West Virgina Kid

My Precious Paragon Parishes

2011-04-21T08:50:00.003-04:00

Had a great race at Big Bear this weekend total 180 from last weekend 4th in men sport, 6min off the lead felt great from the start got in to a rhythm and kept it up. After the race I was hosing off my bike when I spotted a crack in the seat post tube, fingers are crossed it gets warrantied.

peace JJ

Frist Race

2011-04-12T10:18:00.002-04:00

of the year at mountwood last weekend I'm feeling enthusiastic about racing this year hopefully I'll keep it up. I placed 17 of 41 and was 24 minutes off the lead my plan is to close that gap by June. Check out the pic from iplay all smiles its good to be back.

peace JJ

First Ride of the Year

2011-01-04T11:05:00.002-05:00

Took in the first ride of 2011 on the 3rd. I've hadn't rode over 20 miles on fat tires in a while and it showed. what I was expecting to be a hour and a half of dirt roads ended up being three hours. At mile 20 I bonked and sat on a guardrail and had the best natures valley granola bar I'd ever ate and when those taste good you know your hungry. the way I figure it I can only get stronger on the bike hopefully 2011 will hold some good riding.

2010-09-14T11:18:00.003-04:00

Last night was an interesting ride from the beginning. Aaron Dave and I had planned to go ride in Spencer at Charles Fork Lake. We headed out of Glenville with nice sunny blue skies by the time we got to Spencer it was poring the rain down on us so we stopped at Walmart hoping it would quit by the time Aaron got what he needed, and it did. We hadn't got out of the parking lot and Aaron broke his chain, I fixed it and we were on our way. The trails were in okay condition however I got in a tangle with some multiflora rose that left me with a bloody shoulder and Aaron with a nice cut on his nose. Then we hit the down hill to the back side of the lake and came out at the field which was beautiful at dusk. However at this point the realization that we were going to ride some in the dark became very real to me, but I figured I would let everyone else in on that when it got dark. Which it did about four miles from the car. So now its dark and we have a good ways to ride but it wasn't hopeless because I always have my light in my pack. It's pretty hard to split a light three ways, so I was the eyes and and I had to call out the technical points to every one else. This worked pretty well. Things got a little weird though when we rolled up on a very nice looking mail box on a post in the middle of the woods. I took a quick look and decided we better move real quick because this was how horror movies start. We finally made it back to the car and all agreed it was one of the best rides we had had this year!

peace JJ

summers end

2010-08-22T15:50:00.002-04:00

I'm back at school now and the summer blew by so fast that the blog suffered. I used to try to post once a week and feel good, but now if I get in one a month I'm doing really good. But just because I wasn't blogging about it doesn't mean I haven't been outside living life to the fullest and funnest! I got together with my friend Michel and backpacked Otter Creek. Then the day before heading back to school hunted down some trout with my uncle. Fall will be hear before I know it and I can't wait it's the best time of the year.

Peace JJ

I cant stop listening to these guys, they're awesome!

2010-06-30T06:54:00.002-04:00

ctatching up

2010-06-21T11:18:00.004-04:00

Wow so alot has gone down in the last two months. First I've been super busy with summer class and work, but thankfully I'm now done with class and psyched that I got an A. Been getting out and riding more than last summer rode Canaan, Philippi and some big road rides hoping to get out to a race soon! I have gotten out to race though I competed in the Strawberry Festival canoe race with Chip which was on his 30 before 30 list, so I will get to cross help someone complete their list off of mine. Also ran the folk fest 5k in Glenville with Candace and TJ was the big winner of the day placing first overall. Went for a hike over memorial day and hit up the purple fiddle. That is the short of it all.

peace JJ

kayaking weekend

2010-04-17T12:36:00.003-04:00

Ran the Elk and Cherry rivers last weekend. With the water levels down made for a "High Rock" weekend and incapable of rolling up is some spots if you went over there. I experienced that frustration at on the Cherry the first day. Luckily the Elk the next day was higher and I nailed my first combat roll! (combat roll- any roll up in whitewater) There was plenty of swimming all around too with three newbies out with us. I need to figure out a good camera carrying system to get pictures on the water check out what I got.

Kayakers on the Cherry

A boatload of boats!When your done kayaking your kayak can double as a table.

rock on JJ

First off the list

2010-03-18T10:52:00.003-04:00

take silly pictures in a photo booth. A few weeks ago me and Candace were at the mall ware we found a photo booth and completed the first to be crossed off the list. Also I am glad to announce that this is also my 100th post here at West Virginia Kid so thanks to everyone reading.

I've been doing some more thinking about the list and what I want to do and the list is not set in stone. So I plan on making a few changes first change is to number 10 run an ultra marathon. I had planned on doing that this summer, however in my training for that I had a reoccurring thought running through my mind. It was I'd rather be riding my bike, so that is what I plan on doing so my plan is to change that goal to Race the Shenandoah Mountain 100. I feel its an equally challenging event and something I feel I will enjoy more. I would like to thank Adam Casseday for the advice he had given me in training for the run. Also I am going to change number 20 to create a Chain Saw Carving. I don't really know why I wanted to write and read a poem I was just looking for a filler.

Thats all for now folks, JJ

Civil War Battle Field Ride

2010-03-13T22:03:00.002-05:00

Wednesday went over to Elkins to ride with the Riddles. My first big ride of the year 59 miles in the warm/cool snow covered mountains of West Virginia. Looking forward to more big rides, I feel like I hadn't done enough last year.

peace JJ

White Grass Experiance

2010-03-01T19:37:00.002-05:00

This was the the first time I had made it up to White Grass. This was something that I had really wanted to do for a while my friends that I mountain bike with always say what a great place it is and how much fun they have, and with record snow fall it was one of the best times to go! The crew was a very small of people from the college Dave, Kristen, Ross, and my self. Small crew made the day way better than the usual High Adventure trip we got to do a lot more technical skiing, so I got more of the experience I was hoping for. We got there around 9:30 and where wanting to Telemark but Sue helped us out and told us we were better off with back country skis and she explained to me how to tele turn. Started off up 3 mile and came off Weiss Knob trail. The down was way hard than going up for mainly since I had never free heel skied, but was a blast. Saw Davey and Charley during lunch it was cool to see some of my mountain bike friends. After lunch headed out Springer Orchard trail. I lost track of the trails after Dave's crazy lets try this way idea that lead us through the woods and over a fence, not a snow fence a fence commonly used for holing back live stock yea there is that much snow! It was a great time I hope I can make it back soon.

rock on JJ

Night Snowshoe

2010-02-16T10:47:00.003-05:00

Candace and I made it out on the snowshoes the other night. It's always cool seeing you light hitting the snow more snows piling up out there go enjoy winter!

Peace JJ

The House is coming along...

2010-02-16T10:17:00.005-05:00

I haven't gotten to work on the House project much lately since I've been back at school, But Dad has been moving right along made it home last weekend and helped out and took some pictures. electrical has been run pluming in except under the house , a tub and shower in, the list goes on. Drywall started going up after I took these pictures.

They picked out a sweet vanity for the half bath.

peace JJ

Snowboard Adventures in the Ville

2010-02-12T14:48:00.005-05:00

It is rare in Glenville that there is snow for more than a day but around a foot of snow, that is almost unherd of! However we got a foot of snow and have been making good use of it! Saturday it dropped about 6-8 inches of very wet snow so Josh and I headed out to the park for a build and huck session. Some sledders helped us build a three foot kicker on to a picnic table definitely build a lot of skill for the next time I hit up the terrine park. Josh pulled off several full table jumps with grabs! Classes canceled on Wednesday with another inch of powder this time. We went back to the kicker and table and I managed to pull off a front-side slide across the table and landed switch (or the opposite way I ride on a board).
Thursday I was feeling ambitions after class so I thought of a good run I could do after class. It consisted of over a 3/4 of a mile hike up a fire road and then to the top of the college farm were there is a fire tower. The plan was to strap the board to my backpack and snowshoe to the top. then when I reached the top I was disappointed to see that guy's had been there on there quad runners and had rutted up the run I had planned on riding. I rode down it since it was only a section and I had no intention on snow shoeing back down, but riding in real snow is considerably different from what I'm used to. Also the backpack with snowshoes and trekking pole strapped to it did make it easier. Overall It wasn't a huge success but it was fun next time I hope to make it there while the snow is fresh.

route snowshoed up and snowboarded down

turns in the real stuff

Peace JJ

A good Combination

2010-02-07T15:57:00.002-05:00

this video is of one of my favorite books and movie (but I'm more partial to the book) Into The Wild. The story of Christopher McCandless' summer in Alaska is accompanied with Thrice's Beggars its and great combination of the two. Great book/movie plus great band and song equals an amazing short film.

enjoy, JJ

30 before Thirty

2010-01-29T14:55:00.003-05:00

Previously I talked about my 30 before Thirty list. After a lot of thought I have come up with a final list, 30 things I wish to complete before I turn thirty. As you read the list you will see that some of the goals are quite lofty, However keep in mind that I'm only twenty years old currently and that I have ten years to complete them. Also I wanted to keep the usual things off the list like graduate and get a Job these type of things seem more important than my list as well as to typical. This is not just a list of goals but it lets me and others see the person I would like to be as I grow older but hopefully a list that will keep me young. Now, in no particular, order here it is...

