Shortly after the beginning of the first fire road climb, a yellow jacket stung me several times just behind the top of my head, and twice on the back of my left arm. The next 12 miles of climbing left me feeling as if I had a thumb tack stuck in the back of my head, and upon every exhale, it was as though my brain were attempting to escape from my skull. I suppose this means I still have a bit of an allergy.
After reaching the summit, we barged a long, rocky and dusty descent through the trees dropping us what seemed to an even lower elevation than where we began. We eventually hopped on a black ribbon of tarmac and continued until Hightower, Garen and I came across an ideal spot for a bit of trundeling.

As we gathered some suitable rocks, along came Mr. Rushy-rush who blasted past us in his gigantic Explorer, and as we removed the rocks from his path, he drove over Hightowers front wheel, exacting minimal damage. While we all laughed as he sped away, we discussed that it was a true testament to the quality of DT Swiss.
We let our barrage of granite fly, and bathed in the glow that only the most destructive of mini avalanches can provide.

We continued on to the eventual meeting spot- a small grocery store filled with sandwiches, and cold drinks which we decimated with ninja like efficiency.
Sadly, things were turning a bit south for me, and I ended the ride with a long road descent to the Benadryl. Waking up the next day, the feeling I was experiencing was not unlike that of being hit in the head with a hammer covered in itching powder.
Stupid bees are always causing trouble.

While scanning through back issues of Cars-R-Coffins this weekend, I came across this old Swobo ad. If this is the case, 'fast pitch softball style' is real damn slow.

I get occasional questions pertaining as to why we fly the flag for Hunter Cycles as we do. I will now break it down into three simple reasons.
1) The man can build the hell out of a fillet brazed steel frame that has never failed to make our hearts sing.
2) Hes emotionally unflappable. His moods only ever go from happy, to marginally grumpy, and back to happy.
3) Hes the only frame builder we know who can manage maintaining his business, hand our asses to us year after year, race after race, and who is tough enough to presently be handling The GDR.
Enough said.

And speaking of tough as nails frame builders, Coconino Cycles own Steve Garro sent this beauty on to us.

Seriously, the guy is a damn machine.

We also get alot of emails about who El Corpo is. Tim Parr, the fearless captain of this ship of miscreants is El Corpo. This became his moniker when someone who will remain nameless, spray painted that very title across his big fancy office chair in the old office. I did a little Google image search for Tim, through which I came up with a closeted skeleton.
I now present to you, from the Peteluma High graduating class of 1973, Mr. Timothy Parr.

Josh from Frances Cycles sent this to us.

"Hey there- never before, but now two in one week- there one heck of an alley cat coming up next weekend in beautiful Santa Cruz California, and here's the write-up:

THE SANTA CRUZ GRAND WILDCAT! -- June 23rd, 2007

Registration: 11am, $5-$10 (no one turned away for lack of $) START: 12 NOON SHARP!
WHERE? @ the Bicycle Church, downtown Santa Cruz – 703 pacific Ave. (south of Laurel ave. by one block)

This is a bicycle race with an arduous course and a community spirit. Riders should prepare themselves for the classic urban messenger style course that morphs into single track along the rail line, a dirt climb to roughly 1000 ft with some steep grades, idyllic fire roads through redwood forest, and a small taste of classic roadie riding in the lower SC mountains, and a dirt downhill finish.
The race will finish is on the beautiful scenic coastal terraces (exact location reserved ‘till race day) of the Santa Cruz mountains with a view of the ocean and miles of open land. There will be beer, live music, lots of food, and, of course, prizes awarded.

Prizes will include (not saying how they will be awarded): a custom bicycle frame and fork made by Frances (Frances Cycles), handmade bike tools, a campy belt buckle, bike schwag, and other items.

IF YOU ARE A BIKE COMPANY WISHING TO DONATE PRIZES;
IF YOU ARE COMING FROM OUT OF TOWN AND WANT TO KNOW ABOUT SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS,
OR, FOR ANYTHING ELSE. . .

CONTACT: WILDCAT@SANTACRUZHUB.ORG

See you all next weekend-"

Ive spent a bit of time in them thar hills, and Im reasonably sure there are no alleys anywhere. If you find yourself coming through the Central Coast, do this, and thank yourself later.

Speaking of the hills, at a recent Wednesday ride, one of the Ramones illegitimate brothers came and graced us with his presence.

Welcome to Rock and Roll high school. Class is in session.

San Diegos got some happenings happening in their burg.

This just in from Velo Culture Bike Shop;

"Sorry for rubbing this in to the peeps that couldn't make it.
Trackstand competition
75+ track skids (the sandy boardwalk is fuuuun!)
4 bike crashes (minor)
1 car crash
12+ high fives from motorists
51 riders?
20+ miles
horrible BBQ
and lotsa good beer at the after party in the shop."

Photos courtesy of Velo Culture shop wrench, Anthony Bareno.

Now then, anybody need some of these in their lives?
I know I damn well do.
Sadly I lost my set while escaping from the clutches of the Mafia during my last trip through Minneapolis. Hurl, You owe me $5,250.00.

And lastly, heres a picture of the t-shirt Im wearing.

I know how you feel little clown. I know how you feel.