July 8, 2010

 Solobike.It  wrote, just before the Superenduro:

“…Sauze will be the focus of the World for two days of the stage Superenduro PRO circuit , which will involve ‘Blind Bobby’ McMullen , Paralympic athlete of mountain bikes and skis (http://www.rideblindracing.com ) Known throughout the world for his great courage and Sauze who chose to have the experience of competing in the Italian Alps .” [translation from Italian]

(I’m betting that Bobby, in his humility, deletes this as soon as he reads it.)

Money Shot -- "The Super Sauze" to "Flight to Bally" - Souze d'Oulx, IT.

Above is ”the money shot” from Sauze d’Oulx. Nick and Bobby left Sauze a few days ago to get ready for the Megavalanche at Alpe-d’Huez, France (this weekend).  More photos and running commentary are at www.Facebook.com/RideBlindRacing.

Nick and Bobby at Sauze

 

 

 

 

(actually by Lauren) July 2, 2010

Bobby headed to Europe June 28 to ride the Pro Super Enduro Series at Sauze d’Oulx in the Italian Alps (7/3 and 4) followed by the Megavalanche (”one of the most extreme mtb races on the planet”) the next week in Alpe d’Huez, France. He will be the first visually impaired rider (let alone two-time double transplant recipient) ever to have competed in these races.

He will also be doing some speaking engagements in Germany while he’s there.

The whole unreasonable process started when BIKE Magazin Germany did a feature on Bobby in its May issue.  The story generated interest from several European groups, including Vorewood Bikes, a Swiss bike shop (and its owner Adrian Diriwächter), AdeQuate Solutions of France and Germany, and others, to get Bobby to the Megavalanche. Google the Megavalanche: 1,000 riders start at the same time for a race that drops 10,000 ft. in 19 miles.

Look for Bobby’s daily updates on his Facebook Fan Page at www.Facebook.com/RideBlindRacing.

Bobby and Nick in Sauze d'Oulx

Did I just write March?  Damn, I did.  Boggs, Sea Otter, the Shasta Lemurian all about one month away, I’d better start riding my bike….more!

Did any of you know that our President is a smoker?  Yup.  He recently had his annual physical and it has been reported that he’s in good sape at 47 but needs to “keep working” on kicking this nasty little habit.  Apparently smoking and a bit of hoops on the side keep Mr. Obama the top of his game. 

I thought the Olympics were  a great success.  Despite the naysayers that it would flop, as well as it’s difficult opening days losing an athlete, the overall view is that it as a great success.  Nice save of grace by the Canadian men’s hockey team to beat our boys for the Gold… a bit of saving face.  I give our men’s  hockey team a ton  of credit.  Not really looked at as a medal contender but they certainly showed otherwise — urely my favorite of the games as they interviewed well , were appreciative of having the opportunity and seemed to play as if each moment they were on the ice was to be their last. Inspired play with a great result.

Another of my favorites has to be Shaun White.  Don’t care what sport he plays, skates or sends it in, he loves what he does and his attitude is contagious.  Doesn’t hurt that he flat out owns the sport.  A great example of an amazing athlete that happens to be well grounded as well.  White has been on the scene since he was dominating skateboard competions  as a 10 year old.   He   has not only evolved as a professional but also  pushed the limits of an incredibly innovative,  high flying sport to new levels (to have said new heights would have been to easy).  At only 22(?)  it looks as if  Shaun White will be around for a long time.

I found it a bit ridiculous that all the media wanted to do with Lindsey Vonn and Bodi Miller was  talk  about their Olympic disappointment.  Whose disappointments?   That they didn’t win more gold medals?  What a clueless bunch of “never were’s” today’s media are.  They have no idea what it takes to reach that level and absolutely no experience  with  what level of skill, training, sacrifice, dedication and luck is required for any athlete in any Olympic sport  to pocket a single gold (with the exception of the few former athletes they bring on).  Even then, those individuals constantly made “Back in the day when I  was competing Don” remarks.) .  Now, I do  not appreciate Vonn’s  ”caddishness” behavior to her teamates  or Miller’s  lack of respect and disregard for his last  Olympic’s but I do respect the  ability, talent and furthermore, the results.  They both deserve huge applause for all of the medals including the revered Gold.  Remember when a single Gold put an athlete on the Wheaties Box?  There will always be the occasional freak of nature such as a Micheal Phelps or a Carl Lewis who were Gold medal winning machines.  Based on  every Olympic outing, every event  they competed in that we could (almost) expect another  Gold after another   soon to be draped around their repective  necks.  We were lucky to bear witness  to such mythological athletic achievements.  Realistically however, to expect that of  other athletes is unreasonable, especially when not having a clue of what it takes.

