New City + New Trails = New Bike

Well, I know what you are all thinking and yes, I suck. Not really, but it does seem that I am living the life. I admit I am probably having more fun and living larger than that average 33 year old kid. But I guess thats what happens when you're Jut Rut and expect nothing but the best out of life. I don't like to settle for anything and yes it is selfish but it's how it has to be when you realize that life is short and it could all change tomorrow. So why not go for it? Most people hold themselves back from living fully but they place blame on outside circumstances each day. It's really quite simple and there are a thousand ways of saying it but the old saying, you believe you can or you believe you can't, either way your right. Well I guess I been thinking about some cool stuff and about living the life of a college kid cause I feel like I am 22 again only with more bikes and a few more skills under the belt. So look out world or maybe just the southeast because Jut is about to bring it.

New bike equals new skills... It was bound to happen one day. Gears and suspenion? I know the crew was shocked (no pun intended) to see that Jut has added a full sus bike to the fleet. I never really gave it any thought while kicking around in middle TN. There is not enough technical trial here to warrent spending that kind of money or that amount of energy pushing some heavy rig around the local mountain bike loops. I have always enjoyed picking clean lines and feeling the direct connection to the trail that a hardtail provides. As far as gears go there was not a really good reason for those around these parts either. There are no real climbs on any of the local trails, I hate chain slap / skipping gears, maintainence on a singlespeed is about all I can stand, (tighten chain/lube chain and go) and to boot it makes you a better and stronger rider. However, where I am heading there are Mountains, rocks, and roots that makes Hamelton Creek feel like a ride through the park. So, it was finally time to add a full sus and M.O.A.B. Mark made it happen by putting me behind the handlebar of a new Santa Cruz Blur LT (long travel) with 5 inches of travel in the front and rear for your downhill pleasure. M.O.A.B. is a great shop and has the coolest boys in town ready to help you build whatever you need. If you're in the area and need a bike you need to call them first. And when you pick up your new ride take a six pack and hang out a bit, those boys are usually thirsy. So a big thanks goes out to M.O.A.B.

Picked up the bike on Friday and rode around downtown Nashvegas that night to get a feel for it before loading up and heading to Swanee on Saturday morning with Greg D, Elliott, Thad, Mike and Greg II. Right of the trail we hit a rocky decent and I noticed that after carefully picking lines for years I could gear up and hammer down stuff with no worries of the "hidden baby head" covered in leaves. The ride was tough due to the suspension not being dialed in and the gears were slipping on me, which was one reason I gave up gears in the first place. The decents were great and I can see how I am going to enjoy the bike even if the first ride feel alkward and at times frustrating. I have some single speed habits that are going to take some time to break. It really is like learning to ride a bike off road all over again. However, once I get the hang of it I can forsee new lines and faster speeds with less concern about making the gap or getting sent over the bars. The ride was beautiful to boot with the leaves in full color and veiws from the ridge openning up. Post ride beers and food at shenagans made it a 5 star day and it was back on the road to Nashville.

Monday afternoon Greg D and I took her to Hamelton Creek. Lots of nice new trail awaited the new bike and once again the new bike handled the rocks like a champ and new lines were found and enjoyed with less thought put into picking lines and more thought put into catching air. I think this is going to be just what I needed to make the Asheville Experience even more enjoyable. See you boys on the trail...

Jut

The Crew brings it to Asheville...

Making it to Asheville by bike was half the challenge of my Nashville to Asheville adventure. During my week in Asheville I took a Green Rehab class that dealt with going green when remodeling homes and using the ecofriendly materials. This class has inspired me to chart a new direction in my business and combine what I studied in College (Environmental Studies) and the career I have developed over the last eight years. Making a difference vs making profits is not an "either/or"and the way I see it you should do both. I mean we all have to eat, pay bills and of course buy new bike parts when they wear out, so why not make a living helping others live better themselves and treat the planet with a little more respect at the same time. Seems like a no brainer to me... The class was everything I hoped it would be and I look forward to lots more workshops when I get to Asheville. The town puts Nashville to shame in its pursuit to Go Green and the mentality of the average Asheville citizen is certainly more progressive so here I come to embrace my hippy love child upbringing and pick up where I left off in college with my pursuit to leave the world a better place then I found it.

