tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18942110217003673722024-03-13T09:47:46.060-04:00a Hebrew CyclistThe life and cycles of Jordan Kahlenberg, professional mountain biker and Giant Mid Atlantic Off-Road Team manager.Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-34692713089489209772013-08-11T11:07:00.002-04:002013-08-11T11:07:50.919-04:00Whoops, forgot to blog........Well it looks as though a solid year has passed since my last post. Good a time as any to throw up a fresh one, eh?<br />
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So much has passed since July 2012. I played cyclocross games last Fall for a bit longer than expected, then decided to play some ultracross games early in the year down in Georgia and Virginia. Skipping the big early season XC races in TX and CA kept me fresh, and I enjoyed some more consistency through the early season races. Unfortunately as the big season goals approached I was burning the end of my matchbook, finding myself running on fumes by the time I made it to VT for the Pro XCT finals, ending my main season with a bee-sting to the back of the leg. ZIIIIINGER!<br />
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Speaking of skipping races, I missed the Bear Creek PA State Championship race for the first time in years in order to attend the wedding of a good friend. It felt a little odd not being there with the rest of the team, but the wedding was fantastic and I even came across this gem, pictured below!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6cvURRQ-_I/UgehC2mLjnI/AAAAAAAABIg/QkjPJhPYZHg/s1600/Blog07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6cvURRQ-_I/UgehC2mLjnI/AAAAAAAABIg/QkjPJhPYZHg/s400/Blog07.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greatest. Store. Ever.</td></tr>
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After a nice little break for the wedding, it was time to buckle down a bit for the season's goals: Windham, Nationals, and Catamount. 3 National calibre events on the east coast! Words used to describe how I felt about this: Motivated, stoked, excited, ecstatic, you get the picture. First stop was Windham, where after some solid results in the local races I was ready to test the legs for the first time against a deeper field. This is where my physical preparation and mental focus failed to meet my excitement and enthusiasm. Where I normally would be hanging on at the start, then picking riders off slowly after that to the finish, I found myself struggling to find a rhythm and got pulled before the end. Ugh..... It was still a great time, and got to hang out with Seamus and his fam, and Sammy @ adidas Eyewear, who is a great supporter of the Giant Mid Atlantic Team. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQ3-HL_tEE8/UgeivxP3sRI/AAAAAAAABI0/ZKCiztk10QU/s1600/Blog05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQ3-HL_tEE8/UgeivxP3sRI/AAAAAAAABI0/ZKCiztk10QU/s400/Blog05.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seamus and I hanging with Sammy and the crew from Overlook. <br />Can somebody get me a stepstool?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The infamous Munchie the goat.</td></tr>
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Post-Windham, I gathered myself quickly and set forth making up the difference ahead of Nationals. One way I clear my mind is to clean my bikes! This year the team was able to partner up with Muc-Off brand cleaners and lubes. The stuff is awesome. Their cleaner takes cleaning my bike from a chore to a pleasure, and their lubes are simply fantastic, the best I've ever used. Please try this stuff! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning the fleet, Muc-Off style.</td></tr>
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While the equipment prep was obviously going well, I wasn't quite sure how the physically prep was going, but luckily I had a race the weekend before Nationals in order to test that out. Aside from my poor starts, I was also suffering in the heat a bit more than normal. My prep for this consisted of driving to/from work without the A/C on. It must have worked as I won that race and felt relatively comfortable the entire time. Back on track!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrzLeOhNXXU/UgekrwgaJYI/AAAAAAAABJY/qwVmEu6azT0/s1600/Blog03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qrzLeOhNXXU/UgekrwgaJYI/AAAAAAAABJY/qwVmEu6azT0/s400/Blog03.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yays! I'm the little guy in the middle.</td></tr>
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Riding the high from my recent win into Nationals was a great feeling. Having your confidence in check before a big race is a huge advantage, and my mindset was fully positive ahead of the Elite Men's XC race. The heat there was CRAZY, but I had a decent start (for once) that lead me into the second lap energized and ready to pass. Unfortunately I faded after 3 laps and my 4th lap was horrendous, finding me pulled and finishing 2 laps down. Ugh.... Redemption in the Super D almost came until I made a big mistake on a corner that left me off-trail and out of contention. Short Track felt like my day, but a bottleneck on the first lap took all the fight out of me and I cut the weekend short. Standing and waiting for 30 seconds in the middle of a short-track race will do that to you. Sooo, until next year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDr1Dd-S5gs/UgemA_rcBsI/AAAAAAAABJo/RBCZHpLjNj8/s1600/IMG_20130720_152017_988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDr1Dd-S5gs/UgemA_rcBsI/AAAAAAAABJo/RBCZHpLjNj8/s400/IMG_20130720_152017_988.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffing ice-socks in the jersey ahead of XC Nationals.</td></tr>
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One thing I have to mention is Tealy's (Erin and I's dog) birthday. She wears birthday hats and goes apeshit for her presents. I love watching her freak out every year. Pictured below as she tried to sneak a lick of her 'cake', her eye about to pop out of her head.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XtFXrz5yzbk/UgemtsB9ktI/AAAAAAAABJw/UODQC3FCAeU/s1600/Blog04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XtFXrz5yzbk/UgemtsB9ktI/AAAAAAAABJw/UODQC3FCAeU/s400/Blog04.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hat goes on TOP Of your head.</td></tr>
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Birthday celebrations aside, and Nationals over, it was time to focus on one more race: The Catamount classic Pro XCT in VT. I used to love going to VT for races and shenanigans back in college, so I was pretty excited to head back up. Since I waited until last minute to go, I decided to take my Aunt up with me so she could go visit some friends in NH after the race. She's a good travel companion and we had a great time driving and exploring. The race was a bust, as I had a similar feeling as I did at Windham, but I was able to forget about the disappointment once we were in NH and I was eating ice cream on the lake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uW6stVw6yE0/UgenwTUmebI/AAAAAAAABKA/hLCGaoIprJw/s1600/Blog01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uW6stVw6yE0/UgenwTUmebI/AAAAAAAABKA/hLCGaoIprJw/s400/Blog01.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our NH hosts were awesome, leaving a gift basket for me in my room!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLg2C5pnu0w/UgenwOSh-oI/AAAAAAAABKE/eh8TbXgo-ys/s1600/Blog02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SLg2C5pnu0w/UgenwOSh-oI/AAAAAAAABKE/eh8TbXgo-ys/s400/Blog02.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the sunset over Lake Champlain, Burlington, VT.</td></tr>
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As I finish up this post, I realize how lucky I am to be able to race a bike, play frisbee with my dog, spend time with an awesome woman, and live the life I do. All the positives in life help make the disappointment of a crappy race easy to forget, and I'm pretty motivated to rest up and train even harder for next year. Next stop on the crazy train, Iron Cross XI! See you there?<br />
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~ JordanJordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-73868531511195248252012-07-31T23:08:00.004-04:002012-07-31T23:08:25.831-04:00The Last Hoorah of 2012.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
.....or is it?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love is like a garden, sometimes it takes time to grow.</td></tr>
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Summer has been crazy lately. The heat and humidity, though hard to believe, is worse than last year. I mean, seriously, I literally cannot sweat any more. Ever.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqeCyng5IQc/UBiZkbG9cgI/AAAAAAAABDw/B88DObSCDIg/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqeCyng5IQc/UBiZkbG9cgI/AAAAAAAABDw/B88DObSCDIg/s400/photo-1.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Cowbell, less heat & Humidity please.</td></tr>
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Life is going well though, despite the heat. Getting ready to move, and planning some fun things to do for the Fall. If you have any suggestions for Winter, let me know. I always fall short on Winter activities since moving back from Colorado. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2kSaOXcTj8/UBiaBLGvVFI/AAAAAAAABD4/a9Fb0e-WWow/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2kSaOXcTj8/UBiaBLGvVFI/AAAAAAAABD4/a9Fb0e-WWow/s400/photo-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scene from Lewes, DE. Taken in a post-dinner/ice-cream euphoria</td></tr>