Biggest “Oops’”of the Olympics goes to a member of the German speed skating team.  This athlete was the team’s alternate.  The skaters  listed ahead of  him  on the team’s roster had scratched  from the even or had been injured. It  turns  out he was going to get the shot of his athletic lifetime!  Unfortunately, he missed the call…He had turned off his cell phone…sucked to be him:(

Now the next incident at the Games came in a close second.  I  can’t believe no one  took particular notice with the current  media focus  on illegal drug use at the elite level.  A announcer covering the US  v Sweden hockey game had commented  about one of  the athlete’s injuries and questioned his return to the ice.  A fellow announcer, a former hockey player himself  (now, I am not making ANY statements  in regards to hockey players’ intelligence) remarked “Now, I’m not sure what all these rules and regulation are here at the Olympics but if we were back home, ya know, he’d just make a quick visit, ya know, to Dr. Feelgood, and, ya know, he be back out in no time.”  He proceeded to try to explain Dr. Feelgood, a shot, needles, injections etc…

New research from England indicates that daily cosnumption of dark chocolate greatly reduces the risk of heart attack as well as stroke.  In addition, their study found that dark chocolate aids in lowering blood pressure..Nice, I can ad that along with my beers to my healthy eating plan.  Willie Wonka, here I come!

Great quote from Tom Embrie who checked in over at my fan page on Facebook: “Shitload is an actual unit of measure.”  Classic for sure:)

I need to do a shitload more riding so while you guys and gals keep sitting there, I’m out!  Come join me…

Bobby

If you have been a bit wet in the saddle the past few weeks, you have to be enjoying this run of amazing weather.  Here in Redding ,  the temps have been in the low to mid seventies with little or no wind.  The dirt is sticky sweet and the trails are holding up well.  It may be short lived as we all know winter still surrounds us and spring time is still a bit of a haul away.  Nevertheless, I am thoroughly enjoying the sounds of lawn mowers, the smell of fresh cut grass, and th sound of an occasional  frog getting his croak on out on the trail!

I was in SF last weekend where I had the chance to do a bit of riding in bothSanta Cruz as well as it’s Northern counterpart; Santa Rosa.  While both areas are rich with purely sub limb single track, this weekends adventure goes down as epic quite simply because of the company I enjoyed it with.  With Scott, Nadja and the fair Heidi as my ride mates, our Valentines Day Fearsome Foursome, laughed,  giggled, cornered, descended, and jumped our way  in and out of some not to be mentioned trails.  I even added a bonus feature for all as I stumbled over the bars and ended up what i like to call my patented “Twister move-Left, hand yellow, right leg red?”  No worse for wear and ear and all laughed as I picked up my small yard sale.

Picked up a great tidbit from the political front:  A house or Senate member (not sure which) is retiring at 76 in order to take care of her 100 year old mother.  I know, I know, some politicians  actually DO have a heart;)  I was more amazed that this lady, working hard until age 76, then to retire to TAKE CARE OF HER MOM.  Man, I’m a sucker for family stories like that:)

I am listening to National Public Radio right now..CLASSICAL music no less. ( they say that classical music can tame the wild beast..we’ll see)  listening to NPR more for the reason that the local and syndicated rock stations I  enjoy have lame DJ’s Period.   Anybody our there have any suggestions.  This recent batch of radio “talent,” (a term I use loosely) seem to think that any , even the most obscure reference or hint of a persons body or bodily function is a reason to laugh out loud for minutes at a time, destroying what could have been a quality interview or program, all for their own childish bullshi……That crap was funny, I don’t know, for a minute back in the early 80’s.  For the record I am enjoying both NPR as well as the classical selections.

On a recent “Wednesdays with Weir,” courtesy of the ever charismatic Mike Ferrentino at Santa Cruz Bicycle (www.santacruzbicycles.com/news/blog) you can get and idea about how Mark feels about the role  the bike has in his life.  Get you pen and paper out kids because Mr. Weir is one of the most quotable people anywhere. H might have you scratching your head, laughing till it hurts or even shedding a tear but  know  it’s worth checking out.

