Sluggishness

Sluggishness-
adjective 1. indisposed to action or exertion; lacking in energy

One would think that being unemployed would be like hooky without the guilt. I should be out enjoying this great time of year; Sunny cools days, fall foliage and no place to be. Unfortunately I don’t have the energy which is bizarre since I am not doing anything that uses any energy. What I do the entire day is sit on the couch searching job boards and websites. I guess it is guilt…guilt to enjoy myself since I don’t have a job
So with this in mind I am forcing myself to at least sit in on a Spin class at the YMCA tonight. A few friends have also scheduled three different rides Sunday. The first is out at Brown County State Park, Indiana. This is one of my favorite trail systems. Brown County has some of the most incredible single track, great climbs which offer some sweet down hill runs. Luckily I don’t have to drive for this ride I should be able to carpool saving me from having to spend as much cash for gas.

Next is a Spokejunkies ride. These rides are always fun…and I am sure heading out to Dillion State Park would not be any different. The problem is that it is over a 2 hour drive. So this one is out!

Finally I bumped into an old friend of my who I have been out on a ride with for several years has asked me to join him and his girlfriend at our local trail Landen Deerfield. This is not only the smartest choice since I can ride to the trail system but also a great chance to get caught up with a friend.

Credit Crunch Hits Our Home

Not the usual postings you are accustomed to here but I have sad news to report.

As of 3:01 pm Monday October 27, 2008 the company I work for was forced to decrease their employee size by 50% across the nation. This has affected nearly 150 people with husband wives children and family that are dependent on them for not just the money their jobs brought but also the confidence that tomorrow is going to be OK. I know this because I am part of the 50% who is now a statistic. I am not sure what happens next. I have done the basics to start the new job hunt...updated my resume, Monster and Careerbulider.com profiles.

It is hard to not feel like I have let my future wife (Snaps) down. We have just under eight weeks till our wedding. We have some big dreams that are not paid for yet. It is going to take some serious attention and budgeting. We are not going to lose our home, we aren't going to have to eat cat food. Between the two of us we do have an emergancy fund even though much of this money has been earmarked as wedding and honeymoon funds.

I know with her love for me and mine for her we can not only have the wedding we both want but continue to have the life we deserve. Be it filled with tuna-noddle casseroles but it will be one of LOVE.

Last Hurrah!

Now that the late Summer temperatures have given way to Fall's cool air and a few days. When yesterday hit 60 I had to hit the trail before it was too late.



There were a few spots where I had to keep a close eye on the trail through the leaves. But what is that saying?

"My worst day on my bike is better then my best day at work"

2008 XTERRA American Championship

This is just to help get read for this weekend's World Championship in Maui. Check it out!

Great Seal = Sore Legs

After the 12/24 Hours of Mohican September 13th I have not gone for anything more on my then a quick commute to work. That said yesterdays ride at Great Seal State Park was an adventure. I was ride with a friend driving down from Akron/Canton plus a fun loving group of riders called the Spokejunkies but someone was about 40 minutes late.

That part was no big deal except for I have only ridden Great Seal one other time and I was a follower not a leader. With my friend being late I was going to have to find our way through the criss-cross of trail since the Spokejunkies took off after waiting as long as they could.

The first half mile was easy gentle then the next thing I knew was a climb not too steep just LONG put in granny-gear and spin. My HR spike to over 180 at one point but I could see the top. As the top was coming closer the trail lifted up a few more degrees then that was it. My heart felt like it was beating in my ears. It was a walk from there.

After that the rest of the trail was the best singletrack that followed the ridge line. There were a lot of quick up and downs blended in with a handful of log jumps and some short steep climbs to keep you on your toes.

The two of us rode for about 10 miles then we realized that we missed a turn or two and ended right back where we started from. I suggested that we head back to where we missed the tune and complete the rest of the trail. We agreed! But that didn't last long I got about 1 mile back in then my legs gave out on the first climb back up the the ridge. There was not 4 miles left in my legs...I had the 1 to get back to the car but that was it. I am paying the price of no saddle time.