1. Hike the Allegheny Trail through West Virginia
2. Visit all 50 of the U.S. states
3. Kayak the Gauley
4. Ride my bike across America with my Dad
5. Read the entire Bible
6. Ride a Motorcycle to Alaska
7. Build a guitar
8. Get a tattoo
9. Play at an open mic night
10. Run an ultra marathon
11. Visit a different continent
12. Go Back Country Snowboarding
13. Learn to Timber Frame
14. Do a snowshoe race
15. Promote a race and give the profits to a charity
16. Go winter backpacking in the Snow
17. Use an alternative energy in my home.
18. Read the Harry Potter series
19. Shake Donald Miller's Hand
20. Write and Read a Poem
21. Swim in a suit
22. Teach a Lesson at Youth
23. Get a dog
24. Help someone else complete their list
25. Go to an outdoor music festival
26. Jump into a foam pit
27. Take silly pictures in a photo booth
28. Volunteer in a time of need
29. Be a Husband
30. Be a Father

Now that the list is finished all that is left is- On your mark, Get set, GO!

peace JJ

Living Dreams

2010-01-15T18:50:00.002-05:00

Growing up we had have always been told that we could do anything we wanted when we grown up. Be a doctor, be an astronaut, go to the Moon to the Stars to Mars. Move to Hollywood be an actor or musician. As we grow up we realize that this is not so true there are bills to pay and life happens, however we still dream.

I saw a special report on CNN last week that talked about how kids and young adults high school to college age were more depressed to day than they were during The Great Depression and yet there are probably 100 times the opportunities today. The problems with many of those people in my generation is they're too hung up on the big things. Many I feel that if they are not the riches person and have more than the next guy and the biggest and the best things they can not be happy with life. I feel that many need to take a step back from there wanna be pop star thinking and enjoy the little things in life.

I started thinking about all of this lately when my friend Chip started a list. Yes, a list. A list of his dreams and what he wanted to accomplish. It's called 30 Before Thirty. The goal being to complete these thirty things before he turns thirty and the end of 2010.

So I started thinking about what I wanted to do before thirty, and I've started my list. I started telling my friends at school about 30 Before Thirty and they are now starting their lists. the snow ball effect is starting and I hope it picks up steam. I want people to live there dreams and be happy and healthy in every day life. So get out your writing utensils and put pen to paper and if your looking for inspiration check out Chips journey to thirty at 30beforethirty.wordpress.com

peace JJ

Shake the Dust

2010-01-15T18:40:00.001-05:00

This video is Anis Mojgani's Shake the dust preformed at To Write Love On Her Arms' Heavy and Light 2010. I think this is a poem that almost anybody can find a part they relate to.

peace JJ

Snowshoeing

2010-01-09T13:03:00.006-05:00

I'm back at school early to for work, the snow was pretty deep so I figured there was enough for snowshoeing, so I borrowed the snowshoes and trekking poles from High Adventure. Candace was unsure about the whole Idea at first apparently she had a not so good Cross Country skiing experience. I figured out a route around the college farm that was a few miles long we started and I was a lot of fun Candace said she would like to do it again we even stretched out the hike to go to the fire tower to check out the view. defiantly hoping this snow sticks around to do some more and being a runner I would like to try a pare of the running snow shoes sometime.

Rock on JJ

Marry Christmas This Is War...

2009-12-24T12:40:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is Christmas as you all know, and as we sit down to enjoy the company of family, eat, and open presents keep in mind what the day is all about. this video has Dustin Kensrue talking about Christmas and the meaning behind it and then his song "This Is War" though is has a violent title I think is one of the most meaningful Christmas songs I've ever herd.

Merry Christmas JJ

Sled Jump

2009-12-23T14:54:00.001-05:00

Snow ride

2009-12-23T14:45:00.002-05:00

Got out for a ride in the snow with John. Cross Country skis probably would have worked better at times. Did about the hardest twenty miles I've done in a long time.
rock on JJ

SNOW!!!

2009-12-19T18:50:00.002-05:00

If you live in the mountain state you may have noticed the massive amount of snow we got. We got a foot in our area. I decided to test my survival skills and build a snow cave. It took about two hours and a shovel. I managed to build it big enough for me to curl up inside, if I was stranded in the back country I could sleep in it.

Everybody enjoy the snow. JJ

2009-12-13T14:38:00.003-05:00

If your still following me you've noticed that I haven't posted much lately, so I added the twitter app or what I like to call my mini blog. I normally put something up every day (i figure Gram will like it). home for Christmas break right now hopefully I will get some good post in with a break from school and hope to get in some bike rides maybe the riddles will be riding? I'll leave you with some pix of the current house overhaul taking place now and the nice buck my sister killed this deer season.

rock on JJ

I and Love and You

2009-11-12T17:15:00.003-05:00

I got the following off of the To Write Love On Her Arms blog its about the Avett Brothers one of my favorite bands and there mission. Also above it the song "I and Love and You" if you haven't heard it. Tomorrow Friday the thirteenth is To Write Love On Her Arms day so if you can take a mark and write the word love on your arms to spread the good news and the organization if you don't know what it is all about check out the link on the left side of my blog.

Rock On JJ

Today, while reading the liner notes for The Avett Brothers new album, i came across a mission statement. Non-profits are supposed to have mission statements but i'd never seen one from a band. The words are meant to explain some other words, the album's brave title, "I and Love and You". i found it all brilliant and wanted to share it with you.

Peace to you.

jamie

"The words "I" and "Love" and "You" are the watermark of humanity. Strung together, they convey our deepest sense of humility, of power, of truth. It is our most common sentiment, even as the feeling of it is so infinitely uncommon: each to proclaim these three words with his or her very own heart and mindset of reason (or lack thereof); a proclamation completely and perfectly new each time it is offered. Uttered daily and nightly by millions, the words are said in an unending array of circumstances : whispered to a newborn in a mothers arms; shared between best friends on the playground; in the form of sympathy - said by a girl to a boy, as the respect continues but the relationship does not. It is said too loudly by parents to embarassed children in the company of their friends, and by grown children - to their fading parents in hospital beds. The words are thought in the company of the photograph and said in the company of the gravestone. It is how we end our phone calls and our letters... the words at the bottom of the page that trump all those above it, a way to gracefully finish a message, however important or trivial, with the most meaningful gifl of all : the communication of love. And yet the words themselves have been the victims of triviality, a ready replacement for lesser salutations among near strangers, burst forth casually as "love ya." Truly? To what degree? Why, how much, and for how long? These are questions befitting of the stature of love, though not the everyday banter of vague acquaintance. The words have also been twisted by the dark nature of deceit : To say "I love you" with a dramatic measure of synthetic emotion; a snare set by those who prey uponn fellow humanity, driven to whatever selfish end, to gain access to another's body, or their money, or their opportunity. In this realm, the proclamation is disgraced by one seeking to gain rather than to give. In any case, and by whatever inspiration, these words are woven deeply in to the fibers of our existence. Our longing to hear them from the right place is maddeningly and simultaneously our finest strength and our most gentle weakness.The album "I and Love and You" is inashamedly defined by such a dynamic of duality. As living people, we are bound by this unavoidable parallel. We are powerful yet weak, capable yet temporary. Inevitably, an attempt to place honesty within an artistic avenue will follow suit. This is a piece which shows us as we are : products of love surrounded by struggle. The music herein is, in many ways, readable as both a milestone and an arrival. A chapter in the story of young men, it bridges the space between the uncertainty of youth and the reality of it's release. The record is full with the quality of the question and response. As far as questions go, there are plenty-normally residing within the tone and delivery of the lyrics themselves, which, ironically, are sung with so much confidence. Among songs and thoughts so driven and purposeful, the most basic relatable doubt comes through with a resounding clarity. Outside of the eternal theme of romantic love, the album speaks thankfully upon a landscape of light-filled rooms, word-filled pages, time machines, forgiveness, singing birds, ocean waves, art, change, confessions of shortcomings, and reasons to continue on. Hope and a cause for smiling follow naturally. In the midst of all this, there are allusions to the less-than-ideal conditions of life : the loss of memory, the inability to control temper, insecurity, indecision, jaded indifference, and the general plague of former and current weakness. "I and Love and You" is an album of obvious human creation, chracterized by it's best and it's worst. Emotional imperfection is a reality for those who recorded the piece, just as it is for those who will hear it. The conclusion of the song from which the title is taken admits that the words "I love you" have become "hard to say". And perhaps that difficulty is as common as it's counterpart. Perhaps the inability to say these heaviest of words is as much a part of life as the lighthearted candor of those who say them without any difficulty at all. And so it ends with the phrase whispered to and by those of us most defeated and most elated... I and love and you."

