Memphis Heli Classic is a Wrap

Well, the Memphis Heli Classic was a huge success.

Bad weather (wind) could not keep people away, and everyone in attendance had a great time.

Personally, I really enjoyed putting the thing together and the results!

Next year, I'm pushing to have the event as a two day event. That should give the club a little more benefit, and ensure that more people attend!

www.memphisheliclassic.com

There was some good coverage on the internet as well - www.crackroll.com, www.helifreak.com, www.rcgroups.com.

My Own Personal Roubaix!

Went out this afternoon for a spin on the roadbike. Was hoping to do better than 30 miles this afternoon. At around the 15 mile mark, the rain hit. was not too bad, but decided to turn around and head back the way I came. The roads I was on are super bumpy and poorly patched. Looks like the crews have not gotten out and patched the patches yet either. Hence, my own personal Roubaix.

Turning around was a good choice, as I rode out from under the storm and the sun came out! Within a few minutes, I was nearly dry and cruizing along comfortably again. Frankly I was so comfortable, I decided to stretch the ride to 40 miles and headed toward more sun.

I may have pushed it a bit too far though..... When I got about 3miles from the house, the rain hit HARD!!!!!! and I mean friggin hard. The wind was howling, it felt like the temp dropped about 20 degrees and big raindrops were hitting me horizontally!

After only a couple minutes of fighting into the wind and rain in my granny I spotted a garage open. I dove in it and the owner was nice enough to let me stay in there for a minute and wait for the rain to pass.

I finally worked up the gumption to get back on and fight the last few miles to get home.

A really hot bath brought my temperature back up to normal. Everything I own was soaked from the rain and will take a bit to dry out.....

However, I did 39 miles today. A really good ride, in spite of the rain!

More Heli Painting!!

Pictures say it all. Almost ready for the Memphis Heli Classic!

Killer Riding At Shelby Forest

This past weekend, I got out on Friday to ride at Shelby Forest with JR and Chris. Those guys are 100 x's better than me, but are nice enough to wait for me at the tops of some of the climbs.

So Friday, we head out to do the normal Jackson Hill and 3Pigs loop. I did Jackson hill once, then did the Pigs 2 1/2 more times, along with the hills that precede Jackson Hill. It was absolutely intense getting up those hills.

On past rides out there, my goal was simply to get to the top of those hills. I often had to stop and walk portions of them. They may not be the Gerardsbergen or the Mur de Huy, but they are tough.

Friday, I was able to stand up on the bike and power over them. In total I rode 0ver 20 steep hills and powered through all of them. I did have to get off at Jackson hill for a short bit, but was able to get back on and finish well.

Recovery after the hills seems to be getting a little faster as well!

Ride Into Spring

Rode the "Ride Into Spring" this morning. Took the 35 mile route. I did not figure I could pull off the 75 miler.

Was a pretty nice event. Route was well marked, and the crowd was good.

I was about the 20th into the parking lot, so I made pretty good time. Weather was perfect too.

Helicopter Invasion....

I've been a fixed wing flyer for almost 30 years now.

The heli bug has hit, but this pic says how bad it is......

Truth is these are some of mine, as well as a few of Matlok's......

I have some paintwork to do between now and the Fly-in.....