Sharp Dressed Man

I am very excited to announce Spiuk Helmets & Clothing to the Mr. Averett Team. Keep your eyes peeled for me in these sharp colors in 2009.

Thinking 2009

Just been thinking about next year. I know it is only October why think about next year? First bikes: What bike am do I want to ride? What bike company is going to want me to ride their bike? I have narrowed the number down very quickly. I know i really only want to ride a 29'er since I rode my Air9 all season with really good success. I was surfing last night and the new and improved Jet9 is WHITE HOT! I know there is a 2 lbs weight penalty but the word is it is worth it for the better control and smoother ride.

A brand I discovered last year after I put together my Niner is Vassago. I love there approach to their frame designs. They use what looks like a clean and efficient geometry. They make what has to be sweeeetest looking Ti 29'er I have EVER seen. Not to mention their logo and headtube bagde. I am so leaning this way.

Of course how can we talk about 29'er without the speaking the name Gary Fisher. I know many of you are thinking Superfly but I am concerned about that carbon fiber frame. I mean lets face it I am no light weight, nor do I have a smooth pedal cadence I am more a MASHER. Is that frame really going to take my abuse?

What makes all of the decision making so hard is the fact that I am planning on doing about 9 XC races, 2 or 3 12/24 hour Solo events and at least the Mohican 100. I know the hardtails are better on the XC but I did do the Mohican this season on my Air9 and my back wasn't as sore as I thought. So who knows? I am just going to wait and see if any of these manufactures want to take a chance on a 39 year old Sport Racer.

Ryders Eyewear...2009

I would like to introduce Ryders Eyewear as the first offical sunglass for Mr. Averett. I recievd a pair as a prize at the 12/24 Hours of Mohican last and they have quickly become my go to shades for every ride. Welcome Ryders Eyewear.

All I want for Christmas

2009 Cycle Passion Poster Calendar This calendar includes real international professional cycling names not skinny chicken legged models. Some of the names and faces that you will see are: Sabine Spitz (On the Cover), Gunn-Rita Dahle-Flesja, Jennifer Hohl, Hanka Kupfernagel, 2008 Olympics MTB Bronze medal winner Irina Kalentieva, Gary Fisher rider Willow Koerber. One word...Huba-huba

Commuting, Part 2

Well...I am sad to admit that when the first day for me to commute to work by bike we get hit with our first rain storm since September 12. Is someone trying to tell me something? There is always tomorrow.

Daily Grind

Some one once said life is getting in the way of the things I want to do. Well it most certainly is. There just doesn't seem to enough time to work out, ride, help the fiance with wedding planning. Since I can't not work nor not lend a helpful hand in the wedding area there is no need to wake up. Right?
So with this in mind I have decided to start commuting to work on a M/W/F basis to see how it goes. The morning weather has been in the mid-50's and just over 70 in the afternoons when I go home. Light should not be an issue since my day typically doesn't start till 8:30 and I am done with my day at 5 SHARP! Cue The Flintstones opening here. I am not going to buy a new bike just switch out to my Kenda Small Block Eight tires. This should be a lot of fun. Plus not only does commuting give me an excuse to ride my bike but also allows me to keep my bike in the living room.

Tomorrow will be the first try so look out.

Just October

Well I just heard that the first races of 2009 have just been announced. Looks like Cohutta 100 will lead off the NUE MTB100 Series again in April. Plus Dirt Sweat and Gears is going to be May 9. I better get those legs going earlier this year. I have considered an actual training plan from LW Coaching. Linda has pre-written training plans for almost every athlete or event.

October Sale

I have got to have this!!
Today is my second favorite day of the year. Today is the day when Twin Six kicks off their "October Sale" From today till the October 5th there are $15 t-shirts in the Trunk, $45 jerseys, $8-$10 socks and $5 bottles.

This is a great time to get stocked up plus look sharp for those last fall rides.

"It's the most wonderful time of the YEAR!"