Snow Hike!

Similar to a Bear Fight but without the bloodshed and bruising. Myself, Chad Storck, and Jim Morrison hiked Cold Mtn (elev. 6030 ft) this past Saturday since snow was forecast for the higher peaks. We debated riding but decided a snow hike was in order. Anyway, hiking is harder than biking. Enjoy.

Tough as nails (liquid nails).


Jimberly debating the uber technical creek crossing.


A Winter Wonderland.


Fudge time!


Thru Hiker extroidanaire Chad Storck (top of page also) in front at Deep Gap below the summit. Basically Jim and I brought enough to bivouac for a month. Chad wore his fancy fanny pack and hiked in "tenny pumps".


Snowy rocks of doom...just ask Jim.


Summit approach.


Chad Storck ponders how much more enjoyable this would have been if Jim and I were actually good hikers.


Jim ponders how he can be so good at mtn biking and so unable to stay upright hiking.


Dramatic black and white photo.


Dangerous rock outcrop at the top.


Me watching Chad Storck on the dangerous rock outcrop.


Chad Storck, minimalist, regretting his decision to not bring anything warm. Later he was seen cupping his nutsack sitting behind a rock in an effort to warm his hands. Not pictured is the delicious Highland Cold Mountain seasonal and pizza we packed up to partake in at the top.

Lunch ride

I managed a leisurely quite enjoyable lunch ride today leaving from Cane Creek headquarters and traversing some of Fletchers sleepy roads. Below are some things you may see on a typical lunch ride.

Beautiful fields



Farms



Curvy roads





Mountains





Inquisitive cows





Shotgun shells





And lastly, scurrying Peacocks...seriously





Seen but not documented: countless derelict automobiles, heavy machinery, and trailers.

-- Post From This Hoff's iPhone

Freaking South!

So I sit here with my delicious whiskey and coke, getting my daily dose of internet surfingh and a wave of sadness has overcome me. Is cross season really over? You gotta be kidding me! It seems like it just started. I keep seeing all the pics from all the rad races still going on around the country and i grow envious. While the southeast has its advantages, 70+ degrees yesterday.... it lack a certain cult cross following.

So i began skimming over my iCal to see if there is anything races left. Winston Salem, NC this weekend then nothing untill the NC winter series starts on January 9th (all the winter series is an average of 3 hours from home, LAME!)The problem is the majority of the Hoff cross crew has already paid their dues for Southern Cross on the 9th, which I am pumped about, but I feel I didn't get my fair share of cross racing this season. People seem to get and average of at least 10 or more while I only got in maybe 7...
To sum up what i thought of this season.... I feel fairly good about my first season with the 3s. Having some good results here and there but also some not so good results (im wont get into the details, id rather not relive those races). 1) I feel I know definitely what needs to be worked on, Starts! I had several bad starts this season that I feel cost me some crucial spots. 2) Tubies are rad! 3) Finally having a crew to roll with is awesome! I'm glad cross has gained popularity with the Hoff kids. Thanks guys!

I miss cross already!!!

Ridin

Some pics from our cross ride at bent creek on saturday and mtb at dupont on sunday. ooh, and the first fire in our new fire pit!

Hendersonville CX race report

this weekend brought with it many firsts: my first entry in a cross race, hoffs first muddy as fuck cross race, will's first time sitting out a weekend of cross racing, hoffs first group meeting (duhhhhrama), mr. mcnamee's first viewing of a cross race and trip to AVL, and everyone's favorite - kenny's first time wearing a sombrero while celebrating his fake bday at papas & beer.

i'm going to let the photographs do most of the talking, but i will say that i didn't hate cross racing but said immediately after that i've done it once and probably don't need to ever do it again. a character builder, but no thanks. today i woke up thinking "maybe i'll train for next fall and do another race..." STUPID.

Caught slippin'

-- Post From This Hoff's iPhone