FJ Video

Here is some video from our little adventure


FJ 11-20-2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

FJ Party

I went out to Mike's to play around with the FJ's.  No good shots of my FJ, but I did get some of the others:)

Wolverine!

Ok, I went back to the doctor today (5 weeks after the accident) and he says I can go back to my normal activities.  No restrictions.  I must have healed like Wolverine in X-Men.  Now that sounds really positive, but considering turning the key in the ignition is a challenge at this point, I do not think that is saying much. 

I am going to go ride the Katy Trail and see how it goes and make some decisions on the next step from there.

Here are some of the X-Rays:

Before Surgery

Right After Surgery

Today

Right After Surgery

Today

Finally!!!

My FJ finally arrived last night.  No more than an hour later, Mike and I had the dash apart and  started to install the new stereo!

BT Epic 2010

Ok, our cabin rocked!  Shotgun took 1st place with a sprint finish beating the 2nd place rider by half a bike lebgth.  Mike Best remains on the shirt with a 10th place finish.  Nate made 5 hours of BT look easy.  Cole finished the race improving his time by more than 2 hours!

Evenslower and I played support and got to lounge and watch some amazing riding.

Congrats folks!  Here's a video to sum up the weekend...

Berryman Epic 2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Berryman Epic 2011

Ever since I rode this trail last year I have dreams and nightmares of riding it again in 2010, only this time not letting it kick my ass.  I had spent time working on my endurance riding and prepping for this race.  Not that I would be competitive, but just wanting to post a respectable time that was not close to dead last.

I feel like I was better prepared this year than last year.  A 6 hour ride was a walk in the park and I always felt like I had something left in the tank at the end.  I dialed in my pre-ride, ride and post ride nutrition,  solved my cramping issues around the 4 hour mark and had my hydration spot on.

Folks that I ride with commented on my increased fitness and improved riding skills.  I really felt like I was going to peak at just the right time for the BT Epic.  That was of course until an ill-fated journey to Finger Lakes to check out the new trail they just added.  Like the idiot I am, towards the end of the ride I chose to go ride some of the motoX trails I did last year to see if I had improved and was able to ride stuff I walked last year.  Yes, I am extremely competitive with myself:)

Things were going well and I was having a blast.  That is really all I can remember until, Mike told me he was going to find the EMTs and lead them to me.  These are some awesome folks.

After 3 more days in the hospital and a surgery to repair my right arm, I have some rehab in front of me before I can get back on a bike. 

I am still heading to the BT Epic to cheer on my friends and provide support.  I plan on working hard to recover from my injuries and taking myself to the next level of fitness.  I will probably start with some cross training activities until I can support myself on a bike.  Here's to the 2011 season...fear me:)

Special thanks to Mike Best for keeping an eye on me and not letting lay there more than  8 seconds before coming to my aid.  The video showed him more than fifty yards away when I crashed.  That is moving pretty fast for an old guy in bike shoes...haha.  He kept his head and did not hesitate to call for support.  Thanks to Evenslower for helping get my vehicle back home.  Thanks to my team for the food when I got out of the hospital.  Thanks for all the texts, calls and cards from my friends and family.  I could feel the love and support and it motivates me to get better with each passing day.

Anyone want to teach me how to jump and land properly?....

Finger Lakes

Crash from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.


This is my last video of 2010.  Here's to 2011:)

Wilson Lake

Wilson Lake 10-1-2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Tuesday Night Ride

Best put together an awesome ride.  Evenslower, Shotgun, Green Beans, Jr., Dr. Jay, Daisy and Josh followed Best around Rock Bridge fro 1.5 hours.  No one was left behind and those that had air in their lungs we able to chat and catch up.  I was not one of those that was able to talk.  I was pretty blown up by the end of the ride, but that is just what the Dr. ordered.  I am pretty sure I just recorded my fastest lap at RB and it was at night:)


Rock Bridge Night Ride 10-5-2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Wilson Lake Bloopers

I am working on the video from this weekend, but until then here are a couple outtakes from our adventure...


Wilson Lake Blooper 10-2-2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Branson Zip Line

Some work buddies decided to go zip lining with me.  We chose the Blue Streak Fast Line for our first adventure.  We really did no research and did not know what was ahead of us.  8 of us went and 5 of us kept the courage to actually give it a shot.

When we arrived, we signed up and then was asked 3 separate times, "Are you ok with the free fall?  There is no other way down, you know."  You see, the line we chose is a 1/4 mile long topping out at 170 feet above ground and speeds up to 50 miles an hour depending on the wind.  The receiving perch was not at ground level, but rather 101 feet up in the air with no stairs leading down.  You had to jump off, free fall 70 feet, before an air fan slowed you down.

