New home building....

The day started well. We went to an accountant and began working on tax stuff as well as planning for the new year. The day ended event better. Working on the new house. I looked for a long time at buying an RV to tow behind the truck, but continued to note how flimsy and cheap all of them seemed. So I did more research and discovered a number of folks who really decked out a living compartment in the back of a truck. Well I have a truck with a great possibility in it and have begun building it out. Today was foundation and tomorrow will be finish. I will detail it next week. For now the goal was conservation of space to fit 10 Rubbermade containers into the rear of the truck for storage as well as creating storage for cooking and bedding gear. Enjoy the photos and if you get a chance to see the truck I hope it is a representation of American ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Inventory Reduction

My on road steed is for sale on ebay. Check her out and know the purchase of this beautiful ride will contribute to my travels and the expansion of fun on two wheels. So if you think about it, this really is a win-win. She is a wonderful steed.

That kind of day...

Well, I am back from a little family visit in Indy and am trying to catch up on the paper work and preparation associated with this time of the year. Develop work, submit proposals, TAXES...yikes, and make lots of phone calls. But, the best part is yet to come. As some of you may know I am going on the road this year full time. I will be traveling through every region of the country at some point during the year. If you have something potential get in touch. I don't have to be the one that does it, but would love to stop by your site and just look at what you are thinking. Sometimes a sounding board helps you see better. It is when we can capture all of these stimuli that we can have the best product. Experience the art. For now I leave you with the token office shot. Keep an eye on the site as I will be building a mobile home for this year. Craftsmanship is a lifestyle.

PAS Mechanized Training...

First off let me say how nice it is to work with the local folks that know their stuff out of the box. It is always a pleasure ya'll and I can't wait to ride the fruits of your imaginations and hard work.

This weekend I led a Pisgah Area SORBA mechanized trail building training using a bobcat mini excavator. The goals of the weekend were two fold. First, teach the local advocates and trail builders responsible, safe operation of a mini-x to build trail. The second goal was to encourage and excite these same folks about a new project for the club. This particular project was the new Richmond Hill trail system. It is actually a revisit for me, as I worked on the trails back in the late 90's while attending UNCA just across the river.

Saturday was an introduction to the machine for most of the eleven folks who showed up. We worked in the flat confines of the mulch field by the parking lot before getting into the woods and doing a little benching with both the machine and some by hand to allow people to contrast the amount of work, and the level of efficiency that could be achieved. Then, Sunday we just continued the work and produced trail that was 100% as a demonstration for the city of Asheville folks to be able to review and critique. I think they will be blown away.

Their will be a large workday for all locally interested parties on the 7th of Feb. if around, you should go. Here are a few photos of people hard at work and of some of the end results...again, thanks to everyone for a great weekend.

New toys and new trails

New toys...



New trails, full write up to come.

Ice and 60 degrees...

Been a good week, if not a little slow.I rode the new moto quite a bit and then today it finally got above freezing, 30 degrees above. Check out the lake in Bent Creek frozen over. Meanwhile, I was out in shorts and arm warmers. This weekend is a mechanized training for the club. I will get photos up on Monday.

Bent Creek Kinda Weekend...

What an amazing weekend. I spent a lot of time last week trying to get my feet back underneath me after feeling like me and a few fellow trail gurus got the rug pulled out from under us... I feel for you guys, I really do. So I thought how does one escape. A bike ride can start to feel bad in 20 degree weather and ice...so, I went down to R'town and looked at a potential new race venue with a buddy. It was definitely promising, while down there I snapped this rad photo. Enjoy.



Then, on Sunday it was a volunteer day. When in town I like to do my best to help out the local club. Bunch of good folks. Props to Mike D, Shaun and Jerud. I forgot my camera though so had to go back today and get shots before it started snowing. Now it is time to clean the house and watch the white stuff come on down.