It certainly does not hurt that Asheville also has a great music scene and I caught live music each night I was there. From the free Bluegrass jams, hip hop from the Life Savers out of Portland, an old favorite Galactic, and Nashville Pussy, Hank III and The Rev. Horton Heat, I saw some good shows and drank lots of great beer while I was there. My roommate and best friend since 5th grade, Ty, is the one in black rocking the Madelin. He is in a bluegrass band called High Windy and is one of the best people you will ever meet and his band rocks. They are wrapping up their album in the studio right now so keep an eye out for these guys coming to your town they are amazing. I look forward to learning a few new things on the guitar living around music so helpfully I will be able to jam with these guys after spending some time in the Mountains. Speaking of living in the Mountains...

The word is now out that I am moving so I thought I would entice all my crew with a few pictures of the Asheville headquarters for the Yazoo Crew and Associates. The "Crow's Nest" as it was named in 1905 is a three story stone cottage that is tucked into the trees just 5 Minutes for downtown Asheville by bike. It is a stout climb but only a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway that is hit by taking a few back roads directly behind my house. For the crew we have a whole downstairs room equipped with a bar and a places to crash when the boys and girls come to town. This place is heaven on earth and has the feeling of a cabin in the woods with the conveniences of the city and an incredible natural food store, Greenlife, located about 6 blocks from my house. Bring it on boys and girls, your welcome anytime...

The last day of the Asheville trip was Swank 65 Mountain Bike Race. This race takes you on a 42 mile journey through the hardest trails in Pisgah National Forest. For those who have never ridden Pisgah, you don't know what you are missing and if you think doing two laps at Lock 4 is a Mountain Bike race you have it all wrong. Riding in Pisgah is what Mountain Biking is all about. It's rugged, steep, rocky, rooty, and there are literally hundreds of miles of riding for your Mountain Bike pleasure. This is not a place for beginners or girlfriends who don't really ride. Seriously, don't take your girl here unless she can kick some ass on a bike or your girlfriend will be gone. I stayed in Asheville the night before the race and partied with Ty and the boys, a number of old familiar faces came over and for a while it looked like an old Ktown party with several people showing up that I had not seen since leaving college in 98. We kicked it until 1:30 a.m. and feel asleep on the floor as usual and woke up a few hours later to take part in one of the hardest races of the year. Fred hooks me up with a ride and we get to the start with just enough time to throw on my gear and line up at the back of a hundred riders ready to take on the challenge. The rest of the crew, Ivory, Jamie, Thad, Mike N, had spent the night in Pisgah and when Fred and I pulled up they were just starting to thaw out after a cold night representing in the mountains with a bottle of Makers around the fire. Ivory officially won the party and was the last person to see the fire before calling it a night. After a late night and 400 miles of riding a bike that weighed half as much as me to Asheville I was thinking "just finish the race" but 45 minutes into the race my legs felt great and my attitude changed. Jamie (racer boy had lined up front so I figured he was going for the win. I figured I would try to find him and I caught up with Jamie on the trail, adjusted my headset and was off never to see him again. For the next 4 hours I rode with the best legs I have ever had in a bike race and passed a good 50 people or so to come in 3rd in single speed and 20th overall. Good ending to a great week or two on the road.

Life is about to take on a new fresh direction. Much like a bike ride to Asheville the predictable days are over for the time being and it's time to live each day with out knowing what is going to happen tomorrow. This trip taught me that when you don't know what is going to happen, it allows for incredible and almost magical things to happen. I have been experiencing that when you tell the universe what you want it has a way of making it happen. I look forward to the ride of life ahead filled with some amazing experiences.

Moving On...

After a great night and a warm bed leaving Ktown was tough. I waited until 4:30 to leave town and was graciously escorted to the Asheville Hwy by T Gaines. We rode the greenway out of town and when the road turned into Asheville Hwy T bid me farewell and I rode off into the cold night. Cold, tired and hungry I stop by a grocery store for some food and decide to keep riding. I find a closed drive in food shop outside of Knoxville and fuel up. I wanted to make it Dandridge TN where you first catch up with the French Broad River. I figured once I made it to the river I would find a quiet place to hide out and set up camp. A few hours of riding later and I was pedaling through Dandridge around 10:00 p.m. I cruise over the river and start looking for side roads that may offer a hiding place (camping spot). I decide to try a particular road and after climbing the tallest hill I could find in the middle of nowhere I spy a sweet little piece of ground at the top of the ridge. I set up and watch as millions of stars shine bright overhead. It was now around 11:00 and I am finally off the bike for the night, set up shop and crash out. So far this was by far the best camping spot of the trip however, a few hours into my slumber I awoke to a dog barking very near my tent. He knows I am there and continues to bark all night. I am not moving and figure he would finally loose his voice but I woke up at least 4 times and the dog just kept going. He was apparently done when the sun came up and as usual I do the oatmeal / coffee thing and as I am packed up and ready to hit the road I had the pleasure of meeting the property owner who ask "are you lost" I tell him "no just enjoying the day" and with that I leave the surly old property owner to wonder what the hell I was doing and go about with his miserable day.