Headed  to SF  again this weekend to be a part of the annual Nor Cal High School MTB camp being held at the Boy Scout camping  facilities at Tamarancho in Fairfax, CA.  A few weeks ago, the Nor Cal girls ran rough shot  over the place with some of the Luna Chix  showing up to provide both coaching and guidance to the athletes.  This weekend is my turn to lend  a hand.   Sat. evening, I will be there as the crew will view “looking to the Ground,” and afterwords I look forward to speaking with the athletes and coaches from many different schools from throughout the Bay Area. Always a pleasure and as I’ve said before, I learn as much as they do.  Looking to get the wheels rolling on my bikes as well.  Don’t know where , I  just know it will be fun!

For you Facebookers tuning in, I have finally done it!    With the encouragement from many, mostly from Heidi Suchard for without the Facebook Fan Page  would not have happened, you can now find it at Bobby McMullen-  www.facebook.com/RideBlindRacing.   Check in, take a look and please tell your friends! 

Gearing up for a ride recently with Scott Veech and Naja,  Heidi noticed a number of riders donning full face and body armour for their rides.  Concerned,  as  we  seemed to be headed the same way, Heidi asked about the big bikes and protective wear.  Veech answered: “Because they’re  scared.” That’s my boy Veech!

In the immortal words of Bugs Bunny:  “Bdee, bdee, bdee, That’s all folks!”

Bobby McMullen

I’m just back from a local haunt, Puerta Villarta.  After throwing too many chips, the obligatory salsa, 3 fish tacos, and 2 Negra Modelos down my neck,   it all feels right…Time to get my Blog on!

Guys: Valentine’s Day is Sunday.  If you are married or have a girlfriend DO NOT FORGET.  Make the effort, get (at least)  a card, maybe some flowers. I know I know dinner may be asking way too much.   Don’t believe them when they say, “Oh honey, it’s just another day” I CALL BULLSH?!&*T.   They have a romantic expectation!  TAKE IT TO HEART OR YOU WILL PAY (NOT PLAY ;)  For some, efforts like this  are grounds to be nominated for the Medal of Honor.  For others, they would never miss V-Day.  Trust me, it will go a long way and please try not to be condescdending  or a martyr because you ” I remembered.”   In my humble opinion, flowers, cards, a dinner out or a sweet something accompanied with the words: “I love you” should be everyday…not once a year. 

I spoke with Forrest Arakawa today.  He  is one of the top action sports/ cycling photographers in the business.  His work has graced the pages of every top Mt Bike mag on the planet and he also shoots athletes and catalogues for some of the top companies in the world.  Not only that, he kills it on a dh bike.  A lot of the competition is lucky he chose to focus on the camera rather than the bike.  Don’t be mistaken , he still holds his own in any race he enters.  Forrest is a machine.  I swear, 30 seconds with the guy and you will be speaking in tongues, handling snakes and walking on water…tons of energy, life and enthusiasm and  always willing to share it.   Thanks, pal and remember my friend;  ”Ride Forrest Ride.”  (Yup, that was too easy.)

As a fan of the sport, great news direct from The Man’s mouth:  Rob Roskopp informed me that current World Champ Steve Peat, Greg Minaar, Josh Bryceland, slopestyle titan and part-time cougar slayer Jamie Goldman, along with the true “Thunder from down Under” John Waddell have all re-upped with Santa Cruz Bicycles Syndicate  World Cup Team (www.santacruzbicycles.com) Not sure what the remainder of the competitive mt bike world will do except fight for second place and all that remains. 

 Rob also let me know that  he and the one and only Cedric Gracia have come to an agreement. Cedric and  his  Brigade will be on Santa Cruz gravity sled for the 2010 season.  If you have followed the progression of the sport, you’ll recognize Cedric as a true icon in mt biking and yes,  Cedric is a  ”True Playa ” as  in;  don’ t hate the player, hate the game!  He  is amazing on the bike, great for the sport and is almost as funny as me!