- The Avett Brothers

<-CC-<< season

2009-11-09T11:45:00.005-05:00

Cross Country season finished up last weekend here are some pix from the races.

Woody and TJ at Regionals

D&E

Rio Grande

Pioneer plunge after the home meet

Woody @ D&E

team the little one in pink is wicked fast

Marlon

I would like to say thanks to Melissa Abel for the pictures

Rock On JJ

it's been a few...

2009-10-11T21:49:00.005-04:00

its been quite possibly my longest blogging hiatus in history, for a while I felt like I had nothing worth while posting then it turned in to a lack of time to devote to it. Between all the classes, assignments, observations, Running, riding (when it fits in), and picking the burs out of my wool socks since the weathers taking a chill. there is a lot happening letting the pix do most the talking.

fixing up the Deer House for season

the morning brew

the morning commute

view from behind Pioneer Village (P.V.) ware I live in the ville

photo scavenger hunt time at CFC

and of course some bike rides in there

rock on JJ

spontaneous night ride

2009-08-25T23:35:00.003-04:00

So school can be a drag when you have classes from 9:30 till 10:00 at night with Cross Country practice in between and commuting just doesn't fill the void of a lack of Mountain bike riding. So after I got back from class I dusted off the light and hit the trails. Liberating as always get on a bike and flying through the woods. I am now typing this still in my riding clothes eating a burrito, listening to Thrice, and feeling much better than I did over and hour ago!

peace JJ

Gardening Gone Right

2009-08-24T11:22:00.002-04:00

the garden went the best it has gone in years lots of peepers, beans, Corn, peas, Potatoes, zucchini and Watermelons did very good for once!

New Car!!!

2009-08-24T11:19:00.004-04:00

Turned over 100,000 on the Escort this weekend. and since it doesn't accommodate another spot of a one there are all zeros.

Rope Swings and Thanks

2009-08-24T10:35:00.004-04:00

Camping weekend with the youth group was great there were around 18 kids which is a lot for a camping trip. Friday night was the classic hot dogs over a camp fire. It rained Friday night so playing in the river Saturday was looking a little sketchy. After lunch we went to the rope swing and had some pretty impressive air time. Then Some of the boys managed to barrow inner tubes to float down some of the ripples in. Between that and supper we played and impromptu game of Bigger or Better. The object of the game is to barter and trade things for something bigger or better, apparently a guy who played it once manged to start with a paper clip and in the end got a house! The kids were split into four groups and all given a quarter, from there the would end up with a bag of potato chips, an inner tube, a chair, and the winner a cooler full of soda!
Camp fire that night was full of songs, games and a devotion. I took my slackline which turned out to be a big hit some of the kids managed to get a few steps on it.
Sunday morning we loaded up and went home. When I got to the Church I had several parents and the pastor thanking me for my time and for going camping, and I always respond with its no problem. I appreciate the thanks but don't feel that it is necessary I feel that I get more out of all of this than the kids do sometimes. The church paid for a weekend of camping for me and fed me if anything I should be thanking the Church and the kids for letting me help, for giving me the chance to grow and Know God, and myself better, for giving me the gratifying feeling of youth leadership. So for all that and more I thank you Church and all involved.

Rock On JJ

Atlantic City

2009-08-19T14:51:00.000-04:00

I found this about a mouth ago and haven't been able to stop listening to it. Its Dustin Kensrue and Josh Moore playing Bruce Springsteen's Atlantic City at Heavy and Light. A benefit for To Write Love On Her Arms which if you didn't know is an organization that helps people who suffer from depression and self injury. Enjoy It is Beautiful!

Rock On JJ

Wait Summer Wait Please!

2009-08-14T09:09:00.005-04:00

So I haven't done a lot of talking lately so here is whats up. Been super busy, After church camp I spent a fun filled two weeks at the beach. The day after I got back from that it was straight off to school for cross country camp. I got a much nicer dorm this year. However it is slightly farther from classes than last year solution commuter bike I managed to put a flat bar single speed road bike with parts I had siting around and about twenty dollars. I'm living with three of other runners on the team so we have a massive pile of running shoes at the door and I have to Lysol them down regularly. We have a new cross country course on the Waco farm which is really great because there is a pond on it that is probably just for fishing but we started swimming in it last night. Classes start on Monday the summer flew buy I don't know what happened to it!

Rock On JJ

Va-k Photo post

2009-08-12T11:15:00.002-04:00

awaken

2009-07-18T23:07:00.003-04:00

Church camp 2009, this year the theme was Awaken. I took on a lot more work becoming the Director of Recreation (I gave that title to my self) but this year in stead of just using a bullhorn they let me use the Mule. Not the animal, a Kawasaki mule. The weather was great all week, and I'm gonna let the pictures do the rest of the talking...

rock on JJ

Cabin Rasin

2009-07-04T21:28:00.004-04:00

Thanks to the Forth of July I had Friday off from work, So Thursday night I went to the big town of Selbysville to help Chip and his family build there new cabin. I made it back to the road and it had been raining all day so it was pretty muddy and I think its the most dirt I've ever had on the escort.

The cabin at that point had been all framed and the OSB board sheeting up. Except for the roof, Thursday we got all the OSB on the roof that evening.

Then I was treated to steaks by the camp fire!

They had an old cabin there that I was told I could sleep in but it was pretty rough and I hadn't brought a tent so with the rain coming and going I thought it would be a great time to sleep in the Escort (which I named Poky after the horse on Gumby). I had always said that it would be good to sleep in since the the back seat lays down and I can fit my 6'1" self in it. It worked great and when the rain started pouring at about two in the morning I was glad I didn't bring the tent.

The next morning I got up early and got the fire going. Then Chip's Mom and sister made us pancakes and biscuits and gravy. about nine we started laying the felt on the roof and then laid down the tin. Me and Matt were on the roof screwing it down and we had Andrew and Johnny handing it up. It worked pretty well by 3:30 that day we had the roof completed. Not to mention Chip and his dad Bill had the gables framed and cover up. By the end of the day the cabin was sealed up.

This was one of the first projects I hadn't done with my Dad and I really got to use all he tough me. I thank him for taking the time to teach me how to use tools to build and fix things. I can't wait for the Bennett's to get it finished so maybe they will invite me back to enjoy it.

rock on JJ

Two Decades

2009-06-30T20:32:00.004-04:00

I turned twenty years old today, and thought wow that is two decades. I have completed a lot in that time. I have been in 37 of all 50 states. I have competed in more bike races than I can count. Won a Junior Expert State Championship. Was captain my High School Cross Country two years in a row. Completed Mountain bike ultra races. I have whitewater kayaked, rock climbed, skied, and snowboarded. I've had five jobs. I have grown up helping my dad with everything from rebuilding our fixer upper home, building a garage, and welding trailers and tractor parts. I've lead church groups. I've had bumps, bruses, and broken bones. Loved and had my heart broken. I have grown in body mind and faith. Its been an incredible first twenty years and with live expectancies ranging into the hundreds the next twenty should be incredible.

On Holiday

2009-06-24T22:04:00.005-04:00

Since the great state of West Virginia had a birthday Dad and I had a three day weekend. With all that time we couldn't sit at home so it was time for a RV trip to Canaan. Mom and Dad took the RV up Wednesday night and I headed up Thursday. First stop was in Davis for the Thursday night ride. We started with a group of eight on the fast ride, started the State Championship coarse (which I am planning on racing) then we ended with six. Then it was off to Canaan Valley for some supper. The next day me and Dad went out for a ride and it was super muddy from all the rain the night before. after that we hiked with my grand parents and ended the day around the campfire ware we saw three bears! but there was no sight of Goldy Locks. Saturday It rained all morning but buy after noon it had stoped buy it was still windy so it was the perfect time to go fly a kite Megan said she had never flown one. We had two it the camper and My Grandpa's parachute kite is a piece of cake to fly and she got it up in the air in no time. I tried flying my trick kite, it takes a lot of wind to get it up and I think I worked at it for 30 minutes. finally I managed to keep in the air for about five minuets and was able to do some swoops and dives. Sunday morning after wishing my dad a happy fathers day we loaded up and headed home.

Moon Rocks

Jefford the Gnome romes again

riding Canaan

aww a Bear!

go fly a kite

fire + family

home away from home

Rock on JJ

If I get murdered in the City

2009-06-17T22:28:00.007-04:00

Tuesday night The Avett Brothers were playing in Pittsburgh, but first well after the long drive we cruised through the city in the suby. First we stoped at REI ware out is in. Then we went to Carnegie music hall ware we thought the concert was. To our surprise we were in the wrong place. After some phone calls we found out that it was at Carnegie music homestead. Which was six miles down the road or a lot of blocks in city terms. We found the place and luckily they hadn't started playing yet but who would expect it to start on time.

