I’ve been slackin on passing along the useful information which has been traveling across my desk lately, and so it’s time to strap in and take care of that. You may want to grab a beer for this one (I know, it’s still before noon, and most of you are at work, but hey, figure something out).

It’s a little late notice, but in case you haven’t heard yet, the next set of flag sprints is tonight at Tacos Locos. Up for grabs is a Crankset. Those same cats are also organizing the biking scavenger hunt tomorrow night as well with a saddle as the next component in the ‘win a bike’ series. Here’s the info, check it out:

Next up is a little ‘favor for a friend’ info. Turns out everyone’s favorite skinsuit wearing mofo, Mr. Brad VanOrden, is not only a self-proclaimed ‘level 1 badass’ on a cyclocross rig, but is also a damn fine programmer.

He has recently launched an online business he’s been working on for the last few years. It’s called SunWind Solutions and it’s basically a website where you can get on, plug in your address and power bills and it will help customize a personal solar or wind system for your particular location. After customizing the system, it can hook you up with the appropriate companies to help you make it a reality. It’s in a ‘beta testing’ (but completely operational) phase right now, so he’s looking for people to log on to the free 30-day trial and give him any feedback if there are bugs (or just put it to good use). It’s a really slick interface, and is definitely worth a few minutes of your time to check out and play with.

c’mon, help a brother out.

I also got this email from Voodoo Frank about some sweet singletrack on the south side of town.

Hi Nathan,
I have been riding this Fay Canyon loop for a long time and some recent trail work from the top of Fay down to Fisher point has made this a great loop. I still am seeing more horse traffic than bikes, so thought I would try and spread the love and get more riders to the south side. The attached GPS track should keep you on the trail. Be sure to check out the covered wagons.

Frank

Here’s a sweet little google map preview of the route. I don’t ride on the south side of town much, but it looks like fun. If you want the GPX file, hit it up here.

View Larger Map

We’ve been getting into the winter mood here in flag with some snow on the peaks, and even some in town a couple days ago.

I, of course, decided to go out and freeze my toes off last night on a little night ride. Here’s a classic skeezy self-portrait and a little pic from the top of dog food as the sun was setting (lit up the grass with my headlight).

J-money has been getting into the winter mood with some inspirational videos. He sent me this video of some of the ridiculous stuff some folks from the nordic countries have cooked up on cross country skis. The email simply had the subject “Four words – Nordic Ski Front Flip” (Sorry, no embeded video, so you gotta click through).

Finally, I hope you all have some good plans for halloween, since it’s on saturday it’s time to go big. Tonight there’s a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show at the orpheum. I was chatting with a guy from Theatrikos (the theatre group here in town) at Late for the Train this morning. Rumor has it that they’ll be acting it out while it’s playing, and for a buck or two you can buy a prop bag for all the audience participation fun. Showings at 8 and Midnight (but really, why would you want to watch it before midnight?)

I’m thinkin a long ride in sedona on saturday, maybe some scavenger hunting and then off to Mia’s for the Shindaggers show. Good times will be had by all.

Now that wasn’t so painful, was it?