With each year that passes, each year brings change.  This year, the one and only Kirt Voorhies will not be part of the Syndicate program.  Kirt has moved on to pursue other opportunities that the sport has for him and he has earned all things good.  A good man, tremendous life story and talented athlete.  Not sure where my friend will land but I do know for certain he will undoubtedly be successful.  Best of luck, Kirt. I can’t wait to cross bike paths with you soon.

Good to hear that Ford had a successful year.  After doing the right thing and not accepting government bailout money, Ford posted their first profits in 4 years.  Whether you are a fan or not, you have to respect the size of their…coconuts:)  They came in  around the 2 billion dollar mark.  My only hope is that they keep this momentum, create more jobs or rehire some who had walked the plank and keep putting cash money back into the US economy.

 With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, dinner, treats and the like are to be consumed under many a candlelight (I hope).  With that,  I that I felt  I would offer up the best diet suggestion tip ever:

A few years a go, my  Mom  was asked about what kind of diet she follows ;  “Well Honey, if  it tastes  good,  spit it out!”

Looks to be great weather this weekend.  MAKE SURE YOU DO SOMETHING OUTSIDE, EVEN  IF  IT’S  SITTING  QUETLY ON A BENCH.

Bobby

Sunday, Nick “The Stick” Price and myself headed out on dawn patrol to Rocklin, CA. for the first of 3 TBF MTB Challenge events put on by Total Body Fitness (www.tbfracing.com). We hit the road at 5 am and arrived in plenty of time for our 9 am start.  These events are always  fun and a great way to gage my fitness early in the season.  While not much of an xc racer, I enjoy the opportunity to put a number  plate on my bike  and see how hard I can push myself.  The first 10 or so minutes are JUST AWFUL  During those opening moments of the race I  always question why I do the 8-plus xc events I race each year…They hurt!  After the wide open sprint  from the start line, Stick and I settled into our own race, our own rhythm and had a great time. I felt good at  times, rode technically well and suffered a bunch.  Nick was fantastic off the front and we never missed a beat despite the many other racers whizzing by.  Unfortunately we Dnfed   due to a flat tire.  Not mine; it was the other guy LOL!  Nick’s 29er gave way just a few miles from the finish and was not repairable.  Nonetheless we had a solid ride.  Great Job Nick and thanks for the effort, my friend!

I rode the Santa Cruz Carbon Blur XC (www.santacruzbicycles.com) and it was the perfect  choice for that area, a way- to- light- for my own good pure xc machine.  The 4 inches of travel provided by a Fox 120 RLC fork and Fox RP23(www.foxracingshox.com) gave me a smooth ride through the single track,  a few rock gardens and with stood the large mud/water holes we had to navigate.  My tire  choice was the WTB(www.wtb.com) Epic Wolf 1.95 front and rear mounted to the WTB  XC wheel set with Race Lite front and rear hubs.  The WTB Rocket V saddle kept my keester comfy and the WTB Moto Grips kept my hands from slipping off despite being covered in Granite Bay muck.  I worked pretty well and my gear never faulted.  Again, a good way to start the season.

Next up:  I will be headed to  Tamarancho for the NorCal High School League Camp in Fairfax.  I have the pleasure of speaking to the overnight campers after a viewing of “Looking to the Ground.”  I seem to get as much out of being a part of these type events as those who ask me to participate.  Two days in Tamarancho will be amazing as I have yet to spend much time there.  A Bay Area Mt Bike resource with all types of terrain and conditions  dedicated to riders!

Great news from the medical world.  According  to researcher Charles Bamforth at UC Davis, beer has additional health benefits than previously reported.  According to Bamford, the hoppy beverage contains a form of dietary silicon which greatly benefits both bone health as well as connective tissue development.  Whew!  I thought the one true benefit was it  added needed ballast to my ass that made me go down hill faster! One to two beers   down my neck a day as ordered by my doctor…Hmmm,  I can live with that:)

It’s only February, however. I am already signed up for the Downieville Classic All Mountain, the 8 Hours of Boggs and at this date, The Sea Otter Classic where I will again race the dh and the xc (I’ll be guided by Yuri Huswald , yeh baby) is only two months away…the snowball of the 2010 season is beginning to gain momentum.

AIG update:  Apparently those who are waiting to receive their “bonuses” (after failing to do their jobs, losing  the life savings of many, and begging for  bailout money) are threatening to sue if they don’t get it.  I hope somebody sues those bag of dicks.