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Training is also going well, thanks to (mostly) sleepful nights and a steady supply of Elete! Introduced some Plyo work before/after workouts to add some snap to my step, and it seems to be working. Look out 'cross season!<br />
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And of course, there's the racing. This has been going equally as well, having shown steady improvement throughout the season, after some early disappointment. Here's some quick recaps:<br />
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<b>Massanutten Hoo-Ha:</b> A race which has turned into a staple on my calendar, this was again a fantastic weekend of bike gaming! I decided to take things at a more relaxed pace this year, and left on Saturday for the slow haul out with my buddy The Weav. Missing the Super-D, we were fired up for the Short Track, and found the course to be as awesome as ever. Some fast-laps had us even more wound-up, and we took off for 20'ish minutes of pure hel....er, I mean bliss. Finished in the top-10 somewhere, hung out, went for some dinner, then hit the sack for the main event XC race. Again, super awesome trails, two laps, cramp-fest due to maladjusted saddle, had a blast, finished 8th....or was it 9th....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJYspKGmc20/UBiagHVq6MI/AAAAAAAABEA/Ibu7BzYJ7ZU/s1600/_ITM3670e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJYspKGmc20/UBiagHVq6MI/AAAAAAAABEA/Ibu7BzYJ7ZU/s400/_ITM3670e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian McAlexander takes some awesome photos. This from the Hoo-Ha Short Track.</td></tr>
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<b>Ute Valley Pro XCT: </b> Good idea: Heading back to CO to see some old friends and race my bike. Bad idea: Crashing and fracturing my wrist while pre-riding the course. Good idea: Taking it easy at the start to take the pressure off my wrist and not blow up in altitude. Bad idea: Taking it easy at the start to take the pressure off my wrist and not blow up in altitude. Good idea: Racing my first Eliminator event. Bad idea: Staying up until 1am playing Batman Arkham Asylum on PS3, lamenting over another poor ProXCT result, then racing my first Eliminator event. Would I do it again? Heck yeah.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVKsZ-UsKdY/UBia_5gPDmI/AAAAAAAABEM/RHFZvZJ2Fy8/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVKsZ-UsKdY/UBia_5gPDmI/AAAAAAAABEM/RHFZvZJ2Fy8/s400/photo-3.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like a screen-capture from a dream. Backside of Lookout Mtn.</td></tr>
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<b>Neshaminy Classic:</b> Back in the late 90's, this was my first mtb race I ever entered. Since then, the course has morphed slowly over the years, keeping things fresh with new obstacles and routes through the relatively small patch of woods where the race resides. I get pumped for this race, even when I'm not racing 100%, and this year wasn't much different, save for the two ultra fast South Africans who crashed the party. Still had a blast, and had the family come out for some cheering and bottle hand-offs. Thanks everyone!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wezn3Q9P4E/UBibWBnvwII/AAAAAAAABEU/mCvw0hPvb_0/s1600/39293757-IMG_2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wezn3Q9P4E/UBibWBnvwII/AAAAAAAABEU/mCvw0hPvb_0/s400/39293757-IMG_2634.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dropping into the gnarly descent on course. FOCUS!</td></tr>
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<b>Windham World Cup:</b> R.I.P. I'm extremely happy that I was able to make it up for this year's World Cup event in Windham, NY. With two teammates donning the US kit, it was a must see. Getting to watch Seamus and Forrest race in front of a home crowd against the best riders in the world quickly made me forget about the disappointment of not starting the elite race. Proud of you guys!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXLJ0w4Qf4I/UBicWFemI5I/AAAAAAAABEc/t5lFT4vcN9c/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXLJ0w4Qf4I/UBicWFemI5I/AAAAAAAABEc/t5lFT4vcN9c/s400/photo-4.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seamus up the climb<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpSH7SYtceA/UBicpwx2meI/AAAAAAAABEk/_eiXfAOzQeo/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpSH7SYtceA/UBicpwx2meI/AAAAAAAABEk/_eiXfAOzQeo/s400/photo-5.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ride Forrest, Ride!</td></tr>
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<b>Bulldog Rump: </b> A New Jersey classic mtb race, also the longest running mtb race in NJ! I actually skipped a popular race only 1 hour away from me to make the trek 3hrs up to Andover, NJ and race one of the best courses in the Mid-Atlantic. This event never disappoints, and with the usual strong field of competitors I found myself knee-deep in suffering on my way to a satisfying 2nd place effort on the day. To make things interesting, I traveled with The Weav, and while leading me into the final lap, he thought he'd be nice and fall of his bike in order to let me go by (I kid, but seriously, he really did fall!). He was ok, just got a little overzealous in the heat, and it made for a good laugh on the way back to Baltisnore.<br />
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For the last string of mtb races, I've got nothing but favorites on tap. This weekend I'm headed up to Bear Creek for their Super Series event, followed by the PA State Championship event also at Bear Creek. Then it's off to Wisconsin for the Subaru Cup Pro XCT event. If I don't see you at one of the Bear Creek races, then SHAME ON YOU! <br />
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Later Gator........<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFNR8dfRI_g/UBidQhx2Y0I/AAAAAAAABEs/Ssda1poMLfw/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFNR8dfRI_g/UBidQhx2Y0I/AAAAAAAABEs/Ssda1poMLfw/s400/photo-6.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every office should be equipped with one of these in my opinion.</td></tr>
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<br />Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-54296492837088659812012-06-06T23:33:00.000-04:002012-06-06T23:33:01.392-04:00Back in the swing, in my opinion.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-14D7yCydC40/T9AfHSSK_oI/AAAAAAAABDY/xRl74YmKnwk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-14D7yCydC40/T9AfHSSK_oI/AAAAAAAABDY/xRl74YmKnwk/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How most of the world views a short jew. No wonder nobody recognizes me!</td></tr>
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Hi blog, how are you? Good, good, great to hear. <div>
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The activity of blogging as a cyclist is unique, at least for myself. When things are going good, I can't shut up. But when things are going bad, I can't bring myself to write. Maybe it's because I don't want to sound like I'm down, or upset. Or maybe it's because I'm embarassed for plating up a big pile of poop at the races, ha! </div>
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At any rate, things haven't been going all that bad, and lately I've been starting to feel the spark come back on the bike. The spark I seemed to lose in Texas earlier this year when I found myself hitting the deck at a race, then puking multiple times on the trip back home (NEVER eating airport food EVER again.....EVER.). That trip seemed to set in motion the old allergy/cold cycle for the next few weeks, which consumed my planned rest period. I then stubbornly continued training again for Sea Otter, which was to be my last result on which I would petition for a world cup start at Windham. In short, FAIL. No World Cup for me, but where I lost the hope of a spot at the start line, I gained the realization that I needed to pay more attention again to my training and rest.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vp_UVc9yXwc/T9AfEmnWcqI/AAAAAAAABDQ/BNWK3e78NPk/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vp_UVc9yXwc/T9AfEmnWcqI/AAAAAAAABDQ/BNWK3e78NPk/s400/photo-3.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing my ninja stealth by sneaking up on dragonflys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So how did I set things straight? It started with a week off the bike, followed by a few days camping/hiking down in Shenandoah National Park with Erin & Tealy (My girls!). Now THAT hit the spot! I immediately felt the positive affects of the rest, and set out with a renewed vigor to my training. I raced a new event (to me), Dominion Riverrock in Richmond, VA, which I HIGHLY recommend, then went back to my roots with a ride through southern Michaux State Forest with an awesome group, led by my old friend Travis. He still makes me look silly in those rock gardens.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Md9rnv2-G4/T9AfAxllPgI/AAAAAAAABDA/OwNgQb2QG7Y/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Md9rnv2-G4/T9AfAxllPgI/AAAAAAAABDA/OwNgQb2QG7Y/s400/photo-1.