The show was awesome the Avett brothers have so much energy and are amazing musicians. The crowd was a mix of anything from old country boys to punk rockers thought it was neat to such diversity in a crowd. They played so hard and so fast that they must have broke 30 or more banjo and Guitar strings. And we survived the city.

The Burg

out is in there

Always

rock on JJ

A whole year

2009-06-07T22:49:00.003-04:00

Been Blogging now for a year. Its been fun lots of great stories ideas and comments. Keep reading and commenting and I should have another great year of blogging. I will leave you with the picture I started blogging with.

and as always

Rock on JJ

Canaan with the family

2009-06-05T22:24:00.005-04:00

I've been busy lately started my new summer job. No I'm not at the bike shop this year. I am working for the State Police Maintenance in Elkins. Also trying out a 1x9 set up on the Mountain bike, and took off my Egg Beaters tired of them falling apart. Seems to be good so far. Got in some riding in the Canaan /Davis area, one day the whole family went! check out the pics.

mom

dad

sister

snail

flowers

me, myself, and I

1x9

family

rock on JJ

On The Road Again

2009-05-16T22:39:00.005-04:00

Got out on the road bike for 60 miler Friday biggest ride I've done since the break last year.

I like sharing

I couldn't resist a trail

Kayak any one?

Typical West Virginia Roads gotta love them.

Rock On JJ

schools out for summer!

2009-05-14T23:20:00.001-04:00

Yes school is done till August. I survived my first year of collage and learned a lot, if not in class about life. Met a lot of great friends. and...time will tell. For now I've been working around the house and in the garden here are some pics.

Gonmes!!!

Rock on JJ

fitting one in

2009-05-05T18:01:00.000-04:00

Been busy lately, its finals week and I managed to squeeze in a post. Went to the gorge the other weekend to climb and kayak it was a good time would have more pics but the cheep batteries I bought died in five minuets. Also started riding a single speed again, that's all for now back to the books!

Rock on JJ

Tuesdays

2009-04-15T20:20:00.002-04:00

Tuesdays have been declared ride days (Its typically the only time I get out through the week). Anyway most of the time we ride around Glenville but this Tuesday Aaron and I ventured out to Spencer for some Single track at Charlsfork Lake. It was raining all day but we decided we were still going, the way I figured it I have race these trails so many times in the rain that it would have been wrong to ride there on a nice day. Trail conditions were pretty wet but not bad. There were not as many trees down as I expected. We still ended up moving quite a few fallen branches from the trail. Aaron ended up flatting in the first five miles. after that is was smooth sailing the rest of the way. We stopped at the wal-mart in Spencer to get the ink I needed to print out a paper and we couldn't resist the box of Little Debbi Zebra cakes, and we ate the whole box on the drive back to Glenville!

Rock On JJ

Bamff Mountain Film Festival

2009-04-10T00:56:00.001-04:00

Saw the Banff Mountain Film Festival in Morgantown Thursday night. The show was great with a mix of all outdoor sports. the film here is what they opened the night with, the entire film was shot and produced in five days. Banff should be back next year go check it out.

Rock on JJ

Kayaking the Elk River

2009-04-07T18:02:00.004-04:00

All winter I've been in the pool learning to whitewater kayak and rolling more specifically. So last weekend I got to test out what I had learned. A learning experience it was, I had never been on whitewater in a raft much less a kayak! But I've always wanted to do it and certainly wasn't going to let that stop me! We were kayaking the Elk river in around Webster county. Saturday we did the upper Fork of the Elk that had class 1 and 2 rapids. First we practiced getting in and out of the eddys which is were the water is not running in a ruff current and you can take a break. but there is a trick to getting in and out of them and that would catch up to me latter but I wont get ahead of my self. After getting through a few sections of rapids we got to a shallow section of class 1 and I ended up hitting a rock and rolling over. My hands hit the bottom of the river and I lost the paddle its really hard to roll up. luckily Gary was floating past me and I was able to push up using his boat and hang on till he got me in to an Eddy. Then we were going in and out of the Eddy and I exited wrong and got flipped over. couldn't get the paddle position right and had to pull off the skirt and swim. That made me the first swimmer of the day. On down the river we got to a spot ware we could surf on the rapid. Josh and Josh both ended up rolling and swimming so I welcomed them both to the swim team. After about 5 miles of paddling the van was in site, but we had to go over a low water dam first. My arms felt dead and you have to hit it with a lot of speed. unfortunately for me the back of my boat got turned around last minute and I went off the dam side ways! I was expecting to roll under but much to my surprise I ended up completely turned around and riding the surf. When I came out I lost my paddle mostly from shock that I pulled that off without swimming. At the end of the run every one in the group had rolled except Aaron which is funny since he considers him self the worst kayaker of the bunch.

Chilled out at Camp Ceaser that night got to use my new tent and sleeping bag for the first time they worked great bye the way. temps were in the thirty's and I didn't get cold all night.

Day two we moved to the lower section of the Elk we were now going to run class 2 and 3 rapids this section was deeper and wider than the previous day which made us all a little uncomfortable. However the run went great I felt in much better control of the boat and practiced my roll in the calm sections to make sure I could do it and it went good. Ironically Aaron was the only one to roll over and swim this day and we welcomed him to the swim team with open arms. at the end of the seven mile stretch of river I was disappointed to see the van.

We loaded all 5 kayaks in side a fifteen passenger van with the seats still in it. Found a seat ware ever there was room till we got back to Dave's truck to load up the Kayaks. I was a great time and I can't wait to go again!

rock on ! JJ

Percussion Ensemble

2009-04-03T10:19:00.001-04:00

The Glenville State college Percussion Ensemble had there Annual show Thursday night. they played a full range of music from traditional, playing with a bluegrass band, and my favorite set was when they played Led Zeppelin songs!

Rock on JJ

photoing

2009-03-31T10:38:00.001-04:00

rock on JJ

New River Climbing Weekend

2009-03-24T14:59:00.003-04:00

Last weekend Jessica and I headed down to Fayetteville to get in a full weekend of Rock Climbing. Met Dave at his house in in Fayetteville and got assembled and to the rocks around 11:00 I completed the first route that I struggled on last time no problem and then moved on to harder routes. Jess was no doubt the best beginner ever (the fact that we have practiced every week all winter on the wall at school helped) however, she never gives up. We both climbed a 5.10c (which is pretty hard route) by the end of the day it wasn't pretty but we climbed it. Also in the group Brian the South African and he took a beating all weekend always being the butt of all our jokes he was a very good sport.

That night we built a camp fire on Dave's back patio it was pretty chilly out so we were huddled close when the patio decided to explode and send aches and sparks flying all over us and through the yard! Dave, Jess and myself all looked at each other and we were fine no burns or anything then we looked over at Brian hopping around and still yelling "I'm on fire" we couldn't help but laugh since he was perfectly fine. After further assessment We came to the conclusion that water pressure built up under the concrete and blew.

The next morning started with Irish songs and chocolate chip pancakes. Then got to the rocks to climb about 11:00 again. but this time we were up the Gorge and climbing cracks totally different type of technique to climbing them and harder in my opinion. climbed a 5.10a once again not pretty but climbed it and finally got stumped on a 5.10c by the time 5:00 rolled around we were all worn out. Then it was back to Glenville.

Rock on JJ

spring break imagery

2009-03-15T15:51:00.004-04:00

here are some of my pictures from Spring break funny though its over and its not even spring yet, and they say college makes you smarter.

Also today marks the one year anniversary of the tragic death of four girls from my high school, you are not forgotten Hannah, Anna, Lindsey, and Shasta

Rock On JJ

Viva la Fairmont

2009-03-11T10:02:00.005-04:00

Tuesday I made the trip to Fairmont to Ride at Valley Falls with Roland and Ryan. I was short on cash and ended up paying for the gas to get there with the change that I store in the Sobe bottle by my bed. I say I paid in change but I did take it to the bank and got cash for it to be nice to the girl behind the counter at Sheetz. The drive up I was very concerned that is would rain on us all day since the weather reports said that it was supposed to rain all day but it cleared up and was sunny for the ride. I got to Valley Falls only to find the gates locked at the top; O-well I can ride in and out no problem. Ryan and Roland got there a few minutes behind me, first order of business was finding them water this proved to be challenging since the park had its water shut off for the winter! Once again I was the over prepared Boy Scout that not only had a full Camelbak with 100 ounces and a extra 32 ounce Nalgene in the car. Finally lets hit some trails. started to climb and Ryan starts pushing, he is in denial that he needs a Granny Gear. trail conditions were the best I've had all year surprisingly dry and I love how the trails there flow. I was surprised that the guys had never rode cardinal trail, no doubt the best downhill in the park, and they live fifteen minutes from the place. After that we rode down to the falls and played on the picnic tables. Then to Wendy's for one dollar double stacks.

