We’ve had a turn in the weather here. Cold 40’s, windy, and just enough rain to keep us (well the “us” that have some respect) off the trails. I was able to get a nice ride in with big Gary the night before the storms rolled in. Good ride, conditions were super nice and the trail was running pretty fast. I even managed to goat Gary into taking the loop portion off the W&OD even when he thought he was done, ha. I also managed to clear a log that has plagued me for some time now. It’s not that the log is very big, but it sits up kind of high off the ground. Colt’s Neck is a pretty popular trail, so it’s not uncommon to end up riding with people you don’t know. Well not riding with, but more that whole back and forth thing. Some guys left the parking lot before us, but we ended up passing them, then them passing us, etc. Anyway, kind of near the end they were back on our tail and probably going to pass again. This time I just sucked it up, pulled hard and gave it what I could and cleared the log. I looked back to see everyone come to halt and climb over the log, ha. A little competition can be healthy for the skills I guess. Felt good to know I still got some skills left…even if in my own head, ha. But lately it’s been no biking and even no brewing.
In fact, I haven’t brewed since before we left for the UK! The IPA and the Strawberry Belgian Wit are in their kegs though and in the fridge. Don’t have enough spots on the CO2 manifold or enough picnic taps to dispense all the beer I have right now. Currently sitting at 6 kegs, but probably close to kicking 3 of those. I haven’t tasted the Strawberry yet, but the IPA is pretty kick ass. I actually can’t get it to drop clear, something I can usually do by sticking it in the fridge for a bit of time. But this beer used enough hops that I think it’s going to remain cloudy. It’s just your run of the mill 6.5% IPA, with a little of the kitchen sink method of choosing some steeping grains. I call it Hoptimus Prime, except it’s more evil than the Decepticons. With the full 7.5 ounces of hoppy goodness in it, I should have called it Energon. The bitterness is only mildly covered up by the punch in the face from the flavor and aroma. This is the first IPA of the year and if this is any indication…it’s going to be a good year for IPAs!
Oh yea, it looks like Fat Boy HQ is moving to New England…
DT
being in my traditional DFL position on that ride, i was back near the other two riders and got to hear all of the “holy shit”’s and “oh my god”s that those other two guys let fly when they saw you clear that bigass log. it was pretty funny.
f* new england. that place sucks. and they’re still getting snow. why would anybody want to move up there? you’ll only get like 2 weeks of mountain biking/season. i’m telling you. new england ain’t no fun.
gary, come visit and we’ll show you how great new england is … under 6 feet of snow. details!