blog change

the last 5 years of my life ive been studying automotive engineering technologies at MSU. it is a really good program, and while i appreciate what cars can do for you. bikes give me a purpose. when im on my bicycle, everything slows down. there is no rush to be anywhere. i can do what i want, go were i want, and generally feel free. that is why ive changed my blog title from slave pit escape to tim rides bike. because that is what i do. every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow, i ride my bike, because i can.

Night nonsense 100

last night i raced in the inaugural night nonsense 100 (93.7 actually) we started in the rain and hammered out 93.7 miles of gravel, mud, and the occasional paved section. my light died three miles into the race. i pushed on, found some riders to stick with. fought through back and stomach pain. took second place, just seconds behind Robert fry. i had a great time. it is on the calendar for next year.

drew very generously let me borrow his mamasita with cross tires. the bike performed impeccably, and now i have the 29er itch. two really good recaps of the event can be found at

Ride On Purpose

and

Guitar Ted

i dont know what it is, but there is something overly satisfying about gravel.