After the ride I went to the college to hang out with the my sister and the rest of the girls in 508 (I would link that but my sister never updated her blog). It seemed like everyone in Fairmont was overjoyed to see me I about fell over when Kat hugged me. There was a line dancing class event that night that Kat is involved with for 4H. Megan was hesident about it but I was raring to go I even went to the car to get my flannel shirt out. Kat attempted to teach us, we caught on after a while. Then I swapped music with the Girls and headed home stopping for a coffee at Go Mart and jammed to some Weezer on the drive home.

Rock On JJ

Spring Break!

2009-03-06T11:11:00.001-05:00

Its not spring yet but I am glad to get a week off! Hope that the weather is good hoping to put in some miles on the bike, spend time with the folks, visit some friends, maybe Rock Climbing, hopefully it doesn't rain the entire time.

rock on JJ

New Bikes

2009-03-02T13:48:00.002-05:00

My parents just got new bike they are matching touring bikes, How cute. They are both Gary Fisher Kaitai's that instead of a flat bar Gene put on drop bars. I hope I can keep up with them on the paragon.

rock on JJ

R.I.P.

2009-02-28T23:06:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my Cross Country Teammate Brandi and her Boyfriend Kyle both died in a car accident. It is a very tragic accident and my prayers go out to there family's. Rest in peace Brandi and Kyle.

JJ

timberline sunday

2009-02-26T07:11:00.003-05:00

snowy roads

+
powder under the board

wind

friends

trees

terrain park

snow beard

life is good

Rock On JJ

Snowboarding

2009-02-09T19:43:00.004-05:00

High Adventure was at it again this weekend with a Ski/Snowboard trip to Canaan Valley. We were all worried on the drive up as it rained the whole way there and continued to rain as I got my rental. Luckily it cleared up around 10:00 and the sun came out.

I had skied once before but taught that I would try Snowboarding this time and figure out which one I like better. The first four runs were ruff and I spend a good bit of time on my butt, however by noon I was riding the intermediate trails. I rode most the day with Kurtis and Cody on the easy runs. Dave, Josh, Jeff, Tom, and Jessica tore up the Terran park or should I say it tore up them. Then at about the end of the day Tom who had only snowboarded five times tried to do a 360 and ended up dislocating his elbow. So after they got him fixed up we headed back to Glenville, compared bruises, and watched the videos from the day.

Terran park

Jeff shredding the C box Josh getting Shredded by the C box

Jessica the bravest girl I know!

Nobody knows who put up the High Adventure stickers.

Legos for big boys

2009-02-07T17:55:00.004-05:00

When I was young my favorite past time was building things with my Lego's. Now that I'm older I still enjoy building things. My dad and I spend hours in the garage (that we also built) welding. here are some of our creations.

Our favorite tools

this was originally a 4x8 trailer from tractor supply that we made into a car dolly.

this is the latest project its a trailer that my great great uncle had built for farm use. My grandpa gave it to us and now were putting lead springs, a new axle, and tongue on so it will be street legal.

finally we built this hitch for the tractor today so we don't have to always use the truck.

Rock on JJ

25 things...

2009-02-01T15:42:00.003-05:00

I was sent this sort of a chain letter on face book I wasn't going to do it at first but people kept sending it to me so I finally broke down and wrote it. then I thought it would be a good blog post.

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you.

If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1. I love mountain biking, but if you know my name you probably no that, or you may not know my name, and just think of me as that freak on a bike.

2. I like things that are hard, I don't do things because there easy but because they are hard, if its not a challenge its not as much fun.

3. I love to play outside, I have tried a little bit of everything, skiing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, Just learned to roll a kayak, and my newest obsession Rock Climbing.

4. I have never owned a video game system in my entire life!!!

5. the toe beside my big toe is the same size as my pinkie finger.

6. I like beards and wish mine was nicer.

7. I love summer church camps I think that if I put every talent I have together that is what I am best at.

8. I currently have 4 jobs but I still have no money.

9. I like music I am constantly listening to something, my favorite is Acoustic rock, and folk

10. I like organic vegetable gardening

11. I want to live completely off that land for an entire summer

12. I wont eat, drink or chew anything with aspartame in it.

13. my favorite game to play is Ultimate Frisbee.

14. I broke my wrist three days before I graduated high school and had to receive my diploma with a stint and sling on.

15. I'm a horrible speller.

16. I have been to Yellowstone national park three times.

17. I would like to live in Davis WV or some similar mountain town.

18. I remember really weird facts.

19. I ware my chaco sandals too much, no that is impossible.

20. I own a surf board but live in central WV.

21. My very little big sister is my best Friend.

22. I love Jesus and think he makes the world a better place.

23. I love my family and they mean the world to me though I don't think I show it enough.

24. I want to have a family and I will probably be one of those dads that pulls his kids up every mountain and back down the other side. I Hope when I have children they will enjoy the outdoors as much as I do.

25. I want to love one woman my entire life till death due we part. (who ever she may be?)

Where's The Band?

2009-01-25T23:38:00.004-05:00

Saturday I went up to Pittsburgh with Chip and Karyn to see the Where's the Band tour. Its really clever name, the artist line up was Anthony Raneri of Bayside, Matt Pryor of the Get Up Kids, Chris Conley of Saves The Day, and the main even Dustin Kensrue of Thrice. But there were no bands just a guy singing with an acoustic guitar. The show was sold out and Chip had four four tickets for the three of us, however the extra ticket Instantly sold as we waited in line to a guy named Mark who was a local and plays in two bands and a kids television show that teaches the importance of nutrition. Anyway, the location was Mr. Smalls Fun House, it's a really cool venue, the building was originally a church they converted the sanctuary into a theater for the shows with a bar in the back, also they have a skate park and recording studio in the building. I found my friend Dustin who had come earlier that day and stood in the cold to get in the front row. I managed to get through the crowd to the second row eventually I would get to the front. The first out was Anthony Raneri who I enjoyed then, then Chris Conley, and Matt Pryor were cool But I wanted to See Dustin Kensrue so listening to them play was like looking at the presents under the tree on Christmas morning. Finally Dustin Kensrue walked out on stage, he put a play list down on the floor set some Harmonicas on a chair and started out singing Artist in the Ambulance. Through the entire set he sounded better that he did on his album. The crowd got an extra boost of energy as he fastened a harmonica to his neck, he started singing Pistol and the lighters came out. When he was done all the guys came out and had a little Jam session. after about three songs it was over and Dustin came down and shook all our hands. Then it was back to West Virginia.

Rock on JJ

Open Mike, Snowed In & locked out

2009-01-20T15:08:00.004-05:00

Sunday I went to Elkins to bring Megan back to Buckhannon so we could go to church and play in the snow. The trip to Elkins was a little hairy since I couldn't see Rt 33 through all the snow. It actually took me around 50 minuets just to get to Elkins from Buckhannon. We got to church and started to talking to my friend Dustin and found out that he was good friends with Megan's friend Jenny that she went to high school with, Small world or state.

After Church we headed out to the farm to go slay riding with my sister Megan and Scott. Every run was so funny to look at each others face covered in snow! Then one run we hit a hole and the sled stopped but we kept moving.

That night was open mike night at The Alley (or CFC youth witch ever you prefer). I did some stand up comedy, Dustin sang and played guitar, and others sang. Dustin brought Jenny so afterwords the four of us went to Sam's Pizza. After that it was time to take Megan back to Elkins, but that didn't work. I got to Keysling Mill and realized that the Escort wasn't going to get to Elkins that night. So we turned around and would try again Monday morning.

The next morning there was more snow that had fallen. but Rt. 33 was better plus my Mom let me drive her SUV the four wheel drive helped.

I headed back to Glenville that day around 1:00. I had to pick up some school supplies. So a quick trip to wally world was in order. I needed ink for my printer and Microsoft office program since the documents my teacher sent weren't opening without it. But all I could find was ink Ugg! Then to my disgust I ended up locking my keys in the car. So I ended up playing Guitar Hero in the electronics section for a half an hour, which is some what embarrassing for me since I suck at video games. Then my Parents came to the rescue when they unlocked the car and found Microsoft office in Weston. After a combo of my parents and I paying $180 for school supplies I have come to the conclusion that Higher Education is a billion dollar industry and who knows were that money is going because the professors don't get it and the school will give me at the end is a piece of paper that I must have to obtain a career. However after all the little set backs I made it back to Glenville in time for supper.

Rock On JJ

Dustin Kensrue - Consider the Ravens

2009-01-12T14:51:00.001-05:00

I'm back at school now which seemed to sneak up on me so fast that I hardly had time to think. No longer am I sleeping on the couch at the home, or going out for bike rides mid day. When you go from vacation to several hours of classes a day, home work, and that crazy bill you pay for a higher education, It can get you down. One of my and many other's release is music. Dustin Kensrue's Consider the Ravens always hits the spot. With its simple acoustic sound it is very soothing and the lyrics are right on about how the troubles of life are there but through family, friends, and God life is good.

