I haven't been doing much biking lately. I get at least one ride in each weekend, but that's about it. So my TransIowa 'training' is right on schedule. The commuting thing hasn't worked out so far. It is such a long commute that I have a hard time focusing on work by the time I get there. My solution, therefore, for high gas prices is that I am car-pooling with Kevin, another employee here at the office. That is working out well. Kevin lives about a mile from me, just on the other side of the interstate, so we alternate days driving in on days when neither of us have other obligations. That eliminates 2 days per week that I have to drive so far. That does help.

Last Saturday, I managed to get out to Hamilton Creek for a loop before it got dark. There are even more new trails cut with some new technical climbs and some new drops. All a good time. I rode that alone, which is pretty standard for me. I think that in my years of riding, I have still ridden more miles alone than with other people. I like riding with others, but I tend to ride my own pace regardless of being with others or not. So when I am with groups, I often find myself alone, typically off the back, but it depends on who I am with and the overall pace of the ride. Tomorrow is a group ride down at Franklin State Forest. I have a feeling it will be one of those off the back rides for me. It is a (sort of) going away ride for Justin, who is moving to Ashville. I have never known a ride with Justin to not be some sort of hammerfest. Especially when he calls it out as a single-speed ride. That usually means he intends to kill it.

This week has been pretty chilled. Tuesday night there was no Polo this week. Wednesday night was Hot Fish and Bikes night this week. Thursday night involved a short visit to the taproom and then a quiet night at the house. Good to relax because of the onslaught of Christmas parties and other similar festivities this weekend. Needed the rest to prepare for an active weekend.

My mom emailed this morning that they have snow back home (in PA). I am a bit jealous as the cold here in middle Tennessee has been less than consistent.

Enjoy your holiday preparations (or avoidances). Cheers.