I hit the road to Newport. Nice rolling hills and I can see the mountains surrounding me as I ride East. A quick stop for lunch and I head towards Hot Springs, NC to end my day. The hills start to go from rolling hills to long climbs as the miles take a little longer to traverse. I make it to Hot Springs at 5 o'clock. This is a one blinking light town in the of the Mountains but that is perfect for me because all I can really think about or need is some time in the natural hot springs that the town is named for. I hit the springs and luckily for me tourist season is over. I get a private tub over looking the river and soak in natural mineral for an hour in the cool fresh mtn air while enjoying nips from a pint of Makers Mark. Let me tell you that you can find heaven on earth! Feeling better than I have felt in months I head to get some dinner at the Paddler's Pub. It is also the only pub or restaurant in town open this evening. A burger as big as my head and two Galic Ales and I am feeling way too good to try to find a campsite at night. However, I ride past the campground that sat 50 yards from the pub determined to make an adventure out of the night. I start riding towards Asheville which involes riding up a 3 mile long mtn road. Keep in mind that it is freezing cold and I am drunk. No sign of fire road or woods as the road is cut into the side of a mtn and the ground drops straight down after about 20 ft of shoulder. I see a small area where pines and shrubs make for a good hiding spot (camping site) and set up the bike by the edge of a cliff and tie off the rain fly so I am camouflaged from the road. I sit in the darkness and place my hand over my light each time a car passes so I would be kick out of camp by the local authorities. I noticed that I could not see any stars and sure enough an hour later the rains come. The rain fly and space blanket combo works well and keeps me dry as I sleep through the night with the heavy rain falling inches from my head. Good night indeed...

Asheville or bust. I wake up and head back down the hill. Over night a cold front moved through so it is at least 10 degrees cooler than it had been in the mornings. I freeze as I pack up wet gear and head to get coffee and breakfast. A quick stop off at the Hot Springs diner and I am once again making my way up the mountain towards Asheville. I find that this is only one of the many LONG climbs I would encounter on this day but I feel great and a tail winds lifts my sports and gives me that extra boost up and over several of the worst climbs. Around every corner awaits another great inspiring view as I pick up speed towards Asheville. I feel as my journey is giving me insight into the next chapter of my life and that all things are pulling me towards a new town and a new beginning. Signs are now coming at me from all directions that I need to make a move and do something I have wanted to do for almost 12 years, get to Asheville. As I am riding through a small town 20 miles from Asheville I see a train coming up next to me as I ride along the banks of the river, I look over as I am racing the train feeling on top of the world and what do I see? A train with a tag "MOVE" it was at that moment that all worries of what, when, how, a major change in you life is "suppose" to happen and I realized you just have to do it. When you stop getting hung up on the details the larger picture becomes clear. Kinda like "not seeing the forest for the trees" that you have heard a thousand times but this time I truly feel it and know that it is the right time, right place and I am in the right mindset to make it happen... Asheville here I come!

Bikes, Beer, and Blindfolded Fire Jumping...

The adventure continues. Knoxville must have known I was coming because a few hours into my arrival I am drinking with my old dear friend Nick Gotten, Thomas, and Sean at The Hall Ridge Trails in K-town. Now this place takes me back, to simpler times. Cantilever brakes, steel bikes, ridged forks, and a Richy z-max 2.35 kevlar bead tire that was all the suspension I needed. The year was 1992 and I was in school at UT with my Kona Lava dome which was my high school graduation present. I wore out those trails back in the day, even made my roommate Matt R. puke on the hill of truth. It was good times... Well, here I am again. Making people puke.

This weekend Knoxville became Knoxvegas and celebrate the Annual Brew Ride. How perfect I race for a brewery? Now these Knoxville boys have raised the bar. We have been doing the urban thing more than a few times but getting on the trails is where it's at for a Mtn. Biker like myself. So, just let me say that there will be a brew ride in the near future for a trail in Nashville in the near future when I return. Get those lights charging boys.

Ok, imagine an alleycat race, stupid human tricks, tons of beer, and a ring of fire jump. While I will keep what happened at other checkpoints a secret, I will tell you our checkpoint rocked. Sean, Nick, John and I found a site for the blindfolded bike ride. Yes, blindfolded bike ride. We had each team of two riders shotgun a beer each and climb a rocky section of trail for about 30 or 40 yards blindfolded only to be assisted by their teammates vocal instruction. We hung out in the woods for a good three hours putting back beers and hanging around the fire, which could be jumped for bonus points of course. The night was awesome and after we made it back from our checkpoint a fire was raging and I got to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Not a bad night for a stop over in Knoxville. Now it's off to pack the panniers and hit the road again. Hope to make it to Dandridge tonight and Hot Springs, N.C. tomorrow night.