Enjoy JJ

Rainy Days

2009-01-08T09:08:00.004-05:00

The rains been falling hard here the past couple of days and has kept me in the Garage working on some art projects. The first is the state of West Virginia made out of old licence plates. I used a Jigsaw and cut out the State on plywood then cut glued, screwed, bent, and hammered the plates into place. I hadn't planned on selling it but if anyone is interested in it leave a comment, I could use the money.

The flower I crafted before Christmas as gift for Megan. I can finally post it now that I gave it to her. It is a daisy that I sculpted with mainly a hammer, tin snips, and a vice. Then I used a MIG welder and welded it together. It was my first welding project, that I have done, so the welds aren't that good but Its art so it subject. Unfortunately this one I can't sell since I have already given it away and since it was a gift I plan on it being a one of a kind.

I also have to give a big thanks to my dad on these projects, with out his tools, scrap metal, wood, and advice I could not have made them.

Rock On JJ

Stonecole, Skinny tires, and no 4 wheelers

2008-12-30T18:11:00.003-05:00

Tuesday my friend Seth came down from Morgantown to ride Stonecoal with me. I had never ridden with Seth before but knew he had a nice Mountain bike and had done a big tour through WV to raise money for 4H so I figured he could handle a few hard miles. I had to laugh a bit when I saw his bike it was a nice dual suspension bike but he left the slick 1.5 road tires on it from the tour he had done that summer and that his Knobbies were at his parents house in Rock Cave. O-well we thought and got riding to Stonecoal. We rounded the bend and headed onto Stonecoal road which just so happens to be the same place I broke my wrist I was pretty liberating riding down the hill for the first time since I had wrecked on it. We made it up to the top and rode a loop up there and came back down eagle trail surprisingly he did okay with the tires no pinch flats, however he would slide off the benches pretty easily and on the final little drop of eagle trail he about went over the bars when the front end slid out from the front of the bike. Someone needed to crash before the ride was over. Then we went back to my house to raid the fridge of Christmas left overs! And I gave him some of my old knobbies for his bike.

Rock on JJ

Gears???

2008-12-27T22:13:00.002-05:00

Can you find the difference in these to pictures?

Yes I have go back to gears. I don't know what has got into my head. After putting in some miles on it I'm liking the efficiency. Don't get me wrong I still think that single speeding is the purest and most fun form of riding. But never fear I still have a Single speed to ride.

Rock on (Gears or not) JJ

2008-12-16T23:03:00.003-05:00

Home again, for about a month. Unfortunately I will be working a lot, fortunately I will be getting money witch will come in handy since the clutch went out in the car.

Anyway for the past month James, Adam, and I have been going up to the rock wall and Bouldering. I made a little video. Notice there are a lot of holds we could use but aren't if you look the ones we are using have red tape on them we can only use the marked route makes it tougher and more fun.

Rock on JJ

2008-12-09T13:34:00.000-05:00

Rock n' Roll poll

who's your favorite Jack?

Jack Black
Or Jack White

latest book

2008-12-07T22:17:00.003-05:00

Just finished reading Donald Miller's book Through Painted Deserts loved it! when I was rounding the last few pages I didn't want it to end. I recommend it to anyone that likes Traveling, Outdoor Adventures, or God.

Bickles Knob adventure

2008-12-07T21:51:00.003-05:00

Saturday I went over to Elkins to See Megan (not my sister another one). Anyway we decided to try to get to the top of Bickles knob and hike the trail up there. We stopped by to see Joey before heading up he said just to hike around the bottom, it was very snowy and I'm driving a front wheeled drive car. So against my better judgement I drove half way up to Bickles Knob and turned around I think I could have made it up but getting down would suck. All in all it was fun trying. The trail at the bottom weren't bad.

You could have Ice skated on that road.
where we turned around

there is a view there when its not snowing

Rock on JJ

Enjoying the snow!!!

2008-11-29T17:02:00.002-05:00

Home for Thanks Giving

2008-11-22T22:04:00.002-05:00

I get a week off from classes! lets deer hunt and eat Grandma's awesome food!

I'm also wondering if I really need that much stuff for one week?

Rock on JJ

big weekend

2008-11-11T15:06:00.006-05:00

Friday the team shoved off to Slippery Rock PA for NCAA Division II regional. Only the two fastest runners wanted to compete being Dustin and Jo-Anna. we arrived at the hotel at 4:00 and shortly left for the couches meeting around five. Since the four of us who went on the trip went coaches we couldn't go in but when there is an entire university in front of you to explore who wants to sit in a meeting. as we began to roam around the campus I felt a different vibe than I do in Glenville we entered a large courtyard with grass and a pavilion there were three or four bike racks in sight all full of bikes students used to get around campus. There people leaning up against trees reading and even some students Slacklining. That we hung out with and tried it out. There rec-center had a rock wall to die for! There was even an Organic Coffee shop on campus! I looked around the campus seeing the culture and the environment and realized that this is what Glenville lacked, since we are located on a hill there is no courtyard and nobody riding there bikes to class and no real nice grassy area to hang out; then the out doorareas that we have are typically infested with cigarette smoke. I was very impressed with there campus and enjoyed talking to some of the students there.

That night we went to Hosses for supper. That was followed up buy a dunk fest in the pool. the next morning we shoved off to the meet and it was cold day for a run. It was great watching my Friends run from Glenville, AB, WVWC and D&E. I must have seen everyone on the course about ten times. After the races were over we loaded up on the van and headed back to the ville.

Then Sunday we loaded up at 9:00 to go caving at Still house near Spruce Knob it was a sweet time getting to explore like a little kid again and when we climbed out it was snowing and there were snow drifts form the previous snow. So when Bryan popped his head out of the hole he got a snow ball on top the helmet. He later got me back with a snow ball down the pants! I guess I did deserved it. then we got out of our muddy clothes and back in the van to go back to school.

Though it was a good weekend there were some issues with me and my parents about not coming home all weekend and they didn't think I should go. I realized that if my family can be on board with what I'm doing then I cant truly enjoy myself. I'm growing up and really need to take a minuet to step back and look at what all is going on. I thank my Mom and Dad for always being there and for giving me more than they ever had. I can be selfish some times and I since Mom and Dad are going to read this I want to say I love you guys and couldn't ask for a better family, that means you too Meg.

Your all the best JJ

Conference & VIA Feratta

2008-10-27T15:40:00.007-04:00

This weekend kicked off with a drive to wheeling for the WVIAC Conference Cross Country meet. We headed up Friday and so we wouldn't be sitting around the hotel all night we hit cabelas and Apple bees. The next morning it was raining as we boarded the van to head to the race. I unfortunately couldn't race due to clearing house so I got to run all over the course and cheer on the team and take some pictures. luckily the rain slacked up in time for the race the guys team placed 11 out of 13.

The next day Was VIA Feratta a form of rock climbing where you use steel cables. I helped Dave grab the gear and lunches for the day and everyone boarded the van ant about ten. We got to Elkins and Queens Bohemian Rap City came on the radio so me and Dave commenced to sing along and give the rest of the van a show. We reached nelsons rocks near Seneca and suited up in harnesses. It was sweet similar to Rock climbing but you get less down time and it is easier to do very good for anyone that can handle the heights. Before you start though use the bath room once you start there's no where to go I made that mistake. After finishing it was back to G-ville. for another week of school.

Rock On JJ

Thursday night Rides

2008-10-25T17:45:00.002-04:00

With the help of High Adventure I have started the Glenville Thursday night ride. It a sweet deal High Adventure provides bikes and helmets to students that don't have them so there are no excuses. Anyone is welcome to come and ride it they do so wish. I've only had one guy showing up so far. This week he wanted something lighter than the trails at college farm so I head out leading creek for some dirt roads it was a good short ride hope to have more participation next week!

Bikes are Awesome!

Rock on JJ

camo works too good

2008-10-21T16:11:00.002-04:00

This Saturday was the opening morning for Bow season. My dad and I love to hunt and never miss the first morning of Bow season. But this was no ordinary morning for hunting. It started as soon as we walked out the back door and watched the deer in the back yard scatter as the door shut. We proceeded to walk up to the stands and got settled in I wasn't sitting in the stand for more than five minuets when a small yearling doe walked in. as I was watching this deer, from out of nowhere a hawk came flying through the tree almost taking me out of the stand! About a half hour and to more deer walked in, One was a shooter doe and after a few minuets I decided to take her. She was about 1o yards from my tree broadside perfect. I shot right behind the shoulder perfect. After that one deer ran off the other stayed, for a while, I didn't want to compromise my position and just get out of my tree but after 30 min I was getting down at this moment about 7 more deer ran in, what the heck! finally after anther 15 min they ran off and I finally got out of the stand and got my deer.

