Whew... Kind scary....

John's "new" bike....

what

Picture Pages.....

Ok, I don't know how to use this fancy website  DROPBOX but my just login as me and you can download the pics from the 2nd half of the trip (login: ***mike fixed it***, pwd: ***yea mike***), the file is in the photos folder and is called "mancation pics.zip".  GB will need to share the photos from the 1st half (drunken car ride from denver to grand junction), not sure there is much of use there but I think the first 18mile road ride is in there.

Must be amateur night...

It's 9 o'clock, let's f'n party!

Yummy Yummy!

Who's the bull d*ck

Dino power!

GB's next bike?

Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

The hottest bitch in the hotel!!!

zippity rough

Here's a video of our zippity doodah ride at fruita. Ill get some pics up soon as i can.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwiT7ojGYS4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sent from my iPhone

Water tower.... Fuck yea!!!!!

The angry dolphin can not be defeated..

Where the fuck is the hotel???

Welcome to Woody's!

In case you guys haven't seen it yet...

This is what a mountain bike in Moab would look like.

I wanted to see a photo. I thought you might enjoy one too.

Oh it is....

Fuck you clown

What's wrong with that fork?

Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

flat tire...plane delayed

anyone out there know how to change a tire on a plane? plane is delayed about 30 min. due to flat tire on plane. so hope you see this whoever is picking me up at airport, will be abot 330 arrival.

Thank you southwest!

Post from 30,000 feet

The Gin and Juice is delicious. Arrival in Denver in 1hr and 52 minutes...

Yep, watchin it in my truck

The pause between last call and "open 4 business" is a bitch

Phase #2 underway

Phase #1 complete.....

F*ck Yeah!!!

It's like every picture could be a postcard.

Fox erotica

Flight Check-In....

Just an FYI, since we are now within 24 hours of our flight (how friggin' sweet is that), you can now check-in online and print your boarding pass.  I believe this will give us a better "boarding group" letter.  Then we can use curbside baggage check if we so desire.

CHECK-IN HERE

Have fun ladies and I'll see you in the morning.

Check out this web page...

Here's a website I think you'll like: Loveland Ski Area Weather Forecast

Rietscha Rock

Attached

Seriously, Rietscha? Not one PIC???

Now thats a big bunny!

Real problem!!!!

It would appear that the only tattoo shop in Moab has closed their doors. Grand junction is loaded with them however. Who is in for a Friday night appointment?

Sent from my iPhone

Problem!!!!!

Ok, so I don't think this will be a big problem for many, but traveling for 12 days and packing a pistol. Led me to pack two bags with the intent to check both bags, (which we did with no problems last year). This was nor acceptable to the Southwest head trainer (tee hee - head trainer). So I am carrying on one of those bags. Think my plane is kinda empty though. Shouldn't be a problem.
I did lose a leatherman micro at the security checkpoint today, but thankfully I put all of my bike tools and big leatherman tools in my checked bag. Just lucky.
The beer is cold and I will be happy to post some advanced shots of Utah just to get you guys ready. I started with a nice photo of my beer at TGI Fridays. (see below)

It's go time..........

Sent from my iPhone

The scouting party reports the beer is cold and good.

Got a new brain bucket!

Let's push John's ugly mug further down the page...

RANDOM POST SO I DON'T HAVE TO LOOK AT MY FACE ANYMORE

Did everyone pack their unicycles?????

Crazy eyes?

Omg

LCD or no LCD that is the question???

$20 says our room doesn't have a flatscreen.  Any takers????

OK, someone need to buy one of these and figure out how to fly it by Saturday!
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/10/fpv-servo-controlled-plane-grabs-epic-vacation-footage-puts-old/


Cove GSpot vs the Easystar FPV from BasqueMTB on Vimeo.

It's ok she has a helmet!

Moab or Busts: The Original Motion Picture

For those of you unable to attend the screening tomorrow (Jon and O'Har); I am unable to upload last years video to youtube due to copyright issues with the soundtrack. You can, however, download a zip file of all 9 chapters here...

Enjoy at your leisure.

