this space for rent

Yep turned 30 yesterday, not much to report about that other than my drivers liscense says I'm another year older.  Started the day by sleeping in, at least until the phone started ringing about 8:00, so much for that idea.  Awake now, I got up and made some coffee and breakfast, then spent about the next two hours talking to folks in the cycling industry about what it takes to find an in with an employer (nothing quite like working on your birthday huh?)  About the time that I hung up the phone w/ Dave from Thomson I noticed that I was about an hour late to meet Code Red and HodgearamaIhatebasetrainingandcan'twaittoripthelegsoffofthefirstbusloadofunsuspectingnunsandchildren out at the College to ride.  By the time I got there Cody had already finished his ride and taken off, so Hodge and I set off on the race course w/ the idea to head over to Chicoppee, it's a tradition of mine to ride there on my actual birthday.
  So we're riding along and doing what we always do, talk smack about anything and everyone and I bring up how I'm sick of listening to folks complain about the lack of traction that leaves bring this time of you.  To be totally honest, I haven't had any problems w/ traction issues on the bike this year, I've got my tire selection and air pressures dialed in and like I've always said good cornering skills go a long way in any type of terrain.  Anyway, no sooner had I made that comment than the front wheel washes out on me in a downhill right turn and there I find myself seperated from my bike and making my own path towards the earth.  Picking myself up I do what comes natural to me and thats pop right back up and hop on the bike (old baseball habit, probably should learn to make sure Im not injured before doing this but old habits die hard) look back at Hodge and say "well Karma can be a real bitch huh?"  I think Hodge is still laughing about that, wait let me check his Blog....... Yep, he's still laughing.  Check it out, http://velomech.livejournal.com/
  The rest of the day was pretty dull by most peoples standards, opened the shop for Hodge since he wanted to run home for a shower before heading in.  Oh yeah, that's after I had to go pick him up and run him to the gas station b/c he had let the fiddy eight run out of gas.  Let me tell you how that conversation went...
Hodge: Hey dood, you still at the college?
Me: yeah man, sup?
Hodge: think you can come get me, I'm out of gas.
Me: Out of gas?  Pushing the needle a lil too far?
Hodge: yeah, well ya know, just come get me punk.

  So after that, w/ the shop open and Hodge there to run the day to day I helped out on a few bikes then headed for home to meet the folks for dinner at Seasons 52, pretty cool place.  All the entrees on the menu are under 475 calories and are a normal sized portion.  I hate heaping plates of food b/c it's so ingrained in my subconscious to not stop eating until the plate is just the way it looked before someone put food on it, b/n that and my no beer left unfinished rule gives you a good explaination for my chiseled physique.
  Anyway, that's about all the excitement that's going on round these parts.  Urban ride tonight and then get ready for Saturday's sufferfest w/ Clem.  We're going to ride from Smyrna to Cedartown and back on the Silver Comet trail, the original plan was to go for 200 miles, but we're going to shorten this one to somewhere between 150 and 175 miles.  Gotta get back home to get ready for the 3rd annual PBC&Pebbles bOday party.  Hope things are all well in your worlds and you're getting plenty o' ride time in.
POAS
Matt-

