Spun fixed city action in B-more for the annual Hoppy Holidays drinking/ride fest that took place the Friday before X-mess, stomping pedals on urban tarmac for lots of fun despite early ride set backs in the form of a flat for new comer Charlie. All good, though Paul almost got mowed down by 2 tons of steel on his way to meet the pack for the ride to the center of the city. Luckily a few torn clothes seemed to be all of the damage sustained after he laid it down to prevent contact with the metal beast. Two other riders almost ate it on cobbled streets and old tram tracks but managed to come out on two feet at the last minute. Sampled fine adult beverages from Max's extensive list before heading over to get down with the rock and soul of the All Mighty Senators at the 8x10 where they had the fine Resurrection Ale on tap. If you can't have a good time at an AMS show there is truly no hope for you. Possibly the best show I've seen by them in 15 years, full tilt funk, rock and soul for over 2 hours straight, right up until closing time. Late night ride home under the power of many Resurrections and an early wake up call by mister sunshine blasting me off of Jay's couch made for a foggy morning ride at Patapsco. Good fun though, perfect hangover cure for sure.

More good riding through out the next couple of days including a fun gravel road with my lady, John G and Alex on Christmas Eve. Chain sawing and trail clearing the day after Christmas with a few others to clear the Gambrill trails that were laid to waste by the week prior's ice and wind storm.

Righteous ride with a big group on New Year's Eve Eve at the Watershed. Camp and Darius organized the troops, I got to map the route. Plenty of climbing, got to show off lots of technical goodness to some people who haven't ridden the Shed before. Started with some Breakfast Stout, sample other goodies mid-ride, finished in a mix of freezing rain and snow with post ride beers in the rain at the cars. Great day to be in the woods riding with a bunch of good people including Elk who I haven't seen in a while. Three of us on fixed gears, one with shifters, nine on single speeds. Lit the fire in me to stop slacking and start ramping back up.

Got some fixed disc cogs (dixed cog?) from the man himself after the ride. If you want some I suggest jumping on it now, I don't expect them to last long. Get 'em direct from Tomi Cog world headquarters .

Late night on New Years Eve consuming brews and waiting for the clock to strike 3am so we could submit our bids for a slot in SSWC08. That's how the bike nerds do it.

Saddle up and make 2008 your best riding year ever.

- riderx