THINK PLAN DO!

Recently on the 100+Project website I wrote a series of posts entitled "THINK PLAN DO!" about some of the steps to get your adventure off the ground.  The series is by no means a step by step instruction guide but you will find some useful insight (I hope).  I've provided the links below if you are interested.

This morning it occurred to me that so much of what ROCK Racing does is from those simple steps. THINK PLAN DO!

The SHITR (check out SuperKate's post about what went down this year.) started out as a crazy idea, that you have embraced whole heartedly, and for that we thank you.  It was planned out and, well the actual "DO!" part was up to you.  I for one am already looking forward to the Turd Annual SHITR, and I know you are as well.

Right now we are all entering into adventure bike training mode because someone thought it would be a good idea to ride the Dirty Kanza 200 this year.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am not the strongest rider and I don't really enjoy "training" on my bike so a 200mile bike race through the Flint Hills of Kansas is really not my thing.  That's why it's good to have a plan, and a whole bunch of people to help keep me focused.  For me this will be a one time event no matter what happens.  It should be a lot of fun for all of us.

We are also the creators of National Adventure Day(s), which takes place over the Columbus day weekend in October.  This is the perfect opportunity to execute a THINK PLAN DO! strategy.  Keep it simple or make it last for three whole days.  What you do with your NADS is your business, but we would like to hear about it, and even see pictures and video if you have them.

There are so many adventures just waiting to be had.  Go find yours!

There is also a new event on the horizon.  Something more relaxed and easy going but still promises to be fun and enjoyable.  More details will follow as they become available.  I will say that there has been very positive feedback from those who know.

Here are those links:

• THINK PLAN DO!
• THINK!
• PLAN!
• Do!

My NADS: An Epic Tale

So you probably remember that way back in October Chuck came up with the idea that there should be a nationally recognized day for adventure.  We thought it was a great idea and so did a lot of other people.  We created a facebook page for people to like and it started to generate  some interest.
Chuck, Robin, Lori and Mark decided they would set out to ride the Triple Crown.  An epic MTB route not to be taken lightly.  You can read about their ride here.

While the Triple Crown seemed like an awesome adventure, I had been thinking about a multi-day adventure for a while and needed an excuse to pull the trigger.  I wanted to do something multi-sport as well.  The original idea was to ride my bike to Jefferson City along the KATY trail, and then paddle back to St Charles.  My friend Cheri had recently purchased a kayak, so I asked if she wanted to paddle with me from Jeff city to Hermann.  She agreed and everything was set!

I am finally finished with the Epic Tale of my NADS, you can read about it at the links below.

• National Adventure Day: Part 1
• National Adventure Day: Part 2
• National Adventure Day: Part 3
• National Adventure Day: Part 4 The Final Chapter!

Four installments might be a bit indulgent, but I had a lot to say.

I hope you enjoy reading about my NADS!

Who the Hell is Patrick Albert?

Hey there, ROCK Racing Readers!
My name is Patrick Albert and I have been a member of ROCK Racing for a while now.  I asked Chuck and Robin if it would be cool to write an occasional post, and they said yes.  So here goes nothing!
  Some of you know me, and have seen me at a few races, and have been on some adventures with me but for those of that are wondering "Who the hell is Patrick Albert?" allow me to introduce my self.
What seems like a hundred years ago Chuck and Robin needed a third wheel for the GOOMNA race in Highland, IL.  I volunteered because I had some experience in all the disciplines.  I warned Robin that I might not be fast enough for them though.  She assured me that it was all good, and we would have a fun time.  At this point I barely knew Robin and had never met Chuck, we all really clicked together and later they asked me to be a team member.  Occasionally I feel bad because I don't race that often, but what I lack in Adventure Racing credibility I make up for with Adventure credibility.
You see a couple years ago I created the 100+Project dedicated to 100 or more mile adventures, during which I try to raise a little money for the St Louis chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.  If you want to read about how I came up with the idea for the project you can read about it here.  So far I have Skateboarded 107miles, Rode the 241mile length of the KATY trail on a recumbent bike and paddled my kayak in the MR340, a 340mile paddling race from KC to St Charles on the Missouri river.
Most recently, for National Adventure Day I rode from St Charles to Jeff City and Paddled back to Hermann, Mo.

I like Adventure more than I like racing, so Chuck and Robin will still do all the heavy lifting taking care of all the race reports, and I'll occasionally throw something out there about the latest Adventure we are embarking upon.  Some of the activities that I like to do include, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, land paddling, skateboarding, mountain biking, gravel riding, trail running, and the list goes on.

                                  

I hope you enjoyed the videos, and I look forward to sharing more Adventures with you in the future!