Welcome back,

The last few weeks have been busy since my last post. Believe it or not I have been trying to take some time off the bike. You wouldn't believe how difficult this is for me to do! Remarkably enough I have gotten into my strength training full steam while running around the Nashville streets and more often in the beautiful trails of Percy Warner Park. Feeling really good now that I've been off the bike for a few weeks. I will probably regret this though now that I hear of the talk of competition and training for the BEC!

Oh well I will be back on the hefty Liquid for 42 miles of fun this Sunday. I also am bringing a friend along to Murray...yes the dirty German. I am picking up Nina from the airport on Friday so she can come in to hang out with the Murray State squad and go to Collegiate Nats with us in PA. I can't wait.

For now,
Daniel

Weekend of fun from Murray, KY!

Wow is all I can report from this past weekend! Friday started with a 42 degree ride at 4:20 am to work to teach my spin class at 6 am. Felt nice to spin 20 miles through Nashville under clear starry skies and only see 1 car.

Upon reaching Murray Friday night, I rolled directly to the Timmon's residence for a wonderful blackened catfish meal with the Murray State cycling team, which was followed by a bonfire. Wonderful night yet again and the food was remarkable. Luckily I had such a great meal b/c David and I made Saturday ride plans while sitting by the fire that were definitely epic!

Saturday began with a rendezvous at ThrouroughBrewed cafe for a mocha and off to the blessed 31 mi North/South pt-to-pt trail in Land Between the Lakes. Dave and I packed up the Camelbacks and proceeded to ride the 31 mile trail end-to-end and back. A nice 5+ hr day with over 60 miles of mtn biking under our belts. That is the longest mtn bike ride that both of us had ever done. Luckily I had the cush of 5 inches of my Trek Liquid, the latest addition to the bike fleet, to keep me cruisin the day by!

I swore I was going to take it easy on Sunday, but I couldn't resist offering up my knowledge of the rodes surrounding Murray to a few new Murray State cycling team members. And I must say, Landon Loepker, that has only been on a bike since March pushed the pace all day. Whoever is in this kids path better watch out! We hammered out 2:30 on Sunday morning making our way through part of Graves and Marshall counties.

Combine these great rides and quality night life including games of pool and a few pitchers and you have an ideal weekend.

For now,
--Daniel