Rock on JJ

riding images

2008-10-08T00:21:00.002-04:00

Somewhat pleasant surprise

2008-10-07T20:31:00.002-04:00

I was on the elevator about 5 minutes ago holding my bible and some other books. I was riding up to the sixth floor with a drunk student. He asked "What books you got." I replied "one for my history class and my bible" then the drunk kid said and quoted Isaiah 24:11 "The streets they cry out for wine; all the joy turns to gloom, all gaiety is banished from the earth. " at first I thought that it was weird and then it gave me hope.

Rock on JJ \m/

Apple Butter Festival

2008-10-06T12:26:00.004-04:00

Saturday was the annual Apple Butter Festival in Salem West Virginia, which has many events include the Sam Warner 5k run. I did the run finishing tenth place overall, third in my class, with a time of 19:56. I was pleased with my results so it was time for the parade which consisted of about two high school bands, the Shriners, the local bar, and some guys on lawn tractors. Hey that's living it up in a small town. Two of the girls in 508 came to enjoy the festivities Megan (aka my sister) and Kat. After the parade it was off to my Grammys house (aka my Grandmother) for some home cooking and birthday celebrations for my Sister, uncle, and dad. me and my favorite sister
cousin and sis coming into the finish
Samantha coming in to the finish. Whats that truck doing on the course?

Kat and meg

My Grammy, Dad, Dowain and me with my back to the camera enjoying the parade.

Rock on JJ \m/

farm veiw

2008-10-02T09:18:00.000-04:00

Finally I'm posting about a ride! got out on college farm yesterday. When I left campus it was sunny and about 55 degrees. I hit the first trail behind the football field and it started to rain and it was cold. through on my jacket I wasn't letting this stop me. got up to the power line and took some pics. Sweet view point even in the rain. When I returned to the dorm I was covered in mud and had no hose or any where to put my muddy gear. So I improvised I go in the shower in full riding gear, helmet to shoes. unfortunately the bike wouldn't fit in the shower. After the shower I made my spare closet into a drying center which really means I put an fan on and a towel down. but hey it works.

rock on JJ \m/

8 hours for 34min and a scavenger hunt

2008-10-01T12:31:00.007-04:00

I ran in Ohio this weekend setting my 8k personal record at 34min. Which was cool, but wasn't cool was the ride to Ohio and back. Try putting 14 people in a van that the windows only crack open and have an air conditioner that doesn't work then on top of that make the ride 4 hours up and back makes for a long day. Sunday was pretty sweet with the CFC scavenger hunt! The teams were assigned a driver and we drove all over Buckhannon looking for stuff like port-a-potys and grey haired men eating pizza. Won't know the winner till next week.

the biggest stick we could find

a group of people

an airplane

a police officer

a red convertible

I actually spotted the car on a residential street and we fallowed it till it stopped.

a grey haired man eating pizza

In front of chips explorer

in front of a statue

with a motorcycle

a house that still has its Christmas lights up

everyone in a port-a-poty

in front of a church a woman walking her dog a used car lot

buying 15 cents of gas good thing it was only 15 with to days remarkably low gas prices we would have over flowed the full size truck we put it in! LOL

there were more but I was tired of up loading

rock on JJ \m/

breaking down

2008-09-25T12:32:00.002-04:00

Last weekend started out with the Glenville State football game. I really wanted to go home all weekend but the Cross Country team had to work at the gate and clean up afterwords. So about 5:00 that evening I finally got in the Pokey the Escort (I decided to name it after the horse on Gumby). I'm headed up 79 north when I got to exit 91 the car was sputtering a good bit. I thought it best to stop to see what the problem was (not that I knew what to look for but it couldn't hurt). Good thing I did it didn't make it to the end of the off ramp when the car shut off on me. Well crap I thought better call dad. Dad arrived and looked the car over, he managed to drive it back to Buckhannon. He looked it over Sunday and found a vacuum hose off, put it on and it ran fine. Dodge a big bill on that one!

Rock on JJ \m/

guys night and rock climibing

2008-09-15T14:34:00.004-04:00

Made it home for the Friday night football game BU vs. University I'm sure you can figure out how that went. It was cool to see everyone again I lost count of hugs I received. Talked to my good Friend and fellow Cross Country runner Ashley White and she found out she had been elected Homecoming Queen. Congratulations Ashley your the best person for the title and I mean that in a non-stereotypical way.
That night I headed out to the Bowers farm for a guys night with the youth group. We played paint ball gauntlet style till 4:00am. what you do in gauntlet paint ball is we had a big field and one person with a gun they would try to spotlight the two guy in the field until they reached the line about ten feet from the guy shooting. I went out about 4 times and never got hit go me.

Then Sunday I hit the road at 6:00am to get to Glenville to go rock climbing in the New River Gorge! We did three different routes hardest being a 5.7. After lunch we went over to Rams head to repel. In was a 150 ft. repel most of it free repelling I tried to flip upside down and go down like Spiderman but I couldn't get my feet over my head. after the repel it was back to the van to get back to school.

keeping the wilderness clean

Thanks dad for bringing my camera usb cord to Glenville so I could upload my pics.

Rock on JJ \m/

early morning running

2008-09-15T14:05:00.006-04:00

Friday morning I had to get up at 5:00 in the morning to go run after meeting up with most of the team to head over to the track at 5:45 which is when we were supposed to be there we rolled in at about 5:49 and coach isn't a morning person so we where to meet him after practice. Well crap we all thought as we headed out for a very dark 75min of running. Once we started to run it started to rain on us could this practice get any worse it did as we rounded the bend on the golf course we were running and found a skunk! the entire team came to a screeching halt and we one of those sort of domino effect slamming in to the person in front of you moves it was something out of a cartoon. When we returned to the track of the probably nine of us that were late only five showed up after coach gave us the speech and told us our punishment was to do froward rolls down the entire football filled and back, we kinda looked at each other with a look of confusion the five of us began to roll down the wet field at about the twenty yard line coach told us to quit while he was laughing.

Rock on JJ \m/

D&E & THE GREAT ICE CREAM DROP

2008-09-08T14:17:00.008-04:00

This weekend kicked off with getting up at 5:30 in the morning to go to D&E to run I'm not through NCAA clearing house yet to run so I was at the one mile marker doing splits (not the kind cheerleaders do). The team ran pretty good however my friend Jarron from WVWC rocked out with an 8th place and WVWC team win Glenville was like 7th in team placing. Got home in time for some BBQ my Dad had been cooking up all day good stuff! Sunday the plan was to hookup with Jarron and go Rock Climbing in Summersville but Jarrons brother got to the gear before he did bummer. Instead that evening I got to throw Ice cream all over kids from the roof of a church in the Great Ice cream drop. then after me Chip and Micah got off the roof the kids ambushed us with ice cream.because some times I forget TJ And Stix running hard Jarron Coming in for 8th place Don't jump Chip It kinda reminds me of orphans that are starving If you think snowball fights are fun try ice cream fights

Rock on JJ \m/

Summer summery

2008-09-03T15:39:00.003-04:00

This summer big things happened in my life starting with a broken wrist, 3 days latter graduating high school, then surgery then off to Young Life Camp. Then from there I headed out west to visit and get in some hiking at Badlands, Yellowstone, and Glacier National parks. after returning home from 23 days out west I headed to Church camp. a month latter I was going to PA to go to Kennywood before starting my Freshman year of college.

After Church camp I realized I had never been baptized and thought that this summer was when it needed to be done so Monday I got Baptized by Chip I was the perfect way to end a what seemed at the begging to suck but it shows you can find a blessing in everything I think my summer would have been quite different if I had not broke my arm.

I would like to thank all my friends both new and old for being there for me and my family for Loving me so much.

Chip and I even wore the same shoes

Rock On JJ \m/

Bathing my Chacos

2008-09-02T16:06:00.003-04:00

This summer I purchased a pair of Z2 Chacos no doubt the best pair of sandals I've ever owned however after 2 months of adventures they smelled bad to put it lightly. For instance when you take them off in a van of cross country runners and they ask where that smell is coming from, or when you take them of in your living room and your parents tell you to "get out" it's time to take some action. So I soaked them in anti-bacterial soap over night and in the morning fresh smelling Chacos for now.

Rock On JJ \m/

New Room

2008-09-02T15:49:00.003-04:00

Got an new room to my self this time and I got AC (score)! put the bed next to the widow so I wake up to a view which isn't to bad
the control system there's way too many wires to count
Rock On JJ \m/

My First College >>CC-> Meet

2008-09-01T08:03:00.003-04:00

I participated in my first College Cross Country meet Saturday in Greenville PA. The morning kicked off with Dunkin Donuts so I took a pen and changed the slogan from America Runs on Dunkin to Glenville Runs on Dunkin. I've run for 7 years now man time flies. The race started out good we had the best box (I guess runners cant figure out where to start on there own so they tell us where we are starting) which put me in third about the first 200 yard at that point I realized I was running extremely too hard for an 8K and backed down my pace which put me in about 31st that's a pretty big jump but that is running for you. then as the race trudged on I picked off two guys to earn 29th. I ran a 36 min something which put me shy of my goal of 35 min I will get there soon hope that the next course has more trails though I hate running in grassy fields.

