Recent rides and RIP Punkin

I've ridden a bunch lately - including a race in Montvale and most of the Rotor Meltdown course.  I will post more about this soon.  Today is a sad day in a way - I took Punkin' to be tuned up on Monday.  Found out Wednesday that there was frame damage that put the bike at risk of breaking.  The manufacturer cautioned against continuing to ride the bike and of course wanted to be absolved of responsibility should I ride and get hurt if it broke etc....  There were a few options - borrow my mechanic's bike for Rotor Meltdown or risk riding Punkin' at Rotor Meltdown while waiting for a new frame to be built and painted orange ala Punkin'.  The other option was to take the frame that Bikes Unlimited had in stock (same size, different color) and build it up with my parts and be done with the replacement.  I chose to take the in stock frame....  thankfully Waterford/Gunnar is standing by their product and discounting the cost of the frame.  I'm disappointed to not have my orange Punkin', but will be excited to have my new yet to be named or revealed bike.  I have a name or two in mind, but will wait and see. 

I want to go farther and farther.

I rode 16 miles at the Cove on Saturday.  It was difficult at times, and I had an opportunity to turn right head up the mountain and end the ride a bit sooner than I did, but what did I do?  Went straight and added more elevation.  I really am enjoying myself and the time I get to spend on my bikes, but I want to ride longer distances now.  I know the race in October is 31 miles (~50km), but if I do that successfully, what's next 50 miles?  Yea sure why not.  There's just something neat about saying that I can do that.  What's cooler is riding on a trail through this beautiful area.  I can't think of a better way to spend my time. 

As for road riding, I've accomplished two 40 mile road rides recently, I do think it's time to go for 50 miles on the road, and I'll look for an opportunity to do that soon.  I have a calendar written out with what I want to ride on what day.  I have a race on 9/15 so that's taking some planning.  Of course, work is ever present so I'm limited to ~20-25 miles of road during the week.  I'm hoping to slide in some MTB miles during the weeks coming up because of the R*t*R Meltdown. 

Hopefully all of this riding isn't for naught.  I hope to stay healthy (you know no colds, etc), and I hope I've planned this right.  We'll see.

Meanwhile, I'm bored!!!