The weather  for  last few days has been great but a bit of rain is in the forecast.  Dont’ be discouraged, it is now staying light until 5:30.  MORE PLAYTIME PEOPLE.  Get out and get some!

The Saints pulled off a huge upset in defeating the Colts in Sunday’s Superbowl.  I am a fan of Peyton Manning’s, he’s a class act, but I always get warm and fuzzy when a true underdog pulls one out.  Loved hearing the Betty White/Abe Vigoda Snickers commercial…watch for it, you’ll fall out of your chair.

I’m out like a redneck in a spelling bee…

Bobby

After a few great days of riding. the weather is back.  Without a doubt, having 4 distinct seasons here in Redding is something I love.  Birds chirping, frogs a croaking one day, and you may float away or be stuck in the snow the next…Change is good, especially in the weather!

The banking industry is  at  it again.  AIG , one of the more notorious of the financial institutions that needed bailout, is  doling out millions in bonuses and yet to have paid back the government for their “loan.”  Remember folks, those bailout $$ came at the expense of taxpayers.

Baptist Church missionaries in Haiti in the news for busing some not so orphaned children out of Haiti.  The Haitian government and other world organization are using words like “kidnapping” as well as “child trafficking” and a full investigation is underway.  I hope, for those kids sake, this has a positive outcome. 

Still early in the race season but I’ll have another chance to enter the “Pain Cave” at the TBF Mt. Bike Challenge #1 in Rocklin this Sunday.  At this point, I have a driver, a  guide and now it’s time to put my money where my mouth is and see if all this riding has done any good:)

Also this weekend, Matt Fitzinger and his minions will have a number of Nor Cal High School girls mt. bike racers at Tamarancho in Fairfax Ca.  This will be a weekend camp that will provide coaching, teamwork, bike skill and etiquette pointers to both veteran and beginner high school racers who compete for their local HS teams in the Bay Aea.  This year, the Redding area will field The State of Jefferson High School Mt Bike team.  The team will be comprised of athletes from many of the local high schools.  An exciting sport to be added to the many successful athletic programs that already exist here in the Northsate.  It’s great to see growth in high school sports despite all of the cutbacks that all levels of education are experiencing.  Of particular note is that this mt bike racing program at the local level is funded only by the efforts of the kids, not the schools.  Well Done!

  Sac isn’t the only area they are pinning numbers on people.  They have been racing for the past 3 months in Australia and New Zealand, the winter CCCX DH Series just wrapped down in Monterey and the cross season is coming down to it’s final weeks.  Tough news from the camp of World Cup leading US cross star, Katie Compton.   For some years now, Katie has suffered from a debilitating mystery condition that causes her to sporadically cramp up.  Now, these aren’t cramps you get from taking on a hard effort after drinking to much water , these are stop- you- in- your- track, cripple a top world class endurance athlete cramps.  she has been examined by experts everywhere and no cause  or solution has been found.  Despite this, Katie gets out when things are right with her and makes her competitors pay in pain.. She definitely earns a ‘Bobby Big Nuts Award” for her efforts.  Well done young lady and good luck finding a solution.

It’s been a bit wet, my riding shoes smell like mildew.  I best put a blow drier in em…

Bobby

It seems as though it was just a few days ago when I wrapped up 2009.  Now it is Feb 1, then in 28 days it will be March, then in…It really sneaks up on you!

 At this point, I was to have raced two events already.  Unfortunately, reasons beyond my control  didn’t permit it.  No guide, no ride, no drive   It’s the nature of the beast but with it being very early in the season it can happen.  Redding has a great cycling community with a strong contingent of year-round riders.  As the traditional cycling season closes in there will be many more opportunities for me to work with my usual suspects.

Speaking of the local cycling scene, the conditions Sunday were just amazing!  Heidi and I set out on a local “Tour de West Side” and spent part of the day in perfect temps, grippy dirt and no people. We made a stop at “Top of the World” where Heidi had a chance to take in the spectacular 360 veiw of the Redding area – a nice reward after a bit of hard work to get there.  We commented that here it was a Sunday, near ideal weather conditions,  little standing water , and few trail users out.  Regardless we enjoyed a few hours of the many trail options that are just a hop, skip and a jump from our doors…translated, just a short pedal away. .  We did cross paths with the forever  young, ageless wonder Mike Simpson  on his cross bike with (as I am supremely confident) a huge smile on his face.  Mike rides/races with a like-minded group for  local hammers The Owen’s Health-Care Team.  These guys not only compete at a very high level, they are all hard-working professionals from all walks of life who work full-time, are full-time fathers, husbands and cycling advocates. These “boys in blue” are constantly riding some gawd-awful amount of miles, and always supporting local cycling events.

