Broken Man Ride ... You Should Have Been There!

[OMR]

You should have been there today! You should have been at the Broken Man Ride … The weather was perfect for the event and the turnout surprising. Here’s the skinny: People started arriving at Cook’s around 10 am on. Intense and Ellsworth demo booths were there along with the Path and The Bike Company. Sales on the raffle tickets were brisk as the prizes were pretty nice. Several bikes and a small motor cycle were to be raffled off along with the usual tires, pumps and clothing, etc.

Tony G (the man of the hour) was there with an appropriate Irish beard, hat and green vest which cleverly concealed his neck brace. He was surprisingly spry and even took a turn on one of the bikes in the parking lot. He was most appreciative of the turnout and was busy most of the morning shaking hands with many riders.

STR was well represented: Ethan, Dean, Rachel, OC Rider & Doug. Andy was there as well with his BOB, which was filled to capacity with an ice chest full of …well what would you expect it to be full off… knowing Andy! Of course many of the clan was dressed in green, complete with wild hats and crazy jewelry.

A whole group of riders headed out around 11:15 am all following Andy and his musical backpack which loudly played Irish tunes the entire trip. It was like riding behind the Piped Piper. The plan was to ride up the Santiago Truck Trail and down to the flag and enjoy the beverages and snacks that were carried up there. A good amount of libations were consumed there accompanied by loud Irish music. The crowd was indeed a happy one with Andy handing out much of the brew to the thirsty mob.
Some riders continued on to Old Camp while others decided to return to Cook’s via the Luge. The trip down the Luge while sober can be a very intense ride… add happy juice to that mixture and sooner or later you’re asking for blood on the trail… Yet, to my knowledge, there were no bloody crashes or calls for a helicopter evac. All I know is that after being fortified with Irish brew, I really didn’t give a damn. Letting go of the brakes, the ride down was a blur. Upon reaching the bottom, a group of riders resting there asked me what the hell I was crazily laughing about… I couldn’t answer them … I didn’t know I was laughing!

The ride back to Cook’s on the street was fast and quick as the big 29er tires just eat up the payment. Those Short Block 8’s really roll fast on the street (BTW: they are the best cross country racing tire out there for the 29ers. Light, fast and hook up). Of course waiting for me was another beer and comfortable lawn chair… which I promptly collapsed into.

After 30 minutes riders started arriving back at Cook’s from Old Camp and the raffle was on. Andy had arrived by then and was wandering around trying to convince someone to give him “a cold one” …. The raffle went on a planned with several STR riders taking more than there share of booty. (Doug)

While sitting in the shade and watching the event unfold, I came to the realization that what a diverse group of riders were are… young, old, in between… doctors, lawyers, accountants, contractors, day labors, bums… all united in a common cause. Here were helping out a fallen rider of our tribe. What a cool way to spend the day… helping someone… and enjoying it!

You should have been there.!!!
OMR

[genusmtbkr5]

It was nice to see the folks turn out for Tony G. It was well worth my time. I seemed to be in the lucky corner also winning a pair of Oakley shorts which is kinda big. Maybe I'll grow into them. Coming down the Luge even with only 2 beers downed was a little sketchy, any more and I would have walked it down. Props to all those who showed.

[OMR]

It was nice to see the folks turn out for Tony G. It was well worth my time. I seemed to be in the lucky corner also winning a pair of Oakley shorts which is kinda big. Maybe I'll grow into them. Coming down the Luge even with only 2 beers downed was a little sketchy, any more and I would have walked it down. Props to all those who showed.

Hey Gene,

Those shorts looked great on you!... That's why they call them baggies.... Good to see you today.

OMR

[tkblazer]

great riding with you guys! ran into a bunch of people i know that i haven't seen in a while so it was good to see ya guys.

here's some video i took

[mtnbikerdude87]

yeah it was a great ride. Good to meet everyone out there.

[ocrider]

it was a great event. thanks ANdy! Get well soon Tony!

[Abui]

Add klutter to the list of attendees. Nice job he did going down the luge on a rigid. (oh my hands)
----------
I talked a bit to Tony, he's had many crashes, broken back, arm, foot, now has a metal rod in his arm. (!!)

[dstepper]

Bummed that this was the same weekend as the spring fling, would have enjoyed riding with ya all.

16 of us from So-Cal did our own Sedona ride today. People are wearing down from the tough trails and hot weather, so my suggestion of a Spruce Mt. shuttle run tommorow, in Prescott, seems to be a popular idea. So it looks like us So-Calers are doing our own thing again tomorrow. Don't be looking for pics from me on this trip as I decided to ride and not stop to take pics. The pace of these rides are faster than I am used to.

Dean

[andy aka rut]

I really don't have the time right now to do a RR so I'll just throw out a few photo's. The RR will be coming soon.

[CC]

I was there and I agree, the weather was perfect. I met B.O.B for breakfas before the ride and then we headed up. I somehow missed everyone and pretty much rode it alone. It twas a great day for a ride! Thanks for putting this together and best of luck Tony.

[OMR]

I really don't have the time right now to do a RR so I'll just throw out a few photo's. The RR will be coming soon.

Good thing these were shot by somebody else... in your condition it would have been shots of all beer labels and whatever you had in that flask! Yum!

Seriously, Andy nice pics!