Ray, our tour guide, had dreadlocks and a REAL laid back attitude.  Miles, our second guide, had a "I wish I was sleeping" attitude.  In fact he yawned several times during the safety speech.

They suited us up, drove us up the hill and walked us up the top perch.  I made the mistake of asking several questions I guess I really did not want to hear the answer to.  The first one was, "Does it ever get too windy to do this?"  The reply was, "Yes, today is very borderline."  The second one was, "How long have you need open?"  The reply was, "Since May."

I only had my camera phone.  What a time to not bring the GoPro.  I got some decent video of the others after I had zipped and then jumped down.


ZipLine from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.


I will definitely do this again!!!

Lucy's Water Retrieve

Lucy's training is coming along well.  We are working on the water retrieves since in another couple of months it will be too cold for a short hair to be in the water and besides she LOVES jumping into the water...


Lucy Water Retrieve 9-22-10 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Tall Oak Challenge

Not a whole lot to say about this race.  I felt good about my performance and exceeded my goal of completing 6 laps.  I never really pushed myself too hard, but I was tired none the less at the end of the day.  I stopped every lap to pop some electrolyte pills and eat. 

Next year, I think I will actually race and see what I can do.  I think 8 laps is very doable for me, but I will need to push myself a bit.

The main thing is, I am closer to being ready for the BT Epic and that is my main goal this year.  I would like to finish in 7.5 hours.  we will see...

Single Speed Will Make You Stronger?

The verdict is still out, but this is definitely a ton of fun.  I have ridden at Rhett's Run and Rock Bridge so far.  The gearing is perfect for my feeble legs.

Progress

I am trying to gear up for the Tall Oak Challenge.  Last year I did the 2 man duo.  This year I plan on going solo.

Ride 1

Ride 2

I cut 25 minutes off my time from the 1st ride.  Maybe 10 more times and I will have it down:)

The 2011 Mach 4 Looks Sexy!!

I cannot wait to see if they make some improvements on the Mach 429 next....  I am holding out and keeping my fingers crossed.

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=0013fJXCVJ8X4Fll8iHXkgr6hGevyZDRGK4Bee6nBOaFG80EYjdIR5XiclQAZ_Sbn9dMlcqW5ziZwUpajJdN3IrmnCxiJd7eMih-fMep-znCKz38GJeKw2roQ%3D%3D

Rock Bridge

Here's a little video of a ride out at Rock Bridge last week.  If you want to see a nice crash, watch around the 16 minute mark.



Rock Bridge 6-23-2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Wichita Ride

I was able to get out with some friends and ride while visiting in Wichita.  Here is a slide show for your viewing pleasure:


Brandon and Micki June 12, 2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

More Water!

Iron Man and I did an 80 mile ride on Saturday.  My pre-hydration routine was not all that great during the week and I suffered for it.  I drank 150oz of water during the ride and it was still not enough.  I am still paying for it today.

We had what seemed like a North wind going out and a strong South wind coming back. My quads, calves and hamstrings were locking up on the way back.  I am glad that's over:)

Ride Details

Ashland Loop

Evenslower, Foxy, Iron Man and I went for a Saturday morning ride.  It was a great day for a ride. 

Here we are waiting for Foxy to roll in...

Here we are waiting for Foxy to get some Gatorade...

Here we are waiting for Foxy to finish hydrating...

At least we never had to wait for Foxy on the road:)

Here are a couple of action shots of Evenslower and Iron Man...

It took us about 4 hours, but we finished with about 70 miles under our tires.  Thanks guys for such a great ride.  Let's do it again real soon!

Descending Amasa Back

Is there anything better than a 50 minute descent condensed into 18 minutes?  This is such a fun trail!!!


Descending Amasa Back 2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Climbing Amasa Back

We rented a Pivot Mach 429 for this ride.  This is a sweet ride.  Although climbing is not that much fun to watch, the scenery is.  You will see some crawlers, some beautiful views and some cliff exposures.

I used a chest cam for this ride and hind sight is 20/20.  Tuck in your camelback strap and water tube.  Too bad I did not realize this sooner.


Climbing Amasa Back from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Steve's Loop

This is a little loop of Mary's.  It has some nice views and a fun rim ride.


Steve's Loop 2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Horsethief Bench

My new favortie trail!!!


Horsetheif Bench 2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Mary's Loop

This is the 1st loop that connects with several other loops like Wrangler, Horsethief Bench and Steve's Loop.


Mary's Loop 2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Dropping into Horsetheif Bench

If you were wondering how it is done and why I did not attempt it, this is how and why:


Droping into Horse Thief Bench Trail in Fruita Colorado from Ben Crook-Hanna on Vimeo.