Rock on JJ \m/

cedar creek single track

2008-08-27T15:29:00.002-04:00

Last Tuesday headed out to Cedar Creek State park to find some single track hopefully I can find a good loop combining trails. The trails are sweet with a combination of slow technical rock Gardens to fast moving flowing sections. the only downer to the Park is that so far all the climbs are hike-a-bikes with Gears or Single speed. You can really tell a sections that they were built for hiking. lastly there are only 14 mile of trail total but that is plenty for a mid week between class ride. this is a hand carved watering troth said to be 100 years old
my sweet socks!
trail sign on the to says Scooby doo was here I wondered if Shaggy and the rest of the gang had been there too!

rock on JJ

School, repelling & a swim

2008-08-23T07:24:00.003-04:00

First week of school when good >>CC-> is super long and hard but getting easyer every day. Got a job with the High Adventure program working on bikes and hoping to brouden my skills to help out with the other cool stuff like climbing, and White water rafting.

Wednesday I got to repel off the dorm Pretty sweet. when I went over the lege the guy who put me on staff David said that is I died they were splitting my gear (at least it would have gone to good use). Then friday the >>CC-> team went to Burnsville to run some trails there trails were okay but I wouldn't go ride them, after the run we all went swimming and Jumped off the rocks into the lake. there was one that I don't have a picture of that was about 10 foot with another level to jump over the first to make it about 15 feet well i messed up on the run up to go off the second level slid to the first and managed to push off to get out in the water they thought I was going to come straight off the bank and hit the shallow but I saved it last second! then to finish the day went to Jame's house for some burgers and Hotdogs.

Rock on JJ

College thus far

2008-08-16T18:00:00.002-04:00

Move in Friday and have had little get to Know you ceremony's and other stuff. Rode out to Cedar Creek State Park which looks like fun trails but not a lot of distance the trails were fun though and the drops were a bit more than I wanted there was one that was 5 foot + luckily there was a tree down in front of it or I would have flown right off of it. First night was interesting one of the teacher told me about a good bluegrass band playing at the pub and grill downtown. went to check it out hoping for a place like the Purple Fiddle (even though I have yet to make it there) the out side looked cool with banjos and guitars with some old decor in the window but much to my disappointment it was your average redneck bar. There were some old Hippies to listen to the music but I felt quite unfordable and didn't stick around real long. The band was good though. The next day started off with an alcohol program then a get used to school class called GSC. After lunch I took the bike out for some urban assault where everyone was amazed you can ride a bike down stars. Also met Tyson Price the winner of the Vicious cycles frame from the race for the riddles we said we would ride sometime (I Wonder if he's related to Harlan). Then after supper I headed out for anther bike ride and found the Gilmer county recreation center were I found some more trails and the Cross Country team after talking to the couch and team member I think that I'm going to run. Got a room mate Sunday not sure how long that will last though singed up for a singal room and said they were to over lodded after two days of living here but he's cool and if there isn't a room opening in two week then I think well get along. room pics up top

Weekday Weekend in Pee Yay

2008-08-13T23:14:00.011-04:00

Early Tuesday Megan and Me set out on or end of the summer road trip to Pennsylvania to meet up with our friend Jessie for some roller coasters.

we hit the road early so we stopped for reinforcements I finally figured out why Fed Ex is faster than UPS...They cut them off at the pass Ha Ha I don't think so!!!We found Some roller coasters at KennywoodFunny faces (Megan, Jessie, Me)We found some Lumber Jacks tooJessie's folks were cool they let us crash In there backyard! Next morning started off with a Blueberry muffin and a raspberry mocha from the local coffee house Then off to Linn Run State Park for some outdoor adventures I found a great place to chill along the trail then off for a swim in the river, or a slide really It was cold though

Prohibited should never come after bicycles Then it was time for some Bouldering
I actually fell off once about five feet flat on my back that sucked!

Megan giving it a go
Jessie getting her grip, I spotted Dig Deep
We made it!

After we left the park we got lunch at the pie shop.We actually found Pepperoni rolls in PA!Then it was back to the great state of West Virginia Rock on JJ

Single Track at last

2008-08-11T23:14:00.002-04:00

Riding trails again got on some of my trails on the farm

The view from the ridge behind the house of the Hollow I call home

Rock on JJ

SURFS UP!!!

2008-08-11T10:28:00.003-04:00

Last Thursday I met my Friends Dustin And Kristen at the local Coffee shop for and end of summer lunch. That day was also happened to be the largest yard sale in the state in Buckhannon, after a lunch of Iced Coffee and sandwiches we Hit the streets to find a steal. We were originally looking for Garden Gnomes to add to my collection or start Dustin's. We didn't find any. However Dustin found a Kurt Vonnegut book for two dollars, then my yard sale find of the day was a surfboard. Yes I know I live in West Virginia and that the beach is hours of driving from hear but I've always wanted to learn and when board prices start at $100 for what would in my world be considered a wal-mart bike, $4 for a surf board was just the right price. I actually talked the woman down from $5. So next Summer surfs up, hang 10, nearly waves dude and all that lingo.

Rock on JJ

Berry Pickin!

2008-08-10T22:46:00.004-04:00

The Riddles Have Inspired me to go on the search for wild organic Berry goodness. So Sunday evening me and Megan (my favorite and only sister) headed out to the back side of the farm were I've been watching the thickets grow.

We had to crawl through the brush

I can see the Light!!!

End result a berry bountiful harvest

Rock on JJ

Cubing

2008-08-05T23:16:00.000-04:00

So with all this time off the bike I've gotten to fulfill my life long dream of solving the Rubik's Cube. THE FOLLOWING PICTURES ARE IN THE CORRECT ORDER!

it's preposterous to think that I didn't get into Harvard or Yale

Rock on JJ

no more cast

2008-08-02T12:37:00.000-04:00

that pretty much sums it up! but I'm not 100%, it's pretty annoying to have a wrist that does not work like the other. I still cant ride off road and that sux but I think i will be able to get on my road bike that will work for now. Also racing any more this year is looking grim :(. I should be able to race by bruston mills CX for shore. Also been getting ready to shove off to college in The thriving metropolis of Glenville. Ive been running, hiking a good bit this summer and haven't had time to really think about the wrist be away so much this summer I've been here or around my bike to miss it too much it helped I believe. Makes me think about life and what I enjoy the most and when it comes down to it I miss long epic mountain bike rides with friends like Joey, Mandi, and John cant wait to get out there to do one in about a month. I'm waiting to see what the future holds.

Rock on JJ

pics from a ride during spring break

John last summer

V-dubs, coffee, and being a kid again

2008-07-23T12:49:00.000-04:00

You know thoughts rides you did as a kid when you would swing by your best friends house and ride around town and get Ice cream well when you grow up in rural West Virginia you just ride trails (which is were it all began). So Tuesday me and Dustin Did just that now this was my and Dustin's first ride together since probably 2002! When he Raced so it was great to get to ride again with the best friend I've ever had on or off the bike.

Dustin racing at Vally Falls in 2002
Me racing Valley Falls in 02

Dustin riding present day
me riding present day
WE found a VW bus

And stopped by the coffee house in town

cooled off with some iced coffee

then Rode back home. It was fun to do these rides some time you need to get back to the simple things in life.

Rock on JJ

Church Camp

2008-07-22T09:08:00.000-04:00

Two Days after returning from Vacation I Headed to Selbyville for church camp were I was a CIT or counselor in training. It was one of the most fulfilling weeks of my life. Its nice to help kids and have lots of fun in the process.

It was nice to see these WV mornings Again I hadn't seen them for a while
My fellow CIT's and Consulars preparing for games
During games They gave me a bullhorn!!!
The band ROCKED!!! They even played free bird

It seems that with all camps you end up back on a bus headed to home but this time I was in my car stuck behind a bus with a lot of new friends. cant wait till next year should be better I should have two hands.

Arm update should get the cast off the 31st Keep your fingers crossed!

A birthday, Chiansaw, and BIKE RIDE finnaly

2008-07-12T22:58:00.000-04:00

while in Montana I had a birthday to celebrate were my perent gave me the new black and decker 18V battery operated chainsaw! it is a trail building must have it is light, Quiet for those trails you don't know if your to be on. I will recommend getting an extra battery for heavy use.

now you see it
now you don't
Also got out for a ride. And i did it all with a cast on my right arm which was funky like my new bar set up.

rock on JJ