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing a new tent indoors. I napped in it for a bit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Coming up, I have the bulk of my racing schedule. It starts off with the Massanutten Hoo-Ha this weekend, then I'm off to Colorado for the next stop in the ProXCT series. I'll still be racing at Windham, but only at the 'Race the World' event on Sunday, and in between Colorado and Windham, I plan on heading to the Neshaminy M.A.S.S. race. The Neshaminy race has a special place in my heart, as it was the first race I ever competed in. I'd be stoke to notch up a 'W' there, and if my form continues to improve, I just may pull it off.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7a6ILjLrjE/T9AfCusW1II/AAAAAAAABDI/wB4P8A-LnO0/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7a6ILjLrjE/T9AfCusW1II/AAAAAAAABDI/wB4P8A-LnO0/s400/photo-2.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New bling-bling squish from RockShox, to be abused at a race course near you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Ok, this post has gotten waaaay too long, so I'll end this one and hopefully see you at one of the awesome events coming up. </div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-10300320058051276402011-10-19T21:50:00.000-04:002011-10-19T21:50:27.117-04:00Like a fine whine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiX8QZQLTnk/Tp98VcOg45I/AAAAAAAABBU/xZZ4HeUBJcM/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-10-19+at+9.33.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiX8QZQLTnk/Tp98VcOg45I/AAAAAAAABBU/xZZ4HeUBJcM/s400/Screen+shot+2011-10-19+at+9.33.30+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you squint real hard while looking at the picture above, you might mistake it for a mountain bike photo. It looks like half of my rear wheel is gone!<br />
<br />
I have sincerely enjoyed racing 'cross this Fall, and will be sorry when it's all over. On the other hand, I can't wait for it to be over so I can begin to focus on the 2012 mountain bike season! Here's the tentative schedule thus far:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Mellow Johnny's Classic, TX</li>
<li>Fontana, CA</li>
<li>Dominion Riverrock, VA</li>
<li>Ute Valley, CO</li>
<li>Subaru Cup, WI</li>
<li>Mont St. Anne, CN</li>
<li>Windham, NY</li>
</ul><div>That should keep me busy.....</div><br />
<br />
The weather as of late has brought rain mid-week, which has kept me on the trainer in order to stay sharp. Unfortunately, my will broke today and I veg'd instead of riding. I think I'll hit it hard tomorrow instead, considering I only race on Sunday this weekend. <br />
<br />
Speaking of the trainer, I seem to go through a trainer about once every 2 years now. Poor things......<br />
Does anyone else have this problem? And follow-up question: Has anyone used those free-motion trainers, like the Kinetics? Thoughts?Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-3524596973439804142011-08-28T23:00:00.000-04:002011-08-28T23:00:59.469-04:00Speak Softly and Make a Big Racquet<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqE0OTtt9No/Tlr8rRYB-7I/AAAAAAAABBM/o7skdKeo-mc/s400/photo-5.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like to make a big racquet ever now and then.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqE0OTtt9No/Tlr8rRYB-7I/AAAAAAAABBM/o7skdKeo-mc/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqE0OTtt9No/Tlr8rRYB-7I/AAAAAAAABBM/o7skdKeo-mc/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>My parents used to tell me not to make a big racket, but what else was I going to do with all that string?!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1kCOaXXYME/Tlr8tdHFVBI/AAAAAAAABBQ/ueP0-tzAidM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1kCOaXXYME/Tlr8tdHFVBI/AAAAAAAABBQ/ueP0-tzAidM/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rare Backflip Derailleur Double Upchuck. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So the above picture tells the story of my last mountain bike race of 2011. The derailleur decided to do a backflip double upchuck 10 minutes into the cross-country event at the Bear Creek Triple Crown event. To say I was disappointed is an understatement, I was crushed! But this is racing, and I got over it the next day. I'll miss racing with my Giant teammates the rest of the year, but I got different fish to fry this Fall/Winter......<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIxjCtOj8u0/Tlr8mo-BJZI/AAAAAAAABA8/0YJca_QBhOE/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIxjCtOj8u0/Tlr8mo-BJZI/AAAAAAAABA8/0YJca_QBhOE/s400/photo-1.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making big red polka dots look cool since 10 minutes ago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had some people ask me why I decided to end the mountain bike season early this year, and here's your answer: CYCLOCROSS. Yes, that silly sport where you get on-and-off your bike for no good reason while sprinting around a grass field with beer-swigging spectators yelling at you from 2 inches away. For the 2011 cyclocross season I will be guest racing for Adventures for the Cure (<a href="http://www.adventuresforthecure.com/">www.adventuresforthecure.com</a>). I will be donating all my race winnings to diabetes research and having a blast doing it! And to help me in my endeavors.......<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQy3rPPCe_w/Tlr8rFr5OlI/AAAAAAAABBI/pfx55a8p8CU/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQy3rPPCe_w/Tlr8rFr5OlI/AAAAAAAABBI/pfx55a8p8CU/s400/photo-4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 2012 Giant TCX 0, one of 2!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My office had a 'bring your kid to work day'. I brought my cyclocross bike instead. <br />
<br />
So to prepare for the upcoming onslaught of barrier-induced suffering, I will be going on fun mountain bike rides and attending Wednesday 'cross practices nearby. My first race of the season will be the first 'cross race I ever attended: Charm City CX. A double dose of UCI madness, and even better I can ride to it from my house! <br />
<br />
Whatever you choose to do this fall/winter on the bike, I hope you have fun and enjoy the ride!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txl19kv5GRk/Tlr8plDhAQI/AAAAAAAABBE/w3-nPfbmP8k/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txl19kv5GRk/Tlr8plDhAQI/AAAAAAAABBE/w3-nPfbmP8k/s400/photo-3.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gieda and I, enjoying the ride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-18945335329370021292011-04-09T15:01:00.000-04:002011-04-09T15:01:47.358-04:00Nothing is greater than somethingI woke up, rode my bike a little, and have since done not much of anything. It's the first Saturday in a long time that I can say this. Dang, it feels good! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SkT_Ob6sBbw/TaCr_WBTOzI/AAAAAAAAA_M/cStZAcUnNr4/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SkT_Ob6sBbw/TaCr_WBTOzI/AAAAAAAAA_M/cStZAcUnNr4/s400/IMG_0308.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack the Dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I've been traveling around to the local area Giant Bicycles dealers, which has been fun. Meeting new people, nothing wrong with that. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyUHfXQXx1k/TaCsTnM_-TI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/6m-QGYTrMQg/s1600/IMGP0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyUHfXQXx1k/TaCsTnM_-TI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/6m-QGYTrMQg/s320/IMGP0030.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corey from Princeton Sports, and Mr. Craig, and some dude.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Last weekend the team got together for the M.A.S.S. team relay. It was rad! We had a great time and practiced our bicycle games in style.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhOWUcdYEN0/TaCs7PaptVI/AAAAAAAAA_U/VzPX8tMLzqs/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhOWUcdYEN0/TaCs7PaptVI/AAAAAAAAA_U/VzPX8tMLzqs/s320/IMG_0284.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture taking at Chipotle aids in recovery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Tomorrow is the first official M.A.S.S. race of the year at Fairhill (Elkton, MD). Weather is supposed to be decent, so the turnout should be good. Gonna be up bright and early for a 9am start! If you go, swing by the Giant tent and say 'hi', or 'hey', or maybe even 'dude, nice shoes!'Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-79449427126406967832011-03-22T22:52:00.000-04:002011-03-22T22:52:41.644-04:00Back to the Blog<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MFxH2Uia6Nc/TYlfpPjG4HI/AAAAAAAAA-w/CH5uLba87ko/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MFxH2Uia6Nc/TYlfpPjG4HI/AAAAAAAAA-w/CH5uLba87ko/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couch Ninja</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well I feel sufficient time has passed since I've last posted to my blog, so it is time once again to tickle the chin hairs of the interweb and enlighten you all to what's what and who's why.</div><br />