...... and yes I laughed, but still can't stand that song.
 Funny how no matter how much time I have off from work it never seems like enough to get all the things done I want to.  For the first time in as long as I can remember I actually had a decent Thanksgiving holiday.  You see usually there's so much stress associated w/ any holiday in my family that it ends up taking all the joy out of it for me.  The big reason that the holidays like the Fourth of July and Halloween are some of my favorite ones is because the spirit of the day is centered around enjoyment.  Thanksgiving day started with me being able to sleep in, while that doesn't sound like much you have no idea how big of a deal that is to someone whos day starts before the birds starts singing and picks up speed from there.  After cooking some coffee (Jittery Joes) and some breakfast, I made my way down to pick up my Grandmother in Decatur.  Mama Katie is 85 years old, and pretty much the last link that I have to my family as I remember it from growing up, I need to explain that my parents are still alive and together (something I'm very grateful for) but my Grandmother is the last tie I have to her side of the family since my Grandfather died a few years back.  Anyway, on the way out to my parents place we chatted about how family members are doing and she gave me the update on whos had kids/ gotten married/ move/ died/ taken new jobs etc., basically what my family considers gossip.  One of the things I like the most about my Grandmother is that she doesn't say bad things about people no matter how she feels about them, she's a living example of if you don't have something nice to say...... well I guess I didn't exactly inherit that trait from her as I can talk trash w/ the best of 'em, something I learned from my Grandpa and pro wrasslin' as a kid.  I should tell you that I had one of the coolest Grandpas and was very lucky to have him in my life, there's all kinds of stories about Papa Lynn, but the thing I remember most is that my Grandpa never met a stranger.  Even now when I visit the old neighborhood, people still remember him and my Grandmother and wish they'd never left. 
One of the best stories I ever heard about him was that he had once gone to buy some groceries from the corner store, and back then the neighborhood wasn't as nice as it is today (they lived in what is now called the Virginia Highlands) well he used to carry a small .38 with him in those days and as he was paying for the milk he pulled the pistol out and set it on the counter to count the change that was in the same pocket.  He paid for the milk and started walking home when the clerk called the police who picked him up on the way home for firearms charges.  Well by the time they got down to the station to pick him up he had everyone in the station listening to him tell stories as he sat behind the Captains desk.  As far as I know they didn't even bother to book him on any charges and he walked out with a warning.  I miss him a lot these days, and just like whenever anyone passes I regret that we didn't have more time to spend together while he was alive.  Trust me had they had mountain bikes when he was my age, the guy would have been a bad ass.
   So Thanksgiving day was actually great, my whole imediate family was there including my baby brother and his wife Crystal, they got married this year in Charleston in a beautiful beach ceremony.  I don't say it enough but I'm really proud of him, he's the first of the three brothers to get graduate college and get married, and he's doing really well in South Carolina.  
  Had some really good rides over the weekend at Raccoon Mtn and then at Chicoppee on Saturday w/ none other than the BODfather.  I've never had a bad ride w/ BODfather, he's one of those guys that just makes you happy being around him.
  Davis left for his weeklong cruise today, so I've got the run of the place to myself for a week.  I did the first thing anyone in my situation would do, clean the hell out of this place then ride the trainer for an hour and do a core workout since it was raining.  Well Family Guy is on and calling my name, so I'm out like a trout.  Hope everyone had a good holiday and got some riding in.
POAS
Matt-

I just heard from the man himself, Guitar Ted confirmed that I'm number 95 of 100 riders for the fourth version of the Trans Iowa race! http://transiowa.blogspot.com/  if you don't know anything about this event, check it out here.  Time to start figuring out what kind of gearing that I want to run for 300 + miles and 24 + hours.   VIVA LA GRAVEL!


 Hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving, see y'all in the dirt.
POAS
matt-

Everyone should be as lucky to have a weekend like the one I just had.  Friday night after a stressful day at the office, I drove out to Braselton to pick up my Turner.  Hodge had rebuilt the Fox fork again (we used a little too much oil last time and blew out the seals) and tuned the rest of the bike up and had it running like a streamlined butterfly.  We grabbed some dinner at the chinese restaurant next door and talked about the shop and the upcoming race season and how we're going to lay waste to our competitors.  So after a conversation like that there's really only two things you can do, go out and rip the legs off of the first person to step up and challenge you, or go home and watch the 300.  Since no one was around and feeling froggy and Hodge is in base training I had to opt for the later, and a few Miller High Lifes before bed.
  Sat morning came early and I had to haul ass to Bam Bam's place to catch a ride up to Chattaboogie for my birthday ride at Raccoon Mountain.  We're at T minus nine days and counting until my 30th birthday and last saturday was the best day for everyones schedule to celebrate.   It was also my first time to the new trails that Sorba Chattanooga has built there, and DAMN! did they ever do a great job.  The trail is just sick, plain and flat out sick.  Tons of flow, great climbs and it feels like theyve taken all of my favorite trails and tried to combine them into one.  My friend Trey Commander was on hand to give us the guided tour, as was Bam  Rusty (Iridetitus) Al. Cyclesmith, Badge (Cathy) Pebbles, Plain and Peanut and out suprise guests Raja and Mama, one look around the parking lot and I could tell this was going to be a good day.