A Few Randoms:

Rob Roskopp  is an alternative sports legend.  At one point, he was ripping kind lines in a swimming pool as a professional skateboarder.  Today, he owns the raddest mountain bike company on the planet: Santa Cruz Bicycles.  His Santa Cruz Syndicate is, arguably, the most successful team of professional riders ever put together.  With the likes of World Champ Steve Peat and Greg Minaar heading the downhill squad and Jamie Goldman along with Kirt Voorhies pushing the limits of freeriding, the team makes a mark wherever they put wheels on the dirt.  When Rob gets involved, throw  some dollars down in Vegas as it’s a sure bet to turn to gold.  He has made such an impact in out- of- the- mainstream- sports movement that  the headphone company, Skull Candy, has recently come out with “The Rob Roskopp” model of headphones.  These will compliment the long-produced “Rob Roskopp” skateboard by Santa Cruz Skateboards…and no, he does not own the skate and surfboard company of the same name (he skated for them as a pro back in the day).

Two words I am hearing waaaaay to much;” TRANSPARENCY  and “ORGANIC.” Everything I hear or read about concerning politics seems to contain the word “transparency.”  There is nothing about the current political climate that resembles ANYTHING “transparent.”   Same goes for entertainment, movies, and rap with their over use of “organic.” Now, I might bring the ire of some, but I know the meaning of the word “organic” and (in my unqualified opinion) some folks are REALLY taking liberties with the Webster’s dictionary version. 

The Ride Blind Racing Brain Trust met last Tuesday.  Lauren, Chris and I (with Heidi acting in a consultant capacity) had a productive meeting to discuss our direction for 2010.  We set some ambitious goals for the year from tweaking the web site, and increasing exposure, as well as many other topics that were discussed.  Stay tuned…again, it’s gonna be fun for all!

Did you listen to the President’s State of the Union Address last Wednesday!? What did you think?  He certainly has had his hands full during his first year.  I was a bit disappointed with his tone, his language.  Mr. Obama appeared to work very hard at sounding “everyday”  — to sound like the everyday, average American fighting to stay afloat.  I want him to fight FOR me in Washington.  I want him to fight FOR  every citizen of our nation, however,   I expect our president to SOUND Presidential.  I heard 8 years of former President Bush and his “good ol’ boy” slang that left him sounding…well, like an idiot.  Last week, I kept hearing “you guys,” “”we gotta” and others that made me cringe a bit knowing how eloquent the guy is.  Almost a “talking down” (intentionally) to his audience.  Just my opinion:)  By the way, bashing the Supreme Court during a national address?  Hmmm, I might have waited and taken them aside;  never in public.  Lastly, we constantly are made aware of how far apart our parties are and Mr. Obama made it one his talking points to address the need for a more cooperative environment in Washington…for the people of course.  The next day, on the east coast, The President and Repubs were AT EACH OTHER’S THROATS in another public forum, being recorded and replayed time and time again.  Both sides, including Obama, were catty, divisive, and juvenile in how they openly treated each other.  Didn’t he just espouse cooperation the night before?

 Enough politics, I’m out.  No really, I’m headed out for a ride:)

Cheers Mates,

Bobby

I have been receiving daily updates from that roving adventure goddess Heidi Suchard about snow  conditions from the Tahoe area.  Her current foray into the playground of life has her ripping soulful arcs in deep powder on the slopes of Squaw Valley.  Even getting there was an epic adventure for the girl.  Heidi is dedicated to getting frozen teeth from smiling to much on her board.   It  took her no less that 8 hours to arrive at her destination in Truckee.  With 80 closed, she bushwhacked her way from SF through the back roads  of Downieville (of mt. bike lore)  Sierra City and  finally popping out at Truckee.  Sounds like the effort was well worth it as Heidi reports bottomless turns with enough snow coming down to cover her previous runs tracks.  Hooking up with friends like Dr. Shierholtz, no secret stash of pow is safe.  Can’t wait for more reports  so: CARRY ON!

