and brush you will be in big trouble. A young innocent spook joined the group without a helmet and learned the power of  "geezers" and BONKED as the old men set a pretty fast pace once reaching the flats. (Chris, hope you made it home ok) The NEWEST PCR spook, James, was welcomed as he put out a BIG wake for the group to get pulled back to the car.

Great lessons were taught while climbing to the summit:

• BIG MAN, it ain't going to happen, NOT today
• One Step at a Time
• Always wear a helmet
• Stop on the way up if you're tired and take a picture
• Don't think that just because you're talking, people are listening
• When giving a TATS it's very rude to leave and take a call from your wife

Mr. MBA inspired us with the following TATS: (some weren't listening so he gave it twice)

SPEED MATTERS, but not as much as joy. Joy matters, but not as much as honor. So take your pulls. Share your sustenance. Be kind and empathetic to the fading rider...and to the finest riders, too. And be honest, but courageous when you fall apart.

YIPPY SKIPPY

Tip of the Week = Best Bike Chain For All Bikes

 Special lights to help load the equipment

 What a bunch of SPOOKS!

 BIG MAN, NOT TODAY

Prez. Hale barking to LINE UP!

"Sure glad I went home early, that GU wasn't really helping"

Mountains Loom Large

Saturday, a few of the PCR geezers decided to leave early and attempt the Alpine Loop, while younger legs looked for SNOW and RED ROCK! As you will see below, the great vistas of UTAH continue as they all try and take advantage of the nice fall weather.

The Geezer patrol drove to the mouth of American Fork and entered the canyon in the dark. There were several photo stops as the sun reared its head to make this ride one of the must scenic of the year. BIG MAN was so inspired that he had to lead the group at the summit in a favorite, "GOD BLESS A AMERICA". After Prez. Hale and Sexy Legs informed them that this is typical for someone just getting out of a mental care facility, the three descended down a serpentine road through quakies and stupendous views of Mount Timpanogos. Prez. Hale was actually leading (something he hasn't done for a while) the descent and encouraged the group to stop for a little hot chocolate at Robert's  place. The ride back to the car was along the Murdock Canal Trail, where BIG MAN started to feel his "SUPERMAN" powers and tried to chase down a younger rider, but was reminded he needs more than a jersey.

The younger legs headed to Southern Utah and two wanted to see how soon they could get out their skis.

Mountains loom large in the cultural imagination. They rise up and erupt in our minds as much as they do on our landscapes. They are well represented in the world's holy books: Moses retires to Mount Sinai, where God reveal to him the Ten Commandments; Jesus gives his sermon on a mount, and it is on the top of a mountain when he is transfigured; and Muhammad meditates in a mountain cave when he receives his first revelation.

Continue to enjoy these great mountains and stay inspired to LIVE LIFE LARGE!

YIPPY SKIPPY

Tip of the Week = Best Cycling Socks of 2016

Who's got the kids????

 Note the matching helmet and gloves.....

"I'm styling"

Let's go skiing

 Good morning PCRs

 The 1st photo stop of many.....

 Follow Me!

Cheers!

 Too Much Fun!

SUPERMAN!