A great new trail...
Well, sorry folks for the lack of posts lately, but the 50+ hour weeks have kept J and I pretty busy. We'll try to get back on track here next week.
Til then, though, I will report that on Wednesday I finally rode the "Blue Trail", also known as Rastaman (I think) out on Perry Hill in Waterbury. I started at the Ice center, rode up the big hill past the rock overlook, and continued up the hill (past the scene of J's spectacular 2006 crash) to the start of the Blue trail, which cuts off to the right. From the start I knew it would be great, as it was narrow and had some steep descents and rocky sections. And I'll tell ya, it may just be the coolest trail out there!! Plenty of downhill, a few uber-technical spots I opted not to ride, being solo, and some real tight situations, like riding fast downhill inches from a wire fence, hoping not to catch a handlebar and crash. Well, I didn't do that, but I did catch a tree with a handlebar, resulting in my right shoulder having a pretty large bruise on it. All in all, it rocked, and I felt pretty good considering the trail sign said 1.5-2 hours, and I rode it in 1 hour 15 minutes. Can't wait to get the rest of ya'll out there...in fact, if the rain holds, I may just drag Biz down it tommorrow...
Have a great weekend everyone...
Grambo
Friday, July 27, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
High Pointers!
They've got high hopes--you've probably heard of them. They're the club whose members try to reach the highest point in each of the 50 states. Cool. Sounds like a blast.
Well, Grambo sent us this Gear Junky newsletter that has a bunch of cool stuff in it, including a piece on adventure eating, and I noticed a link to the High Pointers site.
Turns out, they're hosting a straw poll on their site to determine where their 2009 northeast convention should be. We think it should be in Vermont. So go VOTE for Vermont! (We've been very democratic lately, haven't we.) In case you're wondering, the highest point in each state can be found here.
Speaking of adventure eating, I've been doing a lot of eating lately, but not a lot of adventuring. Mostly because my hamstrings were wicked sore at the beginning of the week. All is well now, and it's time to get back to training.
J
They've got high hopes--you've probably heard of them. They're the club whose members try to reach the highest point in each of the 50 states. Cool. Sounds like a blast.
Well, Grambo sent us this Gear Junky newsletter that has a bunch of cool stuff in it, including a piece on adventure eating, and I noticed a link to the High Pointers site.
Turns out, they're hosting a straw poll on their site to determine where their 2009 northeast convention should be. We think it should be in Vermont. So go VOTE for Vermont! (We've been very democratic lately, haven't we.) In case you're wondering, the highest point in each state can be found here.
Speaking of adventure eating, I've been doing a lot of eating lately, but not a lot of adventuring. Mostly because my hamstrings were wicked sore at the beginning of the week. All is well now, and it's time to get back to training.
J
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
VERMONT Wins 'The Simpsons Movie' Hometown Premiere Contest
It's official: Springfield, Vt., is the home of Homer Simpson's family, according to voters at USATODAY.com.
The town of 9,300 will host the official The Simpsons Movie premiere at its own Springfield Movie Theatre July 21 with the movie's filmmakers on hand to walk the yellow carpet.
"We're so excited," says Patricia Chaffee, vice president of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce. "We came in at the last minute, and for us to win, we feel like the underdogs, which makes this so big and so great for us."
Fourteen Springfields across the country responded to a call from 20th Century Fox studio asking them to show their enthusiasm for The Simpsons.
Each submitted a video that was posted on USA TODAY's website, where readers voted for their favorite. Voting ended at 11:59 p.m. PT Monday.
The 13 other Springfields need not "D'oh!" They'll each be given small screenings of their own the night before the movie hits theaters nationwide July 27.
***
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR JIM DOUGLAS!
Official Statement of the Governor on
Springfield’s Victory in the Simpsons Movie Premier Contest
Monday, July 10, 2007
I want to congratulate Springfield and its partners for winning the opportunity to host the world premiere of The Simpsons Movie.
The community spirit and enthusiasm that was key to Springfield’s improbable victory is precisely why Vermont is such a special place—and a fun place—to live, work and raise a family.
Fourteen Springfields across the country competed in the online election—sponsored by the 20th Century Fox Film Corporation—to host the premiere of the much-anticipated movie.
Springfield, Vermont’s success is a true Cinderella story.
Because of their size, they were not among the first 14 communities invited to participate. But when they learned about this unique opportunity they asked to be included and 20th Century Fox agreed. They began the production of their video 2 weeks behind other participants.
When their video was complete, Springfield launched a grassroots campaign that only a Vermont community could wage. Across the Green Mountain State, Vermonters young and old rallied to help Springfield become “the new Hollywood.” That grassroots campaign – along with a superior, more entertaining video - propelled our Springfield to the front of the pack!
