I don't know if it is just trying to get through the last few real weeks of winter, or if there is more at play, but I have simply felt overly tired lately. I think I need some quality sunshine time. July, are you here yet?

It is encouraging to see the snow starting to melt, and the temps rising. But I am not fooled. This is Utah. And Utah has the screwiest seasons west of Colorado and east of Nevada. March will no doubt bring some beautiful spring days, and it will no doubt bring some horrifically nasty days as well. I don't feel entirely free of winter's clutch around here until May at least. And even then...you never know.

Nearly 2 years ago, on March 5, 2006 I had similar thoughts...

Winter in Utah does not go away easily however. It seems that every year, just when everyone is breathing a collective sigh of relief at the beast returning to the woods, it wheels around and takes one last bitter bite, leaving in our minds the stark reality of the weather in the Rocky Mountains.

And last year, the only words I had were "uhhh..." when I awoke on March 28th to this:

Last year after TWC v.1 I went home and started mapping out a revised route. In fact, I literally sat down at the computer as soon as I changed out of my chamois. By the time Jeff Kerkove and I met up for dinner later that night, I had a route that I was very excited about. I was going over that route again today, and I feel it is 95% of what the '08 "official" route will be. A few tweaks here and there, and some on the ground scouting of a couple unknowns are all that is left to do.

KanyonKris brought up in the comments section of the previous post the possibility of snow. I actually wanted to have this ride in August. But life situations just will not allow for that to happen. So instead I put it as late in the summer as I could, and still get approval from the Powers That Be (my wife). We might very well deal with some snow. But I think that will only add to the adventure!

One area that has been a part of both TWC routes is Sunset Peak/Catherine Pass. It is one of my favorite spots along the Wasatch Front, offering views of everywhere. the climb up to the pass will be rugged and demanding. You will have to hike at times. But as you climb higher, the mountains open up, and before you realize it, you are surrounded by massive granite peaks. The final push to the pass will burn your lungs and legs. But when you reach the top you will be able to see country that you have previously ridden through, as well as a good look at what is in store. It is the elevation high point of the ride, and I think possibly it will be the emotional high point as well. That will depend on the day of the ride.

This is the view you wil have at Catherine Pass. In front of you is Brighton Ski resort, and beyond that Park City.

The 2008 Wasatch Classic will take place on Saturday June 28. The start and finish will be in Midway, Utah. Estimated mileage will fall somewhere between 80 and 100, with 20k-25k of elevation gain. This year's route will be be a little more friendly than last year's, but will still include nearly all of the classic Wasatch singletrack, as well as lung busting climbs. You will ride, among others, The Ridge Trail 157, Tibble Fork, Mill D North, Desolation Lake, The Crest, and the Mid-Mountain trail in Park City.

The entire route will be included on what I think is the very best trail map of the Wasatch area. It is a new map by Adventure Maps, and it is to this area what the Lat 40 maps are to Moab.

As I finalize the route, I will provide a GPS, or a TOPO! file for those who are interested. I will also be happy to mark the route on any map. If you are not local, send me your map, and I will mark it, and send it back to you.

This ride is an unsupported group ride. Individuals will be responsible for their own food, water, repairs, navigation and anything else you need. In the classic words of MC, "bring what you need or do without". Finishing times will be provided, and some people may wish to compare those times afterward.

There will be plenty of places to filter water along this route. There are rivers, creeks, lakes, and campground spigots. There will possibly be one store along the route, at Brighton Ski resort.

As I finalize the route, more details will become available.

If you have any questions, post them in the comments at the TWC blog.





Today's weight: 182

I have 3 kids. They are bright, energetic, imaginative, and totally crazy. After some time of thought and consideration, my wife and I (mostly my wife) decided we would try for a 4th, and final child. So in early December she found out that she was indeed pregnant. I was happy, but a little timid. Our three kids, I felt, were "just fine".

Upon returning home from Camp Lynda, my wife greeted me with what she called "an interesting development". That is, we are having twins.


Twins.


Twins!?


Even now, I am still in shock. Twins. Two babies. At once.


Twins.


I feel a bit like someone smacked me in the face. Not that I feel angry, just surprised. A little stunned. Once the news sunk in a little bit the questions started flowing. Is our van big enough, do we have enough space in the house, what stuff will we need to buy, and on and on.

We do not know the genders of the two new arrivals yet. Be sure that when we do know, I will update all of you. I think my wife is rooting for one of each. But I'd be fine with 2 more boys. That would mean that years down the road, I'd have 4 sons to pull me up the Alpine Loop or filter water for me on the Kokopelli Trail.

But whatever comes, I will be excited and happy. Even though right now I feel unprepared and nervous.

Twins.


Twins.


Who would have ever thought....


Today's weight: N/A. I gave myself a free evening of Super Bowl snacking.