MTB Rider Blog

Ram Nation

2012-01-26T19:31:00.001-05:00

It's nice to be a part of the VCU Ram Nation! Grad school begins the end of Feb.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Winding Ash Dr,Chesterfield,United States

Family Time 2011

2012-01-01T12:38:00.000-05:00

Pedal To Properties

2011-12-25T12:29:00.000-05:00

I ran across this video of how a local realtor company in Boulder, CO has utilized technology and the passion of cycling to bring house buyers closer to the community.

2011 Cranky Monkey Race #2 Photos

2011-08-13T06:40:00.000-04:00

A couple of photos from the Cranky Monkey race series 2011, race #2 held on 8/6/11 at Schaeffer Farms, Germantown, MD. Photos taken by Swim Bike Run Photography.

This was a fast course!

2011 Cranky Monkey Race #1 Photos

2011-08-08T11:37:00.000-04:00

A couple of photos from the Cranky Monkey race series 2011, race #1 located at Wakefield Park, Annandale, VA. Photos taken by Swim Bike Run Photography.

The downhill switchbacks are a blast, but you have to be careful not to fly out over the top of one!

This was a great climb out of the bowl, the top had some nice rocks to traverse.

2011 Cranky Monkey Race #2

2011-08-07T17:05:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was the second race in the Cranky Monkey mountain bike race series. The race was held at Schaeffer Farms in Germantown, MD. The trails are fast with a lot of action! This is a post race photo of my Anthem X29. I placed 23rd out of 39 with a time of 1:03.

2011 Cranky Monkey Race #1

2011-07-24T20:42:00.002-04:00

Today was the first race in the Cranky Monkey mountain bike race series held at Wakefield Park. I placed 22nd out of 42 with a time of 1:20.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Winding Ash Dr,Chesterfield Court House,United States

Official Bridge Day 2011

2011-06-04T10:46:00.000-04:00

There is a crazy festival in West Virginia that I'd like to try and attend.
Official Bridge Day 2011 Information | Bridge Day October 15th 2011

Remember This Memorial Day

2011-05-27T00:11:00.001-04:00

As we awake to the calmness of dawn tomorrow morning to begin the Memorial Day weekend, take a moment to think back on the conflicts our country has been envolved in, and the number of soldiers who have been lost. The freedom each of us enjoy and express everyday comes at the ultimate sacrifice that the men and women of our military have and continue to make. So as we look forward to pools, grills, friends, and family this weekend - remember why we celebrate. Just take a moment to say thank you... - Happy Memorial Day!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Chesterfield, VA

MTB Sessions Pt 1

2011-05-20T19:31:00.000-04:00

Anthem X 29er 3 (2011) - Bikes | Giant Bicycles | United States

2011-05-20T18:37:00.000-04:00

Anthem X 29er 3 (2011) - Bikes | Giant Bicycles | United States

New Tires

2011-05-20T15:09:00.000-04:00

Picked up a set of Specialized Captain Control 2Bliss 29x2.00 tires for my Anthem 29er from Conte's Bike. Go see Charles if you want to get a good deal and awesome customer service!

2011 Giant Anthem X29

2011-05-11T19:48:00.000-04:00

Looking at trading in my 2011 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp for a 2011 Giant Anthem X29.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Richmond, Virginia

2011 Muddy Buddy at Pocahontas State Park

2011-05-01T18:14:00.000-04:00

I posted some pics on my Flickr site from today's Muddy Buddy race at Pocahontas State Park:

S)(OOTS

2011-04-25T19:25:00.002-04:00

Can't wait to get my S)(OOTS T-Shirt from the Clark Little Gallery in Laguna, CA!

Check out Clark Little's site http://www.clarklittlephotography.com/ for some incredible photos!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Winding Ash Dr,Chesterfield Court House,United States

Shimano M161G Shoes

2011-04-22T15:01:00.000-04:00

I just picked up a pair of Shimano M161G mountain bike shoes. I plan on putting them through their paces tomorrow.

James River Park System - Belle Island

2011-04-15T10:44:00.000-04:00

The second installment in my JRPS tour, this video I shot using my ATC9K HD camera while ridding around Belle Island, which is part of the JRPS trail system in downtown Richmond. There are a few more sections I didn't ride, but I'll add the rock garden the next time I head back. For now, sit back and enjoy...

