We leave for the Red River Gorge tomorrow. For the first time in nearly three years, I am in some sort of reasonable shape for a climbing trip. My lack of fitness is easily masked when we go bouldering (see Bishop last year), but not so much when climbing routes (see the Red River Gorge two years ago). This time, I have five good days at the New and Rifle under my belt, plus three weeks of finger-boarding. If I can leave Kentucky with a few 5.12 redpoints under my belt (well, okay, one) I’ll be pretty happy. This trip should work toward rounding me into shape to do Apollo Reed (5.13a) before the end of the season.

As far as cycling goes, umm, commuting is going well? The Raccoon Creek CX race is next weekend, and I may go, but I not at all in race shape. I suppose that doesn’t much matter, as I can still have fun, but I’ll be curious to see how motivated I am to make the trip after a week of climbing. We’ll see, I suppose, and that weekend may dictate the rest of the CX season.

Posted on 18 September 2009