OMR

[andy aka rut]

RR-
My immediate clan (posse) and I arrived at the venue a little early. Three of the riders were a little nervous about doing such a big ride. Scott and I reassured them it would not be a problem. We got out of the cars and they had noticed all the nice bikes, everyone wearing jerseys and looking like super fast people. Again, Scott and I did our best to let them know it was a fun ride. I think they got the first real hint when I pulled out the flask and Mondo and I each had a hit of the good old black label. That was the beginning of the end for me.
I announced the start of the ride, turned on the Irish music playing stereo backpack and headed to the first destination spot-the top of the pavement. It was a beast climbing with the BOB trailer in tow. You never really know how heavy the trailer can get until you start climbing. Oh, please let me make this road climb!!
Soon we are off to tackle the dreaded hill leading to the flagpole. You know the one I'm talking about. Luckily there was a mechanical at the bottom. It was a perfect opportunity to refresh the liver. The first of several New Castles were opened there.
Well we passed the dreaded hill and soon the flagpole was in sight. If I were to guess, I would say we had about 25-30 people hanging around the pole. Too bad we couldn't get a few of the women to dance for us. Not like I wasn't trying! Again the beers were passed around. New Castles and Guinness for anyone that wanted them, if and only if he/she was of age. The rest of the ride/day starts to get a little blurry from here.
It seems everyone made it back to the parking lot OK and the raffle went off exceptionally well, except that I didn't win anything! I did however find a way to mooch a few beers off some really good people. Thanks to everyone for that donation!!!
We headed off to Chili's after that, then off to the jacuzzi. It was a great time and I can't wait to do it again. Hopefully, it won't be a benefit ride next time. It seems we raised somewhere around $3500 for TonyG!
Huge thanks go out to Mondo from The Path and Kevin from The Bike Co. You guys make the local bike community what it is today. Thanks!

[Big Guy]

Sorry I could not stay for the ride, good job to everybody involved.

[GeorgiaOfTheJungle]

CC, was that you with the incycle sticker on your bike? I was the slow one in back, on the red bike--with a 32-32 cog set (hahah Andy --it got me up the hill).

Andy, nice ride; I miss the Fred rides!!! oh well, I work most Fridays anyway. We should do an STR Fred Night ride--on a Sat, so those of us getting up at 3-4am can make it

Doug, next time, sit closer to me--I need your luck!

The raffle wasn't done right at all--they never called my number. But, I did win some pretty blue tickets.

Great to hear we raised so much for Tony G!

[CC]

CC, was that you with the incycle sticker on your bike? I was the slow one in back, on the red bike--with a 32-32 cog set (hahah Andy --it got me up the hill).

That was me...whom you passed. I thought that might be you because of the new red bike. Very cool btw....Irish jersey right?

I had a wee bit of a headache, and wasn't even sure if I was going to do the ride...but I tuffed it out and just climb at my own pace. I had to pull over a few times because I was getting lite headed. Anyway, you don't know how happy I was to see the flag. By that time the short desent before and lots of fresh air made me feel better.

I can't recall, did you do Whitting before the ride? We are just going to have to meet up soon....@ a trailhead of course!

I guess we would be looking at a weekend ride, Saturdays work best for me. Let me know what works best for you.

-cc

[tkblazer]

I was there and I agree, the weather was perfect. I met B.O.B for breakfas before the ride and then we headed up. I somehow missed everyone and pretty much rode it alone. It twas a great day for a ride! Thanks for putting this together and best of luck Tony.

i was looking for ya too!

[GeorgiaOfTheJungle]

Yep, Ireland jersey. And, we did do Whiting before...paid for it today (ouch).

Any weekend day is good for a ride for me, as long as I can find a sitter or it's not too long.

[Burdman]

Yep, Ireland jersey. And, we did do Whiting before...paid for it today (ouch).

Any weekend day is good for a ride for me, as long as I can find a sitter or it's not too long.

"Paid for it today (ouch)"...c'mon Chelle....you know that ride was a piece of cake (or cookie & Guiness) for you....surely you jest.
In fact, I beleive at the flag, I recalll you saying something like you couldn't believe how easy it was getting up there on the new Niner, so I'm nominating you to pull the BOB trailer next year!

It was a great time and great to see you & John again, as well as, seeing & meeting others that either I hadn't seen in a while or had never met previously, but recognize their names.

We'll work on coordinating another of these rides soon.

Cheers-
Scott

[CC]

Yep, Ireland jersey. And, we did do Whiting before...paid for it today (ouch).

Any weekend day is good for a ride for me, as long as I can find a sitter or it's not too long.

hEY am I sensing a "sand bagger"???

Ok, what ride plans do you have for this Sat???

[genusmtbkr5]

Hey Gene,

Those shorts looked great on you!... That's why they call them baggies.... Good to see you today.

OMR

Hey they might be baggies, but I'm afraid to get them caught in chain or something. I ended up giving them to my bro who was also there for the ride but his kitchen pass ran out and could not stick around for the raffle. He was stoked! It fit him perfect. After the raffle I went and did a quick loop around Aliso on my newly converted SS. It's a lot of work! The gearing seemed too easy on the Wood Canyon(32X22), but was nice up Cholla. I was a little tired but at least I got to try it out. See you on the trails! Gene