James River Park System - North Trail

2011-04-14T15:37:00.000-04:00

This is a video I shot using my ATC9K HD camera while ridding the North Trail, which is part of the JRPS trail system in downtown Richmond. More videos of the rest of the trail system to follow. Hope you enjoy them!

New Helmet Coming Home

2011-03-09T15:18:00.004-05:00

I've been on the hunt for a camo helmet for the past two years and have not been able to ever find one in my size. That is until now, thanks to Specialized and Conte's of Richmond bike shop in Richmond, VA. The Vice Helmet will be in my hands by the weekend...

It's been several years since I've ever found a bike shop that treats its customers like friends, even if you don't drop money in the shop that visit. They ALWAYS take the time to answer questions, squeeze in a quick adjustment, etc. These guys really get it done and they are the only Specialized bike dealer around that I'll deal with!

M-F 10-7, Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5

8818 W Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23294
Phone: 1-804-935-0500

Colorado Sessions Trailer

2011-01-23T08:49:00.002-05:00

This is a trailer that I made with iMovie 11 of my snowboarding trip to Colorado this year with my oldest son.

Mary Jane Resort - Colorado 2011

2011-01-18T13:38:00.003-05:00

Cody and I getting ready for a day of snowboarding at Mary Jane Resort in Colorado.

Snowboarding Sessions

2011-01-17T16:03:00.001-05:00

Headed to Colorado for a week to get some snowboarding sessions in. It was an EPIC trip! Hit up Mary Jane and Copper Mountain. Photos and video will be coming soon.

New Helmet Cam

2010-10-07T13:51:00.002-04:00

My new Oregon Scientific ATC9K action video camera arrived yesterday! I'm going to perform some testing and get it setup then I'll be ready to post up videos.

ATC9K HD All Terrain Video Action Camera (ATC9K) :$200-$300: Price: Oregon Scientific

2010-09-29T14:27:00.000-04:00

Just ordered one!
ATC9K HD All Terrain Video Action Camera (ATC9K)

My Friend's Trip to France

2010-09-29T08:18:00.000-04:00

For The Dads!

2010-09-25T08:31:00.003-04:00

There is no doubt that the web is full of great information for mothers, but what about us dads? For a long time I've always felt that the world has fathers locked into the traditional role of the "provider". With the current state of the economy and relationships in the U.S. more fathers now than ever are the primary care giver (41% according to a recent CNN poll) in their child's life.

As the economy continues it's current trend more father's have begun creating blogs and various websites designed to bring us together in order to provide a comfortable place to voice their concerns and get help. Many of us don't have a model to follow, the times have changed, so must we in order to provide a sound base for our children.

I've pulled together a list of informative links below. My hope is that fathers and those who know fathers would pass this information along to them.

http://www.greatdad.com/

http://www.dadlabs.com/

http://thedadvocateproject.com/

http://www.digitaldads.com/

http://daddyclaxton.com/

http://manofthehouse.com/

Douthat State Park

2010-09-15T08:34:00.001-04:00

Putting together a ride trip to Douthat State Park for Saturday. Hoping to bring the camera and post up pics after the trip.

2011 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp

2010-08-26T15:15:00.003-04:00

Here are some pics of my new 2011 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp:

BOOST Fitness Ventures

2010-03-23T22:12:00.001-04:00

BOOST Fitness

2010-03-23T22:10:00.002-04:00

My Mac World

2010-03-14T07:46:00.003-04:00

It's been about a month now that I've had my first MacBook Pro, and I have to say that I like this platform MUCH better than a PC!

The Pumphouse in Richmond, VA

2009-09-05T23:44:00.005-04:00

I went to the Pumphouse located in Richmond, VA today with a photography group. It was a great time, GREAT history lesson! It just amazes me time and time again just how much history is in my back door. These are just a few of the photos from the shoot. You can see these and many other photos on my Flickr site.

Summer Wrap Up

2009-09-04T20:05:00.003-04:00

I've recently been working with lighting, shapes, and angles with my photography. Recently I was in Washington D.C. for a couple of days and took a lot oh photos. These are a few of my favorites, hope you enjoy them!