As you've probably already surmised, I survived the winter (and the crowd rejoices). I always make it out to be much worse that it really was, so I'll just leave it at that. Spring is now here and trainer workouts are coming to an end. That means no more dog staring at me while I suffer like a.......well you get the idea.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E57xAXUeyqs/TYlfpVOjwOI/AAAAAAAAA-0/i3oRQjGqxbQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E57xAXUeyqs/TYlfpVOjwOI/AAAAAAAAA-0/i3oRQjGqxbQ/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cheering section.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And now time for something completely different: I have raced my bike twice this year, and it's not even April yet. I know, it's still early. But I just couldn't help myself! First race was in California, the Bonelli Pro XC Tour stop. That course was killer! But so was the start, as it killed my hopes of a solid finish. Despite finishing well down, I thought I rode respectably, passing steadily throughout the race after starting DFL. I also raced a local race, as in 15 minutes from my house, but was sick the day before and cramped halway through as I was steadily making my way towards the front of the race. Can I have some cheese for my whine please?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TQALmHDUocA/TYlfogYAnMI/AAAAAAAAA-s/K18vsM0rerc/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TQALmHDUocA/TYlfogYAnMI/AAAAAAAAA-s/K18vsM0rerc/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new whip. Black is the new blue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The Giant Mid-Atlantic Team is doing well, with a new addition and great support the 2011 season is looking to be a great one! Check out our schedule on www.giantmidatlantic.com, and 'like' us on Facebook to find out where we'll be for sure. Thanks to all our sponsors/partners/supporters, we couldn't be having this much fun without you!Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-60196696638698918462010-12-02T23:02:00.000-05:002010-12-02T23:02:01.627-05:00FloatingNot sure what it's been as of late, but I've been floating day-to-day, not feeling as grounded as I normally like. Working to get the team together for 2011, staying focused and on-track with my preparation for the 2011 season, staying focused while at work so I can keep paying the bills and save money for my traveling next year. <br />
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Some pretty cool news: I'll be in my good friend Chris's wedding next year in August/September. It's in Germany, so I'll be brushing up on my dialect. Germany: you're on notice, get ready!Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-17957942178454549432010-11-21T22:14:00.000-05:002010-11-21T22:14:39.870-05:00Raging and ruinedAs I played wingman for my roommate at the bar last night, I kept thinking about going to sleep. I wasn't tired, but I wanted to have a good day Sunday, and not have it squandered by waking up late, eating breakfast at lunch time, and getting back from my ride in time for dinner and laundry. Ultimately, that is what happened, and instead of getting a number, I got a girl's facebook. This cracks me up! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOngC8QYn7I/AAAAAAAAA9k/UFeDACnm_lw/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOngC8QYn7I/AAAAAAAAA9k/UFeDACnm_lw/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOngDcZUWOI/AAAAAAAAA9o/1Sxaq-LhOJM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOngDcZUWOI/AAAAAAAAA9o/1Sxaq-LhOJM/s320/photo.JPG" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I know a few people who have deleted their facebook, and I'm starting to think it's not a bad idea. What do you think?Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-68899014633119214352010-11-17T22:57:00.000-05:002010-11-17T22:57:03.050-05:00Return of the blog: Drive me to the podium<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOSi2-kPe6I/AAAAAAAAA9U/gJeWIxHKZH4/s1600/DSCI0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOSi2-kPe6I/AAAAAAAAA9U/gJeWIxHKZH4/s400/DSCI0008.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's always nice to end the season on a high note!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Just for being a swell guy, the organizers of the Campmor/H2H mountain bike race series decided to let me stand on the top step of the podium at their awards banquet this past Sunday. Thanks guys!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOSi6YTSPoI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/eBgAL3TdnNc/s1600/DSCI0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOSi6YTSPoI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/eBgAL3TdnNc/s400/DSCI0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a season-long smile, in case you were wondering.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I haven't made it to any 'cross races thus far. Just not feeling it after that long mtb season. I'll have my shot at cyclocross glory next year I'm sure.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOSi-gOALFI/AAAAAAAAA9c/3Cgirgnf8SI/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOSi-gOALFI/AAAAAAAAA9c/3Cgirgnf8SI/s400/IMG_0060.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing a little 'cross training at the range.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've managed to keep craziness to a minimum as of late, which is helping me stay relaxed and focused on training as the weather gets colder. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOSjA9JoJ8I/AAAAAAAAA9g/SmoHnT3-hx0/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TOSjA9JoJ8I/AAAAAAAAA9g/SmoHnT3-hx0/s400/IMG_0063.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the weather gets cold, the fences get burned.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Off-season team obligations have been keeping me busy though. I definitely prefer racing over schmoozing, but the schmoozing helps the racing! Did I spell 'schmooze' right? Somebody check urban dictionary....<br />
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Speaking of, I actually added a word to that recently, check IT.<br />
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I'll come up with a more interesting post next time, just wanted to post pics of me on a podium. Dig it.Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-39049628053216241172010-10-11T21:46:00.000-04:002010-10-11T21:46:53.506-04:00Scene From My Two Eyes: Part 2<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO9I_ZCWaI/AAAAAAAAA9E/pl_F9SRu6yE/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO9I_ZCWaI/AAAAAAAAA9E/pl_F9SRu6yE/s200/IMG_0045.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Raced my last mountain bike race of 2010 last weekend. It was the Campmor/H2H series finals, and I wrapped up the series overall with a 5th place finish. To be honest, I was finished before the race even started, and unfortunately raced that way. Now I'm entering my second full rest week, and finally starting to crave some form of exercise. Maybe I'll do some 24oz. curls tomorrow as preperation for some cyclocross races!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO7nHeQ2OI/AAAAAAAAA80/kQUpEiIh1kE/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO7nHeQ2OI/AAAAAAAAA80/kQUpEiIh1kE/s400/IMG_0026.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prettyboy damn is pretty cool! Still have yet to walk to the bottom of those stairs....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO7PTrHqFI/AAAAAAAAA8w/RN4sh-1_vGw/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO7PTrHqFI/AAAAAAAAA8w/RN4sh-1_vGw/s400/IMG_0022.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will be on one of these next year quite a bit. Hoping that I find some good deals on flights!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO7-IGVS9I/AAAAAAAAA84/osOqezeMvQg/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO7-IGVS9I/AAAAAAAAA84/osOqezeMvQg/s400/IMG_0039.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were going 85, but still no flaming tire tracks. Bummer.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO8VY-XiWI/AAAAAAAAA88/mjOe7n4ch4w/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO8VY-XiWI/AAAAAAAAA88/mjOe7n4ch4w/s400/IMG_0043.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petrified dog hides in closet during thunderstorms. Farts on my favorite shoes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Should I or shound't I.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO9I_ZCWaI/AAAAAAAAA9E/pl_F9SRu6yE/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO9I_ZCWaI/AAAAAAAAA9E/pl_F9SRu6yE/s200/IMG_0045.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO9mripoJI/AAAAAAAAA9I/DaY2A8pOaY4/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO9mripoJI/AAAAAAAAA9I/DaY2A8pOaY4/s400/IMG_0053.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The darndest things show up on my white board at work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO9wJTLnmI/AAAAAAAAA9M/5pN3-0wOP9w/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TLO9wJTLnmI/AAAAAAAAA9M/5pN3-0wOP9w/s400/IMG_0063.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warmth on a cool crisp night in the Poconos. That really was an ugly fence.</td></tr>