Have you ever been hauled behind a ski boat, attempting to get up on water skis or a wake board?  Remember those first few attempts before you miraculously popped up out of the water?  Water everywhere!  With the current  deluge here, that’s what it seems like out on the trails.  Lots and lot’s of standing (and moving) water well over the bottom bracket.  Fire roads and pavement…at least until I get my hands on a life jacket:)

Terrible human tragedy in Haiti.  Remarkable response from the world…as usual.  So many different nations, cultures and walks of life are coming together for such an effort.  Why do we wait for such devastation for world communities to come together?  It would seem to be an easier task (solving international differences and problems)  to come together during less chaotic times.  Well-done to all who have contributed $$, resources and time to this effort.  To those who have put change into a makeshift donation jar; to those getting on planes to aid in Haiti’s recovery…   HAT IS OFF…MUCH RESPECT. 

I caught this gem earlier in the week concerning one of my favorite topics: “Reality TV” !   A few years ago, Micheal Vick,  one of the most gifted  athletes the NFL has ever seen, was found guilty and CONVICTED  of numerous counts of ANIMAL CRUELTY –  heinous acts of animal cruelty.  These were acts he OPENLY ADMITTED  to.  Now, he went to prison, lost millions  in contract and endorsement  dollars AS  HE SHOULD HAVE.  He’s out of jail now and signed to play for an NFL team this past season.  I will not begrudge the guy’s path to reform, change or the ability to  make a living (even at his trade, a football player).  The problem I have is that he has his own “Reality TV Show. ”  He willl be talking about his path to fortune and fame as an athlete, his downfall and how, as he was growing up,  brutalizing dogs was “just a way of life.”   You know, football, baseball, basketball and…DOG FIGHTING, BEATING TO DEATH, SHOOTING AND DROWNING DOGS THAT  WOULD NOT FIGHT!  Hmmmm, pretty normal behavior to be found anywhere in the US..right?.  Another topic of the show besides Vick re-inventing himself, is  how difficult he finds it to cope with the idea he may not be re-signed next year for 5. something MILLION DOLLARS.  For my part, it’s what people do when no one is watching, no cameras, fan fair or COURT  ORDERED ACTS.  I want to know  what he’s done because of better choices the guy makes in everyday life and the good he does when NOBODY IS WATCHING.  Is a reality tv show the place for that? Why this guy for a show?  How about the thousands that have served our country, survived devastating life-altering tragedies and carry on in everyday life, making good choices, being productive  with no cameras, no federal prison time and no 5 million dollar deal on the table.  Tell me their story. But wait, I  guess those stories don’t make good “Reality TV.”

 Wow, it just hit me…I’m a bit hungry.  What do I want?  I know, I’ll have some CROW.  This will go a bit with the previous paragraph.  Just a day after I  posted my rants and raves of ‘09,  L auren received a call from a REALITY TV PRODUCER/CREATOR.  Brian K Hillard has created a show called “Endurance Warriors.”  The program will involve a number of male and female endurance athletes facing extreme physical tests of  endurance — mind, body, and spirit.  Everything from mt. biking, climbing, trekking, swimming, kayaking, etc., will be included in the  14-18 week odyssey.  They will compete  for their selected charities with other individual bonuses for top-performing athletes.  Just as important will be that Endurance Warriors will feature weekly stories involving individuals who have overcome difficult life challenges using the outdoors, sport, the environment  and their personal, indomitable spirit to keep moving forward.  I am looking forward to being involved.  Check out PUSH Productions and Endurance Warriors on Facebook  and their soon -to-be-up web page. In addition, Brian has an amazing resume in Hollywood as part of the production, special effects and makeup team for movies like; “Letters from Iwo Jima,” “Charlie Wilson’s War,” “Underworld:Evolution,” and many more (google the guy to view his complete resume)  Plus, he is an impassioned  individual that believes in people and what we are capable of…I like that:)  Also. check back here for updates on the show as well as a bit more insight into the role I will have …it’s gonna be fun!

“Bobby, you need to be sponsored by super glue”

                                Author-Tim Parr after I sent him an email concerning some broken ribs I had a while back.

