New School Year Starts

Today was the first for the new school year. This marks my 21st year teaching and 10th year teaching overseas.

I had a good summer break. My visit back home to New Mexico was great, but of course did not get to see everyone I wanted to see and do all I wanted to do. Never did get to do the backyard BBQ for my mom...she was real disappointed. I need to make that up to her.

Tania and I didn't get to go on our trip to Dominica, because its like going to the moon. Very remote. We hope we are only putting it on hold till Christmas.

Hopefully will be picking up on the blogging again. Things are getting crazy here in Venezuela. Today the Mitsubishi automobile plant was forced to close. I'll put a link here to one of my favorite blogs so you can get an idea of how things are shaping up in the country. Nuts!

Tumba de Bello y El Morro

This was the most enjoyable past couple days since getting back to Venezuela. We rode Saturday at a place called Tumba de Bello in Barcelona. Its basically a hill in the middle of the city...an island surrounded a sea of barrios. I don't go there alone.

It was a mix of full-suspension...

...and free-ride bikes...

Riding consisted of a steep downhill against a wall...

...a tricky, bumpy off-camber downhill...

...and some trail riding with X-country hardtail bikes...

...on jungly trails...


I rode everything on my rigid single speed...


*****
On Sunday we rode El Morro as usual. It was a lot of fun. I was feeling pretty good. I climbed pretty well.

We rode up and down the Fausto...

We descended down the Babylonia...

...rode back into town...

...and I had a little fun with the camera...

****
BTW, I'm loving the new carbonfiber fork!

The Signal Peak Trail Downhill, Gila Nat. Forest

Here's a cool video shot by J. Hempell, co-owner of Gila Hike & Bike. This is the Signal Peak trail in the Gila National Forest, about 14 miles north of Silver City. Trail drops for 2 3/4 miles, from the USFS look-out tower at 9,000 ft, and finishes at NM 15 about at 7,000 ft. J is riding a state-of-the-art Trek Fuel EX 9.9 with lots of suspension travel. Gila Proven! Yeehaw!

Pop...Pop...Pop

Yesterday morning I was getting ready to go for a bike ride...I was filling my Camelbak bladder at our water jug-thingie, slightly stooped over, when I felt a distinctive "pop...pop...pop" in my lower back just above my pelvis. Immediately my legs almost gave out, but I was able to keep standing. After a few moments, I was able to straighten back up but had awful pain in my lower back. Still in my bike kit, I crawled back to bed and lay down. I ended up taking 2 ibuprofen (400 mg each), and about 2 hrs later, 2 more ibuprofen...which finally started taking some of the pain (and swelling?) away. I lay in bed most of the day. I did end up being semi-productive where I did order new drivetrain parts for the Merlin (singlespeed chainring, chain(s), and singlespeed cog) which will be shipped Next-Day Air to Daniel's townhouse in Houston. [BTW: I should have bought these parts while in the USA.] Daniel is returning to VE on Saturday morning.

Today my back is still sore, but not as bad as yesterday, so I feel I will be okay. Getting up and about today.

A Dark Day In Venezuela

Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe.
Thomas Jefferson

My Photos are on Cannondale's Website

My photos are on Cannondale's website.
Click here.