Today, I congratulate the entire community of Springfield for their Herculean efforts to overcome tremendous odds and bring The Simpsons Movie world premiere to Vermont.
This is an exciting, exhilarating moment for Vermonters. Perhaps more importantly, it proves there’s really nothing a giant donut can’t do.
To all the other Springfields, I say “Don’t have a cow, man.”
###
It's official: Springfield, Vt., is the home of Homer Simpson's family, according to voters at USATODAY.com.
The town of 9,300 will host the official The Simpsons Movie premiere at its own Springfield Movie Theatre July 21 with the movie's filmmakers on hand to walk the yellow carpet.
"We're so excited," says Patricia Chaffee, vice president of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce. "We came in at the last minute, and for us to win, we feel like the underdogs, which makes this so big and so great for us."
Fourteen Springfields across the country responded to a call from 20th Century Fox studio asking them to show their enthusiasm for The Simpsons.
Each submitted a video that was posted on USA TODAY's website, where readers voted for their favorite. Voting ended at 11:59 p.m. PT Monday.
The 13 other Springfields need not "D'oh!" They'll each be given small screenings of their own the night before the movie hits theaters nationwide July 27.
***
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR JIM DOUGLAS!
Official Statement of the Governor on
Springfield’s Victory in the Simpsons Movie Premier Contest
Monday, July 10, 2007
I want to congratulate Springfield and its partners for winning the opportunity to host the world premiere of The Simpsons Movie.
The community spirit and enthusiasm that was key to Springfield’s improbable victory is precisely why Vermont is such a special place—and a fun place—to live, work and raise a family.
Fourteen Springfields across the country competed in the online election—sponsored by the 20th Century Fox Film Corporation—to host the premiere of the much-anticipated movie.
Springfield, Vermont’s success is a true Cinderella story.
Because of their size, they were not among the first 14 communities invited to participate. But when they learned about this unique opportunity they asked to be included and 20th Century Fox agreed. They began the production of their video 2 weeks behind other participants.
When their video was complete, Springfield launched a grassroots campaign that only a Vermont community could wage. Across the Green Mountain State, Vermonters young and old rallied to help Springfield become “the new Hollywood.” That grassroots campaign – along with a superior, more entertaining video - propelled our Springfield to the front of the pack!
Today, I congratulate the entire community of Springfield for their Herculean efforts to overcome tremendous odds and bring The Simpsons Movie world premiere to Vermont.
This is an exciting, exhilarating moment for Vermonters. Perhaps more importantly, it proves there’s really nothing a giant donut can’t do.
To all the other Springfields, I say “Don’t have a cow, man.”
###
Friday, July 06, 2007
VOTE EARLY, VOTE OFTEN!
Springfield, Vermont Seeks to be Site of Simpsons Premier
Early returns show Vermont’s Springfield locked in a three-way tie!
July 6, 2007
Help bring Homer to Springfield, Vermont!
Fourteen Springfields across the country - including Springfield, Vermont - are competing to host the hometown premiere of "The Simpsons Movie" on July 26.
Visit USA Today's website and cast your vote for the Springfield, Vermont Simpsons video, which embodies the classic Simpson spirit with Homer, Bart, an angry mob and one giant donut.
Springfield, Vermont, which has a population of about 9,000, is pitted against larger cities and towns, including Springfield, Oregon (53,000), Springfield, Illinois (111,000), and Springfield, Massachusetts (152,000).
Cast your vote for Springfield, Vermont by midnight (ET) on Monday, July 9.
Click here to vote in the Simpson's Movie Springfield Challenge.
Thanks for your vote. As Mr. Burns would say, eeeexcellent…
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Bear Swamp Run Anyone?
As Bob Dylan famously said, "Well I saw it advertised one day that a Bear Mountain Picnic was coming our way..."
With an eye toward the Herc Open 16 mile trail running race on August 11th, I've been motivated to do more frequent regional running races. They're an excellent way to inject a regular training schedule with some excitement. Next on the list: The 5.7 mile Bear Swamp Run in Middlesex.
Sponsored by the Central Vermont Runners, the Bear Swamp Run is the first of their summer weekday evening race series. Here are the details:
WHAT: 28th Annual Bear Swamp Run
WHEN: Monday July 9, 6 pm -- 5.7 miles
WHERE: Rumney School, Middlesex
DETAILS: Loop course on mostly dirt roads climbs 450 feet first 2.4 miles, then gradually descends to the finish. Part of the CVR ORS Race Series. Race day registration only (5:00-5:45 pm) at Rumney School.
FEE: $5.00.
AWARDS: In female & male age groups 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.
DIRECTIONS: Take Rte. 12 North approximately 5.5 miles from the center of Montpelier. Take a left onto Shady Rill Road. Rumney School is on the left approximately 2 miles up Shady Rill.