Lightroom 2

2009-01-13T19:44:00.002-05:00

I've been working on photography with my Nikon D100 and Lightroom 2.

Twisted Tire Race - Spring 2008

2008-04-24T08:49:00.003-04:00

A few pictures from the race, as you can see if was not a dry day!

B-Day Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-06T19:42:00.002-04:00

Today my son Devin turned 10! We got him a Wii and a few other things. His party was at a skate place and about ten of his friends came to it. I can't begin to say how proud of Devin I am. He continues to make the honor roll, and recently he made the math hall of fame at his school. Even though it has rained the past three days, today was a great day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ride Time

2008-04-03T13:31:00.002-04:00

Not much to say, rode Poor Farm today after work for about 1 1/2 hours. I started out a little rough not really wanting to be out, but that quickly changed once the group took off. At the end though I hit my pace and it felt really good. Switching back to my Specialized Hard Rock was a good idea. The bike feels really good, especially in the turns, climbs, and especially in the corners.

Carbon Dreams

2008-03-11T14:19:00.003-04:00

A guy can dream can't he?

Kestrel Edge Carbon Mountain Bike Frame FSR

What the Fork?

2008-02-27T19:13:00.002-05:00

I've been looking for a fork to upgrade on my mountain bike, and today I found it! Not the top level fork, but this will give me much better gains than what I'm currently using. Not too bad for Ebay!

Oakley

2008-02-25T15:51:00.003-05:00

Not much going on, trying to get back to cycling after the winter layoff and it's been VERY difficult. We went to Williamsburg yesterday and the wife surprised me with this laptop bag. Man am I lucky!

Sunday Afternoon in Richmond

2008-01-29T15:06:00.000-05:00

I went to downtown Richmond last Sunday to shoot some pictures with my Nikon D100. I was a cold and partly sunny day so there was a lot of different types of light to work with. This is my favorite one...

2003 Jetta 1.8T

2008-01-20T18:59:00.000-05:00

Last Friday we had to purchase a new car since the motor finally gave out in our 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. It was a good car and served us well, but this new car is SMOKIN'!

2007 AFC Championship

2008-01-20T13:45:00.000-05:00

GO CHARGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year

2008-01-16T20:23:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted anything since my last race, so Happy New Year to everyone! I am no longer working for Northrop Grumman Information Technology. I started working for Bon Secours Health Systems, Inc. as a Citrix Engineer. The motor in one of our cars blew yesterday and so we are on the hunt for a new ride.

Poor Farm Fall Cup 2007 Update

2007-10-18T08:20:00.000-04:00

Chiropractic Centers of Virginia Race Team

Making up time and gaining spots!

Hitting the open field to complete the first lap.

Back into the woods for the second lap.

2007 Poor Farm Fall Cup

2007-10-15T10:22:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the 2007 Poor Farm Fall Cup in Ashland, VA. I raced and came in 9th with lap times of 42.22 for each lap. The La Mans start was disappointing, since I was in front until someone stepped on my left shoe and it came off. After finding it and getting to my bike I was towards the back of the pack. Thankfully I was able to gain ground after the second mile and really seperate on the second lap. Jeremiah Bishop from the Trek Racing Team was there with the team GTI. Very cool guy, signed posters and made time for all.

Belle Isle

2007-06-02T15:25:00.000-04:00

So I went for a nice 8 mile ride today around Belle Isle, which if you are not from here is across the James River from downtown Richmond. This was a great ride, the weather was just prime! I'm entered to race the mountina bike XC portion of the Xterra games on June 16th. While I was out getting some trail time in, I ran across a mate from Wales training for trials. He just turned pro this year and has some major skills.

Poor Farm Ride Update

2007-04-19T10:47:00.000-04:00

I rode the Poor Farm race route last night after work and it was a BLAST! Thanks to Scott and Michael for showing the way it was a very cool ride. One lap is 6.3 miles and my heat will require two laps. I think that everyone will really dig the layout of the course!

A wise primate once said, "In life if you have to be a monkey, don't be a BUTT MONKEY!".

Colorado MTB Trip 2006

2007-04-17T16:09:00.000-04:00

This was a little video I put together from a trip I took to Colorado last year.

