You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather...

From the critically acclaimed Outkast single "Ms. Jackson" that hit the radio waves early 2001 just in case you're not up on your early 2000 hip-hop lyrics.

I told myself when we started this blog that by no means did I want to "document" every minuscule event that took place. I apologize for multiple blogs in less than 24 hours...

So as an avid mountain biker today was a day of high anticipation. My last day to ride before the bike is packed up to be exported.

Planning the pretty picnic...

• Just replaced the bald traction-less rear-tire as well as my 3rd chainring that desperately cried out for retirement.
• Packed up all necessary items in the car the night before so I wouldn't forget anything or wake up Christine as I left in the morning.
• Fresh nalgene of brita filter water chilling in the fridge.
• Coffee maker set on Auto for 6:26am. I don't even drink coffee, that often due to it exponentially increasing my already high energy demeanor, but I knew that I'd be running on little sleep.
• Woke up feeling like a champ
• Sky is cloudless. Temperature perfect.
• Hydrated up with the coffee and 32 ounces of pristine water.
• Not to sound all pious but I had an solid conversation/prayer with God on the way out to the White Water Center trails.
• Busted through the first section at a solid pace.
• Ipod shuffle was doing it's magic.

...but you can't predict the weather

Just as I was about to head into my favorite high adrenaline black diamond section of the trail, my bike abruptly stops.

I look down to see that my chain has popped off. No worries though, it's happened before and I'll just pop the quick snap lock back on.

Wrong.

:)

My entire rear derailleur snapped in half and has found itself rapped around the spokes of my rear tire. This is the beautiful piece of machinery that allows for the gears to shift. Basically a vital part to the enjoyment of the bike in general.

I believe that only the Fink boys can understand the frustration that I'm feeling at this point.

Due to the strangling grip the derailleur has on the rear spokes I mournfully carry my bike up the now not so exhilarating hills and out of the trails. Opportunity for more prayer.

As I'm driving out of the parking lot, I realize that I'm without my auxiliary cord so I'm left trying to find something on the radio to mellow out to. 95% of everything pumping through the FM is quite lame to say the least and Kate Perry and Nicki Minaj were not what I was needing at this point. They aren't worth googling if you haven't been reduced by their music already.

Luckily, Lupe's "The Show Goes On" is finally played which was a nice little pick me up.

Sometimes you've just got to laugh about the absurdity of things. I find all of this quite comical. Seriously :)

At least I'm super hydrated and caffeined up for the massive amount of packing that we'll be doing today. Here we come Chile!