Aspen Ski Trip

About a week ago Kerry and I had an absolutely wonderful vacation out to Colorado to do some long overdue  mountain skiing.  Between the two of us we have been to a great deal of the ski resorts in CO at one time or another.  This time we decided to go for a place neither of us had been to previously.  So with John Denver tunes serenading the way, it's off to Aspen we went.

Snowmass was our base camp and despite the low snow winter, they had been blessed with slightly more than many of the other ski resorts.  Our first days of skiing were filled with perfectly groomed runs and bluebird skies providing outstanding views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic twin fourteener peaks of the Maroon Bells.  The next few days were what every skier dreams of, 17 inches of new powder for laying our own fresh tracks!!

Swampin' around

Had a chance to get out an explore some open space areas near my house last week.  The fat bike is perfect for getting out into areas you'd never dream of riding a bicycle.  Thanks to some beavers and various other 4 legged wanderers, there's a nice system of trails in the swamps and open space areas.  At one point I ducked under a low tree and was quite pleased that I was wearing a helmet.  You never know when a tree may decide to cop an attitude.

Ragnarok # 5

Found out today that I am officially on the roster for the spring gravel classic, the Ragnarok 105.  I've done this race since it's inception and really enjoy the course, the crew and the fellow cyclists that are willing to train for and ride in a century+ gravel race that occurs early in April.  Guess it's time to start thinking about putting some time on the saddle.  Here's a few shots from some early season training rides last year.  I really enjoy these early season outings and I'm looking forward to more this year.  There's a lot of fun to be had yet this winter though before spring comes.

Christmas fun

Kerry and I hosted my family on Christmas day this year.  We decided to make the best of the dirt Christmas and take advantage of the wide open but frozen lake.  We all grabbed our skates and headed down to the beach on White Bear and did some cruising around the lake.  Made for a special family time despite the lack of a White Christmas.