I won't bore you w/ a lengthy trail report, only tell you that if you haven't been up there yet, then you need to go soon.  It's well worth the trip, as was the trip over to Sticky Fingers for the post ride b-day meal.  You can check out more pics from the day here, http://picasaweb.google.com/ridebikes.drinkbeer/PBCSBirthdayRide  Thanks for playing photog on the ride Al.   I'm going to be doing some riding this week, but haven't really made any plans just yet.  Figured that I'd play it by ear and just try to have fun.  Postcards in the mail for my Trans Iowa IV registration, hopefully I get in VIVA LA GRAVEL!  Talked to Mista Krista last night, don't want to jinx it but I think the superstar of the RV is going to have some pretty huge sponsorship backing her this year.  Way to go Krista, kick some ass next year!  Aight folks, time to get some work done 'round these parts while there's still time.  If I don't hear from ya, have a happy thanksgiving.
POAS
Matt-

Cold, not the I'm sick and don't want anyone around me kind of cold.  But the brrrrr I'm going to need another layer to stay warm kinda cold.  The weather that I've been hoping for finally got here yesterday, and I couldn't be happier about that.  I love this time of year, the leaves changing colors, sliding on an old winter coat that's been waiting for you all summer long, your breath hanging in the air as you breath out like smoke. these things all just feel right to me.  One of the things that I like the most though is that the trails seem to call to me that much more this time of year, gone are the weekend warriors and the noobs, gone are the fair weather riders and the dog walkers, gone are crowded parking lots.   I like the fact that I'm not only willing but excited to go out and ride when most others are happy to stay at home and wait for warmer weather.  Riding when it's cold is like riding in the rain for me, which is another thing that I really like to do.  It cleanses the soul, it has this feeling of compressing whatever it is that is bothering you and turning the volume way down on it and making you realize how much you enjoy this.  My best rides have always been on days where others would have hung up their bikes rather than strap on a helmet.
  Last night we had a small turn out for the Thurs. Urban ride, Bam Speedy and myself were the only regulars w/ two new folks showing up Emily and her friend Mario.  Both pretty strong riders and very enthusiastic to be out there riding trails that they had no idea were there.  I really like it when new riders show up on this ride b/c it's great to see the light turn on inside their heads when they see there are other things to ride out there than groomed trail and road.  I keep coming back to this ride not only b/c I like it but b/c it makes me a better rider every time I take to the route.  I see something new every week on it, and try to remember everything that is there so I can try something different next week.
  The ride started with a trip over to Morning side trails, which is a newer section of trail that we've been trying to incorporate into the ride but having some trouble finding the best way to get there.  We were hoping to meet up w/ Rob and Aimee and a special guest Gene Hamilton, however our schedules didn't line up and we never did see them.  We managed to get in the new trail plus half of the old route up to Emory, just before the coast off section, before we had to turn back towards the beer.  Bam Bam gave Mario a shot of SoCo from his water bottle under the ruse that it was water when we got over towards frat row at Emory.  Apparently from what Emily told us Mario doesn't really drink anymore and a little goes a long way in his bloodstream.  Well you would have thought that it was Popeye on spinach the way this guy came to life.  He was gone waaaaaay of the front riding hard and whooping even without a light to show the way.  Eventually we caught up to him when he got to an intersection and wasn't sure which way to go, I'm pretty sure that that given a long enough road w/out direction options we'd have never seen Mario again!
 


Anyway, we're taking a break from the ride next Thurs since it's Thanksgiving, but I hope they and some of the other regulars come out again.
  Birthday ride at Raccoon tomorrow, 30 is closing in fast!  I really don't care about turning 30, it's just another number to me and I still feel much younger so I'm pretty apathetic about the whole matter.  I am looking forward to seeing my Chattaboogie friends and getting my hands on some Yazzoo brew, and of course checking out some new trail.  Ride hard and stay warm this weekend folks, I'll catch up w/ ya on monday
POAS
Matt-

Sorry no music and song opener for this entry, not really in the mood for coming up w/ anything today.  To be honest, I've been wanting to write more here, but not finding the time or the inspiration to do so as of late.  Between working a normal 9-5 (which in my case is a 7:15 - 5:30 most days) then working a night job 2-4 nights a week, and trying to do things that I actually enjoy like riding a bike or making music....... well since we're just being honest here, I'm done.  I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired (song lyric there, points if you can name it and the artist) and I'm ready for a change in a major way.  Tomorrow marks my two year anniversary w/ my current company and looking back on two years I really don't have much to show for it.  I've made money and gained knowledge yes, but I feel like I've begun to work to live instead of the other way around again.  Last time I was in a situation, I took a leap of faith and I unburdoned myself from the job that was bringing me down.  I had reached a cross roads in my life and I chose the path that felt the most right at the time, I feel as if I've come to another one of those turning points in my life.
  It reminds me of the Robert Frost poem The Road Not Taken, as interpreted by David Wilcox - TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,and sorry I could not travel both and long I stood and stood I longed and standing still for longer still, still standing still!  Looking down one as far as I could, but then the other just as fair and back the way I came over there looks pretty good too.  I could have all three if I stayed right here, I could have all three potentially.....   I wouldn't have to move at all would I?  Oh but then I would wake up and still be in the same situation I am in right now, only I would have lost even more of the best years of my life.  So travel on I will and move onwards I shall as all the long roads are getting shorter at the far end.
POAS
Matt-

i'm a living sunset
lightning in my bones
push me to the edge
but my will is stone

fools will be fools
and wise will be wise
but i will look this world
straight in the eyes