Poor Farm Friday Ride

2007-04-16T10:43:00.000-04:00

Friday afternoon I was able to ride Poor Farm Park for the first time. This trail was a REAL BLAST! The trail could have been marked better so riders such as myself could tell which way to ride it, but it was a good discovery.

My first race of this year will be at Poor Farm Park this Sunday.

Ride Time

2007-04-13T09:12:00.000-04:00

I really need to get back to ridding more! I found miles of trails behind my house. This was after a seven mile loop, which could have turned into twenty had I turned the wrong way.

I'm heading out today to ride Poor Farm in Ashland, VA. There is a race there in ten days and it looks like it will be a BLAST!

Sorry For The Delay!

2007-01-18T19:10:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the vanishing act, I couldn't find my way back to the magicians hat! Now that I'm back I've realized that I ended up in Chesterfield, Virginia which is next to Richmond. We just sold our house and will be closing on 2/9/07. I will be back in town the week leading up to the closing. This is going to be a HUGE move for the family and I. I haven't moved anywhere since moving to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1995. I've met some GREAT and not so great people. This past year I began ridding my mountain bike after a very long layoff. I want to thank all the riders in Lincoln and Omaha that made me feel welcome. I'll miss shredding up the trails with you guys and OSO! Thanks to the Monkeys at the Wrench and the crew at Cycle Works for all their help getting me rolling!

This is our new house that we will now call home...

These are some pictures from one of the trails at Pocahontas State Park. I recently met up with a couple that Adventure Races here and they are building more trails in the park which I'll be helping with.

Quick How-Do From CO

2006-09-04T00:20:00.000-04:00

Just a real quick hello to all. I'm still in Colorado but driving back to Lincoln tomorrow afternoon, but not until I get one more trail ridden! Just a few shots of the trip, I'll post more after it's over...

Back to Colorado for Labor Day!

2006-08-28T21:14:00.000-04:00

Wel it's time again to hit Colorado! I'm heading out Thursday after the kids are out of school. Yes I am taking them out of school Friday to ride in Coloroado. I'll have plenty of pictures once again, hopefully not of me crashing on rocks!

Colorado Adventure

2006-08-03T09:51:00.000-04:00

WOW!!!!!!!!!! My first three day trip to go mountain biking in Colorado was a life dream come true! The view that I was blessed with was nothing less than stunning. I'll be writting a short story about my adventures at Lair of the Bear, Walker Ranch, and Breckenridge. For now enjoy these pictures...

For the profile, a little pop-out, had to hit that about four times!

Rocky Mountain High!

"The most EPIC 7 miles of single track...", says the bike shop employee to the two strangers. He was wrong, it was 8!

The climb NEVER ended...

Final day, heading back from Frisco, thanks to my buddy Mike (former Lincoln Native) for the kickin' weekend! Red Rocks next time!!!

Did I say that this NEVER ended...

XC Race - Lewis & Clark

2006-05-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

MTB Rider Blog
Well it's off to the races tomorrow for the XC race at Lewis & Clark. I rode the trail last Monday and yesterday, but bailed before Cornbread broke it up. Dude you are the great motivator! Thanks for all the encouragement. I'll see you and the crew up on the hill!

New Parts

2006-05-18T14:53:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the guys at Monkey Wrench I was able to get a new cassette, rear der, stem, and crankset before the race on Saturday. GREAT job guys! Take care of that leg Nate.

Platte Battle Royale

2006-05-13T22:41:00.000-04:00

I survived my first race! Never racing before I wasn't sure what to expect, so this was a real mental challange. I was able to complete three laps and debated on the fourth, but I knew my body wasn't going to make it. I took some pictures between breaks.

folks from lincoln

2006-05-10T22:13:00.000-04:00

folks from lincoln
I wanted to send a thanks to everyone on the ride last night. All of you make it a little easier to ride! I'm looking forward to this weekends events at the Platte.

MTB Rider Blog

2006-05-10T22:10:00.000-04:00

MTB Rider Blog
Recovering from the Tuesday night ride with the Monkey Wrench Crew and folks. WOW! There was a NICE turn out.

Just Me

2006-05-10T12:28:00.000-04:00

It's just me.

Newbie

2006-05-08T12:18:00.000-04:00

This is my first run for blogs, so please excuse the mess.