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</div></div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-41832441520226070042010-09-09T11:03:00.004-04:002010-09-09T11:16:46.167-04:00Scene from my two eyes: Part 1<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Have been taking a mini-break for the past few weeks since the Rattling Creek Marathon. A lot of easy rides, which means more opportunities to take pictures and capture those scenes from a memory. Enjoy visual stimulation:<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5IZ5nUkI/AAAAAAAAA74/5P13ZPIT7Ws/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5IZ5nUkI/AAAAAAAAA74/5P13ZPIT7Ws/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514931666501980738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stopped during my ride briefly and noticed this little guy just chillin.</span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5IZ5nUkI/AAAAAAAAA74/5P13ZPIT7Ws/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5HZaHm9I/AAAAAAAAA7w/puRtuGc7y2w/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5HZaHm9I/AAAAAAAAA7w/puRtuGc7y2w/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514931649190009810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I remember the days when I didn't have a washer & dryer......</span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5HZaHm9I/AAAAAAAAA7w/puRtuGc7y2w/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5GW1b_NI/AAAAAAAAA7o/fq0tiyJNBhU/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5GW1b_NI/AAAAAAAAA7o/fq0tiyJNBhU/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514931631319416018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Poor stanley survived the fall, but not the impact.......</span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5GW1b_NI/AAAAAAAAA7o/fq0tiyJNBhU/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5FvUG0jI/AAAAAAAAA7g/_eqvFair-bw/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5FvUG0jI/AAAAAAAAA7g/_eqvFair-bw/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514931620710634034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's a fixer-upper for sure, but the location is great!</span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5FvUG0jI/AAAAAAAAA7g/_eqvFair-bw/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5FH-LmrI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/-M__fOtk91s/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5FH-LmrI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/-M__fOtk91s/s400/IMG_0005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514931610149690034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Complete with trail-side parking.......</span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj5FH-LmrI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/-M__fOtk91s/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj4Pqi0USI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/glt41qYozUA/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TIj4Pqi0USI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/glt41qYozUA/s400/IMG_0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514930691717222690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And besides, it's in better condition than this one.</span></div><div><br /></div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-71834169019468758442010-08-25T21:47:00.004-04:002010-08-25T22:05:20.965-04:00Blog Post<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/THXKzZ6u8XI/AAAAAAAAA6o/Zvl8Gf2TOuU/s1600/P1010010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/THXKzZ6u8XI/AAAAAAAAA6o/Zvl8Gf2TOuU/s400/P1010010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509532703637041522" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The sport riders have pretty sweet bikes these days.</span></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/THXKzZ6u8XI/AAAAAAAAA6o/Zvl8Gf2TOuU/s1600/P1010010.JPG"></a><div><br /></div>In the middle of a rest week. A REAL rest week. Normally I have about 5 hrs on the bike by now. This week, 2. And it will only be roughly 3 after Friday.<div><br /><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/THXLEaHeSAI/AAAAAAAAA64/fLuEX_qXvOw/s1600/P1010008.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/THXLEaHeSAI/AAAAAAAAA64/fLuEX_qXvOw/s400/P1010008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509532995748251650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Peoples hanging out under the tent at Neshaminy.</span></u></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/THXLEaHeSAI/AAAAAAAAA64/fLuEX_qXvOw/s1600/P1010008.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>I was pretty floored after this past weekend. Did Weav's Prettyboy ride, starting at Oregon Ridge and going around some great countryside in Maryland. I'll definitely be back to that loop soon. Sunday I drove up into Pennsyltucky for the Rattling Creek 50 miler. It was epic. I rode slow. Finished 7th out of who knows how many. Didn't get a T-shirt, but had fun. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last weekend I raced in NY, the Taconic 909, part of the Campmor/H2H regional race series. BAD ASS course. A little long, which came as a surprise on race-day. Took second behind Super-Aaron. Made up some ground on the series leader, Maurice. I'm gunning for YOU Mo!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/THXLE_e8OnI/AAAAAAAAA7A/dmwlV_tT3ag/s400/P1010009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509533005778795122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A well-deserved podium.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Also snuck in a race at Neshaminy, which was the site of my first ever mountain bike race back in High School. Seeing as it was the weekend after my debacle at the Bear Creek Kenda Cup, I knew I wasn't going to be super sharp. I had good speed, but the fitness was a little unsteady, and ended up battling for 6th with Harlan. Just managed to squeek it out. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/THXLDw_pSoI/AAAAAAAAA6w/QRdtmeH4QRs/s1600/P1010006.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/THXLDw_pSoI/AAAAAAAAA6w/QRdtmeH4QRs/s400/P1010006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509532984709565058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Guess who..........</span></div><div><br /></div><div>That's all I got for now! Next post will probably be about non-cycling related topics. Just a guess.</div></div></div></div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-81245698612376975532010-08-13T22:19:00.004-04:002010-08-13T22:38:52.423-04:00Records of enjoyment, sparks of life.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>When it comes to food and the seasons, my favorite combination is cherries in the summer. Though the odd thing is that you'll probably never see me sitting next to a bowl of cherries. But you will definitely see me sitting next to a bowl of these.......<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TGYAqscGiII/AAAAAAAAA54/coZCUSmj5_A/s400/IMG_0001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505088327990544514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>How many times are you out and see something interesting, something that is worthy of recording, remembering, showing friends, and dare I say, posting on facebook? Hopefully the answer is too many times to count. If the answer is hardly ever, you should learn how to open your eyes properly and see the crazy shit around us. It's amazing, appalling, hilarious, and sobering. Sometimes it can drive you over the edge.....</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TGYBRvj7t_I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/HRD1olS07bM/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505088998843594738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>'It' helps me understand why I love riding my bike, a sort of white-wash to the things that are going on around me. It's amazing the degree of mental relaxation that occurs amongst the physical stress I push upon myself. You have to stop sometimes to soak it all in.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TGYAsY_3y0I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/zdv9tHOb8GE/s400/IMG_0005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505088357131602754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>But riding my bike isn't all about relaxing and fun ALL the time. Sometimes I am productive on the bike. For instance, I went house hunting the other day. My goal was to price out some fixer-uppers. What do you think of this one?</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TGYArsbPZkI/AAAAAAAAA6I/66FWs0t3TGU/s400/IMG_0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505088345166800450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Or maybe this one?</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TGYBhKN6OeI/AAAAAAAAA6g/27X1qAVleeY/s400/IMG_0010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505089263697017314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Oh well, guess I'll keep hunting.....</div></div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-4951891693075685642010-08-02T23:18:00.002-04:002010-08-02T23:35:14.648-04:00Condensed.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TFeOGuYYJmI/AAAAAAAAA5w/jG6wM2cesx4/s1600/38622_1454470774260_1608045009_1067885_3371739_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TFeOGuYYJmI/AAAAAAAAA5w/jG6wM2cesx4/s400/38622_1454470774260_1608045009_1067885_3371739_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501021716036986466" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tiger Woods ain't got nothing on this fist-pump. It was a good day......</span></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TFeOGuYYJmI/AAAAAAAAA5w/jG6wM2cesx4/s1600/38622_1454470774260_1608045009_1067885_3371739_n.jpg"></a><br />So I spent the past week prepping and massaging my back so that I could race the Bear Creek Kenda Cup pain-free on Sunday. Goal accomplished.