See yinz tomorrow, or a week, whichever applies...

T.G.I.F.!!!!!

I'll give you one guess as to which one of my favorite airport establishments opens at 5:00 am on Saturday?  Yep, 5:00 am!!!!

Gettin Boxy

I scored a box at the local Trek store.  Anyone have the allowable dimensions handy so I know how much I need to cut off?

Moab or Busts..... (the viewing party)

Ok, lets get shit pumped up a little.  May I suggest a Saturday morning Frick ride followed by a viewing of "Moab or Busts.....", a film by G.B.?

Where to hold the viewing???  Hmmmmm???   I'm open to suggestions.  We could pick someones house or tailgate somewhere (if we only had a generator).....

10????

Does that countdown timer say 10 days?  Holy shit!

Well, it's more like 10 days 20 hours but still, holy shit!

No creative countdown from me this year, guess I'm just being half-assed about this trip.

20,160 minutes

We will be landing in Denver this minute, 14 days from now. Just sayin...

Ride planning

Alllll-righty then....   I was just trying to get some maps and directions printed out and wanted to make sure I had all of our bases covered.

I figured we would be hitting the 18mile road area of Fruita.  In Moab I have infor for Amassa back, the hazard county to Porcupine Rim section of the Whole Enchilada as well as the Poison Spider/Portal (ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!) trails.  Not to forget Slickrock but we shouldn't need a map for Slick rock, right, I mean the trail markers are painted white lines on the rock, right.....

I believe that Mike and Chuch and I discussed this and our preference would be to ride Fruita/Grand Junction on both the 23rd/24th.  That is of course we dig up some sweet trail to ride.  So by my count if we rode every day (not that I'm suggesting we do) that would be 4 days in Moab and 3 in Fruita.

What other trails are we considering?  Sorry for being anally overprepaired but the "hey lets just go to the local bike shop and pick up a map" thang really only worked out for us in Fruita last year....  

BTW, Chris do you still have that map that you bought in Fruita?  Also, Chris, are you taking that bike rack?  Does it fit your rental vehicle?


Also, who wouldn't get the sweet ass rainbow kokopelli on a unicycle tattoo?????

I'm done brain dumping for now.

UN-F'N-ACCEPTABLE!!!

OK. I will acknowledge that most of us are now badass, jaded, seasoned veterans to the Moab pilgrimage, but this is ridiculous. Here we are, just under three weeks from showtime, and our blog is as empty as John's answering machine on a Friday evening. You bitches disgust me...

Alas, GB is here for you.

THIS is for yous...

Provocative. Enticing. Delicious. Something to sleep on. To sleep, perchance to dream...

20 days, Gentlemen...

Stay away from mushrooms!!!

Right.  &   WRONG!!!!!!


Just thought the blog needed a post since it is t-minus 34 days......

Flight Booked from Columbus

I am booked on a flight from Columbus straight into Grand Junction. With the flights from Pittsburgh leaving so early and arriving back at 11 pm Sunday night the logistics work out way better for me this way. Plus it gives me an excuse to to skip bike baggage fees and test ride a new bike all week by renting one. I will see everyone in Grand Junction!

Da Plane! Da Plane!

     I know John is a huge Herve Villachaize fan.  He played the lovable character Tattoo on the clssic 70s show Fantasy Island.  Yes, that's correct, I just made a Fantasy Island Reference.  
     Why would I do such a thing?? Well, the French midget is the first thing I think about when somebody talks about a Tattoo.  The second thing that comes to mind is Westside Tattoo, the only tattoo parlor in Moab.  My question is? Who is in for a commemorative tattoo?  I'm torn between Kokopelli riding a mountain bike, or a dolphin on my calf.....
     Anyhow, we should book an appointment in advance, this is the first call to arms (or wherever you wanna get ink'd)

Stewie-3

A Chrysler Town & Country for all you uppity MFer's



Mini has been booked through my Hertz Gold Club....  It was the best deal that I saw in my initial searches.

If you find something cheaper let me know.