....that is the motto I'm adopting for this winters "training" which is to say that I'm actually going to do something that resembles training.  Usually I just ride as much as I can as often as I can and with as many people as I can to keep things interesting.  Last season was a wash due to some collar bone relocations that I thought were necessary to add to my ever growing collection of scars and broken bones.  Now I know what most of you are thinking, "But Matt you already kick ass, why do you feel the need to train?"  Well I'll tell you why, because while it is true that I wake up every morning and breathe excellence and then set about to kicking ass for the rest of my day, there are still arenas of racing that I have yet to kick ass in.
  So what does one do when they've made the decision to kick ass at everything?  Well you start off by joining up with the most ass kicking team ever to lay tire to dirt, which is exactly what I've done.  That's right folks Team Addictive Cycles just got one more smack talking, hard ridin, hard drinkin, put you into the wall at a moments notice and kick ass at every chance rider....Me.  So once you join up w/ the most ass kickin team in all the land, what do you do next?
  Well you go out and find someone who knows more about kickin ass and winning races than anyone else.  You find someone who's base level heart rate is faster than a hummingbird and who's max heart rate can't be calculated on conventional testing equipment.  You go out and you find Nathan O'neil, that's what you do and you beg for him to show you the secrets to gaining a fourth degree black belt in kickyoassfoo'!
 when you can snatch the pebble from my hand......

..... and that's just the beginning.  Wait until you see this team roll to the starting line, it's going to be a hell of a season.

  So now that I've gotten that out of my system, let me tell you about another guy who kicks ass evey time he sets foot on a stage.  Ben Harper, and Friday night I went to go see him at the Fabulous Fox theater.  No pictures of the show 1) I wasn't certain they were going to allow me to bring a camera in and 2) I freakin hate it when people do that at shows.  It's on the same level as talking during the performance about anything other than the performance or worse yet talking on a cell phone.  There were two guys chatting up a freakin storm in front of me throughout the first half of Ben's set, yaking away about some business deal at work and the new receptionist and how nice her body was and what he'd like to do when his wife wasn't looking.  F'in weak.  So I waited until my concert companion decided to go grab another beer and once she was out of ear shot I tapped the guy on the shoulder.  He turns around, I say hi he gives me a whats up, and I ask him... "So you've seen Ben before?"  he responds with "Oh yeah man this is like my 5th show."  "Wow, that's awesome" I say, "Did you talk all the way through those shows too?"  He shoots me a look that told me he didn't appreciate that, but I didn't really care at that point. 
  It reminded me of a Black Crowes show that my room mate Davis and I went to.  It was on Chris and Rich Robinson's Brother's of a Feather tour, totally stripped down just the two brothers with their guitars, definitely a once in a lifetime kinda performance.  So this girl is on her cell phone all night long, right behind us during that show.  Chris and Rich were amazing that night so we tried to tune her out.  Finally show ends and she hangs up her cell, Davis taps her shoulder and asks, "Hey, could I get your number?"  She looks over at her boyfriend she was with as if to ask what the hell is wrong w/ this guy?  She looks back and asks, "Why?"  Davis lets loose with "Because the next time I want to pay $50 dollars to listen to someone talk through a concert I want to make sure I've got your number!"  The boyfriend bursts out into laughter, that was a quality dude.  I'm hoping that he found a better girl since then.
  Anyway, had a good weekend riding both on the road and in the dirt.  Been falling short on the blog as of late, works been a nightmare and I'm in the market to make a change.  Hope to see everyone this weekend at the Middle Ga Festival w/ SORBA. 
POAS
Matt-

Just called to let you know
I think about you every night
When I'm here alone
And you're there at home
Hello......


sorry for the lack of communication round here lately folks, been a really stressful but eye opening week for me.  Got lots of stories to tell and updates to tell all of you about.

BIG NEWS....
Registration for TIVIV is up as of today.  Read more here, http://transiowa.blogspot.com/

Urban ride tonight, see y'all in the dirt.
P.O.A.S.
Matt-