<div><br /></div><div>I took a detour Friday up to State College to check in with Richie Rich and get a replacement for my damaged rear wheel. Mission accomplished. </div><div><br /></div><div>I pre-rode the XC course on Saturday so I could strategize a little for the race without being too surprised with the course. Roger, 10-4. </div><div><br /></div><div>I even got a good night's sleep Saturday evening and felt ready for the world Sunday morning. </div><div><br /></div><div>Showed up to the race, and there was a bit of 'dead air' at the venue. Not sure if it was the weather or the seeming lack of people, but I was there to bike game. Game on.</div><div><br /></div><div>I started the race conservatively, but this caught up to me at the top of the longer climb to the ski-lift where Double-A moved to the front and took to the tech descent first, gapping us slowly and surely. I waited patiently behind the group and made some moves into third by the end of the first lap, about a minute down on him, 20 seconds back from second. I kept it steady and reeled in second, but came unclipped in some rocks and had to chase back on. Just as I was about to hook up, I washed my front tire in some soft, loamy soil. Ooops! </div><div><br /></div><div>back to chasing, I just about hooked up again for the pass and then noticed I was going flat. Quickly shot some CO2 in and the tire sealed. Got close to second AGAIN and then Psssssssfffff, sidewall tear. This time I had to stop, get the tire half-off and put a tube in. My tires are a little tight, so this is a process, and I got passed by a rider during this 'process'. No worries, as it was my teammate Matt. If I'm going to get passed in any situation, I always prefer it to be a teammate, especially when it's a podium spot! I finished up and got going again, reeling Matt in but for the last time on the day I lost my PSI's. I still had a few miles to go in the last lap so I ran/rode in, getting passed slowly along the way, finishing 7th on the day. Guess that's not so bad considering!</div><div><br /></div><div>Of note, all that excitement was condensed into the final lap. Cwaaaazy!</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to recoup, regroup, and look forward to the next few races. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs and Kisses!</div></div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-56111317700994329752010-07-27T23:06:00.002-04:002010-07-27T23:11:00.154-04:00#120. Not too excitingWalked to the basement to look at my rear wheel again. Went to Michaux on Sunday to get some solid training miles in and just survive the day. Ended up with a taco'd rear wheel and bum shifting. I think the derrailure is ok, just slipped the cable. Gonna head up to State College and pick up another wheel from the good people at Stan's on Friday. Hopefully I'll have a pristine bike by Saturday morning. My back is pretty sore still though, and that's been my achilles heal at times. Been stretching, massaging, and reciting voodoo chants in hopes that it will be back to normal come Sunday. Pretty please....Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-84032619421362083612010-07-13T20:51:00.002-04:002010-07-13T21:14:01.474-04:00Short Jewish Man Wins Mountain BIke Race, Details at 10.......<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TD0O7-3t4eI/AAAAAAAAA5g/3d_CFHAPOlg/s1600/ron-burgundy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TD0O7-3t4eI/AAAAAAAAA5g/3d_CFHAPOlg/s400/ron-burgundy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493563544113635810" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stay classy</span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TD0O7-3t4eI/AAAAAAAAA5g/3d_CFHAPOlg/s1600/ron-burgundy.jpg"></a><br />.....and boy did it hurt. Literally, it hurt bad! I cramped hard 3/4 into the race and almost had to pull out. Luckily I know some slick breathing techniques that help calm me down and it helped the cramps go away. I rolled in with almost 2 minutes on the second place rider. Not too shabby.</div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TD0O8sax3dI/AAAAAAAAA5o/EanxhH8ZmcA/s400/P1010018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493563556340293074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I like this step, I think I'll revisit it again.......</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Now that I've got a win in, I'm hoping to keep the momentum going until the August 1st Bear Creek Kenda Cup. Awesome course, and it's part of the regional MARC series which I have a mathematical chance of winning. Gotta be on my 'A+' game there, as I'll be fighting Double-A for that series, and probably the race win, not to mention all the other super fast guys that will no doubt be there. Should be fun! Stay tuned.......</div><div><br /></div><div>In non-cycling related news, I'm 2 days away from paycheck #1. Yay. Also, I bought an iPhone 4 today. Well....I actually ordered one, and it will be here next week. Double-Yay! Time for Mangoe slices. </div></div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-17973891539798857512010-07-06T20:47:00.003-04:002010-07-06T21:01:54.463-04:00Finishing in a blaze of confusion<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TDPRckAy-1I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/PsEHcKXNoNY/s1600/ricky-bobby.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 372px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TDPRckAy-1I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/PsEHcKXNoNY/s400/ricky-bobby.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490962659328326482" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This phrase copyright by Ricky Bobby, Inc.</span></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TDPRckAy-1I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/PsEHcKXNoNY/s1600/ricky-bobby.bmp"></a><br />As I rode the final two-thirds of the race by myself, passing sport and beginner racers and muttering slurs of encouragement, I didn't think about much other than to keep pedaling and stay focused. I know, pretty boring. Some minor leg-cramps started setting in towards the end, due to the steep hike-a-bike earlier in the day, and my pace suffered a little as a result, but I kept on chugging. Then, with what was apparently only about 250m to go, the rider that was chasing me finally caught me. Drats, I thought. We started up the final climb, and at the top, I surged to go over first, not realizing that the finish was at the top. The rider who caught me figured out the situation and just managed to come around me for the win. This rider has many names, Shaaron, Double-A, Euro-Aaron, or just plain Aaron Snyder. Either way, he made me feel like an idiot as we descended down to the road and informed me that the finish was at the top. Stupidity set in yet again, a familiar feeling.</div><div><br /> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TDPRdN0VerI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/CxzeBN3armc/s400/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490962670550350514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Matt staring at the trees while Chris does his best Captain Morgan pose.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>So that's two second-places in a row now. Time to step it up a notch and throw down for the first 'W' of the season. Haven't had a legitimate win for a while, so I'm fairly certain it will feel good. If it doesn't, I will quit racing immediately.</div></div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-74624489946645909252010-07-03T18:21:00.003-04:002010-07-03T18:39:55.739-04:00Living life on the wire...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TC-7ebxr3bI/AAAAAAAAA40/5vYBveryA7Y/s1600/P1010005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TC-7ebxr3bI/AAAAAAAAA40/5vYBveryA7Y/s400/P1010005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489812602314546610" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Getting ready to plow the field of life.........</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's been one week in Baltimore and I'm slowly getting used to the grind again. Not much to report on, other than roughly 40 hours of my week getting spent in a cubicle reading up on work-related topics. Rather boring, but I'm scheduled to start working on real project-related tasks this coming week, so that should help perk things up.<div><br /> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TC-7eicndPI/AAAAAAAAA48/6FQ497cwocY/s400/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489812604105225458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bike Gaming at the Lewis Morris Challenge.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>My last race was symbolic in that it represented the last gasp of a free man. But was I really free? Spending my days on my own time, but in reality I was constantly looking over my shoulder to see when the day would come when it all ended. I actually squeezed out more than my share of fun from my time off from work, so I can't complain. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TC-7dlrLXpI/AAAAAAAAA4s/11s2GTllpD4/s400/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489812587791736466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Just.....one......more......step......</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I did fairly well at that last race, and am hoping that my new work/training schedule hasn't hindered my fitness too much. It certainly has hindered my sleeping pattern, but I'm pretty sure I'll be back on track after this weekend. For America's Birthday, I'll be racing the Long Pine Classic in my old stomping grounds of Michaux State Forest. It's a one-lapper, so I'm reluctantly breaking out the camelback. Definitely no expectations at this one!