Your Itinerary

Pick-Up Date 
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 at 09:00 AM

Return Date
Sun, Sep 25, 2011 at 02:00 PM

Pick-Up Location Return Location
Denver International Airport
24890 East 78th Avenue
Denver, Colorado
80249-6390
Phone: 303-342-3800
Fax: 303-342-3849
Hours of Operation: 24 Hours, 7 Days
Location Type: Corporate


Arrival Information
Southwest Airlines
Flight Number: 1217

Discounts

CDP number:PHILIPS ELECTRONICS OTHE

Selected Vehicle

Chrysler Town & Country Minivan or similar
Unlimited Free Miles Included

1 week at 325.00 USD 325.00 USD
2 extra days at 65.00 USD 130.00 USD

Rate Details
Loss Damage Waiver Included
Airport Concession Fee On Flight Arrivals Within 24 Hours 50.66 USD
COLORADO ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM FEE 18.00 USD
Facility Use Fee On Flight Arrivals 14.40 USD
ENERGY SURCHARGE 1.03 USD
Vehicle Subtotal 539.09 USD
Taxes 69.56 USD
Total Approximate Charge 608.65 USD






Flying From Parkersburg, WV

If you are buying tickets from Pittsburgh, I will take care of my own flight schedule since I will leave from Charleston, WV or Columbus (much closer for me). If that messes up the planning let me know.

Who wants to go to Denver?

OK, did some homework on plane tickets. Sample itineraries as follows...

Continental Airlines to Grand Junction:
9/17: Depart PIT 6:25AM, Arrive GJT 10:45AM
Layover in Chicago, travel time 6:55
9/25: Depart GJT 12:49 PM, Arrive PIT 7:26PM
Layover in Denver, travel time 4:37
Checked bags: $25 each way
Bike Fee: $100 each way
Ticket and taxes $2536 for 5

Assuming 1 checked bag and 1 bike per dude, total is $3786 or $757 pp

Southwest to Denver:

9/17: Depart PIT 6:15AM, Arrive DEN 7:15AM
NONSTOP FLIGHT, 3:20
9/25: Depart DEN 1:15PM, Arrive PIT 10:10PM
Layover in Chicago, travel time 6:55
Checked bags: FREE.99 for 2
Bike Fee: $50 each way
Ticket and taxes $1825 for 5

1 or 2 bags, 1 bike X 5 dudes: $2325 or $465 per dude.

In addition to how Southwest not only tolerated, but seemingly encouraged, our efforts to be obnoxious drunks and gamble openly on the plane across the United States; we get a nonstop outbound flight and a trip savings of $1460, which would pay for both rental vans AND a shit ton of beer.

I hereby make a motion to fly to Denver.

All those in favor?

Welcoming the Leavitts.....

Our little Moab mountainbiking family is growing.  We will now be accompanied by not one but two Leavitts.  Chuck and his brother, Jon, will be joining us on our sacred journey.  May I be the first to say "Welcome".

First order of business is to end all confusion due to having two "johns".  It has been suggested that from now on I will be referred to as "straitiff" relinquishing the honor of my given name to Mr. Leavitt who will be "jon".   Whew, glad we got the lawyerese out of the way.

Chuck and Jon are planning on following the same itinerary as GB/O'har/Straitiff which I have copied from a previous email and posted below.  My heart goes out for poor little stewie-2.....

9/17: fly from Pittsburgh to grand junction, assemble bikes, evening out on the town, sleep at clarion inn right next to airport
9/18: ride fruita, drive to moab, sleep at the moab valley inn
9/19: ride moab (amassa back or poison spider/portal or ups/lps/porcupine rim), sleep at the moab valley inn
9/20: ride moab (amassa back or poison spider/portal or ups/lps/porcupine rim), sleep at the moab valley inn
9/21: day off or ride slickrock training loop, sleep at the moab valley inn
9/22: ride moab (amassa back or poison spider/portal or ups/lps/porcupine rim) , sleep at the moab valley inn
9/23: check out of moab valley inn ride slickrock training loop and/or bartlett wash or drive to fruita and ride there, sleep at clarion inn
9/24: ride fruita/grand junction, sleep at the clarion inn
9/25: fly home (whew…)

Stewie-2

Now that is one sexy ride........

