Everything needs a beginning

Decided it was time to start up a new blog dedicated to my cycling and hiking/backpacking efforts and adventures. In 2007 I made some major decisions that affected my physical way of life and even decided to challenge myself in ways that others thought I was nuts (they were right to some extent). After taking up cycling starting in January 2007 (technically it was October 2006, but didn't get going till 2007) I had one goal, to complete a century; my target was the Tierra Bella tour, but as anyone who road the 2007 edition of the TB knows it was a miserable monsoon (I didn't finish as a result, but believe I could have).

Though the circumstances are a little confusing, I ended up signing up for the 2007 Death Ride and figured I would train to be able to complete 2 passes. Though I needed a LOT more training, I still managed to train hard enough to be capable of completing 3 passes in 2007...now the goal is all 5 in 2008! Will continuing posting my training results as we move closer and closer to the Death Ride (July 12, 2008).

In 2007 I also spent 7 days backpacking the Emigrant Wilderness with my high school buddy Donald (pictures). Several additional trips are planned for 2008, including another visit to the Emigrant in August. Will also go back and hike Half Dome once again (first time was Aug 2007).

2008 here I come!!!