Road trippin' with my two favorite allies

Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies

It's time to leave this town

It's time to steal away

Let's go get lost

Anywhere in the U.S.A. -Red Hot Chili Peppers

I just got back from the 2010 Idyllwild Spring Challenge this weekend, and had a killer 3 day road trip in the Team Sho-Air/Specialized rig. I was traveling with my favorite two allies-my wife and our dog Ruby. And just to keep it real, we were loaded down with snacks and supplies! Nothing better than some good food, good drinks and good riding!

I've always liked Idyllwild for a local mountain get away, and the Hurkey Creek venue has some of the best riding around in my opinion. But the 30 mile loop that we raced for Saturday's XC took it to another level.

I'm not one to talk about shredding single track, or getting my vibe on or aligning my Chi with nature, but I must be slipping these days or just getting older, because it was some of the best single track I have ever ridden..period! I caught myself multiple times just basking in the cool sunlight, just carving these pristine trails and soaking in the mountain as it was in full spring bloom! I can't remember in recent memory having that much fun in a race.

It really made me realize from a racers perspective that experience can make or break riding your bike, or at least for me at this stage in life. And when I put my promoter goggles on, I realized that events like these have a good low key vibe that keep people coming back for the experience time and time again. Its what the sport was built on all those years ago, and the Spring Challenge really captured that feel and vibe again.

At the campground the RV was a rider magnet and it opened up some pretty good conversations over the weekend. I had some first time racers drop by for some tips and what to expect on race day, to others wanting there picture taken with the team rig, or how Sid and Max were doing and what were they up to.

On a side racing note, Team rider Manuel Prado nailed the weekend's Pro men's stage and took home his second Idyllwild Spring Challenge Title. He won 2 of the 3 events and flew the flag well for the team…good job Manuel.

Well now its back to reality and back into the office, but it was a nice escape for a few days.

Till next time,

Go road trippin somewhere in the USA.

The Red Cowboy