Word. Jut Rut

Above is our K-town Crew member Thomas G. about to embark on his half ass blindfolded ride. Remember T, cheaters never win but winner's sometimes cheat. Better luck next year. Jut

On the road again...

Nashville to Knoxville update... Three days on the road and feeling fine (except my knees).

Day one: Nov. 1st - Day after Halloween. Need I say more? The Yazoo Crew came out in force and costume and rocked the East Side. 3 Crow was going off with Power Load rocking the AC/DC covers, cute girls in costume everywhere, and the Makers was flowing. I gave no mind to the fact that I had a 300+ mile journey that was to begin the following morning. I woke up late, had a ton of stuff to wrap up and didn't make it out of the house until 1:00. Mark D. at Eastside Cycles says "it's going to be cold up on the ridge and in the Mountains" and that I should probably get a space blanket since I was only taking a thermarest, rain fly and a 40 degree sleeping bag. So it is off to C.T. before I even make it out of town.

The clock at C.T. reads 1:30 and I am still hungover and making my way to Lebanon Rd. to get out of town. The next hour and half is a death march out of town with a million cars flying by me all the while I wonder what the hell I was thinking and which car is going to be the one that takes me out. I finally make it to past Mt. Juliet and traffic lightens up and the country road begins. Not that it helps too much as the trucks just get bigger, more obnoxious and drive faster. Miles turn into hours and hours into miles. I set my sites on a wildlife area 10 miles east of Cartage put my head down and turn the pedals. The sun goes down and I am still 30 miles or so from my destination. Dinner in Carthage and it's back on the bike. This is where the hills begin by the way and it takes me two hours in the dark with temps dropping before I finally throw in the towel in my search for the wildlife area and I sleep on the side of the road by a lake where there was a small natural buffer. 1:30 - 10:15 with 70 miles under my belt, not a bad day on the bike. It is now freezing and I realize the trip to C.T. was worth it. I crawl into the space blanket with my sleep bag and freeze the night away.

Day 2 - Nov. 2nd - Frost on everything as I grudgingly get out the sleeping bag. It's 10 before I hit the road. Biscuits at the closest store around and back up the hill the where I left highway 70 the night before. Lot's of hills kick up as I head towards Cookeville. A good pasta lunch and it's off to climb the Plateau. Ouch! My knees hurt... Back roads in this area are not the best idea I have learned. The roads have some sick grades but offer the best views and fewer cars so I guess that's the trade off. The miles slow down as I pedal up the ridge and I make it to Clarkrange by night fall. A killer pizza at Dino's in Clarkrange give me a fifth wind and I push on for another 15 miles to crash on the side of a gravel road that looked remote enough to not wake up to an angry farmer or half drunk hunter. Another long day and it is a few nips of Makers Mark and call it a night. Rode from 10:00 a.m. till 9:30 p.m. 80+ miles and two sore knees.

Day 3 - Nov. 3rd - Another very cold night and I wake up to a very heavy frost on my cap and sleeping bag. Didn't sleep very well due to the cold but the sun is up and Knoxville is still a ways to go so I get up and start the day with the ritual coffee and oatmeal and it is back on the pedals. Coming out of Clarkrange I think I will hit Wartburg for breakfast. Let me tell you there are some serious climbs heading up towards Wartburg. My knees do not like me anymore! I tell them to go and they say F*#K OFF. I have no other option so I push on just at slower pace. The shoulder of the road on interstate 62 disappears and I feel like my life is more at risk with every turn of the pedals. Mile after mile of trucks doing 80 on a road made for 40 mph. All's well that ends well. Thomas Gaines gets the call that I am few miles outside of Oak Ridge and comments that there is no good way into town and he suggest that I get a ride into K-town. After battling cars for the last few hours I decide not cheat death any longer and take him up on his offer. A six pack at the store and a dash into the woods to wait for T and the day is done. Plenty more riding ahead and my knees need a few hours rest.

Things I have learned thus far.

1. One should probably train for a ride like this.

2. Pack some warm stuff when bike touring in November.

3. Night touring might be safer due to the lack of cars on the road in remote areas.

4. Tennessee is a beautiful State and needs more bike friendly roads so more people can enjoy it.

To all the crew back home, I'm thinking about you all and you are the tail wind that pushes me forward. Wish my knees well...

Peace.

Jut