Enjoying my crow…

Bobby

Like most of the West Coast, Winter is in full affect here in Redding.  The last few months, we’ve experienced a bit of a “tease” from Mother Nature with some rain, a few cold snaps and enough snow in the foothills to allow  the local ski resort to open before Christmas.  This was a first in many years and area snow sports enthusiasts are loving it! (Oh, I remember the days of foaming for solid snow pack at Mt. Shasta).  Currently in Redding, the temperature is in the high 40’s, the wind is howling at 25+ mph and the rain is coming down sideways.   Snow levels are low enough to bring a few feet of fresh snow for you boarders, skiers and sledders to play in! Also, the lakes are filling up which bodes well for the spring and summer days ahead.   I’ll admit, with the current weather  conditions,  it can be a challenge to get out on the bike.  Riding in wind like like this is  akin to riding up a hill…a hill that that never ends!   Now, we sometimes face  these conditions but managing the effort involves the idea that we will reach the top.  The wind is often reminds me  of the toughest of days in everyday life when we’d just like to get through it , suffer, get it over with and look  for it to be a bit smoother the next day.  Like banging your head against  a wall:  it only quits hurting when you stop  it LOL!

Tough to think of bicycles or bike racing with the current conditions, however, I start the season off this Sunday with the TBF Kick Start MTB event in Rocklin, Ca.  This will  begin my 2010 odyssey that will culminate with the Tara Llanes DH event sometime in November.  In between, I will be involved in many of the same events and races  such as  The 8 Hours of Boggs, Sea Otter Classic, Shasta Lemurian Classic,  Ashland Spring Thaw, The  Ashland Super D, of course The Downieville Classic XC and DH as well as Crankworxs, Whistler B.C.  In addition, I hope to add a few new adventures including the Pro Super Enduro Series to be held in southern Italy.  This was an event I was headeded to last June  until my pal Chris Scheirholtz (who was to guide and travel with me) , took a bad fall that resulted in a broken collarbone.  The best news is that Chris healed up extremely well and was charging the surf and dirt in no time. The organizer,  Simon Cottati, has given me an open invite  and this race has to be a “must” for me.  Lot’s will be going on in 2010!  I am in the process of updating the new schedule so keep checking in to find out where I might be.  Also, if anyone who checks in here has a fun event that you might think I’d enjoy, give me a shout and let me know…I’m always looking for new adventures with new friends.

While we are speaking of riding adventures this year, I must mention a few new and key players  to the RideBlindRacing Team.  First off, Race Face, www.raceface.com, a leader in cycling components for years  will be lending support my way for 2010.  The name speaks for itself as well as the quality, leading edge gear along with their legacy of helping the sport of mountain biking grow.  Also coming on board will be GoPro, www.GoPro.com.  Without  a doubt, the most recognized name in action sports video technology.  It’s exciting to have the opportunity work with this crew and have the chance  to bring all  of you (and we hope many more) a little different look at extreme sport and life through “my eyes.”  Another leader in the action sports world Smith Optics, www.smithoptics.com, will be handling all of my sun glass and goggle needs this year.  Chopper and Gabe are firm believers in what I do (like everyone else who supports me) and the Brand Smith, well, I need say no more:)  These three  companies are  a great fit with all of my current sponsors and they all can be found on my ”Sponsors” page.

At year’s end of 09, my dear friend Mark Weir, his lovely wife Suzie and their cherished infant strong man, Gus , experienced a tragic house fire that consumed most of their home in Novato.  All escaped injury of any kind. However, I can only imagine the loss of items of personal history and a life together.  Be it in their home (which I have great memories of being a small part of) and the loss of Mark’s personal hope chest of his garage and the many physical memories he had accumulated as a successful,  professional athlete…things never to be recoverred.  THERE ARE NO WORDS MY FRIEND.. Like  many have told you: You are loved, and my heart goes out to you and your family.

I had dinner with a few new friends the other night.  One in the group is facing some very difficult times, but handling these challenges  with the best of attitude, remarkable character, deepest of compassion along with the sagest of wisdom.  When asked by a close friend how she was doing, this young lady professed: “I found the man of my dreams…he just didn’t come in the package I expected.”  Life lessons come from so many places and the opprotunity to take advantage of them are ever-present. We just have to open our hearts and minds to hear them.

Stay warm and dry,

Bobby