It's a shame this blog isn't used as much as it once was. It used to be hilariously AWESOME!
Alot has happened in wiener world, and if no one else wants to share, well... I will damnit.
Our group/team, band of merry men, mix of the A-team and Con-Air continues to evolve. We've got a few new faces to the team. Like a cat that hides in your furniture when moving, he keeps popping up everywhere! Patrick has been an associate of ours ever since we camped across the way from him down in Georgia a few years back. It will be official, like really official, (not just Facebook official) once he dons the new HD jersey that DLC has so graciously put together. Patrick is a beast. Guy recently did a 142 mile ride with 18,000 ft of climbing in NC!
Forat is the real n00b this year. Friend of Biz's, started showing up with us last November with his Surly Moonlander. Our first fat bike season together did not scare him off, and it appears he likes us! Welcome Forat. Just watch your nipples. You never know what can happen around here.
A bunch of us got fat bikes in the off season, and actually rode them. We like fat bikes. They are fun. They are heavy, and can wear you out. We'll see what Jrad thinks of the heavy bike after he pushes it around at the Arcadia Grit and Gravel in a few short weeks.
DLC designed the 2015 edition of the Team Hot Dog jersey. They look good. Kind of a like a neapolitan, German national cycling jersey with a wiener on it. Be on the look out for the tHD colors flying by you at your favorite trail, or brewery, this summer.
Barry Roubaix came and went. Few of the guys raced. They had fun. It was cold, but they are hard core.
In early April, a bunch of our crew headed down to North Carolina for a week of riding bikes and drinking beer. From the FB posts, it appears it was a classic HD trip. Fun was had by all. Even with a douchebag of a campsite owner attempting to hamper their fun with ridiculous curfew rules. Suck it dude.
What's in store for Team Hot Dog in 2015 you ask...?
Let me tell you:
- Arcadia Grit and Gravel is fast approaching. Think 6 of us are set to tackle this event. In my opinion, this little baby is a hidden gem. Perfect time of the year to have a race like this. Awesome area of the state, in the shadows of Traverse City but definitely has its own charm. Great trails, scenary, people, places to stay, and StormCloud Brewery. I'll post a report upon our return.
- Later in May, I know a few of the faster dudes are doing the Hanson Hills 50/100. Based on their Strava rides, I will be stunned if they are not atop the podium!
- June brings us a new event, Michigan Mountain Mayhem. 60-100 road miles of some of the biggest hills in Michigan. Seriously. Real hills. From what I hear, this will be the hardest event I do all year. I believe it. Just hope I can do it. We'll see what happens, but it looks sweet. Love new things.
- July is WAM300 time. Traverse City to Michigan International Speedway. We're doing this again. 6 of us so far are signed up to ride 300 miles in 3 days, raising money and awareness for children that need special medical treatment. It's a great cause, and we encourage you all to support us by either donating, or riding with us for this important cause.
- August. New event. An all HD event. The same weekend that Ore to Shore takes place in the UP, we are doing Shore to Shore. Nice little team building exercise that starts on the banks of Lake Michigan, cruising a nice little 80 miles to the banks of Lake Superior. This was all conceived through the brilliant mind of Coach. Looking forward to this!
- Other events on the docket: One Helluva ride 100, 8 hours of Addison Oaks, Ride Around Torch Lake, Beat the Train rides, group rides, BBB, cross season, maybe Iceman, and probably alot of other things out there that I am forgetting.
It's going to be a fantastic season. See you all on a trail or bar stool soon!