</div></div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-26182875919998831822010-06-23T11:08:00.003-04:002010-06-23T11:31:00.460-04:00Hoo-Ha'd, the Aftermath Edition<div style="text-align: left;">Still finishing up the decompression from this past weekend's spectacular racing at the Massanutten Hoo-Ha US Cup Triple Crown. All-in-all, it was a solid weekend, just squeaking in the top-10 in every race, and finishing 7th overall in the Pro Triple Crown weekend standings. Even got my pic posted on <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/massanutten-hoo-ha-ne/super-d/photos/126762">cyclingnews.com</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TCInNwRGokI/AAAAAAAAA4E/HpByXtBw6H4/s400/massanuttend_106_600.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485990413339107906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Straight outta cyclingnews y'all!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>The course(s) was awesome, and played to my strengths, and allowed me to work on my weaknesses as well without hindering my results. What DID hinder my results was the heat and humidity, but everyone had to deal with that one. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TCInNp0rNzI/AAAAAAAAA38/hCmsCKj3noo/s400/36924_10150378367635001_557995000_13144188_2103001_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485990411609257778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Keeping watch on </span><a href="http://a-ron-a-ron.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Double-A</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> during the short-track.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the Giant 'Full-Timers' made the trip to Virginia, and Kelli won the short-track, cross-country, and the weekend overall. It was the first time meeting one of the Factory riders, and we were all psyched for the chance to race together. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TCInOVSdUzI/AAAAAAAAA4M/nKK-RUD_38w/s400/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485990423276901170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ahead of me, the car in it's typical mid-race-weekend state.........</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TCInOseX-jI/AAAAAAAAA4U/0yPWxUuHtCk/s400/P1010002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485990429500897842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">....and to the right, Carolyn hanging on the sidewalk playing with her food.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry for the lack of energy and emotion in this post, I've been focused on getting ready for my move to Baltimore and new job starting Monday. Gonna swing by the <a href="http://www.h2hrace.com/">H2H race</a> in Morristown, NJ this weekend to shake the rust off, see you there? OK, time to get back to it!</div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-89002848249728823832010-06-17T19:20:00.006-04:002010-06-17T19:56:09.952-04:00Hoo-HAHA!!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBqy7pZIyqI/AAAAAAAAA3U/C0DmRrjcavc/s1600/P1010001.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBqy7pZIyqI/AAAAAAAAA3U/C0DmRrjcavc/s400/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483892234070313634" /></a><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is just the beginning........</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div>Getting the gear together for a bike game excursion down south. It's <a href="http://www.massresort.com/v.php?pg=220">Hoo-Ha</a> time!!<div><br /></div><div>After last year's crash in the opening miles of the race, I'll have to admit I'm gunning for a good result this year. No playin! But unlike last year, there's even more fun to be had with Super-D and Short-Track thrown in the mix on Saturday. I might even break out the full-face for giggles. Oh, and I have an iPod now for the drive, AND my CD player in the car magically started working again on Monday after over 2 years of bed-shitting. Seriously, 2 years. I gathered what's left of my CD collection and plan on getting my groove on while on my way to the race this weekend. Take THAT radio!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBqznJvLiII/AAAAAAAAA3c/EmcMfUaLvto/s400/smashed-radio.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483892981487077506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 339px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You get the idea......</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Amidst the packing and bike prepping float memories of last weekend's C3=100 century ride at <a href="http://curtscyclery.com/">Curt's Cyclery</a> in Nazareth, PA to benefit the <a href="http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp">American Cancer Society's Relay for Life</a>. It was a huge success with over 100 riders pedaling miles for a great cause. HUGE thanks to Curt's and my teammate <a href="http://themattmillerexperience.blogspot.com/">Matt</a> who put this on, and here's looking forward to next year!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBq0JS7nVhI/AAAAAAAAA3s/13ydDWXvEHc/s400/P1010004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483893568070702610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">he gathering of the masses at Curt's. GMA front and center!</span></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBq0JM1zcUI/AAAAAAAAA3k/klB0gxcLWQQ/s1600/P1010002.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBq0JM1zcUI/AAAAAAAAA3k/klB0gxcLWQQ/s400/P1010002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483893566435717442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sexy bike, sweet shop!</span></span></span></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In more boring news, it looks as though I'm on my way to Baltimore once again. I got myself a job, one that pays even! I'll be looking for places to live next week, and will be starting work on the 28th. Let me know if you know of a bike-friendly house with a room to rent, good times will ensue. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBq04tanizI/AAAAAAAAA30/RIF8ARgorpg/s1600/AsleepUnderDeskGetty460.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBq04tanizI/AAAAAAAAA30/RIF8ARgorpg/s400/AsleepUnderDeskGetty460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483894382633913138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This guy's got the right idea! But he probably won't have a job for long.....</span></span></div></div><br /></div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-26983341125719997522010-06-09T20:58:00.003-04:002010-06-09T21:27:44.235-04:00Cold, wet, and anxious<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBA-AlPxoOI/AAAAAAAAA28/iw3-cpiJnE8/s1600/Picture+2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBA-AlPxoOI/AAAAAAAAA28/iw3-cpiJnE8/s400/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480948926229094626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wow, I actually look like a bike racer in this picture!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Wowee wow! After a slew of hot days on the bike, the last two were a little shock to the system, especially today. 4 hours of cool wet miles left me begging for a hot shower and a soft pillow. Starting to come back around now, while watching the Philly International Cycling Championship on TV. <div><br /></div><div>While all those silly roadies were out doing laps around Philthadelphia, beating themselves to death up 'The Wall' and Lemon Hill, I was flogging myself down in Delaware at the Iron Hill Challenge. Not my favorite race, due to its lack of vertical and absence of technicality, but since I've been on good form and improving week-to-week, I was more motivated to toe the line than normal. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBA-AB4SodI/AAAAAAAAA20/Dsr3pOgRKVA/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480948916735353298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm pretty sure this is early in the race, as I don't look disheveled.......</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>As I alluded to at the start of this post, it had been rather warm until recently. Sunday's race day weather was no exception, and being in Delaware it added high humidity to the mix, creating a soupy feel to the atmosphere. I'm pretty darn sure everyone there felt like cold poop on a bent twig, myself included, and excitement at the race start was at a minimum. That is, until the race director told us during the instructions/announcements that the race would end early if there was lightning (there was the possibility of thunderstorms on the day). The collective field of Elite/Expert riders sent their prayers to the heavens for this to happen, but alas the weather held firm.</div><div><br /></div><div>The beginning of the race was a blur, with lots of elbows and jockeying that made my mangina cramp and I ended up hitting the singletrack in the middle of the Elite/Open field of 30 riders. I sat in for a few as we bypassed the 'Mega Dip' and the normal mid-pack accordion affect did its job of annoying the bejeebus out of me. Once we hit the first real uphill, I saw my opportunity and took off in pursuit of the leaders, whom I unfortunately never caught. But I had a fun time trying, and ended up 4th on the day.