Rustler's Loop

This is a practice loop we rode 1st thing on Wednesday.


Rustler's Loop 2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Joe's Ridge

We took a quick run down Joe's Ridge.  This is a fun ride!!



Joe's Ridge 2010 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Kessel Run

Here is another video featuring the Ibis boys...


Kessel Run - Cole and Heavy D from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Brandawg's 1st Mountain Bike Ride

There is nothing like sitting in a car for 12 hours then stepping out, getting on your bike and riding a trail for the first time.  This was BD's first real mountain bike trail.  We cannot count Miller's Meadow in Wichita. 

Kessel Run is a part of the Book Cliffs trail system.  It is all downhill, once you make it up the 2 mile climb, with loads of "S" turns and little rises and descents. 

Note to Mike:  This is my definition of "fast and flowy"!!!


BD's 1st Ride - Kessel Run from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Sneak Peak

We played around on the Fruita Loops in the AM and 18 mile in the PM.  The video will have to wait until I get back, but here are a few photos until then...

Turkey Mountain

Ok, Evenslower and The Beast headed to Tulsa last week and shot some footage of Turkey Mountain. It looks pretty knarly.  Here it is for you viewing pleasure!!!


Turkey Mountain from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Or in HD if your bandwidth can handle it.


Turkey Mountain HD from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Moab 2009

Kokpelli time is rolling around again and I am getting excited.  It got me motivated enough to get last years data updated.  Ok, it only took me a year, but here is a slideshow and some video of last year's trip.


Fruita, Moab and Kokopelli 2009 from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Getting warmed up for a new season!

Guess I will not be trying anything like this either...

Hills of Hell

Here is some video of the pre-ride.  The weather was around 50, but windy and cloudy.  We rode about 8 miles of the course then headed back 4 miles on the road. 

Sunday was rainy and a bit colder, but not bad.  A group of us made a wrong turn and cut off about 8 miles of the course ending up only riding 11 to 12 miles.  We DQ'd ourselves.  I had a fun time, but I wish they would use mountain bike rides to plot out the course next year.  I do not mind a hike a bilke here and there, but you never got into any flow on this trail.


Hills of Hell 2010 Pre-ride from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Hills of Hell

I am working on a video of the pre-ride, but I will leave you with a few pics until I am finished...

We have take off!!!

Is that a billy goat?

Cliff hanger

2 wheel drift

I could of had a V8!!

Meers Burger....mmmmm

Only in Oklahoma

Heading to Hell

I am heading to Lawton, OK to partake in the Hills of Hell MTB race.  Here is a preview of the course...



Click on View Full Screen and then 3D fly by view to see the terrain.

Wish me luck!!!

Just a Little Night Ride

Went for a little night ride with the homebrew lights.  The output was great, but I need to tweak a couple things with the mounts to secure them a bit better.

It was a great night and I had layered just right for a balmy 18 degree ride.  One nice slip on the ice had me looking up at the beautiful night stars.

Towards the end of the ride I got stupid and rode hard over a creek which was not "really" frozen.  My front tire dropped into the water and I flew ass over tea cup into the bank breaking through the ice with my feet and knees.  That made for a cold ride back, but I was so numb I did not even really feel anything.  My Garmin was iced over in seconds from the creek water to the point I could not even read the screen.  My shifters and brakes froze up too.  It was not a real big deal as the rest of the ride went from 356 feet of evelvation to 670 feet.  Falling on ice, falling into the creek, messing with the light setup was far better than riding the trainer.  I hope to get out again soon!

23 Degrees and Slow!

Rhett's Run in Powder!!! and yes, ES was walking his bike as fast as I could climb on mine:P

Rhett's Run 23 Degrees from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

For those who love...

The Lonely Isand Band

I'M on a Bike, B!+@^

Rock Bridge

Here is another video from a couple months ago.

Rock Bridge from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Rhett's Run

Better, but I have to buy a package to be able to upload in HD.

Rhett's Run from Donovan Evans on Vimeo.

Rhett's Run

Ok, I finally got a video to load, but I had to dumb it down to like negative 320P or something. It is getting frustrating to try and share quality video. I guess I will just have to have people come over and watch it on my IPHONE.

More Modifications

So obviously I needed to figure out a way to mount the light to my helmet and handlebars. "The Beast" and I put our heads together over a "Fowler Creek Honey Wheat" and came up with a velcro base which would be interchangeable between the bars and helmet.

Here are some pics:

Here are some beam shots

15 yards

50 yards away

100 yards away and not quite dark yet