Car is reserved, reservation can be changed/cancelled if anyone finds a better deal.


Car: 8 DaysTotalPrice $468.83

Standard Passenger Van (Toyota Sienna or similar)
Unlimited miles
automatic with air conditioning

Alamo
Pick-up Location: Grand Junction (GJT)Vehicles At Terminal.
Pick up: Sat, Sep 17, 2011, 10:00am
Drop off: Sun, Sep 25, 2011, 12:00pm

Total Rental Time: 8 Days


Weekly rate
1 week(s) @ $269.00 $269.00
1 extra day(s) @ $44.83 $44.83
2 extra hour(s)@ $14.94 $29.88
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal $343.71
Taxes and Fees $125.12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total payment due: $468.83

DA PLANES!

OK, Continental has the best deal going right now on flights, and its just over $500/ticket. Bike fees are $100 each way. Bag fees are $25. Last year we bought in late July and paid $322. Perhaps we should wait a month or so?

Proposed Rides, Moab 2011

First two rides that would be new to us:

POISON SPIDER & PORTAL TRAIL- This is as extreme as Moab gets - "Death on the Left" has a serious meaning here. But first, Poison Spider has a fairly serious 1000' climb at the start and it doesn't get any easier after the climb. 8.2 miles of grinding over petrified sand dunes later, and you reach the Portal Trail. The Portal Trail is not safe to ride completely. There will be sections you have to walk. After the cliff edge section of the trail is completed, we'll bomb downhill to the road and ride the road back to the van.


 
AMASA BACK -The Amasa Back trail is one of the classic rides of Moab. It ascends from the Colorado River just west of Moab, climbing up onto an outcropping of rock surrounded on three sides by the Colorado. The trail is a rocky Jeep trail with ledges and drop-offs, and is for advanced riders. Intermediates can manage the ride, but will walk most of the rougher climbs. As an out-and-back, the trip is 10 miles. Vertical climb is 1050 feet.
 
 
Then some old favorites we may want to revisit:
 
PORCUPINE RIM Possibly connected with the Porcupine singletrack PORCUPINE SINGLETRACK and HAZARD COUNTY and kokopelli (I don't really want to do the WHOLE ENCHILADA again)
 

SLICKROCK I'm not saying I wanna ride the whole loop again (damn those climbs) but we may consider just doing the "training loop" so that mike can say "hell yeah I rode slickrock" and GB and Chris can hit their favorite slickrock-drop a few more times.

 
FRUITA rides and more FRUITA-2 rides (we rode 18 road last year) and of course there is always GRAND JUNCTION

Please feel free to edit this post to add more rides, I was just doing a brain dump.  I was just trying to get a feel for how many days we want to ride in Moab vs. Fruita.  Mike if you haven't figured it out from all the links..... the utah mountain biking website is a pretty good resource. 

Hotel suggestions...

I'm all for the John Wayne Suite (rrrrrrr....) at the Apache Motel but lets have some other suggestions

Rivercanyon Lodge
Big Horn Lodge (Giggity)
Moab Valley Inn

Red Stone

Silver Sage Inn (no pool or hottub)

Decision Time!!!

Ok, I looked up my old post from 6/8/2009 where I commented about how all the hotels were booked up and I made the reservation at the Moab Valley Inn.

Guess what...   June 8th ain't that far away.

We need to:
a) finalize the roster
b) finalize the agenda
c) reserve some hotel rooms
d) start thinking real hard about booking flights

Shall we hold a planning forum after a ride this weekend?

O-high-o-man-pile!!!!!

Guess what just creeped into view on my calendar???  I was thinking about calling and reserving our beloved site #217 and I realized that the ole 217 is only designated for 2 to 4 people.  Are we going to have more than 4?  #1-Straitiff, #2-O'har, #3-Rietscha(chris), #4-Wetzel, #5-Rietscha(scott)/"P"/etc.??????

Let me know