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TBA-BeY84PI/AAAAAAAAA3E/W3yppv_CDV4/s400/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480948941568401650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A rare look at my pain face. I try hard to hide it, but it was hard on Sunday!</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Gonna go watch me some Flyers hockey action on the tube, hopefully the trails are dry enough tomorrow for some Belmont action.</div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-48824299536815482332010-06-04T20:17:00.003-04:002010-06-04T20:36:53.434-04:00Everything all at once<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TAmaVh8s6dI/AAAAAAAAA18/Sh9XmZRZj4E/s1600/P1010001.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TAmaVh8s6dI/AAAAAAAAA18/Sh9XmZRZj4E/s400/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479080116353821138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The rig. Git'r'dun!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TAmaXXNPYqI/AAAAAAAAA2c/3MtgbeYQMmU/s1600/P1010009.JPG"><br /></a></div>Spent last week and the holiday weekend resting. Part of this resting consisted of hopping on the tractor for some planting at the farm. It's harder than you'd think to keep the tractor straight while going 2mph over deep, soft, soil.<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TAmaW4XmA7I/AAAAAAAAA2U/UlSZmjdBffE/s1600/P1010007.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TAmaW4XmA7I/AAAAAAAAA2U/UlSZmjdBffE/s400/P1010007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479080139552064434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Not my normal perfection, but a fine first-row of the day nonetheless.</span></span> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TAmaWb36OUI/AAAAAAAAA2M/9iFRjsRKpjI/s1600/P1010004.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TAmaWb36OUI/AAAAAAAAA2M/9iFRjsRKpjI/s400/P1010004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479080131902978370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gettin psyched for some planting action.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TAmaWLO3lbI/AAAAAAAAA2E/QnzDxCkBwd0/s1600/P1010003.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TAmaWLO3lbI/AAAAAAAAA2E/QnzDxCkBwd0/s400/P1010003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479080127435871666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Driving it!</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TAmaVh8s6dI/AAAAAAAAA18/Sh9XmZRZj4E/s1600/P1010001.JPG"></a> <div><br /></div><div>Hit some big rides over the holiday weekend, which was nice. Gotta get them in now, as I'll almost inevitably be a working man again very soon. After the rides, I picked up <a href="http://themattmillerexperience.blogspot.com/">Matt</a> from the airport on Sunday on his return from Texas racing the Mellow Johnny's Classic. Read the report from the race <a href="http://giantmidatlantic.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-first-pro-race-mellow-johnnys.html">HERE</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TAmaXXNPYqI/AAAAAAAAA2c/3MtgbeYQMmU/s400/P1010009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479080147830137506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Matt, sad to have to come home from such Lance's ranch.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>On the racing front, I'll be doing the MASS series race, Iron Hill, this coming weekend, followed by the Massannutten Hoo-Ha two weeks after. Really want to kill it at Massannutten, would be great to do well there!</div><div><br /></div><div>So as I've mentioned, I've been living the vagabond lifestyle for quite a while now. Despite valiant efforts to obtain employment during that time, I had been coming up zeros until recently. This past week, balanced with my training, I've been in the car driving around to interviews for various companies. It's an odd thing, sitting in a room with a bunch of guys, playing the interview game. Considering the economy and the balance of power sitting keenly in the lap of the employer, the game has changed considerably from last time I played. Even odder is the frequency at which I'm landing interviews after getting nothing for so long. Hopefully I can keep my current offers at bay while I continue to interview. Gotta see everything all at once in order to make the right decision for myself. If all goes well I'll be garnishing an earned paycheck by month's end. Boo-ya.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-32621317906805692032010-05-28T23:15:00.007-04:002010-05-28T23:36:42.346-04:00Snake Jumping & Tymor recap.<div style="text-align: left;">Rocked 5hrs at French Creek today. It was rad. I jumped 5 snakes. R-A-D.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TACJnrxWdzI/AAAAAAAAA1A/eo9voM3mv50/s400/fail-man-snake%5B2%5D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476528461740144434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 331px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Seriously, it's over. Just give up.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Was on a rest week this week until today. Had some nice easy rides, last night's being the best. Something about having good company makes even the most stressful times better. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TACJ167vhiI/AAAAAAAAA1I/KHvomQfpLm4/s400/sleeping-fca.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476528706328430114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 348px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Despite a rest week, I definitely was not doing enough of this.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TACKPzI48CI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/GokZ1sC5w2k/s400/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476529150912688162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Man, I do NOT look cool. Fortunately, I have sweet gear to help.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>Capped a strong training block last week with a XC race in Lagrangeville, NY, the Tymor Park Challenge. It's part of the <a href="http://www.h2hrace.com/">Campmor/H2H race series</a> and the course is sweet! Lots of fun climbs with nice descents and technical features. Felt the affects of the previous few weeks and wasn't on top form, but rode strong to 4th. I'll take it!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/TACKc4UMHnI/AAAAAAAAA1g/mSj2d5BvhR0/s400/P1010008_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476529375640559218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4th Place Pro, 1st Place Jew. Whatever.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from racing, I've been running around doing interviews here and there. It's an understatement to say that I'm past due for employment. It was January 28th, 2009 when I got hit by my own little piece of economic downturn. I've been trying to stay in the Philthadelphia region, as I feel this is where I want to stay put for a while. Not sure if that's going to happen though, may have to do a temporary move. Hmmmmmm.......</div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1894211021700367372.post-57294479201078107092010-05-20T22:29:00.003-04:002010-05-20T22:50:48.715-04:00Look forward to now.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/S_X0oB5vOoI/AAAAAAAAA0o/9jZBffFVzNk/s1600/MyPicture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/S_X0oB5vOoI/AAAAAAAAA0o/9jZBffFVzNk/s400/MyPicture.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473549890681256578" /></a><br />That is what I am doing at the present moment. Amidst job interviews and facing imminent change, I am trying to grasp these last precious moments of freedom. It's almost a euphoric state, yet a trance that will be ending soon. Snap back to reality.<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/S_X0pES2rpI/AAAAAAAAA04/MDR-j1GZcTc/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/S_X0pES2rpI/AAAAAAAAA04/MDR-j1GZcTc/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473549908503342738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 186px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Through it all, I have been looking for something, but did not realize I was searching for it. As if my subconscious was leading the way, keeping my conscious mind at bay so as not to be hindered in its quest. Recently, it has merged with my waking, after taking its time and coming to its conclusion. You see, my subconscious is slow and methodical, yet wise beyond the years of which I've existed. It knows that in order to make an important decision, my conscious mind must be kept busy, as it tends to be overly logical, proud, and often stubborn. However, it seems that the time it has borrowed was too great, or perhaps not needed at all. I search for my partner in crime.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/S_X0oZqDDRI/AAAAAAAAA0w/9Aos8SzbFQg/s1600/P1010014.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UjSOkp8Tk2Y/S_X0oZqDDRI/AAAAAAAAA0w/9Aos8SzbFQg/s400/P1010014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473549897057897746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>So as the days pass, and change draws near, I will not look forward to the future, however it may turn out. I will look forward to now.</div>Jordan Kahlenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095395902831052369noreply@blogger.com0