FT3 Thrills with Mad Skills

The thrill, excitement and occasional drama of the FT3 outings never cease to amaze. Last night’s ride featured a first of the wildest proportions. Whilst riding along Park Creek road what was first thought to be a deer tracking parallel atop a leftward hillside vantage point was indeed not a deer but rather a large black bear. B’s keen forest eyes were the first to make the determination and call out, immediately the other FT3 riders including Xteric, Cap’n, Ghost and VD halted to a stop. It was at that time that Mr. Bear realized he was among the FT3 riders, not just some pansy weekend warrior group akin to the one’s passed earlier in the ride. Being among the FT3 presence, Mr. Bear decided to show off his sweet MacAskill skills by attempting a backflip off a tree. He made the run up quite well, with an astounding bunny hop, but couldn’t pull the flip off. Instead he impressed us with a bounding leap off the tree and an astonishing acceleration up the hill. We decided at that time that he was more of a climber than a trials master. While the encounter with “Mad Skills” the bear was exhilarating, so too was the anticipation of whether or not VD was going to puke.

The route took us up the qualifier across Park Creek to Hazel Creek Rd. to the Flume. We chose to bail early to the climb by taking the Honk You Dirt Dave cutoff in honor of Bambi’s weird person magnetism. Atop the climb the descent down Wedding March was good, good and dusty, and it was beginning to get dark so we had to ‘shoulder’ those riders who were without lights. We kept checking, and yes, VD was up the rear. Riders, it is time to start bringing lights!

Tacos were good, service fast, Knott Hole was mysteriously empty, and the Cap’n’s Salsa Fresca offering was well received. Matilda or Melinda also made a good showing and the Berzerker made its rounds. The group was collectively pleased that the Pepper Plant and Mezzetta Habi was back in stock. VD made his attempt at earning a hot sauce man card by taking a taste of the Berzerker - the jury is still out. There was a bit of talk about the pending cross season and Ghost’s need for a cross bike. The Knott Hole produced the logo and the FT3 jersey’s will soon be a reality. There was discussion about the blog, unknown and mysterious blog watchers and administrator rights. We pondered whether there are some Swedish chicks regularly reading the blog, and we are sure they are. Might be some paramilitary men as well. Seems there is a movement afoot to allow more posting by the collective creative FT3 mass than just Lars. Apparently the comment field is not cutting it as Xteric at one point was like, “is there more going on on the blog than just the write ups?” Never mind the fact that he is computer challenged. The hidden comment field is keeping some good rider-writers down. It is notable that B showed up with a 12 pack of PBR light on ice, which was well received both before and after the ride.

Until we ride again,
Cap’n

Note from the editor:

I see that there is no appreciation for the hard work involved in a strict blog schedule. I try my best and this is the thanks I receive? I know for a fact several wives frequent the blog, as do some out of town friends, the occasional bike geek, and my family, but if my efforts are not enough...go right on ahead and start a public blog and I will go back to my tri team blog (see April 1st posting for 2009). In all seriousness, I am totally open to input on blog, design, and scheme. My own hesitation to a public blog is just that, it is public (to all FT3 and anyone else)...someone has to start it and take some editorial position. I am not really sure I want to be in charge of a public blog...that might come back to haunt me. Multiple authors can be done...I will look into how many authors you can have without creating an open forum. Until I blog again, Peter Pissy Pants.

FT3 Team Car: We did discuss a team car on the XP ride last week. A few members got really excited about the prospect of a team van...think late 80's Econliner or Astrovan...any ideas.

Best YouTube ever...If the Portland Trip goes we can visit some of the filming locations.


Until we ride again (stop stealing my sign off)
LOtB