JG
As Bob Dylan famously said, "Well I saw it advertised one day that a Bear Mountain Picnic was coming our way..."
With an eye toward the Herc Open 16 mile trail running race on August 11th, I've been motivated to do more frequent regional running races. They're an excellent way to inject a regular training schedule with some excitement. Next on the list: The 5.7 mile Bear Swamp Run in Middlesex.
Sponsored by the Central Vermont Runners, the Bear Swamp Run is the first of their summer weekday evening race series. Here are the details:
WHAT: 28th Annual Bear Swamp Run
WHEN: Monday July 9, 6 pm -- 5.7 miles
WHERE: Rumney School, Middlesex
DETAILS: Loop course on mostly dirt roads climbs 450 feet first 2.4 miles, then gradually descends to the finish. Part of the CVR ORS Race Series. Race day registration only (5:00-5:45 pm) at Rumney School.
FEE: $5.00.
AWARDS: In female & male age groups 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.
DIRECTIONS: Take Rte. 12 North approximately 5.5 miles from the center of Montpelier. Take a left onto Shady Rill Road. Rumney School is on the left approximately 2 miles up Shady Rill.
JG
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
It's on!
Unless there's a tsunami, Biz and I will be in South Hero, Vermont early tomorrow morning for the local Independence Day 5K and 10K. The gun sounds at 8:30 a.m. for both races. (See the route map at left.)
I don't think either of us has decided which race we're going to do, but I'm currently leaning toward the 10K. Biz says he's leaning toward the 5K. Either way, we'll let you know how it works out.
What could possibly go wrong?
J
News From the Summit
Yesterday's morning hike up the Underhill side of Mount Mansfield was excellent. It was cloudy and about 55 degrees at the base when we started up the Laura Cowles trail at the Underhill State Park.
Laura Cowles is 1.7 miles with an elevation gain of about 2000', so it's pretty steep. It begins about 1 mile from the parking lot. So the total ascent was 2.7 miles and 2500'.
At about 3500' feet we hit the cloud ceiling and things got moist. Above the treeline, the wind picked up to a steady 15 mph with an occasional 35-40 mph gusts. It was a chilly July morning. We could see our breath. Brrr...
After a short break at the summit, and a lovely chat with the caretaker, we headed back down via the Sunset Ridge Trail. Sunset Ridge it 2.3 miles long--again, not including the 1 mile/500' vertical descent from the trail head to the parking lot--with 2000' of elevation change. The most popular of the trails on the Underhill side of the mountain, much of it is exposed and offers excellent views. Fortunately, just as we began our descent the cloud ceiling began to rise and break. By the time we reached the parking lot the sun had emerged.
It's been quite a few years since I made the trip to that side of the hill. It was worth it--a great way to spend a Monday morning.
Total Mileage: 6 miles
Hiking Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Total Vert: 5000'
You can get a cool topographical trail map of Mount Mansfield hiking trails HERE.
Live Free!
jg
Yesterday's morning hike up the Underhill side of Mount Mansfield was excellent. It was cloudy and about 55 degrees at the base when we started up the Laura Cowles trail at the Underhill State Park.
Laura Cowles is 1.7 miles with an elevation gain of about 2000', so it's pretty steep. It begins about 1 mile from the parking lot. So the total ascent was 2.7 miles and 2500'.
At about 3500' feet we hit the cloud ceiling and things got moist. Above the treeline, the wind picked up to a steady 15 mph with an occasional 35-40 mph gusts. It was a chilly July morning. We could see our breath. Brrr...
After a short break at the summit, and a lovely chat with the caretaker, we headed back down via the Sunset Ridge Trail. Sunset Ridge it 2.3 miles long--again, not including the 1 mile/500' vertical descent from the trail head to the parking lot--with 2000' of elevation change. The most popular of the trails on the Underhill side of the mountain, much of it is exposed and offers excellent views. Fortunately, just as we began our descent the cloud ceiling began to rise and break. By the time we reached the parking lot the sun had emerged.
It's been quite a few years since I made the trip to that side of the hill. It was worth it--a great way to spend a Monday morning.
Total Mileage: 6 miles
Hiking Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Total Vert: 5000'
You can get a cool topographical trail map of Mount Mansfield hiking trails HERE.
Live Free!
jg
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Celebrating Independence
Yesterday's morning ride was a great success and so too was parade viewing and the barbecue and fireworks party at Grambo's. A good time was had by all.
Here are a few photos of Biz and Grambo rippin' it.
Tomorrow morning I'll be hiking Mansfield with some co-workers via the Sunset Ridge trail. We'll be meeting at the trail head at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome.Happy Independence Day!
JG
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
